Before the Storm: The Rise of Firefly

by Firesight


Appendix C: Equestrian Military Awards

Awards and Medals given by the Equestrian Armed Forces

Each service branch has up to fifty awards, given for both combat and non-combat achievements. For simplicity’s sake, this list will only include combat awards and notable non-combat ones. There are both universal and service-specific awards. Note that service-specific awards can in fact be given to members of other service branches or even civilians if they were attached to that service, as Royal Guardspony Firefly was to the Equestrian Aerial Corps.


I. Cross-Service Awards

These medals are available to all branches of the Equestrian military and can be given to any member of any service:

1. Defender of Harmony

A star-shaped blue diamond inscribed with the Equestrian flag emblem embedded within a larger gold medallion and hanging from a star-studded blue ribbon, the Defender of Harmony award is the highest military honor a pony can ever receive. From the Equestrian military manual: “The Defender of Harmony medal can only be granted by direct order of Princess Celestia herself. It is only awarded for the greatest of martial feats, a medal of honor given for acts of incredible heroism that go far above and beyond the call of duty to win battles and save Equestrian lives.” Decades may pass between instances of this medal being awarded, and even in wartime it is quite rare. Celestia does not grant it lightly, and the acts that earn it are the stuff of legend… and nightmares. There is currently just one living member of the Equestrian military who holds it.

2. Celestial Seal of Sacrifice

Circular purple quartz medallion inscribed with Celestia’s sun cutie mark and hanging from a white ribbon, the Seal of Sacrifice is granted automatically for being wounded or killed in combat. Subsequent awards result in a red stripe added to the ribbon.

3. Dove of Fidelity

Silver pendant inscribed with a dove, hanging from black ribbon with red vertical stripes, the Dove of Fidelity is awarded to sole survivors of attacks and ambushes. Considered by many to be a mark of shame and the one award no soldier ever wants to receive. It is only given by personal request of the eligible soldier and often accompanies their retirement from active service.

4. Princess Pendant

Orange Topaz with gold inlay inscribed with the Equestrian flag. Given to units and individuals not for single feats, but for exceptional long-term service to Equestria over a period of 25 years or more.

5. Sun Master

Not an award, but a title given by Celestia to military leaders who display brilliant battlefield strategy and equally cunning tactics, able to turn defeat into stunning victory. She does NOT give it simply for winning wars or battles, but for either overcoming impossible odds or subduing a powerful enemy without fighting, which in the words of the original Sun Master, is the highest aspiration of military leadership. In fact, the original Sun Master has, to this point, been the only one in Equestrian history. But should she appoint a new one, that pony would gain a rank equivalent to the gryphon post of Prelate, able to command the entirety of the armed forces and wielding military authority second only to Celestia herself.


II. Equestrian Aerial Corps Awards

Steeped in pegasus warrior tradition, the Corps values individual achievement and personal bravery as much as teamwork, a necessity since teamwork can be difficult in chaotic aerial combat environments. Their combat medals tend to be for individual feats of valor, though rarely you’ll see them awarded as a unit commendation.

1. Aerial Corps Combat Awards in reverse order of precedence:

A. Wing Warrior

Silver medal etched with a shield overlaid with a single black wingblade, hanging from a black-and-white ribbon. “Awarded automatically to all Corps pegasi taking part in ground or air combat against an enemy force.”

B. Sapphire Star

Small sapphire crystal in the shape of a star hanging from a white ribbon emblazoned with the Corps emblem. “The second level of Corps combat awards, the Sapphire Star is given to Corps soldiers for acts of conspicuous courage or skill in ground or air combat.” Firefly was awarded one for her engagement with the Ravens, not just for killing several of them but for saving the life of her charge. This is also an example of one service’s award being given to a soldier of another, as she is a Royal Guardspony currently assigned to the Corps.

C. Sapphire Sun

Medium sapphire crystal inscribed with the symbol of the sun, hanging from a silver ribbon emblazoned with the Corps emblem. “The third level of Corps combat award, the Sapphire Sun is to be granted to Corps soldiers who demonstrate great bravery or combat prowess in action against a superior enemy force, winning the day and saving lives despite long odds.”

