Princess Lona

I actually think that calling Celestia Princess instead of Queen was a great move even if it wasn't the original intent of the writers. The Evil Queen stereotype goes back much farther than Disney (although Disney did play a big role in keeping the stereotype alive through the last century). Ruling queens (that is to say, the widows of dead kings with no male offspring) in folk tales have traditionally been shown as evil because the old cultures those tales came from were pretty sexist, so the idea of a woman with power was scary (women are irrational and have no honour, therefore a ruling woman will be evil). The Princess stereotype rose up out of these same ancient sexist cultures as a way to show "good" women behaving the way good women should. As unmarried female royalty, princesses could be shown as well-intentioned heroines without having any real power because at the end of the story they end up marrying a prince. The prince becomes a ruling king and takes on all the important responsibility, leaving the citizens of the kingdom feeling confident in their noble, male ruler. In more recent times princesses have taken on a more heroic and powerful role in a lot of media, but that old stereotype of the princess who has all of the "weaker" positive character traits like gentleness and patience, but none of the "stronger" positive character traits like authority and decisiveness is still quite prevalent. So prevalent in fact, that the term "princess" has come to be synonymous in everyday language with "nice but essentially useless". Princess Celestia on the other hand, horse-kicks the old notion of the princess right out the palace window and into the moat. She is everything a good queen should be. She is wise, kind, a confident ruler, brave, honourable, and willing to fight first hand for her subjects. If we are talking in terms of old stereotypes, Celestia is essentially a king from the old folk tales. Of course it would make more sense for her to be called Queen rather than Princess, but I think the fact that all the characters in the show regard the word "princess" with such seriousness and authority does a lot to stamp out those old sexist cultural norms outlined above. In fact, in the MLP universe the word "princess" describes more than just the highest royalty. Since all the princesses are alicorns, "princess" describes someone who has ascended to godhood. That being said, it would be cool to see a good queen in the show, now that the princess point has been made.

That's a really astute observation. I think that would be a perfect match! I personally find it cringeworthy to watch "redeemed" characters struggling with learning to be "good", but if anyone is going to pull it off and make it work, it would be the mlp writers.

I would put the nation of Ponyland right next to Equestria. Paradise Estate would be the capital.

I'm gonna say no to mane six romantic relationships because as has been pointed out already, the love interest would have to be a prominent character to feel like the relationship wasn't just shoehorned in, and adding a new mane character at this point would throw off the balance. But maybe the CMC could get a new male member (as much as I would love to see homosexual relationships represented in children's programming, I doubt even this show would do it to this point in history) and he could have a cute, schoolyard romance thing with one of them. I would be okay with that.

Interesting to hear that the original voice was supposeDly male. I thought it sounded female enough. I think the name was the nail in the offensive coffin. "Derp" is really not a very old word. I'm pretty sure it was invented by Parker and Stone, as the oldest examples of it occur in South Park and the movie Basketball. I understand that language evolves over time, but I had never heard of "derpy" as a derogatory term for the developmentally disabled until the derpygate fiasco. I think that's a conclusion the offended people jumped to. On the contrary, it was my understanding that "derpy" is a word specifically designed to refer to a person, disabled or otherwise, who is behaving foolishly despite the fact that they have the capacity to know better (the idea being that such a person has no excuse for making a poor choice). So I personally don't find Derpy offensive at all because derpy and disabled are two different things to me. Even if Derpy were developmentally disabled, there is no reason to believe that her disability is necessarily the cause of her derpiness.

Another reason that Apple Bloom is a perfect candidate for this is that swearing is way cooler and more exciting when you're young. There's a kind of glee in learning and using these new words that are supposedly "naughty". But it wears off and gets old as you grow. Adults can still swear sometimes but I think for most people it becomes kind of a chore to constantly add the extra words to your sentences. I know a lot of people who even look down on adults who still swear a lot because to them it seems childish.

I actually tried to make zap apple jam once and I had these same ideas. It would have to be either spicy or sour. So I stewed some apples with some habanero pepper and lemon juice. It was pretty good.

I think a young evil genius would be a great Earth Pony villain. Not just an antagonist, but a full-out villain. They could make machines and use them to try to take over the town, and travel around in their own personal pod like Robotnik/Eggman.

