sopchoppy's A Friend in Need: Cultural Traits of Extraterrestrial Ponies · 5:19am May 14th, 2015
Again, I am the beta-reader for the Worm crossover A Friend in Need by soppchoppy, and I have written some supplementary material to go with it that has been declared canon by the author.
If you are not familiar with the PRT classification and ranking system used in Worm, see this wiki entry and the classifications section of this document for context.
This was written to reflect something that was hastily updated by PRT Thinkers and analysts during the period covered by Chapter 9 and Interlude 10 of the main story. There are spoilers for the story up to that point if you haven't read it yet. Various gaps and inaccuracies have been included in the document below deliberately to reflect the limitations of incomplete information and cultural misunderstandings that are likely to exist at this point in the story.
Cultural and Biological Traits of Extraterrestrial Ponies: PRT Executive Summary
In light of events on May 15, 2011 in Brockton Bay, culminating in the final defeat of the Simurgh, details regarding Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna are now of vital interest to the PRT, the governments that sponsor the PRT, and the people of Earth Bet. Not only are the abilities they have displayed of great importance, but it is essential that personnel who interact with them have some grasp of their cultural outlook. Additionally, PRT personnel and government representatives need to be prepared for the possibility that additional members of this species may arrive on Earth Bet. This compilation is intended to serve as an introductory overview.
As the two representatives of this culture are comfortable with the term “Pony” as a name for their species, this document will use this term, but with capitalization to differentiate between the aliens and the Earth animals of the same name.
Much of the information presented here has been gained either directly from Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna, or through those who have had direct interaction with them. Therefore, much of it has been filtered through the translation function utilized by these two aliens. This translation effect sometimes produces seemingly odd results such as Princess Luna’s archaic speech patterns, the term “magic” to describe parahuman abilities, or even the word “Pony” as a name for their species. Unknown errors in communication may have been produced in the translation process. Conscious attempts to present themselves and their society in a positive light and unconscious cultural bias may also skew the information given.
This document undergoes frequent updates and correction as new information is acquired. Personnel are advised to check for the latest revision number before each period of interaction with Princess Luna or Twilight Sparkle.
Additional information on the individuals can be found in PRT Executive Summaries for Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Additional information on the species in general are filed under Pony Studies. Documents of particular interest will be referenced in appropriate sections of this document.
Pony Physiology
Ponies are a race of intelligent quadrupeds. Aside from their intelligence and their parahuman abilities, the most significant difference between Ponies and similar earth quadrupeds is the degree of flexibility and tool manipulation they are capable of. While Ponies have hooves, those hooves are somehow capable of grasping objects and some degree of manipulation. Their mouths are in the form of a short muzzle and are also used for manipulation. The forelegs have a joint structure that allows for greater flexibility than the forelegs of Earth equines, facilitating their use as “arms”. The ears are pointed, located high on the sides of the head and can swivel. Pony faces have some human-like qualities and capacity for showing expressions. Pony hair takes the form of a short coat over most of the body, with a longer mane on the head and along the neck as well as a tail.
Indications are that, of the two present on Earth, Twilight Sparkle is closer to average in appearance for their species. Therefore the average Pony appears to be about four feet tall with a large head in proportion to their body and very large eyes in proportion to their head, at least in comparison to most Earth vertebrates of this size. Overall appearance exhibits many traits associated with neoteny, soft rounded features that give the impression of cuteness by our cultural standards.
While the two Ponies that have been observed tend towards dark blue and purple in coloration, it is reported that the coloration of the general population of their homeworld ranges across the color palette. Mane and tail tend to be matched in color while the rest of the coat is usually of a different color or shade. Princess Luna’s semi-material star field as a mane and tail are apparently unique to her, though her sister Celestia is said to have a similar effect in aurora-like lights.
All in all, Twilight Sparkle has only a vague resemblance to an actual equine of Earth Bet, even discounting the horn and wings. On the other hand, the resemblance is just close enough that the term “Pony” is readily acceptable to most people upon hearing it, which may be why the term was selected by the translation effect being used. In size, proportions and shape of her head, Princess Luna is actually much closer to the creatures known as ponies on Earth Bet, but it has been indicated that she is an unusual member of the species in many regards.
Ponies are herbivorous and include long grasses and flowers in their diet. Fruits, vegetables, breads, and pastries suitable for human consumption have been verified to be suitable for Pony consumption.
See Document Pony Studies – 0009 (PRT Executive Summary: Anatomical and Biological Traits) for more detail and additional supporting references.
