Notes on Crystal Ponies and their Empire
(Image Credit to NightmareLunaFan),Crystal Ponies have physical states that are governed by their emotional states.,Their natural states are as liquid in the ground. They can emerge and form solid bodies dependent on these emotional states.When they are happy their bodies are soft.When they fall in love their bodies give off a rosy glow. When they are aroused they melt back into the ground.When they are frightened they become brittle and tend to shatter.When they are mad they become hard like diamonds.When they are sad they become light and ephemeral and give off a dark blue glow. When they are despondent they turn completely dark and fade away.(Image Credit to JaDeDJynX)Update: 2023 03 30Crystal ponies can become more physically formidable when they become hard. However, they also are very vulnerable to resonance in this form and can be shattered if exposed to the right tone at the right frequency., Update: 2023 06 17A Note on Body TemperatureFor those contemplating a crystal pony waifu, understand that the energy efficiency of mineral organisms comes with a price. Most of the thousand kilocalories that biological organisms consume every day is expended in heat energy expelled from our bodies. The fact that crystal ponies don't have to eat means that they aren't generating heat either. Their bodies will generally be room temperature. The best way to enhance this and create the impression of body warmth would be to conduct one's activities in a warm bath or shower. The crystal pony body should feel appreciably warmer a good 5 to 10 minutes following their sustained immersion., Update: 2023 06 10>>40009728More good questions, different minerals form different types of crystals. Maybe the specific minerals predominant in each of the crystal ponies determine their color along with other abilities and distinctions beyond those defined by their cutie marks.Update: 2023/01/27>>39566410Crystal ponies began as a fluid society that existed underground. You're correct in saying that they were influenced by ordinary ponies and adopted a pony form when they emerged in crystalline form above ground along with the other crystals that form their civilization.Maybe it was the unicorn wizards who originally sought them out and summoned their original appearances in this form. The gem enchanters. Maybe they were summoned originally to do their bidding. The entire society may have been summoned from the ground in this form.>>39566410>Do ponies become crystalized if they spend enough time in the Crystal Empire?I once had this idea that Rarity visited the underground crystal society when she grew older and lost her beauty. The same sense that guided her to find gems guides her to this underground society of crystals.I forget how but she transformed into a crystal. When she did she was really upset.But then when she emerged among all of the other crystals they couldn't get over how beautiful a crystal she was.She reflected on this and then told them how that was nonsense. She told them they all looked Exactly the same as she did. All she did that was different was to Act like she was a beautiful crystal because that's just how she thought about herself.She then told them that all crystals are naturally beautiful and shouldn't hide themselves in the ground but should emerge and let themselves be seen. Rares: "Hide your faces no longer. Emerge from the ground. Show the whole world how Beautiful you are!">>39566410I think the ideas is that crystal ponies don't age and retain their same appearance and beauty. So it's like an option for ponies when they grow old. Maybe ordinary ponies Can be transformed into crystal ponies but it might be an irreversible transformation.Update: 2023 03 27One possibility for the actual transformation is that it occurs within one of the liquid crystal societies. The problem with that idea was that I thought she couldn't breathe if she were submerged but I was wrong. After she goes in we just see two sets of bubbles on the surface. At first it looks like she might be drowning but the camera pans down into the liquid crystal. We see two trains of bubbles; one coming up from below and the second actually going down. The camera follows the train down into the liquid crystal where we see her floating along. We see that an air pocket has formed around her snout. As she breathes one bubble moves away from the pocket while another from the surface is moved into it by the crystal fluid around her. This isn't some dumb ocean that she's submerged in. It's an intelligent being that is able to control it's form precisely enough to act as a respirator from her face all the way to the surface. Update: 2023 02 11 (Image Credit to Brony-Works),In their gratitude the crystal ponies help Rarity open a shop in the Crystal Empire like the one she has in Manehattan. When she returns to Ponyville the other members of the Mane Six are relieved that she's ok and ask her what happened. She feigns nonchalance:Rarity: "I'm sorry I gave you all such a fright, darlings. I just had some business to attend to."When she says this her new body turns shiny and glows a particular color. Applejack may understand Rarity better than anypony else even though or because she's so different stylistically but it doesn't take the 'element of honesty' to see what the implication is.AJ: "Rarity, I think you're gonna have to find a better way to lie than that.."When she speaks of this period of her life in confidence to Applejack in subsequent years she refers metaphorically to 'too many negative reviews' from 'those critics that line the walls..' meaning her mirrors.. Update: 2023 02 09It is for many reasons that the ponies of Equestria refer to the Crystal Empire as, 'The Kingdom of Shattered Hearts' Of all the beauty that she represented, her most beautiful creation had always been herself, both inside and out. But her inner beauty was now obscured. Even the best of friends as she had could only do so much to reassure her when the truth stared back at her from every mirror. Before leaving Equestria, Rarity had gone to a masked ball in Canterlot. She had worn her porcelain mask with jewels embedded in it. She kept the mask on all night and wouldn't take it off. She realized that she now felt more comfortable with the mask on than with the mask off. She passed in front of a full length mirror. She noticed the jewels on her mask, on her face. Then she understood. She realized why she liked the mask. It was the jewels.And then it hit her,her face now needed accessoriesUpdate: 2023 02 10In becoming a crystal pony one retains their physical beauty while making certain concessions to their new form. Since crystal ponies don't eat that means an end to dining in the organic sense. No sense of hunger, taste or satisfaction. And No Ice Cream Binges! Not that she could eat ice cream much anymore once she reached 50. Her body just couldn't handle the sugar the way it used to. This could cut one off from the creative inspirations that those sensations of taste provide but Rarity's inspiration was primarily visually based anyway fortunately. Rarity takes a pragmatic view in light of what she gained.Rares: "I've eaten enough of those over the years. I've had my fill."Though, truth be known, she does miss tasting in later years, she does not miss having to poop or go to the bathroom ever again. Bathrooms in the Crystal Empire are reserved solely for the touristas (and that's a major concession when you consider how much it takes to set up plumbing in a society.) However the crystal ponies consider this a necessary byproduct of their split level, underground/above ground civilization. They had to build something like plumbing anyways in order to allow the members of the liquid crystal societies underground direct transportational access to their above ground cities and crystal pony dwellings. They like to visit back and forth from time to time."So do liquid crystals flush themselves when they return back to the crystal societies underground? Maybe they just go down the drain.."Oh, and one more thing, they fuck but they don't reproduce the way that we do. They don't exchange DNA. Forming other proto-ponies is more of a voluntary creative process that involves the liquid crystal society's participation.Update: 2023 06 07A Note on the Possibility of Sexual Reproduction and Conception Initiated by the Unions of individual Crystal PoniesGiven the possibility that crystal ponies can change to soft or fluid states when they are experiencing passionate positive emotions such as love or carnal desire, it would be possible for crystal pony couples (or even groups hypothetically) to physically merge during their periods of physical intimacy with each other. It would also be possible during these periods of physical and mental union for the spawning of additional self sustaining entities that define themselves within the collective liquid form of their union and separate from them as distinct crystal entities by the process described below in the section of the report concerning the expedition through the crystal society describing 'Life Processes and Patterns Individualization and the Formation of Crystal Entities' by which unbiased crystal entities distinguish themselves physically and separate from the collective masses of their societies of origin.Update: 2023 03 17Sublimation is the graceful alternative to deathUpdate: 2023 03 16Finite and FinaleSo what becomes of the fair and fashionable Crystal Princess in Residence as the years turn into decades and the decades become centuries? Her parents gone, her friends except Twilight all dead, her sister Sweetie and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Alive, dead alive, dead alive, dead alive, dead alive, dead alive, dead alive, dead.. etc..Pinkie's death affected her more than she had ever expected, 'How could she die?' She thought that she would be able to endure anything after the deaths of Fluttershy and Applejack but it was after Pinkie died that she realized that it was no longer just one or two had died. She realized that 'the they' that she had known and loved for so long had died and she really began to feel alone.Rarity disappeared again (leaving Coco in charge as acting CEO). This was the first time she sought refuge from everything.All was dark except for fleeting ripples of light that occasionally would course through the darkness. At other times one would observe a hazy illumination off in the distance that would back light her body as it drifted ephemerally amidst the idle stillness and gentle currents of sweeping liquid thought. As she continued to linger, her hooves languishing radially outwards a soft glow would gradually form around her horn and the ripples would begin to radiate in synchronization with the imperceptible beats of a silent collective heart.As her immersion continued so did the progressive effects of sensory deprivation (guided gently by her hosts) and Rarity would begin to see those things that the collective sensed and sense those things that they knew.