Friday Q&A · 2:52pm Jan 30th, 2015
One of my favorite activities as an amateur writer is interacting with the folks who like my stories and take the time to comment. I honestly read every bit of feedback I get and do my absolute best to respond to all of it. Over the couple of months that I've been working on Memoirs of a Royal Guard I've added to that interaction with an "ask page" on Tumblr. I realize that not everyone uses Tumblr, however, and my largest audience (that would be you awesome folks here at FiMFiction) might be missing out.
Today I wanted to share some of those Tumblr questions and answers while also offering the opportunity to have the audience here participate. You can ask about my Equestria, the characters, my process, or anything of that nature. If this turns out to be popular and/or useful I might do it regularly. Worst case it is just another blog post in a vacuum.
Juntao asked, "Does your armor take advantage of modern synthetic materials?"
I have to be honest, I’m not an expert on earth pony technology. I’ve been around unicorns for almost my entire life.
Typically our lighter armors are made from steel. I use the term light loosely. I’m referring to our everyday guard suits.
Our more elite units are lucky enough to have armor forged from Cloudsdale Steel. It is far lighter and equally strong.
The next step up from that is extremely rare and typically reserved for very important ponies: Celestial Steel. It was so named when Princess Luna was trapped on the moon. I wonder if they’ll change the name now that she is back?
Celestial Steel is made from metals that fall from the heavens. It is the strongest and lightest there is. It is also so rare that any time it is seen streaking through the sky the royal guard will be dispatched to recover it… I was allowed to do that once.
Finally there are also alchemical processes that can make any of those armors lighter, stronger, or both.
Plus, if a pony believes in that sort of thing, it can be blessed.
Hope that helps!
DaemonSpecter asked, "Are there different classifications of armor?"
You’ve got a good eye. As a matter of fact there absolutely are!
The armor we wear day to day is actually a bit sturdier than our ceremonial set even though it looks very similar. It offers decent protection from the daily challenges a guard might face.
By that I mean unruly ponies, the occasional criminal, and angry citizens that might throw a horse shoe. The little things, more or less.
Now that is what we commonly call our light armor. We would never consider wearing that into a situation where we expected actual combat.
Say… if I were to go up against a gryphon.
We also have heavy armor. It isn’t issued to every pony because not every guard will be in a situation that requires it. Heavy armor exists to stop things like claws, swords, and spears.
Typically it is a heavier version of the light armor with more coverage and a chain or scale mail under coat.
Do you have questions of your own? Comment below!
All vectors by WildSoulWS
Are the weapons you are trained in decided more by your tribe, or by your innate affinities to them beyond the basic training that happens? I noted more than a few spears seem a popular choice for a variety of reasons. (And mass+momentum.)
How does one defend against telekinetic attacks. Given that many a unicorn exists in canterlot, not to mention changelings too can use that by most accounts. It begs the question how an earth pony or pegasi can dodge something that can literally grab them at a moments notice.
Are ponies naturally diurnal and nocturnal?
Given how prevalent magic is, is alchemy considered a respectable field? or more towards dabblers by unicorns?
Are the weapons you are trained in decided more by your tribe, or by your innate affinities to them beyond the basic training that happens? I noted more than a few spears seem a popular choice for a variety of reasons. (And mass+momentum.)
Every Royal Guard is trained to use a spear, a sword, and a cross bow regardless of what type of pony they are. It is a standardized course that ensures we're all equally competent. Once we're out in the field we tend to specialize with what we're best with. I couldn't hit a barn with a cross bow, my work with a spear is average, but I'm well above average with a sword. As such, that is my go to weapon.
How does one defend against telekinetic attacks.
I'm not an expert on magic but in training we do cover handling unicorns. The first thing you learn is that despite what a unicorn says all levitation is not equal. Some unicorns are good and can levitate heavy objects. Others can barely lift a cup of tea. Beyond weight there is also control. There are unicorns that can do very delicate work like building watches. You also have the opposite. No two unicorns are identical.
We're taught how to react to anything "thrown" at us regardless of whether or not it was hurled by a hoof or spell. Most unicorns can't lift an adult pony. Especially one that is fully armored. The strain is just too much.
Are ponies naturally diurnal and nocturnal?
We mostly operate during the day. Night shift is generally pretty hard on us. Princess Luna's hours are roughly early afternoon until just before sunrise.