D. Sapphire Sentinel

Large blue sapphire crystal inscribed with the Corps Shield-and-Wingblades emblem and hanging from a white ribbon with two narrow vertical silver stripes. “The highest of all Corps combat awards, the Sapphire Sentinel is granted only for acts of singular daring and valor in defense of Equestria and Equestrian lives, such martial feats as might hearken back to the greatest in pegasus history.” Even for as much action as the Corps typically sees, they might be awarded only once or twice a decade. Fell Flight’s was the first in eight years.

2. Other Corps Combat Awards:

A. Aerial Ace

White diamond star against lapis lazuli backdrop and hanging from a white ribbon emblazoned with the Corps emblem. A series of medals awarded for scoring aerial victories against individual opponents in combat. The benchmarks are five, fifteen, twenty-five, fifty, and one-hundred victories; each benchmark adds another small lapis lazuli dot to the award on the points of the main star, with five being considered the maximum. Technically, there could be a sixth star added to the center, awarded for achieving even more victories, but the first pony offered such a reward refused, saying, “I don’t want to be confused for having more stars than any general.” Every pony who reaches a benchmark beyond one-hundred recites the same quote now, as a tradition. Such ponies are generally only seen once in a lifetime.

B. Commander’s Cross

A pair of X-crossed wingblades with the recipient’s rank insignia overlaid, white diamond against a blue sapphire backdrop, hanging from a white ribbon. “Given only to officers, both commissioned and non, who display exemplary leadership in battle.” Not granted simply for winning a battle, but for doing so under exceptional circumstances. Firefly’s feat of realizing a ruse and then returning to her base in time to save it, devising a counterattack that wiped out an entire raider group attacking it, qualifies.

C. Wing Commander Award

Wingblade-inscribed gold pendant hanging from a sky-blue ribbon emblazoned with officer insignia. “Given only to commissioned officers who personally and heroically lead troops to victory in battle, showing both great tactical skill and battlefield valor.” You have to be nominated by your own soldiers to qualify. First Lieutenant Sundiver received one when he was a second lieutenant for rallying his forces to defeat a large raider attack on the town of Trottingham.

D. Wind Master

A title granted only to the greatest of pegasus warriors, dating from ancient times. There is no set criteria for it; you can only be given it by acclaim of the Corps rank-and-file and acquiescence of the general staff. There have been but twelve in all of Corps history, though some great pegasus warriors that predate the modern Corps bore the title as well, including the legendary Commander Hurricane.

3. Black Lance Combat Awards:

The Black Lances, despite being an extension of the Corps, have their own set of medals and honors in addition to the regular Corps ones. However, given the clandestine nature of their operations, nopony outside the Lances knows what they are, and the Lances share no secrets. When a former or current Lance dies, a hidden memorial at their Coltonado training grounds records their name and service record, including their awards, in code.


III. Equestrian Army Awards:

The Equestrian Army’s philosophy on awards is a bit different than the Aerial Corps. Since the Earth Ponies who originally made up the Army emphasized collective work and herd-based protective strategies, Army doctrine emphasizes teamwork and unit cohesion over individual action. Accordingly, Army combat awards tend to be given more to units than individual soldiers. Though there are exceptions to this, the simple truth is that unlike the freewheeling aerial battles the Corps takes part in, Army soldiers rarely fight alone. Even with the inclusion of unicorns, who gave up their own one-time service branch some centuries earlier, this hasn’t changed, though additional awards were added for unicorns when they (reluctantly) integrated with the Army at Celestia’s order.

1. Army Combat Awards (given in reverse order of precedence):

A. Emerald Arrow/Spear

The Army Equivalent of the Aerial Corps Wing Warrior Badge; awarded automatically for being in combat. As the Army sees somewhat less action than the Corps, this is seen more rarely than the Wing Warrior badge.

B. Opal Arrow/Spear

Circular Opal inscribed with an arrow or spear depending on whether the awardee(s) are unicorns or earth ponies. “For notable gallantry or heroism in action against an enemy force.”

C. Amethyst Amulet

Gold-crusted amethyst in the shape of a shield etched with a gold arrow or spear depending on whether the awardee(s) are unicorns or earth ponies, who tend to fight separately. “Awarded for displays of great gallantry and heroism in combat with an enemy force, resulting in not just victory but the preservation of pony lives.”

