The barracks were abuzz with noise as the guards changed shifts. Although the armor looked ceremonial, the effects of its magic were obvious: variously colored pegasi and unicorns donned their armor, their fur turning snow white or cloud grey, respectively. There was a distinct lack of earth ponies, but they were better suited for other fields of work; Celestia had explained to you how the various types of ponies channeled their magic, and the few earth ponies serving in the guard were there as heavy hitters. Really heavy hitters, she clarified.