Given how prevalent magic is, is alchemy considered a respectable field? or more towards dabblers by unicorns?
I'm not an expert on this but I think it is pretty respectable. My cousin's shop is insanely popular. Mare's love his products and that frees him up to make all sorts of crazy potions in that back room of his.
2757790
Do bat winged pegasi (Threstals/Bat ponies/bauts/whatever you want to name them(I like baut)) exist in Equestria?
What's the best way for a non unicorn to combat a unicorn?
What is your favourite kind of cheese?
2757833
Do bat winged pegasi exist?
To the best of my knowledge no. They're a legend that pegasus parents tell unruly foals to scare them into behaving. There are some really old accounts that claim there were such ponies but who knows what ponies back then were thinking.
What's the best way for a non unicorn to combat a unicorn?
Personally I'd go with a sword? It largely depends on the kind of unicorn we're talking about. Some are really good with spells and others aren't.
What is your favourite kind of cheese?
Hmm... probably the white kind with the holes in it. I don't actually eat a lot of cheese.
2757821 Thank you for a quick and concise reply. Did you mind if I tossed out a few more right off the top of my head?
2757860 Go for it. I'll answer as I can =D
2757885 With each of the tribes, you mentioned some general training. Can you offer some examples of the specialized training each tribe has as options? Both as promotions and career options for what you can call full term guards/soldiers?
While there are two house guards, one for each diarch. Would you view that one or the other gets singled out more so by the other ruler by nature of whom they are? (Such as luna picking on a solar or vice versa?)
If you had to say, would you view that pegasi/unicorns tend to make a higher percentage of the guard than earth ponies?
Any odd myths, urban legends, or other aspects of the guard you would care to share?
OH! Here's a few more.
Not about Equestria, unfortunately. 
Nope, I want to know more about Acting Lieutenant Silent Knight, RSM and current Platoon Commander of the Lunar House Guard. 
What do you do with your spare time (NOT TRAINING RELATED
)?
If so, what genre?
Do you read at all?
Has runic made anything his goop shnoz protection doesn't guard against yet?
Did you ever read 'The Princess and the Knight'?
2757903
Can you offer some examples of the specialized training each tribe has as options? Both as promotions and career options for what you can call full term guards/soldiers?
The guard really tries to be very inclusive. We rarely separate ponies by type until it becomes a necessity. This happens the most with pegasi since we can fly.
Of any type of pony we have the most unique units and thus more specialist opportunities. All pegasi population centers are patrolled solely by pegasi. We make up the bulk of signal carriers, forward observers, and the royal guard in general. Our martial tradition pulls us towards the guard.
On the other side of the coin Earth and Unicorn ponies rarely have units that don't include both. Why send a group of earth ponies out without unicorns to support them? Who is going to protect the unicorns when they're casting spells if they're all casting spells. Combined pony units allow ponies to enhance their strengths.
While there are two house guards, one for each diarch. Would you view that one or the other gets singled out more so by the other ruler by nature of whom they are? (Such as luna picking on a solar or vice versa?)
Traditionally speaking, Princess Celestia's House Guard is still viewed as the most exclusive unit in the royal guard. They frequently get singled out as the top rung of the ladder. Princess Luna's House Guard is still building a name for itself and, to be frank, a lot of regular ponies are still uncertain about our princess.
If you had to say, would you view that pegasi/unicorns tend to make a higher percentage of the guard than earth ponies?
Pegasi make up the largest percentage of the royal guard. The last number I saw was somewhere around 55%. We're the only ponies that can protect cloud settles and, again, our warrior heritage. The next largest is actually earth ponies. They're strong, hearty, and willing to work twice as hard as anypony else. They make up 25%. Unicorns are the smallest percentage of royal guards. Most do not know or learn spells that have military applications. A lot are also not interested in our tough lifestyle. About 18% of the guard is unicorns. The final 2% are non-ponies which generally just means gryphons.
Any odd myths, urban legends, or other aspects of the guard you would care to share?
The guard as we know it now is not that old of an organization. Ponies of old were a lot more likely to live without harmony. It is somewhat unnerving to think that they trained not to subdue ponies but strictly to kill them as a first resort. That is pretty scary if you ask me.
