So.

You know a Tricorn.

My condolences.

I jest, dear reader.

What better way to learn about a Tricorn than to read a book written by a Tricorn? So, without further ado!

(The author's humor does not reflect all Tricorns. Quips, jabs, jokes, and silliness in the book are the product of the author's attempt at keeping the book educational and fun.

Tricorns share, for the most part, a similar anatomy to all ponykind. I will go over the parts not shared by other pony species.

Not sure if you have captured/befriended a Tricorn? Well, do they have three horns? You might have to touch their forehead to feel for two extra bumps. If you do not find two extra nubs, then you have a Unicorn, and should properly release the subject immediately. As a Tricorn ages, their secondary horns shrink as the primary horn grows. Two examples in our history have ever had three, long horns. They were Princess Deathly Nightshade and Prince Foe Hammer. Tricorns tend to have a longer horn than Unicorns.

Along with four canines for tearing meat, Tricorns have four pairs of salivary glands instead of three. The fourth pair is responsible for producing a menthol-like secretion which protects the mouth from harmful bacteria, creates white blood cells to aid in fighting off diseases and cleaning wounds, and gives Tricorn's a naturally minty breath. The menthitatum glands (the fourth pair of salivary glands) aid in reducing aches and pain. When hurt to the extreme, i.e. breaking a bone, the menthitatum glands work with adrenaline and endorphins to numb pain.

Tricorns cannot vomit because of the skewed angle the cardiac sphincter connects the stomach to the esophagus.

Tricorn mare's experience estrus in winter. Cold temperatures may affect females to go into estrus early.

Tricorns are only capable of obligate nasal breathing, which means Tricorns can not breathe through their mouth or pant. With almost double the olfactory receptors, Tricorns have an excellent sense of smell.

For the most part, Tricorns have similar eyes to ponies, although one in three hundred thousand and seventy are born with vertical slit pupils. These individuals have better night vision, binocular summation, can detect ultraviolet light, and see in the infrared spectrum. They tend to develop nocturnal behaviors.

Ever notice how cold your Tricorn is whenever it is devastatingly hot outside? Or how steam rises off them in the bitter cold? Tricorns have a core temperature of, get this, seventy degrees Fahrenheit! It is kept that way at all times by the Stabilline System. Since Tricorns do not have sweat glands, the Stabilline System keeps Tricorns from being cooked in warmer locations and climates. The Stabilline System also contributes to the reason Tricorns have orange blood.

That is all classified information. Sorry, dear readers. Tricorns populate a land mass North of the Zebra homeland. A powerful magical barrier prevents others from entering Tricorn territory. Tricorns have a strict policy of isolationism and have only had dealings and partnerships with Zebras.

Meat.

Grains.

Oats.

Meat.

Fruit.

Nuts.

Meat.

Dairy.

Vegetables.

Meat.

Tricorns can operate efficiently with as little as two hours of sleep and not unheard of to go up to a week without sleep. If your Tricorn is sleeping for more than six hours, prod them to make sure they are still alive. If your Tricorn is fatigued and sleeping for up to ten hours a day, call her mother because she is pregnant.

Tricorns dream, and it will usually affect how they act for the day.

Example.

If a friend is injured or dies in a dream, the Tricorn will be overprotective of the friend and not want to leave their side.

For Tricorns, sex is either for reproduction or love. Tricorns do not have a high sex drive, even during estrus. Homosexuality is accepted in Tricorn society, as well as interspecies relations, and those individuals are obligated to bear or sire a pure Tricorn offspring withing five years or face penalties. There has yet to be a recorded instance of a failure to comply.

There are instances of bisexuality in Tricorn society which have produced successful herds.

Polyamory is accepted, but all parties involved have to agree.

Love for Tricorns is a long journey. Tricorns want their special somepony to fulfill specific criteria, hold similar views, and have something that completes them. Tricorns analyze every pony they meet and if they find something worth pursuing in certain individuals they will begin socializing with them. Love outside Tricorn society is sometimes difficult for the individual Tricorn.

