Equestria at War

Hello, my name is Chrysalislover, or Drew as you may call me. Lately (inspired partially by PoorYorick's Equestria Divided project), I began to start a project I've wanted to take up for quite a long time, called Equestria at War. In summary, the setting is about how Equestria is locked in a state of war against the various outside forces, from Changelings and the dark (King Sombra's) Crystal Empire; to Griffons, Zebras and Buffalo. Within Equestria itself, the army is split into six different factions, each lead by one of the mane six. With the various Equestrian factions, and the various forces that are attacking the kingdom, I hope to create an elaborate setting that others can hopefully join me with :)

If anyone is curious, please let me know. I have most of the setting already created, I just need the support and interest. Otherwise, I sort of put a hold on this project because I wasn't really seeing it being picked up and used by anyone :(

For further means of contacting me, here is my deviantart profile. I'll also answer any more questions that anyone may have, in regards to the settings and concepts.
http://chrysalislover.deviantart.com/

For an idea on how this works, feel free to check out this entry I made, in the past, on the Changeling faction:

Changelings

Introduction

Many species reside across Equestria, and in the lands beyond its borders, but none are more dangerous than the Changelings. With their origins as enigmatic as they are, the Changelings sweep across the lands like a living plague. Everywhere they go, they have but one goal: to devour…

Habitat

Along with being a very deadly species, the Changelings are a very adaptable one. They can live in almost any environment, ranging from barren deserts to frigid tundra, so long as they can find any sort of life or substance upon which to feed. They are unhindered by natural barriers, as records have reported them being able to scale sheer mountains, cross vast seas, and traverse seemingly impenetrable forests. Their ability to survive in such a wide range of conditions allows them to live on in the places that they themselves have reduced to nothing but wastelands.
In spite of their adaptability, however, Changelings have a natural preference for environments that are darker and damper. With that said, the interior of their hives simulates this, with tunnels that can even run underground. This environmental preference will render Changelings more apt to remain in their hives when in terrains such as deserts, while environments such as swamps and forests can make exterior living all the more bearable for them. Along with their own hives, the preference to dwell in shadier locales is why Changelings will frequently make homes out of the very same buildings they may have destroyed in an earlier conquest.

Diet

The Changeling’s diet is unlike any other species in all of Equestria. They have the power to feed off of the emotion of love, by using their special powers to syphon it straight out of the victim’s soul. Once within the Changeling, the love serves as a source of energy/metabolism. It is common for a single Changeling to fill itself with an excess amount of love, so that it may give some to other, fellow Changelings. It is by this method that classes such as troopers and warriors are able to deliver it to the peons and hive queens, who rarely leave the security of the hives.
Though vital to the Changelings, love does not sate their physical hunger. To satisfy their appetites, the Changelings will literally devour just about anything that lies in their path. Vegetation is left barren and living creatures are stripped to nothing but bones as the Changeling legions move over them, as a single, eternally hungry mass. If need be, Changelings will even feast upon themselves, often devouring the bodies of those who have fallen due to unsatisfied hunger.

Social Structure

Changelings, by instinct, live in a very rigid caste system. Though the castes are primarily defined by duties within the hive, they are almost universally correlated with size and strengths as well. At the lowest rank are the peons; above them are the troopers, warriors, and other standard-sized classes; followed by the exceptionally powerful centurions, praetorians and drones; with the hive queen reigning over all of them as leader of the respective hive. Above every one of the hive queens, and every other Changeling, there is a single, exceptionally powerful matriarch queen, who controls every hive (and its inhabitants) as the supreme ruler of the entire Changeling race. Naturally, this hierarchy defines which classes can give orders to others, and which ones are expected to obey those above them.

While every Changeling class lives within the hives, not all are found on the battlefield, where a slightly different hierarchy takes over. Among the combatants, the lower ranks are made up of the highly numerous troopers and warriors, as well as the other fighting classes (spitters, warlocks, etc.). Next are the centurions, who instinctively lead their countless, lesser brethren via a general-like status. Finally, if one is present, the rare (and terrifying) hivemaster will to act as a commander to all centurions of his respective hive. This makeup constitutes for any and all Changeling fighting force, unless the matriarch queen is present. While the hive queens must remain inside their hives, the matriarch queen will frequently join her subjects upon the field of battle, where she will be instinctively followed as the supreme field commander of her entire force.

Key Members

Queen Chrysalis – The current matriarch queen of the Changeling swarms. In years past, she has made several attempts to conquer Equestria. Now, she is leading the largest invasion force she has ever before unleashed upon the kingdom, with the intent of not only conquering it, but destroying every last bit of it in the process. Along with serving as the swarms’ supreme queen, she also serves as their supreme field commander in battle. Being a surprisingly lethal strategist, with a deceptive nature that is matched only by her bloodthirsty cruelty, she is without a doubt one of the most formidable combatants in this entire war.