2757948 Thanks for all the enjoyable replies. And one last one for the road. Do you feel that in the chain of command, and with many officers, (I guess you could call it speciesism or tribal priorities) that they take or invite certain folks of the same tribe over another if they can?
2757933
It is just acting commander at the moment. No officer rank is implied.
What do you do with your spare time
Board games... lots and lots of board games. That still counts as play and keeps the mind sharp.
Do you read at all
Not a whole lot. Just what I think might keep me interested. Usually history books.
Has runic made anything his goop shnoz protection doesn't guard against yet?
Thankfully nothing yet. Which is a small mercy.
Did you ever read 'The Princess and the Knight'?
I'm not sure. If you mean Princess of the Knight by C.W. I may have briefly glanced through it...
2757960 Always glad to answer questions and chat!
Do you feel that in the chain of command, and with many officers, that they take or invite certain folks of the same tribe over another if they can?
Thus far I haven't seen that. I mean Shining Armor is a unicorn and he has advanced my career very quickly. Obsidian Haze is a pegasus and he... well he is out in some outpost out west that is fitting of his leadership talents.
The guard is good to the ponies that make it in. I think we're probably all treated mostly the same... but I also know my career has moved faster than normal because of how visible my position is. It is rare for ponies to make sergeant as fast as I did. It happens... but it is rare.
2757984
[OOC to Anzel: I obviously use/am knowledgeable on a different Military structure than you then. What do you use?]
[Back IC to Silent Knight:]
What are your favourite games, and how hard is it to convince the others to play them with you?
But now that I've said this, I'm assuming his Shnoz Goop (Patent Pending) will fail spectacularly next time Iridescence drags you to there to shop?
I do mean the one by CW.... And briefly glanced through it meaning read it in full and won't admit it?
Do the ranks of the Guard follow a system like private, private first class, Lance Corporal, etc... or does it do something different?
2758038
[OOC to Anzel: I obviously use/am knowledgeable on a different Military structure than you then. What do you use?]
They're very loosely based on the royal marines. He is a sergeant and is only acting commander.
What are your favourite games, and how hard is it to convince the others to play them with you?
I like the Canterlot Express and Timberwolf. We try to have a game night at least once a week so it isn't too difficult.
But now that I've said this, I'm assuming his Shnoz Goop (Patent Pending) will fail spectacularly next time Iridescence drags you to there to shop?
I'm really hoping not! We don't really shop there too much together anymore though.
I do mean the one by CW.... And briefly glanced through it meaning read it in full and won't admit it?
Maybe... maybe!
2758123
Do the ranks of the Guard follow a system like private, private first class, Lance Corporal, etc... or does it do something different?
Why yes, we do.
Enlisted ponies like me have seven ranks. The higher we go the fewer positions there are. The ranks are…
* Guard 3rd Class
* Guard 2nd Class
* Guard 1st Class
* Sergeant
* First Sergeant
* Master Sergeant
* Chief Master Sergeant
Officer ponies have to go to a military academy and earn a commission. Once they do that they also have seven ranks:
* Lieutenant
* Captain
* Major
* Lt. Colonel
* Colonel
* Brigadier
* General
Navel ponies have their own set of ranks that differ from ours. Fun fact: the Wonderbolts are naval ponies.
The enlisted ranks are:
* Sailor 3rd Class
* Sailor 2nd Class
* Sailor 1st Class
* Petty Officer 2nd Class
* Petty Officer 1st Class
* Senior Petty Officer
* Chief Petty Officer
Officer ponies:
* Ensign
* Lieutenant
* Lt. Commander
* Commander
* Captain
* Commodore
* Admiral
Finally, to further add to this, there are also support ponies that serve in entirely non-combat capacities. These ponies do things like pony resources, counseling, legal help, medical work, etc.
They have ranks too:
* Warrant Officer
* Senior Warrant Officer
* Master Warrant Officer
* Chief Warrant Officer
2758128
[OOC: AH! That would explain it. I use Canadian Army with some creative license, but the reason I said Acting Lieutenant is because that is what he would be if you skipped out on the three levels of Warrant Officers as you did in fic and still had Knight get the assignment (using conversion to Cdn Army). I read the rankings you use (Eye going twitchy twitchy) and now have a better idea of how it works, too. Thanks to you and the guy who asked that.]
[Back to IC for Knight]
(certain ponies' unrevealed thoughts not withstanding.... 
