Thestral

## Introduction

Thestrals, or Equus Mana Lunar, are a subspecies of ponies that have little to no history within Equestria. The only known concept of them comes from their tale of the Mare in the Moon, that was noted to be wildly different to other retellings of the scenario. They live in areas that Lunar Magic runs high, and in Equestria these are the Everfree Forest, Hollow Shades, and the cave systems around the Peaks of Peril.

Until the return of Queen Luna, Thestrals were believed to be Vampire Ponies due to stories of Ancient Equestrian ponies being attacked at night by creatures with wings, dark coats, and sharp teeth. These tales stated these victims would be severely weakened the following days to the point of being unable to use any sort of magic. Afterwards, those around them while they healed would experience similar symptoms. They would have bite marks on their neck, and the area would be inflamed and itchy. Afterwards the victim, and those that spent a lot of time near them, would disappear without a trace. Others around them, such as neighbours and other villagers would record a dire change in personality, as if they weren't themselves...

## Physical Attributes

Most Thestrals are of the winged/Pegasus variety, with membrane bat-like wings that have a claw at the ridge of their wings. However, like Crystallines, there are Terra and Unicorns of this nocturnal variety, they are simply more uncommon. This is believed to be because Thestrals and Equestrian Pegasi evolved from a common ancestor, making their bodies more suited towards flight and hunting as opposed to spell-casting or strength and crop-growing. The areas they live in support this theory as well.

All Thestrals have vertical slit pupils, and large, ribbed ears with tufts at the top of them. They have long leonine tails used to wrap around objects and to hang upside down to sleep. Their coats are dark colours, usually greys, blues or purples. Their eyes, however, are usually bright and pale to contrast their dark sclera and increase their intimidation to help with hunting and fighting. Their irises also glow, especially in moonlight. Similar things happen with their manes, however their manes follow the cycle of the moon. New moons make their manes darker, and full moons make their manes lighter and almost glow. T. Unicorns have horns that bend in the middle; so they grow straight out, then after their horn molt it bends straight up. Their connection to Lunar Magic allows them to more easily use 'Dark Magic' without the corrupting effects of it, however they do still need to take precautions when practicing it. Also, how E. Unicorns can use Lunar Magic, T. Unicorns can use Solar Magic, it just might tire them out quicker, similar to E. Unicorns using Lunar Magic. This information and more comes to light after Lilymoon and her family move to Ponyville. T. Terra have less control over growing plants than E. Terra, however they make that up it the innate knowledge they have of plants; understanding where and how they grow, the effects they have, what they can be used for, as well as being able to placate Lunar Plants. Lunar Plants are more likely to be 'alive' than their Solar counterparts, and T. Terra have innate magic to temper that almost-sentience. You don't need magic to make things grow fast when those plants already do that. Their magic applies the same to animals.

## Life & Culture

### Names

Thestral names are usually related to the night, or dark related things; shade, shadow, night, moon, midnight, constellations. As well as Lunar Plants; honeydew, nightshade, berry, lily, etc. Thestrals also have what's called a Colony name, which is something all Thestrals have unless they are Rogue. A Colony name is like a last name, such as Sparkle or Apple, in that it denotes the family that you are a part of. However, Colony Names hold far more weight than an Equestrian family name in that in Thestrals society it is far more important. A Thestrals' Colony is similar to a Pegasus' Flock; while usually they are made up of biological family members, it isn't uncommon for close friends to be part of a Flock/Colony. However, a Thestrals Colony has a much larger affect on their day-to-day lives, and if they are not part of a Colony then they are considered Rogue. Basically, a Thestral has to be part of a Colony while a Pegasus doesn't need to be part of a Flock. Also, Flocks can be as simple as a group of fillyfriends, while a Colony is created for the purpose of being able to survive.

### Dwellings

Thestrals needs are easiest to be met when they indulge in foods with Lunar Magic, and vice versa to Equestrian ponies. This phenomenon is widely under researched, as the distinction between Solar and Lunar magic isn't even known until Princess Heir Twilight Sparkle and the other Element Bearers find some Thestrals. All Thestrals--Unicorn, Terra, and Pegasus--are omnivores with a leaning towards meat. Usually this'll be bugs and rodents (however the nature of the Everfree forest and Lunar magic makes it that these are usually massive organisms to hunt in packs). They have sharp, canine teeth seen in other omnivores. They also eat fruits, and some colonies have a deal with Timberwolf packs to take a few Zap Apples when they are in season. Thestrals are also immune to particular poisonous plants, such as Nightshade Berries.

Because of Thestrals innate connection to Lunar Magic, as opposed to Equestrian ponies connection to Solar Magic, they are nocturnal and thrive beneath the moonlight. Because of this, Queen Luna's Court both prior and after her banishment has been wholly made up of Thestrals. This came to be during the construction of the Castle of the Two Sisters, where Luna helped a colony of Thestrals find food and shelter during an unprecedent storm using her Lunar Magic. Afterwards, the colony agreed to help build the Castle, and Luna appointed them her Night Court.