art by Sketchywolf-13

This is familiar territory for my blog, but I've had several inquiries on the subject of what qualifies as "canon" in the Fallout: Equestria universe. So I've decided to address it again, and in more detail, with a blog post that can easily be linked or referenced.

I've always firmly stated that the only things that are canon to Fallout: Equestria are what is written in the story itself. Any further interpretations and extrapolations are up to those writing side stories. Even my own ideas and expansions, such as those offered in my blog, are merely headcanon and should not invalidate anything anyone else writes.

art by Limreiart

Please keep in mind that the Afterword (Ten Years Later) was first posted on Christmas day, 2011. At that time, My Little Pony was less than midway through its second season, having just aired "Hearth's Warming Eve". Since the story was completed between April and December of 2011, it was unable to incorporate any of the wonderful elements that have since been introduced into the world of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The story doesn't touch on changelings, or the Crystal Empire, or a great number of other things in the world that are full of potential. As such, there is a lot of room to play around in, and there are no canon answers to many questions. "Valid and intriguing interpretations" are all we are left with when we move beyond what the story itself tells.

Yes, some interpretations may be less valid or intriguing than others, especially if they directly clash with the established canon of the story. However, since no side story is canon, no side story is shackled to canon. Exploring divergence with canon can be rewarding, story-wise, but it is also inherently risky. Writers whose stories ignore or oppose canon can reasonably expect some backlash or a loss of readership. However, it is my hope that any fan reaction is polite and respectful -- kindness and friendship are as important as honesty and loyalty.

art by Limreiart

I chose to relegate canon this way for a variety of reasons. The story itself is done. It should be considered a finished product, and its canon should be self-contained. The canon of Fallout: Equestria should be universally accessible; the story is accessible easily to everyone. Not everyone reads my blogs, or is familiar with my headcanon. I think it is asking enough of people who want to play in the Fallout: Equestria universe to keep track of and stay true to a 600K+ word story. It would be unfair to ask them to read other stories and abide by their canon as well. Or to keep up with all my blogs and headcanon. And I don't want authors to need to worry about some bit of new "canon" popping up and invalidating their work. The canon of Fallout: Equestria should be a solid foundation to work from, not ever-evolving.

Even the story "A Mare Worth Fighting For" by Pacce is only canon if you want to consider it so. It is the single outside work that have (and ever will) designate as "permissible to treat as canon". However, you can just as easily chose not to.

art by Limreiart

That said, I do have my own detailed and evolving headcanon -- an amalgamation of conceptual canon and backstory that never made it into the massive work and headcanon which I developed after finishing the story, particularly in response to new episodes and in regards to new elements to the world. You've already seen things like my reconciliation of the "fourth" breed of ponies -- crystal ponies-- and the introduction of the motorized vehicle. While no writer should feel beholden to it, I am happy to share elements of it with you in my blogs.