Open-Talk Questions and Answers · 8:00pm Dec 7th, 2014
Here are the answers to the questions from the previous blog stating the milestone referring to the planning of A Dragon's Journey. Now, if you have questions of your own, just post them in the comments below, and I'll edit them into the post in the same format.
When are my OCs appearing?
-musicman722
A: Well, I won't tell you the exact chapters, but your OCs will appear in the Russia, Marengolia, South China Sea, India and Equestria arcs, seeing as you submitted six OCs. Thanks, by the way!
Should i try to make more if needed?
-musicman722
A: Make as many as you want! Although I'd like for them to be a bit more inventive (for anyone else reading and considering OC submission) than just "Darkstalker Nightblood Ravenwing unicorn/pegasus hybrid" or "Magmatorn, earth dragon" (hey, that's a good name...). Feel free to PM me for rough draft ideas on an OC if you're not sure. I have accepted all OCs submitted that met the (admittedly small) criteria, so... yeah, quite a few.
Are you too chicken-shit to snuff one of your OC's?
-Hard-Pressed Scribe
A: Hmm, you again, eh? Well, let me tell you something; I am not against killing off OCs of my own design, especially if the story calls for it and would make the story all the better. However, I am against snuffing OCs of mine just because one reader wants there to be blood spilled of characters they may or may not like for vague reasons they try to pass off as logical or "oh, it'll make the story better". Better? In whose opinion will the story be better? Please, I'm writing a damn epic here, do I really need to go full-on George R. R. Martin and kill off half of the characters I've introduced?
Also, thinly-veiled insult notwithstanding, when an OC will die, trust me...
Or, anyone that has a long term relevance to the story for that matter?
-Hard-Pressed Scribe
A: Again, read reply above: I am not averse to killing off characters, but only when I believe the time is right. Write your own damn epic this long and (somewhat) well-received and kill off OCs of your own, THEN get back to me on it on whether or not it made the story "better" for the readers.
Once you started, you definitely couldn't stop, could ya??
-DanvilleBengal
A:
(Or write just a little bit.)
And wtf was Luna thinking when she planned out the world trip?
-The Wandering Draconian
A: Well, Luna did explain to Spike that he was to go out to help Equestria learn more of the world, a world that is undoubtedly dangerous in many places. Plus, it was the most efficient path to take, or else it'd take much, much longer to do, especially if he were to visit every country and every culture on the planet. That much (the danger) was unavoidable, but who better to go than a being that is almost indestructible, especially when enraged?
Why would she send him to the least dangerous places first, when he has no wives, then the most dangerous places last, when he Does have wives, and those wives happen to have foals on the way!
-The Wandering Draconian
A: Well, think about it: if she had sent him to, say, Istanbul first, he'd still likely be in a cell for being a dragon, and would never have been able to be broken free. Plus, hopping to all the dangerous places first would have taken far longer than going the route he currently is. Besides, the most dangerous places are spread all over the world, as are the safest places. It's not like "oh, these four months will be constant danger, but after that it's smooth sailing" or something along those lines. They just happened to be in the wrong places at the wrong times... several times.
Is Luna trying to get spikes family killed before he even returns?
-The Wandering Draconian
A: Oh, goodness no! She needs him to safely bring a family back, and hopefully a decent-sized one, for reasons only she and Celestia know of. Reasons I cannot reveal at this time, but trust me, they are the reasons for which Spike's journey was a necessity.
So who are the lucky OCs?
-Dark Star2014
A: Well, they are whomever asks when their OC will appear. Yours, for example, will appear in the Dragon Lands arc.
In what country would my OC appear ?
-LightningSward1234
A: Your OC will appear in the arc when you submit it to me. I have no record of it in my 30 pages of OC notes, which either means I didn't write it down (possible), or you thought of one but didn't submit it, or submitted one that violated one of the few stipulations I had for submitting OCs (no humans, alicorns, draconequui, sapient wolves, etc.) and thus it was not written down.
Can she appear in the Dragkn Lands?
A: Well, actually, your character will actually be appearing in the China/Korea arc.
How will spike prove that he isn't under Chrysalis' power in a way that Cadence/Celestia/Twilight wont try to kill her on site?
-snickit (and all questions after this until noted)
A: Well, I guess he'll just have to be very persuasive, as will Chrysalis, who may will get pissy if someone tries to hurt "her man" or herself.
How will Spike breach the topic to any in Equestria?
A: I'm counting on the fact that he wont have to, and that others will do it for him.
How many more countries is Spike going to visit?
A: Well, technically he will be passing through about 16 more countries, though he will only spend significant time in about 12 of those.
