As legends are woven into history throughout the great expanses of the Equestrian Wastelands; far to the north, beyond the Crystal Mountains, lies a great mystery yet to be solved: Whatever became of the nation's truest, most trusted ally, the Crystal Empire? In the Vanhoover Wastes of northern Equestria, as its various factions and players vie to solidify their positions of power, Bitspur, one of the last remaining seats of industry from the Old World, has established itself as the dominant power in the region. With its factories and production plants churning new life into the Wastes, its rivals seek to take what the city can give; and they are not ones for sharing. It is home to Wing Clip, a Dashite, one to retain his cutie mark, a Talon mercenary marked by the scars of tragedy. When one day an old friend from his past comes seeking his aid; intent on rediscovering the Empire beyond the mountains, Wing Clip embarks on a journey spanning the Vanhoover wastes and beyond, a journey of discovery, a journey to rediscover his hope and virtues, meeting new friends and allies, while facing the hardships of the Wasteland, enemies both new and old and discovering a plot that could spell the salvation or doom of not just Vanhoover, but perhaps all of Equestria. The race is on for who will unravel the mysteries of the fate of the Crystal Empire. For whomever wins or loses; life in the Vanhoover Wastes is about to change.