That Epicness Blog I Promised · 5:30am Jan 3rd, 2015
Ok, so here's the lowdown: without spoiling too much the world of Epicness, and Equis, is going to expand, or at the very least get more inclusive. More races are going to get involved in the plot, and I want to know your opinions on what races exist in Equis and how do they act. But to start things off, here's a list of what I've got.
Confirmed races (I.E., the one's I've made decisions on)
1. Pony.
Society: I don't think I need to explain.
2. Griffon.
Society: A monarchy with a focus on militarism. Despite not really having any enemies to fight with they still take pride in their trained warriors and often challenge other nations to skirmishes to make sure they keep their strength sharp. Due to relations with Equestrian there is also a small yet still noticeable populations of Hippogriffs. There is no race or species discrimination as honor and power are seen as all that truly matters.
3. Minotaur.
Society: Mostly nomadic tribes, minotaurs have a hard time staying still. Even those that have "settled down" tend to constantly move amongst the place they have chosen as their home. They still value strength as they did in the past and are always looking for a fight, but that fight isn't always physical (Iron Will's fight to improve other's assertiveness). They were formally rather patriarchal but this has mostly gone away after the great war, seeing how powerful the females of the pony society are, especially the Princesses.
4. Mule.
Society: Formerly nomadic Romani types the Mules have integrated themselves into Equestrian and have been living under their rule for more than 1000 years, so they're basically the same as the ponies now.
5. Zebra.
Society: The nature attuned Zebras are a mostly tribe like society in Zebafrica but have known to emigrate and integrate into other societies, usually Equestria, though they keep their traditions with them and prefer to be near nature. Back in Zebafrica the tribes rule their own lands alone, but still keep good relations with each other, like an extended community.
6. Buffalo
Society: Though within Equestrian borders they have their own nomadic and very traditional society. That being said, they are not completely unwilling to try new things. Can be warrior-like, but prefer peaceful options.
7. Daimond Dog
Society: A loose coalition of packs that rarely interact with each other, mostly focused on wealth and power. Most are predatory, willing to kidnap ponies for work, but some have set up peaceful relations within Equestrian.
8. Dragon
Society: Even looser than the Diamond Dogs, the dragons either stay by themselves, every so often participating in the dragon migration on instinct, or live directly under the Dragon King, the most powerful and usually oldest dragon of them all. They tend to be rowdy as adolescents, but as they grow older tend to become more mellowed and solitary, though can still be quick to anger. Greed boosts that happen when they're younger tend to produce more feral aggressive dragons while those that cultivate their greed over their years tend to be wiser. Not inherently aggressive, but they demand respect and they see very few as equals.
9. Horses
Society: Much like Equesria the northern portion of Zebafrica is home to the horses of Saddle Arabia, ruled by a king, queen, and a council of nobility. On friendly terms with Equestria.
10. Changelings
Society: Ruled by the Queen the changelings are a mostly migratory species that has certain residences that they often come back to, like hatcheries for their eggs. Their society is very bare bones and so every role that a changeling has is for the betterment of the hive, making them a very militaristic society. They are very aggressive to those they wish to conquer, but are very loyal to each other. There used to be several Hives, but now there is only one under Chrysalis' rule. Like Equestria, the Queens are seen as goddesses.
Possible Races (i.e. give me ideas on if they exist and how their society might function)
1. Reindeer
2. Elephants.
3. Giraffe.
4. Lions (or other big cat societies)
5. Rhinos.
Also, what is your opinion on cows and sheep? Are they the same level of the other races, or are they more bestial and instinct prone despite their ability to communicate?
Also, Equestrian Girls. Did it happen? If so Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry might make appearances. They probably won't be too big, but they will be mentioned. I know a lot of you don't like Flash, but I can't see Sunset being there without him, and I can't see her there without Equestrian Girls happening. Rainbow Rocks will not be happening no matter what, but don't just tell me why you want one or the other, convince me of why they should or shouldn't be there.
And I know what I said in the most recent chapter, but I think I'll make one chapter for the next story before I get to my other works.
1. I can't exactly say whether I want equestria girls to happen or not, but if it does, do at least a mini chapter on twilight about her "findings" on gilgamesh (because there would be no way she would go to a "human" world and not check on that, big mission or not)
2.Possible race could be the sea ponies (and return of Ultros, but in his Element!) and you could make them have a Little Mermaid-esqe type of style/leadership.
3.Finally be sure to have Gilgamesh ask Zecora about her peoples if he doesnt have knowledge of them already through other means. It would be helpful and even if he is a goof, his goof would be forgetting to ask an inportant question, not forgetting to ask questions in the first place.
p.s Good job on the story so far. It is one of my favorites and I have enjoyed every chapter that has came out. Keep up the good work
Cat Society: They reside in the Southeastern swamps and are essentially the Amazonians. Not sure if you want to keep to females are the warriors and not everyone.
Big Cats. Namely, Jaguars.