Pony Parahuman Abilities
It should be noted that use of the term “parahuman” is inherently inaccurate when applied to a species that is not and never was human. “Parapony” would be likewise inaccurate as the prefix “para” indicates something separate but alongside, while abilities we would consider “parahuman” are apparently widespread to the point to being considered normal among this species. This document will continue to use terminology associated with parahuman studies and classifications as it is the terminology familiar to the intended readers.
Discussions with Twilight Sparkle indicate that the powers of individual Ponies are governed by two factors, the race of the individual, and that individual’s special talent.
Pony Races
“Race” among Ponies apparently goes beyond differences in appearance and is defined by significant differences in anatomy that are associated with differences in powers manifested. So far, three primary races have been described, along with a special fourth category.
Unicorns – Possessing a single horn, Unicorn Ponies can channel energies through their horn in ways than can produce a wide range of effects. Specific effects and the techniques to produce them are defined and categorized as “spells” which a Unicorn can learn through study and practice. The first effect learned by most Unicorns is telekinesis, which they habitually use to manipulate and interact with their environment. In PRT classification, they appear to be Trumps with telekinesis-based Blaster and Shaker abilities. Additional classification ratings would depend on the “spells” known by an individual.
Pegasi – Possessing feathered wings, Pegasus Ponies manifest aerokinesis and a form of hydrokinesis that is limited to affecting water vapor. In practical terms, Pegasi can fly and manipulate local weather phenomena. While neither Twilight Sparkle nor Princess Luna are Pegasi, their flight abilities are said to use the same mechanism. Observations of both of them in flight indicates that Pegasus flight requires extension and motion of the wings but is not governed by standard aerodynamics. In PRT classification, Pegasi appear to be Movers with additional weather-based Shaker and Blaster abilities.
Earth Ponies – This term is likely to cause confusion with the native animal species known as “ponies” on Earth Bet and similar worlds. In this case, the term “Earth” seems to carry connotations of a “connection to the land”. Earth Ponies do not have wings or horns but are noted for their strength, endurance, and vitality. They are also known for their aptitude with growing plants and in refining and crafting materials. In PRT classification, they appear to be Brutes with possible Striker or Shaker abilities.
Alicorns – Indications are that this is not a race in the sense of the other three categories, but is instead a special transformation that rare individuals may undergo. Alicorns have the combined traits and abilities of all three races and are said to have lifespans covering several centuries or more. The two Alicorns observed (Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna) are both said to be far more powerful than most Ponies. It is not yet clear whether these power levels are tied to the Alicorn transformation, either as a pre-requisite for or as a result of the transformation.
The overall strength and specific details of these abilities can vary significantly on an individual basis. This seems to be linked to the concept of a special talent.
Special Talents
According to Twilight Sparkle, “A special talent is what you are best at, what you most enjoy doing. It’s an integral part of your personality, you shape it and it shapes your life.” (PRT casefile Yamada-Sparkle, Document-0002) Twilight Sparkle has also repeatedly referred to the powers of parahumans as their special talent.
The concept of a special talent seems to be very significant in Pony culture and will be further explored in the section on Pony culture and society. With regards to Pony abilities, the special talent is often a specialization of the racial abilities. Unicorns tend to have a particular type of “magic” or application thereof that they are skilled with, but also have difficulty in learning “spells” not associated with this specialty. Pegasus abilities are often focused on a particular type of weather phenomenon (wind, clouds, rain, etc.) or specific flight characteristics. (speed, maneuverability, altitude, etc.) Earth Ponies are often focused on growing a specific type of plant, working with a particular material, or performing a general class of physical labor.
Some individuals have special talents that are not associated with their racial abilities. These Ponies may manifest unique powers, but may have correspondingly weaker racial abilities.
Overall Ratings
The two Pony individuals that have been observed so far are both said to be unusual in the strength and diversity of their abilities and should not be taken as representative of the average level of power for members of their species. Compilation and analysis of anecdotal accounts from Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna has led to an estimate that the PRT Rating level for the primary parahuman ability of the average pony is somewhere around 3. This estimate comes with a significant margin of uncertainty due to the limited and second-hand nature of the information available. Independent assessments of individual PRT analysts consulted range from 2 to 5.
Regardless of the actual level, this indicates a society in which almost every member has parahuman abilities at a useful level and these members can pool their efforts. For example, according to Twilight Sparkle the scale of weather effects that can be produced by a single Pegasus is limited, but teams of Pegasi exercise total control of the weather over her homeland.
