tLoE XVI: Hit 'em Hard! ...but Not Too Close. · 4:09am Aug 7th, 2015
Land of Equestria Time, Everyone!
Jumping right in, this week we'll be covering something scarcely seen in the show, so you'll have to forgive the lack of length: We're talking about Equestrian Weaponry.
Now, to clarify, we are NOT discussing powerful Artifacts such as the Elements of Harmony. We are focusing on simple, crafted weapons in the show. Such as our first big piece: Spears!
Spears have been seen to be carried by the modern Royal guard, and appear to be universally usable, either held by hoof or by horn. This weapon is not very elegant, but just like s typical Earth Spear, it consists of a long, blank rod tipped with a sharpened metal edge. This would make sense as an Equestrian Weapon of Choice, given that Ponies themselves tend to be physically weaker than many other races. With a Spear, one can strike without being in punching or kicking range of the enemy, thus allowing for higher chance of survival against a tough opponent.
Another weapon we've seen that keeps to the "keep one's distance" approach is the bow and arrow, the biggest demonstration of this was seen in the Equestria Games, using ice arrows to freeze a target solid. The Ice arrows themselves are an interesting concept, being able to freeze a large portion of what they strike. This may actually boarder on a cruel weapon if used in war, given that an impalement freezing, even if only a small portion of the inside of the strike zone, would be fatal, and not very pretty either...
But enough about that grim possibility! The bows themselves were also universally equip-able, given that they were hoof held and mouth fired. This again draws back to Equestrians developing weaponry that would keep the user out of the direct path of Harm. However, these are not the only two weapons that for this criteria.
The third may be outdated in modern Equestria, but not so to the Crystal Empire: the Lance! We saw a Jousting competition between Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash demonstrating this weapon firsthand. While non fatal (in sport anyway. Battle versions may have been sharpened, but we have no proof of this), it does send the enemy flying, which would be useful in Combat.
And...that's about it for weaponry, all three of which indicate a strong desire to stay out of the thick of things and maintain at least a reasonable distance. However, there is another factor we must add in, for what is offense without defense?
The Equestrian Royal Guard typically wear a gold or gold plated (or silver or silver played for the briefly seen night guard) armor complete with helmet, torso piece, and boots. The helmet covers the top and back sides of the head and neck, exposing the ears, face, and front of the neck. The boots cover the hooves and some of the front ankle, but otherwise offer no protection. The torso piece is rather odd, because although it fully shields the back (with the exception of wings for pegasi) and front torso, it has no abdominal or chest protection. This uniform also lacks rear protection, so what can we conclude about all of this?
Well, we know they're defended from above, and don't expect any abdominal or rear strikes, implying a large formation where the only people to one's back would be their comrades (it's a viable theory, but just a theory at this point in time...). It also seems to allow for mobility, given that the lack of underbelly armor would allow full leg articulation, so these armors are likely designed for quick movements, high maneuverability. The fun on the top of the head seems to be for decoration, much like the Romans had upon their helmets.
So, what do we know?
We know that these people do not want combat. You may be asking how I reached that conclusion, so here we go.
Their weapons are meant to keep away from the enemy, meaning that direct combat would be undesirable. The maneuverability of the armor would also imply that a soldier should be quick, likely to dodge and avoid, rather than making heavy, all encompassing armors that could just take the beating. We also know that many modern equestrians are weapon less. Even a typical royal guard doesn't carry around a spear unless specifically defending something (or someone), or some place, such as the Canterlot defenses after being threatened. And bows and arrows? Scarcely seen outside of Sports, and it's even possible that Ice Archery was purely a Crystal Imperial Sport, given their hosting of the games. Thus, I say again: they are not looking for any fights, which just backs up their Military being more for show than for actual use.
TL:DR time!
-Equestria's got spears! Keeping a distance is key!
-Equestria's got archery! Even MORE distance is key!
-The Crystal empire had lances for jousting, which is still a weapon meant to keep a fair distance.
-Armor is maneuverable, defending the back and head, but not the underbelly or backside.
-Equestrians are NOT looking to fight...and may be unprepared for one.
Well, that's all for this week readers! Keep on doing what you're doing, and tune in next week for the next installment of, the Land of Equestria!
I'm Ironsmith, Invent on!
Actually to be fair the armor we have seen is just meant for show and not actual battle ready armor their was an equestrian civil war so most likely such armor does exist in the world. Also remember noah the guard is pretty incompetent so most (aside from unicorns who have magic) are suppose to carry weapons and don't follow protocol. And i just really want to have a night guard episode with bat ponies basically shown as this elite force that are feared by the masses because their idiots or snobs