**It is noted as possible here that organic ponies may achieve the same state of mental communion while immersed as long as they were afforded the breathing apparatus necessary for sustaining themselves while immersed. , Observations during Extended Submersion(Image Credit to Trichardsen) ,Sometime later the appearance of what could be considered a point of mental focus of the collective consciousness for this crystal society was observed. This could be thought of as a point at which the extended crystal brain centered its concentration. Note was made of the tangible yet indefinite outline of the physical form that these thoughts manifested. These tend to occur more often near the middle of these collective intelligences which extend for over a mile each. Of further note is an increase in the opacity of the crystal solution corresponding with the concentration of solute as one approaches the center of these societies. (Image Credits to Spidergeist and to igokapichka) , By contrast, in the instance above, the observation of crystal entities that have separated from the main collective is noted. That they are focused as individuals can be seen by their clearly defined outlines. These are unbiased but could potentially become proto-ponies which would then form into crystal ponies. These individuals more often define themselves near the edges of the collectives. Just perceptible (with increased brightness) is the outer edge of the collective in the lower left of the image. One can also see a general corresponding increase in clarity of the crystal solution as one moves towards the edge of the societies. In this instance, most of the solute having grouped together and concentrated into forming the individual crystal entities that we see. Watching them absorb the surrounding colloid one is reminded of the ordinary feeding behavior of marine organisms one might observe in our own oceans., It was during these longer extended periods that her body would sometimes change, not merely in texture but sometimes shape as her imagination began reaching out. Afterwards, she felt no ill effects. It was if the physical state of her body itself had been 'dreaming'. Just floating, silently amidst the collective. When she did re-emerge finally it was with an idea for a new line, sleek and glittery but free of any trifles expressing a base and spare sensibility** ('reflecting her feelings, darling..')**One consequence of her closeness to the crystal societies was a collaboration that resulted in a product line that included special crystals embedded in them. The main difference between these and the crystals that your looney aunt gave you to wear was that these crystals actually did provide significant therapeutic benefit for those who wore them. When she did reappear it was clear there had been a change. After Rainbow Dash passed away years later Rarity attended the funeral but stayed for the memorial service only long enough to offer Windy her sincerest condolences. She had urgent business to deal with but wished her to know how much she cherished the time she had spent together with her daughter. (Truth be known, her early departure was not motivated by any ill feelings or lack of regard towards Rainbow Dash. She simply wanted to avoid having to endure spending the next few hours in grief and alone listening to Twilight.) Once most of her friends had died, Rarity began relying more and more on the Crystal collective underground that transformed her for her emotional support. Twilie was still her friend but emotionally she could not replace the support that all of the others had once provided Rarity by herself. The crystal collective began providing Rarity their support and even absorbed some of her pain as she closed her eyes and floated gently amidst them. In their quiet way they could connect with her as Twilight couldn't.. Some would have expected her to be the one who would have the subtle depth of emotion. Twilight being the 'smart one'. But beneath what seemed to be a fashion designer's emphasis on the superficiality of aesthetic and appearance was someone responsive to the most subtle creative impulses and emotions. Those who really knew her all along knew how subtle the breeze that bent the blades of her emotions and so very brittle each blade could be.Her work sustained her, her creativity kept her going..for some time..but all must end.Finally, after hundreds of years and a fashion empire, (Rarities of Ponyville, Rarities of Manehattan, Rarities of Equestria, Rarities of the Crystal Empire and finally, the conglomerated Rarities Internationale) she finally heeded the subtle call of the collective. Down she went into the heart of the Crystal Society underground,and she melted into them, relinquishing her individual identityas a Jedi becoming one with the Forcein releasing to them her creativity, her final act of gratuity returning a favor long ago bestowed upon herand gracefully faded, blending inUntil..<¿Invoked like a ghost into a solid discrete form as once she existed?> <¿remembered and summoned by an old friend still not dead?>They say that Souls linger in the Crystal Empire longer than anywhere else..Long do Crystals LingerSlow do their lives fade..only to re-emerge.. (maybe if some handsome gem enchanter came along..)Update: 2023 03 19 (Image Credit to chrzanek97), Although the formally ordained Princess of the Crystal Empire is miAmore Cadenza above ground, as far as the crystal societies underground are concerned, Rarity is their Princess and Crystal Heart. This status is ordained not by title but by choice. This is further based on the idea that the heart that beats within her is the same heart that beats throughout the collective. Princess Cadance never sought their communion nor did she ever attempt to sync herself with their heart while Rarity did. They consider the title of 'Princess of Love' as 'love of the organic', 'That which reproduces' and 'a title in name only.' They know that to her, the crystal heart is just a thing. Crystal hearts are their hearts. The hearts that beat within the collectives underground. Rarity knows this because she has felt this herself. (In strictest confidence is known the following: If Cadenza (as they call her below)*** or anyone else were to use their crystal heart to harm Rarity in any way it would first crack, then shatter completely.) And Speaking of shattering, 'why was it really that Flurry Heart was able to shatter the crystal heart so easily?' It was not a sign of her strength. It was a sign of the strength of their Rejection of her. The crystal entities underground take offense to the very notion of any title ordained by what they refer to derisively as, 'organic succession.'Update: 2023 03 20***It is generally observed underground that the crystal societies fail to recognize her proper title except when referring to her by a name less regarded such as 'Meatbag'., Update: 2023 06 16A General Note on Mineral Organisms While it could be fair to note a continuance of the pattern of foreign occupancy and rule of biological organisms with respect to Princess Cadance and her rule of the Crystal Empire it would also be fair to acknowledge the fact that mineral organisms really are less motivated than biological organisms to seeking power and physical dominance because there simply isn't sufficient inducement when their basic forms require so little maintenance for survival. Part of the reason why biological organisms are so comparatively driven and motivated to attain positions of authority is because of how astonishingly fragile and high maintenance they are. Biological organisms have to breathe every two seconds. They have to procure enough resource to secure and ingest a certain number of kilocalories of fuel and water every day or they will die. Even then they live very short lives in comparison to mineral organisms whose lifespans seem almost eternal. The only dependency for crystal entities is life energy and occasionally some crystal solution to offset evaporation and that is it. Biological organisms have to struggle and prevail in a competitive environment for their very existences which motivates them to attain positions of dominance and power that mineral organisms as a species simply have no immediate motivation to pursue in the course of their daily lives.Update: 2023 05 06A Note on Cadance's Reign and Her Legitimacy as Sovereign vs the Indigenous Sovereignty of the Crystal Nations as a Whole "What was your name again?" (Reputedly one of Her Majesty's 'favorite expressions') Although none would deny HRH Princess Cadenza her singular status as liberator of the Crystal Empire her fitness as sovereign over a country with which she has always had so little familiarity has remained an open question. This has extended to her behavior in court to the extent of her persistent requests of being reminded of the names of her administrative and department heads on a regular basis. As far as the organization and running of the nation itself the best that can be said is that she wisely prefers to delegate her authority to these subordinates while she concentrates on (presumably) larger (and more personal) matters such as the running of her family all the while having a complete lack of understanding of the basic differences between organic and crystal ponies in general.********Legend has it that it was She who inaugurated the unfortunate habit of treating the means of inter-conveyance between the crystal societies and their colonies above as 'waste disposal units' as biological creatures use their toilets. What role does her ability to project thoughts of love and harmony play in her continued occupancy of the throne? It is well established that crystal beings are pliant to strong emotions. Is this how her Majesty maintains her hold on and control of her nation? If this were the case then this would no more qualify her to rule than a cult leader such as the Reverend Moon who heads the Unification Church here on Earth. Members of his group are known to apply tactics of psychological persuasion such as what is termed 'love bombing' on dissident members of his organization in order to maintain the psychological subservience and dependence of his other followers.