Antelope

## General

Pyromaniacs of the Western Desert and devout Celestia worshipers, Antelopes live dramatic and dynamic lives. They favor boldness and confidence and are quite known for it.

## Antelope Creation Guide

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

### Appearance

Antelopes are a very short species, their horns only reaching the top of the average unicorns ears. They have long thin ears and a slender head shape. Their coats are thin, sleek, and resistant to the hot climate they call home. All antelopes have black markings that vary wildly from each individual and white markings that are usually found on their stomachs and surrounding area.

### Naming Scheme

At birth, Antelopes are given a single word name. (Ex. Ochre, Crypt, Dusty) They keep this name until their fifteenth year where a huge celebration is thrown in town, all the fifteen year old fawns are celebrated and given the opportunity to choose their forever name. Some keep their birth name, others add onto it, and some change it entirely. (Ex. Ochre, Cloven Crypt, Cinder Strike)

### Cutiemarks and Capabilities

Antelopes do *not* receive cutiemarks. They do not have spellcasting or the ability to fly. They also have no 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

The antelope society is centered around their affinity with fire. They hold festivals more than most other species, igniting anything from bonfires to floating lanterns. While they are bombastic in their hobbies, they are far from reckless. Fire retardants were invented in the Antelope Republic and safety has always been well known and prioritized. They make good use of controlled burns to help strengthen agriculture as well as making efficient irrigation systems for the safety of their crops. Most antelopes wear flames in various ways many of which are described in Fashion of Equestria. (not yet) To avoid destruction, the inattentive and young children that are wishing to participate in wearing flames will be given lanterns instead.

This leads them to be a very blunt bunch, meeting every scenario they can head on. They are friendlier than most would assume but are quick to change their tune if something feels off. They don't appreciate cagey types, if you are known for keeping secrets they may grow to resent you. They are a daring species, cultivating brave and confident younger generations, ever carrying the torch to a bright future. This is a necessary trait to have, flames wielded with hesitance are dangerous, more so than ones wielded with confidence.

### Religion and Traditions

Their connection to fire is said to be Celestia's doing. They honor her with holy flame, using it for both recreational and practical things. Tying it into their everyday as much as they can. They hold semimonthly festivals in her name, burning enough to make the night sky look light as day. To not wear flame is to disgrace Celestia's name, kids are taught young not to fear the warmth of the Goddess.

Celestial festivals aren't the only ones held, however. They hold "Coming of Age" festivals every year, letting the fifteen year olds pick new names and celebrate themselves.

A major marital tradition in the republic is the forging of brands. A pair of engaged antelopes will forge a brand individually, they tend to design it with their families but anything goes. On the wedding day, a major part of the ceremony is the combination and reforging of the brand. The confirm their union by branding something of importance together.

### Politics and History

Antelopes run their home favoring democracy, letting the majority rule. Their leader is elected directly, making decisions following policies laid out when they ran for the position. They may hold council, a group made up of prominent members of the Antelope Citizenship, for decisions they feel they cannot, or should not, make alone.

Current Leader: Under Construction.

Being so close to the Sun Pony Dominion, the antelopes are very devout to Celestia. This has led to the antelopes having a unique relationship with their neighbors, they handle the sun pony escapees. Bounty hunters make a living off being hired killers, tracking down and dragging escaped sun ponies back to the Dominion, dead or alive. This is an honorable job, successful bounty hunters are revered among the antelopes for being so valiant in Celestia's name.

This reputation does not extend beyond the borders, other species respect them out of fear and reverence of the sun ponies. Most species view the antelopes as childish and reckless, looking down on their explosive festivals and demeanors alike. This angers most high standing antelope's as their addition to an armies masses has always pushed things in the Goddess' favor, wielding her flame on the battlefield like no other. They are not a force to be reckoned with.