The Exalted Equestrian Empire

The Exalted Equestrian Empire (often shortened to 'Equestria') is a large nation of nations, sitting at the center of the continent of Equestria. Consisting of hundreds of smaller kingdoms, princedoms, republics, and duchies, Equestria's diversity is staggering and immense. To the west, it borders Republican Prance; to the south, it borders Griffonstone; to the east, it borders the Imperium Solaris; and to the southeast in the Bullkans, it borders the Trottoman Caliphate.

The Equestrian Empire has been caught between east and west, old and new, since its formation. Though it has wholeheartedly embraced modern technologies and harbors stunningly diverse schools of thought within its borders, it still holds on to ancient traditions; those adhered to since the Pax Equus some 200 years ago.

## Basic Facts

### Language

Primary: EquestrianSecondary: Germane, Prench, Neightalian, Dunch

### Religion

Celestialunarism, 95% Nationwide>Canterlot Harmonism 29%

>Equestrian Harmonism 19%

>Neutral Harmonism 18%

>Lunarism 16%

>Celestianism 10%

>Orthodox Harmonism 8%

Islamb (4% Nationaide)

>Sunneigh Islamb 34%

>Syncretic Islamb 66%

Zororaptoranism (1% Nationwide)

## Understand

As the last true successor after the breakup of Equestria, the Empire's historical significance is seldom lost on its inhabitants and its visitors. To this day, the Equestrian Bit is the world's most commonly accepted currency, and the Equestrian language is spoken around the globe. The epicenter of Equestrian history is here.

### History

Many centuries ago, three tribes inhabited the then frozen lands of Equestria. Divided by race -- unicorn, pegasus, and earthen -- the feuding and warring tribes knew no peace. Their discontent fed the Windingoes, the bringers of winter. For many lifetimes, the winter never abated, and the three tribes fought over what little food could be farmed.

500 years ago, six ponies would change the course of history; their names were Princess Platinum, Clover the Clever, Commander Hurricane, Private Pansy, Chancellor Puddinghead, and Smart Cookie. As leaders of their respective tribes, they were no stranger to fighting one another. Princess Platinum of the unicorns, Commander Hurricane of the Pegasi, and Chancellor Puddinghead of the Earthen, held a summit to figure out how to cope with the blizzard, but they were unable to reach an agreement. After the three leaders conferred with their subordinates—unicorn advisor Clover the Clever, Pegasus Private Pansy, and Earthen secretary Smart Cookie—they decided to set out and find a new land. The three pairs, through fate and happenstance, all met in the same location, and argued over whom had first stake over the new land. This fighting caused another blizzard to start. The six ponies took shelter in a cave, but as Puddinghead, Hurricane, and Platinum continued to argue, they soon froze in ice. Clover the Clever identified the cause of the blizzard to be Windigoes. So, despite the animosity between their leaders and tribes, Smart Cookie, Pansy, and Clover maintained warm relations, and they eventually broke the windigoes' spell through the Fire of Friendship. Their warmth thawed their leaders' bodies and melted their hearts, and the leaders decided to share the new land, naming it Equestria. This founding mythology resonates strong within Equestria today, as both a favorite foal's tale, and a strong backbone for the Equestrian ethos; strength in diversity.

400 years ago, records go dark, and written accounts are few and far between. A brief dark age followed the Chaos Reign of Discord, where up was down, left was right, and two plus two was fish. Chocolate milk rained from the skies, and Equestria, for the second time in its history, knew nothing but malcontent, disharmony, and chaos.

300 years ago, the Princess sisters Celestia and Luna, the alicorns responsible for moving the sun and moon, banished the chaos-god Discord from their realm. In the wake of his banishment, the establishment of a peaceful, stable state followed. Thereafter, the immortal diarchs Celestia and Luna ruled over Equestria. For almost a century, their reign was undisputed, and the entire continent knew nothing but peace. This century, known as the Pax Equus, was the golden era of Equestria, and saw unprecedented bounds and strides in sciences, the arts, and quality of life.