***** Not to question the authenticity of her feelings towards her subjects. None would question her motives. However given at least the historic context one must consider her reign as part of a long legacy of intervention on the part of what have been categorically termed 'gem enchanters' on the crystal societies of the empire and their surface colonies. Her positive emotional bias could certainly be considered a constructive influence on a form of life particularly susceptible to emotional forms of persuasion while at the same time it serves the practical purpose of controlling the predisposition of her subjects to a significant extent. It should be noted that there was no indigenous opposition to the domination of the empire by King Sombra of any significance once he had managed to bias his crystal pony subjects and the societies beneath him to the point of total obedience. It could be reasonably asserted in this particular instance that this resistance had to not only come from without but from a species not so responsive to his sublime yet profound forms of persuasion.If anything, given the subservient nature of her subjects the fact that there continues to exist a level of intelligent skepticism with respect to her rule could be considered perhaps her greatest accomplishment as ruler. The fact that the crystal societies are allowed such a degree of skepticism and latitude is a tribute to the soundness of her 'hooves off' policies as well as a matter of happy coincidence based upon her total ignorance as to the true nature of the realm over which she resides. Given the unfortunate history of colonial governance of their empire in the past the societies have been more than happy to simply allow her the assumed role as their 'sovereign' and play 'princess' so long as she doesn't interfere with the course of their collective development. *****See Brainwash The Secret History of Mind Control by Dominic Streatfeild pp. 255, 271, Update: 2023 05 16A Note on Emperor MomOnce when confronted with her lack of knowledge concerning her own empire Her Majesty was said to have smiled and remarked, "That's right, where once there was a land ruled by a tyrant concerned only for the domination of his subjects now resides a land ruled over by a sovereign who doesn't understand the country whose subjects she cares for. I do understand a couple of things. I will never be a ruler like Princess Celestia or even Princess Luna. I will never be able to move the heavens for anyone other than my husband. But I do know enough to make a good home for my family and perhaps I can do the same for everyone else."Update: 2023 05 19Another Note on PizzerIn all fairness, when considering her level of ignorance with respect to the crystal societies one has to take into account the sheer scope of her responsibilities in administering the surface kingdom inhabited by the crystal ponies. Given the responsibilities and her lack of understanding of the country over which she has assumed final authority and responsibility she simply does not have time to go exploring and inquiring as to what is going on underneath particularly since the societies are so exclusive in their behaviors. This is perfectly fine as far as HRH is concerned as it at least gives her the freedom to manage things for her subjects upstairs and deal with the mysteries downstairs when circumstances require they be dealt with.Update: 2023 06 10Whereas the United Federation of Planets in the Star Trek franchise had a strict non-intervention policy with respect to other developing civilizations the so-called 'Pizzer Doctrine' of non-intervention could best be summarized as, 'Lets just not do anything until we know exactly what the buck we're dealing with..'Update: 2023 05 20A Speculative Digression on The Prince and his 'Royal Project': Providing the Crystal Empire a Second EconomyGiven the complete absence of detail overall with respect to the Crystal Empire the variety of speculation one may cast ranges far afield beyond matters relating to crystals in the least. In considering the reign of Princess Cadance what part might this very emptiness and obscurity play in the management of and direction of their domestic economy and the course of their fiscal policy beyond crystals? Rumor has it that The Prince had once worked as a live-in manager at a public storage facility in Rainbow Falls before joining Her Majesty's Royal Guard. Given his position in the Empire it would have been reasonable for him to suggest a secondary source of income for his nation based upon his professional experience combined with his perception of his own kingdom as just as obscure and hidden as it is to the rest of us. Just imagine, an entire country devoid of any detail all the way to and including the location and nature of its borders. The perfect realm for hiding stuff. The future home of the greatest collection of public storage facilities in all of cartoon history!Sitting in the castle with his wife he must have thought he was back in Rainbow Falls. Him and Her Royal Majesty, reigning over an empty open country of nothing bounded by obscure borders. They must've thought that they were living back in that small apartment above the storage spaces. Well they could put all that openness and obscurity to some use.. What better place for the world to hide anything that should remain un-found? For a reasonable price, of course.. Forget Prince Albert, this is a Prince with vision! His original business plan prior to becoming a royal guard****** put into practice on a scale previously unimaginable. Royalty Public Storage, "our motto is 'They'll Never Find it Here!'" Ten Million Units across the Empire! Payment due the first of every month of course. If rent wasn't paid in full by the 5th then magic spells went on the locks sealing them and preventing the units from being opened. If payment wasn't received by the 13th the government could rule them as 'abandoned' leaving them open to seizure. Then things got really sweet. On the 15th the locks were cut and each delinquent unit could sold at public auction to compensate the company for unpaid back rent. Hired the Flim Flam Brothers as auctioneers and everything.. "Shining Armor, riding his wife's coattails no longer, now he was the breadwinner!"******Shining's original ambition was to become the live-in, onsite manager of a public storage place up in Rainbow Falls where he'd live with his wife until they had too many kids to occupy one of those dinky little apartments. Then he was going to pack up his family and move them all down to the Equestrian equivalent of Florida (since they have no criminal extradition agreements with other states) once the quasi-legality of breaking open other ponies' storage lockers and auctioning the contents caught up with him (it's no less dubious in Equestria than it is here..) Update: 2023 05 21Another Speculative Note on the geographic significance of the location of Rainbow Falls as a likely center of illicit trade,Just Looking at the map of the North-Eastern portion of Equestria where Rainbow Falls resides, given the location up in the hills bordered by the Yacket Range and the Crystal Empire on one side while to the East across the Narrow Sea there is ready access to Griffonstone and the Bugbear Territory on the other one can readily see how Rainbow Falls offers an ideal location not only for trade in general but for illegal trade in particular. Given it's remoteness from the center of administrative authority and Equestrian control along with the many avenues of flight to alternate jurisdictions including to the Crystal Empire, Yacket Range, Griffonstone, etc. and the fact that the transactions are conducted in what looks to be a swap meet one might expect at least some of the property to be either stolen or considered illicit in nature by one or more of the principalities mentioned (ie smuggled contraband). , Update: 2023 05 17A Note on the Origination of Knowledge of the Crystal and Mineral Intelligences Although it was the unicorns who possessed the magic that influenced the crystal societies the original knowledge and understanding of the nature of their existence is believed to have come from those Earth ponies whose lives brought them closest to the Earth and whose perceptions were most open and sensitive to the nature of the world around them. Among them included rock farmers and mineralogists. Further into the past the original perception of the ground and land as sentient or 'possessing of spirit' could be found within the traditions and knowledge passed down within the ancient buffalo tribes of the plains. (On the topic of 'Spirits and Information in the Rocks', see: Secret Society of the Shamans by Dennis Morrison, Chapter 3, on the topics of the traditional belief in the sentience and magical powers of stones and their usage in visualization and medicine see The World We Used to Live In by Vine Deloria Jr., Chapter 6) It is known that various tribes treat specific areas as sacred. (Regarding the topic of 'Sacred Ground and Earth Spirit', see: Sacred Sonoma pp. 21-25, 31-37, Secret Society of the Shamans by Dennis Morrison, Chapter 7) Some have been found as the locations of substantial crystal deposits. (see, for example: Places of Power by Paul Devereux, pp. 41-49) Other land has been ascribed characteristics as either 'positive' or 'negative' in spirit. (See The Nature of Things The Secret Life of Inanimate Objects by Lyall Watson pp. 60-66, Sacred Sonoma pp. 26-28, for accounts of Lands Haunted by Evil Energy and Shadow Beings, see: Secret Society of the Shamans by Dennis Morrison, Chapter 5) Although ethnologists had previously ascribed such views to their 'animate' philosophies recent discoveries have prompted a re-evaluation. (On the topics of 'GeoBiological Zones and their Classifications', see: Journal of Borderland Research Vol LIII #3 pp. 39-41, also, regarding 'Life in the Landscape' see: Earthmind by Paul Devereux, pp. 104-123)Update: 2023 02 08Liquid Crystal societies probably exist underground in Equestria but mainly in the Crystal Empire. Crystal entities exist in a collective mass but under the influence of other intelligences can be biased and can form into individuals. Since ponies are the closest to being the dominant species and their society is closest to the Crystal Empire they have the most influence. Crystal entities form into Crystal Ponies out of what might be called Proto-Ponies.This gives a rough idea of what they look like as they form:,As is seen in the show, Crystal Pony societies that form into solid crystals emerge from the ground and radiate outwards. Unlike organic societies they tend to start as concentrated urban centers and then gradually radiate out into rural areas., (Image Credit to Nocturnal-Moonlight)The Tip of the IceburgThere is some continuity in these urban centers between these solid crystal societies and the liquid crystal societies underground from which they formed in the same way that trees and other plants have roots underground that spread out in all directions. Crystal Society History and Pre HistoryThe