Pony Fanon Workshop

Spike is fully sentient and is treated like this.

Goats have similar problem like Cows, Sheeps, or even mane cast pets. They are more sentient than typical animal but making them fully sentient cause bad implications. Maybe that not big problem with those goats, who acted like normal person (only not speaking or having their language) but there was goat in Find A Pet song. Anyway I can qualify them in my headcanon because of Grogar.

Sapient.

And the goats gave input on Iron Will's final decision. It is likely they either don't speak Equestrian or have an extremely thick accent.

I really need to think about my goat headcanon, only thing I have that some of them are corrupted by demon thing or other dark side.

@ Foils

Ah, OK.

I guess I shouldn't get too hung up on Elements. I mean, they are pretty interchangable, and the show has hardly used them either.

And these Elements Of Justice ideas...maybe we could really tone that down too. Maybe it would be better to just think of the Order Of The Cresent Moon as Luna's Marshals...they track down the crooks, the spies and the monsters threatening Equestria, and bring them in for Her Judgement. Using persistence, diligence, reason, etc...I'll be back on that one.

And she chose them not just because they are all very rightous ponies, but because they formed a close bound that can rival the mane sixes. And they are badasses of course. I believe it was Mio who mentioned a magnificent seven thing...think of...One Riot Six Rangers...and Scales.

Oh yes, one other thing. I have a way that we could potentially kick the story off. Basically, each of the six except Moon were living under some sort of injustice. Moon meets them all, and realises that if they pull together, they can help each other overcome them.

Really really rough example...somebody is threatening to destroy Maple and Big's place...but when Moon puts Smoke into it...he discovers that the place is of historical importance and it is illegal to demolish it. That's...rubbish of course, but it's one example.

Remember how Twi acted as an overseer in Winter Wrap Up? Think of something like that. You may be worried about Moon being a Mary Sue (rolling into town and solving everyone's problems). Well he dosn't. He just gives them the resolve to act and helps to put the right ponies onto the job.

edited 2nd Apr '12 11:05:35 AM by ApplelightLimited

Yeah, I prefer it that way. They don't have a rainbow deathray aftter all.

Could just give them collectively a fancy name, like Knights of Justice. Without giving each individual person an Element.

I like the idea of Moonbeam tipping the scales in favour of justice on his first arrival. The level of interference he does will possibly need some assessing but I like it.

@ Sereg

Yeah exactly. They don't have access to a rainbow super weapon...but on an individual basis, they are formidable combatants.

Oh yes, a few more points of note:

I'm wondering, Moon is of the same class as Twilight? Canterlot higher middle class? Well, taking Twi as one side and the snobs from Sweet And Elite as the other...maybe moon could be somewhere in the middle? He has a bit of the posh accent and 'haughty' manner...but is happy to get his hooves dirty and get stuck in. He can still be messy and disorganised...Sherlock Homes anyone?

Also, could he have been the School's fencing champion? I think it would make him a real badass bookworm...and it would help explain how he could be made a knight.

And finially...inspired by another OC of mine...I'd like Check to be a bit of a potions master. Healing potions mostly of course.

Thanks. I will of course work to refine it.

Edit:

Fancy Pants...that's who I was thinking of with regards to Moon.

edited 2nd Apr '12 11:47:46 AM by ApplelightLimited

(Here's the musings I had concerning the Foils.)

It has been said, Princess Celestia didn't organize the new Bearers of the Elements strictly in order to prevent Nightmare Moon from returning unopposed, or that She had felt it needed to have the Elements once again brought into the public limelight.

No, Her inner motives for this are much more personal than that, although it cannot be disputed that She cares for Equestria and will go to great lengths to protect it and the inhabitants within.

You must understand, She missed her Sister terribly. They used to be close, and as Alicorns, have enjoyed each other's company for countless decades. The familial bond between them, growing up together, ruling over Equestria as a unified pair...

But that was lost. Jealousy tarnished that bond, ruined it. Luna was banished for a thousand years, and Celestia has ruled alone with no equal, no peer, for that entire time. It is speculated, although no one would ever think to ask Her, that She directed Her young protégé, one Twilight Sparkle, to deliver written reports about her observations of Friendship, in order that Princess Celestia would regain the ability to properly bond with Luna once more.