First, comes understanding the new society the Tricorn lives. Second, finding out the real motivations behind everpony they meet. Thirdly, which is the most challenging step, trusting those close enough with secrets; the third phase is usually the longest process because a Tricorn will continue to test a "friend's" loyalty and see how long their "friends" can keep a secret. Fourthly, comes courtship. When a Tricorn finds that somepony that meets all criteria, they will tell that special somepony their feelings. If things work out then last comes marriage.

Most of Tricorn culture centers around putting the needs of the many over the needs of the few. While personal growth is encouraged and expected, if it interferes with the safety of the majority or conflicts with the interest of those higher, it is frowned upon and discouraged. If the individual continues to go against society, they may be persecuted, sentenced to jail, banished, or be forced to flee (which is easier said than done).

Tricorns are honest and straightforward. They will voice their opinion and disagreement on matters that concern them or those they represent. Typically, facial expressions and physical contact are reserved for close friends and family. In conversations, a tricorn will keep eye contact with the speaker and point their bodies towards them. Turning your back on someone who is talking is disrespectful and a sign of disdain. Ignoring a Tricorn is worse than striking them and a great insult.

Tricorns are respectful towards elders and people of power. A Tricorn will not hesitate to voice their feelings towards a leader who does not meet expectations. While typically nonconfrontational, a Tricorn will stand up for a friend or their beliefs and will defend themselves or others.

Tricorns primarily speak Vāstùch, "First Tongue," and when not in the Motherland speak the native language where they reside. Tricorns will actively start a conversation if they need to; otherwise, they tend to be introverted.

Public

When having a conversation with somepony keep eye contact with them (even if they have something in their teeth) and give them your full, undivided attention.

"Yes, sir." or "Yes, ma'am."

"No, sir." or "No, ma'am."

Do not interrupt the speaker.

No profane language. The only exempt situation is if you sustain an injury.

Do not yawn in front of the speaker.

Refrain from sneezing, coughing, burping, hiccuping, and farting in front of others. If it is unavoidable, excuse yourself from the area and do your business elsewhere. Promptly return to the speaker. If somepony does any of the aforementioned, wait for them to excuse themselves.

If the speaker is done talking, they will say a manner of "farewell."

If you were in the middle of heading towards the facilities and somepony stops you, politely smile and excuse yourself.

A younger pony should give up their seat for an elder or handicapped pony. Exceptions are if you are injured, as well, infirm, or pregnant.

If you are busy and you see somepony you know, and they see you, acknowledge them with a nod or wave. If they wave you over, politely smile and shake your head "no."

If the speaker wishes to "walk and talk" they will suggest verbally or give a signal, such as a beckon or head point.

Public displays of affection are for your special somepony or family and should not be excess.

Hold doors open for elders and your betters.

Do not talk loudly.

If you are with a friend or colleague, wait for them to introduce you to others.

Shake hooves when meeting others, especially if you do not know them personally or acquainted with them. Hugging a new pony is seen as intrusive and uncomfortable.

If you are sick, wear a face mask to prevent infecting others.

General

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Do not steal.

Do not spread gossip.

Do not cause trouble for others.

Follow the Laws of the Hierarchy.

Host Etiquette

Greet guest(s) at the door and walk with them to seating area you wish to converse or dining area to eat.

Have everything prepared and ready to be served by the time the guest(s) arrive.

Have a clean house.

Prepare enough food for two servings for each guest.

Have all food on display, as well as drinks. (Unless you want to surprise the guest(s) with dessert.)

Serve guests courteously.

It is frowned upon for a lone individual to have guests of the opposite sex over unless they are family.

Walk with guest(s) out and wait for them to leave before closing the door.

Guest Etiquette

Arrive five minutes before appointed time.

Wipe hooves before entering with the host.

If you arrive without an invitation, do not take up host's time. If host provides water, it is a sign you are welcome. If the host offers other drinks, select a drink offered and do not ask for anything not listed by the host, it is a sign that you are welcomed to stay for as long as you want. If the host offers snacks, accept or politely decline, it is a sign that you can stay over to eat. If the host does not offer anything, it is a sign that they are busy and to make your business quick.

