Delving into Adventure · 9:25am Aug 18th, 2014
Something that's had me stirred up recently. And it's also something that's gotten me thinking. A lot, actually.
What exactly defines an Adventure? Sounds simple really... Heroes go across the land and save the princess from the evil forces that took her. But that's Mario simplicity. It's all about the quest, huh?
Or could it be that an earthquake took place in, say, Trottingham, and then the lives of those affected take part. Say, the ponies have to leave their home from the wreckage. That's an Adventure, right?
Taking the definition from FIM's FAQ, we get this:
Adventure: An adventure story is focused on a grand or even epic quest of some sort that the characters take part in. Although this doesn't strictly have to take the form of the aforementioned quest format, it does involve events that affect more than the life of a few ponies or characters. This will usually affect whole towns, cities, even the world and usually involves a major catastrophe that can be averted by our heroes either by stopping the villain or doing something else to diffuse the situation.
In-show references would include: Friendship is Magic (Nightmare Moon); The Return of Harmony (Discord); A Canterlot Wedding (Queen Chrysalis); The Crystal Empire (King Sombra). Notice how all the mentioned episodes affect the entire world in some way or other.
So there's some big situation that caused a ripple in the world, and it gets diffused in some way, affecting the lives of ponies in the process. So if Chrysalis won in A Canterlot Wedding and Twilight was forced to run away and now roams a barren wasteland to take her down, that's an Adventure. There's no Princess Peach to save and no goombas to stomp on. But it's still an Adventure.
But the thing is, it doesn't always have to be some noble quest where the world changes or is in danger. It could be simple where the lives of a few are likely changed forever. It can be an experience. Often, sky-diving is classed as an 'adventure experience' because, well, sky-diving isn't exactly 'normal'. We're defying what humans aren't able to do, and in those moments in the air, what goes through the mind? Oh fuck, I'm falling to my death?
In the end, it's an experience. And by those standards, is also classed as an Adventure. The world wasn't in imbalance or anything, nor did a close friend die (unless they did) and the life of our guy is changed forever.
So when you look at it, Adventure actually has a pretty open prose. The reason I'm writing about Adventure in this blog? Truthfully, I've been a bit confused as of late. Not just confused, but my brain has been spewing out Adventure fics like nothing else. Usually, I get ideas and jot them down to hold onto. But not this time. No, I won't stop coming up with ideas on how these certain stories unfold and what goes on. They're Adventure fics too. There I am, slicing up cyborgs in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance when all of a sudden, my brain goes into a shift and tells me how the next chapter would go down.
This sounds fine—great even, so what's the problem? Considering I'm writing for the FlutterDash contest already, and I've got a clop in development, on top of Violet Reflections, how do I pack these in? The solution? Easy, wait until the contest finishes and all that before writing it. At the moment, I should just write down these events, and eventually, I'll get enough for a 70,000 word Adventure. Or two. *Sigh*
See, I've gotten a bit into Adventure recently. Not by fic standards—film-wise. Oh, I've rewatched The Hobbit, been watching a lot of other Adventure-based films. It's been my newest sugar craving, or high. I guess that's how my brain's been selecting out these thoughts recently.
But what tells me not to read Adventure fics? Now don't get the wrong idea here. I've read Adventure fics, but the truth is, it's one of the tags I don't tend to read. When I think of Adventure, I'm expecting a huge fic. And in most cases, I'm right. For instance, that Austraoeh thingy that Imploding Colon has going. Rainbow Dash flies east or something. That thing is freaking long, and it's not even close to finishing.
But I'm not going to read it. The premise doesn't interest me. But the length is what stops me mostly. I'm not the type to read 200,000 word fics. There are exceptions of course (Still slugging through the Tangled Roots trilogy, miss you Bad).
But then again, Adventure fics aren't all long. I've seen 2,000 word one-shots with the single Adventure tag. Of course I question how exactly that can work, but somehow it does. In those cases, it's probably not a 'saving the world' set-up, but likely one of those experiences like sky-diving. Technically, it's still an Adventure.
