Everfree Forest

Ah the Everfree Forest; a place of darkness, danger, and mystery. While the local creatures make sustaining a hive dangerous, it's location near towns full of ponies to prey on allows easier feeding and missions than elsewhere. And the unwelcoming nature of the forest bars the way for ponies to stumble onto the hive. The flip side is that any pony that does randomly find it could possess the means to escape and raise the alarm, not to mention other forest dwellers who could be allied with outside ponies.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons as you drive your small group forward into the woods. Your scouts quickly find a small cave that was empty and out of the way. A perfect place to set up your hive. You'll have to find a better spot but for now this should be enough to get you started.

However before getting further along, should probably figure out what you look like. It won't do for a Ruler to be just like the other Drones.