Factions
The Dominion
How they play
The Dominion is a kirin/dragon supermacist superpower that seeks to kill or enslave anything that differs in race or ideology, although not all members of this faction share the same goals or lack of ethics. To this end, most, if not all Dominion characters will be kirins (And not dragons*) and so possess the general traits attributed to their species. They typically have some sort of political or military background, may have been part of a successful or failed conquest, and have a basic understanding of "plasma" and its properties.
Draconian rule
Dominion law is cruel, and punishes any nearly crime of any calliber with death (Or worse). If you are caught stealing, lying, or spreading dissent, odds are an Enforcer will appear to take you away, where you will be publically excuted (Or dragged away, never to be seen again.)
The Legion
The Legion is the official name for The Dominion's military, named so for their intimidating numbers and sheer, brutal force.
What are their goals?
he Dominion, as indicated by their moniker, seeks to subjugate the entirety of The City and its inhabitants to their draconian rule. Influenced by the words of their charismatic leader, most of The Dominion beleives that they may achieve this dominion after seizing The Pyramid and obtaining the power within.
Dominion technology
"Plasma"
Plasma is the primary energy source utilized by every weapon and utility The Dominion uses. It is a semi-viscuous red fluid with a coppery smell. Unicorns and other creatures sensitive to magic will immidiately be able to discern it from regular blood by its notably high levels of thaumic radiation. Extended exposure to raw plasma may induce an ailment called "mana sickness" which causes fatigue, and mana burn in magical creatures.
Plasma's origins are classified, and one of The Dominion's most well-kept secrets, although some speculate that it may be sourced from someplace underground.
War Machines
The Dominion is rather fond of weapons of war, and boast a broad arsenal of bulky and intimidating machines that one may ascribe the descriptor "overkill" to. Tanks are a favorite of theirs, as are bombs and other explosive projectiles.
~~
Harmony
How they play
Harmony, despite its namesake and inspiration, heavily favors unicorns over all other pony tribes. A unicorn from Hamrony may have a political career, lead research into advanced magical studies and sciences, or lead armies on the battlefield. They are schooled, well-trained ponies that often have everything handed to them, and are unaware of the true conditions of The City outside of their home. Pegasi are considered second-class citizens, and have to work for everything they have. Pegasi may manage weather in The Dome, or be conscripted to The Armada, their military force. They rarely leave the safety of The Dome, but are known to wander on occassion and get lost. Earth ponies are third-class citizens and almost universally tend the fields and manage agriculture in The Dome. They are hardy and capable creatures, and may resent their better-off superiors. Many earth ponies will leave to join The Armada just for a change of pace, or otherwise leave Harmony in pursuit of a better life.
Supreme verdict
All creatures of Harmony obey the word of their alicorn leader. Her word is law, her will made manifest. Her divine verdict, the "Supreme Verdict", is a list of laws that creatures under her rule must abide by, lest there be dire consequences. A group of elite enforcers called the Peacekeepers enforce these rules diligently.
the Armada
Inspired by Old Equestrian lore, The Armada stands proud as Harmony's defenders, and the hoof with which they strike out against The City's numerous evils.
What are their goals?
To secure The Pyramid and ensure that no evil may lay their hooves, claws, or paws upon what lay inside. They also beleive that their alicorn leader will be able to use whatever is inside to open up a gateway to Sanctuary, a perfect world where the creatures of The City may at last find peace and happiness.
What is Sanctuary?
Sanctuary is the name prescribed to their perfect world. It's not an afterlife, they don't go there if they die. It is a new home for the ponies of Harmony to live their lives in peace, untroubled by war or horrors. Some philosophers debate its existence, but most ponies in Harmony beleive in it.
Harmony technology
Portals. Portals everywhere
Harmony is the leading developer of advanced technology in The CIty, spearheading research into instantaneous transportation and energy weaponry. They are known for their portal technology first and foremost, Personal Translocation Devices (Or PT Devices) being a distinguishing feature amongst nearly the entirety of Harmony citizens and military. PT Devices are boxy sophisticated devices a creature may wear as an accessory, and respond to verbal commands from the designated user.
What if no designated user is found? (i.e. they have died) The PT Device will scan for vitals and them prompt the new user to register with the device.
~~
Destriers
How they play
Destriers are the outcasts of society, forging a path of their own in stark defiance of the draconian rule of The Dominion, or the bigotry of Harmony. It's no easy task, however, as these exiles and vagabonds must share a space with the most deplorable characters The City has to offer. As such, it is often neccesary for them to make certain sacrifices to survive. Many, in time, succumb to depravity.
The outcasts
The Outer Ring is a lawless anarchy dominated by criminals, mafias, gangs, and every other sort of ill-reputable scum society can produce. As such, living amongst Destriers can often have a corrupting effects, degrading your morals over time. Even the most stalwart Harmony knight or Dominion soldier can fall to the vices of The Outer Ring, and more often that not do
Mercs & Gangs
Destriers include mercenaries, gangs, and other semi-organized groups of characters that have banded together. Destrier supports such unions and their activities, just be careful not to gain too much of a reputation.
What are their goals?
Survive. Both Harmony and The Dominion have marked them as enemies to their cause, and are liable to attack them on-sight. The end goal for all Destriers is to live another day.
Destrier technology
Pathwork masterpieces
Being composed of such a diverse group of creatures, Destrier has adapted their technology to reflect this mashup of cultures. While Destrier technology is often inferior to that of The Dominion or Hamrony, their weapons and tools often utilize unique mechanics and functions that make them unpredictable. Destriers will also create unique items that would have been outlawed or forbidden by their home faction, making them the perfect testing grounds for expirements.