Three years ago, there was a war that engulfed the world.

The roots of the conflict lay in the economic and political troubles of Aquellia, homeland of the griffons. A selfish ruler squandered the material and social wealth of her predecessors, plunging Aquellia into chaos.

Out of the chaos rose a leader who promised to make Aquellia strong again. With his promises, the self-styled King of Aquilos enslaved the free griffons of Aquellia, using them to spread his dreams of empire across the land. With the might of the reborn Aquellian National Army behind him, the King brutally subjugated all who opposed him until at last only Equestria stood against the Army of Aquilos.

The Equestrians fought fiercely, knowing that the King's advances threatened not just their own homeland, but those of all people in the world. With courage and determination, they drove the griffons back to the Aquellian border. But their victory was merely a ruse set by the King. All hope appeared lost when the Royal Equestrian Army became trapped behind Aquellian lines, leaving the Equestrian heartland vulnerable.

It was only through the cunning of the Royal Equestrian Special Forces, the unending tenacity of the remaining Pax Equestria Alliance states, and the noble sacrifice of those who remained loyal to the Aquellian Republic that the wicked King was defeated and peace restored.

The land is just beginning to heal from this Continental War. But even as the free nations labor to rebuild razed homes and mend broken friendships, the world has not yet seen the end of war. Borders may change and old battlegrounds may fall silent, but power will always tempt those who seek it, and evil will always find a place to rest its head.

To fight great evil, great heroes must rise.

Before one can fight evil, however, one must first conquer her own demons...