Pony Culture and Society
The accuracy of the following information has a high degree of uncertainty. The PRT is faced with the problem of attempting to extrapolate a profile of an alien culture from the statements of two isolated members of that culture who are apparently far from average within that society. Additionally, there are some uncertainties regarding the parahuman translation effect being used to communicate, and a number of significant Pony concepts that do not seem to translate.
Homeworld
As Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna do not show signs of discomfort on Earth Bet, and do not seem to be using equipment or powers to protect themselves from a hostile environment, the Pony homeworld is presumably Earth-like in most environmental factors.
One of the most notable aspects of the Pony homeworld is the apparent existence of multiple intelligent species in addition to the different races of Pony. The names assigned to these beings tend to be drawn from mythology or to be the names of Earth animal species. So far the list includes: Buffalo, Changeling, Cow, Dragon, Griffon, Minotaur, and Zebra. It may be that the translation power being used is assigning names based on some sort of “closest match” basis. Just as Twilight Sparkle has only a slight resemblance to the animals called ponies, it is uncertain how much these races have in common with the originals of myth or reality. Princess Luna has recounted several stories of conflicts between Ponies and the species known as Dragons and Griffons, but has also implied that these clashes occurred long ago. (Documents Luna-0592, 0655, 0640, 0731, and 0747) Twilight Sparkle has indicated that her nation has been at peace for most of her life, but recently repulsed an invasion attempt by the species designated as Changelings. (Document Twilight-2750)
Whatever the state of relations between the intelligent species of their homeworld, Pony civilization is beset by dangers. Twilight Sparkle’s decision to mount a research project seeking a means of defeating Leviathan was prompted by her own experiences in dealing with monstrous threats to her community and nation. (Documents Sparkle-3527, 3532, 3548) Again, several of these threats are given names from human mythology, such as “Hydra” and the aforementioned Dragons. Princess Luna has described several battles and hostile encounters with various threats to her realm and person. (Documents Luna-0592, 0616, 0655, 0640, 0702, 0731, and 0747)
See Document Pony Studies – 0043 (PRT Executive Summary: Homeworld Extrapolations) for more detail and additional supporting references.
Government
The nation in which Twilight lives is called Equestria, or at least that is the name given by the translation powers being used. It is labeled a diarchy, with Princess Luna and her sister Princess Celestia serving as co-rulers. The full extent and nature of their authority and influence is unknown, but Princess Luna has informed officials that she has authority to negotiate and sign binding agreements on behalf of her nation.
It should be kept in mind that any views of the Equestrian system of government gained from Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle will be filtered through their advantaged position within their society. The Princess is one of the rulers of this nation and Twilight Sparkle is some sort of protégé and agent of Luna’s sister and co-ruler Celestia. The viewpoint of the average “Pony on the street” might be quite different.
Of particular note, Alicorns seem to be viewed as the rightful rulers of Ponykind, or at least they are seen as such by Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Princess Luna’s behavior and interactions with others indicate that she is accustomed to command and to having others defer to her wishes. Twilight Sparkle has claimed that Princess Luna and her sister have ruled their territory for more than a thousand years. Twilight Sparkle has expressed worshipful admiration towards her personal mentor, Princess Celestia, as well. A third, younger Alicorn, who is also a personal friend of Twilight Sparkle’s, was installed as a ruler of an associated protected territory within a few decades of her “ascension”. Princess Luna has made some comments in passing that Twilight Sparkle is also considered to be elevated in status now that she also is an Alicorn.
These factors would seem to point to a government revolving around some form of ruling aristocracy, or possibly a meritocracy based at least partially on strength of parahuman abilities. However, Twilight Sparkle has stated that she lives in a town with an elected mayor. When she began campaigning for a project of urban restoration in Brocton Bay, she was familiar with the idea of elected officials in high positions of authority and proved to be adept at navigating and dealing with the departments and bureaucracies of a modern city government. (See Documents Sparkle-2067-2085)
See Documents Pony Studies – 0027 (PRT Executive Summary: Government Structure) and -0013 (Diplomatic Approaches) for more detail and supporting references.
Technology
The Pony civilization seems to be less technologically advanced than Earth Bet or Aleph. Twilight Sparkle has expressed wonder and admiration when shown modern electronics while also indicating that muscle power and steam engines are the primary forms of mechanical power in her homeland. However, it might be more accurate to say that Ponies have advanced in a different direction than humanity of Earth Bet or Aleph, with an emphasis on structuring their society in such a way as to maximize the benefit of widespread parahuman abilities.