D. Diamond Defender

Gold-encrusted diamond in the shape of the Army emblem, a shield inscribed with crossed spears-and-arrows. “For standing fast and refusing to falter despite incredible odds, displaying such skill and valor that reflects the most treasured traditions and deepest honor of the Equestrian Army.” Historically, receiving this highest of army awards means you and your unit were killed receiving it by defending towns or townsponies in a heroic last stand. The latest award of it was two years after Fell Flight’s Sapphire Sentinel action, concurrent with the battle that would result in Windshear’s Defender of Harmony award.

2. Other Notable Army Awards:

A. Guardian Granite

Shield-shaped quartzite embedded in a granite medallion, hanging from a green ribbon. “Given for steadfast service to Equestria and constantly meritorious actions both in battle and out.” Typically, you have to be in the Army for ten years to qualify.

B. Magnetite Medal

Circular magnetite carved into the shape of a compass. As its name suggests, this award is given to earth ponies and unicorns who complete a special training course that enables them to use their respective magic to navigate without maps or compasses. This ability is used extensively by the Pathfinders, an elite army unit that in wartime acts alternately as long-range raiders and ground shock troops. Having this medal doesn’t mean you’re a Pathfinder, but the odds are pretty good.

C. Archer Agate

Roughly the equivalent of the Corps Aerial Ace medal, this is only granted to unicorn longbow and earth pony crossbow archers of exceptional ability and skill. The basic award is an agate medal with inscribed longbow/crossbow hanging from a black ribbon, to which red, silver and gold stripes are added for every five, ten, and fifty kills. Such rarified heights are rarely seen outside of wartime, however. There are also non-combat marksponyship awards for longbow and crossbow wielders.

D. Desert Rose

A medal made of its namesake crystal awarded to Army desert warfare specialists. Often gained during extended tours of the southern badlands or the buffalo border.

E. Iron Forge

Crossed blacksmith hammers carved from iron against a fiery sunstone backdrop reminiscent of a kiln and hanging from an orange ribbon. Given only to earth pony specialists who can operate siege equipment and wield the heaviest of weapons and armor. Such things are in short supply in the Equestrian Army, however; the only current heavy weapons-equipped unit is an earth pony regiment at Stalliongrad.


IV. Royal Navy Individual Awards

Formerly Luna’s service just as the Royal Guard is Celestia’s, the Royal Navy has many dozens of non-combat awards that are a bit too liberally given. They do have combat medals that date back to Luna’s time but are rarely awarded as Celestia has made clear to the mostly-ceremonial service that her sister would not appreciate them being given out without good reason.

In Luna’s time, it was her tradition and thus that of her Navy to award titles as opposed to medals, and the names of the awards still reflect that legacy. As the former offensive arm of the Equestrian military, Naval awards also tended to less reflect single accomplishments then strings of them, as Luna valued long and loyal service over single actions or short-term tours of duty. Now, the Navy would award these more for individual actions in line with the rest of the military, but the original award titles remain:

1. Naval Titles and their medal/insignia equivalents, from lowest to highest:

A. Lunar Guardspony

A silver medal etched with the old naval sword-and-moon insignia and hanging from royal blue ribbon, or a collar insignia comprised of sword-and-moon buttons. “Being named a Lunar Guardspony is a high honor granted only by our beloved regent for meritorious service to the navy and the night, both in combat and out. To be in the Guard is to be recognized as a fine fighter and worthy servant to our Lunar Princess.” This is not awarded for any single action or feat, but several of them over time. In Luna’s time, surviving multiple battles and scoring at least ten kills was generally the threshold for entry, as Luna did not give titles out lightly.

B. Star Sentry

White star-shaped diamond hanging from a royal ribbon, or a collar insignia of a star overlaid with the moon. “The second order of the Lunar Guard, a Star Sentry is one who has surpassed the merely ordinary to become an elite warrior worthy of standing at their regent’s side.” During the Celestial War, you had to survive a dozen battles and score a long list of kills to qualify.

