TEXT:  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Tails of Equestria Essentials 
  The Quick Guide to the official MLP:FIM role-playing game 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  Part 1: Character Creation 
  Quick Creation 
  Part 2: Pony Types 
  Earth ponies 
  Stout Heart (D6) 
  Unicorns 
  Telekinesis (D6) 
  Pegasi 
  Fly (d6) 
  Alicorns 
  Part 3: Elements of Harmony 
  Kindness 
  Generosity 
  Laughter 
  Loyatly 
  Honesty 
  Magic 
  Part 4: Traits & Stamina 
  Body 
  Mind 
  Charm 
  Stamina 
  Part 5: Friendship Tokens 
  Using Tokens of Friendship 
  Earning Tokens of Friendship 
  Part 6: Tests and Challenges 
  Tests 
  Rolling using Traits / Talents 
  Exploding Hoof Technique 
  Difficulty Chart 
  Challenges 
  Scuffles 
  Part 7: Talents and Quirks 
  Talents 
  Quirks 
  Part 8: Equipment and Money 
  Starting Money and Income 
  Sample items 
   
  
  Part 1: Character Creation 
  Example Character sheets available at ​www.riverhorsegames.com  
  But each sheet consists primarily of: 
  Pony Name 
  Player Name 
  Pony Type 
  Level 
  Element of Harmony 
  Friendship Tokens 
  Stamina (Max and current) 
  Body, Mind, and Charm traits 
  List of Talents (Cutie Mark default) 
  List of Quirks (One default) 
  Portrait and Cutie Mark 
  Quick Creation 
  1) Choose Pony Type (Earth pony, unicorn, or pegasus) 
  2) Level (Start at 1 usually) 
  3) Choose an Element of Harmony (Honesty/Laughter/Kindness/Generosity/Loyalty/Magic) 
  4) Body or Mind (pick one of these stats to make d4 and the other d8. If you are an Earth 
  pony, increase your Body die by one level ie d4 -> d6 and d6 -> d8) 
  5) Charm (Set to d6 by default) 
  6) Stamina (add the max scores of your Body and Mind, 10 if Unicorn or Pegasus and 12 if 
  Earth) 
  7) Pick your starting talent (D6). This is your Cutie Mark 
  8) Add your racial talent: 
  a) Earth Pony gets Stone Heart (D6, or D8 if Stone Heart is your CM) 
  b) Pegasus gets Fly (D6, or D8 if Fly is your CM) 
  c)
  Unicorn gets Telekinesis (D6, or D8 if Telekinesis is your CM) 
  9) Pick one Quirk, possibly more if DM allows 
  10) Draw a Portrait and a Cutie Mark (work on your art damnit) 
  11) Create your Pony Name (should reflect your CM) 
  12) Add Equipment (starting characters get 400 bits to buy from) 
  13) Add starting Friendship Tokens (1 for each player including yourself + GM at table) 
  
  Part 2: Pony Types 
  Earth ponies 
  Earth ponies are known for their strength and for being ‘down to earth’. They grow most of the 
  food eaten in Equestria. Connected to nature and in tune with the land, Earth ponies are a vital 
  part of maintaining the order of the seasons. From ensuring the leaves fall to wrapping up 
  winter, they work tirelessly to help keep Equestria in harmony. Many Earth ponies live in farms 
  and rural communities, thought that is not to say that they shy away from large cities like 
  Manehatten and Fillydelphia. In fact, wherever you look in Equestria you will often find Earth 
  ponies living there since their great endurance means they can thrive in what other ponies might 
  call barren wastelands. 
   
  An Earth pony’s stout heart allows them to withstand great hardship without slowing down, and 
  means that they have a lot of love to give their friends. Earth pony characters are often the 
  backbone of a group of ponies, being a rock that other ponies can lean on. Although sometimes 
  they can be seen as a little ‘rough around the edges’, Pegasi and Unicorn agree that Earth 
  ponies are some of the most dependable friends you can ask for. 
  Stout Heart (D6) 
  This talent upgrades a pony’s Body trait, making it one level higher (d4->d6, d6->d8) and therby 
  increasing Stamina. 
   