While parahuman abilities began appearing on Earth Bet almost three decades ago and are still found in a very small fraction of the population, Ponies have had such abilities for the entirely of their recorded history and they are found in almost every member of their society. Accordingly, they rely on those abilities as much as or more than they do technological tools. Mechanized farm equipment and artificial fertilizers become unnecessary, or at least of less utility, when the farmers are as strong as light tractors and can make their crops produce better yields by an act of will. The benefits of mass production must be weighed against those of individual craftsmen who are innately skilled at their craft and who can improve the quality of their raw materials or finished product by laying hooves or horn on them. Earth Bet may have weather satellites and computer models for predicting the weather, but we are told that Equestria has widespread weather control. With an entire population of specialized parahumans to draw upon, creating a better tool to perform a function may be a lower priority than finding individuals with abilities to perform that function more effectively.
While the translation effect being utilized by Twilight Sparkle continues to interpret parahuman abilities as “magic” Miss Sparkle has also continued to state that “magic” is a thoroughly documented and proven scientific field. This field of study seems to have a well-developed technical vocabulary of terms that unfortunately cannot be translated by the power Miss Sparkle is using for communication. What can be communicated is that over the centuries of their history, researchers such as Twilight Sparkle have developed “spells” usable by Unicorns to achieve almost any conceivable effect, although not every Unicorn will have the ability to cast a given “spell”. It is unclear if there has been similar research into the abilities of the other two races, but Twilight Sparkle has shown herself to be able to observe and analyze the workings of the various parahuman abilities she has encountered in our world. The importance of the theoretical knowledge accumulated by Pony researchers should not be underestimated. Twilight Sparkle has demonstrated an ability to affect the powers of others, up to and including severely curtailing the hydrokinesis of Leviathan. This was achieved not via a general-purpose power-canceling-power of the sort found in some Trumps, but by applying her greater understanding of how these abilities actually function.
A sub-set of “magic” seems to be a form of physical technology. Twilight Sparkle has referred to Tinker technology as “magical engineering and enchanting”. (Document Sparkle-0013) Twilight Sparkle has demonstrated that some of her “spells” can be stored in a form of crystal matrix to be activated later by others, and compared some examples of technology (such as automobiles) to “enchanted” devices that are described as partially mechanical in nature. Attempts to explain the functioning or power source of such devices have run into the aforementioned translation barrier.
The image inferred from this fragmentary information is of a civilization that has an early 1800’s overall level of technology, heavily supplemented by the parahuman abilities of the population and the occasional piece of Tinker technology. As might be expected from an alien civilization, specific areas of technology may be more or less advanced than this estimated equivalent point in human history. For example, firearms seem to be less advanced, being at a smoothbore flintlock stage roughly equivalent to the mid 1700’s. The relative lack of advancement in this area may be due to the number of individuals with inherent Blaster abilities and the fact that Ponies are herbivores and so do not hunt for food. On the other hand, use of electricity in pony society has recently become advanced and prevalent enough for hydro-electric dams to be built. In this case, it may be that development of this technology has been accelerated by the inherent lightning-manipulation abilities of pegasi.
See Document Pony Studies – 0034 (PRT Executive Summary: Technological Capabilities) for more detail and supporting references.
Military
Twilight Sparkle’s older brother was the commander of Princess Celestia’s Royal Guard before marrying yet another Alicorn princess who was then installed as the ruler of a neighboring territory. Miss Sparkle’s stories of the Guard personnel she interacted with portray a force made up of Ponies with low to mid-level Mover, Shaker, Blaster, Brute, and/or Striker abilities, trained to use those powers on a battlefield in a coordinated manner. Princess Luna has shared stories of commanding her own personal forces, which are trained in night-fighting and accordingly make greater use of hit-and-fade and ambush tactics. This, in turn, requires more emphasis on Stranger, Thinker, and Mover abilities than in Celestia’s forces. There are also separate, special-purpose units such as a fast-response unit of aerial Movers selected for their speed and maneuverability.
It should be kept in mind that these forces, while having parahuman abilities, are not the equivalent of the Protectorate, but are instead considered to be the conventional military within their society. Twilight Sparkle reportedly leads a small team of individuals who possess powers of exceptional strength or of an unusual nature, and who are called upon to deal with threats of a scope or nature beyond what the regular military is expected to handle. This team is not part of any official agency or branch of the military, but follows Twilight Sparkle out of personal loyalty while Miss Sparkle holds a position as Princess Celestia’s personal protégé and trouble-shooting agent. The existence of other such teams seems likely, but their organization and command structure is unknown.