Do not rest hooves on furniture.

Do not ask for seconds. (Host will usually have all the food displayed at the dining table.) When the host has finished their plate, or when the majority of guests have empty plates, then the host will offer seconds.

Wait for the host to excuse the table and wait for the host to get up before getting up yourself.

If the host is ready for you to leave, then the host will walk you to the door. If the host wishes to spend more time, they may offer to sit in the family room. You may then excuse yourself to leave. Do not ask to stay longer if the host does not offer.

Facility (Rest/Bathroom) Etiquette

Stallions lift up seat before using the restroom.

Seat covers are usually provided, be sure to use them before sitting down.

Wash hooves properly; with hot water, soap, and for twenty seconds under water.

Leave door slightly ajar to show vacancy.

There are no specific gender roles in Tricorn society. Both males and females can do anything and everything. Tricorns frown on sexism and discrimination.

Totalitarian.

The Hierarchy chooses a job for a Tricorn based on educational and psychological tests completed in primary school. A Tricorn can go to a secondary school but still has to do the job assigned to them by the Hierarchy. After graduating from secondary school, the Hierarchy reviews the Tricorn and can move them into an internship for a high skills job, i.e. doctor, dentist, engineer, or keep the Tricorn at their previous job.

The Hierarchy can suck it!

A Tricorn starts school at the age of two by entering elementary school. Once elementary school is completed, the next level of education is primary school. Once graduated from primary school, around the age of fourteen, a job is given to them based on the needs of the economy and the results of career tests. (Lies.)

A Tricorn may advance to secondary school to learn more about their desired profession while still fulfilling the job assigned to them. Otherwise, a Tricorn can enroll into a military academy and join the guards.

Most education facilities house all three levels of school in large quasi-cities called universities.

Tricorns are mostly logical, analytical, and rational.

There is no formal religion for Tricorns. For the obvious.

There are dreamers (outcasts) that believe the world is alive and worship Mother Nature.

There are others (also outcasts) that worship a Goddess of Death because death is absolute and everything dies.

Art and music exist, but it can not criticize or mock the Hierarchy in any way.

Duels are acceptable in Tricorn society.

Duels are to the death.

Duels are a fast way to climb the Hierarchy.

Duels are the easiest way to fall from the Hierarchy.

The challengee picks the time and place. If the challenger declines, then it is an automatic loss and the challengee wins. The challenger decides the reward, type of duel, and conditions of victory.

Example:

Challenger: I challenge you to an honor duel!

Challengee: I accept! We will fight at the crack of dawn tomorrow with swords.

Challenger: Agreed! We will fight until the death and our heads will be the reward!

There are three types of duel: honor, fame, and fortune.

Honor duels are typically fought within the Hierarchy, where the dishonored party challenges the slanderer. Honor duels do not typically end in death.

Fame duels are typically for gaining recognition as the best at something and typically end in death.

Fortune duels are when a lower class citizen challenges a member of the Hierarchy for their position and wealth.

There is a special duel that the challengee can establish called a taitswhít (tite sveet) which translates to "immediate." A taitswhít duel is an instant fight to the death with whatever is at hoof with no rules where only one pony is left living. The only thing gained is the satisfaction of the other pony dying.

Rules for duels are simple:

The duelist meet at the arranged time. If the other party does not show up then it's an automatic win for the party that did show up.

There is a one-hour waiting time until a forfeit is called.

Each party brings a second and a witness. The witness can be a crowd of people.

The seconds will examine the weapons of choice and scan the duelists to make sure they are not cheating in any form.

Here is what you should have learned:

Treat a Tricorn respectfully, and they will treat you with the same respect.

Always be honest with a Tricorn.

If you want to mate with a Tricorn, you would have to drug them. (I joke. Our metabolisms would neutralize any drugs quickly enough before effects kick in.)

Tricorns make great cuddle buddies.

And that is pretty much it. Thank you for reading.