(What) will the position of the Mane Six be once Spike returns?
A: They will not be very different from when the story started, but that will change after he comes back, and soon, I should add.
Teaching their elemental specialty, or being extra Aunts to help out?
A: Spike and his family will definitely need help when it comes to raising their offspring, but as I mentioned, Spike will need help with co-ruling.
What is the draconian opinion of non racial marriages? Will they accept all the different species (including changlings)?
A: Fun Fact: in this universe, dragons do not marry as ponies do. Dragons are creatures with such long lifespans that such "traditions" as marriage have little meaning to them. Instead, they bond, and the strength of the bond varies between couples. To some, it is similar to that of friends with benefits, and to others, it is the stuff romance novels are made of: soul-combining, everlasting unions that outshine anything they have ever known. However, for those relationships, if a partner dies, the remaining partner often withers away and dies or kills themselves, and if they don't, they will never feel love again. That kind of bond is so rare that legends are always born of them, and most dragons share a bond similar to that of pony marriage: together forever, or at least until your spouse dies, and then, after some time, move on.
So, for dragons, lineage is all that matters: so long as one parent was a dragon, the offspring are accepted, though not always tolerated as much as others might be, especially from younger, "pure" dragons. Think of it as racial peer-pressure, where the adults are more accepting than the juveniles.
For dragon hybrids, dragons are more accepting than others, as the resulting offspring are fertile, and thus can continue their dragon ancestor's lineage. This is also why dragons are so diverse; similar hybrids long ago eventually meet and start a new race that eventually, over the course of evolution, results in an entirely new breed of dragon. This lead the development of wyrms, drakes (the species, not the dragon gender), naga dragon, sea serpents, etc. There are many varities of dragon, even though there are three broad classes for such (earth, air and water).
Have you planned out how Chrysalis will either leave her hive or usher in a new age of acceptance for them in Equestria?
A: Oh yes, I have definitely planned that out. I have also planned out the acceptance of Changelings within the Crystal Empire.
How many additional species/subspecies are in this world?
A: Oh God, I honestly don't know. I'm still making at least some of this up as I go along, but the total number now is at least over two dozen or so. More will likely come if people submit more unique OCs. I'm not counting hybrids as technically subspecies, for if I did, then the (approximate) list would easily be double what it is now.
Are merponies real?
-snickit
A: Yes, merponies are indeed real.
In reference to your comment on my comment>>>> Yes, but spike wouldn't have been in said carriage, and the entire revolution would have probably happened prior to his visit to Istanbul, cuz the current leader was already suspicious... And I didn't literally mean that about Luna, but she did put his family in danger. And I mean come on, if he had traveled to the dragon lands first, he would have likely had a dragon wife already, and she would have been easily capable of helping to fend off the multitude of horrible situations that they have encountered. But that last part is open to opinion based on your view of draconic culture in the fic. Also. Please don't make spike marry a Minotaur in the future.. Would make everything so awkward in the future... Mostly cuz I can't picture spike, in any fic, being with one... And the just don't fit with his personality... Sorry for being speciesist, but that's who I am. :/ major question though. What is the draconic culture like?
And for Info on why I post the way I do, and why I follow your story and comment in such a manner, it is because I adore spike Fics, and really, Really like spike x other dragon Fics... Something I hope this eventually becomes. I've only read one complete fic based on this... All others are permanently incomplete... Just 1 good, lengthy spike x other dragon fic is all I ask. Specifically where spike is aged up also. :(
You never got back to me on the whole when dealio. Can she appear in the Dragkn Lands? For the reason she is a type of dragon (and totally not for any reasons other than that... Totally not)
2639257 Well, if it wasn't asked in the previous blog, I of course wouldn't post it. This question, however, I will answer.
2639503 oh my gosh I looked at the question and my typing! Where it says
I meant the whole wyrm dealio! And Drakgn? That was supposed to be dragon!
2639522 Then just PM me and I'll fill you in on a bit of details.
2639559 Okie Dokie Lokie!
Well, you've granted every person who can be considered "good" immunity from any harm. Here, let me list off at least the dozen times you've gave plot-armor to "good" characters. By dozen, I mean the ones I can remember.
-Spike and his entourage is caught and left at the mercy of thieves, cutthroats, and back-stabbers. Who also happen to have a boy kidnapped.
=No-one is hurt or dies, excluding the "bad guys" (Who you seemingly could care less about as any sort of real character). Boy is saved in perfect condition and Spike is married to another beautiful mare, who is also a queen.
-Same situation as before, with an active rapist hungering for his wives. To make things more grim, Spike is poisoned.