200 years ago, however, this great peace came to an end. The century-long relationship had not been without strain. That strain finally snapped after the campaigns in the Frozen North, after the death of Starswirl the Bearded. Princess Luna, enraged at her sister's treatment of Starswirl and perceived betrayal, turned against her sister. The exact details surrounding their dispute are, to this day, highly debated. The result, however, was Princess Luna's banishment to the moon, where she remains to this day. Several resulting crises came as a result. Many disputed the legality of this action. Others called it a moral outrage. Many found it wholly justified. This split was the catalyst for Equestria's eventual collapse. Thus ended the Pax Equus, and began the Exalted Equestrian Empire. Unlike the Republic and the Imperium, however, the Equestrian Empire does not label either sister as right or wrong in this feud.

### Culture

Equestrian culture is broad and diverse. Regions with different climates, cuisines, and cultures all have distinct identities, but there are a few unifying factors.

Love and tolerance is a resounding Equestrian motto. Different beliefs, faiths, ideas, ideologies, and walks of life are all valued and viewed as equal. Prejudice is seen as a great evil, and exclusion, especially on racial lines, is viewed as morally reprehensible -- to such an extent, in fact, that Equestria was the first nation on Equus to outlaw slavery, racial discrimination, serfdom, and indentured servitude.

Respecting other cultures and languages does not mean simple acknowledgement; the average Equestrian can speak two, three, even four languages depending on the location of their upbringing. Germane, Prench, and Neightalian are the most commonly spoken languages aside from the ubiquitous Equestrian.

### Climate

From the warm and balmy climate of the Marediterranean, to the frigid mountainsides of Snowdrop, the climate is just as diverse as the peoples. Depending on what region you go to, you may need to pack a summer swimsuit, or a winter parka.

## Regions

### Hanneighver

The frigid Germane north coast, home to many small duchies and cities such as Snowdrop, Wooles, and Dithmareschen.

### Ponfalz

The decentralized north Germane state, centred around the Electorate of the Ponatinate.

### Flankonia

Many separate cantons and duchies of a temperate, foresty climate, centred near the Duchy of Flankonia. Perfect for orchards.

### Dunchland

The swampy Dunch-speaking territories along the River Manes, home to the city of Canterdaam and the Electorate of Ponsigaia.

### Flehmens

The forested buffer between the Dunch and the Prench, surrounding one of the largest rivers in Equestria.

### Equestrian Prance

The eastern half of Prance, obtained after the Prench Revolution. From East Mareis to Mareseilles, expect rolling hills and beautiful forests.

### Equestria Proper

Home to Canterlot, the Electorate of the Manes, and the prettiest rolling plains on the planet. The epicenter of Equestria.

### Brussia

The westernmost Germane-speaking state, equally divided between marshlands, forests, and farmlands. The (in)famous Kingdom of Broncenberg owns most of Brussia.

### Swabita

The poorly understood southern Germane territories bordering Griffonstone, with a balmy Marediterranean climate and a penchant for mercantilism.

### South Equestria

Home to a mish-mash of different cultures and peoples, South Equestria is full of wonderful vineyards, farms, and hilltop villages, inhabited by all types of Equestrians from across the Empire.

### Mittelgermaneia

Mittelgermaneia sees a warm climate with thick forests and mountains in the north. The Electorate of Trotier sits in the middle.

### Ostergermaneia

Home to the Haysburgs and their kingdom, Ostergermaneia has been the home of the Equestrian Emperor (Kaiser) for the last century. It's famous for its many mountains and palaces.

### Veneightzia

The city of canals and its many island holdings have all grown rich from a history of trade and commerce. The climate is warm and humid, but wonderful if you like the smell of the sea!

### Trotscany

Just south of the Alponi mountains, Trotscany is the northern hub of Neightalian culture. The Electorate of Trotscany resides here.

### Dalmanetia

The relatively poor eastern half of Neightalia faces the Bullkans, with its own distinct dialect of Neightalian. Expect a calmer Marediterranean climate.