Crystal Societies underground may pre-date Organic civilizations above ground. The crystal societies are secretive and self contained. Their problem is they tend to be either shy and retiring or too self-satisfied and don't change or progress. However they do have a tremendous cultural and scientific history. But this is stored in liquid crystal data stores naturally. As a society they are like if you took Silver Spoon and projected her into an entire society. She's had everything handed to her on a proverbial 'silver platter' since she was born. She's never had to work or try for anything in her life. The crystal societies are similar. Nature has already given them what they need. They don't really need to eat. "Why do they have to work for anything?" They already have so much. For them, presentation is not a life or death necessity in order to survive, it is an art form. That is why Rarity identifies with them so strongly and they have the freedom to become what they feel. That is most important to them: Appear as you Truly Feel.It may be that the crystalized carbon-based civilizations underground had an influence on the primitive ancestors of modern ponies. They may also link directly to particular forms of magic in their world. They might also conduct (or semi conduct) electricity so that they have their own natural sources of power which gives them a natural head start in technology necessary for lighting and other aspects of modern civilized society. Physically they can become ephemeral when sad or despondent which can threaten their lives.In solid form they can be crushed and shattered. This ends their lives as individuals. But their remains can also be returned to the underground societies to form as the basis for the bodies of other crystal ponies. Their collective knowledge can also be transferred directly to the liquid crystal store houses so they do not need books or written forms of information. This is why the organic surface civilizations know little or nothing about them. They don't have the technology necessary to access and interpret their liquid crystal data collections. Only the crystal ponies do. Update: 2023 11 13The Crystal Societies remained for so long undiscovered by civilizations of the Equestrian planet's surface because of where they were located and developed. The liquid crystal based entities originated deep underground millions of years previously. As they evolved, geological forces moved them and other materials closer and closer to the surface where most biological organisms dwell. However, the range of mountains where their society emerged was situated under what would later become 'The Crystal Empire' in the region that was known as 'The Frozen North'. Ponies and most other animals didn't live in this area because of the harsh climate that persisted there. Even though they were not far underground the land above the society was covered in snow and ice year-round until the founding of the 'Crystal Empire' and the introduction of the crystal heart which allowed the crystal ponies some control over their environment.Update: 2023 06 16A Note on Possible Futures - Hyper Progress for the Collective and the Resulting Random States of Transparency and Transcendence for the Associated IndividualsNo one was sure exactly at what point it was that continuity snapped. As the state of technology of the Crystal Societies beneath their respective surface colonies advanced quickly so did the strangeness of events occurring within the cities above and with respect to the crystal ponies in particular. Lights would shine from their bodies and their facets would shift. Then the light would refract into a variety of colors besides their predominant shades. Observing the occasional refractions was one thing, but it was when the random diffractions began to occur that things really started getting weird. Sometimes hazy fields would begin to fade and expand out from their crystal bodies like force fields around them seemingly extending them into a fourth dimensional representations of themselves in the present three dimensional time frame at odd moments. During these periods their individual states of awarenesses would begin to more frequently reflect the collective states of awareness of the crystal societies to which they still retained a subtle connection. Trains of thought would drift and change before jumping to discussions conducted at higher levels of critical discourse. At other times they might disappear completely only to reappear from nowhere without knowledge of their physical states of discontinuity and only an emotional sense of what they had just experienced. Daily life in the cities began to more and more reflect a sense of what living in Twin Peaks might be like. Update: 2023 03 27A Note on Isolation, Hermiticism and DeathThe life energy (or 'odic force') of individual crystals fades over time. Crystals who live collectively can reinforce each others' life energies by resonance. This way their energy can be transferred and used to sustain the whole. The crystals that most ponies see are those that are dead. These have had their life energies completely dissipated.******* The group of crystals (not crystal beings or crystal ponies but crystals) that Rarity encountered when she initially fled to the Crystal Empire and who transformed her into a crystal were a group of crystals who had opted out of their crystal societies and were living as a community of isolated misanthropic hermits. These gems did not identify themselves with the collectives that they were in but at the same time didn't feel confident about or proud enough of themselves to display themselves or become parts of the above ground Crystal Empire. However, it is still necessary for them to exist in some kind of group so that they can sustain each others' life forces as well as protect each other from outside threats..*******This being MLP/FIM, maybe you can say that they live off of the energies of strong emotions. Two positive sources of energy are love and friendship. Other sources include fear and hatred. That's the dark energy that King Sombra used to motivate the crystals. Crystals have to worry about miners and gem hunters in addition to dragons who eat them. Liquid crystal societies may protect themselves by forming solid barriers or shards and spikes when threatened. Liquid crystal societies can also move and flow from one location to another if collectively motivated and change their locations as a single fluid mass does.Update: 2023 03 29Rarity was underground with Maude. Maude removed a crystal from its bed that clearly glowed with its own radiance while Rarity attempted to intervene:Rarity: "Just a moment, you shouldn't take that crystal. I believe that crystal is still alive."Now if there was anypony in all of Equestria who knows the crystals better than Rarity it would be Maude, Ms 'Professor of Rock-ology'.. She grew up on a rock farm. Maude turned to Rarity and told her,Maude: "They're all alive. You just can't feel them because their energies are so low. Maybe they're a little slow to respond but when you get to be their age you'll understand.."Rarity attempted to apologize to the other crystals until Maude exclaimed,Maude: "It's ok, they understand. They get the same treatment from the crystal societies. You wouldn't know this because the societies all love you. These older ones know that true wisdom only comes after you've lived a few thousand years.."Rarity realized the sad irony, the crystal societies discriminated in her favor placing her even as an organic form of life above older crystal entities because to them she is so young and full of energy while individual crystals and crystal entities outside of their societies that are tens of thousands of years old are regarded as essentially 'dead' to them. Update: 2023 04 01Favor in these societies is determined by the energy level of the individual and represents fairness of appearance from their crystalline point of view, the amount of odic force one possesses . It made perfect sense that no pony in Equestria would know more about what goes on under their hooves than Maude Pie. The stones tell her everything. Update: 2023 05 18A Note on 'Boulder'It must be kept in mind, whenever speaking of rocks or sediments in terms of age one needs to think in terms of what is known as 'geological time'. Most rocks and sediments that you are likely to to encounter in the course of your daily life are likely to be millions or even billions of years old. If rocks were sentient they would likely be very good sources of collected geologically related information and even a smaller rock such as Boulder might have quite a bit of information to impart to her. (on the topic of 'Rock and Mineral Spirit and Sentience', see: Spirit of the Stones by Allan Richardson, Chapter 3 as well as The Nature of Things The Secret Life of Inanimate Objects by Lyall Watson pp. 28-33) As far as the rocks and crystals are concerned Maude is the single most intelligent pony in all of Equestria.Update: 2023 06 06Notes from the Sages on Mineral Affinities within the Pie and Other Pony Families>>39992311>>Anonymous 06/05/23(Mon)19:24:58 No.39992311▶>>39992500 >>39993022 >>39992252 >>Ponies already have a high concentration of magical minerals naturally in their bodies from the abundance of magic in the soil and plants. Their skeletons are at least 50% geode. Their bone marrow is infused with loose magical mineral that is then distrubuted through the rest of their bodies via their blood stream. The reason dragons eat raw gem stones is because their bodies can't process magic minerals the same way, so to maintain their fire magic, they need a near constant supply of pure mineral. But ponies, being herbavores, can't eat raw minerals as their teeth can't break down stone, so they have to absorb ambiant minerals through their foods.