But this isn't about the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, nor is this about Princess Celestia.

This is about Princess Luna.

Returned from Exile, She has had to face Her inner demons, the guilt and condemnation for what She did. Although She has progressed much in the short time since Her return, the memories of what She allowed to transpire haunts Her deeply. Her public image, once that of a wise (although somewhat firey) Alicorn is now tarnished and the citizens of Equestria fear Her, rather than love Her. She wants to be accepted, not feared.

So, She decided to do something about it. Taking a hint from what She suspected Celestia was doing through Twilight Sparkle and her group of friends, Luna set out to identify Stallions that would exemplify... forgiveness. Of course, there were other reasons behind Her decision - a public showing that She was there to protect Equestria, that She loved Her citizens just as Celestia did, and that She was worthy of their love again. In short, to better public relations.

After discussing the matter with Her sister, Luna began to search for young Stallions to be, as She put it, Bearers of the Elements of Redemption. Of course, the only Elements that actually exist are those of Harmony, so it is purely symbolic in nature, but nevertheless, She felt it fitting and appropriate.

However, She did not go out and hand-pick the most decorated Royal Guards in the Palace - that would be too easy. No, She sought out ponies like Herself - dealing with their own dark secrets, their hidden - or not-so-hidden pasts, the better to learn what Redemption did; what Redemption really meant. After all, the innocent has no need for personal redemption. It is the guilty, the convicted, the condemned, that needs it, that would appreciate it, exemplify it.

Her plan established, She - or rather, I - set to work.

-Princess Luna's personal diary

I'm...speechless.

Point of fact, all of the Foils have had personal issues, failings, and even criminal backgrounds, making them suitable for such a plan. Through their growth and resolution, She can thus learn how to overcome Her inner turmoil (which you can just barely see in "Luna Eclipsed").

Naturally, this is merely stage-setting for the myriad plots that they get tangled up in, and should not be the primary salient focus of the storyline. Explicitly mentioned a few times early on, like when they group is being gathered together, and then, left alone.

@pvtnum: Yes! Exactly like that!

Once Luna feels that She has the right six for the group, She would Knight them into Her special Order - The Order of the Crescent Moon.

We might even have one-off characters that are considered to be a Bearer, but for one reason or another, are dropped from the final selection. This selection process may simply be Her conducting secret interviews with prospects while in disguise, with no one the wiser that they're even being considered for anything special. She does know how to shape-shift, after all.

Pvtum, I'm so happy to have you on this project.

And, what do all think of the idea of Moon the swords stallion?

I'm sure that Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns wasn't all classroom instruction time - might even have a proper fencing team or sports team for regional competitions with other academic institutions.

But unless Moonbeam is wielding this thing with his horn or tail, I see most pony-vs-pony fights to be done by a series of kicks and bucks.

Ah, wrestling. He could've been a proficient wrestler when he was in school.

Yes I pictured him wielding the sword via Telekenisis. But yeah, wrestling and maybe boxing could also have been pastimes of his. It would be bad to use a sword against all enemies.

In addition, whereas Twilight was probably locked away in her room just studying and never socialising, I could see Moon participating in many many activities. Fencing, wrestling, the debate team...activism...the school paper of course...maybe some acting...which would explain a lot.

EDIT:

I remember I once described Moon as tall, lean and powerful looking...a sort of wiry strength...all these activities would support that.

edited 2nd Apr '12 1:39:53 PM by ApplelightLimited

I would imagine that he would simply use telekinesis to wield his rapier. If we do go with this angle I actually think it would be better if he was more middle of the road, or at least extremely out of practice. Besides it may not necessarily help him since it is more sport then fighting style. I also actually prefer fencing since I honestly have a hard time envisioning equines doing any kind of wrestling (in a non-comedic fashion of course).

