987796 There are some factors to consider that can give an individual faction a neutral status. For instance, PoorYorick has FlimFlam's Folly as its own private industry that sells inventions for war and production. Most of the neutral sides are either small cities or towns. This status they enjoy is possible from one of two things.
One, the area where they reside is a natural defensive position so it is in the best interest of the Houses to not waste resources taking them over. In addition, their location puts them so close to the opposing sides border that they would then have to waste soldiers defending it from harassment. So the city or town is best left alone as a neutral party to act as a artificial border buffer.
The second point is that the town has access to a valuable natural resource and so the Houses are willing to give it its neutral status so long as that resource is available for trade. Now some cities probably trade solely to one side due to being surrounded by their territory but because they pay for their own upkeep and defense the House ignores managing them directly.
FlimFlam's Folly is stuck between Whitegold and Moon&Star so they likely trade with those two predominately. Earthborn ignores the Unicorn brothers when they attempt to sell their wares to them due to seeing, Master of the Forge, Applebloom's inventions as superior.

Sleeping House Updated: The Prestors of the Dreamer

God this thing is getting long, and I am still nowhere near finished!

Time to work on the Nepenthites and Angels of the Shroud!

I attempted to stream some more pictures but due to house issues and moving back into said house, my time is jumbled. Here was a result of the attempted stream for giggles.

"Dispel Blade"

999025 Nice pic. Hope the next one is of Obelisk, he is one cool looking beast.

You know I think I'll toss my hat into the ring, after reading what is in the forum so far I'm pretty psyched.

For now this Black Frost needs to catch a few Zzzs.

Alright! So, I've written out a fair amount of my Order, and I think it's high time I shared it and some feedback! So, here it is!

Once one became a Royal Guard, there was no going back, that was a lifetime commitment. Those that retired, became a member of what was once called “The Elderguard”. The Elderguard often went in pursuit of higher enlightenment, their years of training giving them the edge needed to reach such goals. The unicorns would scour the history of ponykind, looking for any hints leading to lost knowledge and forgotten magicks. pegasi would do much the same, though they would search the ancient legends for the great leaders of their race, hoping to find some indication of higher abilities, and any possible way to gain such advantages.

After the fall of the Diarchy, the Elderguard stayed true to their purpose, and their oath, while many of the younger guards joined up with the different houses. The Fall caused them to take extreme precautions, and they took to the shadows, not wanting to garner the attentions of others, particularly House Moon and Star and House Stormwing, as they have the strongest presence of the former Royal Guard.

Slowly, they worked to bolster their numbers, forming the Order of the Old Guard. They sought out former soldiers under the Princesses’ doctrines, and urged them to rethink their path, and to indulge their oath once more. The Elderguard became the council upon which the Order’s major decisions were made, and the guards that returned to their rightful duties formed the Order’s forces.

The Order tried to stay discreet in their search for former troops still loyal to the oath, but Archmagister Sparkle soon noticed the slight increase in her Knights going AWOL. And the Order was laid bare to the will of the land. House Moon and Star attempted to reform them once more, but to no avail. No combat has officially taken place between the Order and any of the Houses, though many underhanded attempts at subterfuge and sabotage have been thwarted by the trained forces of the Order.

As they stand, the Order is in no condition to advance in open war, but they will continue to grow, continue to find those guards who remain loyal to their oath- to their princess. And one day, they will stand and fight the blasphemy of the world, to bring the glory back to their Sun and Moon eternal, and on that day... The Princesses will return.

The Justiciar
The Justiciar is the acting leader of the Order, and the current oldest member of the Elderguard. This position’s demographic greatly changes over time, as during more active seasons, the influx of those Loyal to the oath takes cause for there to be more than one. Also, the ‘oldest’ may not always be that old physically, just mentally experienced enough to fulfil the position.

The Justiciar is usually seen in their peacetime robes, as the Order is not yet ready to enact militant campaigns. These lightly armored robes pay homage to the late Princess of the Sun or Moon, depending on whether the Justiciar is a Solar or Lunar Guard. The Celestial Robes are pearlescent with a golden filigree, and a prismatic cape to complement the ensemble. The Lunar Robes reflect the Night Sky, and are enchanted to show accurate representations of the constellations in the sky. The hem is done in silver with midnight purple embroidery, and there is a vest emblazoned with the Mark of Luna’s Guard to finish the image.

The Justiciar is the most experienced pony in the Order at the time, and therefore, often the most skilled in their branch of the guard. The ability to enact any special powers depends on the current Justiciar’s tenacity in their pursuit for higher knowledge. Though they are more than likely deadly foes in the midst of combat.

The Elderguard
Before the Fall, the Elderguard was a special contingent dedicated to those guards who made it to retirement. This contingent was largely active behind the scenes. The guards who managed to join the Elderguard were prone to seeking further tiers of strength. Only the best made it in, and they strived to get better.

In these dark times, however, the demographics have changed. All of the Royal Guard that remained loyal to their oath became part of the Elderguard, they then went into hiding. No information is known of them during this period, though it is assumed they continued their search for enlightenment.

On the decennial anniversary of the Fall, the Elderguard resurfaced, with the intention to bring the former soldiers back to the path of the Sun and Moon. They formed the Order of the Old Guard and began to search for those still loyal to the Celestial Sisters.

Before the Fall, the Elderguard was issued with unique armor, crafted by the finest smiths and magically augmented to enhance the wearer’s strengths and abilities. While the Solar armor was gold and the Lunar armor silver, the Elderguard’s armor was made of a rarer material, onyx. This onyx armor was near impenetrable without augmentation, but once augmented the armor could oppose the vitality of diamonds or even dragonscales.

The Elderguard was the pinnacle of skill in the previous age, and they have not lost their title. Their ranks bear ponies who are highly proficient in a large variety weapons and magicks, though each has a specific preference.

The Paladins

988117

"So much destruction. This reporter asks... WHY?! Local resident's blame this selfish and Negligent writer who DARED to post such ideas on a forum!"

1002503 *BAMPH!*
*runs over Smoers06 with a boat* LALALALALALALALALALALALALALALALALALA~~

1002517

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!

Pitch

VS

NOBODY BLINK!

FIGHT!

Here we go, my personal house! Hope you all like it.

*Hides behind a desk and peaks out over it.*

House Crusader

“We chase what could possibly be a myth, but to reunite Equestria we’ll pull down the stars themselves,”

House Crusader is truly a house as more as a combination of many parts. Composed of mercenaries, alchemists and deserters of other houses, House Crusaders has been labeled a haven for those who no longer wish to fight for their houses. Their “leader” Dusty is a pony that is hoping to unite Equestria under the legend of the “dragon with scales of stardust,” despite the claim House Crusader finds ponies flocking to their camp every day.

Important Facts About House Crusader

The full name is house Stardust Crusaders though this is an inside term
.
Despite his best efforts Dusty is sometimes seen as an almost religious figure because the legend speaks that the pony that receives the vision of the dragon of star dust would be a kind of savior.

Though House Earthborn as a whole has little interest in the “group of fanatics” one unit lead by the Juggernaut LooseLocks has a special interest in seeing this House destroyed.

House Crusader has no real place to call their own as they move often to avoid too much attention and when they are pursuing clues about the dragon of stardust.

Important Members of The House

“The reason I followed Dusty? Simple because he is the only one I've met that has come to me honestly about what he wants of me and my gun. Wish he would stop being a punk and be honest with himself” -Saica

Dusty Bristle: Leader of the house, Dusty was just a rank and file Pony-At-Arms on a dull patrol duty around the Changling deserts. A chance encounter with an aging unicorn mare opened his eyes to how badly Equestria needed to be reunited. Though many talented officers have joined his side his inexperience and insecurities have prevented him from exerting his talents as a leader. When pressed he has been known to rally his troops and has ferocious fighting ability.

“Saica isn’t much a name as it is a title, the Saicas are probably one of the largest producers of the flintlock guns that most griffons use and every one of them is talented in one. Current Saica, kill ya soon as look at ya so you best pay the proper respects if you aim to hire her.” - Saica Mercenary

Saica: Infamous among ponies and and griffons, the Saica clan is known for the production of many of the common weapons used by griffons and hire themselves out as mercenaries. The Saica clan have been known to turn the tides of battle for any side that has the coin to hire them b The current Saica, a raven colored female griffon has been particularly known for her cold efficiency, demand for respect and her devotion to living honorably. When Dusty’s group couldn't pay for her services she gave him a challenge to complete, which Dusty lost due to his inexperience. Saica respected his resistance even when she threatened to kill him for his weakness. She now advises him in battle and trains the new recruits in the use of her weapons.

“I do not know if my grandmother is senile or simply a fool for thinking some outsider can locate the dragon when our own have not encountered it at all. Mark my words, he is just another greedy pony that wishes to exploit our power.” -Slipstream Priestess of Baskar Village

>Splash Star: A pegasus pony that led Dusty to her village, when he initially fled from House Earthborn territory. Her grandmother was able to make sense of the vision that Dusty received and charged Splash Star to aid Dusty in his endeavours. Splash is an apprenticed priestess and is talented in speaking with elemental spirits named Guardians and a shamanistic magic. Though she is personally indifferent to Dusty many of her people do not trust him either from the fact that he is an outsider or jealousy that he received the blessing to search for the dragon of stardust.