C. Moon Knight

Polished circular nebula crystal with a narrow opalite insert giving it the appearance of a cat-eye, hanging from a gold ribbon. “The third order of the Lunar Guard, a Moon Knight is a pony who has performed exceptional service to his or her princess and fellow ponies in armed conflict, attaining such incredible deeds as to be worthy of respect and remembrance.” Originally, Moon Knight and above were limited to only thestrals, but pegasi were eventually awarded it as well. Historically, it was awarded only to the most skilled and seasoned veterans of naval service, warriors who survived entire conflicts and whose names became known to both sides.

D. Shadowbolt

A collar insignia of a lightning bolt against a crescent moon. “The fourth order of the Lunar Guard, the Shadowbolts are our regent’s personal guard and the best of the best. To gain the rank of Shadowbolt is to become legend, immortalized for all time.” Formerly the Naval special forces, ‘Shadowbolt’ is still a ceremonial title given to naval flyers of exceptional skill. None has been awarded in the past fifty years, but during the Celestial War, it was a feared group whose combat skills were on par with the future Bolt Knights. Naval pegasi or thestrals had to score at least one hundred kills to qualify, and even then, you could only gain entry to the group through a duel or performing an incredible martial feat.

E. Night Guardian

Deep blue moonstone etched with Luna’s crescent moon cutie mark, which is then filled with diamond and hung from a white ribbon, or a collar insignia of a lightning bolt and sword against the crescent moon. “The fifth and highest order of the Lunar Guard, to be named a Night Guardian is to be added to the annals of the greatest warriors in all of Equestrian history. It may only be ordered by the Moon Princess herself for such spectacular service or sacrifice as to be worthy of story and song.” The only known pony who ever held this rank was the Captain of the Shadowbolts during the reign of Nightmare Moon, a thestral stallion named Star Sable.

2. Other Navy Titles from least to most prestigious:

A. Cat-Eye Caster

made of its namesake crystal and awarded to unicorns who master the difficult night vision spell, giving them eyesight on par with thestrals, at least as long as the spell lasts. Can also be awarded to Army and Royal Guard unicorns. This is one of the few combat spells you have to go to the Navy to learn.

B. Night Fighter

A moon opal inlaid with red ruby in the shape of a thestral wing, with equivalent collar insignia. Awarded automatically to naval soldiers who see combat, of which there are precious few. There have been but fifteen awarded in the past half-century, and those were typically by accident, simply being in the wrong place at the right time, like one instance where naval unicorns and pegasi fought gryphons at a parley gone wrong. Originally it was only awarded for night action, hence the name, but given its rarity was later expanded to include any combat action.

C. Ship Fighter

A malachite mainmast against a circular moon opal backdrop with equivalent collar insignia. Awarded automatically to captains who command their vessels in combat, which hasn’t happened in over half a century. The last naval action was when the EAS Vigil happened to be docked in Fillydelphia during a sea pirate attack and fired her few working guns in anger.

D. Ship Master

An old naval title and roughly equivalent of the Aerial Corps’ Commander’s Cross, given only to ship commanders who show exceptional leadership in battle. The last one to be awarded was over a century earlier to the legendary Captain Windrider, who challenged and defeated a dragon raiding an Equestrian village with his airship, the EAS Indomitable. For achieving it, you get the old Ship Master rank insignia of a single braided white shoulder epaulettes attached to the shoulder and right front chest pocket with dark blue buttons overlaid with crescent moons.

E. Fleet Fighter

A title granted only to commodores and above who successfully command entire squadrons or armadas in battle. There have been none in a very long time. For achieving it, you get the old Royal Navy Commodore insignia of twin braided white shoulder epaulettes attaching to both shoulders and chest pockets with dark blue buttons overlaid with crescent moons.

F. Fleet Master

An old naval title given to high-ranking admirals who displayed great skill in naval combat whether in the air or on the sea, commanding their fleets to great and stunning victories. It was an award that Luna gave herself, as her tradition was that such a pony became overall naval commander and there should never be more than one. Those who gain this title are awarded gold braid epaulettes and five stars on their collars, and were additionally named personal military advisor to Luna herself.


V. Royal Guard

The Royal Guard has separate awards for the Armored and Plainclothes Security Divisions, though they tend to be rarely seen, both because Guardspony forays into combat are generally few and in the case of the PSD, because plainclothes mares are rarely seen in formal uniform.