I don't really care if it's a continuation or a reboot, but if we are going to try to connect G1 and G4 with a timeline, I have this to say: First, let's consider only the story and not the art style. This way, the world Megan came from and the world of EQG can be one and the same and it doesn't matter that EQG people look like multicoloured aliens. It also doesn't matter what Tirek and Scorpan look like. Next, we know that the only way to travel between the pony realm and the human realm is by magic, be it a mirror portal or a rainbow bridge. It does appear that G1 took place in the 80s (if Megan was indeed from Earth), and G4 takes place in the present (as evidenced by the technology in EQG). If this is true, how is it that in a mere 30 or so Earth years all memory of humans has disappeared from Pony history? To solve this conundrum, I apply Narnia Time Logic (NTL). In the Chronicles of Narnia series, travel between our world and Narnia is only possible by magic and Narnia is only visited by Earth children a total of six times. Those visits span the lifetime of one of the Earth characters, but cover thousands and thousands of years in Narnia. Sometimes a year would go by in England but in Narnia a millennium had passed. This is because the two worlds are not connected by any physical space so their timelines are also not synchronized. I think the same thing happens when travelling between Equestria and Canterlot High Land. And for you Narnia fans, this also means that in the Wood Between the Worlds there should be a pool that leads to Equestria!

Maybe her parents are afraid of everything too and that's how she learned to be that way. I imagine they were both miserable and terrified until they found each other. Their love grew as they learned to take strength from each other. When they had Fluttershy, the whole family found they were at their strongest when they were together. When Fluttershy fell to the ground and was caught by that flock of butterflies, she found the thing that makes her happy by herself. That was when she decided to move to Ponyville. But her parents didn't share Fluttershy's love of the land so they stayed behind in Cloudsdale. In fact, they are both so afraid of solid ground that they can't face their fears and visit Fluttershy at her home. She visits them in Cloudsdale sometimes.

I think they sound cool. I think the near extinction of the race is a bit dark for the show as it is now, but they should certainly keep the mysterious vibe. They could be like yeti. I love the photosynthesising antlers idea too!

Just chiming in to say that anyone who wants a little more Sombra development should really check out the comics. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that the issues with Sombra in them kinda give him more characterization, but also kinda don't.

Yes, I certainly believe they will be travelling all over Equestria. I don't think it will necessarily take away from the slice of life-ness of the show. Remember Care Bears? They always travelled to a different place on Earth on that show and it stayed grounded.

I would say: "What do you mean I will like My Little Pony? Are you saying I'm going to stop liking it one day?" (In the 80's I was a pre-school aged girl)

What brought you into the writing community? I was never interested in fanfic before MLP. When it comes to the stories I enjoy, I have always been interested in canon sources only for some reason. I guess I just assumed that no fanfic could ever compare to what the creators of a particular show or book series could do. But MLP is just so good that once I finished all the episodes I just needed more content, any content to feed my pony addiction. And it was better than I thought it would be. I still prefer canon stuff, but I no longer scoff at fanfic. The majority of fan content I consume is video though, not written stories. What was your favorite fanfiction to read or write? My favourite pony fanfic is definitely the My Little Dashie series. I also like the "X meets MLP" series. I know those are videos, but I haven't actually read any fanfic that I've liked yet (I haven't read very many fanfics at all yet though). Is there anything you particularly enjoy about the world of Equestria that makes it special? Not really. Like I said before, I just want more stories within this franchise. What do you get out of the writing process; what motivates you to read or write stories pertaining to the show? My reason for writing is selfish. I want to build a readership of my own. I have written a bunch of original short stories and I'm working on a novel. I am preparing to get these out on iBooks, Amazon, Kindle, etc. but I need people to want to read them. I can release a few of my short stories for free, but that won't do much if people don't know who I am. So I figure if I write some fanfics of an existing popular franchise and toss them up on Deviant Art or something, there will be a better chance that people will read them. If they like my style, they may decide to give my original works a look. I haven't actually completed a fanfic yet but I'm working on a CMC story. How would you define if someone is a brony or a member of the fandom? I think tecniqually in order to be a member of a fandom, one only has to identify as a fan. I guess with bronies people think it's not that simple because the fandom has been so sensationalized and even a bit cultural-politically charged. We're breaking down barriers with the idea that adults can like a thing intended for children, and especially with the idea that men can like a thing intended for girls. But at the end of the day, you're a member of a fandom if you are a fan. I guess people who go the extra mile and create their own content are just superfans? Are there any fics that you would say are an example of what it means to be a brony? I don't think it means anything to be a brony. The effect of a piece of media on its audience will be different for each consumer. How often do the themes of the stories you encounter blend or contrast with those from the show? It's all over the place in pony fanfic! I have mostly encountered fics that lean toward darker themes or comedy. I prefer the comedy ones and the ones that bleed with the style of the show. I don't particularly care for the dark and brooding ones. Not because the darkness bothers me, but because they tend to be too dramatic for my taste. Dark comedy is okay. Is there anything you'd like to say to someone who isn't part of the fandom, but may be curious? For example, if someone saw you reading MLP fanfiction in public and asked why you were interested in it, what would you tell them? If they are curious but they are afraid to join because of what people might say, I would let them know what a supportive group of people make up the bulk of this fandom so they would know they would basically have an internet army to back them up if they need it. If they asked why I was interested in pony fanfic, I would tell them what I told you above: The canon stuff is so good I JUST NEED MOAR PONIES!