“I don’t know what goes on in that head of his and most days I don’t want to know...”-Dusty

Whisper Links: Polite, professional and calm under pressure the unicorn acts as Dusty’s stealth and reconnaissance. Ever the pragmatist, Whisper sometimes measures things under the metric of success/failure rather than right and wrong. He’s not a monster by any means, however. Usually he tries to take the higher road, but he’s not really a creature burdened with regret.

The Emerald Emirate
“Long have we stood, against the sands of time…“
To the locals their home is known to them as the Ikhwaan Al Thalatha, the “Brotherhood of Three”. To the rest of the world this Zebra nation is the Emerald Emirate. Soaked in deep history and even deeper riches this desert kingdom exist as a central-trade hub for other kingdoms in the world. This is due in part to the kingdom’s prime location near the shipping lanes that run through the Sea of Harmony, which is renowned for its calm waters. This has been an incentive of for trading and traveling on these fair waters for centuries. Shepherd under the rule of their leaders the Zebras have been able to continuously seek out ways to further expand their trade market. And to protect their interest the Zebras deploy one of the largest navies, along with, a highly-organized army of Zebra soldiers trained since birth known as, Janissaries.

Important Facts about the Emerald Emirate:
- The nation has been in existence since the time of when the Divine Sisters first came to rule the three pony races.
- The Emirate comprises of three major city-states; El Manelein, Maremphis, and Trotpoli each of under the ruled of their leader dubbed the Viceroy.
- Below the Viceroy is a council of appointed figures consisting select merchants and military officers.
- Each city holds in reserve 20,000 Janissaries. Another 10,000 are made available for use as mercenaries. Currently, the largest buyer is the Crystal Empire.
- The Navy is estimated to sail around 220 ships, with another possible 200 by reconverting merchant vessels.

Important members of the Emirate:
- Viceroy Ahmar of El Manelein- oldest of three rulers;
- Viceroy Akhdar of Maremphis- has just come into the seat of power for his family;
- Viceroy Azraq of Trotpoli- opened trade to House Whitegold in exchange for firearms.

- Commander-General Nassor the Vigilant – decorated soldier and leader, served in the Janissaries mercenary army for over three decades prior to his current appointed position. Has requested that the Janissaries merc-corp not be sent to any House within Equestria… Viceroys have struck down request.
- Grand Admiral Barada ‘Hailstorm’ – One of the youngest Admirals to hold position, descends from a long line of captains, extended the navy’s patrol zone to deal with growing pirate threat. Has pushed for research into creating the Emirate’s first Airship in hopes of creating an air fleet as his legacy.
- General Sandstorm – Zebra of northern tribe descent, heads the Mamluks, an order of Knights sworn to patrol the lands and deserts. Have been waging wars on and off against the Changelings. Currently, have taken a position similar to the Inquisition in dealing with Cultist found wandering the desert near various sacred ruins and sites within the cities.

The non-canon factions are sure popping out the woodwork, its all very impressive.

WAKE UP THREAD! (You! Die!)

All right, I got bored one evening and dabbled a bit of this:

The League of Shadows
“The fire rises…”

Rumored to have been born from the darkness of their namesake, the appropriately-titled League of Shadows is one of the spearheading rebellion groups that have been forming within the brutal land that is Equestria, and one of many instigators of the very idea of defiance in the land. Known for their mysterious background, their cast of colorful yet impressive and influential leaders and their fearsome reputation as one of the more extremist groups rebelling against the Six Houses, the League of Shadows has only one goal: To start a fire within Equestria, let it spread and start from the ashes anew…

Important facts about the League:
• Their main base of operations is assumed to be the port city of Saint Trottersburg (or the outlying island of Seabreeze), though evidence of the League has been proven to spread out across Equestria, including some of the bigger, house-dominated cities such as Canterlot and Manehatten.
• Many of the members are bandits, soldiers, mercenaries and former militia members of the Houses. Behind the scenes, a few notable politicians (some still in power and representing their cities) collaborate with the leaders, notably Two-Face.
• Despite their abhorrence for the Houses, the leaders are often confused as members of them due to their motif or other distinguishing features. For example, Scarecrow and Two Face are often thought to be a part of Whitegold for their classy complexion and mannerisms. The Joker is suitably enough thought to be an agent of the Cult of Laughter.
• Due to personal individual beliefs and tension, ranks are not initiated within the League. The leaders of the group are made clear and anypony below answer to a universal system of address. This has often gotten the League comparisons to a typical gang.
• Anyone can join, provided they can pass the initiation rituals. The initiation rituals, while brutal and sometimes sadistic, are key to creating the League’s feared reputation, ruling out spies and are initiated by the Joker himself.

Important Members of the League:
• Bane – The known leader of the League and thought to be the strongest pony in Equestria, rivaling Big Macintosh of the Equestrian Juggernauts. Much about his past, including his real name, remains a mystery even to his men. Despite that, he is a remarkably charismatic and capable leader that his men would put their lives on the line for.
• Two-Face – Bane’s second-in-command and right-hoof pony that prefers to handle the political matters for the League rather than fight. Half of his body is grotesquely burned by an accident that is different every time asked. He relies most of his big decisions on coin-flips, including whether to go into battle or not. In combat, he wields two flintlock pistols expertly.
• Scarecrow – A former professor turned officer/medic/psychologist for the League. He rarely participates in battles, but nevertheless his presence is feared for his use of a rumored “fear poison” which reportedly brings your worse fears to life. The burlap mask he wears on the field doubles as intimidation and a gas filter.
• Joker – One of the more feared leaders of the League; his sadism, macabre sense of humor and skills in combat often causes him to be associated with the Cult of Laughter, something he denies strongly. His loyalty is questionable, but he claims it would be pointless to betray the League since “fighting a ragtag band isn’t as fun as fighting the Houses.” He personally heads the initiation rituals and frequently gets in fights with the other members, Two Face especially.

Important Facts about Bane:
• He claims to have no strong feelings towards the Princesses or their disappearances (a trait shared among the leaders) and focuses only on the chaos that it started.
• Though ruthless in battle, Bane is very honorable and polite towards his enemies and friends. He treats his troops with the respect they deserve, expecting the same in return. If he does not get it or suspects his fellow leaders are not getting any, he is not afraid to set an example.
• While he does treat his fellow leaders with camaraderie, he still holds them at an arm’s distance, the one he distrusts most being the Joker. He believes the mad clown to be a “wild card” and frequently keeps an eye on him, allowing him free reign only because of his impressive strategic ability.
• He claims to have no intention of killing any of the house leaders or their commanders, as it would be a reckless move to both gaining the support of the houses and make it more difficult to bring peace considering their popularity.

...And if anyone actually cares enough, I might add quotes for Scarecrow and Joker in the quote threat, too.

1042678
... All we need now is the 'Injustice for All' Superman and Batman to show up.

And Equestria shall BURRRRRNNNNN!!!!

1042678
Why do I get the feeling I am not done writing quotes for a certain purple unicorn?

1043007
Fishy! fishy! Pasta! pasta!

New Unit: The Flayed Ones - also known as the Flagellants, are the result of the Sleeping Houses most brutal punishment.

Next Up: Nepenthites the strange assassins of the Sleeping House, who exhale living amnesia.

Edit: Nepenthites finished, moving on to the Angels of the Shroud

Thanks to Eldritch, I've got some ideas for the Order! Should be updating today or tomorrow.

1046975
No problem, Always glad to help!

End of Force descriptions soon, If I can't find an artist online then I will be drawing them myself.

Final Units in Main forces
-The Nameless Pharaoh's
-The Angels of the Shroud
-The Nephilim
-The Ghuls
-The Princes of Dreams

Other units in Acolyte forces
-Dreamer Pony-At-Arms
-Ordinator
-High Ordinator

Edit: Afterwards I plan on writing a fic: would anyone be interested in reading one involving the Sleeping House invading Saint Trottersburg?

I have no artistic ability, nor do I know how to fix these words against a background like the rest of you. This is all I can offer, and i hope you won't judge to harshly.

Equestria Divided

The Eternal Disciples

“For a world wrapped
In an eternal lullaby”

The common pony prays for rain, healthy foals and a peace that never ends. In this day and age, all three are left wanting. With two gods absent, and the heavens still filled, who is left to answer these prayers? House Moon and Star hold that the Sisters will return. The Cult calls for Laughter. But now a new belief burns slowly through the mob, like embers wrapped in paper. One which promises equality among the three races, compassion amongst its brethren and a paradise on Equestria… a paradise only possible if its followers would but help make it so: an eternal jeweled night.

Important Facts about the Disciples

-Is led by the unicorn stallion Regulus, whom his disciples call “Prophet.”

-What began as a single stallion preaching on the corners of Manehatten has blossomed into full religious movement amongst the lower classes. While the numbers of the Disciples remains relatively small, their congregation is beginning to grow and pick up members with each passing day. Many free or neutral cities now have a small ‘parish’ somewhere within its walls, though the largest such group is located outside the Wall of Manehatten.