  In addition, once per game session you can add your Stout Heart die to a test that uses the 
  Body trait, representing the Earth pony putting in extra effort ‘without losing heart’. 
  Unicorns 
  Mysterious and magical, Unicorns are easily distinguished from the other ponies of Equestria by 
  the beautiful horn on their forehead. Although the horn can be used like an ordinary horn, its 
  main use is the powerful magic that unicorns are famous for. Most Unicorns can use telekinesis, 
  the ability to move objects with their minds, and some others can teleport, change objects into 
  other objects, and blast powerful stun beams from their horns. 
   
  Very rarely, Unicorns earn a cutie mark that shows that their special talent is magic itself. While 
  most Unicorns only know a little magic in relation to their cutie mark, these Unicorns know lots of 
  magic and can become some of the most powerful magical creatures in Equestria. 
   
  
  Many Unicorns are very proud of their heritage, and are often seen as noble and majestic - or a 
  little bit arrogant, depending on who you ask. Unicorns use their magic to protect the citizens of 
  Equestria, and in their arts, and solve any problems that aren’t solvable by mundane means. 
   
  Unicorn characters are very useful in a group of adventuring ponies, able to use their wits and 
  magic to help with the trickiest of puzzles and problems. Many travelling Unicorn ponies focus 
  on one of their magical abilities, but some learn many spells so that they can help their friends 
  with any situation. 
  Telekinesis (D6) 
  This talent lets Unicorns move light objects around as their horn glows a colorful light that 
  matches the selected object. It also allows the unicorn to light up dark places, and as it levels up 
  can move heavier objects. 
  Pegasi 
  Pegasi are the winged cousins of Earth ponies and Unicorns, known for their aerial acrobatics 
  and amazing agility. Originally a tribe of warrior ponies, the PEgasi are a great and noble races 
  of ponies, now tasked with maintaining the weather of Equestria. Using their wings and their 
  innate abilities, they can move clouds and create winds, which is how they have created 
  Cloudsdale. Cloudsdale is the awesome home of many Pegasi high up in the sky. It’s where 
  they keep much of the machinery required to make snow and clouds. 
   
  Many Pegasi love sports and they have invented several that only Pegasi can compete in due to 
  their flying abilities. This has earned Pegasi the reputation of being the most competitive of the 
  pony races. But every Pegasus knows deep down that no competition is worth more than 
  friends, and of course many Pegasi enjoy flying at for more leisurely pace. Pegasus characters 
  can often find themselves helping their friends from above - their ability to fly can be very useful 
  in lots of adventures, whether scouting for trouble or racing against the clock. They are very 
  good at acting quickly, warning their friends of trouble, and when needed, diving into the fray 
  from above. 
   
  A Pegasus can be a fast friend, and are often willing to throw themselves into the defense of 
  their buddies. Earth ponies and Unicorns sometimes see Pegasi as a little rash, a little too eager 
  to jump into action without thinking - which can cause problems if they do not understand all the 
  facts. 
  Fly (d6) 
  This talent allows ponies to fly above the ground and look down from above, and also allows 
  ponies to walk on and touch clouds. The higher the die, the faster/more skillful the flyer is. 
   
  
  Alicorns 
  Little is known about Alicorns as a race, except that they are very rare. Alicorn magic is not fully 
  understood, but it is known that Alicorns have the magical powers of the Unicorns, the flying 
  abilities of the Pegasi, and the strength of the good, true-hearted Earth ponies. It is for this 
  reason that other types of ponies often turn to them to solve disputes between each other. 
   
  Unlike the other types, an Alicorn is not usually born as an Alicorn but earns the right to become 
  one by displaying a great act that signifies their special powers. Little is known about how this 
  happens, except that it is very rare and only happens when Equestria is in need of a new 
  princess. 
   
  Although powerful and beautiful, Alicorns are just as sensitive as other ponies and often love to 
  be treated like any other pony. Many find this hard, always wanting to show respect and 
  politeness, which can mean that Alicorns may find it hard to find true friends. But with a little 
  persistence they can form the strongest of bonds. 
   