=Once again, nobody important is hurt, Spike escapes unharmed, and meets ANOTHER wife. (Bravo, Mr. Plot Armor.) You also pulled this similar card several other times.
-288,981 words in,
=Nobody "good" dies. (That made me laugh, actually. No offense)
It's not just that I dislike the way you've gave nearly no purpose to "bad" guys, other than to just be an easily crossed obstacle to Spike. I also hate how you've make things black and white. How you made the choice who's "bad" and who is "good" long before we, the readers, could.
Your "bad" guys are all generic at best, outcomes heavily favoring Spike while remaining to be expectable and typical, all of course being quite boring and lack-luster to me. So, forgive me if I fail to see ADJ as an respectable "epic" However, I can appreciate the effort and time you donated to this story. I just can't respect it. Spike in this story is bland and arch-typical as well. The fact alone easily gives this story a bad light in my eyes, The only original and quality thing I found in this story is the sexual scenes. So, take that as the sole compliment I can offer.
You may value a single person's opinion at your own digression,
Hmm I wonder if my OC even stood out haha
2640505 Everyone's OC stands out to me. That is what makes them special.
2640099 So, how you view the story and what you think of it and how it "should" be the way you want it is more important and carries more weight than what everyone else, including the author and proofreaders? So, in your mind, their opinions matter less than yours? Deny it all you want, it seems that way from this end.
I'll be the first to admit my story is flawed, in more ways than what you just listed. I, however, accept the story for what it is, faults and all, and regardless of what one disgruntled reader feels in comparison to the vast majority, I will continue to write the story the way I wish to write it.
I'll let you in on a secret: you don't have to read it if you don't want to. You can ignore it, take it off of your favorites list, thumbs-down it, do whatever. You can stop sending me thinly-veiled insults in almost every comment or post that call into question my writing, when as a fellow writer, you... don't have much to back up your claims on what makes a story "better" anyway. Do I know what makes a story better? Maybe, maybe not, but I know enough to not just tell people "hey, your story sucks, here's how to make it better from only my point of view" and such drivel.
If you stop reading my story, it'll be more for your benefit than for mine, as you can't seem to let go that I'm not in awe of your presence and instantly follow your advice and only your advice. I have my own style of writing, good or not-so-good, and frankly, I'm okay with that. I have made immeasurable improvements in my writing capability since I started writing fanfiction, and will continue to do so at my own pace.
Good day.
How will spike prove that he isn't under Chrysalis' power in a way that Cadence/Celestia/Twilight wont try to kill her on site?
I understand Spike and the other wives will defend her, but how will Spike breach the topic to any in Equestria?
-Unless of course Celestia is keeping an eye on him and already knows (reports about Spikes imprisonment), or Luna has been monitoring his dreams.
How many more countries is Spike going to visit? (Yes the plan was set, but as you've shown, plans change).
Will will the position of the Mane Six be once Spike returns? Teaching their elemental specialty, or being extra Aunts to help out?
What is the draconian opinion of non racial marriages? Will they accept all the different species (including changlings)?
Have you planned out how Chrysalis will either leave her hive or usher in a new age of acceptance for them in Equestria?
How many additional species/subspecies are in this world?
A rather dark question: will all the foals survive being born and the rest of the trip? Foreign species in a foreign land, possibly no decent medical care for miles, they've got a lot going against them. Don't get me wrong, using a baby's death to further character development is possible, but is very dangerous waters to swim (though its your story, you can do what you want, obviously).
Will Trixie finally get her orgy?
How will Spike survive the last trimester without screwing his wives (just oral would get boring after a few months)
Will Maria get Spike back for his anal excapades?
Will Twilight get laid so she mellows out?
What are the Mane Six doing while this is going on? (From the look of the show, strange goings on are a weekly thing for them "oh just ignore that, its probably just another beast rampaging through the town")
Are the number of rooms being built for the addition to the castle accurate to how many wives Spike will bring home?
How do you keep sane answering angry fans who are bitchy about your work but refuse to stop reading it?
And most importantly:
Are merponies real?
P.S. Awesome story, always looking forward to reading your new chapters.
Wow, guess you have to expect folks to start wondering when their OC will show up as soon as they submit it. XD Good luck with that one.
Take care and enjoy yourself. A happy muse works, a stressed muse blocks.
2640523 I was hoping you'd offer some sort of reply to my remark that you gave no other purpose to your generic "bad" guys, other than to be a single, futile obstacle in the way of Spike. Not to mention how boring and uninteresting you've made them.
