Would the Royal Guard ever harm anypony?

[TwitchyHooves 3]

Alright, so I've recently been thinking about how ponies in the Royal Guard sometimes wield spears at times. Although they do so, would they ever really use them on another pony? I just don't think Celestia would even tolerate that sort of thing. So, what do you think. 

[Larkybird~ 734]

I'd say if they found one to be a threat. Though I think the unicorn guards would use magic before they used spears.

[Oblivion 20,268]

Nah, not unless somepony actually tried to harm the princess, otherwise they would probably just block the path. Besides it's a kids show, so they never would in the show for obvious reasons, though sometimes (for me anyway) you can get fanfics confused with the actuale show.

[Spring Veil 255]

I would kind of think that they would only be used in self-defence, kind of like with police officers and their guns. Only really used when someone else has a weapon they are firing at the officers, or civilians. 

[Oblivion 20,268]

I'd say if they found one to be a threat. Though I think the unicorn guards would use magic before they used spears.

Yea, my guess is that the spears are just for show, the unicorns would most likely use restraing magic before they actually impaled anyone.

[Discordian 6,015]

Why would they have them if they weren't intended for use? Obviously it wouldn't be their first option but they exist for a reason. If something or someone makes themselves known as a threat those spears would be in their face and through their gullet.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Discordian

[Larkybird~ 734]

Yea, my guess is that the spears are just for show, the unicorns would most likely use restraing magic before they actually impaled anyone.

Yeah, most likely for show, to sort of give them a bit more of an intimidation look for them like most royal guards usually carry spears and the like for.

[ggg-2 3,553]

A soldier's gotta do what a soldier's gotta do. simple as that.

[Solid 1,327]

It's already a miracle that they could hold the spears (with hooves, lol), let alone to stab something with it.

[SveciaDash 364]

They're guards for a reason?

[Banul 3,831]

The guards are basically useles, Twilight and company always has to solve their problems. Maybe the spears boost morale.

[boiteporte 591]

Yeah, I agree, the guards serve no real purpose in the show.

They are as useful as the Earth Alliance in Babylon 5 during the Shadow War.

 

(I love making comparisons)

Edited May 22, 2014 by boiteporte

[ghostfacekiller39 23,860]

Only when necessary, most likely - or, at least, when they deem it necessary.

 

I'm sure they operate in a similar fashion to your average military in a monarch setting

[Frosty Nerd 833]

Oh yes, absolutely if somepony were an assassin.

[Nulln 755]

Yeah, that's kind of their job to protect at all costs.

 

I can see Celestia giving the orders if she needed to.  She's already banished her sister to the MOON and almost sent Twilight out of ponyville when she got mad at her.  She's not some goody-two-shoes.  lol

[TerribilisScriptor 107]

A guard that is unwilling to take drastic measures is no good guard.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

 

I just don't think Celestia would even tolerate that sort of thing.

 

Then why the Hell would she even bother to employ them? We've seen the Royal Guard as lead by Shining Armor act in the capacity of a military force. In that regard, one of their primary duties would be to protect the head of state. Granted this could be a case of overkill because Celestia is significantly more powerful than those protecting her but even she is not unassailable as seen in the flashback with Nightmare Moon. 

 

In "A Canterlot Wedding" when Twilight tried to approach Shining Armor, they ALL pointed their weapons at her with the clear intent of using them should she be a threat. In "A Bird in the Hoof" the pegasus guards that were protecting Celestia pointedly blocked Fluttershy's entrance with their wings making blade sounds.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stMaTqdCWJQ

 

They clearly aren't messing around with the use of force. Although I would argue in both instances the "threat" came in the form of a young mare approaching and not an angry mob so maybe they need better schooling in threat recognition.

[IndigoStarstorm 68]

The guards seem to be there for tradition's sake, as they don't really have any practical use.  I mean, What good are spears against some villain like Queen Chrysalis or Tirek? Nopony other than a major villain is stupid enough to just go waltzing into the castle and trying to take over Equestria from Celestia.  They would be dead, guards or no guards...

[PROJECT: Simon 3,955]

They'll never harm the innocents  

[Malinter 3,064]

I think the Royal Guard are actually for protecting ponies from non-ponies. The Princesses themselves don't really need guards if it came down to a fight.

 

It also can't be helped if the Royal Guard have gone abit soft because lore wise, its been almost several centuries since any huge wars have broken out. 

[JonasDarkmane 19,788]

Since this is discussing about aspects from the show, I have moved this topic to "Show Discussion". 

 

Carry on people .