The Changelings in the Great Equestrian War

As they launch yet another assault against Equestria, the Changelings’ have but one goal in the mass conflict: to feed. No other motive could be simpler, yet few could possibly be deadlier. From their countless hives within the Badlands, the Changelings sweep like a living plague across Equestria, mercilessly devouring anything in their way. To the Changelings, the pony inhabitants provide them with a plethora of love upon which to feast, while the land itself is filled with a plethora of resources to devour.

As they kill and devour anything and everything on sight, the Changelings’ lack of judgment and killer instinct to feed renders them equally dangerous opponents to all others who are engaged in this conflict. To them, it does not matter your appearance, or where you hail from; all are seen as little more than food sources. Nearly every other force or nation, while trying to conquer Equestria for their own purposes, must also deal with Changeling swarms that could sweep upon them at any time, or a Changeling hive that could be festering within their own territory. Even Queen Chrysalis, who has a particular lust for Equestrian blood, would love to see her swarms decimate and consume every other land as well, sooner or later…

Classes

Peons – These are the lowest and most common of the Changeling species. They are inefficient at fighting, lacking large enough claws or teeth. Their carapace is also very weak. Instead, their primary purpose is to tend to the hives, and the higher ranked Changelings who dwell inside them. They carry and store food, tend to the queens, and other, similar tasks. Being the lowest ranked Changelings, they are expected to take orders from all other higher Changeling species.

Troopers – The second-lowest rank in the swarm, these Changelings make up the bulk of any Changeling attack force. They are distinguished from peons by their slightly larger size and fangs, and by their lightly armored carapace. They are also, by comparison, faster and stronger. In battle, troopers primarily attack by relentlessly swarming their opponent. They overwhelm them with their large numbers, followed by savagely ripping them apart with their razor sharp claws and jaws.

Warriors – A step up from troopers, warriors make up the airborne members of the vast Changeling legions. Though they do possess a slightly more armored carapace, the warriors’ difference from troopers is almost indistinguishable, except for one key factor: their wings. While vast hordes of troopers attack by ground, masses of warriors will often attack their foes from the air. It is also common for warriors to be used as shock troops in quick Changeling invasions, when full-scale hordes are not desired. Like the troopers, warriors fight primarily as a rushing, overwhelming force, with their flight allowing them to do so both in the air and on solid ground.

Scouts – These Changelings bear a strong resemblance to warriors. The only difference is that they are faster flyers (partially due to having a lighter carapace) and have better vision, but pay for it with smaller claws and a lack of physical strength. Living up to their title, these Changelings serve their respective hives by scouring the lands. When stationed around their hives, they will search for food sources or potential invaders. If their swarm is going to battle, they will fly ahead to look for enemy troops or potential hindrances. They will then report their findings either to the queens of their respective hive, or the leaders of their respective battle swarm.

Spitters – Spitters serve as the ranged combatants of the Changeling legions. By appearance, they are similar to troopers, except that their body has an overall sleeker, slimmer form. They also have a slightly lighter carapace, and thinner frontal limbs. The spitters’ main method of attack is to vomit a sort of corrosive, acidic venom, which can do terrible damage to whatever it hits. They can also spit very fast, and very far, allowing them to battle their foes from safe distances. Though slightly smaller in numbers, hordes of spitters will most often go into battle amidst hordes of troopers, as a combined force, and take orders alongside them from a leading centurion.

Assailants – One of the deadliest classes in the Changeling swarm, the assailants are masters of stealth and disguise. Visually, they are similar to warriors, except their body is has an overall lighter and slimmer build, and a lighter/thinner carapace. Compared to most other Changelings, the assailants are not built for head-on combat. Instead, thanks to their exceptional skills at hiding, sneaking, and even transforming into other beings, they serve the swarm as spies and assassins. When the Matriarch Queen desires to conquer a certain locale, it is not unlikely for her to first send in a small force of assailants. Once that first step has been achieved, the assailants will be tasked with acquiring information, secretly slaying certain, prominent opponents, or any other espionage-based duties.

Warlocks – One of the most enigmatic and prestigious Changeling ranks are the warlocks, who dedicate themselves to the mastery of Changeling magic. In appearance, warlocks resemble warriors, but also have a notably larger horn, signaling that they are powerful magic wielders. Deep within the Changeling hives lay special chambers, where this class resides, continually experimenting on the primitive but deadly ways of Changeling magic (sometimes even on those taken by the Changelings as prisoners). The stealth skills of a warlock are almost equal to those of an assailant, while their intelligence is dwarfed only by the matriarch queen, making them highly formidable foes. On the battlefield, warlocks travel among their countless warrior and trooper brethren, unleashing powerful magic as a means of suppressing the enemy forces.

Titans – On occasions, a Changeling is born, that ends up growing to an amazing size. Sporting a total of six legs, and towering twice the height of any centurion or even the matriarch queen herself, these behemoths have come to be known as titans. In battle, titans are like living siege weapons. While walking on their back and middle legs, they will use their front two as powerful weapons; their body is completely covered in a carapace that is seemingly impenetrable; and they bear a pair of massive jaws that can rip and tear apart even the strongest of foes. What a titan possesses in amazing size and strength, however, it lacks in intelligence. As a result, when in battle, they must still take orders from the superior centurions, alongside the countless lesser Changeling troops.

