Season Four, requests for proofreaders and a sneak peak · 8:48pm May 20th, 2014
So, another season has come and gone and I really enjoyed it. I've also added the latest update to A Debt to the Stars. Unfortunately, it's not upon EQD yet, but I've reminded them now. I hope that Plutonia's origin is appreciated, considering how popular she is.
As I said, Season Four renders my verse undeniably AU, but how much? Honestly, not all that much. In fact, I'm declaring that the basic events of every episode in Season Four still happen, though obviously some details will need to change. I'll try to clear up the important differences as we go along.
The next thing I'd like to note is that a lot of my normal proofreaders have become a lot more busy, which is making it harder for me to get my editing done. More proofreaders results in better quality. So, I'm asking if anyone is interested in prereading for me. There's a little something I've been hoping to get out for a while now that really only has it's first paragraph preread and everyone' become too busy sine then, for example.
Next, I decided to start getting ready for the next fic in the series. It will be post season four, heavily inspired by The Moonstone Cup and I've decided to give you the (absolute) first draft (so bare in mind that there will be a lot more meat added and stuff is subject to change) of the first two scenes as a sneak peak.
The Last Use of Antlers
Chapter 1: Control
The elk bit his lip as he walked down the frozen passageway. Two guards in barding of blue ice stood at the door to the throne room. “The king summoned me,” he said.
One of the guards nodded and his antlers lit, melting away the door. The civilian walked through the portal and gazed up at the king on his enormous throne. Each of his antlers could have held a small swimming pool, if it would not be frozen and added to the many icicles which hung from them. His coat was as white as the snow which fell outside. “Welcome, Gravera!” he said.
“You wished to see me, King Jokel?”
“Yes.” He lifted his head to the guards. “Leave us. I don’t think he’ll be a threat.”
One of the guards giggled at that and they left the room. With a glow from Jokel’s antlers, the door was once more frozen shut.
“I hear that you failed to qualify for the international section of The Last Use of Antlers again this year.”
Gravera kept his head bowed. “That is correct, your Majesty. I am sorry if I have disappointed you.”
“Actually, it leaves you in a position I can make use of. How would you like to not only qualify next year, but be the only elk to do so and to win?”
Gravera lifted his head and blinked three times. “I don’t understand, your Majesty. We elk have always done rather well at The Last Use of Antlers. Why would we cripple our chances by only entering one mage? And while I hope to enter next year again, to actually stand a chance of winning I’d probably have to quit my job and spend practically all my time training!”
“And so you will. You are being conscripted. You will be compensated by the state. Understand that I don’t do this merely as a favour to you. I am asking you to perform a great duty for both me personally and for the kingdom of Scantlernavia.” He got up off his throne and walked over to the window. He stared into the distance. “Our enemies grow strong. It is time for us to even the playing field. The next Last Use of Antlers will be the perfect time for us to regain our power and you are key to my plan.”
Gravera bowed again. “May my king’s will be done.”
(/)
One year later:
“... and finally,” announced Noa, evergreen deer of Earth, “I would like to wish my opponents good luck at this year’s Last Use of Antlers Festival and I hope the rest of you are picking some good judges. It should be a lot of fun!”
I’ve never seen Noa in such a good mood before! thought Twilight.
Well, that’d be the reason, Zaida told her. Cervids love The Last Use of Antlers. It’s their most important festival. It’s a real pity that you’re not allowed to go. I’ve always wanted to.
“You did?” asked Twilight, feeling free to speak allowed no that the other cosmics were getting up from their chairs.
Of course! I would have loved to have seen the mighty displays of cervid magic that went on in the competition. I’ve always been fond of the magic of other races. Part of the reason that I’m glad to have an alicorn rather than another rainbow zebra as my successor.
“Well ... I’m glad that you think so,” said Twilight. While she was used to her wings by now, it was still a bit disconcerting to have the voice of the previous holder of her seat in her head.
I can hear what you’re thinking, remember.
Twilight winced. “No offense.”
Don’t worry. I understand. I remember what it was like back when I was in your position. Anyway, I’m surprised that you never went before. Not that you’d be allowed now. Magic’s even your special talent.
“Well, I was a little close minded when I was younger. I didn’t see the point in pausing my studies to watch magic I couldn’t learn anyway. And after moving to Ponyville, I had a lot of other plans.”
That’s true. I’d still think that you’d be interested though.
“I am, actually. Maybe I can learn more about it even without going there myself.” She tapped her chin with her hoof.
Well already pre-reading, but yes more people need to come do it, it's great. Plus you find out a ton of neat little things about what's going on you won't get elsewhere.
Also, good news, they added the latest chapter to tonight's story updates.
Wait... Plutonina's popular? But she's a jerk! I can't think of one likeable thing about her!
2130614 Plutonia is sheer, raw awesome. Yeah she's a bit of a jerk, but without crossing the line into being unlikable. And she's not a jerk for the sake of being a jerk,. She doesn't try to hurt other ponies, she's just very blunt and won't go out of her way to sugar coat things either. She very matter of fact. Sticking to the letter of the rules. And yet you can tell under that is somepony that really does care. but isn't quite sure how to deal with that.
She's a Lawful Good character, who is stuck in a role that requires her to act Lawful Neutral. And do to that, has great inner conflict. All while ALSO dealing with being stuck as a kid, treated like one, and still having some of the same emotional and hormonal issues a kid does, while being given a task for an adult, and being told to act like one. Her being rather snippy and irritated is rather understandable.
The Plutonia in the last chapter? Yeah not much to like.l Sympathize with, but can see why she comes off why more jerkish. But that's the past, that's before her development. that was her greatest failure and a driving force in her making herself better. improving her image. As well as being a source for the anger and resentment that makes her rather abrupt. but when it comes time to act, she will do so, and do so in one of the most amazing, and just flat out Holy shit that was epic, ways possible.
She a little kid, who made a mistake, after centuries of being neglected, metaphorically spit on by her peers, looked down on, treated like a second class pony. Dealing with Noa and Jokel's snide little quips and blatant hatred of her, simple for being a pony. being forced to take on a task for an adult, never getting an actual foalhood. And being told "Suck it up". When she finally snaps, is then punished for in extreme to what she did. Again not because of who she is, but simply because so many on the council were salivating at the chance to fuck over any alicorn out of their insane hatred and contempt of them. She's being loaded down with scorn and contempt, for things she didn't do. Simply used as a target for their own issues with Celestia and Luna.
And yet, she still remains dedicated, still goes on. Still, deep down, has a good heart, wants to do the right thing.
She's a very complex, very compelling character. And yeah, this stuff isn't her at her best. For that, go look at her introduction and what she does in More Then Forty Blinks. that's what made her so freaking popular. this is exploring her character, why she is the way she is. And all of it just serves to make her even more interesting, more relatable, while still being her own unique brand of awesome.
2132012 A pretty comprehensive argument.
2130614 I didn't really want to answer myself, as I can't really speak from the fans' perspective. All I can say is that there are many jerks in fiction that are popular characters.
2132012 I'll believe it when I see it. No seriously, I'm gonna read the entire Truthseekerverse eventually.
I'll do it! I can only do spelling & grammar though, and I'm on vacation right now so you'll have to wait a week.
2379841 Cool! PM me when you're ready and I'll send you a link.