### Neighpoli

The southernmost, warmest, and most well-fed part of Neightalia, Neighpoli is home to world-famous pizza, and equally famous rates of heat stroke. The Kingdom of Neighpoli is the heart and soul of this region.

### Bohaymia

Surrounded by mountains, the Kingdom of Bohaymia has retained a unique and distinct identity among the Empire. Expect moderate summers and winters. Na shledanou!

### Spurbia

The often-forgotten northern neighbor of Bohaymia, the hinterland of Spurbia rests on the Bulltic sea. The province is rural and sparsely populated.

### The Bulltics

The frigid and distant cousins of Hanneighver, the Bulltics have an array of diverse languages and cultures. Expect cool summers and harsh winters.

### Equestrian Lithuaneigha and Equestrian Ponland

Ravaged by many wars over the last century, Lithuaneigha and Ponland have taken quite the beating, but still continue to persevere. The rich merchant city of Kracow, as well as Gallopcia-Buskovolhaynia, are both shining examples of Ponish perseverance.

### The Bullkans

Home to Haylens, Roamaneians, Almaneians, and more, the Bullkans are impressively diverse in their own right. A warm and humid Marediterranean climate can be expected for most of this region, but the Clopathian Mountains provide a shield for Roamaneia's interior, and the Bronc Sea is a popular vacation spot.

### Gepona

Home to Equestria's largest griffin population, just north of Griffonstone, Gepona sits as a unique gem in Equestria's south. The warm winds of the Marediterranean start here.

### Equestrian Tuarzeg

Equestria's sole Girafferican holding, Equestrian Tuarzeg (sometimes referred to as Camelu) is home to migrant populations of camels, and permanent settlements on the coast. The finest silk, salt, and shawarma can be found here.

### New Hayland

Equestria's largest overseas colony is across the Antlertic in Amareica. The home of oranges and stroopwaffels has a hot Caribouan climate in the north and a temperate climate in the south. The capital city of Nieuw Canterdaam is a bustling trade hub for the New World and beyond.

### Prench Skaldiland

Disparate islands in Skaldiland, a holdover from the Prench partition, are sparsely populated and barely inhabitable, but still represent a large portion of the Prench-speaking Equestrian population.

## Cities

### Athayna

One of the oldest cities in the world, Athayna serves as the capital of Haylenica and the center of Haylenic culture. Ancient colonnades, modern amenities, pagan temples and Harmonist cathedrals all exist together in a strange melding that reflects Equestra's own modern culture. The city boasts a vibrant population active at nearly all times of the day.

Notable sites include the Cathedral of Haya Harmonia, a Bitzantine styled cathedral melded with the old Parthenon, the University of Athayna, the Ponyaiologos Manor and the grand Athaynian shipyards.

## Talk

Equestrian is ubiquitous all around the Empire, but expect to find a number of other languages depending on where you go.

### Common Languages

1. Equestrian
2. Germane
3. Prench
4. Neightalian
5. Dunch

### Other Languages

* Ponish
* Lithuaneighan
* Bohaymian
* Spurbian
* Livoneighan
* Estobian
* Roamaneian
* Almaneian
* Haylenic
* Marecedonian
* Griffonic
* Flehmensh
* Tuarzeg

## Buy

The ฿ Equestrian Bit is accepted all throughout the Empire, and most banks will trade for $ Lunar Dollars, ₯ Imperium Denarii, and ₺ Trottoman Lira. Banks also accept precious metals in exchange for currency. Especially in Marediterranean coastal cities, trading and bartering is often an option.

## Stay Safe

Equestria is a safe and stable nation, with only a few regional exceptions. Crime rates throughout the Empire are low. Violent crime is rare, especially against foreigners. In large cities, watch for pickpockets and scams. Take basic precautions to stay safe, and your time in Equestria will be a pleasant one.

The regional exceptions are parts of Prance, parts of Ponland-Lithuaneigha, and parts of the Bullkans. Areas recently bereaved by war are often the most impoverished, the most unstable, and the most harsh. Check with local guides or read local news to learn further safety precautions.

If you find yourself on the borderlands when there is a spike in tensions, see our article on War Zone Safety.