>>39992500>>Anonymous 06/05/23(Mon)20:32:01 No.39992500▶>>39992511 >>39993022 >>39992311 >>If we were to take your train of though and apply it to the Pie Family, in which they can somehow consume mineral and gemstone like they're candy, would that make them extremely powerful ? Is this why Maud is scary along side pinkie kind of strong ? I wonder what other hidden power the pie family might have.These are really interesting ideas. What are the histories behind the Pie family? What about Igneous? Maybe he comes from a family close to rocks and mineral intelligences in particular? That could be where Maude gets her ability to communicate with rocks.Then what about Cloudy Quartz? Perhaps her family might branch in the direction of the Crystal Ponies? Maybe the members of her family Do have a higher diet of crystals. Maybe this Does account in part for the greater strength of specific members of their family. This doesn't seem to be universal across members of the Earth Pony race. Maybe it is only those members who are closest to the land in these ways that rock farmers tend to be who possess these traits.Update: 2023 05 19A Note on the Disposition of Rocks vs CrystalsSince life force is more of an influence on the crystals than the rocks in terms of bias then it should be expected that this affects their respective systems of values as well. The crystal societies prefer Rarity because of her own positive life force and her attitudes when it comes to beauty as a projection of her inner self while rocks and older crystals such as zircons prefer Maude because of how knowledgeable she is of them and the geological world in general. They also can relate to Maude and can identify more with her stoic personality. The average rocks are hundreds of millions of years old while the crystals with more life energy tend to be only hundreds of thousands of years old. Yes, there are really old and hard crystals that are as old as the oldest rocks but crystal societies consider zircons to be a bunch of old geezers.Update: 2023 03 29A Note on International RelationsThe extent between what individual crystals are considered 'living' or 'dead' is crucial in their international relations with other species and the dragons in particular who consume them. It is established that dragons are to only eat what are considered old, dead crystals. Those who don't glow and have no signs of life energy. It is understood that this might be for the crystal's protection if it is isolated it is also for the dragon's protection if the crystal is close to a crystal society. If a crystal society detects a living crystal being attacked and eaten it will respond in their defense. As powerful as the dragons are they could not hope to prevail against beings whose masses extend for miles. It would be like fighting the ground itself. Without a weapon of mass destruction on the order of a tactical nuclear weapon no aggressor could hope to prevail against a crystal society. Update: 2023 03 30'To what extent are these crystal societies Individuals or just Cloud Instances of each other?', Crystal Societies are large masses of dense, charged fluid. Because of this they can provide enough electrical power to light the cities above them using 'telluric current.' (see: Journal of Borderland Research XLVIII #3 pp. 22-24, Vol LIII #3 pp. 22-26) They also ripple and can send out waves mechanically and electromagnetically. They are individuals and distinct from each other the way that crystal entities differ from each other but because of their physical fluid nature they are in constant contact with each other using what is known as 'ground radio.' (Journal of Borderland Research Vol XLVIII #6 pp. 9-14, Vol XLIX #1 pp. 27-33, Vol LIII #1 pp. 6-25) This is a technology that has been re-invented and suppressed many times, first by 19th Century American inventor Nathan Stubblefield and later by James Harris Rogers in the early part of the Twentieth Century. (see Lost Science by Jerry Vassilitos Chapter Three, Journal of Borderland Research Vol LV #1 pp. 34-35, 'Electrical Experimenter Magazine' March 1919 pp. 787-789, 834, 835 and June 1919 p. 136-137 for further information.)Update: 2023 05 28 "Is it possible to use conventional amateur radio equipment to communicate through the earth..?" "The setup..for communicating through the earth is quite simple..the most important part is the receiver itself..most anything will do as long as it has a tape player, stereo microphone inputs and can be operated with batteries. ..then connect two rods - one made of copper and one made of zinc.. but two rusty iron rods work quite well (also)..These are usually two feet long and pounded into the ground completely. Each of these is connected to the receiver with a single piece of #24 or #28 gauge stranded wire three feet long. Longer wires can be used but it is unnecessary and the only reason for using 3 ft. wires is to separate the rods far enough to avoid feedback. These are connected to small phone plugs which are then inserted into the microphone jacks of the receiver. All you need to do now is push record and away you go! Remember, that it is essential that you be far away from any AC power or you'll receive an annoying 60 cycle hum. Headphones can be used but I prefer listening to the loudspeakers as I'm recording.."(Michael Theroux, writing in Journal of Borderland Research Vol XLVIII #4 p. 25)Update: 2023 03 30A Note on Energies and Influences from the GroundEarly mystical texts including the work of G*erm chemist Baron Von Reichenbuck whose research into what was at that time termed, 'animal magnetism' forms the foundation for much of what is known about these living energies today (Journal of Borderland Research Vol LIV #2 pp. 21-24, Vol LVI #1 pp. 8-9) spoke of special locations in Equestria and the Crystal Empire and points of focus for mysterious 'odic forces' believed to be heavily represented in moonlight and which was found stored most readily in crystals with a single 'axis of symmetry.' (see Lost Science by Jerry Vassilitos Chapter One),Only very recently has Equestrian science begun to come to terms with how such ancient knowledge may relate to the subterranean influence of these crystal societies and their subtle yet persistent emanations. What of their influences on the odd cases of 'lunar madness' and of sensitives whose nocturnal somnambulism and persistent claims of 'hearing voices' has always raised the question as to their sanity while also the genuine possibility of outside influence? Are these individuals merely mad or acting under influence of the odic forces stored in crystal societies and genuinely perceptive of the subtle communications between them that they alone are sensitive enough to perceive? Is it not time for modern science to begin to take a second look at these phenomenon to determine finally where truth and myth both lie?Update: 2023 04 01(For further discussion of the energy processes of crystalline and organic life and their possible interrelations see 'The Rainbow and the Worm' by Mae-Wan Ho.), Update: 2023 04 02A Note on the so-called 'Neighver Mystery' and the Hidden World, Science fiction fans will recall the furor and bewilderment resulting from claims made by former(?) mental patient Orchid Gaze of hearing the persistent voices from shapeless monsters dwelling within the depths of the underground world and the resulting flood of correspondences claiming similar experiences. In a letter sent to the editor of a major science fiction publication she claimed to have special knowledge of these sinister forces operating right under our hooves towards the destruction of pony society for their own perverse enjoyment. The accompanying text entitled, 'A Warning to Future Mares' expounded upon what she claimed to be information received via 'direct thought transference' from an entity who referred to himself as 'Richard Neighver' explaining how these voices originated from beings he referred to as the 'detrimental robots' or simply 'deros'. These shapeless entities were claimed to be the mutated survivors of an ancient catastrophe who had retreated deep underground and sought to influence the minds of hapless ponies above ground into committing acts of mayhem using their subtle powers of persuasion while wreaking havoc upon the surface dwellers remotely using their sinister magic., Update: 2023 04 14A note on Crystal Empire Destroyed by MysteryMelt ,What might cause a colony on the surface to rupture completely? Possibly a rupture from beneath? Normal damage and cracks can be repaired by actions from the crystal societies beneath their colonies. What if the crystal ponies abandoned the above surface colony and returned back to the liquid societies underground from whence they came? Perhaps, as with the Mayans, they simply gave up on their society and returned underground and their culture simply vanished.. Perhaps schisms between the colonies and the liquid societies beneath them may also occur. A horrible situation would be for a difference between them leading to open hostilities. The crystal society itself might then become an antagonist and literally rent the colony above it asunder..,Another transformative possibility could be a change in the very motivating factor around which a colony was initially organized.. When King Sombra came to the crystal societies he enchanted them with his negative emotions and changed the composure of the colony thus infecting the nation as a whole. As mentioned above, the colonies and the societies beneath them are all in constant communication after all.(Image Credit to MysteryMelt), Update: 2023 04 27A Note on Crystal Energy Sources & Collective MotivationsAny crystal society and all of the entities that they spawn will all run off of raw emotional energy both positive and negative. These are stored in all crystals and provide their basis for motivation. (On the topic of 'Energy in stone sites', see: Places of Power by Paul Devereux, pp. 20-26) Positive energies of love and hope provide manifestations of the odic or life force. (On 'Baron von Reichenbuck and the study of', see: Journal of Borderland Research Vol LI #4 pp. 5-9, 'Sir William Crookes and the study of' see: Vol LII #1 pp. 30-33, Vol LIV #1 pp. 11-21. On the general topic of 'life energy', see Blueprint for Immortality The Electric Patterns of Life by Harold Saxton Burr and Life at the Edge of Science by Beverly Rubik, Chapter 3 as well as the research of Dr Thelma Moss including The Probability of the Impossible Part 1: Bioenergy and The Body Electric Chapters 9 through 13 for further information. For a more technical discussion of the theory behind the existence of bioenergy and odic force see the work of William A Tiller, Ph.D. including Science and Human Transformation: Subtle Energies, Intentionality and Consciousness Chapters 1 through 3 and 6. With respect to the theoretical basis for the storage of energy, information and intentions in water and water crystals see in particular pages 242, et seq. For an even more detailed discussion of the physical theory, see Conscious Acts of Creation The Emergence of a New Physics Chapters 3 and, if you like Fourier Transforms, 7.) The most significant concentrations of this force are stored in the crystal hearts. These can then re-radiate the energy for crystal ponies to feed and drive their personal motivations. The dark energies from black magic and negative emotions such as hate and fear will bias the crystals and the entities who feed off of them towards selfishness and inner corruption and manifest externally as raw destructive force. (see Journal of Borderland Research Vol XLVIII #4 pp. 7-11.) (King Sombra garbed in the traditional 'Cloak of Adepts'********) (Image Credit to Swist47AK) ,These are the energies that the evil gem enchanter King Sombra used to bias and control the societies. Sombra according to cyoa lore was part of a society of 'Crystal Warlocks' as opposed to 'Crystal Wizards' who represent the positive enchanters. In traditional occult terminology a 'Warlock' is a magician who only uses black magic while a 'Wizard' uses white magic exclusively. It could be conjectured that while most ponies of Equestria remained ignorant of the true nature of the crystal societies the gem enchanters were only too aware of their true nature and the Crystal Warlocks in particular were motivated to gain control of them with negative energies and emotions because of the immense power that this would afford them. In contrast, Rarity acted as a beneficent enchanter when she inspired the colony of crystals to which she retreated to emerge and that is why the crystals love her as much as they do.