“In normal times, evil would have been fought by good. But in times like these, it should be fought with a different kind of evil.” A new player enters the fray, and the war for Equestria has begun.
In an alternate, semi-futuristic, crystalpunk Equestria, the Six Imperial Families have ruled the land by proxy, dividing society by stature and establishing their dominion over the crown with their immense wealth and influence. The most powerful of them all, is the infamous Abraxas Family. With their monopoly on Lacrima, the crystalline power source of all Equestria’s magical technology, they have built an international multibillion-bit dynasty across the world. Follow the rise of Orion Abrasax, a lone human in Equestria adopted into House Abraxas and now heir to the family fortune; and Shining Armor, a dishonored former Captain of the Royal Guard, wrongfully accused and sentenced to Tartarus for crimes he did not commit. When ambition meets retribution, both man and stallion will embark on a venture that will shake the very corridors of power. Thrust into the dark, unforgiving world of business, money and politics, they will show Equestria that sometimes business can be personal... very personal.
6471823 Unfortunately, it's not a crossover
But it does revolve around the same premise, business and politics.
We shall watch the events of this tale unfold before our eyes from the void peering into this world.
6471829 Good enough!
Dat Cover pic though.
6472375 Put it together myself
[Insert overused meme stating how much I like this (so far) here]
This is just as awesome as I thought it would be.
Are there going to be any flashback chapters that detail Orion's childhood with his father and siblings?
Also, since Shining is Orion's accomplice. Does that mean that Cadance will eventually be joining him as a part of Orion's inner circle? Since I don't see her believing for a second that Shining would murder anyone.
6473896 There will be flashbacks, yes. Especially with his father. You'll meet the rest of his siblings in a future episode I have planned.
As for Cadence, well, you're just going to have to find out for yourself once the story progresses.
The beginning to this story is incredible. I love how you set up Orion's character and I am excited to see what else you have planned for this story. I loved reading it and I am deeply intrigued to see the rest of it.
6550678 Thanks for the comment
I'm currently working on the next chapter so stay tuned.
You have my attention.
i.imgur.com/DQ8HA.gif
6630629 Thanks for the fav!
This is amazing. Simply amazing. I'm ready for the next part!
(looks at the author's notes) You forgot my cowriter.
6673278 Might need to refresh my memory
Let me know and I'll add it in.
6673705
His name is Comrade_Pony.
6673705
Robbing me of my likes once again I see... One of these days I'll have to get back at you for this.
7380208 I'll look forward to that day. May I know what you liked about EMPIRE?
7380254
Mostly the potential I saw in what might occur in future chapters.
And I can't get my revenge until you read my work, so...
7380259 Let me go look at it and I'll leave some comments or feedbacks
7380275
Excellent...
I like this.
I am curious as to the origin of Orion though and how he came to be the sole Human in Equestria.
But that said, I especially like the grimy, dirty, industrial Equestria that is the setting of this story.
And let's face it, crystalpunk is just a reskinned cyberpunk.
7390487 Thanks for the fave
There'll be an origin story further down the road and how this Equestria deviated from the official canon and why. Primarily because of the Equestrian Industrial Revolution and the advancements of technologies once thought impossible if not for the discovery of the Lacrima Crystals.
The first chapter grabbed me...
Now this story won't let go, and nothing can pull me free!
Just... Wow. If venture to say this is the near best story I've read on this site, and elsewhere. It's incredible.
Now, I wait...
7852843 Thanks a bunch! Hopefully you won't have to wait long cause I might get the next one up next weekend.
7853454
Read it. Loved it. Can't wait for more.
as for Xenophilia... how did you know that was one of my first faves?
when's the next renegades chapter coming out BTW?
7854359 Renegades is taking a little longer unfortunately
I've been sitting on the next chapter for some time, it's about 50% done. I'm working on getting EMPIRE out first. Episode 3 is done, I just need some editing done before it goes up.
IT GROWS
WITH EACH CHAPTER ITS STRENGTH GROWS
I swear, this story is awesome. And you say it's going to get real?
...I am ready.
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I read this chapter before but never commented... not sure why, I found the premise interesting.
So I say to you, a nice start to this story, can't wait to see where this goes next chapter
7870935 Thanks for the comment
Glad you'really enjoying it so far. Buckle in and hold on cause you'll be in for a long ride.
7869494 You have no idea how real things are about to get for Orion and his crew.
An intriguing read, loving the conflicts and such going on, very interesting...
nicely written!
Well I'm hooked, this is a great story and I find it very entertaining.
So damn fine work well done!
7871325 Thank you! Stay tuned, I'll try getting the next one up next weekend.
7871336
You're very welcome, keep up the good work and I'll stay tuned~
Well played, Orion, well played....
Gotta say, I commend you on the comedic bit. Not something I saw in The Renegades or Pandorum, so it was a pleasant surprise to see you do it so well. REALLY looking forward to the next chapter, and I'd give you another thumbs up if I could!
7882142 I appreciate the comment. It's nice to know that you're doing something right. Renegades and Pandorum are straight up dark in every aspect, humor included. But with EMPIRE, I can balance both light and dark humor. Things will get a little darker as the story progresses. I'm almost done with EP4, stay tuned
Oooohoohoohoo, I like it! I like it alot!
Nicely done
This this is done very well I will definitely go after this the same I did with the diaries of a madman well done not many stories can catch me like this
7901688 Wow, comparing this story to Diaries of A Madman, I'm honored.
I'm in the midst of editing the next one so stay tuned. Glad you liked my work.
7898397 They had it coming.
This is easily one of those underrated stories.
7902811 Glad you liked it so far.
Dammit Orion, stop making me want to throw more likes at this story! It already has them all!
7905428 Orion would say "Never hurts to have a bit more likes to one's story."
7905498
Too bad that you can only give one per story, yours are amazing! what's the ETA on chapter 5?
7906124 Hopefully by this coming Thursday.