Equestria is in disarray. Civil war has consumed the land, and two nations have emerged. On one side, Equestria. Celestia's loyal lands fight as the Army of the Solar Empire, and in command is General Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's most trusted student.

"I cannot raise my hoof in battle against our fair Princess. For Celestia's glory, and for the preservation of our nation, I shall give my all!"

On the other side, a new nation has formed. It is the New Lunar Republic, and it's army is under the command of esteemed Ponyvillian General Applejack.

"I did not wish for such a tragic conflict to befall us, but I will never betray my home, my land, Ponyville. I will fight to my last breath to protect my home from the Solar invader!"

Upon her return, Princess Luna described the terrors of her banishment, and rallied for secession from what she described as "Celestia's dictatorship". In response, Ponyville and several lands to the south of it, such as Appleloosa, The Everfree Forest, and Dodge Junction, declared secession from Equestria, and, with it's capital at Ponyville, organized The New Lunar Republic.

Celestia would have none of this, and, after Lunar Forces attacked Solar-controlled Ft. Swirlter, organized the Army of the Solar Empire to put down her sister's rebellion. The Equestrian Civil War had begun.

For two years, the two armies have fought battle after bloody battle, with neither side gaining a clear advantage.

After a stunning victory at Trotsllerville, Gen. Applejack hatches a bold move: She will lead her army into Solar territory, destroy the Solar army in a final battle, and threaten the Equestrian capital at Canterlot. If all goes to plan, then the Equestrian government will be forced to call for a truce, and formally recognize The Lunar Republic.

Gen. Sparkle moves her army northward to intercept and stop the invading Lunar army. She knows that she must repulse this invasion, or else all could be lost for Equestria. On July 1st, the two armies both converge near a small town:

Fillysburg.