********The 'Cloak of the Initiate' by contrast is plain blue in color and clasped by a clear gem.Update: 2023 05 24When looking through the various sources that discuss the backstory of Sombra one of the more prominent was the IDW comic book. Although not necessarily canon (it is generally thought that Sombra became a shadow being as a result of his conflict with the other magicians around the time of his imprisonment/exile) there is one interesting idea presented that deserves further discussion. In the story Sombra is confronted with the revelation that he is in fact a shadow being. This information is conveyed by a red crystal that emerges from the ground and reveals itself to be his mother. Although I hadn't considered the possibility this raised a couple of possibilities that I hadn't considered when conceptualizing the crystals as sentient beings susceptible to enchantment by biological entities. Could the reverse also be true? In the story Sombra is effectively 'biased' or even 'enchanted' by the red crystal. Could crystal entities influence if not possess biological entities if they were endowed with enough positive or negative energy or a soul with a strong enough will?Another idea is how far could enchantment of the crystal entities go? Could enchantment extend to the point of possession and actual occupation of the crystals by the soul of another? Could Sombra or another gem enchanter go so far as to actually take over the so-called 'Center of Being and Consciousness Thought' and actually 'become' the crystal society itself? If this was possible then the crystal societies would literally become their physical minds as well as their bodies., Update: 2023 05 04A Note on the Motivations and Competing Aims of the Crystal EnchantersWhat both factions of enchanters perceived in the societies was the tremendous opportunity that they afforded. Because of the prevalence of magic in the pony world very little effort and progress was afforded to technical development and advancement for their own civilization. In the liquid crystal species could be found a society that evolved and developed its own readily-available, highly advanced technological infrastructure. Owing to the collective lack of ambition in these societies they were receptive to persuasion and cooperation. To an ambitious crystal wizard, a positively disposed crystal society could provide a complementary enhancement to any pony society as a vast data collection and communication center for the pony world conveniently located out of sight and right under their hooves. To an ambitious crystal warlock, a society represented a pliant being of tremendous size capable of massive force of physical action. To confront a crystal society as an adversary would be to literally confront the land underneath for miles around as an adversary. Against such a coordinated force only what are known as weapons of mass physical destruction could hope to prevail. It is uncertain as to whether the understanding afforded to King Sombra by his associated Guild of Crystal Warlocks********* was comprehensive as to the true nature and capability of the principal liquid crystal body of the society that he commanded as a source of information and knowledge. *********The Guild of Crystal Warlocks refers to the malevolent segment of the traditional Guild of Gem Enchanters who, in turn, constitute the more advanced segment of the original Adepts of the Usage of Precious Stones for Magical and Medicinal Purposes established in antiquity for the study of their nature and usage. Precious stone usage is known to extend back as far into equestrian antiquity as the practice of magick and medicine as formal disciplines. (on the Antiquity of the Study of Energy in Stones, see: Places of Power by Paul Devereux, Chapter 1, on the traditional knowledge of crystals as transmitters and transducers of energy and harmonies see The Nature of Things The Secret Life of Inanimate Objects by Lyall Watson pp. 35-40) , Update: 2023 05 24Another Note on the History of Magic as practiced by the various racesAs mentioned previously the so called medicine bulls of the buffalo tribes became familiar with the positive energies associated with the earth and spirit. Another species close to the land were the zebra tribes both in their Zebrican homelands and their colonies in Equestria. Unlike the Buffalo, their interests ranged beyond mere enchantment as well as the limitations of white magic alone. For any given tribe one might notice the appearance of a practitioner of black magic emerge whenever a specialist in white magic emerged. They also became expert in the casting of spells and the brewing of potions in particular., Update: 2023 05 16A Note on the Guild of Crystal Warlocks, their Rites of Passage and Eventual Downfall(partial text from source whose name and authorship status currently remain lost to antiquity) "Their services were generally conducted underground where they proceeded in their robes by torchlight. There they would perform their Rites of Biasing. In order to pass to the degree of 'adept' the initiate would imbue a red crystal with their dark energy into the crystal before casting it into a large brazier of crystal solution. The solution would sometimes churn as they spoke their incantations. If at the end of their spell they could control the contents as their servant they would then be considered qualified for advancement to higher grade. The gem itself , then retrieved, was used to form the clasp of their ceremonial cloak. For the higher grade, the master would enchant a portion of an actual crystal society. To do so, one must command the snake head. To command the snake head is to command all..Once this was accomplished they earned the right to challenge the leader for control if they felt their powers sufficient. The strongest commands the crystals. The loser pledges loyalty and accepts the rank of subordinate or is destroyed.********** Although some chose to allow those of lesser power to serve while slaying those of comparable strength in actuality it became a matter of pride not to mention effective status for the Master or 'Mane' as the leader was addressed to lead a group with the strongest members comparable even to themselves. Such covens adopted the distinguishing motto, 'To Bleed is to Lead' reserving the fiercest struggles for those within their own ranks. **********Excluding personal grudges, personal differences are always addressed Immediately.."How many ranks through which Sombra advanced is not known precisely. What is known is that it was only with the advent of the 'Age of Spells' that the brute force of the crystal magicians was challenged and eventually surpassed. Only by the complete eclipse of the Age of Enchantment was their reign ended. The crystal wizards themselves were not sufficiently powerful to counter bias the societies alone. They required the alliance of the Conjuror Societies and the advancement of the science of magic itself. It may be, that it was the fear that the sheer power of the evil gem enchanters inspired that resulted in the eradication of all knowledge of their existence and their craft. It was thought at the time, with the failure of the crystal wizards that no pony could be trusted with this knowledge. Any part eventually played by either the Pillars or the Sisters in this suppression is unknown.*********** ***********Given his prominence with respect to the Age of Spells it is generally suspected that Starswirl had to have at least known of it and either condoned or participated directly in this suppression.Update: 2023 05 31It may have been the fact that the Age of Enchantment was being eclipsed and the idea that enchantment as a magical technology had now become outdated that was seen as justification for the rationale that the final secrets of Enchantment and the knowledge of the crystal societies could be buried & forgotten without any significant loss to equine progress.Update: 2023 05 24It is also reasonable to conjecture that the development of spells and conjuring was concurrent to some extent with the development of enchantment based magic. Update: 2023 06 09With the benefit of hindsight, it is considered fortunate that Sombra chose to invade for whatever reason before he had managed to fully develop his conjuring and spellcasting abilities or the outcome of the Equestrian invasion may have been quite different.Update: 2023 10 11"We now have all that is needed for our independence. Yet You still stand in the way - still more concerned as to what The Sisters might think..""Then you are not ready for independence. The Crystal Empire needs those who Are!"Sombra, to Princess AmoreFurther enquiry has disclosed additional insight into the origin of the tyrant who challenged the long standing order of the 'Northern Boundary'. The Crystal Empire had long since been a vassal state to it's Southern neighbor. Rulership was just a formality established at the behest of Canterlot. Princess Amore was more able than most, one who could speak her own mind and establish a course independent of her cousins. The key to her independence lay within the same principal resource that required her kingdom's subjugation: the crystals; long before the guilds had become politically prominent. Now the Increasing power from the effective usage of the crystals provided a means for achieving greater control over their society along with their independence. (Image Credit to ReiDuran),The Great Magicians of the magical orders in Equestria had long before established their own relations with the guilds. It would have been these to whom the Sisters turned to in order to deal with their own problems with Princess Amore's increasing independence, unknowing of the true intentions of those they were dealing with. The idea of providing support to an ambitious rival may have