Like I said, I have read Adventure fics. Most notably, Pinkamena Diane Pie: Consultant Detective. Now by first glance of looking at the fic, you might be thinking, "oh, he's promoting another TwiPie." Yes I am, but this one is different. For one, the Romance is actually a secondary thing, and isn't played off to a huge extent. I haven't finished the fic, but I know they don't hook up. Second, the story is inspired and played off a lot to Sherlock Holmes. Pinkie is basically Sherlock. Some of those chapters will likely blow your mind, what with some of the mysteries and all. So really, it's not a TwiPie-centric fic. And as for the AU tag, it's not because Pinkie is Sherlock. The world around them is different and you'd see why.
Also, this story also uses Limestone. +1 right there. But she's not a lesbian with Rainbow Dash. Dammit, I need LimeDash.
But all in all, there's no doubt that Adventure is a tag I find hard to click on. The premise might grab me, but there's just something about Adventure that tells me not to read it. I guess I'm a Slice of Life or Romance guy, rather than a huge bumbling Adventure. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy it though.
Another example of an Adventure I'd like to bring up is the episode Dragonshy. Now mostly, you could consider the majority of episodes under the Slice of Life category. Or a little of the Spike ones underneath Romance. But mostly, Slice of Life. But Dragonshy is not Slice of Life.
First off, the events are not ones that would take place in 'every day'. A dragon won't pollute the air from a mountain every single day. It's the event that's affectively changing the world.
Secondly, our heroes set off and trek the mountain (which ponies can't do by the way) to get this draogn to stop. In other words, they've got a motive to change the world, even if the world-affecting is miniscule.
Thirdly, the lives of those—most notable the dragon's are changed at the end. The dragon gets his ass handed to him by Fluttershy and after that, flies away. So effectively, the mane six 'saved' Ponyville and potentially Equestria from hazardous smoke. They journeyed up that mountain and faced a foe, changing the world in the process.
Heh. Sounds like an Adventure to me. An Adventure fitted into 20 minutes, but still an Adventure. Mind = blown.
It's likely not the only one. You could probably call The Last Roundup or Dragonquest Adventures.
In my opinion, Adventure is iffy. It's got a diverse range to explore, depending on what you do with it. Usually, in my eyes, it's one of the tags that would have more words dedicated to it. That's not absolute in the slightest; just an observation. Some writers have Adventure as their niche too. Good for them; mine is... Romance, probably. I think. Yeah, Romance, let's go with that. Oh, and Random. Can't forget the Random. lulz Twiworm
What might be the point of this blog? Eh... I'd say it's an epiphany of sorts to me, here to remind me of what an Adventure is. Also to get across these fics that won't leave my brain. They sound interesting alright. Like with most other fics, I can't say if I'll ever actually write these stories. But with the way my brain has been working these last few days, it's possible. Alright, here we go.
1. Adventures of a Filly's Mind
Synopsis: Rainbow Dash has a knack for adventure. It's always been in her nature. Even when she was little too. She's had many adventures when she was a filly. These are a few of them.
Tags: Adventure, Everyone
Characters: Rainbow Dash
So this is a nostalgia trip more than anything. This is basically a journey into Rainbow Dash's mind as she creates miniature adventures in her filly days. I've gotten two ideas already;
Rainbow Dash and the Cookie of the Kitchen - Where she traverse the dangerous landscape to steal a cookie from the cookie jar.
Rainbow Dash and the Floor of Lava - Where she has to keep above the ground, never wanting to step on that lava.
Ah, to be young again. This one would probably be open; allowing anyone to give an idea. I only have so many childhood memories of my own. But this is a one-shot series like Violet Reflections, in a sense.
2. Tough as a Rock
Synopsis: [Name] is a typical stallion with a knack for focusing on a task presented to him. Nothing could make him happier when he gets accepted into the Royal Guard, ready to train for his dream. But his concentrations and feelings will soon be tested when another recruit soon joins afterwards. A mare he never would have expected.
