On the Subject of Cyndra, Lamia and Chrysalis (And added Trailer for the Upcoming Final Arcs) · 2:04am Nov 17th, 2014
It really makes me smile to read the comments on Princess Celestia: The Changeling Queen and especially see that so many readers not only are emotionally attached to my work, but take the time to respond and debate about it. So I'll try to explain exactly what was MY stance writing this arc and the rather intense debate that culminated in the final reconciliation between Chrysalis, Lamia and Cyndra.
This by no means is to say that any of you are wrong in your inference/stances. In fact, that was probably one of my side-goals and the main themes of this story. The fact that no action is purely right or wrong and each had has pros and cons, a theme that is repeatedly shown between the decisions of the individual characters. So please don't shove this blog post in anybody's face and say "TAKE THAT!" This is just what I thought when I was writing this arc. Please hold on to your own interpretations because some of them are well thought out.
Thing was, early on, Cyndra, was originally meant to be a one off character meant to provide more information to Alternia about her sister's possible motives. Lamia, was also meant to be a one off character that would explain why Chrysalis was motivated to attack Canterlot. These two characters would unfortunately, (I'll explain why unfortunately) begin to take a far more central role than I had planned. Nothing was particularly bad about Cyndra or Lamia, but their actions in both the reveal of the infiltration strategies and the reconciliation scene were as divisive between myself and my pre-reader/editors as they were with all you readers.
I initially saw Chrysalis as a hypocrite, who had good intentions, but were selfish and revenge driven to a great extent. I understood this and I wanted people to understand this as well. However, I also wanted to highlight that these actions would ultimately backfire and cause problems. Anyhow, Cyndra's reveal of the infiltration strategies was meant to provide info to Alternia about Chrysalis's possible motives. It would put her as a more sympathetic changeling that could actually work with Alternia. Little did I know (though I was warned) that this action would bring up a lot of problems in the future.
Now at the time, I actually wanted a full out war between Equestria and Chrysalis. The war was gradually to escalate, with Cyndra being kept at Alternia's side until she met Lamia and they had a intense battle between them. That never happened once I realized that full out war between changelings and ponies would basically make it impossible to reconcile both sides.
My resort to abandoning the 'war' plot was to go ahead and initiate the current 'peace conference' plotline. It worked. It brought the story to a far more Slice of Life genre, but I liked the character interaction that it generated.
Problem was, Cyndra's mere existence created a problematic loose end that had to be tied up before I could progress anywhere further with the story. I had already dragged it out for a while, I needed to get moving. Hence, cue the assassination plot which inevitably forced Cyndra's reveal to Chrysalis. I HAD intended for Chrysalis to forgive Cyndra right then and there in Chapter 18 after the assassination attempt, because Cyndra had come to the rescue of her mother. But then I realized... I would really have forced the issue. Chrysalis, would NOT be happy that these infiltration strategies were given out. Lamia only put up with it because her mother was in danger and her closer relationship with her sister gave Cyndra more leeway. Chrysalis would not. Given Cyndra, partially out of her own agency had given up what essentially counts as a military secret, despite being exiled, she really had no right to do so given the exile was made partially out of leniency. To a great extent, Cyndra owed Chrysalis her life for relaxing the changeling law's grip or else she'd be dead. Therefore keeping tight to hive secrets was in my mind, reasonable.
Of course, back then, I still saw Cyndra's actions as reasonable given the circumstances and I initially thought Lamia would immediately forgive Cyndra and (as the initial plan was) would side with Cyndra against her own mother leading to problems for Alternia... That plot was scrapped as my pre-reader Zervziel gradually convinced me that while it may be so... Cyndra honestly shouldn't have given up the secrets at any cost. It was true that Cyndra couldn't trust her mother, but that betrayal of trust was in my mind, a good reason why Chrysalis's trust in Cyndra was hurt. Chrysalis exiled her daughter, to save her life, trusting she wouldn't give anything up, so I thought it was reasonable in that respect. Cyndra's position is also understandable. She was under pressure, not sure of what to do, but also knowing that what she said could either help or harm her hive. She returned to Celestia for this reason, which is something that Lamia and even Chrysalis can see was a good idea.
The problem is with the infiltration secrets. Which is where Lamia's argument to Cyndra comes in. Some people have said that Lamia is being selfish and too focused on the changeling aspect of things. I suppose they are right to an extent. Chrysalis was the one who in my opinion, messed up everything. Cyndra's solution of telling the secrets though... even I have to admit that though I initially thought it was reasonable... my opinion quickly changed as I realized it was a mistake in and of it itself. We know Alternia would never use the secrets in any other irresponsible way, but Cyndra, Lamia and Chrysalis woulnd't have known that. Therefore, Cyndra trusting Celestia... the technical enemy of the changelings, with something that could easily allow Equestria to starve out Chrysalis's already starving hive... even IF it was the solution to peace, Cyndra would be essentially surrendering the sovereignty and self-decision of her own hive to Equestria by hanging a sword over their head. The problem with Cyndra's decision, as Lamia states, becomes even worse when one realizes that the secrets have honestly played very little in the whole peace process. Would Alternia still have sought peace even if Cyndra said nothing? We know that answer is yes and the changelings realize this in hindsight. Of course, it's hindsight evidence, and that has problems too.
