A Couple of Questions... · 4:50pm May 22nd, 2015
The completion of "Sombra the Highly Unmotivated" marks the third long story I've finished for this site. Usually, I have a good idea of what I'd like to do next, but at the moment, I'm debating on what to work on. So that means I'll be pitching a few ideas to you. The second question is whether or not a type of continuation for "Unmotivated" sometime down the line would be of any interest.
Since it still should be fresh on your minds, let's start with "Sombra the Highly Unmotivated". I'm not guaranteeing anything by posting this, I'm merely testing the waters for interest. With that said, some questions come to mind:
1. Should there be more? Or did the ending satisfy/dissatisfy enough to be left alone and remain untouched?
2. Where would the story take place? An origin story involving the first seven months of Sombra's and Steve's relationship before Twilight showed up? A futuristic story involving Sombra and new friend Greg? Or a continuation after the ending of the original story, where Twilight, Discord, and friends now exist on Earth alongside Steve?
3. And I think most importantly, what type of story should it be? A slice of life story like the first five chapters of "Unmotivated"? Or another adventure tale either set on Earth or somewhere else?
Second query: Do any of these multi-chapter stories sound like they might be worth exploring?
1. The Time Before The Fall: romance/adventure/light-comedy/moments of dark or gore. (AU? I'm not sure.)
Years before her own turn to darkness, Princess Luna explores the recently discovered Crystal Empire and falls in love with its heroic leader, King Sombra. A week long visit turns into three months and Luna is dragged back to Canterlot to continue her rule. A short time later, word from the Empire comes to a halt and the King seals all outsiders out. Luna and Celestia intervene to see what has happened, only to find a monster King that Luna barely recognizes anymore. Without many options, the Princesses do away with the tyrant and a thousand years goes by. Luna is back with her sister and everything seems all right on the surface, but Luna can't help but remember the Sombra she fell in love with, not the monster she helped destroy.
After another short visit to the Crystal Empire, Luna returns with the one thing she's been looking for: a piece of Sombra's horn. Using an ancient ritual, she brings the King back and keeps his weakened form in secret in her wing of the castle. The Sombra Luna brings back is the one she remembers from their time together, but something seems hidden underneath. A dark entity begging to be released once more.
tl;dr - Sombra/Luna ship. Adventures around Equestria. Dark around the edges.
2. Escape From Tartarus: (I'll try to think of something better 
.) dark comedy/slice of life/adventure/random/alternate universe.
All of Equestria's villains have never been befriended and all reside in a maximum security jail overseen by the mane six--Celestia and Luna, too. Two rival gangs are always at war and an elaborate plot to escape soon comes to light.
Absurdest comedy, I'm sure.
3. The Envious Type: dark/adventure/tragedy/gore/alternate universe.
After being attacked by a bruised and beaten copy of herself, Twilight and Applejack find that three of her friends have been sent to another Equestria, leaving hollowed-out copies of themselves in their stead. Desperate to get their friends back and with little option, they take the alt-Pinkie Pie with them and enter a much darker Equestria than their own.
I've had this idea floating around for some time, but haven't gotten around to it due to its possible size. It would be a very long story told from multiple view points and would probably be my first M-rated story. I wouldn't hold much back. Things would get pretty dark and intense once we got going.
I realize the description is vague and sounds like it's been done before, but going into more detail would start giving things away. Imagine a worse Equestria than the one in "Unmotivated." Yep. 
I'm more than likely going to write a few one-shots next just to not feel so attached to something, but I'd more than welcome any comments on more "Unmotived" or potential future stories. No response is fine, too. That just means I'll keep on doing whatever I want. 
Thanks for reading.
I've already told you that I think I'd like to see the other ending you had in mind for that story, but otherwise I don't really think there's any space for a sequel in there. There isn't really anywhere left to go with it - in the good way, I mean. The whole thing is very complete and self-contained; anything new would have to be forced in, and you'd probably be able to see the cracks around the edges.
I liked the ending. It was great and had a nice epilogue. For Sombra The Highly Unmotivated, I wouldn't mind reading a continuation of Steve and Sombra while Twilight and the others are getting used to Earth but I feel probably wouldn't be as funny as the first one. Since Steve wrote a book, how about continuations be of excerpts from newspapers and reports of people and ponies adjusting to each other? Like a scrapbook.
But for me, I just would like to read more but I could always re-read. Still, excellent stuff, really.
You have my vote for The Envious Type.
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3088284 That might be the answer I receive. "You could do more... but you probably shouldn't." Thank you for letting me know.
3088320 I'm glad the ending worked for you. A continuation or side story would be difficult, and I wouldn't want to drag the original story down. (There are too many big stories already on this site that have poor sequels attached to them.) Still, just a thought, and thanks for letting me know what new story sounds interesting!
These two sound awesome.
I'd like to see a spin-off for Highly-unmotivated following Twilight and Discords relationship and showing what was alluded at when Twily goes to the original Equestria, maybe some cameos with Steve and Sombra but nothing substantial that story ended perfectly no need to mess with it.
