Crystal Pony

## General

Donning both vibrant colors and personalities, crystal ponies live nestled within a valley between the Fickle Fallow Mountains. Removed from most of Equestria by more than just their geography, they are one of the only worshippers of Cadence.

## Crystal Pony Creation Guide

The information listed below is integral to making a crystal pony character. We ask you prioritize our worldbuilding, these facts must be kept in mind *even when* deviating from societal norms.

### Appearance

Despite sharing both a horn and general build to that of a unicorn, crystal ponies are a very visibly distinct species. They don't have fur, instead, they have smooth and shiny crystalline coats. They aren't as hard as the gems they resemble, their skin tough but not impenetrable. It can be compared to the thickness of callused skin. Their horns are typically longer than that of a unicorns and their overall features are sharper as well. Small gem like blemishes may form at joints and other extremities, including their horn.

### Naming Scheme

Crystal ponies tend to have long single word names. (EX. Radiance, Constantine, and Talisman)

### Cutiemarks and Capabilities

Crystal ponies receive cutiemarks. They have spellcasting but not the ability to fly. They have no other internal magic.

## Society

The information found below is also very important to the character creation process, it is everything your OC would have been exposed to throughout their lives, it's what they know best, whether or not they fit that societal norm.

### Values and Demeanor

Crystal ponies rely on their community, focusing on love and communication to meet the needs of everyone they know. Because of this they are often blunt and shameless in how they speak to one another. This has led to a society where little is taken personally and honesty is key. Greetings often include comments relating to anything from ones outfit to their cutiemark, if that comment is negative and the recipient doesn't care to change anything it gets shrugged off. Hard feelings are hard to come by here. This affects their larger community by ensuring that most needs are met, neighbors are more than happy to help one another out if they are able.

Crystal ponies are known for their widespread and tightknit social circles. Circles with no shortage of gossip, a practice they delight in. Events and gatherings within the Crystal Kingdom are filled with the casual sharing of someone else's business. These large social circles and the devout worship of a love Goddess has shifted the norm for crystal pony society romance. Polyamory across Equestria isn't *unheard* of, but here it thrives. More ponies than not have multiple partners in the Crystal Kingdom and they are very picky with whom they share their lives. These sprawling partnerships lead to big families, ones that rely on that communication that has served this society well for so long.

Crystal ponies often struggle interacting with the other species — except the changelings, their closest allies — due to their geographical isolation and overtly honest conversation starters. It's rare to see a crystal pony straying from home as anywhere else may see them as rude. Travelers who take to the crystal pony ways, though, are welcomed with open arms more so than they would be anywhere else. The Crystal Kingdom is one of the only safe places for changelings, they value every species with as much love as Cadence herself would have. Crystal ponies cover their flanks in solidarity with their changeling neighbors, referring to them and other blank flanks as "clear".

Their love for the arts borders on the excessive, vanity and materialism run thick through the alabaster cities. Large and expansive galleries hold all manner and media of art, going on near endlessly with no limits to what was worthy of their storied halls. They crave flair and creativity in every part of their lives, going so far as to cast illusions in their homes and shops. Glamour rests in doorways, waiting to light up and glitter as you pass and street light fixtures shining far too many colors to be practical. Bird song heard from music boxes, whether or not a bird was present, because song is lovely. And Cadence loves lovely things.

### Religion and Traditions

While you wouldn't know it at a glance, a crystal pony's worship of Cadence is a somber act. Her stories are lined with tragedy, her lessons are less cautionary tales and more so laments. Cadence loved deeply and it cost her more than just her lover but her sight, her magic. Crystal ponies honor her vast love by guiding their lives by that same deep affection for the world and each other. They honor her still by taking heartbreak in stride. They do not grieve for long, and when they do, it is alone. That sorrow is kept between them, their closest kin, and Cadence. This is not to say crystal ponies are removed from their emotions, they are just as emotional as anypony else, each anguish being a personal struggle with their faith. Acceptance, in a crystal ponies eyes, is the only way to greet the coming days.

Outside the long list of Cadencian holidays listed on her page, crystal ponies often hold secular festivals just to celebrate one another. Weekends in the larger cities are flooded with festivals and block parties, music and magic fill the air more often than not.

Every year, the crystal pony monarchy holds a gala. Its title changes with the monarchy, taking on the credential they received at their coronation and paired with another word that holds no specific meaning. Since Talisman's coronation it has been known as the Grand Galloping Gala. The guest list includes every known major ruler of the different provinces. This obviously excluding species with no main government, — like the kirin, fairy and moth ponies — species people barely know exist, — kelpies — and both solar and lunar dragons. Each guest may bring a plus one, a policy that leads more unicorns than not attending due to their large council. While this is a party, diplomacy is the focus, and is the least flashy crystal party to date.

Crystal pony weddings are often complicated. Managing the guest lists, the seating arrangements, the catering, of so many particular ponies is quite the feat. It's no secret that marriage planners are always in high demand. Complicated, too, is the ceremony itself. A custom-made scale is crafted, with as many plates as there are newly weds, and displayed at the center of the party. As the newly weds rehearse their vows, they place either small items of importance or beautiful stones on the plates until the scale is evenly weighed. This can go on for awhile as it turns into a family event of trying to find the one thing *perfect* enough to balance it out. After the union, married ponies will wear a gem, typically around their horns, that matches the coat color of their spouse(s).

### Politics and History

The crystal monarchy is old, so old that it is said the current king was descended from ponies who ruled when Cadence walked amongst them. It has ran itself the same way all this time, not by birth order but by merit. The heirs are all prospective leaders and treated as such by both the kingdom's citizens and the current monarchs. They will be assessed by their parents until a decision is made of who would be the best ruler. A ceremony is held for the new crown prince or princess and they are allowed in on any and all meetings of the Crystal Council. This is their duty until the previous monarch dies or steps down, they will then be coronated as the new monarch and given a credential. (Ex. King Talisman *the Grand, King Valentine the Charming, Queen Valerica the Steadfast*)

Nearly as old as the monarchy itself is how royal spouses are handled. Wedding a monarch is no small task. Should a monarch be married, their spouse will take on the title of Lord, Lady, or Leige and they will share full responsibility of the kingdom. Discussions about how that divvies up typically take place before the wedding is even held, as to minimize post-marital stress.

The Crystal Council is a much newer system, put in place by the previous queen, Talisman's mother, in the midst of her reign. The Crystal Kingdom is separated into eight counties and a representative from seven of them, the capital is excluded, is brought to advocate for their homes when making kingdom wide decisions. Court is held for most domestic disputes and the county representatives have a say even when it doesn't involve their home county. This is because the council becomes close overtime, they value one another's thoughts.

Current Leader: King Talisman the Grand

Throughout the tense past of Equestria, the crystal ponies tend to remain neutral to conflicts. The surrounding mountain range has kept them safe from anyone who would try and change that. Their history isn't completely free of bloodshed, however. They had a hand in the recent Griffin Rebellion and quite an important one at that. The griffins were down on their luck, losing against the pegasi who previously had occupied them. The crystal ponies offered them soldiers and healers, as well as excessive and cheap trade as the kingdom was well off themselves. Getting involved with the war was not an easy decision and not one that has went down smoothly. There are still arguments about Talis' decision to step in and aid the griffins, even among his own court. He has not gone back on his decision once.