In the frozen lands of northern Equus, beyond even the northernmost holdings of the Crystal Empire, a curious state prepares for war. The bandit king, Virgil, has won a war of independence and now seeks to dominate his former suzerain, Nova Griffonia. The lands of Virgillia are sparse, but the mountains under his control are rich with magic crystals, which he sees as the key to victory in the coming conflicts, they just need some development. He sends his most trusted advisors to find him someone who can give him this much-needed advantage.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, Bernard, a diamond dog with little experience in magic, is selected for the task. With the most ruthless griffons on the continent breathing down his neck, Bernard must call upon old friends and make new ones in order to satisfy the criminals he's fallen in with. Will his new research division discover new frontiers of magic and technology, earning the favor of the raider king? Or will they earn his ire instead?

Set in the Equestria at War universe and written for the EaW 2022 Writing Contest.