Stage Three: Tanumanasi, the Thread-Like Mind
~BlackRoseRaven
Our tragic tale continues to grow deeper and darker, as their claims grow bolder, as their dreams grow bigger, and their hearts beat only for one-another, filled with love's poison. Oh, what awaits us next is the first plunge, the first glimpse of things yet to come, fillies and colts... and I fear that I cannot do anything but warn you of the gathering storm...
An Excerpt from Cultures of the World: Equestria and Beyond
While the three races of pony are the most common in Equestria – and perhaps all the world – that is not to say ponies alone are the only intelligent populace of this planet. Another well-known tribe is that of the Zebra, who share many similarities to earth ponies in their physical stature, and are known well to be both an industrious and talented society.
Zebra come from a distant land and have their own language and culture, but trading and travel has taught Equestria about their language and some of their ways. Likewise, Zebra have sent explorers and traders of their own into Equestria, who have learned our language and culture in return: of note is the fact that many Zebras who elect to speak in an Equestrian tongue often talk in short rhymes, couplets, and poetic verse. It does not always seem to reflect their way of speaking naturally in their own language, and the reason for this is not known.
Among their many talents is a fascinating skill for alchemy and potions: while no known Zebra can perform magic or take flight, Zebra have overcome the difficulties of existing in this world by mastering the arts of mixing together a wide variety of tonics, elixirs, potions, and poultices, from drinks that can replace an entire day's meal to salves that can miraculously heal even the worst of injuries. Different tribes are known for using different potions techniques, and it is said that some shamans and witchdoctors are even capable of bringing the dead back to life with the right ingredients.
Shamans and witchdoctors exist within every known Zebra tribe, and while little is known about their actual practices, they seem to act as the tribe's political and spiritual leaders, encompassing a wide range of duties. Many are said to have achieved a form of near-immortality thanks to their elixirs, slowing the aging process, but this could just as easily be superstition or wild rumor.
It has also been hinted, however, that these shamans are sometimes known to go on pilgrimages throughout the world, to seek out knowledge and information and investigate other cultures. But like the above statement, this may or may not be true: it is unknown why or how such an important figure would travel away from their tribe for any extended period of time...