  There are no Alicorn race by default. 
  Part 3: Elements of Harmony 
  At character creation, choose one of the six elements (Magic, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, 
  Kindness, Laughter) that describes your ponies most shown / core virtue. You do not need to 
  adhere to it at all times and in effect this has little gameplay mechanic, but it offers insight into 
  their personality. You are also able to change your Element as you partake in adventures, 
  representing a change in your character’s journey. 
  Kindness 
  Ponies attached to this element are the sweetest, most gentle of creatures. Kindness can be 
  tricky, and not every pony has the same opinion of what kindness means. These ponies need to 
  be careful not to confuse kindness with being a pushover. 
  Color: Pink, Holder: Fluttershy 
  Generosity 
  Ponies attached to this Element have the biggest hearts and are always prepared to help out 
  their friends and share all that they have with them. These ponies sometimes have to be careful 
  of others that would take their generosity for granted, and can have a tough time figuring out 
  who to give to when they can’t give to everyone. 
  Color: Purple, Holder: Rarity 
  
  Laughter 
  Ponies attached to this Element are the funniest and most cheerful companions you can ever 
  hope for - they always look at the bright side of things. Sometimes ponies that embrace the 
  element of laughter can have trouble making sure everyone is enjoying their humor, since 
  laughter is only great when everyone is laughing. 
  Color: Blue, Holder: Pinkie Pie 
  Loyatly 
  Ponies attached to this element are the most reliable of friends. They will never leave the side of 
  a friend in need and never betray a promise made. A pony that is very loyal may be in trouble if 
  they have given loyalty to the wrong pony, or when loyalties conflict. 
  Color: Red, Holder: Rainbow Dash 
  Honesty 
  Ponies attached to this Element can be trusted with your life. They can always speak their mind 
  and never conceal the truth for any reason. Sometimes the truth can be a difficult thing to tell, 
  and even more difficult to tell it without hurting anypony. These ponies understand that better 
  than anyone else. 
  Color: Orange, Holder: Applejack 
  Magic 
  Ponies attached to this Element are sensitive to the most powerful of all Elements: the Magic of 
  Friendship. Magic is the most difficult Element to use, and can only exist if the other Elements 
  are present. These ponies have a difficult job balancing all of the other Elements of Harmony to 
  keep friendship strong. 
  Color: Magenta, Holder: Twilight Sparkle 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  Part 4: Traits & Stamina 
  The three primary traits of the game are Body, Mind, and Charm, and can range anywhere from 
  d4 (the weakest) to d20 (the strongest) 
  Body 
  How strong you are (how much weight you can lift and carry), how tough you are, how long you 
  can keep running, how easy you can get sick, etc. Also ties to agility while moving, dodging 
  things, balancing, so is useful either for competing in an obstacle course or a dance-off. 
   
  Small animals / ponies have d4-d6 on average. Grown up ponies have d8, d10, or even higher 
  in the case of some. Other creatures have a high Body value like Minotaur, or Dragons that can 
  go even higher. 
  Mind 
  How intelligent your pony is, how well you remember things, how good you are at studying or 
  winning an argument. Useful for solving puzzles, speaking other languages, etc. Also a high 
  Mind makes you less likely to panic or be overcome by sadness or fear. Can push yourself to 
  keep going. It also ties into sensitivity, such as telling when others are upset, what they’re 
  thinking about, or guess what they’re about to do.  
   
  Young ponies start with d4 or d6 in mind, and go on to d8 or d10 or even higher in the case of 
  some studious ponies. Other creatures like Alicorns can have Mind scores higher than d20. 
  Charm 
  Ties into how pretty your pony is, but more so into their personality. How well you are liked and 
  listened to by others, and how many want to be your friend. Charming ponies achieve this either 
  through being nice, being manipulative, or even being scary. Useful for making friends and 
  influencing others’ opinions. 
   
  All ponies generally start with d6 in charm regardless of age, and can learn to increase it to d8 
  or d10 or even higher if they develop their personality / social skills. 
   
   
  
  Stamina 
  Your character’s ‘health’ in ToE. Your maximum Stamina is always the combination of your 
  highest rolls in Body and Mind added together (ie, d6 Body + d6 Mind = 12 Stamina). 
   
  You lose Stamina if you are hurt, or perform a task that leaves you very tired afterwards, but 
  also if you become sad/confused or emotionally distraught. For example a long trek might cost 
  you 2 Stamina. 
   
  If you get down to 0 or less, your pony faints or otherwise can’t carry on (fluff depending on the 
  situation, such as being taken prisoner or crashing out of fatigue). Collapsing leaves you 
  vulnerable. 
   
  You can recover stamina by resting, eating good meals or drinks, or even by magic via potions 
  or talents. The amount restored varies. A night’s sleep out in the wild will get you 1 point of 
  stamina, while resting in a comfy bed at an inn or home get you back 2. A good, filling meal will 
  get you 1 point (cold hay or otherwise lackluster food won’t do it). 
  Part 5: Friendship Tokens 
  Friendship Tokens are used to allow your pony to succeed on tasks you normally would not be 
  able to and are represented by players coming together. 
   