This started as a simple potential backstory and quickly turned into a mini fanfic. Read it if you want to. Flash grew up in Canterlot and joined the Canterlot Royal Guard. He was a pretty ordinary pony, made Sergeant, and lived a quiet home life alone. Only high ranking members of the Royal Guard are assigned close bodyguard duty, and once Flash moved up a few Sergeant levels he started training for such an assignment. I'm not sure about Cadence's canon living situation before moving to the Crystal Empire, but I'm going to say she lived in Canterlot, but not in the Palace. However, her and Shining Armour's engagement party was a three day affair held at the palace during which time the bride and groom to be as well as their guests stayed there. For Flash's first proper Royal Bodyguard assignment, he was stationed in front of the door to Cadence's room overnight. Shining Armour wasn't sharing a room with her during the engagement party because of an old tradition. Flash was very nervous and a bit shy about conversing directly with the Royalty he would be protecting, as bodyguards must do from time to time. Most new bodyguards feel this way, which is why their first assignment is always an overnight watch, to minimize awkward conversation. Of course, she was eloquent and friendly as he awkwardly wished her a good night and took up his post when she was ready for bed. A few hours into the night Flash saw Cadence walk by at the end of the hall. It was impossible because her door had not opened all night. But then again she is an alicorn with powerful magic. He deduced that she must have been sneaking a visit to her fiancé in spite of the old tradition, which was really just a silly ritualistic thing that nopony took very seriously anymore anyway. Of course he did not want to intrude on the two, but neither did he want to shirk his duty on his first night as bodyguard, so he followed her at a discreet distance. Sure enough, she was heading for Shining Armour's room, but she walked right past it and quickened her pace. Flash followed her around a corner, but she was gone. He went around the next corner but she wasn't their either, and now there were two ways she could have gone. He blindly chose one but soon found that he had utterly lost her. Almost as if she wanted to shake him. With no other choice, he returned to her room. As he approached it, he noticed the door was open. He cautiously peeked inside and saw the impossible: Two Princess Cadences! They were standing horn to horn and one of them said: "That little body guard Celestia gave you was too easy to get rid of, and here I thought I was usurping an important princess!" Then she blasted the other Cadence with a stream of magic that left her suspended in the air and bound her horn. The first Cadence laughed and began to change into her true form: Queen Chrysalis. "I'll deposit you somewhere where you will never be found." She said and kicked a bookcase aside revealing a secret door. She carried Cadence inside and just as the door was about to close Flash ducked in after them, unseen. Chrysalis had taken Cadence into the Canterlot Caverns and as she descended deeper and deeper through the twisted maze with the helpless princess at her mercy and Flash following along sticking to the shadows, she did what villains do best. She revealed her plan to take Cadence's place and feed off of Shining Armour's love, ultimately taking over and destroying Canterlot. Eventually they got to the deepest, darkest section of the caves where there was nothing but a drop off of a subterranean cliff into inpierceable darkness. Chrysalis intended to throw Cadence over, wings and horn bound by magic. Up to this point, Flash had been too terrified to do anything but follow and watch. If Cadence -an alicorn- could be beaten by this Queen, how could he, a simple unicorn soldier expect to stand a chance? But now that he knew that not only the princess's life, but the fate of Canterlot and maybe even all of Equestria was hanging in the balance, he had to do something however hopeless it may seem. He called out "Stop!" And Chrysalis turned. She dropped Cadence and laughed when she saw who challenged her. Flash did his best, but the fight was short and Chrysalis threw him over the cliff. Then she chucked Cadence over as well and left to carry out her plan above. Meanwhile, Flash had caught a bit of rock jutting out from the side of the cliff and was hanging on when Cadence went over. He caught her too and they hung there, trying to pull themselves up. Chrysalis's binding spell was still working on Cadence so her wings and horn were useless. The only way he could swing her back up would require he let go of his hoof hold (because McGuffin physics). She told him not to, but he couldn't hang on long enough to wait for the binding spell to wear off, so he swung Cadence up, letting go and falling to the bottom of the pit. He survived, but was too broken to shout or move very quickly, so it took him until after the wedding to find his way out of the caves, exiting through a sewer grate in the Canterlot streets. When Cadence and Shining Armour returned from their honeymoon to find him alive, Cadence commended him for his bravery and sacrifice and said she would be honoured if he would take a position as her personal bodyguard once he was fully healed. He accepted and once Cadence became Princess of the Crystal Empire, Flash helped design the structure of the Royal Guard there. She wanted him to be captain, but he said he felt like he wasn't ready to lead yet and instead he heads up the Department of Investigative Operations. All of this retcon can be introduced in an episode where Cadence and Shining Armour are celebrating their first anniversary with all of their friends at an informal dinner. Twilight and Flash are both guests of honour at this event, as they were key players in making sure the wedding went off without a hitch (as well as saving Equestria from certain doom). When introducing Flash, Cadence tells the story of their adventure in the caves. That's how to give him backstory, character traits, flaws and development, and introduce him as a tertiary character on the show. As for getting Twilight and Flash married? I don't know, man, I just don't know.