Ultimately though, when crafting Lamia's dialogue... I mostly agreed with what she said because while I honestly felt rather sympathetic with Cyndra's position and knowing how she managed to open the door for peace, I also realized that her decisions COULD have major consequences. It is only due to the grace of Alternia/Celestia that nothing bad came of them. That being said, I intended Lamia to come across as angrier than usual, mainly to emphasize how great Cyndra's transgression had been and to show that even the normally calm changeling queen has limits.
Chrysalis is a whole other story. I like (as in the authorial sense) every action she has done and honestly would not retconn anything I have made her/written her to do. Personally, I understand her anger, pride, indecision, but also compassion and motherly love. She has many responsibilities, but also many emotions that run in her all at the same time. There's the pride of a queen, the responsibilities of a ruler, the love of a mother, but also the anger that comes with her children having been hurt/betrayed her. For all her inner debate and battles she fights in order to figure out the decisions she has to make, she makes for a highly controversial character who provokes understanding, but also frustration. For all intents and purposes, she treads a careful line between anti-hero and anti-villain... and at the same time defies many of those tropes. Let's put it this way, she is Chrysalis, and her character is Chrysalis. You can like what she does, you can get frustrated at what she does, but she will always be Chrysalis and while I may not personally like some of her decisions (like her not forgiving of Cyndra, her attack on Canterlot, vengeful nature, etc) I love her character and what I've done with her.
So with Lamia, Cyndra and Chrysalis finally reconciled and that arc finally wrapped up. Everything seems to be going well for Alternia. She's working towards peace with Chrysalis and has reconciled her niece with her mother. Maybe I'll be ending this story soon on a nice happy note.
...
Okay, I was pretty sure nobody fell for that. Let's put it this way. I'm a cruel person, at least to my characters. With this arc wrapped up, we are finally heading into the endgame of this story. From this point on there will be a gradual progression of events that escalate in drama and intensity. What will happen next? Well, for better or for worse, choices will have to be made by Alternia and she will have to pay the consequences.
Trailer For Final Arcs
(note, all of this dialogue is still in writing progress and liable to change):
Trailer music:
“You revealed the existence of every changeling in the world, for a personal vendetta?”
“Go ahead. My guardsponies won’t stop you," said Shining Armor.
"You murderer!"
"That's impossible!"
"Chrysalis… mother… I’m so sorry,” sobbed Alternia.
But she heard the scream.
It snapped her eyes open and spun her head around. Only for her to gape at the indescribable horror unfolding in front of her. It seized her spine and rattled it like a toy clapper. The wail of agony turned her stomach into a sick mush, yet it gripped her like a vice, paralyzing even her breath, transfixing her on the sight.
“What happened to our Princess?”
The only thing... Off putting, was that 'hidden' troll-face pic in your post.
)
Otherwise, awesome to know more about how this story is put together on your end. Nice blog post(and associated story of course
P.S.:Seriously that troll face...
2599859 Thanks. Do refresh your page. I added a trailer to the end of the blog post XD
2599863 Sweet
Only thing I have to say about this is:
threadbombing.com/data/media/2/THISGONBGUD.gif
So...is the real Celestia coming back?
Is this in response to Rokas' comment and the one it quotes?
That makes no sense whatsoever.
I mean how do you go from Alternia having peace with the changelings and know in hindsight that she still go after peace with or without the infiltration secrets. Which would mean that doesn't really matter and that infiltration secrets was pointless from the beginning. Ugh this is confusing to say the least. Why would Lamia be madder for something that really doesn't matter. Unless the changeling were planing war? See you ... Look what you're doing to my brain! I think you made it more complicated than it needs to be.
2599995
*shrug. Again, up to reader on how complicated they want to make the story out to be. Alternia would of course want peace with the changelings, but the infiltration secrets would obviously be a very good way to get them to do so, especially with Chrysalis's hive being so hostile. It does matter, what Lamia's mad at is the implications and other possible options that Cyndra had yet she took the one that was the most risky.
You can see why I'm glad I've completed this arc. Frankly I'm more interested in your reaction to the trailer XD
I have to admit, I've had times where the characters don't like the plot that I had planned and proceed to sew it into patterns that I never thought of when I was starting. Monster went fairly close to my plan, but Traveling Tutor just took off wherever the characters dragged it, and Letters is almost all free-form now.
2600051 Random for now.
But... you like happy endings... right? :c
Shiny, wat r u doin? Stahp
Isn't it wonderful when your background characters get more conversation than the main one?