As for the ideas, Before the Fall has my vote, I can imagine the empathy Luna will have towards Sombra considering she was once Nightmare Moon.
The ending I feel was fine. Beautiful even.
If you were to revisit it, then just some short story chapters of the first seven months would be what I'd like to see.
I think it's kinda nitpicky but from waht I've been reading...
1)There are no Crystal ponies/we don't know what happened to them
2)Only those ponies and Crystal Empire survived ((where the heck are all the other species))
3)I don't understand how Twilight visited original Equestria and didn't cause some sort of inbalance... What happened when she went in anyway? I mean did she pop into the body of her copy or did she have one of her own?
Other than that the ending was really fine.
No... It would be waaaaay too short.
Why not both? i mean I'd love to see Greg and all at his begginings and Sombra getting to know the little guy... Getting to know how Steve met his wife, how they had children and lived happy in this weird world.
Again why not both? I mean you did kinda mix those two in this fic... and look where it got you! We had good times!
You'd have to explore Sombra's personality change during those months... maybe combine it with Luna's feeling of her night being ignored?
I am sorry I don't follow... tell me again what this story entails?
Kinda sounds interesting... Dunno though.
I thought you tied up all the Unmotivated loose ends rather nicely, so I don't see a need for prequels or sequels about Sombro (he clearly never really changes). I would find a story about Bob and his now wife, and the no doubt crazy antics they go through, interesting and funny.
As for other suggestions, I'll take comedy over dark anyday! So, the prison one.
As for the Unmotivated, there's something there. The adventures of Steve, an everyday kind of schlub, being the pony/human ambassador with Sombra at his side seems like a premise you could squeeze ideas and shenanigans out of. Ultimately though, I'm, personally, not clamoring for more.
One doesn't do much for me honestly.
Two sounds kind of neat.
But three had a hook the peaked my interest.
Actually do a unmotivated story with a different character and a different Steve. Imagine a haughty Nightmare Moon kicked out of a Icebox at a surprised Tina! Or a Chrysalis out of a Roach Motel at a surprised George!
Escape from Tartarus sounds awesome, but rather than being supervised by Celestia and Luna... if none of the villains were ever befriended this means Luna is still Nightmare Moon. I could see a lot of fun from the fact that she put most of those guys there and now she's in the joint herself.
Also, don't include Sunset Shimmer. As a villain, she was total weaksauce. Either she didn't happen or she's the one exception to the "we don't befriend the villains" or she went to regular jail because she's not powerful enough to be sent to Tartarus. (Actually, I feel this way about all the minor "villains" -- Trixie and Gilda and Flim Flam bros and all them do not need to be in Tartarus, none of them were powerful enough to justify it and only Trixie was bad enough to deserve it.)
I actually have wanted to do something like this myself, but only because no one else has written it.
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3088535 Very interesting opinions, thus far, and a little surprising. In a good way, though.
Unmotivated:
Yes: 1 along with interest in a prequel or spin off (Twilight/Discord).
No: 3.
Before the Fall: 2.5 (.5 counting as a slight interest.)
)
Escape from Tartarus: 3.5
The Envious Type: 4.5 (very surprising.
Thanks again for commenting!
3088888 True. Nightmare Moon would need to be included. I'd never use Sunset Shimmer because I really don't know anything about her and don't find her all too interesting. Also, ancient villains are always more fun. Which one would consider themselves top dog? (Sombra vs. Chrysalis, I think.) Who would sit on the sidelines and laugh, whispering in ears? (Discord.) Who'd busy themselves with the 1000 piece puzzle and wish everyone else would just shut up already? (Nightmare Moon.)
3089074 You still didn't explain what the second fic actually is. There's something about that description that I don't understand.
3089091 Sorry about that. It would be an alternate universe story where Equestria's biggest villains have been contained in a maximum security prison, run by Twilight and her friends. Discord was never befriended, neither was Nightmare Moon. Would contain fights, insults, and an elaborate plan to escape from the depths of Tartarus and take over Equestria. Or something close to that.
3089107 I thought you had said that the villains befriended each other.
3089110 No, I think all the inmates would hate each other quite passionately... until they'd decide to escape, that is.
3089134 Right sorry misconceptions. Say now that I got the chance... have you read any of my fics?
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That sounds like it would be pretty hilarious if played as a black comedy, but I think your other Sombra story is rather too close to that conceptually already. It'd end up being a bit of a rehash, I'm afraid.
I'm definitely putting all my votes into Before the Fall, 'cause it's something I can see working, and that piques my interest.
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1. I vote for more.
2.I like the idea of it continuing with Sombra and Greg or a story about how Twilight, Discord, and friends/ponies/changelings/deer/Griffons/Minotaurs/Dragons/Zebras etc. how is adapting to living on Earth. Or maybe you could make spin-off story in the same universe with a cast of creatures of Equestria and how they're living a normal life one Earth like having normal job like running a book store or a case register. The idea was inspired by this:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2015/1/21/811268__safe_oc_oc+only_changeling_fanfic+art_smoking_cigarette_newspaper_lollipop_artist-colon-mickeymonster.png
3.I don't mind a slice of life story or a adventure story but I do like it to be on Earth.
