ponymeisters | (no subject)

So you've decided to apply. Awesome! Now you want to know how your character will look like in this world. Don't worry - we will try to explain it all here! And keep in mind, this is a general, basic outline of what ponies and species do what and some basic examples for who would be good fits for each type, if you wanted to be somewhat faithful to the Friendship is Magic dichtonomy. However, with the exception of the alicorn, you're not actually bound by any guidelines as to what type of pony/creature your characters can actually become. If you want your character to be the exact opposite of what this guideline suggests for the lulz, or think your character would be more awesome as one over the other? That's cool with us! We might even laugh with you at your trolling choice.

THE PONIES

The pony. The basic form that the vast majority of characters will take, as ponies are the majority species in Equestria. There are four types of ponies that your character can become physically, should you choose to have your character be a pony. You must also remember your character's cutie marks.

Wait! What are cutie marks?
Cutie marks are the marks on nearly every pony's flank in Equestria. Cutie marks are indicative of a person's destiny, personality, and special ability in life, and looking at a pony's cutie mark should allow someone else to easily figure out what that pony does in life. There are untold varieties of cutie marks that can be found in Equestria, from the mundane (Derpy Hooves'/Ditzy Doo's bubble cutie mark) to awesome and symbolic (because of her power and her duty as the princess of the day, Princess Celestia's cutie mark is the sun).

It is very rare that a cutie mark doesn't appear on a pony, and almost all ponies gain their cutie marks during elementary school. Children (and, it can be assumed, adults) without cutie marks are not always treated well by others, as a lack of cutie mark implies that the person has no talent or destiny worth noting or finding. As a result, "blank flanks" are looked down on and subject to scorn, derision, and ostracism in certain parts of Equestrian society. So think carefully before you decide to make your character a "blank flank"!

Pony Types

The pony types are:

Earth Ponies
Earth ponies are the "normal" ponies. They have no horn or wings, and don't generally exhibit obvious magic. However, some ponies are shown to be incredibly strong. Many also have a special connection to the ground, to plants, and to other animals. On the other hand, many Earth ponies are also shown to be resourceful, and able to make up for their lack of obvious magic or flying abilities through various means and methods, showcasing talent in numerous other fields. The crystal ponies of the Crystal Empire are also Earth ponies.

Possible examples include Quasimodo (Hugoverse), Toph Bei Fong (Avatar: The Last Airbender), or Han Solo (Star Wars).

Pegasus ponies
Pegasus ponies are the fliers of Equestria. They are the ponies that possess wings, and because of this most are incredibly fast and agile. They also have the ability to control the weather and can walk on clouds. Due to their connection to the weather, pegasus also have an ability to use and manipulate water and other liquids for use in weather control. Many Pegasus ponies have a very "seize the day" attitude, and are sometimes adventurous to a fault. They are also known to be incredibly brave, if not a bit reckless at times.

Possible examples include Ophelia (Brutal Legend), Lola (Run Lola Run), or Hawkman (DC).

Unicorn ponies
Unicorn ponies are the primary magic users of Equestria. They are the ponies that possess horns, which allows them to use magic most consciously. Generally, a unicorn's magic is related to their natural talents and hobbies, though all unicorns share the ability to perform telekinesis on objects and people to various extents. Unicorns are not generally as strong as earth ponies or as fast as pegasus ponies, but they tend to make up for this using their magical skills, along with their intellect and their ability to improvise and compensate for their physical shortcomings.

Possible examples include Sailor Mercury (Sailor Moon), Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist), or Count Dracula (Dracula).

Alicorn ponies
Information about alicorns, and how a character may become eligible for alicornization, can be found here.

BAT PONIES, CHANGELINGS, DRAGONS AND BREEZIES

There are currently FOUR other major animals given some important details in the Friendship is Magic universe aside from ponies: bat ponies, changelings and dragons, described below.

Bat ponies
Not much is currently known about this group of creatures, but what is known is that they are a separate species from regular ponies, that live primarily within mountain caves. While they look like ponies on the outset, they also have a number of bat characteristics to them, such as their wings, their teeth, and their more prominent fur. Given their bat-like nature, they are generally darker skinned, are likely nocturnal, and may also have some control over night weather as a flying type of pony. Because they are such dark and mysterious creatures, it is natural that a fair number of them serve as Princess Luna's personal guard.

Possible examples include Batman (Batman), and...actually, that example is awesome enough that we don't really need any more examples.

Changelings
Changelings are creatures who look like small black alicorns at first. However, they are in fact insectoid-like in nature. They drain emotion out of their victims - mainly feeding on love - and use the energy to gain more power. They can also assume the forms of their victims, pretending to be them while the real victims are trapped inside green chrysalises. Changelings also have something akin to a hive mind, ultimately obeying their queen without question. Changelings are considered enemies of Equestria due to their invasion during the royal wedding.

Possible examples include the Borg (Star Trek), Mystique (Marvel), and Edward Cullen (Twilight).

Dragons
Dragons are a species of large reptilians which can be found throughout Equestria. Some are capable of flight, breathing fire, or both. They are legendary for having a propensity for greed, and those dragons that are particularly so will hoard anything and everything they can get their hands on, treasure or otherwise. Some dragons are also known to be rude, and antagonistic towards other Equestrians, though not all are. Many dragons, nice or not, tend to have a superiority complex about themselves. Dragons are known to eat precious gems as part of their diet.

Possible examples include Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Gollum (Lord of the Rings), and Mr. Gold (Once Upon A Time).

Breezies
Breezies are a special, rare species that are very small, delicate and on the whole reclusive. They exhibit several pony traits and physical attributes, but act similar to bees and other pollinating insects; thus they can be considered insectoid in nature. They speak an unusual language which most Equestrians don't always understand; likewise, while Breezies can understand Equestrians, very few Beezies can actually speak the Equestrian language. Breezies live primarily in a pocket dimension protected by magic, which they rarely leave. The only time they do so willingly is once a year, during a season not winter, when the portal to their realm opens and they gather the pollen their species uses for survival and likewise help pollinate. Their migration to and from their pollinating fields is the best time to see this species en masse. Its also the most dangerous time for a Breezie, as due to their physical nature even a brisk breeze can put a large number of them in danger of grievous injury. Breezies are protected by Equestrian law, due to their part in the pollination process and also, to the rarity and delicateness of their species.

Possible examples include Beth March (Little Women), Zoicite (Sailor Moon), and Raistlin Majere (Dragonlance Chronicles).

OTHER ANIMALS

There are other types of creatures that characters can be applied as, aside from ponies, dragons and changelings. Most normal animals, for example, exist in Equestria, such as bunnies, turtles, lizards, bears, and the like, albeit they are smaller and cuter than their more normal counterparts. So, if, say, someone wanted Sonic the Hedgehog to be an adorable blue hedgehog, we're certainly not going to stop anyone! Other mythical creatures, such as chupacabras, jackalopes, manticores and minotaurs also exist in this world, so if you don't want your character to be a pony, the sky's the limit on what you can be. The only real limitations are that you can't be a dragonequus (so no Discord clones!), a Hydra (there can only be one), or a Cerberus (there can only be three...heads).