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> Finally, after a long time of procrastination, I mustered up the courage and ideas to make a headcanon about Earth ponies. BUT FIRST, again credits to Lopoddity and SUPERKITSCH for their inspiring headcanons about Earth ponies! Thank you! ÓwÒ 💖
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> ⚠️LONG DESCRIPTION TwT⚠️
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> 《TERRA EQUUS/EQUIDAE COMMON FACTS》
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> ☆ As a whole, Terra Equus are the most dominant sentient species of all of Equestria. They're scattered in lands far and wide. In New Equestria, there is at least one or more full blood Terra Equus in almost every family line, mixed with the other two tribes. Terra Equus are crucial to the Equestrian world, as they provide vegetation (for food) and foliage to make resources and create a breathable atmosphere for all creatures alike. They share such a deep connection with Terra, that they can literally feel its pain and weight on their shoulders. However, with their strength they can carry the world, create and mold landforms, move mountains and dig trenches. They are unstoppable! This species, being limited to the ground, may see that as a disadvantage, and the other two tribes silently belittle them because of that fact. However they are absolutely crafty, smart and innovative, and easily get past that drawback. By using the terra's resources, minerals and natural magic, they can create all types of things with magical (mainly healing, protection or earthy) properties, such as: armor, amulets, jewelry, potions and remedies and more. They can even learn witchery and gain the same magical level as a common unicorn.
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> ☆A Terra Equidae's magical source stems from their hooves. They'll have a distinct symbol under their hoof indicating what type of connection they hold towards the Terra. By the way, the different connections are: Direct, Geological, and Spiritual. Their symbols have names, the Direct connection symbol is called "The Fruitful Leaf"; Geological is called "The Heart Emblem"; and Spiritual is called, "The Divine Eye".
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> ☆ You know how a unicorn's limitation is too much magic use, resulting in brain disorders/injuries/or aches. Or for a pegasus (which I don't think I've ever mentioned) is flying too much or too fast resulting in uncontrolled extreme crashes (meaning many broken bones), broken or cramped wings, feather loss, and back problems. For a Terra Equus, it takes A LOT of body energy to use any type of Terra magic. And when they use too much, for them, it results in: fatigue, tiredness, weakness overall, and even weight and body nutrition loss. Depending on how much Terra magic they used, this energy regeneration can take days if not weeks to regain; in hospitality too.
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> ☆ The alicorn ruler that represented them was the first alicorn stallion Terra Equus, "King Terrain Callisto". He was one of the main rulers of Equestria, working alongside Celestia and Luna, but also a part of the "Forgotten Six", which did include them three, Northern Star, King Dracula Vlad Tepes II and Discord XP. He was the King of the Terra and prophecy. He was brave too, as he sacrificed his life due to a situation with King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis…
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> 《DIRECT CONNECTION + EQUINE, MULES & DONKEYS》
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> ☆ Direct connection to the Terra can occur in all types of Terra Equus, like Crystal ponies or Zebras. However, this type of connection commonly occurs in equine (pony/horse), mules and donkeys. Depending on their magical level, they can quicken the speed of a plant's growth. Also determined from what their family commonly grows or what they taught them or self-taught themselves to grow, they can either quicken growth of fruit or vegetable bearing plants, grasses or flowers. In the drawn example, we have Applejack with her apple tree sprout, then her distant cousin, Hayseed Turnip Truck growing grass, and then Cranky Doodle Donkey growing (forget-me-not) flowers. They don't have to only be restricted to one type of plant though. They can grow all types of plants if they want. However, it does take a lot of practice, magic and "energy".
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> ☆ Horse/Pony: The more widespread equus of the bunch. As of New (Modern) Equestria, they can be the biggest equine species out of the three tribes, or the smallest. Their size ranges from a Clydesdale to a Fallabella. So yeah, regarding height and subspecies, they are very diverse. Their coat colors differ as well, but still keeping minimalistic or duller colors on the warm side of the spectrum (green included). It's rare to see an equine (whose parents aren't mixed) with vibrant ethereal colors like that of a pegasus or unicorn. Though underestimated by the other two tribes, they're still the more highly seen and respected out of the other equidae.