1. Royal Guard Combat Awards in reverse order of precedence:

Note that with the exception of the Guardian Garnet and Ruby of Honor, when an Armored Guardspony or PSD mare takes part in combat under the auspices of another armed service, they get that service’s award but not the Guardspony one, which is reserved for Guardspony-specific actions. Since Firefly got the Aerial Corps Sapphire Star for her engagement with Gryphon Ravens, she was not given an equivalent Guard award. Since very little combat action takes place by the Guard alone, the Guardspony combat medals are rarely seen.

A. Guardian Garnet

Awarded to Guardsponies who see combat on a deployment with the Army or Aerial Corps. Closest Armored Guard equivalent to the Corps Wing Warrior or Army Emerald Arrow medals.

B. Guardian Goldstone

The first-level Guardspony battle decoration consists of a small goldstone inscribed with wingblades, spear or longbow depending on the tribe of the recipient. “To be given for impressive acts of bravery and battlefield skill that exceed even the Guardspony norm.”

C. Guardian Ruby

The second-level of Guardspony battle decoration consists of a medium red ruby inscribed with wingblades, spear or longbow depending on the tribe of the recipient. “To be awarded for astonishing acts of courage and combat prowess far exceeding that of ordinary Guardsponies in service to Princess and Province.”

D. Ruby of Honor

The third and highest level of Guardspony battle decoration is a large red ruby inscribed with the Royal Guard Emblem hanging from a gold ribbon. It is the Armored Guard equivalent to the Corps Sapphire Sentinel and Army Diamond Defender medals, but unlike them, may also be awarded concurrent with the Defender of Harmony medal. Highest combat award the Guard has, and one not seen in a century: “To be awarded for only the most incredible feats of battlefield skill and valor, displays of such daring and devotion to duty as to be remembered and immortalized for all time.” In the entire thousand-year history of the Royal Guard, only eight have ever been given. You earn this award, you’ll get a large sculpture in your honor at the Royal Guard training base of Fort Spur.

2. Other Royal Guardspony Awards:

A. Celestial Guard

Not a medal but a position; these are the Armored Guardsponies chosen to specifically attend to Princess Celestia herself. They wear Gold-plated armor and are considered the best of the best; their formal uniforms are burgundy with gold trim as opposed to the silver of the regular Armored Guard. Being chosen for this position is considered by many to be one of the highest honors in the entire military, short of receiving the Defender of Harmony medal itself.

B. Call of Duty Diamond

Medium-sized shield-shaped diamond hanging from a red ribbon with silver stripes. Awarded to Guardsponies who see combat while off-duty and/or unattached to the Army or the Corps. This is a rare medal indeed, and those who earn it typically have quite the tale to tell, as these elite soldiers have combat training that makes them lethal even without their armor. “Awarded for actions taking place outside of normal duty, for engaging in combat without arms or armor.”

C. Pendant of Perseverance

A ruby and sapphire/emerald medal given to Armored Guardsponies or PSD mares who are attached to an Army or Corps base or division for a period exceeding twelve months. The second gem depends on the branch in question; sapphire for the Corps and emerald for the Army. There is supposedly a Navy variant, with a moonstone as the second gem, but such a medal has not been awarded in some time.

3. Plainclothes Security Division Awards

The PSD does not give medals, but citations and other items. A few awards result in the right to wear certain items on formal uniform dress, but formal uniform dress is rarely seen.

A. Silver Stiletto

Silver-plated standard-issue throwing stiletto, given for thwarting an attack or assassination attempt. Such attempts are rare, but do happen. Awardees may wear a blade-inscribed collar button when in uniform.

B. Emerald Edge

Emerald-hilted blade given to mares that complete the advanced threat detection, bodyguard and blade-wielding courses that go well beyond standard PSD training. Originally called the “Assassin’s Edge” because this course is also used to train EIS agents. The unspoken truth is that those who complete this course are not only able to thwart assassins, but become them, and are readily recruited by the EIS. Master Sergeant Tulip Vale is such a pony.

C. Celestial Citation

A gold citation scroll imprinted with Celestia’s seal and containing the personal thanks of the royals. Given to PSD agents upon retirement who, during their career, were assigned directly to the protection of the Prince or Princess. Not given until after their active duty is complete, since their identities have to remain secret in the meantime.