'Grogar: A Hearth's Warming Horror Story' Notes · 2:34am Dec 27th, 2015
Boy, haven't done one of these in a while, have I?
-The origins of the story should be fairly obvious; I was inspired by the recent film 'Krampus,' a delightfully demented film that reminded me of mean-spirited classics like 'Gremlins' and 'Poltergeist.' I absolutely adored the movie from the spectacular opening montage to the wonderfully cruel conclusion. Before I even saw the film, one of the trailers gave me a dream; the CMC being menaced by the horned beast.
I've always found a distinct pleasure in redoing classic MLP villains and Grogar was a perfect Equestrian analogue to the Krampus. I adored writing this story and I was visibly shaking by the time I finished the final sentences.
-I originally considered using the proper spelling of Apple Bloom's name, but I just can't bring myself to do it.
-I freely admit that I am firmly on the MarbleMac ship. I maintain that Fluttershy and Macintosh belong together in the Continuity, but those two are just way too cute together.
-Scootaloo's family Hearth's Warming tradition is an homage to one of my favorite underrated Rankin/Bass Christmas specials; 'Jack Frost.'
-I'm really proud of the dialogue between the little ponies in the first chapter, particularly between Scootaloo and Silver Spoon (with Sweetie Belle and Button Mash's little chime ins.)
-Originally, I wrote an enormous and in-depth backstory for Grogar that Granny was supposed to lay out in the first chapter. I ultimately found it unnecessary and went with the simplified scary story version.
-Not sure if it comes across, but Silver Spoon is having an absolute breakdown because she can't handle the idea of Santa Hooves being a lie.
-God, I love the end of Chapter 1. The slow build as Silver Spoon's rage reaches its crescendo, the storm continues to build... you can practically hear the sound of Grogar as he flies towards the house.
-Back when the story was much darker, the chain that snatches Silver Spoon hooked her in the eye, piercing right through her glasses.
-Longtime Followers will start to see 'Grogar's big secret in Chapter 2; the story is a bigger, more expansive take on the original 'Slender.' Here's the full list of allusions and nods;
1. Applejack alone with a lantern.
2. Granny Smith knowing about the monster and telling of her own personal experiences with it.
3. Granny Smith being taken by said monster.
4. The chains in place of the Slender One's tentacles.
5. Applejack losing her life while trying to save Applebloom.
6. The victims losing their eyes.
7. The victims being held in a black void of despair.
8. The ruining of Ponyville.
-I saw some criticism of Scootaloo trying to run away. Folks need to remember that filly's past experiences with the stuff of nightmares...
-The image of Scootaloo's taking is one of my favorites (and an allusion to the 80s remake of 'the Blob.')
-Dream Valley and Paradise Estate are clear references to G1 MLP.
-Sweetie Belle and Button Mash's little scene is another of my favorites. I adore those two.
-The Applebloom/Diamond Tiara conversation is my critique of the actual show, since I think it would really help things if the CMC actually, y'know, hung out with other ponies.
-In the story's original draft, Rarity showed up just after Silver Spoon's taking to give everypony new sweaters. She accompanies Applejack up the stairs to save Marble, she's the one who falls asleep singing, and she's the one who twists her ankle and is taken in the snow. Ultimately I decided her presence was unnecessary and gave her death to Marble.
-Marble actually survived the original draft. She became lost in the snow and passed out in the cold. After Grogar's defeat, Applebloom and Diamond Tiara find her being nursed back to health by Sweetie Belle and Button Mash in the CMC's Clubhouse.
-Marble's death is actually the only thing taken wholesale from the 'Krampus' film; when the sister sees Krampus for the first time. Love that shot.
-Sweetie Belle, being my favorite MLP character, gets her Big Damn Hero moment in my legit favorite moment of the story.
-The imagery of Applejack and the other grown-ups regressing into foal-hood when they're taken was a late addition to the story, but is also easily the most chilling.
-Grogar's defeat is where, if this were a movie, an epic orchestral take on the Hearth's Warming Carol would be blaring in the background.
-Originally, the story ended proper with Applebloom taking the bell as a reminder. Fast forward fifty years, and Applebloom is chiding her own grand-children to behave before Grogar hears them. As if on cue, the bell starts to ring.
A huge THUD comes from the roof...
-The reconciliation of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon was another late in the game addition. An excellent scene, but a late addition nonetheless.
-The ending itself is actually my tribute to one of my favorite film endings; 'Kingdom of the Spiders.' The survivors break down the boards of their shelter and peer outside to look for help... only to find that the entire town of Verde Valley has been cocooned in an enormous spider web.
-Aw, Applebloom and Diamond Tiara are IBFFs; Insane Best Friends Forever. YAY!
So, I loved the story as a whole, but are you saying you never read up on the actual Krampus mythologies at all? You just got your idea from the movie?
http://www.krampus.com/who-is-krampus.php
3645160 Not saying that at all. I've been well aware of Krampus for years now. It was just the movie itself that led to the story's genesis.
Ah, wasn't sure. Good stuff either way.
I liked the story very much.