> Though all Terra Equidae are strong, equines (horses/ponies) are considered the strongest, meaning they handle more of the heavy duty jobs like: farming, construction working, conducting (like pulling trains, taxis, cargo or other carriages), etc… Because of this, depending on the family line, they would take on names similar to those jobs. However, most family names are agricultural based, so they'll know whose families are on what side. The agriculture market is a BIG deal for these ponies, so giving distinctive family names are VERY important. Back then, there used to be more violent disputes and competitions amongst families. But now, to keep the competition "friendlier", they have something called the Agricultural Industries of Equestria (AIE), a company that monitors each family's agriculture business to see who is on top seasonally. The top five agriculture industries (as of now) are: 1.) Sugarcane, 2.) Oil, 3.) Timber, 4.) Cotton, and 5.) Apple. For equines to be looked down upon, they're pretty rich and money hungry; usually middle to almost upper class folks.
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> ☆ Mules/Donkeys: Though they are as powerful as your typical Terra Equus, they're still a very underappreciated race. It's only because they lack the vibrant coats that most equines have while theirs are just regurgarly muddy colors; meaning "unattractiveness" also meaning "no other races want to mate with them" :( . Because of this, mules are pretty rare or are only seen in rural areas, as donkeys stick with donkeys most times. But gladly, in recent times, the other pony races of Equestria have been respecting them more (especially after Twilight and Co. started accepting and appreciating all races).
> For mules and donkeys, they can still do heavy duty jobs, but really they work small, substandard jobs. Jobs that your regular ole pony wouldn't want to do, or jobs that aren't ideal, like: janitorial, shipments/mailing, desk jobs (customer service), manual factory work, etc. Sadly jobs that aren't as fun as most; they stay in the middle near lower class. However, they learn to love their jobs either way. Now, I'm not trying to say they can't have successful jobs, or these jobs don't make them rich or financially stable. I'm just saying those types of jobs are the ones you'll commonly catch them working in. Namesake, they'll have pretty typical or generic European originated names or nicknames; well at least for Donkeys. Mules will have either an agricultural based name (like an equine) or a generic name.
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> ☆ The traditional gifts that equine/mules/donkeys give are usually simple, as they're food or plant related. They would give a variety of earthy stuff like: seeds, potted plants, baskets of fruits/vegetables/flowers/grasses, cooked foods, baked goods, etc… To other species, these types of gifts are "generic" or "underwhelming" to say the least. But to a Terra equine, simply gifting a measly dandelion is the sweetest thing they could get (and they would cherish it too).
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> 《GEOLOGICAL CONNECTION + CRYSTAL PONIES 》
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> ☆ A little history about them before we start, Crystal ponies weren't always ponies made of flesh. Hundreds of years after creation, there lived a sacred beautiful luminescent, translucent ghost-like equine species called the Lux (what a mouthful XP). They occupied the north pole of the Equestrian world and lived in the center of a mountainous region. They made a wondrous empire constructed of crystals, and other minerals provided by the mountains. They made a monumental beacon in the center of their home out of diamond, crystal and quartzite, as those minerals have the properties to harness their light, hope, and love they shared for one another. After this monument was made, there was a yearly tradition to celebrate its establishment, and called it Union Day (very creative lol; Union Day would later on be called the Crystal Faire). They gather at the beacon in unity, so they would power their light magic through it, momentarily creating a big fiery blue heart and an aurora borealis for the world to see. After their first union, the blue fiery heart crystallized, and became the powerhouse for the Lux. This heart would then be called the "Corazon de Cristal" (Crystal Heart). The Lux found a rightful leader to guard it, and gave her the royalty name of, "Mi Amor Cristal Heart". Overtime, the monumental beacon they made would soon be formed into a castle, to house the chosen leader and her bloodline. The Lux would soon call their home the "Cristal Imperium" (Crystal Empire).
> Of course, good things don't last forever, as later on in Cristal's bloodline, two twin sisters were born, one named Ruby and Rubellite. They tirelessly fought over who should be Empress of the throne. Then, to stir up more chaos, there was even a divide amongst the Lux of the Empire, with them siding with one or the other princesses; but personal preference (voting/popular opinion) didn't seem fair in the community's eyes. So, to break this fight, the sister who marries first would be the rightful Empress. It seemed that Ruby already had eyes on a male Lux named Jet, meaning she was a step ahead of Rubellite. Ruby and Jet were scheduled to get married soon, to hastily settle this royal problem (plus Ruby was already expecting a child with him). But Rubellite wasn't having it. Rubellite knew her sister wouldn't love another if Jet were to magically vanish. So Rubellite devised the most devilish plan to trap him in a crystal and "break it" (since Lux are literally wisps of magical light, and can only be endangered if they're entrapped into a vessel, and will die if that vessel breaks or "dies"). She went through with the plan before the wedding. There were "a lot" of assumptions that Rubellite killed Jet, but then she told a "convincing" fib that "Jet ran away with another, because he hated feeling used as the determining item of who gets to be Empress".