)
So there is no comments of spin the bottle being preferable?
Well then, I suppose you'll just have to find somepony new to drag you there often
.Perhaps Crystal or Velvet Step? Maybe a certain Lieutenant when you're inevitably handed you commission on merit. 
Hmmmm? i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag320/The_Final_Firedancing_Fiend/Colo%20hosting/BeauteousStorm_zps949feb47.jpg {Drawn by the amazing ScrapperinBlack.... No idea where her tumblr is and the only credit I can give you need an account on the website to see her profile page. I DO own the character, though.}
So we're going to go with [maybe]=[yes and loved it]
? Do the others know? 
2758196
So there is no comments of spin the bottle being preferable?
I don't follow. That typically is the sort of game the guys played with mares back at Canterlot Academy.
Well then, I suppose you'll just have to find somepony new to drag you there often. Perhaps Crystal or Velvet Step? Maybe a certain Lieutenant when you're inevitably handed you commission on merit.
I don't know if I'd want to spend an afternoon there with Crystal and Velvet. That might be a bit much?
Who knows with Sunny Day. She is an odd one.
Unfortunately these days field commissions are exceedingly rare. It is hard enough to get into the royal guard. Far more ponies apply than we have openings. Getting a commission is even harder. You pretty much have to go to a command school. They're very competitive too. That is why you see a lot of influential ponies as officers.
2758196 i asked the question so your welcome
I don't follow. That typically is the sort of game the guys played with mares back at Canterlot Academy.
No, you're just socially blind...
Silent.... That is WHY you're going to receive a field commission. See the satire below as to why all your Platoon officers have been duds, and why officers like Shining are so rare. And you could easily argue HE got the same unfair leg up, even if he would have made it anyway if all things were equal.
2758038 my Stout Snout smell reduction creme hasn't failed yet! That's not to say there werent some bugs when I was developing the recipe. That was weeks ago though. I'm sure none of those side effects will be permanent anyways.
2758224
Silent.... That is WHY you're going to receive a field commission. See the satire below as to why all your Platoon officers have been duds, and why officers like Shining are so rare. And you could easily argue HE got the same unfair leg up, even if he would have made it anyway if all things were equal.
Your optimism is much appreciated but the reality of the situation is that it probably won't happen. Not by field commission anyway.
2758224 You, my very good sir, have just made my day.
So, have the time to answer a few question, eh boss?
What is your opinion on non ponies? You know, diamond dogs, dragons, gryphons, zebras, and the like.
And when are we going to get a unit photo? We keep seeing singles of you and Iridescence, even Orchid and Miley. We should get everypony together sometime. I'm sure you'd like to have a picture of your first unit.
2758255
What is your opinion on non ponies? You know, diamond dogs, dragons, gryphons, zebras, and the like.
I don't trust gryphons and could list the ones I like on one hoof. Zebras are fine I guess. I've never really met one. Dragons are generally harmless as long as we let them do their thing. When they settle near pony towns it gets interesting. Diamond Dogs are more of a nuisance. Though they can be reasoned with.
And when are we going to get a unit photo? We keep seeing singles of you and Iridescence, even Orchid and Miley. We should get everypony together sometime. I'm sure you'd like to have a picture of your first unit.
That would be a good idea. Although fitting 20 ponies might be tricky!
2758232
How does one earn a field commission?
2758368
How does one earn a field commission?
Typically it comes in extreme circumstances. In most cases it occurs under battle conditions when an officers is killed and there isn't time for an appropriate replacement to be sought.
Considering that we don't have too many battles these days it is pretty rare.
Okay, so that's Dawn, Iridescence, your sister, you, Runic, Miley, Crystal... then who and who?
Who's your favorite non-princess royalty?
Where is the coolest place you've been to?
Ummm...
Can I have your autograph?
I must point out that discord is on the lose again; there's no other way the lighting could be contradictory otherwise. There's also the black magic regarding the shadows. Very concerning.
2758942 Velvet Step & High Horse from Crystal's Wishes. There's some more character art on CW's profile.
2758942
Okay, so that's Dawn, Iridescence, your sister, you, Runic, Miley, Crystal... then who and who?
I'm not familiar with Dawn... the last two are Velvet Step and High horse. (The far left pony has yet to be introduced into the story).