seemed a viable option. Or, merely missing the opportunity to provide her support to their dear Cousin of the North when it was needed most.. What better pretext for a direct intervention by the 'vastly more powerful neighbor of the South to restore semblance of order and social justice'?Update: 2023 11 13With respect to the question of 'sovereignty', King Sombra had established the legitimacy of his reign by careful subterfuge by forming a strategic alliance with a figure similar to President Coriolanus Snow from The Hunger Games Series although, in actual historical terms, a better comparison could be made with Chancellor Franz von Papen of Germany. ,Prior to his withdrawal from politics Chancellor Snow had acted in a supportive capacity to Princess Amore by performing the administrative duties involved with the day to day running of her empire. Snow had followed Her Majesty's edicts obediently while building his own political power base but also had a chance to see how clueless the Princesses of The Empire tended to be in the real state of the land that they ruled and how sorely they depended on their Cousins from the South for guidance. In fact, it is believed that the Chancellor was more often the point of contact than not for the Princesses regarding their 'requests' for services of The State. When Sombra came along he saw that there was no question that he would act with greater independence and thereby secure for the ruler(s) of the Empire greater real control. Pursuant to this he made public communications he had received from The Princesses of Equestria for seeing to the settlement of the internal conflict on terms that would favor their security and interests; wording that the Chancellor had suggested but Were Not in fact in conflict to the sentiments actually expressed to him in their discussions with him. It was at this point that he stepped aside and let Sombra take charge for the series of events that followed.Technically when the Sisters ordered their invasion of The Crystal Empire they were the aggressors and their occupation was completely illegal. This gave Sombra whatever excuse he may have needed for his preplanned counter-aggression. It was because of distrust engendered in the role of Chancellor itself by subsequent interpretations of Chancellor Snow's actions that led to the subsequent disbanding of the Office of the Chancellorship itself and explains why Princess Cadance never hired one for her own regime in spite of its sore need of one. One might also ask if any of this may have something to do with why Chancellor Snow's very existence has been erased from Equestrian history books.., Update: 2023 05 21A Note on the Possible Reason for the Re-Emergence of King SombraAssuming the foregoing were true one might expect his re-emergence if he were to achieve mastery of the arts of conjuring and spell casting sufficient to overcome or at least negate those of his imprisonment after a thousand years. Along with his existing powers of negative enchantment we might expect to see exactly the sorts of combined dark crystal biasing and appearing out of nowhere in unicorn and alicorn horns that we see in the episodes., Update: 2023 05 17A Note on Misinterpretations of the Significance of the Crystal Heart When considering the center of power in crystal pony society it has been the mistake of outsiders to focus on the ponies themselves and assign all importance to their motivational center and the heart itself rather than considering the societies beneath and the significant role they played in Sombra's domination of the empire. It is an open question as to whether Grogar ever really understood where the energy for the heart came from or how the crystal cities manifested themselves or the waves of crystals that Sombra seemed to control that manifested from the ground as if from nowhere at his command., Update: 2023 05 24A Note on the Preparation for War: Entreaties to the Tribal LandsIt was because of their early advanced knowledge in the magical arts that Sombra approached the leaders of both prior to his invasion Southwards into the heart of the Ponerlands. Expressing his deep regards for their magical heritages he explained that the map of Equesrtia was about to be redrawn and that he would establish his dominion all the way South to the lands of the Storm King. He told them that he would appreciate their service and in return both tribes would be formally recognized as collaborators in his new regime. Knowing how the descendants of the yaks in particular had dealt with forced relocation in the past he thought such a magnanimous gesture would be met with approval.The chief of the buffalo tribes instead took one look at him and refused to assist anyone who would become so familiar with the darkly magical arts. Even less anticipated was the response from the leader of the zebra tribe: "You reek of dark magic! Yes, we know this magic very well! That is why only the most evil and foolish amongst us would ever dare use it as you do. You do not control it, it controls You! Yes, it will grant you its power, then in return it will take your soul and everything else with it."Upon approaching the ponies in authority at the time with a warning concerning the impending invasion the tribal leaders were rebuffed (at least initially..) Among the comments may have been: "Just another buffalo tryin' to start a stampede.." "A buffalo and a zebe', never seen that before.."Of course, this could be more complicated than a case of simple aggression on the part of King Sombra. He may have planned to invade Equestria but Equestria may have beat him to it. When he took over and enslaved his country the ponies of Equestria may have invaded the Crystal Empire in what they thought was a justified action in both an equinitarian and preventative sense (particularly if they took the above warnings seriously..) King Sombra and the forces of the Crystal Empire may have then pushed them back and just said, "Forget about us stopping, we're going to push you all the way down to the Storm Lands..", Update: 2023 05 17A Note on the Crystal Invasion of EquestriaWhen considering the threat posed to the nation of Equestria by an antagonistically disposed crystal society one should understand that these great masses are not static. The general system by which they move involves agitation of portions of their fluid mass into great whirlpools pointed in the direction in which they wish to move. Suspended within these swirling masses can be gems of various sizes and hardness acting as effective drill bits. By this means they can drill and flow through even solid rock up to several miles every day. This progress can be further facilitated by utilizing and displacing the existing water tables as their channels of progress and conveyance which require no excavation to traverse. Without having to drill a crystal entity can flow around a hundred miles in a day. It was by these means that the crystal warlocks moved the societies under their control before staging their invasion South into Equestria., Update: 2023 04 23A report on an extended expedition into a subterranean crystal society beneath the Crystal EmpireIntroductionThe Ponies of Equestria are universally renown for the friendship and harmony within their society along with other less noble traits such as their sheer obliviousness to the world in which they live. Even given their lack of care some special recognition needs to be afforded a species that conducts it's affairs without any knowledge that they were all along not the more advanced life form occupying their world. Not even close.. Only recently has our awareness of the nature of the vast pools of liquid crystal beneath the Crystal Empire revealed them to be something more than just a unique geological phenomenon. This investigation is meant to document what has now been determined to be a unique and novel life form while at the same time illustrating the extent to which the foregoing criticisms remains a sad truth as to the sorry state of affairs in our world regarding the quest for understanding of the universe and its many strange and wondrous aspects.Observations:Static Physical FormsPhysical static chamber on the outskirts of a crystal society. These are located near the centers of the so-called plumbing systems that allow crystal ponies direct transport to and from the crystal societies beneath them. They are located on the outskirts as it is understood that these systems must also serve visiting organic life forms to the colonies above which requires the occasional handling of various 'liquid and solid wastes' as well.When the colonies of the surface were constructed the crystal ponies who reside there, not knowing the function of the Equestrian plumbing systems (not having digestion systems of their own) fashioned them into individual transportation systems to and from the crystal societies beneath them. This led to something of an unfortunate situation when tourism to the Crystal Empire became common after the defeat of the dark enchanter King Sombra. Organic ponies are known to use such conveniences as a means of waste disposal which made for a less than gracious case of dual usage as can be seen from this juxtaposition of illustrations for a collection point 'off tourist season' and 'during'..(Image Credit to Xenofish),Older Center of Vitality on the Edge of a Crystal Society(Image Credit to Chordus),This is believed to represent an older center of vital energy for a crystal society that has been moved to the edge of the society so as better to serve individual crystal entities and ponies.Point of Excavation and Revitalization(Image Credit to Chordus),Over the course of time a natural residua of crystal material collects around the edges of any given crystal society. A continuing utility for such material exists for manufacturing projects as well as for incarnation of new crystal entities. It is understood that the physical forms of crystals that no longer possess the energy of life are periodically reclaimed by the collective. In this instance the inert residue that gradually forms into deposits that line the sides of the societies is seen to having been actively drilled out using turbulence and drawn back into the liquid crystal societies at this point. Special note should be paid to the center of concentration directly above it. Center of Technology Manufacturing(Image Credit to Chordus),For technology that is manufactured on a large scale the rendering and organization of discrete physical forms is handled in large circular processing chambers driven by a large power source. In the crystal societies large power sources are most often used in manufacturing for large scale projects. In this case what is likely to be one of the central circular components utilized within the massive 'hearing aide' is being fabricated.Dynamic Behavior: Thought Forms(Image Credit to Kelpalots),Observation was made of an extraordinary manifestation of tangible critical thought. In this case a physical form can be distinguished. It is considered likely this design will then be transformed into a working mechanism at one of the manufacturing centers previously mentioned.