> Ruby of course didn't believe her tall tale, and knew Rubellite had murdered him. Since Ruby loved Jet so much, all of her passion instantly turned into malice. Ruby became the embodiment of darkness, hatred and negativity, a monster, "an Umbrum". Her devoted followers felt her pain and the same hatred she had towards Rubellite, and her people. So they tried to fight a civil war against her. But of course, Rubellite had another plan to stop her. As her followers kept her protected, she was able to wish upon the Crystal Heart to banish the Umbrum and protect the Lux with a body made of crystal. Her wishes would soon be answered, as the Heart instantly activated, while simultaneously activating the castle's beacon (creating an aurora). The blast of light gave the Lux a new look; A body made of crystal. They would call themselves "Crystal Ponies" now. But of course, the blast imprisoned the Umbrum underneath the Crystal Empire, in the icy caves below, forever… only until Ruby managed to send her son, "Oscuro Sombra", above ground for justice and to regain the throne…
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> ☆ Geological connection to the Terra, is as it sounds. It's the utilization of rocks, gemstones and minerals that presumably have their own magical properties, made or incorporated into jewelry, amulets, armory and weaponry. Why I pair this type of Terra connection to Crystal ponies, is because they were the first civilization that started making enchanted artifacts for their protection and health. Anything forged in the Crystal Empire will be powered and enchanted by the Crystal Heart, so that Crystal ponies venturing far from the Empire could have a magical artifact, with healing or protective properties, wherever they go. Through love and respect towards the Crystal Heart, it'll enchant the ponies of the Empire with a protection spell (a spell that is resistant towards the Umbrum). This spell makes the ponies look like crystals or diamonds, hence their name. Their coats would become as durable as a diamond.
> Going back to the artifacts, Crystal ponies have found minerals with other white magic properties that can create resistant or adaptation spells. They figured out gems like ruby are fire resistant, and sapphire or lapis lazuli helps users adapt underwater. They've also found a way to create artifacts that could take and or trap magic in it, until future use (like the Alicorn Amulet). Also, they've forged magical artifacts that can only be used for opening or closing other artifacts (like the Key of Unfettered Entrance). These were the biggest discoveries and advancements the Crystal ponies could ever make as their artifact crafting would be beneficial for the magical world of Equestria.
> Now, in regards to their hooves, they can sniff out magical properties and minerals nearby or underneath. Kinda like metal detectors XP. That's really it, as Crystal ponies rely on the artifacts they make to benefit them. That's why some may call the Crystal ponies connection to the Terra, "Artifactual connection". Geological connection isn't exclusive to Crystal ponies btw. They were generous enough to share their inventions and ideas to the world.
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> ☆ Crystal ponies: the content and secluded civilization, residing up north, in the Crystal Empire. Crystal ponies aren't "just" Terra Equus, they can be pegasus and unicorns. However, when Crystal ponies came to be, they were predominantly regular equines. But though being equine first, their coats are far from earthy or dull, unlike the other Terra Equus. They take on a wider variety of vibrant sparkly colors, typically seen in gemstones. However, without love, hope or their Crystal Heart, the ponies would lose their magic and become dull and gloomy. Their names too are based on gemstones, or other rocks and minerals.
> The common jobs a Crystal pony would partake in are: tailoring, jeweler/lapidist, therapist, geologist, blacksmith, sculpting, architecture etc… Fairly good paying jobs, approximately in the middle to higher class range. Gems are a form of currency where they live, however bits are accepted too. Crystal ponies invented rock farming for harvesting all of these minerals for the amount of important artifacts and whatnot they make. The farmers are actually called "miners" and live in secluded boom towns near mountains and or mines all around Equestria. The Pairing Stone was made as well, to easily find a mate (if they couldn't) from nearby rock farms (boom towns) to keep the families growing and working (which sounds bad, but it's not really… which it kinda is because rock farming frankly is BORING).
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> ☆ It is VERY apparent that Pinkie Pie and Rarity are related to Crystal ponies, closely in their family lines X). I mean, it makes sense, because when Pinkie gets happy, filled with joy and love (like a Crystal pony) she becomes pink and vibrant. And with Rarity, she's known to be a sniffer of gemstones, and now we know where that comes from.