As noted in the technology section above, Pony firearms are significantly less advanced than those of Earth Bet. The muzzle-loading small-arms that do exist are a rare oddity on the battlefield, possibly due to the large percentage of military personnel with Blaster or Brute abilities. Cannons, on the other hand, are utilized in larger-scale military operations. Spears, swords, and metal-plate armor remain the standard form of equipment for an Equestrian soldier. However, this seemingly-primitive equipment may be enhanced with “enchantments” produced by craftsmen with Striker, Blaster, or Shaker abilities that modify physical properties of the materials or add permanent parahuman effects. The armored tank is also a feature of the Pony military, though it may be propelled by one or more Brutes within or an animating Master effect instead of an engine. Additionally, the main “gun” on a tank might be a soldier with a powerful Blaster ability rather than a cannon.
The existence of the Pony military may not be a significant issue in the immediate future. Twilight Sparkle reportedly arrived in this world by accident. The fact that Princess Luna is the only Pony to arrive looking for her, a month after Miss Sparkle’s appearance, indicates that moving from their homeworld to Earth Bet is sufficiently difficult to make any mass military movement between these worlds impractical. However, it should be kept in mind that somewhere there is a large, organized, military force with varied parahuman abilities that takes orders from Princess Luna, and that overcoming whatever obstacles stand between these forces and their princess may simply be a matter of time or of an emergency that warrants the necessary risk or expense.
See Document Pony Studies – 0044 (PRT Executive Summary: Military Capabilities) for more detail and supporting references.
Special Talents
To reiterate Twilight Sparkle’s words on the subject, “A special talent is what you are best at, what you most enjoy doing. It’s an integral part of your personality, you shape it and it shapes your life.” (Document Yamada-Sparkle-0002)
This concept of a special talent seems to be a central pillar of Pony culture. It represents a Pony’s reason for existence and sets a predestined course to their life. Pony children are encouraged to experiment in order to discover their special abilities. Finding one’s special talent is a rite of passage that is commemorated by receiving a permanent mark on each flank which represents that ability. Once an individual discovers their special talent, significant effort is put into finding a place in the world where that individual can develop and utilize their powers. Children may be fostered with or apprenticed to Ponies with similar special talents in other communities if their current place of residence does not provide sufficient opportunities or necessary resources to pursue and develop their ability.
A point of interest from this is that the trauma associated with parahuman trigger events seems to be entirely absent from this process. It may be that Ponies are better integrated with their powers due to their long history of having those powers. Human “second generation” parahumans have been noted to have trigger events that are significantly less traumatic than the “first generation” and Ponies have been manifesting these powers for all of their recorded history. On the other hand, Twilight Sparkle described her trigger event as the most frightening thing that had ever happened to her (until she began regularly engaging higher-level parahuman threats) and apparently caused enough collateral damage to require the direct intervention of Princess Celestia. (Document Yamada-Sparkle-0002) It is unclear whether her unusually powerful abilities are somehow the result of this traumatic trigger.
The cultural profile painted by Twilight Sparkle in various statements regarding special talents seems to be an odd (by the standards of humanity) mix of rampant individualism and a caste system. Each individual is believed to have a gift that contributes in a useful and meaningful manner to their society and the world in general and is encouraged to find their special talent and a role that utilizes it. A child from any family in any location or social level can become almost anything. However, once that talent is discovered it is interpreted as that individual’s unalterable fate and destiny, defining their role for the rest of their life.
While Twilight Sparkle understands that a person can have interests unrelated to their special talent, the idea that an individual might not enjoy using their powers or dislike a job they have worked at for years seems difficult for her to grasp. Inference from anecdotes in various conversations implies that a Pony who is somehow prevented from pursuing their special talent may suffer some form of mental and emotional trauma. Whether this is some form of interaction between Pony psychology and their powers, or the result of cultural pressure to pursue the “destiny” indicated by those powers is currently unclear.
Religion
Any study of a culture or of different cultures interacting must deal with the subject of religion. For the vast majority of human cultures, past and present, religion has one of the defining pillars of those cultures and is often intertwined with most aspects of a society. Therefore, when cultures meet, religious beliefs are a subject that can be encountered at any time and are likely to produce the most extreme reactions.
However, Twilight Sparkle has expressed confusion regarding religion, at least in the forms most of Earth Bet is familiar with. Her translation power renders English terms such as “temple” and “priest” as archaic concepts from the distant past of Pony society. Ponies, or at least Twilight Sparkle, certainly have spiritual beliefs, (see “Balance” below) but do not seem to be acquainted with organized religion in the form many people of this world think of as inherently part of the definition of “religion”.