-As decreed by Arch-Magister Twilight Sparkle, the beliefs of the disciples are both heretical and blasphemous against the Celestial Thrones. As such, any Disciple or pony found professing the word of the Night Mare within controlled territory is to be turned over to the Celestial Inquisition for interrogation and summary execution.

-The exact motives of the Disciples are currently unknown at this point. Whether they are merely a religious movement, a cult, a political party seeking control of the government, or an organization seeking to overthrow all the Houses is known only to the Prophet. At the moment, the group's actions involve everything from helping the sick and injured and raising funds for charitable causes, to actively participating in Equestria's underground market and espionage. The group, whose sessions of worship and sermons are all held outdoors nightly, adhere to a deity the prophet Regulus calls 'The Night Mare'. They acknowledge her as the one true goddess, and that all should worship her.

-All ponies are welcome to attend mass and join. While the religion professes compassion amongst fellow believes, it holds no such reserves for outsiders. This, coupled by the religious fervor and fanaticism ignited by Regulus's teaching and sermons, occasionally results in zealot, occasionally violent, like behavior in members towards foreigners and nonbelievers. Regulus and the Disciples as a whole have neither publicly approved of condemned such actions.

Important Members of The Eternal Disciples

-Regulus- No longer the obedient colt, the Prophet of the Night Mare walks through the prime of his life with conviction and passion. When he talks, others listen to a stallion capable of arguing either side of a debate, holding a crowd's attention, and driving home a point. Whether coming across as wise and sincere, charming and playful, or fiery and zealous, Regulus is altogether a convincing character, leading many to convert.

-Silent Dawn- Once an archivist from Canterlot before the War, Silent Dawn fled to Manehatten with his daughters and the bulk of his collection when the Celestial Inquisition began to burn all texts that were considered heretical. One of Regulus’s first converts after witnessing the stallion’s miracles, Silent Dawn serves as a Lore Keeper to the Disciples and advisor to Regulus.

-Peppermint, Spearmint, and Wintergreen – Silent Dawn’s three adopted daughters. Identical triplet unicorns on the verge of marehood, they are the face of the Disciples’ charity work and goodwill. Tenderhearted, compassionate, and inseparable, they work together with the Acolytes to help the poor and sick of Manehatten.

-Nightshade – Beautiful as she is deadly, the pegasus mare leads the few Nightwalkers who serve the Eternal Disciples. Once a prostitute in Manehatten’s District of Pleasure, she is now responsible for the Disciples’ more shadowy functions of espionage and murder. She is a master of deception and mischief and has led many a pony astray with her lies and wiles. Not above flirting with the prophet, she is utterly devoted to the cause, with Regulus as the Night Mare’s word and will… and Her will be done.

Important Facts about Regulus

- His slide towards fanaticism started nine years ago, during his days as an acolyte in the Lunar Priesthood.

- While initially faithful, he slowly grew despondent over the lack of divinity from the absent Princesses. Where he had once worshipped and prayed to both goddesses, he instead began to see them only as roles. There was no denying their wisdom, their longevity, or their incredible magic. But they answered no prayers, let alone his, nor gave any inkling that they still remained.

- At last, he left the Order with a spiritual hunger that House Moon and Star could not fill, and disappeared, only to resurface in Manehatten three years ago preaching a new religion.

- He believes Princess Celestia and Luna to still be alive, taking their absences as proof of their disgust at the disharmony between the Equine races. He acknowledges that the two have abandoned Equestria, and in turn, he, and all of Equestria, will abandon them.

-Regulus relies less on combat and more on oration to achieve his ends. Why fight against an army, when carefully chosen words and a ‘miracle’ or two could make them fight for you. Still, his matron has not left him without her blessings…

-Despite working against each of the Houses, none of the House Leaders (except for the Cult of Laughter) have tried to assassinate Regulus, despite his whereabouts being one of the worst-kept secrets in Equestria. At any given time, he is surrounded by too many disciples for such an attempt to be successful, and even it were, such a death would only make him a martyr to the faith and rally ponies behind him.

-Even though some of what Regulus does could be considered ‘Dark Magic’, the pony and his Disciples have an intense loathing for all acts necromancy with the belief that “It prevents the soul from joining the Stars at its passing.” As a result, Regulus is firmly devoted towards the extermination of the Cult of Laughter.

- Although some see him as a chess player in Equestria's great game, Regulus in fact, has a profound (some say obsessive) love of Bingo and may be occasionally caught playing after his sermon with fellow parishioners.

Units of The Eternal Disciples

*Disciples - Coming from every possible social class, background, and industry, Regulus’s parishioners and the worshippers of the Night Mare are less of a fighting force and more of a ‘angry mob with pitchforks and torches’. Fanatical against of foreigners and nonbelievers, their sheer numbers are enough to cause considerable damage against even a well-trained force when worked up into a fervor.

*Acolytes – One of the many who are being tutored in the secrets and teachings of the Disciples. Usually working alongside Sisters Peppermint, Spearmint, and Wintergreen, they aid with charitable works. Working in the field has left them with medical experience, and with a unwavering faith, they will happily die for their beliefs.

*Priest/priestess - Acolytes who have finished their tutelage, and now preach to the masses, spreading the Prophet's and Night Mare's word. Less fighters and more converters, a few can be found in every city that the Disciples has members. Leaders of the individual parishes, they lead the nightly mass and spread the word of the Night Mare, converting ponies and causing unrest wherever they go.

*Nightwalkers - Members who have sworn and devoted their entire lives to the Night. Mostly pegasi and unicorns, they have received the Night Mare's blessing through her Prophet. They can shift between their corporeal form to an incorporeal state of smoke and shadow, and cannot hurt or be hurt while incorporeal. With poison, knife and shadow magic, they are what Moon and Star’s Nightmares could only dream to be. Though very few in number, they serve as the Night Mare's agents, enforcers, and spies.

Pretty much,their style of play is to cause massive religious and political unrest where ever they go, and convert members all the while, until an entire city is in rebellion against itself. They don't exactly have an 'endgame' beast or unit, and rely on subterfuge and conversion to meet their goals.

Well I guess someone should get to work on the humans au.

1046991
Invading St. Trottensburg? You had better be very sure...

I think we had this discussion about applying Humans to Equestria Divided.,,, it was not supportive.

1048458
If you are talking about Bane, I think you should have a look at Rattlehead's non-canon organization, the League of Shadows.

1048521

Nope, Above Comment, Ranger24.

House Blackshell

“Let them have t' land because we rule t' sea”

They started out as a bunch of simple pirates trying to make a living for themselves on the sea but when the war started they found themselves forced to either join a house or be chased down by them. Some however refused to join a house because it would mean to diminish their freedom so they began to band together into their own house to support each other. They care little about the war between the houses and target all houses equally when they raid ships to get the money and resources they need.

Important Facts about House Blackshell:
-Lead by a group of pirates called the pirate warlords that have equal say in how the house is run so there is no supreme leader

-Their stronghold is the city of Blackshell an ancient city located on giant sea turtles back that they now inhabit, due to it being located on a turtle it always moving and only ponies with special compasses can find it wherever it is

-What started out as a small group of pirates has during the war turned into a large fleet of pirate ships that all support each other in their times of need

-Mostly the pirates of the house work alone but they have to report all their hits so they know which houses they have been annoying lately

-Despite the house plundering of many trade ships from all houses none of the houses in equestrian have successfully destroyed Blackshell due to the turtle diving under the sea when threatened and the city shielded from the water by magic

-When it comes to combat the house is very diverse and don’t have any unit types set up like the other houses

-Most pirate captain recruits their crew in ports allover Equestria usually not with their pirate ships and if you’re a member of a crew you and your family are allowed to live in Blackshell

Important members of House Blackshell:
- Grandis- the giant turtle Blackshell is located on he has been around for eons so he is very wise and is the closes the house has to a leader due to his authority over the Warlords because they are living on his back so if he wanted he could kill them all

-Black mane- one of the pirate warlords, an unnaturally big earth pony stallion, His ship the Celestias revenge is one of the biggest in the house and he wields an anchor on a chain that he swings at his opponents. He employs the ancient tactic of shot first ask questions later

-Calm sea- One of the pirate warlords, an earth pony stallion that is a master strategist and handles most of the house battle plans also he is an inventor, his ship is the nautilus a submarine of his own design he prefers to let other fight for him but if the need arises he will fight himself using a rapier

-Storm rider- One of the pirate warlords, a Pegasus mare that is an expert at being unpredictable, this reflects in her fighting style as well as she uses whatever she can get her hoofs on during battle, her ship is the storm chaser a ship designed to plunder ships in the middle of storms

-Thundercloud- One of the pirate warlords, Pegasus stallion that is an expert markspony and is one of the only sky pirates, his ship is the cumulus an airship, His weapons is wingblades and dual blades attached on his front legs, usually attacks ships by descending from high altitude directly above his target

-Starnova- One of the pirate warlords, a dehorned unicorn that is better known as the Bladestorm nova, she is a master with throwing knives and could care less for her disability, her ship is the banshee a small ship that do night time boarding of ships

A house i will use in a story some time in the future also if you have ideas for pirates captains and ships share them with me

Commencing non Canon humans number 1
Nor Menn Kingdom

General History:

The Nor Menn (and other Menn groups) once ruled over the lands now known as Equestria. For over a thousand years they ruled the lands dominating over all the creatures that dwelled there in. When the ponies came out of the frozen north they clashed with the Nor Menn many times. The strength of the ponies magic and flying forces overwhelmed the mostly grounded fighting armies of the Nor Menn. Rather than obliterate the Nor Menn utterly Equestria's founders banished them from the lands of Equestria under pain of death.