Centurions – One of the most prominent Changeling ranks, the centurions serve as the swarm’s field commanders. For every legion of troopers and/or warriors, it is up to one (or a small few) centurion(s) to lead them. They are terrifying to behold, standing significantly larger than those they lead, armed with massive claws and deadly jaws, all of it adorned in a nigh-impenetrable carapace. Centurions also have a large pair of wings protruding from their back, but their sheer size limits them from flying great distances. Instead, they prefer to do most of their traveling on foot. Centurions are tasked with giving orders to all other Changelings on the battlefield, while they themselves take orders only from the queens of their hive, the occasional hivemaster, or from the matriarch queen herself.

Hivemasters – Though it is very rare, it is possible for a Changeling to be born within a given hive that not only ends up growing as large and strong as a titan (if not larger and stronger), but also holds a surprisingly high level of intelligence. Both amazing and pure terror-inducing, these ‘masterpieces’ among the Changeling race have come to be known as “hivemasters”. As their name indicates, hivemasters are so rare that it is unheard of for a single Changeling hive to have more than one, if any. Upon the field of battlefield, hivemasters serve as the supreme field commander of their respective hive. They give orders to any and all centurions within their hive, who command the vast Changeling legions that follow. Individually, a hivemaster will fight much like a titan, but with significantly greater skill. Standing among the highest ranks of the Changeling hierarchy, hivemasters take orders only from the queens of their given hive, or from the matriarch queen herself.

Hive Sentries – Another solider class Changeling, hive sentries are tasked with guarding the hives, and all of the Changelings who reside inside. Beyond the hives, they are seldom seen on the battlefields. Their appearance is similar to that of the warriors, except their wings are notably smaller (and less useful), and they instead have an extra-large pair of pincers. Rank-wise, hive sentries are equal to warriors and troopers. When a hive is invaded, and the hive sentries must take action, their fighting style is much like that of the troopers and warriors: swarming the enemy into submission, followed by lethal use of their claws and extra-large mandibles.

Praetorians – One of the highest ranking members of the Changeling swarm, the praetorians serve as the elite guards of not only the Changeling hives, but to the queens who live at the center of each one. Appearance-wise, they resemble hive sentries, except they are notably larger in just about every way, their carapace is significantly harder, and their wings are fully grown and functional. As personal guards to the queens, praetorians can give commands to any other changelings that reside within their respective hives. One could say that, in terms of rank, praetorians and drones are equal, except that the latter is primarily tasked with breeding with the queen, while the former lacks such fertility and is instead given the job of guarding both the queen and her drones. It is also common to see a large horde of praetorians accompanying the matriarch queen, any time she wishes to travel from one location to another.

Drones – Drones are the entirely male rank in the Changeling swarms. They are easily identified by their long, lean build; long wings; and notably large mandibles. As ordered by the matriarch queen, the drones are primarily tasked with mating with the hive queens, so that they may produce more Changelings. When drones are not busy mating, groups of them will often reside together in and around the queen’s chamber of a hive, serving as her protectors and care-takers. When new hives are being settled, it is also common for a troop of drones to be traveling with its founding queen. A particular drone will also be tasked with mating with the matriarch queen, on the rare instances that she desires to do so.

Hive Queens – Very large, and very bloated, these Changelings serve the mundane, but crucial, task of populating their race. Laying eggs day and night, they rarely (if ever) venture outside of their respective hive. Under the control of the matriarch queen, the hive queens are initially tasked with forming new Changelings hives. Once that task has been complete, they begin their second goal: continually mate with drones, so that they may continually lay eggs that will soon hatch into more Changelings. Hive queens have the ability to communicate telepathically with other Changelings, but only with those who reside in their respective nest. All Changelings who reside in a particular nest must obey any and all orders the queen gives them. All hive queens have a telepathic connection to the matriarch queen. Because of their bloated size, which highly hinders their mobility, hive queens lack most any means of defending themselves. Such as task, instead, falls upon all other Changelings who reside in her hive.

Matriarch Queen – The matriarch queen is the highest-ranked and most powerful Changeling in the entire swarm. Below her are the lesser hive queens, whom she commands to build nests and produce more Changelings for their seemingly-endless legions. Along with the hive queens, the matriarch queen possesses a telepathic connection to any and all other Changelings in the entire swarm, and all must immediately obey any and all commands she may give. Unlike the hive queens, the matriarch queen rarely mates, and rarely breeds. Instead, she has a body that is built for travel, often going from one hive to another, as she pleases. She also possesses the greatest powers of any other Changeling in the swarm, and is the most intelligent among them all. In the rare instance that a new matriarch queen is ever born, she may challenge the current one for control of the swarm. Either queen, upon victory, takes leadership, while the other is immediately slain.
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Similar entries have also been written for the Crystal Legion (Princess Cadance and Shining Armor); the Dark Crystal Empire (King Sombra); Zebras; Buffalo; Griffons; the Cult of Chaos; Diamond Dogs; and Minotaurs. :)

Comments

[Jonnie Goodboy Tyler]

Very interesting!