A Question for my Readers: Fight Scenes · 8:50pm Jul 8th, 2013
I cannot reveal much of what I've had on my mind because it has to do with something in my story at this point. It is something that is far from being written, but understanding what will happen will help me set the groundwork early on and foreshadow it properly. At this time, I think it may come down to a matter of opinion, because I can only see each one of the options being extremely powerful in their own way with what I can do with each, but only one can happen reasonably. So, to anyone who cares to answer, I would like to know which of the following types of combat is preferred?
1. The hopeless struggle of a mundane creature against one with far more power, knowing there is no way that the fight can be won but continuing to push on through sheer perseverance.
2. Epic magic standstill, where two creatures of equal (and great) mystic power are pitted against one another, yet cannot achieve a definitive winner, left up to a third entity to have to decide which to lend aid to and, inevitably, decide which one will live and which will die.
3. A clash of gods, where two beings of immense power stand off against one another to decide which will be the last man standing (lots of magic, lightning bolts, hitting someone with enough force that they crash through a wall, inhuman feats, etc.).
This is mostly out of curiosity right now, as quite a bit (while having a sketchy outline) is not set in stone. In fact, what I'm asking for is not even in the second novel being worked on. So please, if you have just a moment, post a comment or send me a PM stating which kind you find yourself most likely to enjoy!
Despite that, I should have another update on The Transient's Progress blog post within the next few days regarding what I'm working on. I'm quickly recovering from the nightmare that was chapter 10 (10-1, 10-2, and 10-3, a combined 40,000 words or so, and could probably count as its own short story) and my editor breaking her toe somewhere in that time.
I'd like type 2 or 3 the most, but can't decide between them I'm afraid. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the next big update! Despite the lack of fanfare for this story, it really is one of the best I've read, and I have read a lot in my time here.
1196805 I'll just put a half a vote to 2 and 3 then.
Also, thank you. I do hope the next novel is all you're hoping for it to be. I've had some worries about it so far, such as having more Ponyville chapters included possibly annoying some folks. Those were commonly stated to be the weakest part of the first novel, and I fear adding more might once again prove to be weak chapters (mostly because I'm evidently better at building my own characters than trying to keep true to someone else's template in the form of the show's main characters). I wish I could say more to get an opinion on it, but I don't want to give up all the mystery of where the tale will end up throughout the second novel.
1196825 I have got to agree about the Ponyville chapters being the weakest, but I'm sure you can pull it off. I do hope the characters from Songring have appearances though, *cough* Maple *cough*.
I'd choose 1, rather the individual not be helpless you know. Like to think there would have been some experience before the big fight that would leave them capable of holding their own, but unfortunately still out classed to someone(?) better. While number 2 I like because of the fact that two of equal power in a deadlock in a life or death moment, and the endgame decision is left to an third party is interesting to see. That saying, there would be the internal struggle within that third party knowing their next actions could very well condemn or save those they hold dear......but I digress; sticking with 1.
My opinion might be rather biased, but I believe the Ponyville chapters of the second novel are stronger than the last book's. The relationships between protagonist and supporting characters are stronger after Songring's events.
That said, an iron chain is functionally weaker than a steel chain, but both serve their duties well. The early chapters may be weak in comparison to the later ones, but I think what it comes down to is; are they entertaining? Do they have and serve their purpose? As long as they do that, I think we have a good story.