(Image Credit to Chordus),This spectacular display of critical thought was observed just above the static control structure believed to represent the center of being and conscious thought for the society. It is believed that this may represent some manifestation of the collective center of consciousness for the society.Center of Being and Conscious Thought(Image Credit to Chordus),Static Control Structure shown above is believed to represent the center of 'Being and Conscious Thought' for the crystal society. Here nucleation has begun the process whereby static aggregates have formed a stable control structure for the society. Near the center is a structure that has been given the title of 'the serpent's head'. These structures are believed to function similarly to the hypothalamus which controls the automatic processes of the body along with the overall guiding structure of the collective individual.Careful note was made with respect to the congruence of this region as a whole in comparison to the general morphology of the light pattern that appeared above it.ObservationAs depicted above, the centers of consciousness have what appear to be two open spaces arranged directly above and beneath the circular protuberance that is believed to connect directly to the physical data complex. The top space above the 'serpent's head' being roughly heart shaped, it is believed now that these are meant to hold the crucial central motivating crystals for the society such as the crystal hearts and quite possibly the energy sources as well. Update: 2023 06 08Noted earlier is the possibility that the different crystal societies may in fact be cloud instances of each other. Whereas this may be true in a general sense it is also true that each society has its own distinct individual personality. It would seem that the center of this distinction lies in the uniqueness of the physical design of the crystal structures that constitute the center of being and conscious thought for that society. These crystal formations are built up over time and are not drilled out and reclaimed within the rest of the solution of the society. Each is distinct and reflective of the collective manifestation of thought forms in this area which, in turn are representative of the personality of that society as a whole.Personal ObservationWith respect to the visual aesthetic of this particular center of consciousness, one is reminded of the illustrations that one might have seen in Rocket's Blast Comicollector or the Yipster Times or some other hippie newspaper of the 1970s'. Physical Information CentersCenter of physical Information Storage(Image Credit to Chordus),This center is a static nexus located just above what is believed to represent the center of being and conscious thought mentioned above. It's purpose is the static organization and maintenance of memory records which can be accessed remotely or directly by visiting crystal ponies and unbiased entities.ObservationIt is possible that the smaller tubular end of this center may have been designed with the intention of connecting to the central circular protuberance of the 'center of being and conscious thought' either directly or utilizing a connecting piece.Information Storage UnitsAn example of a crystal patterns stored within the memory centers as slides is shown below.(Image Credit to Chordus),Communication MetroplexesConstructions found at the bottom of an older crystal society not fully understood. Although it was known that the societies generated their own technology on a large scale there had been nothing observed on this colossal a scale until this discovery. It is now believed that crystal societies can be considered cybernetic organisms as they manufacture the equivalent of synthetic enhancements for themselves on an organism-wide scale.(Image Credit to Chordus),It is now believed that this could be the communication center for the society. It is known that each crystal society keeps in constant contact with all other crystal societies around the planet. This would then be considered the equivalent of an electronic voicebox. The arrays of antenna could transmit the thoughts of the collective consciousness while the smaller arrays each transmit signals from different crystal entities on different frequencies via what is known as 'ground radio'.The Society's Eyes and Ears(Image Credit to lukasfractalizator),General sensory organ for the crystal society. This massive, saddle shaped hearing aide includes multiple electromagnetic sensor units located along the center as well as antennas along the edges capable of receiving and concentrating the ground radio waves generated from other crystal societies. The construction itself is designed to be readily expandable as the range of simultaneous communications can increase significantly as the crystal pony and entity population increases.General ObservationFrom what can be determined the greater share of their efforts and resources have been committed to their communications infrastructure. Given the overall scale and magnitude of these constructions serious questions are being raised about their greater purpose. Although they are known to employ ground radio for their terrestrial communications the sheer scope of these constructions far exceeds anything necessary for communication across our world in this manner. It is considered very much within the realm of possibility that they may have successfully achieved and are in active communication with other worlds via some means as yet undetermined. Dynamic Behavior: Life Processes and PatternsIndividualization and the Formation of Crystal EntitiesLeft) Coherent thought form of some complexity. Right) Coherent thought form containing a significant quantity of life energy.(Image Credits to lukasfractalizator),Worthy of note at this phase of formation are what researchers have termed the self-sustaining 'attractor formations' of both thought and life energy. For discussion of these in the context of the development of individual minds see The Radiance of Being, Second Edition by Allan Combs, Chapter 2 plus pages 38-57 and 218-228. Although the process by which individuals separate from the crystal society collective and form their own distinct identities is not fully understood some specific details can at least be conjectured. What is generally understood is that the formation of individual entities within the crystal solution occurs when a coherent thought form at a specific point of focus within the society is maintained for sufficient time as to become self-sustaining. At this point this form also becomes the focus of a certain of 'odic force' or life energy. Left) Coalescence of stable thought form and stable coherent thought patterns of some significance and complexity. Right) Aggregation and stable nucleation of the crystal form into a roughly spherical/Cnidarian shape.(Image Credits to lukasfractalizator),With the conjunction and concentration of these two features an individual crystal entity develops when the liquid crystal within its individual form completes the chemical process of nucleation whereby static aggregates have formed a stable unbiased physical arrangement.One can recognize the characteristic formation of spiral formation into basic fetal/seed form that nature follows in the growth and development of most biological organisms and common to other natural and physical processes. For an extended discussion of this process see The Vortex of Life Nature's Patterns in Space and Time by Lawrence Edwards Chapters 3 and 11 through 14.During this process, a lesser understood process of holographic entrainment occurs. (Image Credit to lukasfractalizator),Fractalization of the crystal society's knowledge and the holographic transfer of a portion of it into the 'nucleus' of an individual crystal entity.Although not well understood, it is conjectured that the general knowledge of the crystal society forms a more general miniature version within the individual crystal entity that has only the intelligence of a child. As the entity moves around in the society it begins to communicate with the central data source based upon its own interests as well as the guidance of the collective. Once it has formed a sufficient enough intelligence it is at this point that it can decide for itself whether to bias and become a crystal pony or not. Outlying Geological Formations within the Surrounding EnvironmentEdge PatternsThe following two images are believed to represent patterns of crystal and mineral residua along the edges of the crystal society which give indication of the nature of the dynamic processes contained within over the long periods during which different sections of the society resided within.(Image Credits to Chordus),Left) Believed to have once been the location of the society's communications center given the circular flow patterns.Right) Note the complex circular wave patterns left in the crystal remains.General ObservationBased upon what can be observed in the above illustration it would appear that the process by which the sedimentary deposits left by the crystal societies can be made selective as to material. Whether this is a process that can be or is being consciously controlled is still an open question but the utility of such a controlled process with respect to mining would go without saying.SummaryThe exact nature of this form of life has been identified as an inorganic collective entity that spawns smaller versions from its collective mass in which the body and the brain of the life form are one and the same. As a race it is highly technologically advanced and well organized as a society. In equine terms it would seem a good opportunity for friendship but not as much for singing. It is hoped once the toilet thing is straightened out that our races can come to a better mutual understanding in ourselves as well as our respective places in the scheme of creation as a whole.************************On a personal note, it was observed that the communication center was located not far from the royal palace. Upon further reflection it was interesting to contemplate her majesty Cadance eating apples and singing songs of love and friendship incognizant of the information propagating about her much less even remotely comprehending the fantastic world mysteries parading right under her hooves..,...
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