2640757 Questions have been answered.
2640808 Villains don't have to be the most evil, manipulative, diabolical baddies on the face of the Earth; sometimes, they can be the simplest of creatures, who are the villains for the simplest of reasons. Better these original ones than "Oh, the Griffin Kingdom invaded" or "oh, it's those
fuckingreindeer again".2640834 I'm not asking for an opponent so well-crafted. they easily can be considered the most critical ingredient to the story. I'm just demanding for something less dull and uninspired. Most of the time, you throw them all in a bad view and give Spike justification. Hell, you rarely even give them meaningful dialog! If they get even in the general vicinity of winning, Spike reverts back in some "primal state", or something stupid and unoriginal like that, and goes on to mercilessly murder them. Of course, without him or anyone relevant to the story long term being hurt.
I'm not asking for much, am I?
When I've seen Spike in any form of danger, I don't even need to read another line to know you are protecting him like the mother shields her chick! So, that's why I actually stopped reading quite a bit of time ago. When you published "Guilt" (Unoriginal name, by the way), that's when I finally put my food down and began this entire comment-chain.
I'm not asking for much, am I?
You know, I should actually appreciate this story more, Abe. Without it, I wouldn't have thought about not having black and white characters. In my latest story, I have two major characters, but neither is "good" or "evil". I gave them both an equal measure of good and evil. Allowing the reader to decide who he/she wants to root for. And, unlike you, I wouldn't have Spike, or Omarmd I should say, plowing though untold dangers and coming out with nary a scratch or effect. I made a strong character, but allowed him a minimal amount of realism. For example, Lord's High Champion (Spike) isn't spear-heading every attack. Isn't killing thousands upon thousands of faceless guards. And doesn't have a harem!
He's monogamous, by the way.
2640523 that's a good response, you'd make a great PR spokesman. I tried giving you an authentic and balanced OC for the Asia arc.
2640834 Thanks much. Glad merponies are real
2641021 Hmm...
Yes, I know of the story of which you speak: "latest" as in, not being touched in two months? You seek to compare your story to mine, and yet, in doing so, you inadvertently show just how little you've dedicated yourself to the story. Your last blog post to your fans was over six weeks ago. Instead, it seems time that could have been devoted to writing has been instead spent on belittling my story to the point of founding a group that specifically lists my story as an example of "poor writing". You ask mildly-insulting questions with almost every new chapter or blog post pertaining to the story, you insult me with your "logic" and "reason" that I should cater to what you want, and not what the majority of my readers want, as I have said before, a if you were more important than them. You try to pass yourself off as a read scholar, but we both know you changed your screen name in an attempt to try and make yourself seem more dignified and "cultured".
Besides that, you and I share in the fact that a portion of our stories do indeed share the common feature of having Spike as a character, yet for your Spike, he acquires all he has through strangers, not himself. In Master, he is trained to be a badass, in the Lonely Draconic Miner, he is trained by Steve, in Spike the Crystal Driver, he is given dark powers, and in Spike's Love Dagger, he is given an object that makes him the ultimate swag-master. He doesn't earn these or set out to achieve these things; he's just given them.
Seems awfully easy to skip over any chance of him doing things on his own and basically having things just handed to him/things done for him instead of doing them himself. If that's not lazy writing, then I don;t know what is.
All in all, please, if you're going to insult me as a writer and thus my stories and the way I write them, don't snidely comment on the stories and blog posts: it doesn't make you clever, it just makes you look like a pseudo-stalker/troll. Oh, and by the way, seeing as you apparently dislike my story so much, you could, you know.... not read it. I've said it before, I'll say it again. You can just stop reading the story, and in doing so, might be able to continue with your own. It;s like moving into a house at the end of a runway and then complaining a year later about the sound of the planes landing and taking off. After a while, or even from the start, you should have known what you were getting yourself into, but like many a stubborn jackass I know, you refuse to change your ways, insisting you are right and that everything should be catered to the way you want it.
Good day, sir.
2641375
Two errors, but I know you are human and can make mistakes, so I won't fault you for it.
Now, you were correct about Lonely Draconic Miner (Hate that story) and Spike's Love Dagger (Also hate that one too), but you are wrong about Master. I didn't know why you assumed him to be extremely skilled in combat, but I finally will reveal a dozen different things concerning Omarmd in the next chapter (Pillar of Sold Sacrifice).
I will admit, I can be a bit slow to post. But, in counter, I've mainly published chapters in a constant month period betwixt each chapter, while maintaining the expectable two-thousand word count.
I will continue this comment later.
2641573 I will also admit, I did change my username from "OnyxElite" to "Hard-Pressed Scribe" (Surprised you remembered that). I just liked a more meaningful name and I do hope it has a better effect.