  Your level 1 character starts with a number of Friendship Tokens equal to the number of 
  players, including yourself and the GM. IE, a three player game with the GM would get you 4. 
   
  Using Tokens of Friendship 
  Friendship Tokens are used after you roll the die on a challenge or test and fail. Depending on 
  the number you spend, you can achieve one of three effects. 
   
  1 Token: You can ignore the result, and roll the die again. 
  2 Tokens: You can ignore the result and roll a d20 instead of the original die (in the case of 
  having rolled more than one on a challenge, replace the lowest level die) 
  3 Tokens: You pass the test or win the challenge automatically with no re-roll needed. 
   
  NOTE: Multiple players can put in Friendship Tokens towards the same challenge. If two players 
  put in a friendship token apiece, then you achieve the same effect as if you had spent 3, and 
  win the challenge automatically. 
  
  Earning Tokens of Friendship 
  You earn Tokens of Friendship through one of three means: 
  1) Leveling up will get you a number of Friendship Tokens equal to the number of players 
  including yourself and the DM (ie, that same group of 3 players + GM mentioned earlier 
  would obtain 4 tokens apiece on level up) 
  2) If your character behaves as a very, very good friend to another character and helps 
  them with something meaningful, you gain a number of Friendship Tokens the GM 
  deems acceptable (usually 1 except in the case of major incidents) 
  3) If your quirk holds you back from doing something important in-game, you receive a 
  friendship token from the GM. 
  4) If new players join the campaign, in addition to them receiving their starting tokens, the 
  original players all gain 1 new Friendship token from each new player added. 
  Part 6: Tests and Challenges 
  Obstacles that naturally occur in game to impede the players’ progress. 
  Tests 
  A test is a roll made against a static check that depends on the difficulty of what that pony is 
  trying to achieve. The number of the difficulty check (DC) ranges anywhere from 2 (the easiest) 
  to 20 (the hardest), and whichever die the player rolls has to meet or exceed this number. 
   
  The die rolled by the player depends on what the test entails: dodging something would use 
  Body, solving a puzzle Mind, convincing someone Charm, etc. The DC can also increase 
  depending on situations like if your pony is tied up or distracted, etc. 
   
  As the minimum difficulty is 2, a 1 is ALWAYS a failure, or ‘Bad Luck!’ A 1 is bad enough that 
  the GM can make up some extra bad effects when it occurs (such as taking extra stamina loss). 
   
  However, if the DC is met and exceeded by more than twice its score (ie, rolling an 8 to beat a 
  DC 4), it is instead an ‘Amazing success!’, which the GM can have beneficial or cool effects 
  occur instead. 
   
   
  
  Rolling using Traits / Talents 
  Usually when faced with a Test you use one of your traits that are most appropriate. However, if 
  you possess a talent that ties into the test, you may roll both the Trait AND the Talent, and pick 
  the higher of the two results. 
   
  For example, to buck down a door, you have Body (d6) and Bucking (d8). You roll a d6 + d8 
  together and pick the highest result. This same concept applies to using Mind + Keen 
  Knowledge to research a subject. 
   
  Having multiple ponies roll to finish the same Test makes it easier. If you have each pony try 
  one at a time, the GM looks at all their varying results and if enough pass he can determine how 
  successful the group was. You can also have all the ponies take the test at once (such as 
  moving a large table or something heavy using Body), and decrease the DC by 1 for each pony 
  helping (or more if you think it is appropriate) 
  Exploding Hoof Technique 
  With any die, if you roll the HIGHEST number on that die, you may re-roll the die of the next 
  level up and choose between the two results the highest number. If you, again, roll the highest 
  number on that die, you may roll up the next level and so-forth until you reach d20. This allows a 
  small chance of accomplishing even impossible tasks. 
   
