The Crusades of Griffonstone Forest (WIP)

Prologue

>The brooding forests east of Griffonstone.
>Formerly home to mere peasantry, now home to war.
>It is easy to become comfortable from the enemy you know, but to discount the menaces that lurk beyond the known world is to risk a rude awakening that can become a nightmare.
>That nightmare are the Reptilian Hordes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8oU5iM2qS4
>From the depths of the frozen north comes scaly beasts who fight with a ferocity that rival the flames of Tartarus.
>Ruthless.
>Bloodthirsty.
>Hungry for conquest.
>For those unlucky enough not to fall by the sword, their future is grim and bleak by becoming fresh sustenance to the carnivorous invaders.
>Fearing an invasion so close to the capital, King Grover IV of Griffonstone personally travels to Equestria.
>The elderly monarch pleas for aid does not fall on deaf ears.
>As Princess Celestia grants him an audience, she however refuses to send militaristic support.
>Instead she sends the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, and a small band of guards in order to open negotiations with the reptiles. With high hopes to find what it is they truly want.
>As days turn to months, Twilight returns with a single guard.
>Entering the throne room the two collapse onto the floor.
>The inflicted wounds causes the Princess to fall into a state of unconsciousness. Doctors are unsure when or even if she will awaken.
>Truly seeing the threat these beasts are, the nobles of Canterlot and the Crystal Empire summon an army to wipe out these invaders.
>Personally receiving blessing from each of the three Princess, the united armies of Equestria raise the banners of Sun, Moon, and Crystal high and advance towards the forests east of Griffonstone in hopes to avenge the assaulted Twilight.
>After months of fighting, the Order of Equestria carve a bloody sway across the land.
>The Reptilian Invaders fight with grim determination causing a relentless stalemate between the two.
>Surrounding this deadly conflict, sleeping giants begin to stir.
>The Fortress of Rima.
>A Minotaurian Citadel at the far end of the forest filled with battle hardened explorers and mercenaries.
>Though few in numbers compared to the vast armies of their neighbors.
>They make up plenty with their strategic position and knowledge of weapons and tactics.
>Knowledge learned from their caravans who return from expeditions and trading from the far Secretive East.
>Seeing all of these outlanders as hostile, they are willing to do anything and everything to maintain their freedom and exotic riches from falling into enemy grasps.
>Yakyakistan.
>Renowned as warriors and conquerors, the Yaks look to expand their ever growing borders into the lush and fertile valleys of the Griffonstone forests.
>Seeing these new creatures, they jump at the possibility of finding a new foe to best in combat, and to possibly topple former foes as well.
>And of course Griffonstone, a proud Kingdom.
>Once allied to the Equestrian Knights, friendly relations quickly deteriorated after hearing a rumor about their so-called allies might soon turn the sword on them after dealing with the Reptilian Horde.
>Not wanting to be undone, the Griffons march on the Equestrian Knights main camp.
>After suffering humiliating defeats, they are forced to accept a peace that grants the Order free usage of all land and resources.
>In doing so the Order now has lavished fortresses and outposts which are slowly turning into trade hubs and even small villages.
>Now battered and regretful, Griffonstone seethes at the thought of a permanent Equestrian presence in their rightful domain.
>Now familiar with the Order's tactics, they assemble another army ready to face the demons from afar and the ones they unleashed onto their own lands.
>However King Grover is hesitant. For if the Order is gone, there will be nothing from stopping the Reptilian Horde from attacking Griffonstone.
>Back in Equestria, the Council of Nobles look on like a proud parent seeing the Order thrive.
>Talks of colonization spread through the politicians like a wildfire in a dry field.
>"Imagine the profits we shall reap!" They all whisper, making sure to keep the Princesses out of such an 'unfriendly' ordeal.
>However word from the Knights request reinforcements.
>Another call for troops sound throughout the land.
>You are Pine Noel.
>A pegasi mare who heard the call for battle.
>Joining the ranks of the hundreds of thousands of stallions, you ready yourself for what is to come.