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> ☆ Crystal ponies traditionally would give pouches or big slabs of polished or rough minerals. If not, it would be sculpted or turned into jewelry or artifacts. Slightly better than a big ole rock, but Crystal ponies would still love it lol X).
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> 《SPIRITUAL CONNECTION + ZEBRAS 》
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> ☆ Finally, Spiritual connection. It's an ancient common practice done by Zebras and other species and civilizations that live within or near Alfalfrica, like Saddle Arabia (and even Asian-like places). Spiritual Connection is the power to completely connect the body, mind and soul to the Terra. This allows Zebras to control all plant-life around them, and allow "it" to control them back. Spiritual connection can be done with group or independent chants, rituals (dancing, singing), prayers or meditations (chakara). In such a dry land they live in, they rely on higher powers (like, Mater Gaia, Pater Cosmos, King Terrain and other local deities) to bless them with an abundance of food and water, year round. They might even make offerings and or slay (non-sentient) animals for their deities. Because of this, back then (before Twilight and friends) other equine civilizations may have mistaken their behavior as barbaric and savagery and feared the Alfalfricans (but of course, now they're educated and respect their traditions now).
> The power of Spiritual connection can bring family members back to their roots to visit loved ones who've passed (through the same spiritual methods). With Zebras being such spiritual equidae, some managed to gain some sort of psychic abilities like empathy, telepathy or foresight. Again, this type of connection isn't exclusive to the Zebras. In fact, many Terra Equus have a form of Spiritual connection within them, some stronger than others. Although they don't know how to use it right like the Zebra. But they can teach them :). They don't believe in modern medicine, only spiritual healing and remedies or potions made by natural elements. The main ingredients needed to make all sorts of potions or remedies are: Purple mushrooms, (rare; only seen Everfree Forest and in the Forbidden Jungle) Poison Joke, Red Orchid, Garlic, Sticky Sap, and Black Iris (and yes that's a reference to the mlp game X))).
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> ☆Zebras: the one and only civilization of the Mysterious South that reside in Alfalfrica. They appear nothing like their other Terra Equidae counterparts. They are primarily black and white in color with beautiful stripes. If not black and white, they would be brown, light brown, or low contrasted shades of purple, pink or blue. Like other equine and magical pony species, they can gain cutie marks, though very minimalistic in design. They are actually taller than your average pony, if not mixed with one. Speaking of mixed equidae: zebra + horse= Zorse; zebra + donkey= Zonkey; and zebra + pony= Zoni. Quick math, huh XP? (I'm sure y'all already knew this X))).
> The common occupations they would partake in are: farming, jeweler, crafting, tailoring, voodoo, witchery/sorcery, witch doctoring, etc…I would claim that Zebras are more magically in tune with the Terra than the regular equine, and are as magical as a common unicorn. Their names would be from an African origin, typically starting in Z. Trade is the major form of currency where they live, whether it's handcrafted stuff, crops, or other offerings. So, lower, middle and higher class stuff isn't important to them, though they have chieftains and leaders. They just do what they can to provide for themselves and their families.
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> ☆ Traditionally, Zebras would give handcrafted items, like jewelry, clothing or masks as gifts. But they can also give natural healing potions and remedies to guarantee well-being to their loved ones.
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> FINALLY I'M DONE….man I'm tired 😩. This was probably a little too much information about Earth ponies, and I betchu I still left out details. If I did, please notify me or ask questions! ;w; And I know, I know… I need to make a drawing of the Crystal ponies' history… I will soon TwT. I just need a wittle break 🥲.
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> Anyways, I hope y'all are doing fantastic! Thank you for your time (especially if you read all of that TwT) and support!! I love y'all! \^w\ And as always, GOODBYE FOR NOW! ÓwÒ
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> \_\\_\
> RELATED (Other Headcanons):
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> ☆https://www.deviantart.com/theartfox2468/art/Star-AU-HC-The-Three-Tribes-911795108
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> ☆https://www.deviantart.com/theartfox2468/art/Star-AU-HC-My-Little-Creation-911494558
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> ☆https://www.deviantart.com/theartfox2468/art/Sketches-BIRBS-Hybrids-Notes-906723917
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> ☆https://www.deviantart.com/theartfox2468/art/Star-AU-HC-Types-of-BIRDS-895878535
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> ☆https://www.deviantart.com/theartfox2468/art/Star-AU-HC-Types-of-Corn-876362372