Wartime propaganda poster featuring the Shadowbolts.
The Original Shadowbolt Insignia
The Shadowbolts were an elite unit of pegasi ponies under the command of the Ministry of Awesome. They are a wartime evolution of the Wonderbolts, a group of aerial performers from before the war.
History
Backstory
The original Shadowbolts were shown as a trio of pegasi ponies that were actually Nightmare Moon in disguise. She attempted to tempt Rainbow Dash into joining her by offering her the position of captain of the Shadowbolts. Rainbow Dash wouldn't be swayed though and promptly darted back to the collapsed bridge, fixing it so Twilight and the rest of their friends could cross.
During the War
Rainbow Dash revived the Shadowbolts during the Equestrian/Zebra war, making them a special task force that would fight on the frontlines alongside Rainbow Dash. The Shadowbolts aced like an elite flight team on the frontline, like fighter planes and helped maintain Equestria's aerial superiority. The Shadowbolts all wore distinctive outfits and were notable in that they aided in taking down dragon mercenaries, hired by the zebras. The Shadowbolts were also rumored to have tested new technologies out on the frontline, including weapons, armour etc.
Post War
When the war ended, the Shadowbolts were made defunct. The surviving members either died below the cloudline, survived above the clouds or possibly followed Rainbow Dash's example and became Dashite's. The Enclave reinstated the original Wonderbolts but not the Shadowbolts, likely due to their connection with Rainbow Dash.
In Side Stories
The Shadowbolts have also been mentioned in other Fallout: Equestria stories.
Project Horizons
The Shadowbolts had a base of operations in Hoofington called Shadowbolt Tower. The Tower rises above the cloudline and contained pure, untainted unicorns who were made Enclave citizens. The Thunderhead Enclave retains exclusive rights and access to the unicorns and Shadowbolt Tower's resources. The Shadowbolts also had a unique, sleek, black model of PipBuck designed for their personal use.
Broken Steel
A retired Shadowbolt held onto his costume which was discovered by Sky Fire. Sky Fire wears the costume to disguise herself as she looks exactly like Rainbow Dash.
Notes
- The emblem of the Ministry of Awesome is almost identical to Rainbow Dash's cutie mark, but with purple wings lined in black; this is also the emblem of the Shadowbolts.
- The Original Shadowbolts encountered by Rainbow Dash were made of magic, and disappated in the same way all of Nightmare Moon's tricks did.
- The Enclave played the song, Rise of the Shadowbolts to inspire their troops, sent to attack Red Eye's Cathedral.