  Ex: roll a d6 and get a 6. You roll a d8 and get an 8, allowing you to roll a d10. You get 5 on the 
  d10, and use the 8 you rolled with the d8. 
  Difficulty Chart 
   
  Task 
  Difficulty 
  Task 
  Difficult 
  Very easy 
  2 
  Extremely hard 
  8 
  Easy 
  3 
  Unbelievably hard 
  9 
  Less Easy 
  4 
  Indescribably hard 
  10 
  Less Hard 
  5 
  Almost impossible 
  11 
  Hard 
  6 
  You’ve got to be 
  kidding! 
  12 
  Very hard 
  7 
  Has anyone ever 
  done this…? 
  13-20 
   
  
  Challenges 
  Unlike Tests that have static DC’s to meet, in a challenge you are rolling off against another 
  NPC’s trait or talent, or possibly that of another player. These mostly follow the same rules as in 
  the rolling for Tests, but the ‘DC’ is simply the roll achieved by the opponent / opponents. In the 
  same case as before, if multiple ponies are rolling a challenge against a single opponent or 
  multiple opponents, the teams’ players all roll together and select the highest result among 
  them. 
  Scuffles 
  The ‘combat’ of ToE, when Friendship is no longer Magic and ponies must confront each other 
  in hooficuffs.  
   
  In one-on-one, scuffles are usually carried out using the Body trait and any suitable talent useful 
  for the scuffle (like Bucking), but if you are carrying out the scuffle using spells you might use 
  Mind instead. The two players roll off and after comparing their highest results between Trait 
  and Talents, the loser takes Stamina loss equal to the winner’s result. For example, if one pony 
  rolled a d8 Body and got 7 vs another pony’s d6 Body roll that got 6, the latter would take 7 
  stamina loss. 
   
  In team scuffles, groups that gang up have a higher chance of succeeding vs a single pony. 
  They roll their dice together and pick the highest result to go against the lone pony’s (or if they 
  are also fighting a group, the group’s collective result). 
   
  If four changelings rolled a 2, 3, 5, and 6 against a single pony that rolled 5, the latter would take 
  6 Stamina loss. However if those changelings lost and only got 2, 3, 4, 4 vs his 5, the 5 Stamina 
  damage could be divided up among the other team as the single pony saw fit.  
   
  Ties can either be re-rolled to achieve a different result, or taken that the two ponies are too 
  evenly matched for that round and neither takes Stamina loss. The GM may also rule instead 
  that both characters take the tied-amount of Stamina loss. Stamina loss can be mitigated using 
  armor / items you find in the Equipment section.  
   
  Some equipment / magic / conditions can also downgrade/upgrade a die by one or multiple 
  levels, making you roll either the next die up or the next die down. If a d4 die is downgraded, the 
  result must be re-rolled if it is successful. If a d20 is upgraded, it can be re-rolled if it fails. 
   
   
  
  Part 7: Talents and Quirks 
  Talents generally start at d4 when you first pick them, with the exception of your Cutie Mark 
  talent which starts at d6. These talents can be acquired / advanced through leveling up. 
   
  Some talents are restricted depending on the pony type. 
  Talents 
  Cloud Wrangling - ​Pegasi Only 
  The ability to manage the weather of Equestria. Moving clouds, creating rain, snow, tornadoes, 
  or even a storm. Clearing a single cloud might be DC 3, calming an entire storm (or making one) 
  would be more like DC 10. 
   
  Pony of All Trades -​ Earth Ponies Only 
  A well rounded expertise. ​ONCE per session, ​whenever you take a test, you may roll this 
  talent’s die in addition to any other die and choose any results. 
   
  Creative Flair 
  Expertise in an artform or craft, special skills including but not limited to: Baking, Comedy, 
  Drama, Fashion, Music, Painting, Sculpting, etc. When taking a ​Mind ​test, if you think the 
  special skill would be helpful in the roll, add your Creative Flair dice to the roll. May take this 
  talent more than once for different skills. 
   
  Forcefield - ​Unicorns Only 
  Can create a magical shield to protect others from harm, requiring concentration. Creating a 
  forcefield around a small object would be DC 4, a pony or pony-sized object DC 6, an entire 
  town would be 12 or higher. The forcefield lasts as long as the pony that created it concentrates 
  on it, or until it is broken. The shields can be broken via a Body (or appropriate trait) test with a 
  difficult equal to the number the pony rolled against to create it.  
   
  Fly - ​Pegasi Only 
  The ability to use flight. The higher it is, the better the flier. Feats / speed required set the 
  Difficulty for tests involving this talent, or in challenges compared to the Fly talents of the 
  opponent (d6 for an average Pegasus, d20 for a Wonderbolt). 
   
  Healing Touch 
  Once per game session, you can give a single pony a number of Stamina points equal to the 
  score rolled with this talent (without going over max). 
  NOTE: In the game it says in the description ‘some earth ponies’ have this ability, but no such 
  marker is made on the talent’s header. 
  
