IMPORTANT: If you've favourited 'Exceptional' please read this! · 3:27am Dec 28th, 2013
Greetings miniature equine aficionados. I'd like to ask you all something, but first let me tell you a (hopefully-not-boring) story.
I like to think I've come a long way in the short time I've been here on Fimfiction. I've grown in confidence, both in terms of writing and in real life, as well as in writing ability. That being said, my tastes in terms of MLP fics has also changed. I started out reading a lot of HiEs, including several human OC/Twilight shipping stories, but tastes mature over time. Those stories gave way to a new passion of mine: Twilestia stories. Over time I soon developed a dislike, perhaps even hatred, of OC/Main Character shipping stories, a feeling that seems to be prevalent amongst many Fimfiction users. Not that they can't be well-written, it's just that now that I have a favourite ship I tend not to like seeing other ships involving those same characters, something which many of you can probably relate to.
Now I bet you're wondering what this has to do with you, my story 'Exceptional', and why I'm taking time out of your life to make you read my ramblings. Well I'm getting to that.
If you've been paying attention, you will know that I originally planned on having a romance element to the story, involving everybody's favourite lavender alicorn bookworm and everybody's sorta-favourite mutated albino anthropologist from space. What a pair those two. Anyways, I started writing this story a long(ish) time ago, and it has grown from a planned generic HiE first contact shipping story to a planned multi-ark sci-fi/lovecraftion fantasy epic involving political intrigue and ancient unkowable evils from before time began. I constantly find new things to expand the plot with, and have dozens of scenes written up in my head. Needless to say the story has changed quite a bit. And so have I.
Which brings me to the crux of my dilemma. The more I expanded on Phil's character and his interaction with the ponies, the more and more the romance factor seemed pasted on, that it didn't seem important to the story at all, that I could simply replace 'Twi and Phil falling in love' with 'Twi and Phil become the best of friends' and the entire story would seem so much less cumbersome. Add into this my growing dislike of OC shipping and, well, you get the picture.
It occurs to me that, because we haven't gotten too far into the planned plot yet, that I really could replace it, with something far less intrusive and more believable. If it were up to me I'd make it Twilight/Celestia, but here is my point, it's not. I'm leaving it up to you, the loyal reader, to decide whether the story remains OC/Twilight or Twilight/Celestia or something else entirely. The decision is by no means made yet, I am going to simply test the waters first (i.e. this post), although, if there is no clear consensus, I suppose it may come down to personal preference on my part.
I eagerly wait your responses.
Sincerely
Your friendly neighbourhood Dungeon Maestro.
I was kind of hoping to see where the relationship between Phil would pan out
1654937
Thank you for responding Mr. Smith. Your opinion has been noted.
1654937
Yeah, I was on the boat. Honestly though, I would just write what you feel comfortable portraying. If you think dropping the romance can improve your story-telling, then do it.
1655099
Perhaps I shall. We'll see, I still haven't decided yet.
And Thanks for responding.
1655253
Thank you very much for the praise. It really does take other people to point out my stuff isn't absolute shite, as I can be rather critical of myself.
1655263
He is indeed rather mutant-y, isn't he? Well that's three 'yays' and one 'meh', but we'll see.
I agree that the Twilight shipping seems forced, because I can't even imagine them being compatible, but I could see him with others. I guess in all honesty I wouldn't care either way.
Should at least exchange cultures though if you know what I mean.
And assuming your character doesn't turn out to be a villain you are probably intending to heal him of his obviously damaged mental state. I suppose romance doesn't necessarily HAVE to be involved for that to happen, but considering how he is scorned by so many of his own people it would probably help to at least have friends with benefits.
I'll be honest - half the reason I started reading originally is I wanted to see how this ship would work. (I stay because the story's fun so far, but I'm still interested.)
As long as he's shipped with someone. Dude deserves some romance.
1655395
Your point intrigues me. Though rampant promiscuity is something both I, and as will soon find out, Phil abhors, he is nothing if not an intellectual, and after being burned extremely badly in the romance department before, I could make it part of his character to have been 'turned off' of intense romantic relationships. Perhaps I could work in some sort of 'agreement' with him, Twilight, and Celestia, once the anthro tag begins to mean something. Something involving a mutual pseudo-romantic/platonic feelings between them as well as a 'relieving' of sexual tension, while Twilight's heart truly belongs to her mentor, and all involved completely understand the delicate boundaries.
The possibilities......I must ponder this. TO THE PONDERTORIUM!!!
1659087
Interesting idea.
I guess if your character is going to be weird anyway, run with it and have him be fuck buddies with half the princesses of the land.
Though that would leave Luna the only single princess.
1659291
Forever aluna
Going to say this right here. Rainbow Dash is best pony.
I know it doesnt make half a lick of sense, but please, please for the love of God, include the Rainbow Dash Anthro Clop. I cannot tell you how longI have waited for good Rainbow Dash Anthro clop
This is Your creativity. Your choice. Please don't over think it. Don't try please everypony.
If You ask me:
Do whatever You feel right. Whatever Your hearth is telling You. This will give us better story!