The Nor Menn set sail north east and settled in a bitter land. They fragmented into clans and houses warring with one another for scarce resources. This eventually began to bring the Windingos to them who made their lot even worse than before. The Nor Menn became desperate raiding distant lands for the supplies needed to feed and shelter their families as the winters became steadily longer, colder, and harsher.

Though their raids have taken them far they have never dared to break the ban of Equestria, where the Nor Menn had become tales to frighten wayward fillies and colts. They savaged Griffon and Zebra lands but never dared enter the Gulf of Manehattan or approach the coast of stars. Not at least while Celestia and Luna were present.

Now the Royal Alicorn Sisters are gone, Equestria is torn apart in civil war, and the winter has become so brutal barely three months are left in the year where there is no snow. The Nor Menn have had enough. They gathered their clans at a great stone pillar where they first made land fall and chose the King to lead them to glory, Rhaegastar Dragonsfury. With him at their head they make ready to sail west to drag Equestria to the dirt by the mane and remind it just why it should fear the axes of Menn.

As warriors the Nor Menn are fierce, aggressive fighters. They lack numbers relying on hard hitting raiding forces and some skilled magic users to win battles. Their construction abilites are below average at best meaning that it is inadvisable for them to get bogged down. They are also vulnerable to air attacks making Stormwing the bane of their existence.

Racial Make up:

Menn (Humans)

Caladria (Winged Humans)

Dökkálfar (Dark Elves)

Sindarla (Wood Elves)

Avariel (Winged Elves)

Major figures:

King Rhaegastar Dragonsfury-The newly crowned King of the Nor Menn, King on the Frozen Throne.

Prince Jonn Snowdragon- Rhaegastar's son by his second wife, the aunt of Lord Robvin Krast, heir to the Frozen throne.

Jarl Robvin Krast- The young lord clan Krast, Master of Dire Wolves, and nephew of King Rhaegastar.

Jarl Valkar Hammerhelm- A fierce warlord, commander of two thousand swords, and former rival of the King.

Jarl Stannith Furysheart- A warlord, hard and brittle as iron, Lord Admiral of the Nor Fleet.

Lord Male'this Sunwalker- Master of the Dökkálfar house of Summer.

Lord Aryain Theron- Master of Dökkálfar house of Autumn

Chieftan Galak Soulspitter- A vicious chieftan and raider of the Nor Menn.

Chieftan Carnak Strgyin- A hard chieftan and raider of the Nor Menn.

Chieftan Midnar Strenn- A local chieftan of the Nor Menn, his lands and people are few.

Wernestel Black- A sorceror in service to Midnar Strenn.

Garren Hauk- A War Priest in the service of King Rhaegastar.

Faesage Thenon Maihavan- Leader of the Sindarla clans.

Faesage Merricle- A Sindarla Sorceroress.

Sister Reginlea- Leader of the Valkyr Caladria.

Ardon Weavstar- A Wanderer and mercenary.

EXPY FILLED HUMANS NUMBER 2
Empire of the Sun

General History:

When Menn were banished from the lands now known as Equestria some traveled far to the east. They settled on islands there and began to rebuild the society they had lost to the Ponies who now called Equestria home. They formed feudal clans and loosely affilated with eachother.

Then came the Wind Serpents, cousins of the dragons who for some time made war upon the Menn. The clans choose an Emperor from among their ranks to lead them and they soon brought the Wind Serpents to the negotiation table. Peace was achieved and the two peoples enjoyed relative peace for a time.

The prosperity soon began to turn into a double edged sword however. The islands they called home were to small and illequiped to handle their growing population. They sent voyages far a field to seek out new lands to colonize and settle.

Then they came upon Equestria again. Thousands of years of their absence and the ponies had broken apart into civil war, the royal sisters gone, and the elements of harmony at war with one another. The time seemed perfect for a reconquest. Emperor Yoshiro commanded Shogun Kasshu to take a great army and secure the lands of Equestria for the return of its true rulers.

As a fighting force they rely upon well disciplined massed frontline troops, combined with a variety ranged weapons to hold up the enemy long enough for elite units to turn the tide. The Empire is no slouch in magic but is still limited in that area to mostly ice and healing spells. They have powerful but very expensive monsters to provide the knock out punch.

Racial Make up:

Menn (Humans)

Sindarla (Wood Elves (Female only))

Avariel (Winged Elves)

Wind Serpents

Major figures:

Emperor Yoshiro- The Heavenly Sovereign of the Empire of the Sun, Master of Menn and Serpent, once a great mariner who sailed all over the world even within bow shot of Equestria once, currently in his late fifties.

Prince Suzaku- The heir to the throne, a skilled if melancholic warrior, a student of Shogun Kasshu, currentl in his early twenties.

Shogun Domen Kasshu- Commander of Emperor Yoshiro's forces in the field, called the Burning Heart, master of the Burning Heavenly Fist.

Shinn Kasshu- The eldest child of Shogun Kasshu, considered a disapointment by his father for allowing his passions to control him.

Kallen Kasshu- The only daughter of Shogun Kasshu, heir to his seat despite being a woman, a skilled warrior and practitioner of the Burning Heavenly Fist, rival to Prince Suzaku.

Simon Kasshu- The youngest child of Shogun Kasshu, initially considered weak willed until his father placed him in the care of Kamina the Oni slayer, now considered a deadly warrior and practitioner of the Spiral Fist.

Kamina the Oni slayer- Called the Oni slayer, always marches into battle without armor and emerges unscathed, mentor to Simon Kasshu his "Blood brother" and rival to Shogun Kasshu, Master of the Spiral Fist technique.

Ip Lee- Master of the fist, a monk of great skill, undefeated in over a hundred bouts.

Ryu Hayabusa- The leader of one of the most prestigious Shinobi clans, the Emperors personal assassin.

Raiden- A known gaijin (or foreigner), a lethal and aggresive Shinobi who practices Bushido.

Madoka Kaname- Leader of the Mahou Shoujo, considered the most powerful of their number in all of recorded history.

non sparkling vampire go!
Principality of Silvinvania

General History:

When Menn were exiled from Equestria some fled to the east. They landed in a mountainous land with dark forests as from one mountain range to the next. They named it Silvinvania and built themselves a new home under the trees and in the mountain valleys.

They soon learned however that they had strayed onto cursed lands. Before they knew demons were attacking them on all sides, butchering villages and isolated farms. Desperate for an answer to the plight of his people a young warrior Gabriel Tepes tracked down and slew three great demon lords. This however proved to be his folly as the demons transfered abit of their essence into him as he killed them.

A curse spread from him slowly even as the people rejoiced and set hm up to rule over them. Two curses spread from him transforming many of his subjects into horrifying creatures. He himself bore marks of both curses and soon felt the craving, the craving for blood. The lands of Silvinvania were soon awash with blood as its transformed populace slaughtered one other to quench their thirst.

Twenty years ago however the madness was brough to an end by the efforts of the Alchemist and Scientist Doctor Frederick Frankenstein. Dr. Frankenstein developed two potions known as Wolfsbane and Blood Kiss which allowed the people to regain control of themselves and manage their apetites.

Even so the curse is still in much of Silvinvania's people and there simply isn't enough blood to go around. Desperate for fresh blood they turn their eyes west wards passed war torn Prance to Equestria, weakened by civil war and no longer protected by Celestia and Luna.

Racial Make up:

Vampires (Vampiric Menn and Caladria)

San'layn (Vampiric Dark Elves, Wood Elves, and Avariel)

Lycanthropes (Werewolves)

Menn (Humans)

Caladria (Winged Humans)

Dökkálfar (Dark Elves)

Sindarla (Wood Elves)

Avariel (Winged Elves)

Major figures:

Gabriel Vlad "Dracula" Tepes- King of the Night

Trevor Adrian "Alucard" Tepes- Exhiled son of Dracula

Rachel "Alucard" Tepes- Exhiled great grand daughter of Dracula

Mina Tepes- Grand daughter of Dracula, Heir Appearent

Wolfgang Regendorf- Captian of the Royal Guard, a Werewolf

Carmilla- Sorceress

Count Marcus Corvinus- Official Head of House Corvinus

Viktor- A warlord who is officailly Marcus' vassal

Count Issa Shuzen- Head of House Shuzen.

Countess Gyokuro Shuzen- Legal wife of Issa, considerd a danger to the realm

Count Kaname Kuran- Head of House Kuran

Dio'Brando- A powerful Vampiric Warrior, not affilated with any house.

Lano'thar- Blood Queen of the San'layn.

Sylvana Windthrope- The Banshee queen, a Dark Ranger, in life married to the previous master the Dökkálfar house of Autumn.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein- Alchemist and Scientist, developed the Wolfsbane and Blood kiss potions.

hopefully not offensive northafrica/egypt army go!
Sultanate of Turmgypt

General History:

When Menn were banished from Equestria most fled far far away, fearing the wrath of the Alicorn sisters. Not so with the people of Turmgypt, they only went south just past zebra territories and established for themselves a new realm. Their harsh desert home was rich in gold and their cities quickly grew into centers of trade.

