@ Kegi: For the map I just assume it doesn't show every settlement in Equestria. Besides we knew there were other nations from as early as Dragonshy I believe where the dragon was told to leave Equestria. Would be tricky if there was nowhere else for it to go.

That is why I was wondering about "armed conflicts since the events depicted in Hearth's Warming Eve."

I highly doubt that it involved more than just Celestia and Luna. Since we don't have any evidence that there were any supporters of Nightmare Moon, the possibility of any civil war is not likely. As for Sombra, all we were shown were the ponies suffering under Sombra and as we saw in the premiere, they were more than happy to participate in vanquishing him.

If you want to bring up this "History is written by the victors.", well, I can't say anything on that matter.

The Crystal Ponies still accepted Sombra as their king until literally the last minute when he was defeated. It's pretty easy to assume they'd fight for him.

I very much doubt there were no ponies who sided with Luna solely because they thought she'd win and wanted get rewarded for backing the winner.

Well that's why I think the bat ponies exist. They are the descendants of the ponies who backed nightmare moon. That's my fanon.

A lot of fanon I've seen for the Celestia/Luna conflict has it being an actual war, but I've never thought that made much sense. If Luna had enough support to have an army, why did she feel so neglected she felt the need to rebel?

Luna was really powerful as shown by the fact she was winning before Celestia used the Elements. She presumably wanted to be loved but settled for feared to gain support.

Its possible Nightmare Moon may have had an army made up of other creatures. Griffons, Diamond Dogs, maybe even borrowing some changelings. Ursa Majors for those times you want to trash a city with a giant star-bear. Luna wanted love from her own ponies, but how did the other races of the world view her?

edited 25th Dec '12 9:20:50 AM by Calnos

@Badwolfwho - If you insists on guessworks with no canon evidences, then I do not see any point of continuing this argument.

Wait, the Crystal Ponies accepted Sombra as King? Odd, somehow I think having literal shackles around your neck would somewhat damper that loyalty...

@ Roy: Everything I've said has basis in canon.

@ Pan: They call him King Sombra. I assume that means they accept him as king.

Mainly because A) His spell was literally messing with their minds, and B) Because they were pants-droppingly terrified of the bugger.

Also, nothing really indicates that Luna was winning, only that Celestia did nothing to deter her.

edited 25th Dec '12 9:25:33 AM by GreatGodPan

@ Pan: Exactly he rules through fear.

And why would Celestia do nothing to protect her subjects?

I think it's silly to think that C Ps would fight for Sombra when not mind controlled.

Because her beloved little sister apparently went full on Evil Overlord for no reason. She'd probably be more then a little hesitant to confront her.

I'm too lazy to read through the entire discussion, so I'm just going to leave my 2 cents here:

1. There's no indication in canon that Luna and Celestia's conflict was an actual war. All we know is that there was a conflict between the two of them that resulted in Celestia blasting Luna with the elements. Aside from the initial cause and the outcome, we have no clue how events played out and it's all up to headcanon whether it was war or a fight between the two of them.

2. Just because Sombra ruled the Crystal ponies doesn't mean they liked or supported him. If they did fight for him it was likely either due to mind control, or because they were too scared to oppose him. He could be king without them accepting him; he'd just have to be powerful enough to enforce his will on them.

edited 25th Dec '12 9:35:22 AM by JapaneseTeeth

I think the Celestia-Luna fight was a personal one. Luna wouldn't have had any followers since all she wanted was to screw over everyone, and normal ponies wouldn't have the power to go up against them anyway. In all likelihood they just had a one-on-one duel.

More evidence for pony wars: the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Crusade is a war term.

Sombra would need:

1. A slave-soldier army too terrified to turn on him
2. mercenaries he can afford
3. brainwashed troops
4. loyal personal guards

Twi enjoying a quiet moment :3

edited 25th Dec '12 9:37:03 AM by AceOfScarabs

You guys seem way to eager to declare Ponies some sort of Proud Warrior Race

edited 25th Dec '12 9:38:28 AM by GreatGodPan

Re: Spoiler Policy

I'm fairly sure the spoiler thread's supposed to be for both official information and leaks before the episode officially airs.

I could by them fighting in the past, but after Celestia took over I couldn't see them doing much war stuff. Maybe occasional conflicts with other species, but I think it's all far in the past by the time the show happens.

@ Pan: And then she does. She's forced to use the Elements of Harmony. Thus she's weaker. Otherwise she wouldn't have to do the whole banished to the moon thing.

Edit: wait this isn't the argument at all. Facepalm

I still think Celestia would confront Luna fairly quickly.

@ JT: Exactly they don't have to like him. They just have to fear him. And they do, it's ludicrous to think they wouldn't fight for him if he forced them.

edited 25th Dec '12 9:47:45 AM by Badwolfwho

The Canterlot Royal Guard members guarding the wedding were armed with spears, and they presumably tried to fight back against the changeling invasion.

Without using the Elements, there would have been a distinct possibility that either of them would have died, would have disastrous consequences for the rest of Equestria. Banishment was the best long-term solution, as well as leaving the possibility for future redemption for Luna.

"What are we talking about?"

War! Huh! What is good for?! Absolutely nothing!

@ Pan: How would Celestia even know she could use the Elements? Before then she's only used them with Luna. It makes far more sense that it'd be an act of desperation than her first resort.