I think this was actually canonically changed because the fans love him so much. I've seen licenced Hasbro merch of him labeled Dr. Whooves.

I agree that Flash had little personality and no character development in EQG, and he was just there to be a token crush. I think it was borderline offensive to stick him in there for the sole purpose of Twilight having a romantic interest (like so many token female characters in adventure stories with male main characters). However: His complete lack of character makes it difficult to be able to fully hate him as a character. As a plot device, certainly. But as a character, not so much. To me, a character like Flash is just boring, not hateable. A character becomes hateable to me when their actions and motivations contradict themselves, when their characterization isn't consistent, and when it is obvious that the writers aren't putting a lot of thought into the character. I've said this before in my own thread. I think Flash has the potential to develop into any kind of character you can think of because all we have seen of him so far has been so bland and vague. We don't know any of his secrets yet, or any of his history. We don't know his desires or goals or even his favourite colour. There is no limit yet to what he can be written into. I think the reason Flash gets so much hate is not because of who he is (he really isn't anyone yet), but because of what he represents. Flash is a symbol of everything that's wrong with Equestria Girls and high school romance dramas in general. He's the poster boy for clichés. But that doesn't mean he has to stay that way. Look at the MLP franchise in general. Until G4, the whole thing was for the most part a representation of dumbed down, gender role-riddled children's cartoons made for the sole purpose of selling toys at the expense of the minds of the youth. G4 took that boring and dangerous old standard and made something more meaningful out of it. I think the same could be done with Flash.

Maybe the world is round and there is a pony or group of ponies who are responsible for making it turn. Or maybe when the Royal Pony Sisters "rise" the sun and moon, what they are actually doing is causing the planet to rotate. Once that rotation gets the wind going, the Pegasi step in and fine tune it.

For anyone who is interested in more stories for their favourite side characters, I strongly suggest checking out the comics if you haven't already. You can read them on YouTube, lots of people have uploaded them as slides show style videos. The comics have stories that arc over several issues and focus on Trixie, Big Mac, and Celestia and Luna to name a few favourites from this thread.

Goldie Delicious. She seems like a tough old lady and she lives alone with a bunch of cats and junk so I suspect she has some interesting stories about how she collected all that stuff over the years. I like characters who are mostly solitary and maybe a bit crazy.