Still their rulers, the Sultans hungered for more land and power and began warring with the Zebra tribes to their north. For over a thousand of years the wars went on and on with both sides gaining and losing ground. Several of the southern Zebra cities fell long ago to the Menn of Turmgypt and their vast armies, the native Zebras enslaved.

Fighting from within the Sultanate has been the Zebra's main saving grace. It is said that when the Sultan coughs, the princes draw their swords. There have been countless civil wars over the throne of Turmgypt.

The Sultanate draws its power from its vast reserves of gold which it uses to enlist massive armies of warriors, foreign mercenaries, and pirates. Of also note is the skill of their magic users. The Priesthood of Turmgypt is split into two groups the the Sand Priests and the Shadow Priests. The Sand Priests use spells to manipulate the winds to pile sand and creat devastating sand storms. The Shadow Priest meanwhile practice the dark arts of Necromancy.

It is currently the reign of Sultan Thutmose the VII, who came to power in a bloody coup against his elder brother. Eager to cement his claims to the throne he sets his eyes further north than any Sultan before him, the Cities of Colterado and Manehattan. With a vast army of warriors at his disposal and exotic weapons of war he shall fall upon Equestria like a storm in the desert; suddenly and with terrifying force.

Racial Make up:

Menn (Humans)

Caladria (Winged Humans)

Dökkálfar (Dark Elves)

Camel

Zebra

Major figures:

Sultan Thutmose VII- His Magnificence, the Unconquerable Sun of the South, son of the Gods, Ruler of the Sultanate, killed his own brother for the Throne.

High Priest Hotep- A Dökkálfar high priest of the Gods of Turmgypt, wields the powers of the Priests of Sand and Shadow.

Mamluk Captain Selim- The Captain of the Mamluk forces, distrusts Altaïr.

Admiral Kemal Pasha- The Lord Admiral of Turmgypts fleets.

Chieftan Shaz'laman- The Leader of the Nomadic tribes, a skilled archer.

Altaïr ibn La-Ahad- The greatest assassin in the world, Leader of the Hashshashin. The only known way to escape is by sea as it is rumored that he traded any ability to swim in exchange for dark gifts to improve his skills.

Chieftan Khamul- The leader of the Camel Tribes, ally of Sultan Thutmose VII.

I'm more than a little late to the party, but posting it anyway. What do you guys think?

1160369
Full Size

Last human faction promise.

Themizonica

General History:

When the humans were banished from Equestria one group suffered noticably bad luck. They were blown east into a great storm where many of their ships were lost. When they at least reached dry land and counted their numbers they made a disquieting discovery. Of their number only a twelth were male. To ensure their survival they became a matriachal society carefully managing their numbers. Over time however the males became little more than a tradable commodity, slaves.

The region they settle in was rough but rich in resources. They called the region Themizonica, and began rebuilding society. To their great fortune they had numerous Ljósálfar, elves immense magical power and knowledge. They preserved much of ancient humanities technology and culture considering themselves the true heiress to the ancient human empire.

Eventually they came under attack by foul creatures, bastard abominations of humans foolishly trying to breed with ponies, the Beastmen. The Themizons fought back using all of the skill of their ancestors and powerful magics. Their battles with the Beastmen made the Themizons viciously fiercly xenophobic, despising any who were not true daughters of Themizonica.

The Themizons are fierce warriors, preserving the ancient tradtions of the original empire. Only women may serve in their army and they only accept those they deem fit to live. The training starts young and most recruits first see action around fourteen and will likely fight for the rest of their lives. They fight with excellent heavy infantry, archers, and powerful spellcasters. This makes up for their lack of technological innovation from the works of their ancestors which they hold as sacred.

Many have dreamed of going on the offensive and reestablishing the ancient empire. When word reached them that Equestria, the ancient home of their ancestors was vulnerable and weakened many believed it was a sign from above that the time had come to reclaim ancient glory. A vast army has been assembled and prepares now to sale west and bring the true wrath of humanity upon Equestria.

Racial Make up:

Menn (Humans)
Caladria (Winged Humans)
Dökkálfar (Dark Elves)
Sindarla (Wood Elves)
Avariel (Winged Elves)

Ljósálfar (Light Elves)

Major figures:

High Queen Alexandria- The High Queen of Themizonica, called the Conquerer, a human

Fae Queen Rosalina- Queen of the Ljósálfar, one of the most powerful magic users in the world

Witch Queen Mabillia- Queen of the Sindarla, one of the most powerful magic users in the world

Hag Queen Anira- Queen of Dökkálfar, one of the most powerful magic users in the world

High Princess Eupheria- The choosen heiress and daughter of High Queen Alexandria, a Sindarla by appearance

Grand Champion Cereza - The reigning champion of the Gladiatrices, undefeated in over 500 bouts

Useful Notes:
1. The names of Themizon nobility always end with an A.
2. Themizoica has waged fought with all the other human nations. They consider them all unworthy successor to the ancient empire and will almost always attack them on sight.
3. Themizoica has also invaded many pony nations as ponies expanded beyond Equestria. When they do so they do not take prisoners, out of revenge for the defeat of their ancestors.
4. The politcal system in Themizoica is based around four queens. One of these four shall be the high queen and only the position of the high queen is hereditary. The four queens combine their powers to create the next High Princess who wil be born by the High Queen. The High Queen must create a new High Princess within for years of assuming the throne.
5. When babies are born in Themizoica they are inspected by the elders. Any and all male children are sent into bondage at once while the girls are closely examined. If any physical defects or faults are discovered the child is left to die. This brutal practice has yeilded skilled, fit, and beautiful warriors.
6. One of the training exercises War Maidens under go is to secretly murder a male slave. The act of the murder is not the true test but the act of not getting caught.
7. Males in Themizoica are all slaves; they work the fields, build the houses, work the forges, mine the ore, and clean the sewers. A Themizon Warrior may take however many men she wishes to her bed for the law requires that all Themizon Warriors produce at least one daughter in the course of their life. The father is often discarded once the daughter is born. A father who produces a son is usually kicked out at once or may be killed.

And here's my non-canon group. The Phantom Masquerade, first appearing in my fanfic's final chapter.

1334689 Okay, I HAVE to ask cause numerous people are doing it... where are you finding the paper background from?

1334869 Found it by google searching Parchment Background

1334689 Woah, seem yet another has arisen in an attempt to bring peace to a divided Equestria. I gotta say that the symbol is pretty cool with the both the design and coloring.

1334689
Not an active combat force, more of spyring by the looks of things. OR the Assassin's brotherhood from assassin's creed.

1335817 That was my main inspiration!
...Tell nopony.

Why do I get the feeling the Caravan, the Masquerade, and the other resistance movements and insurgencies will turn out to be no better then the Great Houses themselves... Perhaps, a little worse...

1335834
Is k.

If you ever need an army list though give float me a message I did one for Loyal2Luna and the Caravan.

1335914 I'll keep that in mind, thanks for the offer.

And now for the Equestrian equivelant of the Tau

House Radiance (Founded 21 A.C.R)

“May the Serpent Guide us all.”

It was Twilight’s forced Alicorn transformation experiments that officially kicked off House Radiance’s foundation and uprising against the divided Equestria. Her lab, tucked safely away from Canterlot proper and from prying eyes, exploded in a brilliant rainbow light and Skywinder’s new form spread that light out across Equestria from high above the lab, marking the a great change in history.

Prior to that time the pegasus stallion named Skywinder had wanted little more then to learn about his Home by Blood but between the experiment and the hardships he and his companions suffered during their journey he resolved to change things. Twisted into a half-serpentine hybrid he called on his allies from Terra Serpantis, swept in from the Eastern Oceans and laid claim to Foaledo and Whitetail Village, driving out the Cult of Laughter with the aid of dowsing Weaves in the process.

While seemingly small the House quickly dug in, Foaledo bulging as volunteers and ponies hoping for peace migrated into the city and soon the city was converted into a fortress. All the while the red tide of Terralings disappeared underground into the old Diamond Dog tunnels, overrunning them and converting them into a Joint-Hive.

And so the House begins the long and difficult process of bringing their Light of Hope to the torn and war-weary hearts of ponies all across Equestria.