Society: Tribal. Mostly settling into small villages, the Jaguars are
a proud warrior people. They rely
on strength, speed, cunning, and wisdom, as these things are
what keep them thriving in the deep
rainforests of the South. They have no real single ruler, instead,
the Chiefs and Shamans of the tribes
meet and discuss courses of action, before deciding which
course to take, leading to delays in such
matters as war. They are attuned to the rainforest, and
practically invisible in it, unless they wish to be
seen. Infighting is uncommon, but does occur. Genders are
regarded as being equal, just different.
Males generally are the warriors of most tribes, females in some,
and in all tribes they fight with honor.
This is quick response, just so I don't forget about it, but the idea of Elephants would be a good idea, as I think they would come out as slow and methodical, not dumb, but rather in no hurry type of people. They would give a good contrast as every character or race does come of as “energetic” in some way (either nomadic or militaristic). The idea of Elephants intermingling and living with Horses and Zebras would be interesting.
To be honest, the moment you listed Elephants as a possible group, I instantly thought about the Elcor from Mass Effect, and thought that the idea of a race that valued slow methodical actions would be a strong counterpoint to any other race, and especially Gilgamesh's normal acting.
Going by the format you provided, this would be my thoughts on them:
Elephants are a very methodical and stoic group, who prize family above all else and will remember any person they meet for the rest of their lives. They are never in a hurry to do anything, and will usually plan out events days to years in advance, but if something goes wrong, they are more than willing to give it up than worry or fight. The only exceptions to this is in protecting their young, and even then, they would rather protect with their body than fight with their strength. They are neither dumb nor clumsy, and are very aware that they can accidentally kill a strong pony just by sitting if the pony is in the way, and also that they can even kill themselves just by falling due their tremendous size and bulk. This has led them to became very methodical and cautious, and they frown on needless competition. “To fail as two is preferable to succeeding alone” is a popular quote, and one they embrace wholeheartedly, and they prize small gestures of affecting over large frivolities (a gift of a single flower with deep meaning to the recipient is valued far more than the most extravagant and costly ring when proposing to a lover).
They formerly lived in tight knit groups in the plains of Zebrafica during the great war (self isolated due to pacifism), but with peace they began to slowly integrate in settlements with the Zebras and Horses, and prefer to diffur leadership to others, instead focusing on supporting those they view as the most important and sacred, their families.
Rhinos: they tend to enjoy warmer climates and they hate to stay in one place to long so they are constantly on the move, whether it be by them self's or in a tribe. Rhinos are not very smart and are pretty hot headed and will charge any one not apart of there tribe. while not very smart a Rhino tribe leader tend to be more wise and the strongest of the tribe. if a tribe leader is defeated in combat by an outsider they are seen as a honorary tribe member and are treated with great respect, but if the tribe leader is challenged and defeated by another Rhino they become the new tribe leader.
The Reindeer I see as being a proud and mighty race, sorta pompus as well. Basically, they are the Elves of Equestria. And no, that pun was not intended. Having powerful and unconventional magic and mostly keeping to themselves. Ancient enemies of the windegos as well, with the cold environment they live in.
Elephants & Giraffe I think should go together with both being trade based cultures. You give something and get something in return. Equivalent exchange type of thing, if you ever watched Full Metal Alchemist. They, like the Zerba, are very skilled at natural craft. Elephants in minerals and herbs, often with metallurgy being their main trade(more like reverse Dwarfs), and Giraffe in building things, gizmos and gadgets. Because of thier hieght they have to make a lot of things to help them in their daily routine. Sometimes both can be good at things that the other is not. Like a metal crafting Giraffe or a gadget making Elephant.
Lions (or other big cat societies) should be more of a mercenary type of thing. I mean, they can't change what they are but their diet doesn't approve and has magic on their side. So they make the best of it and make it apart of their job/way of life. Cats like puma or leopards or panthers being more of a thieves guild type of thing on account of stealth and deadly combo. This also fits in with Auizotol or however the hell you spell his name. He could be leader? Rebel? Some cruel joke of nature?
Rhinos I can see as being neighbors to the minotaurs. They are nomadic like the buffalo but often work with Lions or Elephants and Giraffes in exchange for supplies and the like.
Other than that I can't think of much else besides Pandas. I think Pandas would be monk like but highly skilled at fighting or defense. Partly because of Kung Fu Panda and Partly because I like the concept. Mostly because Pandas are cool.
How about Centaurs?
I think it'd be kinda cool if Gilgamesh had to go to the land Tirek is from.
Considering how Cows and Sheep are shown in the Show: with the sheep being corralled like animals (While apparently able to talk) and the Cows seemingly preferring to moo [It only ever showed the 1 cow speaking (Beatrice? I can't remember her name)] while they still seem prone to a strong sense of herd instinct since she was stampeding with the rest; I think that some of them are smarter than others with only a small amount capable of speech while all of the Sheep and Cows are more instinctual than any other 'sentient' race. The goats that were with Iron Will seemed to be just as smart as a pony with how they were acting, but since they never spoke English (Equestrian, whatever) I think they might have been speaking another language since Iron Will seemed to be able to communicate with them as if they were smarter than the Cows/Sheep. Rather than in any kind of housing, they seem to prefer to live in pastures like a farm animal, the pigs are pure instinctual from what I can tell yet the Sheep and Cows have no problems being treated like regular farm animals.
