To Retcon or Not to Retcon · 6:34pm Jan 14th, 2013
Since Chapter Fourteen of Ascend was released several days ago, the reaction to the "crossbow scene" has proven just as controversial as I had thought. More so, actually. It appears that the general consensus was the scene wasn't very good. Either from a plotting standpoint or from an in-story perspective. While I still rather like it, there is definitely issues which drag the plot down. This is especially important given that Ascend is nearing its completion.
The reason I chose the crossbow over various alternatives that were "earth pony" was because I felt that none of those alternatives would provide enough humor or drama for the scene. Chapter Fourteen already was having a dullness problem and I didn't want to make the issue worse. Sadly, I didn't give those alternatives as much thought as I should have and instead went right to the more dramatic option.
Thankfully, the scene is of little importance to the overall story and so can be altered if necessary. AS a reader of many fanfics, I hate it when authors go back and change things because it forces me to reread chapters. Most of the time, the things the authors have changed don't impact the overall story. This means, in the long run, nothig really was changed and I wasted ten minutes rereading something that already knew the outcome to.
So, there are several options that can be taken.
1) Cut the "crossbow scene" and replace it with something less stupid.
2) Rewrite the whole chapter.
3) Leave the chapter as is and focus on finishing the story.
4) Rewrite the "crossbow scene".
5) Rewrite the entire High Court scenes, but leave the rest of the chapter alone.
6) Work on Cutie Mark Crusader Alicorn Hunters.
7) Completely implode the story by doing Twiluna somehow.
8) Stop writing this blog and hurry up and get to Geography class.
The choice is yours.
I vote three. And eight. Because class is necessaries.
Unless you already have a alternative in mind, I say #3. And maybe #6. Definitely #8.
I think number 8 is the most important.
Three. Let them haters hate, that scene was great. Also eight.
3&8
^^^ those IDC about crossbow.
I vote also three. The crossbow scene is in mine opinion fitting.
It might be alittle dramatic and a wierd way of conforming alicorns, it has a point.
One importent trait of alicorns is imortality (or something close to that) and the only way to check that is to harm them.
But to shot her with a crossbow and give her a mortal wound is a very advanced level of overeacting, but the intire kingdom is overreacting
Why would the court be any different?
3,6,8, and 9: Make the story implode by adding Twi/TF2 Sentry. Don't ask how. (Please don't do 9. That was my daily "retarded fanfic idea.")
"Write for your self and not for others, if you arn't happy with it others wont be" some of the best advice my ex gave me ^^ you shouldn't really worry :D
3.
Are people that up in arms about the crossbow scene?
3, 6 and 8.
8 7 6 and 3. Reasoning-RL is important, TwiLuna is awesome, sidestories are welcome, rewriting stuff is uncool. And I kill a hamster everytime some posted story gets rewritten.
As a fellow geographer, I say option eight! Unfortunately I can't make a serious comment because I'm several chapters behind on Ascend. When I saw "crossbow scene" I thought we were talking about Cry for Eternity. But my gut reaction is - this is your story, tell it how you want.
I'll take "Opening Lines of Shakespeare" for $800, Alex.
Three!
Also eight, education is always a good thing...
Most of the time...
...I dunno, I kinda thought that was the high-point of the chapter, myself. Sure, it was stupid to shoot the possibly-godly-powerful-alicorn, but they seemed well aware of the fact. And sure, she might freak out and go off on them, but I kind of picture ponies being less homicidal in their rage. Not that it makes it a good idea to antagonize them, but again, they seemed well aware of that.
I guess that, considering this is a test to weed out impostors, and possibly with a thought toward their own safety, it might have been better to shoot her in
the kneea limb or the shoulder or something. I imagine they'd feel pretty horrible if they exposed a fake by shooting them in the chest...But the test itself, the surprise-shooting, I thought that worked pretty well, and set up some funny bits.
Edit: So I guess I mean, 3, or maybe a very slight 4. And 8. And 6... Also, reading 7 made me laugh, and could be amusing, but I don't know if imploding the story is a good idea. I prefer exploding.
Go with 3. While it's nice to listen to advice, don't let it rule your story telling. Your story is your own, if someone dislikes it then they can go write their own.
Oh also go with 8. Spolers: the Earth is round... and make of mostly rocks. Oh and there are fake defined things called countries. Those line on the maps that show borders? Those don't really exist, I checked. No lines in the dirt or anything.
"I used to be Princess Celestia's prized student but then I took a crossbow bolt to the chest."
-Twilight Sparkle
Actually. What's wrong with chapter? I did not find it dull in any way.