  Keen Knowledge 
  Knowledge over a specific field that gives you an advantage to knowing / looking up information 
  pertaining to it. Special skills like this include: art, biology, chemistry, geography, history, magic 
  knowledge, math, physics, pony law, etc. If you take a ​Mind ​test, and you think your knowledge 
  of this special skill will help, you can apply this talent to the Mind roll. May be chosen more than 
  once for additional fields. 
   
  Locate - ​Unicorns Only 
  The ability to use your horn as a detector for certain objects beyond your five senses. Choose 
  one item when first acquired (two if it is your CM), and add one each time you upgrade it. The 
  difficulty of location will be depending on how distant, how rare, and how protected it is. 
  Example items include fire, gems, metal, wood, water, etc. 
   
  Pony Sense 
  The ability to predict things coming at you before they happen. May be used an equal number 
  as its max value in a game session, ie 4 times for a d4 and 10 times for a d10. The difficulty of 
  sensing what is about to happen is depending on the GM and the situation, but can be used to 
  prevent what otherwise might be surprises from catching you flat-footed. The GM may also 
  choose to simply warn the player of events himself without them needing to roll. 
   
  Speak with Animals 
  The ability to speak with and understand animals. When first obtained, you may choose a type 
  of animal to understand and add to that list with each die-level upgrade. Types include birds, 
  fish, insects, mammals, mythical creatures, reptiles. Lets you use your Charm trait on animals to 
  persuade them. 
   
  Special Skill 
  A physical (strength or athletic based) skill that you have trained in, including bucking, climbing, 
  dancing, flying, juggling, jumping, running, sneaking, etc. Whenever you roll a ​Body ​or talent 
  test, if you think your special skill applies, you may add this roll to the die rolls. May take this 
  talent more than once to acquire different special skills. 
   
  Stout Heart - ​Earth Ponies Only 
  At the start of the game, you add one die level to your Body trait, and once per game session 
  you may roll your Stout Heart talent towards any challenge or test using the Body Trait. 
   
  Stun Ray - ​Unicorns only 
  A powerful ray of magic rolled against an opponent’s Body trait. The target loses a number of 
  Stamina points equal to the amount you rolled if successful, but if you roll a 1, the Stun Ray 
  backfires and you lose an amount of Stamina points equal to the opposing roll. 
   
   
   
  
  Telekinesis - ​Unicorns only 
  The ability to move objects around using magical levitation. The DC to lift and manipulate an 
  object depend on both weight, and complexity of your actions. Levitation of a light object like a 
  set of keys would be Difficult 3, unless you are doing very something complicated like using it to 
  turn a lock in which case it might be 5 or 6. Moving a pony slowly through the air is DC 7, and a 
  group of six ponies could be 13 or higher. It can also be used to generate light, creating the 
  same amount as a lantern at D6 and growing brighter with higher rolls. 
   
  Teleport - ​Unicorns only 
  The ability to instantly teleport away in a flash of magic. Teleporting DC depends on the 
  distance and the number of objects being warped. Yourself at a few feet at a time is DC 5, and 
  every few feet adds an extra 1 difficulty to the roll. Failing a teleport means you teleport 
  somewhere you didn’t wish to. 
   
  The Stare 
  The ability to paralyze people by looking at them. Roll the Stare talent against their Mind trait, 
  and if successful they are frozen and unable to do anything. On Amazing Success can be made 
  to do commands. It only works for a short time, and only works against a target once per 
  adventure (not session, adventure. Multiple sessions). 
  Quirks 
  You always start out with one main quirk and can, if it is appropriate to the story, add more 
  when you level up depending on what happens on your adventure. 
   
  Allergy 
  Something you pick makes you sneeze/wheezy. Can be mitigated with ponybalm 
  Asthma 
  Your pony can have trouble breathing sometimes. Can be mitigated with ponybalm. 
  Blunt 
  You are honest, but sometimes too honest in ways that hurt others’ feelings 
  Bossy 
  You often think you’re the only one that should be making the decisions. 
  Fear 
  Pick something to be extremely frightened by. May be taken multiple times for different fears. 
  Forgetful 
  You often forget things important for the quest, have to write down a lot. 
  Mememememe! 
  Your pony craves the spotlight and dislikes when he/she is out of it. Quick to grab attention. 
  Messy 
  Don’t mind the yuck and forget to wash it off sometimes, much the discomfort of others 
  Naive 
  Believe readily in many things, vulnerable to being taken advantage of or lied to. 
  
