Some extra details for those who are interested. · 12:09am Sep 12th, 2012
Hey there everypony, this is Nobreiner. I really just wanted to get this outta my head. You see, I felt like explaining every one of my reasons for the pairings between the Elements and Noble Team. If you're satisfied without hearing this then feel free to ignore this post, but for those who are curious I am putting this up for you, and to get this off of my chest. So, I will go through each pairing and explain why I put them together.
Twilight/Carter: Okay, this one I was kinda on the fence about. Believe it or not, I actually first thought Kat might be the best choice here, with her genius analytical brain in a Library, she could act as the exposition in explaining Equestria to the rest of Noble. But, Carter and Twilight are both natural leaders of their respective groups, and I definitely found better reasons for Kat to be paired with Rarity, which I will discuss below. As for Carter and Twilight, I essentially figured that each and every member of Noble Team gets along with Carter on roughly the same scale, displaying deep respect that overcomes whatever problems they have with any of the other members (see Jorge and Emile). Twilight is similar, always being ready, willing, and able to settle disputes between her friends, (see Look Before You Sleep, and to a lesser degree Rainbow and Applejack's "problem" in Lesson Zero). Lastly, I wanted Noble to be a balanced team of pony races just like the mane six, Two Earth Ponies, Two Pegasi, and Two Unicorns, respectively, and I wanted the Elements to be paired up with a Spartan of the same race, just for the purpose of compatibility. For example, it would make little sense for Carter, as a Unicorn, to live with Rainbow Dash in her cloud house.
Rarity/Kat: Once again, on the fence with this, but when it came down to it, the mix of similarities and contrasts between their personalities would lead to an interesting dynamic between the two. Both of them have the same unique trait: a natural talent at seeing minor details, that can at times lead to their missing the obvious. Examples of this are Rarity's actions in Look Before You Sleep, and Kat's questioning Holland's suspicious orders, while oblivious of the sniper that eventually took her life. Yet despite these similarities, their opposite personalities, Kat's disciplined military mind and Rarity's fashionista demeanor, will undoubtedly lead to some disagreement between them, which will provide an interesting source of conflict.
Rainbow/Jun: This one was actually kinda easy, so I'll keep it brief. Jun's position as a sniper and Rainbow's bull-headed attitude are a nice contrast, and hopefully they will be able to teach each other some lessons when it comes to when and how to act in the defense fo themselves and others. Also, Jun is the Guardian of Duty, Rainbow is the Element of Loyalty, these are similar, so they ar both dedicated to their own cause, giving them some common ground.
Pinkie/Emile: This one was obvious. Emile's cynical, dry sense of humor and pessimistic attitude is the exact opposite of Pinkie, and I plan on having him play "straight-man" to much of Pinkie's antics, and have her give no reaction to any of his cynical responses, no matter how hostile. I really expect to use this as a comic relief bucket, while still maintaining Emile's levels of badassery.
Applejack/Jorge: This was mostly due to Jorge's compassionate side. Except for Sweetie Belle's usual visits, Jorge will be the only one of the Team actually living with one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This fits, because if his dialogue with Sara was any sort of indicator, he is the best suited to dealing with civilians. Finally, in a Fistful of Arrows, he states that he always dreamed of having a farm on Reach, and I felt like doing a solid for the big lug.
Fluttershy/Six: Alright, now I get that this is the one that will cause the most controversy, but really, what could be better? They are polar opposites, and Six being a Pegasus just fits for me. After all, she's "Always been faster" (yes I'm aware I'm misusing that quote, whatever) So it was either Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash. Jun and Fluttershy would have little to no dynamic between them, and neither would Six and Rainbow. Jun is, like Emile, sarcastic, and Fluttershy isn't the type of pony to appreciate humor like that. Six, while cold, brutal, and frankly robotic in some areas, obviously has some backstory that made her this way, one I will explore in detail (though not for a while, it's not exactly something she'd share with just anyone). I won't be changing Fluttershy's natural personality, nor will I alter Six's, unless it's a natural, gradual development that still leaves them true to their own personalities.
Anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest, and I really just posted it on the off chance anyone was interested. If you have a question, constructive criticism, or whatever just leave a comment, I always enjoy getting feedback from you guys! Peace!
I find your reasoning for all these pairings (no, not shipping pairings) to be sound. Lots of good points in there, and you've pushed me to understanding match-ups that I was previously on the fence about (Kat/Rarity, Six/Fluttershy). So... yeah. When can I expect the next chapter?
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After being so late on the last one I am tentative to make any promises, but rest assured I am hard at work on it. I'm glad that this helped you understand my reasoning, thanks for the feedback!
The only one I really am nervous about is Fluttershy and Six. All the others make perfect sense, and a little work will probably get Fluttershy and Six interacting just fine. Also, nice description of Six's death. I really liked that.
Ten bits says this pairing thing will have the secondary effect of teaching Noble team the magic of true friendship.
Another five bits on Emile gagging when he figures it out.
I had just figured that Six was the "throw away." Only being assigned to Fluttershy because they both have little personality and like to keep to themselves, but your reason makes good sense and I respect your judgement. Although, Emile would have been cool as a zebra, seeing as he's black in the game.
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Funny, I thought that because of his French name that Emile was of Haitian descent, but after some research I learned that there are many African countries in which French is the native language, so I guess it's just as likely that Emile is African in descent. Huh.
The more you know...
I just assumed because of his voice, he just sounds it.