Tags: Romance, Adventure, Teen
Characters: Maud Pie, OC, Other
Yeah, you read that right. Maud Pie in the fucking Royal Guards. I don't know—she just looks the part. A drill sergeant yells at her and what does she do? Not express anything, that's what. Topped off with her amazing rock-breaking skills, I'm actually amazed no one has done this before. Seriously, no one has put her into the Royal Guards? So we get her as Iron Mare, but no guards...
Oh well. So the name of this stallion dude, at the moment presented as [Name], because the name for this guy is probably the only thing I haven't thought about yet. And yeah, the Romance tag is there, 'cause I have to put Romance in everything. He basically starts getting feelings for Maud, which of course is questionable. He questions it, as well as his group leader. There's also plans for Pinkie visiting and a trip to the Crystal Empire where he's talking with Cadence about love. Sort of; he's there for a reason, not for plot exposition. And he has to be careful around Shining Armor. Heck, there's even plans for Smash Entry to make an appearance. And of course, at the end, we need an Adventure. I've currently got a rogue bandit gorup in the forest that took over a village so far. That's not done yet.
But here's the thing. Maud doesn't return this not-Gary-Stu's affection. He doesn't break down or anything, but he finds it hard to concentrate on being a guard when he's around Maud. So it's not a reciprocale relationship. So will he ever bang Maud? Ha ha, my plans for the ending have been thought about already. Guess you'd have to wait, should this story happen.
This would probably be my first story using OCs too, so this one would require a lot of looking at before anything is done. Oh, and if you're wondering. Yes, the reason why Maud is training in the Royal Guards is explained; she's not there just because.
3. Missing Piece of Pie
Saved the best for last, just for you fellow Cheese fans.
Synopsis: Pinkie Pie admitted her mistakes after the goof-off. She put her own stature above the well-being of Rainbow Dash. She saw how much better Cheese Sandwich was and would be in her place. So much, that she planned on leaving Ponyville, knowing Cheese Sandwich would do a fine job in her absence. But she didn't leave right away—She pondered over it for a while. Afterwards, all she left was a letter. Struck with guilt, Cheese Sandwich takes it upon himself to venture out after Pinkie Pie with the aide of Rainbow Dash, who equally feels as guilty. Together, the pair of them will travel across Equestria, tracking down to bring back Ponyville's permanent party pony.
Tags: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Teen
Characters: Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich
To be clear right off the bat, this isn't planned to be a CheesePie or PinkieDash. I know right? Me without putting two characters together, especially two pairings I adore? The hell is wrong with me...
But the general gist of this—if you didn't pick it up from the premise, is that Pinkie Pie leaves Ponyville after the goof-off, as the party goes on. This is a AU taking place during Pinkie Pride. The goof-off happens like normal. She gets the rainbow connection and everything (which isn't important to this story). But the scenes after that one do not happen. The scene where she's walking away with her stuff and then Cheese comes and confesses? Yeah, that doesn't happen. Instead, Pinkie hangs around Sugarcube Corner, claiming that she's helping the Cakes in helping with food, when it reality, she's pondering over the situation. She believes that Cheese is a better party pony and would be better suited in her place.
So she sneaks out of Ponyville, leaving behind a letter explaining that. It's only when Twilight goes to check up on her that the truth is found out and then her friends go wild. Eventually, it's up to Cheese and Rainbow Dash to venture off and try to find her.
In this story, we see Cheese doing incredible things. Like, he tries to manipulate his Cheesy Sense, he talks actual sense into Rainbow Dash, who only wants to fly everywhere, and the two of them bond. For instance, Cheese tells Rainbow Dash about his past as they sit in front of a fire, stuff like that. There is also a shift to Pinkie Pie in parts, showing what she's doing. I haven't decided on the outcome towards the end yet. At the moment, I'm saying kidnapping, but that's cliche. It's inconclusive right now.