Oh those." trailer lines" are such a tease! Taken out of context..... Well, this will certainly be exciting!
2600353 Actually it's also sortof incredibly annoying. That's why it's full steam ahead for Alternia right now. Forward the buffs, Eulalalalia and all of that :D
2599915 No comment
2599879 It will be. You might be crying by the end of it though.
2599918 Kind of. More like to all the comments on this subject and who take that stance. I think they'r reasons are remarkably thought out and to an extent I agree with them. I'm just explaining my original/my personal opinions on the matter.
2600175 I do, but sometimes you are required to kill your darlings.
2600089 Believe it or not, it sometimes happens. It varies between authorial styles. I tend to be very character driven :P.
2600203 Nooope.
2600353 Certainly will be. :D
2600405
Damn it, vren. Nuuuuuuuuu!
Let the endgame begin...
I like a lot how you made the relation between Cyndra, Lamia and Chrysalis and how you develop the characters. I agree with all your decisions so far and I love the story ^^
I'm afraid for your future plans, but also I can't wait to read it! ^___^
*sit in a corner rambling to himself*
"Please don't let Alternia die , Please don't let Alternia die...
Give her hell but don't kill her... You can take Celestia if you want."
(Yes , I am a sucker for happy endings , but I consider that the best kind is earned with blood , tears and suffering.)
That was an... informative ... post for sure. Interesting to see how every plot line came to be.
Oh and that trailer... Well , I guess that like every trailer , these lines are out of context and not even related in the actual chapters... if they are even in there at all. I saw trailers that use lines and scenes absent from the film itself so... Wait and see I guess ?
2601248 I have some good or bad news for you. Depends on how you take it. Every single one of those lines will be used or is being planned for use in the future chapters.
2600466 Thanks. I'll do my best..
2600407 Reminder Garand. I can be a terrible troll.
2600416 Indeed.
2601456
Don't make me get Cassia to use her puppy eyes on you.
If Alternia dies then so help me I'll send Crystalia and Crystal Shimmer on a path of reckoning to avenge her!
2601625
2601940
2601248
fishstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Star-Wars-emperor.png
What happens is unavoidable. You'll just have to waaaaait!
2602698
I know that. Also, to combat your statement, I sic Darth Vader and Luke upon your Emperor.
2602714 Fails to register as i saw that coming.
quickmeme.com/img/a1/a11ce1439d3838e95de6ff3464ce7536f3f7d13a6fa662945f7757e43a0ac4cc.jpg
As long as no dark, sad or tragedy tags are suddenly added I should be fine, troll face or no troll face.
2602698
2602698 Have you actually fully reviewed the plot outline yet?
2603439 Resend it to me if you would.
2602739
Damn. I execute Order 65.
I also send Clone Commander Hero, who is a Jedi, and his forces against you from beyond the Outer Rim, where they've been since disobeying Order 66 and building new cloning facilities, shipyards, and armies.
I know who the *REDACTED* is AND when *REDACTED* *REDACTED* *REDACTED*,
2603762 I play anti-BS field which intercepts fanon and destroys it.
2604132
Order 65 still in effect.
My fanon obliterates your BS field.
Are those meant to be real spoilers or a bit of a joke? Somehow I doubt Alternia would just conveniently drop her disguise so anyone could see it, and I have no idea what that dialogue is supposed to be about.
2604204 Lol.
It's not a joke. Seriously, and I am NOT being sarcastic. As people have said, these lines can be taken SOOOOO out of context.
2604298
Hmm... I did say this:
2605635 Good. If you did I'll be scared.
2605859
I don't why or how I could possibly know, since I'm not you. I could start speculating...
2601248
2601940
you have to remember that Alternia's crown is the super weak link in her disguise. all you have to do is knock it off and her magic goes from golden to green. At least, I think.
2604298
Yes, they can be, so I'm taking them with a grain of salt. however, there Is one I think I can predict.
"What happened to our Princess?"
Alternia drops her disguise and someone walks in that's not in the know.
OR
The real Celestia comes back at an inopportune moment and hilarity ensues.
Or
I could be completely wrong and your cleverness will outdo my wit. If I had any to begin with that is.
I refuse to believe that you would kill off Alternia, or if you do, the real Celestia will do it. To coverup her cover up.
2615137 You underestimate my resolve to tell a good story. I will do whatever it takes, even that if necessary.
2615269
Done, and sorry. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.
I put another one that doesn't violate our agreement.
2615280 Thank you.
But I'll be watching!
2615137
I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but I trust Vren55 to make the right choice. He always has.
2600416
I'MMA FIRIN' MAH LAZAH!
2615298
Lucky this wasn't one of those times I check my comment replies hours after the reply is sent. THAT would've ended badly.
In other news, I am releasing two NEW Super Ponybeat Albums soon. One for Nightmare Night, which is a bit late, and one for Christmas. What is MLP Christmas called, anyway?