I agree that crossbow adds drama and surprise, but it was fun to read all the time. Not just one scene.
And even without replacing Celestia it would have been fun.
But maybe I just take "boring" more easy and consider it fun.
368 and 9: prepare yourself for the canon cannon.
I'll take 3 for $200,Alex.
Definitely 8. As far as the rest, I'm ok with TwiLuna, and I thought the crossbow scene worked. What I want you to do above all is write the story the way you feel it should go, rather than bowing to outside pressure. I read a story in which the author tried to please everyone through multiple rewrites taking the story in different directions, and it ended up as a complete trainwreck. I really don't want that to happen to this story. So follow your instinct rather than the peanut gallery.
Take 3. I think the scene is funny.
Also: Who needs 8?
I'll take door #3. Seriously, I thought it worked fine, and it doesn't need changing.
Three and eight. I thought the crossbow scene was pretty funny.
Oh, and education.
Three. I liked the scene.
I liked the scene. You already declared ponies to be slightly prone to overreacting, so shooting somepony to test wether or not they exhibited a certain trait isn't too far off the map. Even if it is a somewhat bad idea to use normally lethal force against your possible new divine (co-)ruler.
So, three's the way to go from my point of view. 6 would also be fine. And 7 just hilarious.
Three. I thought that scene was hilarious and not out of place.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly liked the scene, so I vote three.
3 and 6, i actually liked the the "crossbow scene"
I say 3 and even though I'm pretty sure you were joking about seven I like TwiLuna so also 7.
Leave the scene in.
TwiLuna also sounds good
Option 9: Bacon.
It is the only logical choice!
I choose the blue pill
I'd say, 3 and 8 would work out best for you
WATER YOU THINKING!? NO TWILUNA SHIP!
I'd prefer to swim this sea by myself, thankyou.
Keep the scene. finish the story. write CC Alicorn Hunters. twiluna and other lesbo ships die in a fire at sea. I get my fifty miles of swimming. happy ending. the end.
I was kind of thinking 7, but leaving the story intact is ok with me I guess.
Door Number 3. It's your story, your vision. You write it according how you see fit. If people get butthurt over it then too bad for them, they can stop reading if it aches that much.
I'd say yes to #'s 3 and 6.
I liked the crossbow scene, and the sidestory's good so far.
I would also say yes to 8, but the class is probably already over. Unless of course your school is a new kind of evil.
7 Also amuses me.
im gonna go with 4 only because I want twilight to rip them a new hole for shooting her with a crossbow.
7 is also a good choice because otp
Seriously, go with 3. We can't unread it, and I didn't hate it even if I did find it an unusual method of testing. I know there was another story (but I forget which ) that Celestia had Twilight ran through with swords to prove her immortality, so this isn't the first time this has been done. Besides, anyone who hass read this far into your story will most likely be sticking it out to the end. I can hardly imagine you losing readers over it.
As for 8... that's your call, but since you probably paid for the class I do ever so hope you went.
Anyway... love your stories, love your wit, don't change a thing about them or yourself.
Choice 3 - I thought the scene was fine as is, personally.
And yes, choice 8 really needs to be somewhere in there, priority-wise
3 i think the chapter was fine
7 is otp soooo
Well early on I made the main six possibly (probably) immortal, but it doesn't get tested because there is "no good way to test that" tons of bad ways, but none good. Of course if for whatever reason you're required to test it, then you have to use a bad way.
Crossbow is pretty bad, but it could be worse.
Option 3. I liked it as it is. Don't futz with it, meng. :|
I am so sorry, xTSGx. I've fallen behind on reading Ascend and I still need to catch up.
AAAAAAAAAGH TOO MANY GOOD FICS TO READ!
717167
It's no big deal. I've had thirty updates to read for over three months so I know the feel.
717789
Currently I have 130 unread chapter updates on stories that I'm following.
The number is increasing faster than I can keep up!
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If not applicable, at least do this (3, but add in an Earth Pony workout before the crossbow).
Also, definitely 6 when you get the chance.
dashie.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw8049-twilight_please.png
But first and Foremost:
8.
Education is important, especially for your future, so go to class and earn a degree; plus, you might learn something you could use in future writtings.
3 is propably the most realistic solution...
But personally I think the whole court scenes are off somehow. I don't really know how to say it, but they feel 'OOC' compared to the rest of the plot since nothing goes wrong and blows up in Twilights face! In a way, thats a good thing. It keeps us readers guessing since we can't be sure of whats to come, but there is a big part in me that really enjoys characters getting pushed over the edge of sanity and totally losing it... and that part is awefully disappointed.