I did make that group, but it was out of pure spite honestly. You really should just disregard the group's existence. However, on the terms of spite, I truly must award you the badge of political poise. You know that writer Zamairiac? I started a minor flame-war in his comment section, and within mere moments he was spitting insults in my face and threatening to block me. So, I suppose we both share a level of self-control. I respect you more for it.
I will address your claim on how I haven't dedicated myself to Master. Well, It's following consists of a meager twenty people, So, If I missed this mouth due to the stream of holidays, and the fact I value my family more than this writing career should compensate for my absence. You're actually the first person to even speak of Master outside PM's and the actual story.
But, the difference between Omarmd and Spike is evident to me. Spike is the typical goodie-two-shoes, afraid to shed blood without the need for it. Lord's High Champion isn't, if it were to prove a point that his covenant wouldn't be broken by heretics. Also, he must definitely is extremely zealous, and commonly reacts without compassion or empathy. As where Spike is about friendship and other kiddie stuff.
I didn't think I was being slick, but I was hoping to divide your attention. My intent wasn't there, actually. Didn't even realize until now.
That doesn't directly apply to Love Dagger nor Lonely Drac, for reasons I couldn't entirely explain to you because it would interfere with my plan. In Lonely Drac, Spike is found at the Ender-ran black market, where he is purchased by Steve for intensely specific reasons. I remember in Solar Embrace, Spike just gets to pop Princess Celestia's cheery, simply because he wouldn't melt mid-bang. That is similar. In Love Dagger, he is given the dagger for once again specific reasons. Ammolite had strong ties to the dragon-race, therefor it would react with more effect and stuff like that. Crystal Driver? I admit, that applies very nicely.
In Master....When you twist the arm, may as well break it.
This has became a war of attrition, with each of us being only allowed to take volleys at each other like we had Muskets.
2641896 Go on, Abe. Take your volley.
2642763 You know what? I'm done with this. This is my story; if you or anyone else were paying me to write this, then yes, I would follow your or their advice. However, seeing as I'm creating this, out of my own free time, I can write it however I want, regardless of your opinion or anyone else's. I'm writing it the way I want to, and if you can't handle that, then it's your problem.
So please, if you could kindly do so, as a certain Disney song comes to mind, just let it go.
In what country would my OC appear ?
2642821 Although I've Got No Strings to your story, I have taken it upon myself to Make a Man Out of You. But, I will admit, I Just Can't Wait to Be King, so take it With A Spoonful Of Suger. Sometimes, Strangers Like Me are often viable sources of advice, and, like it or not, I am a Part of Your World But, don't worry, because You've Got A Friend In Me.
Take note, I have used several Disney songs in this reply.
Yes, it is my problem with your story. And one I wouldn't write off as transient, Abe. Or, I should call you Head Chief Of Plot Armory?
2642890 Question. What is your OC?
2642890 I already answered your question: there is no evidence you submitted an OC in my notes, and trust me, they are very thorough when it comes to stuff like this.
2642892 Oh, you think you're so clever, don't you? Well, it is time to tell you this: honestly, I don't care. I. Just. Don't. Care. I don't care about what you have to say on my story (seeing as all you say is self-entitled "oh, do it this way, because I say so, and my opinions matter the most"), I don't care about what you have written, I don't care about what you are doing or trying to do with these comments, I have a plethora of fans whom I admire and respect, and correspond with on a regular basis. You? I only respond to you because you are there, and you are unceasingly annoying me.
Yes, you, OnyxElite. I care for and take heed from the advice and opinions of my fellow writers and readers. Yours? Not so much. In fact, I'll continue to write my story the way I do, just to spite you. How's that?
Please stop all of this pointless posturing and self-promoting "banter", or there will be consequences.
2643035 To be fair, you did name all of my stories in the comment section. So, I wouldn't call it self-promoting. And, I did just start a flame war here, therefore if anyone did come to my stories, it'd likely be to just downvote. How's that fair?
I never hated the fact you continued the story, and I don't plan on reading it any time soon. So, I couldn't really feel some sense of dread, could I? Just a note, you sent me three volleys of fire before threatening to block me. Congratulations, most people don't processes the poise for that.
But, on another note, this transient flame-war has been won by the Hard-Pressed Scribe, not OnyxElite. I won't continue this comment chain (Unless you want to lose again ;P)
th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/020/1/2/diamond_tiara___snooty_by_liggliluff-d4n0c41.png
And, before you ask, I'll collab with you ;P
@MWL
@TakingSponsors
@NoviceWriterSmasher
@10$ForProofreading
(jk luv u doe)
2643226 Actually, for you, it was a Pyrrhic victory: in fact, you've lost.