Next writing project · 7:03pm Jun 4th, 2013
So, as we get closer and closer to the glorious end of Starstruck, I want to launch a writing project of my own. I'd like to ask your opinion on the two large scope ideas that I've had rattling in my head for some time.
To say first, though, that I won't be doing major work until we are comfortably close to done with Starstruck. I always finish my plate before going on to the next.
Anyway, I have two ideas going through my head, and I want the hard feedback. This is the time for ideas to get scrubbed and stripped and pummeled into shape. So do not hold back.
Idea 1 - Sombra's Fall
This is a story set almost exclusively in the past, and I'd like to go into the reasons that Sombra went from a Prince or King to the monster that he eventually got exploded as. The main arc would be Sombra's life before he became King, detailing not only his family, but also the odd sibling-like relationship he would develop with the visiting heads of state that are Celestia and Luna, fresh after their victory over Discord and before Nightmare Moon happens.
The reasons for Sombra's fall, I think would come from a number of angles. The first being internal, as he is the only non-alicorn royal (perhaps aside from hsi mother) and is hounded by the pressure of living up to a legacy of demigods, as well as enduring the suspicious looks of those he is supposed to eventually lead. After all, if he is the prince, why is he not an alicorn? The other source of his downfall would be a little more...eldritch for lack of a better term. The discovery of some relic (a black crystal something) would eventually take root in him, revealing a malign intelligence within.
One extreme idea in this plot I was toying with is occasional trips to the present day, revealing that this malign crystal has regenerative properties, and pulls Sombra back together. But instead of resurrecting the monster, the Prince within can hold on to his personality, at least for long enough to seek aid. Depending on how I want to end it, the 'aid' could be some kind of redemption via the Crystal Heart, or a more permanent solution, banishment. But not to the moon, as darkness was always the monster's strength, instead he would be banished to a place where no shadows live; the sun. This is vague and broad, and easy to blow up if needed.
Idea 2 - Solace
This is exploring the Sombra angle through a new set of eyes, those of his forgotten son.
Go ahead, I'll let you turn off the Mary Sue alarms. I'll wait. ;p
But no, I would not have the kid be particularly powerful, certainly not enough to pose any kind of threat to Cadence or the Empire. He would have a bit of a ruthless streak, but essentially be a good pony at heart. But he is certainly a monkey in the wrench for Cadence and Armor's rule.
After they realize that this walking, talking loose end is around, it falls on Cadence and Armor to, at first, just try to sort it out. Beloved as they are, Cadence and Armor pretty much just annexed the Empire, and being the good ponies that they are, they don't want to just kick a seeming innocent to the curb, especially if he proves to have some gift for leadership or other talent that demonstrates his value.
However, sorting out the loose end takes a sharp turn when Solace begins to be haunted by visions of his infamous father. I hesitate to call it a horror story, but I would really love to craft some creepy scenes that break the usual type of 'dark' stories. No gore, no evil demonic possessions, but more of a haunting. Glimpsed images at the corner of his eyes as he explores the halls of the derelict Winter Manor of King Sombra. Visions of the monster King staring at him from empty windows. In the climax of these visions, the image of Sombra at some distance, that gets closer without moving every time Solace blinks or looks away, until it is right up in his face.
The implications of these hauntings would be a constant uncertainty by design. They are obviously getting more intense, but the end result is unknown. Does it mean that Solace is going to snap? Is it simply a residual effect of Sombra's evil? Is it, rather mundanely, a ghost with a habit of haunting his own kin? It's unknown. My issue here is that I should know both what the ending of it is, and how they get rid of it, any free ideas here would be wonderful.
Anyhoo, those are my two possible paths. I'm asking you because we've worked together a lot and I know you will be honest with me. So, as they say in the biz, come at me bro, I can take it. ;p
*Coughs*
First one.
Go big or go home, player.
I like the sound of that first one.