But that's not just it. There are a few issues that would be addressed in this. For instance, contacting Celestia and having ponies search for Pinkie. The thing is, Pinkie left by her own accord. She's not legally obligated to stay in Ponyville. So technically, she's not 'Missing'. In fact, Cheese outright says at one point that he and Rainbow Dash shouldn't even be following Pinkie; it's her life. Yeah, argument with Rainbow Dash ensues.
But there's a major problem at the beginning I find. How do I single out Cheese and Rainbow Dash specifically? In The Last Roundup, they were all quick to go after Applejack, so what's stopping the others this time? I want it to specifically be Cheese and Dash, so what's the best method here? I'D LIKE TO GO GUYS BUT I'VE GOT TO WORK ON MA FARM! COS APPLES!
Yeah... doesn't work that well when you think about it. I've thought about them 'managing Ponyville in Pinkie's absence' but I don't know. Like everything else, undecided.
In fact, like I mentioned at the beginning, these three fics may never actually see the light of day. I'm simply sharing ideas my brain has confured up these past few days.
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Phew, that was a bit. Commendations if you got through this. Adventure takes it out of you, huh? With nothing else, I guess I can wrap this blog up. If you'd like to give thoughts on any of those three fic ideas, go for it, it's welcome. Motivation may be all I need to get the gears working for these things.
And if you've seen my page or lack of posts, you'll have seen I haven't been online much lately. Been too engrossed in films and my Xbox. That'll be why. Also, my internet has allowed these annoying ads to pop up everywhere, so I have to take down a new window every few clicks and Fimfiction is really slow. I've been browsing new stories and that on my Xbox using Explorer on there. I don't log in while I'm on that though, but I have been seeing new stories and comment replies I might have gotten.
You know what? Open up any comments with Adventure fics you like. I'm intrigued, though I probably won't check many of them out. Reading on my Xbox is a bit annoying. But don't worry; I'm still around, just not on my PC.
Well, I guess that's it from me at this end. Until next time. Ciao!
I don't generally read adventure fics, I'm more of a kissy horses person myself.
I am looking forward to that flutterdash though. I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
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Oh I'm a lesbian pony fan too, as if I hadn't already given that away so many times. Given that around 95% of your fics are all lesbians too, we're likely on the same page. Lesbians make everything better.
For the FlutterDash, I'm going to reveal something here. It's four chapters, but the thing is, it may not be the shipping you expect. My story takes place over a huge number of years. Each chapter is a snippet in a different time. It's supposed to symbolise that seasons come and go, just like time does. So it's not all kissy kissy I'm afraid. No softcore clop here. But still, it should be good.
Also, how did this blog get about 535 views?
2. I think--correct me if I'm wrong--that all the members of the Royal Guard with the exception of Shining that we've seen are Pegasi. That's something you might want to check. The main things with this are:
WHY would Maud join the Royal Guard instead of getting her rockerate the way she said she would?
I'm sure this is the influence of Discworld, and probably a bunch of other stuff, too, but I'd be awfully tempted to go the "Maud has two secrets" route. She's both a mare AND an earth pony, and the stallion who is interested in her doesn't realize it. And maybe he figures out the earth pony bit pretty quickly and helps her keep up the deception, but he doesn't realize she's a mare until quite late in the game. Bonus points if their commanding officer has always known this, duh.
And before you say, "psst, that's impossible," let me point out that plenty of women pulled this off in any number of wars, including the American Civil War. (Probably the English Civil War, too.)
So maybe this is one reason for him not to really understand his own feelings, not because there's anything wrong with being gay, but because that is a major change in self-identification that I think is pushed aside too quickly in fanfic in general. "I like mares now. Or the reverse. Wheeee!"
I've got some thoughts about the Rainbow Dash and Cheese quest story, which I think has some promise, because I've always thought they have the potential for terrific non-romantic chemistry. I can also see some major issues you'd have to resolve before it would work, so I can post that here or in a PM or keep my thoughts to myself, as you wish. I don't offer concrit about things like storyline very often, because I know most writers don't really want it, but I've been following your stories for a while, so I thought I would offer.