Important Facts about House Radiance:
-The formation of House Radiance started several hundred years before the Division with the founding of a pony colony on the continent of Terra Serpantis. Knowledge of the colony was lost to common ponies due to simple lack of interest, while Twilight and Luna never learned of the colony due to the thought simply slipping Celestia’s mind during that rather hectic time.
-The majority of House Radiance’s power comes from the Dream-Weavers of the Wedge-Tail gryphon tribes and the Terraling Hive Swarms. Only a minority of those forces are actually present in Equestria with most remaining on Terra Serpantis.
-Ponies form a minority in the House’s armed forces, consisting mostly of volunteers from every walk of life. It has been noted that even some Cult of Laughter ponies have converted to the House, singing praises to the Serpent the entire time.
-Dream-Weavers draw their power from the Plane of Dreams in which Baiame, the Rainbow Serpent, and the multitude of other Dream Spirits reside with the Ancestors of the Wedge-Tails and Terralings. Weaves draw on the user’s Dream Spirit Guardian granting the user a range of abilities ranging from physical buffs to commanding the very weather with but a few syllables, while other weaves allow the user to dowse for water, prey or enemies or sharpen their eyesight. Some even master a weave to communicate with the Spirits directly. Mostly only Wedge-Tails have high chance of being able to Weave, though some Terralings and Ponies can learn to Weave as well.
-Although the House’s forces in Equestria numbers little over 200 Wedge-Tails and 2000 pony volunteers, it is the Terraling Swarms that live underground that allows the House to rival the other Houses. Just within the House’s tiny patch of land a Joint-Hive of over 500,000 Terraling Skirmishers and 3,000 Terraling Guardians await the call to arms. Even then the majority of what Skywinder can call on resides back in Terra Serptantis with pretty much the entire continents worth of Wedge-Tails, Terralings and Pony colonists ready and willing to make the long journey to reinforce the House.
-Considered upstarts by just about all the Houses to varying degrees it is only House Whitegold that has seen a chance to capitalize on their presence, quickly forming a Non-Aggression Pact with them and offering a free trade agreement along with allowing House Radiance to move forces through Whitegold territory uncontested. House Stormwing, House Earthborn and House Moon and Stars despise them for calling the sky the realm of the Gods, not pegasi, for wielding strange magics and for a supposedly heretical view of Celestia and Luna respectively. House Everfree has had little contact with House Radiance but seems to try and avoid conflict. As for the Cult of Laughter, as some Cultist have converted to the House some wonder which has infiltrated which.
-Wedge-Tails and Terralings usually forgo weapons and armour, preferring their natural weapons and physical enhancement Weaves. Those Wedge-Tails who cannot Weave will often equip weapons and armour made of lamented wood and Terraling chitin with kangaroo leather padding. Surprisingly these material work just as well as steel.
-All who have tried to get a Wedge-Tail to betray a Terraling or vice versa have met a horrible end. The two species live in an unbreakable Harmony and it is this bond that inspires ponies to fight for the House.

Important Members of House Radiance:
-Baiame, the Rainbow Serpent- Ancient spirit that shaped seas and mountains with his vast body in days of legend. His existence threatened the safety of much of what lived on the planet so he asked his dearest friends, the Sun Mother (Celestia) and Moon Maiden (Luna) in aiding his favoured children in sealing him away. To that end he was split in three, his spirit departing for the Dreaming so he could watch over his children from afar, his power was sealed within the Rock of Uluru allowing him a measure of influence in the world and his physical body was shattered, becoming the arcane material Serpantium.
-Skywinder, the Unifer- Dream-Weaver, silver-tongued warrior and former pegasus. He presents his monstrous, half serpentine body as a testament of the sacrifices he is willing to make in the name of those who seek his protection.
-Empress Shimmeralis, the Swarm Leader- Skywinder’s childhood playmate and leader of House Radiance’s Terraling forces. One of Skywinder’s closest advisors.
-Gust Diver, the Grey Feathered- An Elder Wedge-Tail Gryphon and Master Dream-Weaver. He leads the Wedge-Tails of House Radiance while also teaching Skywinder the more advanced Weaves. He has also taken to teaching Skywinder’s other companions the basic Weaves.
-Scootaloo, the Exile- Former House Stormwing Scout and protégé to Rainbow Dash. After narrowly avoiding becoming a Fallen thanks to a timely rescue she now leads House Radiance’s pegasus volunteer corps. She is learning basic Weaves from Gust Diver.

Important Facts about Skywinder:
-Skywinder is assumed to be an orphan due to his being found at the foot of Uluru alone and surrounded by Dust Dingo dust piles after a brilliant flash of light. The truth of this is unknown and if his birth parents yet live they haven’t come forward.
-He was raised by the Ninganarra tribe and believes absolutely in its traditions and beliefs. This extends to his use of Terraling chitin as armour and the application of warpaint prior to his transformation.
-His transformation into his new half-serpentine form is the result of the Arch-Magister testing her Alicorn transformation ritual on him. His twisted visage is the result of his natural pegasus magic, his connection to the Dream and Twilight’s Astral magic reacting violently.
-There are rumours about whether or not he is romantically involved with Shimmeralis and Scootaloo. Although he is tight lipped about the later he claims that although he did have a relationship with the former they parted when they realized they didn’t have the chemistry for anything long term.

Here is my new, non-equestrian faction, the Order of the Sands (will get its own origin fic, leader sheet, army sheet and if school allows me to have free time, buildings sheet, with art included, hopefully)

I'm likely gonna get killed for this...

I think I'll give a shot at making a Faction.

The Foaledo Iron Guard

"It is Vital the Trains arrive on Time"-Flash Sentry

During the Chaos right after the splintering of Equestria, Foaledo was in turmoil. Unicorn, Pegasi and Earth Pony Supremacists, Bolshevites, Technocrats, and even followers of the weak regent battled each other in the streets and tore much of the once great city apart. However, despite their efforts only one faction triumphed against them all: the Fascist Iron Guard Party and it's leader, Flash Sentry. They won due to promising the terrified civilians peace, and also to brutally crushing all forms of resistance and the surprising success of the Iron Guards 'Storm Troopers.'

After wiping out the Whites holed up in the old Palace, they quickly set about taking over as much territory as they could, overwhelming the weak defenses in Whitetail and Dog Watch skirmishing with the Magi on the border. Flash Sentry then quickly moved the gears of industry in the city and began gearing up for the eventual war. Every Civilians duty was to support the Party and defend Ponykind from the degenerated Mongrel Slavers led by the mad mare Twilight and naturally, Ponies everywhere bought it up and many eagerly enlisted in the Military.

A decade later, the Unicorns declared war upon the Hoofington Republic and the Iron Guard declared that they would support their brothers in arms in the City and marched to the front lines. The War was bloody, violent, and short with Hoofington forced to surrender and the population almost completely shipped off to the massive slave domes, with the Iron Guard taking serious casualities, wining only a small handful of battles and losing Dog Watch shortly after the collapse of the Hoofington Line.

Thankfully; harassed by a never ending amount of Partisans and Guerillas, the Unicorns hit their logistics line and shortly stopped following the rape of Dogswatch. They settled on rather humiliating terms of peace, and the Government was weakened. This forced Flash to seek an alliance with House Earthborn. Applejack, seeing them as Ponies seemingly doomed to fall to the Slavers and seeing them as a potential thorn in the side of the Unicorn Scum, agreed to the alliance.

Important Facts about the Party:
-Founded by Flash Sentry and remnants of the Old Royal Guard who refused to bend the knee to either Twilight or the Weak Regent who quickly took up a more militaristic ideology.
-The Stormtroopers; formerly just a elite Pegasi segment of the Military and the Secret Police steeped in Mysticism and Supremacism, gained political influence following the war. Some say they are even more prejudiced to Unicorns than the Earthborn...
- The Military has a poor war record, and the basic infantry man little better then the Partisans that regularly harass the Great Houses.
-Foaledo has slowly turned into a massive Fortress capable of holding out for decades if it ever comes to that.
-The Iron Guard has experimented with designs for the Fortbuser, and has created their own unique brand of Siege Engines in order to counterbalance the great war machines of Earthborn.
-Completely hostile against the Caravan, and the Whites in Trottersberg.
-A power struggle is beginning to form between Raindrops and Mjoll, who are only kept from blows by Flash Sentry's prescence. However, if someone would remove Flash, the Stormtroopers and the Reserves may start fighting for control.
-Strangely, while the ground troops have a terrible war record. The Navy is impressive and highly advanced; with steam ships and Ironclads hunting down Pirates in national waters. There are also prototypes for early submersibles, but whether or not anything will come of them is anyone's guess.

Important members of the Party:

Flash Sentry-a former royal guard, and perhaps even lover to Twilight; he abandoned the Royal Guard with a group of his friends and headed south where he was seduced by a rather militaristic ideology that had just started to appear. Some say he's trying too hard.
Raindrops-The Pegasus leader of the Stormtroopers. She was traumatized after the fall of Canterlot to the Unicorns of Moon & Star; she followed Flash down South and was also seduced by the new Ideology. Unfortunately, she also dabbed in Pegasi mysticism...
Mjoll-a Earth Pony with a Warhammer as a Cutie Mark. A avid supporter of the New Modified Siege Weapons, she seeks to retake Dog-Watch, no matter the cost. She's disgusted by the intense racism Raindrops shows and is her rival in Politics.

Unique Units:
Foaledo Infantry Reserves: Regular foot Soldiers recruited from all walks of life. Under equipped and out classed by the Great Houses, they fare little better than the Partisans in open warfare. Most of these Soldiers are Earth Ponies, but some Pegasi and even Unicorns have been known to serve.
The Stormtrooper: Elite Pegasi Shock-Troops capable of taking on even the Hopilites and Lightnings finest. Indoctrinated by Foaledos Fascist Ideology; they combine cold pragmatism with harsh discipline. They have also been seduced by old Pegasi Supremacist Beliefs and are more racist towards Unicorns then even the Earthborn.
The Panzer Siege Engine: .
Tbe Big Mac's: Rail-transported siege cannons also built from Earthborn Behemoth Cannon designs. It is much more powerful then the Behemoth and is capable of hitting targets at record distances with unbelievable accuracy. Thankfully only a handful of these revolutionary weapons have been produced, and they are somewhat weaker than the Behemoth Cannons despite their better accuracy.