And as for the stories I vote for Escape From Tartarus and that story's idea remind of these pics:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2015/5/15/896620__safe_queen+chrysalis_discord_idw_king+sombra_changeling_lord+tirek_parasprite_cover_antagonist.png
derpicdn.net/img/view/2015/5/22/901985__safe_twilight+sparkle_rainbow+dash_pinkie+pie_fluttershy_rarity_applejack_queen+chrysalis_nightmare+moon_king+sombra.jpeg
And it might have other villains in it like
Grogar:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/12/13/783772__safe_g1+to+g4_pillow_artist-colon-tarajenkins_grogar_artist-colon-peachiekeenie_pillow+support.png
Bray:
41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfwehSOWK1ru5991o3_1280.jpg
And here a question I like to ask you what do you calls the universe of the Sombra The Highly Unmotivated's universe?
3089817 Thank you for your answers. At the moment, it's hard to say what I'll be working on next. As for the universe around "Sombra the Highly Unmotivated", I'd simply refer to it as the "Unmotivated" universe, as that's what I've been shortening it down to recently.
3089326 Thank you for saying so! It's a front runner at the moment for me, mainly because I have a better understanding of how it starts and what type of tone it would have. We'll see what happens!
Alright, a bit late on commenting on this, but I felt like I had to when I saw it.
First of all, no. "Sombra The Highly Unmotivated" ended perfectly, and you should keep it as such. I feel like ANY other sequels or spin-offs would just be white noise. You had a really awesome idea, but even awesome ideas can get watered down if you add too much to the mix. Great ending, and it should stay that way.
Second:
This.....sounds a LOT more serious than I envisioned you would do it. Knowing your work so far in regards to Sombra, I imagined a story that was more dark comedy and sometimes over the top humor than anything else, but this....
I can't believe I'm saying this, but.......I'm not so sure now.
This, on the other hand, sounds more my speed, especially considering your sense of humor. I can almost picture it now, with all of the villains interacting and "scheming".
P.S. If you do choose to do this one, then Shawshank Redemption references are a must. No exceptions.
This one I feel like I really can't endorse, mainly because I can't stand tragedy stories. I mean damn, that tag (when used properly) is a spoiler in and of itself, basically saying "Something really depressing is gonna happen". I prefer to take my ponies as anti-depressants, not the other way around (although that doesn't mean I won't occasionally make exceptions).
So yeah, I'm gonna give my vote to "Escape From Tartarus" (Believe me, after all the hounding I did for the Sombra/Luna story, this is just as much a surprise to me as you
).
But again, these are all just me. I don't know if you have already made your decision or not, but take my opinions for what you will. I'll respect your decision either way. If you want someone to talk to or throw ideas around, feel free to ask.
-The Liberator
3103873 Thanks for adding your opinion... as surprising as it is.
I didn't mean to make "Before the Fall" seem so dark, but I can't really call it a comedy, either. More of an action/adventure/romance with bits of awkward humor and (most likely in later chapters) very short bits of dark/gore. Having already done two goofy Sombra comedies, I feel the need to try something different.
At the moment, I'm planning on launching "Before the Fall" and "The Envious Type" around the same time and going back and forth between the pair. I know that ruins your choice of "Tartarus", but I have more of an idea of where those other two stories are going.
And after seeing the response, "Unmotivated" will most likely be left alone. The most thought I gave to it was a short bunch of chapters detailing the first seven months of Steve's and Sombra's relationship, but considering a lot of people don't want to see the original soured, I'll leave it be. (Unless someone gives me some money or something... then I'll water the hell out of it for six season and a made for TV movie.
) No? No one?
I think the only way I'd satisfy your Sombra/Luna hunger is by writing another "Regarding" bonus chapter called, "Regarding That Time When I Chose Luna Over Twilight And All The Readers Went Yes!" The chapter in question would look like this:
Luna: You can totally have me right here in this field, Sombra, and this dialogue totally fits my character.
Sombra: Sweet.
And then they made sweet, sweet love in a blueberry bush, making their love that much sweeter. Fin.
Well, no hard feelings. If you find the time, give the new story a chance. I'd still consider "Unmotivated" darker than anything planned.
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What can I say? I am a Follower of Chaos, after all. Our Lord encourages us to be as unpredictable as possible in all of our dealings. Except on every other Tuesday when we wear top hats go spelunking into active volcanoes.
But don't get me wrong, I will still read your Lunbra story in a heartbeat. Maybe I spoke too soon, as I don't know too much about it yet. Sorry for jumping to conclusions. But by your style, I trust it will still be awesome. And yes, I will still squeal like a schoolgirl. (Is it bad that bit about "Regarding" and the blueberry bush got me a little excited?...)
And as for "The Envious Type", well....
Ah, what the hell. I'll give it a chance and a read. If for nothing else, because you yourself are a talented author, and great writing skills make any story worthwhile.
Looking forward to any and all work in the future!
-The Liberator