That being said, several independent anthropologists and theologians tasked with combing through Twilight Sparkle’s conversations on these subjects have drawn attention to the following points:
- In many societies throughout human history, religion has been intertwined with government in the form of a ruler who is seen as divine or semi-divine in nature or as having a special mandate from divine powers. The reign of these sovereigns has often been seen as being tied to the balance and well-being of the world.
- For Ponies, the idea that their rulers are responsible for the cycle of day and night and the motion of the heavens is neither hyperbole nor superstition, but is a demonstrated fact.
- A number of people who have interacted with Twilight Sparkle describe her attitudes towards her mentor, Princess Celestia, as “worshipful”.
- Temple construction and related religious practices by Ponies tapered off in the same historical period in which Princess Luna and her sister are said to have begun their rule of Equestria.
These points are not conclusive regarding anything about the cultural status of Princess Luna or Princess Celestia, but personnel are once again admonished to be very respectful of Princess Luna in person, and in all comments regarding her or her sister when in public areas or in the vicinity of the Ponies.
See Document Pony Studies – 0149 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Spiritualism and Religion) for more detail and supporting references.
Balance / Concordance / Unison
There is a concept that keeps coming up in conversation which seems to be of great importance to Pony society, and to be the basis of several abilities demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle. The idea has many layers of meaning and does not seem to translate well. A term for the concept in the English language has not been settled on. There seem to be some parallels to certain aspects of Confucianism or to the Japanese concept of “Wa”.
One aspect of this concept is that of five virtues of integrity, compassion, charity, faithfulness, and joy either combining with the “magic” that is seen as the basis for parahuman abilities or somehow being the source of those abilities. Either way, this combination is believed to lead to a whole greater than the sum of the parts. Another aspect of the concept is that of the connections and bonds between all things, particularly between people. This concept reaches further into defining the proper order and balance of both a society and an individual.
For Ponies, or at least for Twilight Sparkle, this is not just an ethical or spiritual framework but something that has demonstrable physical power. According to Twilight Sparkle, her discovery of the Endbringer’s motivations and the final destruction of the Simurgh were achieved by forceful application of this principle. Twilight Sparkle has also indicated that she used this applied ideal to interfere with the Simurgh’s infamous power to affect minds, and describes the Simurgh’s ability as a “dark and evil inversion” of this principle.
See Documents Pony Studies – 0073 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Philosophy), 0103 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Ethical and Moral Frameworks), and 0149 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Spiritualism and Religion) for more detail and supporting references.
Miscellanea
A culture and society is far too intricate to be fully covered in a document such as this. However, for completeness and utility to PRT personnel, we present a short overview of lesser cultural elements that may have some bearing when interacting with Pony visitors.
Family Structure - Twilight Sparkle describes growing up in a seemingly familiar household arrangement, comprised of a husband and wife with two children. On the other hand, there are hints that this is not the only arrangement seen as viable. The existence of different Pony races with significantly different abilities and additional non-Pony intelligent species seems to lead to a flexible attitude towards the structuring of relationships and families. Additionally, there appear to be some cultural imperatives that take priority over the traditional family bonds found in most human cultures. (See Special Talents section of this document.)
Social Circles - Twilight Sparkle repeatedly references the importance of friendship, to such an extent that it may be that a circle of close friends takes the place of some functions of family and blood ties found in many human societies. The entourage of followers and allies that she has assembled (see PRT files Flamedancer, Uber, Leet, and Skitter) and her close ties with the Brockton Bay Wards may have more significance than is first apparent. Princess Luna’s insistence on keeping these individuals close as a form of honor guard also hints at some greater significance.
Clothing – As Ponies have a coat of hair for warmth, they wear clothing only for formal occasions or for protection from extreme environments. For Princess Luna, and possibly some other members of the upper social tiers, every occasion is formal to some degree and thus requires some clothing and ornamentation while the average Pony may go for days or months without donning clothing of any sort.
Seems that Twilight forgot to mention the Bat Ponies. An interesting read into the PRT though, and sometimes what they get wrong is almost as interesting as what they get almost right.
An interesting read that's for sure! Planing on doing more?
3101969 I've currently posted everything I had in the pipeline. As the story progresses, I may find more subjects to cover and more material to work with. The BBC interview sections of the recent interlude were part of something I hammered out in one evening as inspiration struck.
Awesome work! Well done!