1496414
Ladies and Gentlemen, Nazi Ponies.
http://bigccv.deviantart.com/art/Los-refuerzos-392273886

I like how Flash Sentry pours Foaledo's military resources into building giant war machines. Its a nice nod to Nazi Germany's Wunderwaffe, their Superweapon program. Their military favored the use of very expensive and experimental but often devastating weaponry, and it appears that Flash Sentry is doing the same by trying to build his own version of Fortbusters.

The whole Pegasi Mysticism thing was also a nice touch. I've heard before that the Nazis took some inspiration from ancient Sparta, so it could be said that Stormwing isn't the only faction looking toward the past.

1496823
The Nazis also heavily respected Norse Mythology; and we all know what Raindrops was for Nightmare Night.

1494399 The Order of the Sand's army list (will have its own army sheet eventually, but for now have the info)

Desert Warriors: Saddle Arabian soldiers loyal to Prince Ihsan accompanied him in his exile, reaching Equestria. Lightly armored but strong combatants, they wield Saddle Arabian scimitars in battle. Despite being among the first of the Order to fight in armed conflict, they are not very numerous, and their numbers can't be bolstered since no other soldiers in Saddle Arabia would be willing to fight in Equestria, and much less for Prince Ihsan.
Wanderers: Though they at first sight appear to be mercenaries, these ponies are true members of the Order. Most of the Equestrian ponies in the Order become Wanderers, but this also applies to zebras. These ponies are more heavily armored than the Desert Warriors but use smaller blades in battle, making them more suited for defensive strategies.
Stingers: Trained in the use of crossbows, these equines bring the battle to new levels from afar. Their solid mobility and damage are offset by their firing speed, which makes them easy targets if not at their maximum range.
Falconers: These particular soldiers serve dual purposes, being scouts and at the same time important fighters. Their rather large birds of prey can scout areas from altitudes normal equines cannot reach, and in open battle they use their sharp talons to cripple their masters' foes in the air.
Sand Thieves: Avayla's band of bandits are among the most dangerous threats an enemy of the Order can find. Not only are they deceptively fast when fighting with their dual blades, but they also use the sand to their advantage in being stealthy. Very few have managed to best one of these assassins with no help.
Priests of Equ Simbel: The long-forgotten race of the Hieracosphinxes is well trained in magic, some saying they rival Moon and Star's mages or the Cult's necromancers. Having dedicated their very lives to their religious ways, they are able to call upon the strange powers of the temple of Equ Simbel. Priests that follow the "Twin Suns" doctrine are able to summon small stone constructs to aid in battle while priests that follow the "Thousand Moons" doctrine are able to permanently take control of an enemy, though both abilities will only last as long as the priest lives.
Crocodiles of Kebos: Ancient beasts raised by the zebras and blessed by the Priesthood of Equ Simbel, believed to be the descendants of a legendary animal. These creatures are fast and powerful, able to devour enemies whole, but not very durable. They are only available to those who follow the Twin Suns doctrine.
Dread Scorpions: Creatures native to the desert taken and raised by the Order. These enormous beings are extremely durable but slow, but a trait that caught the interest of the Order is their ability to burrow into the sand, making them perfect for traps. They are only available to those who follow the Thousand Moons doctrine.
Sons of the Eclipse: After undertaking a dangerous but willing ritual, equines who wish to protect the desert at the cost of their lives and souls are turned into the Sons of the Eclipse. With magic stone armor fused to their mortal bodies and magical weapons, these warriors are said to be an almost divine punishment in the battlefield.
Djinns: Saddle Arabian mystics practice a unique form of magic which transforms them into beings of powerful magic bound to magic vessels, said to be based on the legend of genies. They play a supporting role in the battlefield, boosting the defensive abilities of their allies and weakening the defensive abilities of their enemies. It is believed the only way to bring an end to a Djinn's life is to destroy their vessels. They are only available to those who follow the Thousand Moons doctrine.
Risen Remains: The Order's magic is said to have ties to the realm of the dead, and these living corpses prove it. These unholy beings are hollow, mummified corpses inhabited by the souls of the Order's warriors who died in battle. While their fragile bodies do not give them any strong offensive or defensive capabilities, the real problem their enemies face comes when these beings are killed and unholy insects burst out from their bodies to bring various afflictions to their enemies. They are only available to those who follow the Twin Suns doctrine.
Obelisk of the Sands: A magic mobile stone tower that can serve one of three purposes after being created. It can be made hollow to serve as transport for the Order's Warriors, it can be upgraded with offensive magic to serve as a siege unit or it can be blessed to boost the offensive of nearby allies. It can change between all three roles, but it requires the presence of a Priest of Equ Simbel to do so and the process is long.
Reawakened Guardian: A colossal magic construct built in the image of an ancient being. While outsiders believe this Guardian to be a mere magic construct, the Order believes it is the will of the desert that gives life to the construct. Wielding ancient magic, this Guardian will only do one thing: destroy everything in its path.

Alright, just to give the Forum a little boost.

Found in a dead Inquisitors Handbook,

The Pupils of the Eternal Smith

Founded: 7 A.D.

Patron Daemon: 'The Smith',

Threat Level: Low

Territory: the Stalliongrad Occupation Zone

The Order of the Eternal Smith began in a small village near the ruins of Stalliongrad, in which a Nocturne, one of the nocturnal Equine Subspecies, sold his soul to a creature from the Astral Void in which he named simply 'the Smith'. It is believed that he did it in order to craft a weapon capable of inspiring hope among the poor and helpless fleeing our glorious Kingdom into the degenerate Red territories, and whatever happened, it apparently worked.

A Spear appeared in that village that day, with the populace in awe when the Blacksmith presented it to the Mayor and his staff. It completely revitalized the Village and made it a quite prosperous place with the Spear in the hands of the Nocturne. It is believed that the Nocturne introduced other Blacksmiths to this 'fire god' who in turn allowed them to forge extremely powerful weapons only fit for the greatest warriors. Eventually, one of these weapons was forged for the Great Hero of the Red Guard, Spike-Flail. The Morning Star forged for him proved to be quite powerful, it is rumored that he destroyed a Alicorn Abomination with it.

The immense power this weapon had tore through our Army during the battle of Stalliongrad, and actually single handedly destroyed a Ursa Minor, even though Spike Flail lost his life in the process. And when the City was finally conquered and the population put under the yoke, we purged the Cultists and impaled all the Blacksmiths who spoke the Daemons name. Which was easy because they numbered only in the dozens.

But during one of these purges, a Avatar of the Daemon appeared out of anger, perhaps summoned by the necessary population extermination, and slaughtered almost the entire Garrison*. And resulted in mass revolts all over the occupied territories and strengthened the Red Hold Outs. Thankfully, the Avatar dissipated after the death of the provincial Governor.

We thought the Cult had been destroyed, but we are still finding weapons capable of smashing through even the strongest of Armor. We thought wrong.

*It is unknown if the deaths of the Cultists truly summoned the God. It is possible that it was merely the veil getting so weakened by the bloody battle, that it allowed such a strong entity to summon a Avatar to the Mortal Plane. It's also possible that the Red Guard, during their last stand, committed a large mass sacrifice and summoned the entity to turn the tide. Whatever happened; both the leadership of the Red Guard and the Moon & Star Force in the city were burned alive.

The Manehattan Mob
(Founded three years after the disappearance of the Royal Sisters)
There’s no justice for us except when we earn it. We earn respect


The Manehattan Mob exists as an organized crime syndicate that operates throughout the territory controlled by House Whitegold, although their true home lies in Manehattan’s Undercity. Murderers, racketeers, drug dealers, and more, the Manehattan Mob runs numerous illicit operations, all with the intended goal of earning bits and garnering power.

Founded by a stallion by the name of Johnny Trottio, the Manehattan Mob grew from humble origins in the aftermath of the Royal Sister’s disappearance. Originally just a small collection of smugglers and street thugs, the Manehattan Mob grew in size and power as masses of urban poor flooded into Manehattan. With the creation of the Undercity came all manner of opportunities for criminal pursuits, and Johnny Trottio used his small criminal network to capitalize on such opportunities.

For all the bits the Manehattan Mob brought in, it was an organization surrounded by enemies. The poverty of the Undercity also brought about the creation of less organized but no less vicious street gangs, and the ascendency of the Cult of Laughter also severely complicated matters for the Mob. Furthermore, all these various organizations had to operate whilst under the watchful eyes of the Whitegold Militia. It became necessary for the Manehattan Mob to employ all manner of killers and street thugs just to stand a chance against such foes.

The increase in violence in the Undercity brought the Manehattan Mob’s crime kingpin, Johnny Trottio, to an early retirement. After barely surviving a brutal assassination attempt by the Cult of Laughter, Trottio decided to let a younger and more ruthless generation of gangsters take over. Johnny Trottio chose one of his most dependable and intimidating enforcers to take his place, a young mare by the name of Babs Seed. Seen as the spitting image of a tough Manehattan Mare, Babs Seed commands a great deal of respect in the Undercity. Under Babs’ control, the Manehattan Mob seems destined for a profitable and bloody future.

