Pre-script: Class Zero · 10:30am Dec 30th, 2017
Five years of practice has led to this.
A slight change of pace from my usual story actions. I want to talk a little about this story before it comes out on New Years Eve.
Class Zero is meant to be a culmination of everything I've learned since I started writing. It's both a passion project of immense design, and a test. It's a marker to see how ready I am to write professionally. Originally, it was going to be the last story I wrote before I bowed out of the fandom.
Will see how well that last part holds up.
The story is inspired by Final Fantasy, namely Type-0 in that, I used the concept of kingdoms at war with a class of powerful students at its center. Everything else after that was of mine and my editor's machinations.
The planning for the story started back in late 2014 and has undergone several changes to the overall plot, though many things have stayed relatively the same. Minuette was planned to be a main character even all the way back then.
I've gone all out with this story, building a completely new alternate universe from the ground up. I even drew a (crude) map of the Equus continent because there are many new and moved locations. I have, like, six different documents of outlines and timelines and other details to keep myself organized for this world. It's stressing and fun at the same time.
This has the biggest cast of stars I've ever had to juggle, with nothing short of fourteen main characters! Every pony you see up there contributes to the plot in a meaningful way. Plus, a whole host of side characters both familiar and new. I originally wanted nine students in class zero, but couldn't find a good ninth to round out their mixed personalities. In the end I saw that eight would be a good number anyway for what would happen later in the story.
I've had so much fun coming up with backstories and plans for characters I never thought I would use. Like Fleur and Blueblood. I never thought I would write Blueblood in a meaningful way when I first started. I love getting to write characters in different ways, so I'm really looking forward to writing more of Lyra in a personality that doesn't revolve around an obsession with humans.
Of course, I can't talk too much about the plot itself. The story description will give you a general gist of what's in store. But if you know JRPG's, you know sometimes, they're a little slow to start. There's a lot of world building and character building in the first few chapters, but everything builds to something.
There's so much I could say about this story, but I don't want to give anything away. I'll have a lot to say when it's done. But I think there's something in here for everyone, even if the tags don't show it. There's adventure abound! Fighting and diplomacy. Mystery and political intrigue. Romance and betrayal. Morals will be challenged, ideologies questioned, and ethics tested.
And through it all, friendships will be forged and strengthened.
Sit down, because class is about to start.
I know I said it was inspired by Final Fantasy, but this trailer was sooo good!
Can't wait!
I'm both worried and excited.
I am looking forward to what you have planned my friend
Huh, one of the few Final Fantasy games I know nothing about. So I'll be going into this with no pre-conceived expectations.
Still, looking forward to it.
Get hype!
I'm in the same boat as 4762433. Definitely looking forward to seeing what you do with the concept.
I'm excited about everything you just said except the "bowing out of the fandom" part. You're one of a select few writers whose updates I will drop literally everything to read.
Incidentally, you're as ready to go pro as I am, for what that's worth. If you've got something in mind to write that you can market either as a serial or through Kindle or somesuch, go for it. I...wish I could get any of my non-fanfiction projects to not suck.
Be sure to give us a link to where we can buy your oriignal fiction once you publish it!
4762465
I second this, I would love to be able to follow your work even after you depart from the fandom.
I'll be sad to see you leave the fandom! You're by far my favorite author on this site.
4762465
I would also like to read whatever you write professionally. I'm really excited to see what you come up with!
Looks interesting.
Great intro. I'll be looking forward to seeing this story start and just how different it is. Congrats!
[insert obligatory stuff here]
It sounds super sweet, though. I'm pretty excited, and I'm already excited for more Ice Iris
Yeah, if you quit the fandom, no more writing Sunset Shimmer
But for reals
SO MUCH HYYYYYPE
I, I don't even know what to make of all this. I... I just...
...
You know what? It's doesn't matter what I make of all this! All that matters is what it means for you.
This might be your quest, Albi, but I'll be reading right along with you every step of the way. All the way to the end of the world and back again if that's what it takes!
So many Unicorns!
Looking forward to this.
--Spade
I'm excited for this! But I don't know about the "leaving fandom" bit. I can't imagine this site without The Albinocorn.
I'm so excited
4762499
Quadruple for me. And if I make it into pro writing, too, I'll be sure to give you my stats and links, too. Let's put our best into MLP and original stuff together!