  Neat Freak 
  Cannot stand when things aren’t neat, tidy, and perfect. 
  Needs Glasses 
  You need glasses in order to see right, unable to tell many ponies apart without them. 
  Ooooh… Shiny! 
  Your pony is easily overcome by greed for something. May be taken multiple times for each new 
  obsession. 
  Overconfident 
  You are quick to assume you’re the best and often take on any challenge, ready or not. 
  Short Attention Span 
  Easily distracted and hard to focus on one thing at a time when something new comes along. 
  Short Fuse 
  Your pony is short-tempered and more likely to get angry with others. 
  Super-Shy 
  Suffer from extreme shyness, easily pushed around / bullied and uncomfortable speaking in 
  public / having the spotlight. 
  Too Silly 
  Often too ridiculous or silly to be taken seriously by others, can annoy many others with 
  pranks/antics when they’re trying to focus. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  Part 8: Equipment and Money 
  Starting Money and Income 
  Your pony starts out with 400 bits in their coffers, and between adventures you can assume 
  your pony works and earns 200 bits a month from their job, plus or minus a d20 roll. Can also 
  find valuables / bits along the adventures themselves. 
  Sample items 
   
  Equipment Name 
  Cost 
  Description 
  Barding (light) 
  100 
  Light armor used to resist damage, while wearing this 
  you take 1 less point of stamina loss from a physical 
  source (to a minimum of 1). Interferes with flying and 
  some magic, Fly and Telekinesis are downgraded while 
  worn. 
  Barding (metal) 
  200 
  Heavy armor made of metal plates. Lost 2 less stamina 
  points when taking Stamina loss (to a minimum of one). 
  Incurs downgrades on Fly and Telekinesis due to its 
  weight, as well as to the Body trait while running, 
  jumping, or swimming rolls. 
  Book (common) 
  10 
  A common book is widely distributed, such as a history 
  of Ponyville or Daring Do 
  Book (rare) 
  50 
  Might be very old or cover a specific subject. Can carry 
  secrets. 
  Bucket 
  5 
  Useful for carrying things like milk or apples. 
  Cart 
  100 
  Used by ponies to carry lots of things at once. 
  Clock 
  10 
  Useful for telling the time. 
  Clothes (elegant) 
  100 
  A very elegant gown or dashing suit. 
  Clothes (simple) 
  20 
  Horseboots, raincoat, sunhat, functional clothing 
  Food (extravagant 
  meal) 
  10 
  A feast for ponies, either a larger than usual meal or a 
  fancy dish. 
  Food (simple meal) 
  3 
  Something normal like a pie or sandwich. 
  
  Food (snack) 
  1 
  An apple or quick bite. 
  Gems 
  20+ 
  Useful for dressmaking (or eating) and vary in cost, 20 
  bits being the smallest on average. 
  Helmet 
  50 
  Take 1 less point of Stamina loss when taking it from a 
  physical source (minimum 1). Partially covers ears/eyes, 
  downgrade Mind trait when testing to spot/hear/observe. 
  Kit (Art Supplies) 
  30 
  Includes brushes, clay, canvas, etc. everything needed 
  to create art. Upgrades your die when used to make a 
  masterpiece. 
  Kit (Cleaning Supplies) 
  20 
  Includes mop, brush, soaps, scrubbers, etc to clean up 
  mess. Upgrade your die when using to make something 
  tidy. 
  Kit (Cooking) 
  25 
  Spices, bowls, and other tools used to make foodstuffs. 
  Upgrade your die when creating food. 
  Kit (Disguise) 
  35 
  Glasses, fake mustache, anything else needed to 
  change appearance. Upgrade your die when using to 
  create a disguise for yourself/others. 
  Kit (Grooming) 
  15 
  Brushes, hooficure tools, shampoos and lotions to keep 
  a mane shiny and smooth. Upgrade your die when used 
  to give others a makeover. 
  Kit (Hobby) 
  50 
  Lots of supplies for a specific hobby such as sewing, 
  carpentry, etc. Upgrade your die when used to roll for a 
  test including this hobby. 
  Kit (Joke) 
  20 
  Full of buzzers, whoopie cushions, and other jokes for 
  fun-making. Upgrade your die when used for making a 
  practical joke. 
  Kit (Party) 
  10 
  Streamers, balloons, party hats, everything needed for a 
  party. Upgrade your die when used for making a 
  celebration. 
  Kit (Scroll) 
  35 
  Inks, scrolls, and wax to create letters, do lists, or draw 
  a map. Upgrade your die when used to create a letter / 
  map / written work. 
  Ladder 
  25 
  Used to get up to the second story of a structure. 
  Recommend having somepony else to steady it. 
  Lamp 
  10 
  Glass and metal lamp with oil flame to illuminate dark 
  areas. 
  