Important Facts about the Mob:

-Founded by Johnny Trottio and a small circle of gangsters not long after the departure of the Alicorn Sisters, but currently led by Babs Seed and dominated by her inner circle.
-The Manehattan Mob has roughly several hundred ‘official’ members in it, but when taking into account the various informants, street youths, and corrupt militia that support it the Manehattan Mob easily numbers over a thousand.
-Many members of the mob lack the military training afforded to that of most Houses’ soldiers. However, a few “elite” organizations do exist within the Mob, and the syndicate does attract a fair amount of ex-soldiers and war veterans.
- Ever since the days of Johnny Trottio, the Mob has been able to avoid heated confrontations with House Whitegold by quietly bribing members of the Equestrian Trade Union, and disposing of tradesmen who refused to ignore their activities.
-One of the most closely guarded secrets of the Manehattan Mob is its connections with the Flim-Flam Brothers. The two brothers are happy to let a few of their surplus military hardware trickle down into the Mob, for a price.
-Exists on tenuous peace terms with the Cult of Laughter operating in Manehattan. Babs Seed largely respects the Cult’s influence in Baltimare but vehemently refuses to allow the Cult to operate against her in Manehattan. The Mob has also occasionally quarreled with a number of the city’s street gangs including such colorful groups as the Bottlestreet Colts, the Hatters, the Crew of the Luna, and the Whale Factory Work Gang.

Important Facts about Babs Seed:

-Currently the undisputed Boss of the Manehattan Mob, Babs Seed is a mare who is both respected and feared by many living in Manehattan’s Undercity.
-She joined the organization as a legbreaker in order to help put food on the table for her family, but she quickly became assimilated into the organization and rose through the ranks thanks to her intimidating demeanor and tough-mare persona.
-Is regarded as a folk hero by some in the Undercity. Many youths in the Undercity see her as a self-made mare who fought her way to the top despite coming from a humble background. Furthermore, she has been known to use a fair bit of her wealth to set up soup kitchens for the poor. As such she is sometimes known as the unofficial ‘Patron of the Undercity’.
-Is rumored to have a soft spot for her old friends in the Cutie Mark Crusaders, including Sweetie Belle the Patron of the Artisan District. She is also rumored to have a personal vendetta against Diamond Tiara the Patron of the Merchant District. A popular story circulating around the Mob is that Babs Seed once offed a high ranking lieutenant of hers after she mentioned how Babs Seed was forced to bribe Diamond Tiara in order to set up a business in the Merchant District.
-Babs Seed lives by a code of ethics, and encourages all members of the Mob to live by one as well in order to help make sure the Mob doesn’t become a collection of common criminals. The most well-known of Babs Seed’s ethics is that she would never harm a filly or foal, particularly one that hasn’t earned a cutie mark yet. Openly harming one has earned more than a few ponies a one way trip to the bottom of the bay ever since Babs Seed came to power.

Important Members of the Mob:

Johnny Trottio, Consigliore to Babs Seed: the original founder of the Manehattan Mob and a mentor to its current Boss. The retired gangster lives on a villa outside of the city with his family, but he occasionally offers advice to his successor and is said to still maintain a few powerful contacts within House Whitegold’s power structure.

Octavia, Head of the Black Hoof: former musician and high-class Mare, Octavia fell under hard times after being driven out of her home in Canterlot by Unicorn Supremacists. Octavia fell in with criminals in an attempt to garner enough bits to pay for the entrance fee into House Whitegold’s inner city, but she found the criminal underworld too hard to simply walk away from. She currently leads the Black Hoof, one of the most feared criminal outfits in the Undercity and one that has long been heavily tied to the Manehattan Mob.

Vinyl Scratch, Drug Lord of the Undercity: Infamous DJ celebrity and recreational drug enthusiast, Vinyl Scratch is one of the most popular figures in Manehattan. Her experimentation with increasingly harsher substances led her into a life of crime after she relocated to the Undercity. She runs the only known nightclub in the Undercity, an extremely popular den of dangerous individuals that serves as a front for much of the mob’s drug laundering activities. Her personal entourage of street thugs are called DJ Pon3’s Punx, and they are said to dabble in rare stimulant drugs that make them absolutely vicious in a fight.

Rover, Fido, and Spot, the Dog Runners of Manehattan: these three Diamond Dogs are the most well-known and capable of Babs Seed’s smugglers. They are responsible for digging and maintaining a series of secret tunnels that connect much of the Manehattan Mob’s fronts and safe houses. Aside from the obvious benefits of their work, their tunnels allow the Manehattan Mob to operate within the Inner City without having to pay the widely reviled entrance fee or undergo the Whitegold Militia’s scrutinizing customs process.

Uncle Curio, Arms Dealer and Spymaster: this strange curiosity shop owner and antique collector is a popular patron of violent crime in the Undercity. His shop is known to sell many weapons under the counter to local criminals, and his many street informants are always making sure to keep an eye out for the Mob’s interests. Uncle Curio is also well known to be an avid collector of magical artifacts and devices, many of which find their way into the hands of the Mob.

Hoity Toity, PR and Propaganda Director: another victim of the exodus of ponies fleeing the Unicorn Supremacists of Canterlot, Hoity Toity found himself stranded in the Undercity. Shocked by the end of his fashion career and his fall from high society, Hoity Toity involved himself in a series of criminal pursuits in a desperate attempt to obtain some of his lost glory and identity as a high class individual. He eventually fell in with the Manehattan Mob, where his penchant for artistic skills was capitalized on as a tool for swaying public opinion to the mob’s side.

Unique Units:

Legbreakers: Thugs who make up for their lack of training with a passionate rage that only a town like Manehattan could instill in its people. Often young and unruly, most members of the Manehattan Mob start out as legbreakers and as their name suggests they often take pride in carrying out the Mob’s dirty work.

Enforcers: More ‘official’ members of the Manehattan Mob than the typical legbreaker, Enforcers are experienced fighters and intimidating figures in Manehattan’s Underworld. Many of the Mob’s Enforcers are personally invested in the organization and follow a warped ethical code that stresses familial loyalty and respect for one another. An Enforcer can often be identified by his or her choice of dress, as many like to prominently display their wealth by wearing fancy suits and arguably gaudy jewelry.

Diamond Dog Enforcers: refugees and outcasts from local Diamond Dog tribes, these individuals are highly prized as brawlers and smugglers in the Manehattan Mob. Owing to their reputation as greedy brutes, few Diamond Dogs ascend to the rank of Mob Enforcers, but those who do are often accorded a great deal of respect on the streets. Many of them work with Rover, Fido, and Spot in maintaining the Mob’s secret tunnel network while others serve as prized bodyguards or bouncers for the Mob.

The Black Hoof: Extortionists, kidnappers, arsonists, and murderers, the Black Hoof is one of the more feared and secretive organizations in the Manehattan Mob. They are notorious for shaking individuals down for money, often leaving said individuals a threatening letter sealed with the image of a black hoof and dagger that asks for the payment of hundreds, if not thousands of bits. These ponies are often described as the Mob’s most dangerous assassins and saboteurs for their affinity with explosives and silenced flintlocks. They are rumored to be in a rivalry of sorts with the Jesters of Baltimare and the Harl-Equines of the Cult of Laughter, but few ponies can confirm as such.

DJPon3’s PUNX: Unhinged fighters and self-proclaimed urban explorers, these ponies are oft-times considered the Manehattan Mob’s “shock troopers”. They are known to shoot up on a variety of chemicals that supposedly grants them heightened senses and a dramatically increased tolerance for pain. Indeed, some stories have circulated around the Undercity of such ponies being capable of entering a frenzy in which they’ve overpowered individuals thrice their size whilst jumping from rooftop to rooftop and charging through walls. It is difficult to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain that Punx are more often than not given a decent amount of breathing room in a street brawl.

Rabble Rousers: Stylistic street artists and self-proclaimed urban poets, the Rabble Rousers are masters of manipulation. These ponies use their Graffiti art and their poetic rhymes to send a message out to the rest of the Undercity. Whether they’re attempting to soften the mob’s image, vilify its enemies, or recruit new members to the cause, Rabble Rousers are quite capable of swaying public opinion in the Undercity. Many Rabble Rousers, for all their talk, are not quite capable of lasting long in a fight, instead they often hang back and shout words of encouragement to bolster their allies or hurl insults to throw off their enemies, allowing them to serve a special support role in most street fights that break out in the Undercity.

Other
A rough list of the Manehattan Mob’s criminal pursuits runs as follows…
Protection rackets, drug dealing, arms trafficking, arson, contract killing, prostitution, illegal gambling, and providing ponies who have enough bits illegal access to the Inner City.
These crimes are often carried out by designated Enforcers, and often with the assistance of a crew of Legbreakers. The characters in the “Important Members” section can be considered the equivalent of Caporegimes, in that they have a variety of Enforcers working under them.

I hope people like my little gangsters here, I certainly had fun writing them out! I really appreciate hearing feedback from people about my work, so please let me know if there was something you really liked or disliked!