Progress Log: April 7th, 5:41 PM · 10:29pm Apr 7th, 2022
Things are slowly coming together. This is a solid progress report.
General Greeting
Castles, and more castles, so many people lived in castles. The world of Equestria in days of yore I'd imagine had many dominant realms that are gone when the show starts. Celestia was said to reign for a thousand years—so I have to ask—what happened during those days before the windigos? Who was Smart Cookie? Why was Clover the Clever said to be an assistant to Star Swirl the Bearded? What kinds of things did the villains see before Celestia reigned the land? Without messing with Equestria's lore too much I hope to expand its horizons and focus on the youth of these future antagonists. Castles are difficult to portray as they have to symbolize the nation in some way. Chrysalis needs a sigil, Tirek, Sombra, all of them belong to a nation—and all of them have a reason for being who they are. Even Scorpan. I'm even connecting the dots as to why Applejack and Pinkie may or may not be cousins. If they had a blood test, it would have been solved eons ago. Hahaha
So this castle above me depicts a concept of the main keep. I want the main castle that is the hegemony to be very, very, very, far from where early Equestria may form. It's near the tropics and mountains (similar to Hawaii) with a very beautiful and lush landscape. The castle once belonged to a nation that adored dragons and serpents so those markings and statues still remain. (Although I am changing them later on once I have the flag designs.) I may even change the colors if I design the flag in a way that needs it.
To do list: April 8th through the 12th
Concept Art: I have contacted Imalou. I laughed a bit when I saw the art of Fanzeem because their name seemed familiar (I'm horrible with names) after Imalou re-tweeted them. It was killing me because I couldn't quite place my finger on who they were. I've already worked with them. If that wasn't the time for a facepalm I don't know what time would be. Imalou is a tough one, because they worked with the designs of Gen Five and are employed by Boulder Media. I'm not sure if they're open to commissions or not—but I reached out. This week is going to hammer out Mena. Her design, her final colors, her castle, her backstory—even her friendships and enemies. Every character has friends (unless you're writing them not to have friends) but they aren't best friends with everyone. I believe the friend-group should branch off into best friends and friends. Speaking of her friends, Cosmos has her castle coming up in two days. This details the one you can hardly see in the back of her dimension. Have you seen 4k pictures of space nebulas? That's pretty much what I'm going for. In one day, I'll receive a close up of the landscape—since the characters will often mosey around here, it needs to have plenty to explore. Caves, floating islands, orchards, layers, swamps...lots of things characters can do in their free time to bond, talk, or even relax. Secondary characters have lives too. Also, the Eye of the Past's cave is being designed. What does that mean? Not gonna tell you juuuuuuust yet.
Music: Ah, the art that the ear enjoys. What is fantasy without its fantasy music? Have you all ever seen Epic Music World? They've got some good themes. I wanted to make a theme as epic as the ones they posted, especially for characters that are savage and brutal. Every character has a theme, something that tells the audience their personality without a single word. I think I have a pretty good foundation for Cosmos, Mena, and Asmodeus. In fact, Asmodeus has a very epic theme that is just as aggressive as it is. Next up, will be Pinkie Pie, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow. Each one will have a theme that tells their story in ways my words can't. Heartache? Betrayal? Humor? Those will be in their themes, so you'll feel the way they do.
Research: So, I've invested in some hard magic research. I've heard the best magic systems are the ones not explained—but because of the plot—it is better if I do. I know, I know, I hear the disagreements from my office, but I'm telling you all—this is some gnarly stuff. I'm not the shiniest blade in the barn, but I've got a sharp idea. It just needs to be whittled into the narrow piece that this story needs. Why am I so hung up on this? Well, it's simple. Magic is the lifeblood of Equestria. It's an element (and a literal element of harmony) that is embedded in everything they do. From flying, to farming, to even moving the sun and moon. So what is it? Where does it come from? I wish to expand on this. Even have a scientific explanation as to what it is. Does that matter? No. At least not in Equestria's world.
Extras: Mena will no longer have her original name. It will be bestowed onto her by Pinkie. Cosmos has a much darker personality that will not be obvious at first. Aphrodite and Igneous Rock Pie will have a major impact in the story. The Pie Sisters have been put back into a passive role for now. A few character deaths have been planned—challenging the morals of villains and heroes. Athena will have a more active role, Nike will not, Artemis will be designed according to her animal sign. Nike is no longer a sphinx. Coeus will not be in hyper sleep during the beginning but on another world that will not be revealed until much, much, later.
End Log
Conclusion
Cosmos's Theme: Completed—New Project: Pinkie Pie
Asmodeus's Theme: Completed—New Project: Chrysalis
Demonology: Ongoing
Magic System: Ongoing
Plot Building: Ongoing—currently on Chrysalis/Cosmos
Concept Design: Completed—New project: Everglade Citadel