As far as Equestria Girls goes, I think you should include it. If Twilight has encountered humans, and is acquainted with our history, it will help to develop her understanding of Gilgamesh's focus on combat ability.
...and I think it would be fumy if she confused him with the fabled King of Uruk.
You should add a Honey Badger civilization. I doubt even Gilgamesh would want to go there.
So, changelings are the only sapient insects there?Because I just reeeeally want some wasps
Wasps: They are considered a plague on most planets, but the wasps on most planets are nothing compared to the Equestrian's.
They have a few hives who are constantly fighting eachother and also are invading regularly.
Their magic is used only for the hivemind and to harden their body, but while their magic is used they cannot fly.
Wasps are also the archnemesis of the Changelings, hunting Changelings and having taken control over the first homeland of Changelings, and on their way also extincted nearly all other sapient insect-types and also some other sapient and non-sapient creatures.
Currently they are invading the kingdom of the Griffons, meeting the greatest resistence they have ever had, but still slowly pushing the Griffons out of their land, causing some of the through this war disabled to get grumpy and go elsewhere (3% get disabled that way, 90% of those are temporary and 95% are going out of their homeland), most times causing trouble, even if it was only a temporary injury they don't come back too often.
Even if you want only Changelings... I STILL TRIED!
Wait, we did see that there were Phoenixes...
Maybe there are Frost-phoenixes who are smarter than their fire-counterparts?
Frost-phoenix: Living in the ruins in the north they are the race with the greatest foresight. Every Frost-phoenix has atleast 1 vision each week, causing them to be prepared for everything... if needed, even Pinkie (or Gilgamesh and his weapon). For their high intellect they have very spartan houses, they repaired the ruins to be shelters, but neither did they build more furnitures than they need nor did they repair more houses than they need. This is going back to 1000 years ago, when they were pushed out of their only city, after returning to the ruins they wanted to be prepared for something like this again, so they repaired only what they needed. In their isolated civilisation they didn't realise 1000 years had already passed, but they never held a grudge against Gilgamesh for destroying their city. They are not ruled by anybody, but take each vision with caution and everybody has to tell others their visions in a townmeeting held once a week. During the townmeeting they will also decide how to act about the visions.
EDIT:
Who gets the reference?
Will you be including Thestrals (aka Bat ponies.) with the pony races?
& if you could include Sunset shimmer or at least mention her that'd be great!
Sheep were shown as pets in Crystal Empire. And good question on cows.
And there could be elk as a type of deer. And you forgot the goats that were aiding Iron Will, though they didn't seem very bright, like maybe a slight step above the pet kept sheep.
There's also the consideration of Tirek's monkey centaur species that seems to have been lost to the ages. But then again, his brother seems to be a different type of primate cross breed.
Speaking of, cross breeds are shown through them that cross breeding is possible, but supremely rare.
Haven't read your fic yet, but have it on my read later category due to how often it's referenced. So, don't know how you have Chrysalis. Though, from what I have seen, though she seeks a great life for her changelings.... she's terrible with strategy and logic in how to go about it.:\ Wonder how long it'd be till that's noticed by her subjects. Though, that depends upon your theories on how Changelings are, since there are many. I have a number of theories for such myself, but not sure if they've been in your fic yet due to not getting around to it yet, and thus, don't know which details would be ruled out by what you have in your story already. Would love to help, but don't know what limitations there would be there.
2697676 well actually in the comics there are giant spiders that are sapient 'wear cloths and have a society' level of intelligence.
2698238 I don't care about the comics, I want the ship, and no more excuses!
Well, I still want wasps
I have seen some petty good stories involving deer.
You could have foxes as a stand-in for Japanese culture - what with kitsune and everything... although the kind of magics they have might make them deviate from a 'regular' kitsune, since the lore attributes them tons of them.
Perhaps martial-arts and philosophical/spiritual-awareness oriented? 'Mu' and hadoken and all that jazz...
A couple more Wikipedia entries on philosophy.
by what we saw in the show, cows are considered second class citizien, and apparently both part are happy that way, as the cow realize their lesser abilities (a whole group stampeded because one of them BELIEVED to have seen a snake) an there are noone whatsoever in the bigger cities
my headcanon is that cow are live strictly on farm areas, voluntarilly esiliating themself from the spastic rithms of the cities, doing manual works and milk as being part of society; while not discriminating, they have a racist-imposted mind, believing that every race has it's expertice camp and should stick to it
not compatible with other race except minotaurs(considerated the link between the cow and the superior races of pony and griphon), female kids are still quadrupedal, while male are bipedal and considered minotaurs by all means
sheeps are pets, plain and simple. whool and sometimes milk
for horses of saddle arabia, I'll pretty much translate the islamic general culture, but with less strict dogmas and definitivelly more breezy vest