This is a story set in the "Equestria at War" universe.

Severyana was the last refuge for ponies unable to prosper with their special talents. Tycoons and entrepreneurs harnessed the natural resources of the region to create a miniature industrial superpower within Equestria. Mineral farms converted into sprawling plantations of crops and workshops gave way to vast factories. The laborers of this foundation were comprised of those forgotten ponies seeking an opportunity to begin again. Alas, their spirits were exploited for cheap profit and production. Few of them were able to thrive and rise among their peers, and these rare occurrences fueled the legendary promise of Severyana. Many years have passed since the Industrial Revolution took root in Equestria, and hopeless ponies still flocked to Severyana to chase a dream that only hid a nightmare.

Toffee Brulee was one of these poor ponies. Manehattan proved to be inhospitable to him and his craft, but he found himself alive nonetheless. He had heard the promises of Severyana before, so he took whatever meager belongings he had and trudged northwards to the region's industrial capitol, Princessyn. In that sacred city, Toffee found an abundance of employment programs more than willing to take him in. One of the program sites even interviewed him on the spot, and gave him a date for admission. Despite his turning fortunes, Toffee felt the hoof of fate ready to break him once again.