I'm glad that we got the Elements discussion squared away. If I remember correctly they were always meant to be at least mostly symbolic. The redemption angle was mentioned to before, I'm glad it has been remphasized. Also, I think Applelight's idea of the first "arc" of the story dealing more with how the Other Six come together and deal with Hoofington's corruption and crime works with pvtnum's idea of them being found by Luna after some time.

I also imagine him being more socially involved (though not necessarily popular). Though on your idea of him being more posh then Twilight I would have to disagree. Considering all of his siblings I tend to imagine that his family was not as well to do as you would expect. Not poor mind you, but more lower middle class.

edited 2nd Apr '12 1:52:15 PM by Mio

Same here. He was involved in a lot of stuff, but wasn't regarded highly.

Wow.

Pvtum, I think I have Manly Tears...

That's an awesome idea! And the one-off characters can also be used to add some humor. Iron Will needs to show up at some point.

Indeed. Also, how about:

Moon was only on the Fencing Team, not its Champion or Captain or anything. He was good, but not spectacular...

I'd love for Iron Will to show up!

edited 2nd Apr '12 2:44:24 PM by ApplelightLimited

I like Moon being on lots of clubs. It opens the way for him to be the Jack of all Trades rather than Twilight's Mastery of almost solely Magic.

One off characters should definitely show up. I'm still shipping Trixie with Chuckles.

Not certain how Iron Will could work without a rehash though.

edited 2nd Apr '12 2:45:57 PM by Badwolfwho

(one-shot scene that popped into my head. Immediately after Eta is whisked off by Ordo Proregis. Use as springboard for ideas or something.)

Moonbeam stormed into the small study, finding the others either loafing, reading a book, or dozed out on the faded cushions Eta tended to keep around the small apartment.

"Where's Eta?" he bellowed. Big Rig opened an eye lazily and snorted.

"Said he'd be back later," Big mumbled.

"Something about a meeting with the Mayor, I think," Smokescreen added.

"When was this?" Moonbeam asked.

Chuckles glanced at the clock on the study wall and shrugged.

"No idea, SQWAAAAK!" said Roy, perched atop Chuckles' shoulder.

"Guys, he was supposed to be giving me some lab time today. Instead, I find a note on his desk about 'something big', and you all are telling me he went to see the Mayor? This isn't adding up."

"Dude, relax a bit. He probably just forgot," Pig Iron said, "He was in a hurry, said he'd be back in a bit-" A belch intterupted him "-and then we'd do up some lemonloaf later on."

"He was in a hurry? To see the Mayor? Those two have never gotten along. Eta would rather chew tinfoil than talk to him, guys."

"No love lost between those two, you're right. He did seem a bit agitated, now that you mention it, Moon," Checkup said thoughtfully.

Moonbeam tele'd his coat off of the rack by the door.

"C'mon, guys. Big, out of bed. Let's go on a field trip."

Good good!

Ah yes...Trixie Chuck.

Is it romantic...and who's pursuing who?

Romantic, either Trixie pursues Chuckles or Roy is egging both on.

@ Bad

Too cute not to do.

And speaking of Roy...I was thinking of the ratio of likes to dislikes, and I decided on an even split:

Likes:

Big, Pig and Chuck.

Dislikes:

Moon, Smoke and Check.

Big is too kindhearted to hate, and he loves animals. Pig shares in Roy's blue remarks (he'd often burst out laughing at something the bird said), and Chuck well...

Meanwhile, Check is afraid of Toy, and Moon and Smoke think the bird is a cheeky smartass.

edited 2nd Apr '12 3:13:57 PM by ApplelightLimited

So, I made this rough skills chart for the Knights:

Moon: Detective and spying skills, magictec expertise, fencing and boxing, leadership and planning.

Big Rig: Super-Strength, high endurance, multiple languages, animal empathy, cooking.

Smoke Screen: First Aid, Military Skills, Razor Wind, historical knowledge.

Pig Iron: Metal working, haggling and negotiation skills, boxing, charm.

Check Up: First Aid, potion making,

Chuckle: Acrobatics, spying, flame skills, mine powers.

edited 3rd Apr '12 3:51:15 AM by ApplelightLimited