Who's your favorite non-princess royalty?
Without a doubt Lady Cadence. She is extremely nice and she makes the Captain happy.
Where is the coolest place you've been to?
I always thought Princess Luna's chambers were the coolest.
Can I have your autograph?
I'm not sure why you'd want it but certainly!
2759087
OH! I meant Radiant.
I thought that was the good Lieutenant!
Is Cadance not a princess? Oh, wait, um... Don't mind me! I'm totally not some otherworldly being with knowledge of the future! Carry on!
(But seriously, is Cadance a princess in your story? Otherwise booooooo; listing a princess when I asked for a not-princess to try and get you to think of other ponies Silent has met.)
2759104
(But seriously, is Cadance a princess in your story? Otherwise booooooo; listing a princess when I asked for a not-princess to try and get you to think of other ponies Silent has met.)
She is not currently a princess.
I've got a question - What abaut unissued gear? It's allowed only for weapons or does it also for armour?
2761578 What about unissued gear? It's allowed only for weapons or does it also for armour?
Personal armor is pretty rare to be honest. Mostly because I don't know a lot of ponies that can afford a whole set of armor. It is allowed, however, if you get the same paperwork done as a personal weapon. The main difference is that your personal armor must still look 80% like the issued.
2761696 Are re-colours with extra enchantments and hauberk uder the actual armour allowed?
2761800 Are re-colours with extra enchantments and hauberk uder the actual armour allowed?
For the sake of uniformity we're not allowed to wear colors other than what our unit wears. It would be inappropriate for me to wear gold armor or wear Princess Celestia's colors. Nor should I wear the emblem of the palace or city guard instead of Princess Luna's.
Our under armor is far more flexible. Anything that isn't visible doesn't have to meet the 80% mark.
As far as enchantments go those again run into the problem of being really expensive. I know some of the wealthy ponies that serve in the royal guard purchase those. The rest of us go without.
2761813 What abaut a black and gold armour under the comands of Celestia?
Oki.
I rather thinked abaut enchantments you make on your own. If you can. Or get replicas of the issue armour but with special canals that are meant to conduct energy, like electricy to strike on attackers using all-metal weapons? Cuz it's the idea. I think that the armours are somehow protected from power in a word where magical thunders are avable to many.
2761821 What abaut a black and gold armour under the comands of Celestia?
I rather thinked abaut enchantments you make on your own. If you can. Or get replicas of the issue armour but with special canals that are meant to conduct energy, like electricy to strike on attackers using all-metal weapons? Cuz it's the idea. I think that the armours are somehow protected from power in a word where magical thunders are avable to many.
I don't think black and gold would fly with command. Their armor is gold and white for enlisted and gold and blue for officers.
From an enchantment standpoint I wouldn't really be able to make my own. Maybe some of the unicorn guards... but that is some pretty heavy lifting. From what I've been told you have to know the spell and know how to enchant. It might be something to talk to Runic Phial about.
2761833 Kinda sux. I got a good idea, so I guess it goes in the bin...
Aren't there fromations with other colour patterns? Somewhere out of Canterlot? Mayby Cloudsdale?
But changeing the armour on wings wouldn't go against the 80%, wouldn't it?
Also: Could there be guards that use heavy armour evry day on their own request?
2761856
Aren't there fromations with other colour patterns? Somewhere out of Canterlot? Mayby Cloudsdale?
Yes, every major city has a slightly different pattern to distinguish itself. Some wear gold armor, some were silver. There are also specific units that have their own special uniforms. A good example is the Wonderbolts.
But changeing the armour on wings wouldn't go against the 80%, wouldn't it?
It largely depends on the unit.
Could there be guards that use heavy armour evry day on their own request?
A guard would have to have an operational reason. It is unlikely that command would spend the bits on a set of heavy armor for a Canterlot guard that patrolled. It is unlikely they'd ever run into anything that would need that level of protection.
2761889 So you count the Wonderbolts as a military squad. Never thought you would done this - I personaly wiew them as stunt ponies. So it would be possible that it would exist a squad that wears black&gold, right?
Furthermore, is there an magic specified unit in Canterlot? Not an unicorn-specyfic but one that exels at magical warfare?
But what if the said guy already posseses privately an armour that already meets regualations and stuff? And is even painted in his unit's colours?