To live in the ponish civilization of today is to live in an era of unbounded peace, prosperity, and progress. No wars have been fought in decades, technology advances at a record pace bringing sweeping innovations and changes throughout society, and the cities overflow with more and more wealth, sprawling out as far as the eye can see in all directions. All of the disparate races of ponykind who once wrought devastation upon eachother, have now been united as one, and the bloody wars of yesteryear are nothing more than a memory. Truly, harmony reigns supreme. Residing at the top of this harmonious era are the aristocrats, those few blessed with horn or wing, and the magical powers to wield them. For the average citizen, bereft of horn and wing, there is little more choice than to serve the whims of their aristocratic masters. All-too-often, the downtrodden are forgotten in the quest for ever greater splendor and decadence. To many, this world is a paradise; for some, it is little more than a gilded cage, limiting their true potential. Even in a golden age, ambition simmers under the surface, and there still exist those who would strike out against destiny; even if it might mean wading through seas of blood to get there. Nine ponies-Nobles and commoners, Farmers and hunters, knights and servants-will soon have to face just how much, precisely, they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of their own ambitions. For to restore the birthright of all ponykind, the gilded cage of prosperity must be shattered-Even if it means that ponish civilization itself is brought to the brink of annihilation. An MLP alternate universe story featuring an original setting and cast, but they are ponies. No knowledge of MLP is necessary to understand this story. Present tense, third person. The prologue chapters are specifically designed to be a microcosm of the story as a whole so that should give you a good idea of the general tone.