  Musical Instrument 
  50+ 
  Guitar, flute, trombone, piano, any musical instrument. 
  Upgrade your die when creating a song. 
  Pole 
  3 
  A ten-foot pole.​ Extremely useful. 
  Ponybalm (5 uses) 
  25 
  Useful for soothing ponies’ wounds and helping with 
  allergies/asthma. When used, a pony gains 1 point of 
  Stamina. Can only be used once per day. 
  Rope 
  5 
  A 50-foot length of rope used to climb down or up a 
  sheer cliff, or tie up bad guys. 
  Saddlebags 
  25 
  Used for storing the other items on this list. 
  Shovel 
  20 
  A tool used for moving gravel/sand/other loose material. 
  Spade 
  20 
  A tool for digging into the ground with a sharp pointed 
  end. 
  Telescope 
  50 
  Used to see things that are very far away. 
   
  Part 9: Levels and Leveling Up 
  After a series of sessions you complete an adventure, and at the end of the adventure you take 
  down time at home to reflect on experience and increase your character’s level. Levels 10 and 
  higher are considered ‘epic’ characters to go on bigger adventures (all the Mane 6 are Level 
  10). 
  Level Up Steps 
  1) Level 
  Increase your level by 1 point. 
  2) Traits 
  Pick one of your three traits (Body/Mind/Charm) to increase by one die level.  
  d4 -> d6 -> d8 -> d10 -> d12 -> d20 
  NOTE: The game does not specify what happens if you level up a d20 die if you have 
  one, but if Zecora’s sheet is anything to go by, you may probably add a second die to the 
  Trait roll starting with d4 and upgrading from there. 
  3) Stamina 
  If you picked Body or Mind in the previous step, add the max total rolls of your Body and 
  Mind together to determine new Stamina. 
  4) Friendship 
  
  Add one token of friendship for each player that was in on the adventure, including 
  yourself and the GM. 
  5) Talents 
  a) First, upgrade all talents you used on the adventure by one die level. 
  b) Then, upgrade a single unused talent by one level, or add a new talent at d4. 
  6) Portrait 
  Update the portrait to reflect anything new that changed on this last adventure, like a 
  new item or manestyle 
  7) Optional: ​Quirks 
  If you and the GM both think it appropriate given what happened on the adventure, you 
  may also add a new Quirk that you may have picked up.  
  Level 0: Fillies 
  You can play as Fillies under the following criteria: 
  1.
  Both Body and Mind are D4, Body at D6 if you’re an Earth Pony 
  2.
  You only have 8 Stamina points, 10 if you’re an Earth Pony 
  3.
  You have no Cutie Mark and therefore no starting talent yet. 
  4.
  Your starting racial (Stout Heart, Fly, Telekinesis) are at d4 instead of d6. 
   
  When you find your Cutie Mark, you may proceed to upgrade Body or Mind, increase the 
  Stamina to normal levels, upgrade your racial talents, and pick your new CM Talent and fill in 
  the Cutie Mark on your portrait. 
  Homebrew: Starting past Level 1 
  Unofficial rules on if you want to make a character that starts past Level 1 
   
  1) Level 
  Set to your desired starting level. 
  2) Traits 
  For each level above 1, increase a Trait one die level. 
  3) Stamina 
  After setting your traits, add Mind and Body together to get Stamina 
  4) Friendship Tokens 
  Same as starting with Level 1: One for each player including yourself + GM 
  5) Talents 
  For each level above 1: 
  a) Increase up to ​three​ Talents as though you had used them on each adventure 
  b) Increase a fourth talent, or add a new talent at d4 
  6) Quirks 
  Start with one like normal, but recommend every 5 levels adding a new quirk to show 
  development 
  
  7) Equipment 
  Same as starting with Level 1: 400 bits 
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/My Little Pony (MLP)/Tales of Equestria/Tails of Equestria Essentials.pdf