INDEXViRUS @indexvirus - Tumblr Blog

I've been thinking about Jerick from Hoid's story in Wind and Truth and feeling some very specific emotions about him. Because he isn't really from Hoid's story, he's from Dragonsteel Prime. He's the main character of that book. He was originally going to be the main character in Brandon's core fantasy epic, but as he wrote different stories and plans changed he was set aside. Brandon said that when he goes back to write Dragonsteel it won't be about Jerick. He was relegated to "non-canon" status. Just a curiosity

But then in Wind and Truth when Hoid started telling a story about a lumberman from his home planet I got so emotional. Jerick finally got his story told. Maybe it's just the Edgedancer in me, but the fact that he's "officially canon" and that he wasn't forgotten and abandoned makes me so happy for him. And millennia after his death his story helped Dalinar make the most important decision in his life. A decision that impacts the future of the whole cosmere

Jerick made his way into Brandon's greatest fantasy epic after all

#i really liked dragonsteel prime #i hope brandon won't change it TOO much...

that-androgynous-lightweaver

words cannot express exactly how much that last sentence means to me

botanicaxu

A commissioned Wit profile pic!

sweet-as-writing

How to Write Rescue Scenes

In pretty much any genre, but especially in fantasy, sci-fi, and action stories, there are going to be scenes when one or several characters are trapped in a sticky situation. This can be solved in one of two ways: either the character(s) find a way out themselves, or someone else comes and rescues them. The former is a whole other issue to deal with, but I’m going to talk about tips on writing a good rescue scene!

Figure Out the Problem and Stakes

Of course, if you are creating a rescue scene, you need to figure out what exactly is happening. Who are the characters and what do they need to be rescued from? How urgent is this and what happens if the characters aren’t rescued? Who is the rescuer and what do they stand to gain from rescuing the characters? It’s important to map out these parts because you want to be planning the rescue along with your rescuer character. Then, you can see the logic and motivations, and write an effective scene that advances the plot, character development, and/or themes.

Why Can’t the Character Save Themselves?

This is the key question you should frame the rescue around. Is it a physical impairment (i.e. a character is tied up or broke their leg) or a mental impairment (i.e. not smart enough to escape or not willing to escape)? It’s important to answer this question first or you will risk creating a massive plot hole. It also can help shape the rescue mission itself (i.e a character is bleeding out and has limited time, or a character is unwilling to be rescued and is hostile to the rescuer).

What Are the Risks/Rewards of a Rescue?

This is delving deeper into the motivations of the rescuer. It’s crucial to address why the rescue is even being carried out, especially if it poses a great risk to a rescuer, or you might end up having a huge plot hole. For example, if you are sending a top general who is critical to a war effort out to save a couple of common soldiers, it could be questioned why the general would be put in harm’s way. This leads to the rewards question: what are the benefits of rescue? Remember, it doesn’t always have to be “it’s the right thing to do.” Maybe the victim knows a key piece of information, they are promising a large monetary prize for their rescue, or the rescuer needs to capture and interrogate the victim themself.

What Goes Wrong?

Here’s the classic question. Most rescues have some sort of plan, and most of the time that plan should go wrong. It’s not entertaining in most circumstances to have a plan be carried out perfectly: it ends up feeling repetitive in a lot of instances. Pick what goes wrong and decide if that will ruin the rescue mission or if the rescuer can find a way to still complete their job. Usually, the more that goes wrong, the better, but make sure to keep it within reasonability. For example, if there is a simple hostage rescue and then the plan is ruined by a freak alien invasion, this would be unrealistic and disappointing for a reader.

Avoid Deus Ex Machina

Rescue scenes are a key area that can fall victim to Deus Ex Machina, which basically means that a problem is solved out of nowhere with a random new solution/character that’s usually overpowered. This ends up disappointing a reader and doesn’t create the good plot twist a lot of writers might initially think it does. The best way to avoid Deus Ex Machina is to plan out characters and create ways for a plan to go wrong, therefore avoiding the introduction of a new overpowered character who can rescue the victim out of nowhere.

Hope this helps and good luck writing!

humanfox030

This must have felt so good to be able to do.

humanfox030

Average Hoid thought process

plague-carrier

I think the best thing we got from Wind and Truth was Hoid being a disaster of a boyfriend - like how does he manage to be both clingy and withdrawn? That's what I call a natural talent.

indexvirus

That is called ✨️ disorganised attachment ✨️

#or fearful avoidant or something

p00lmaintenance

Hoidmaxxing. Drew him in his new outfit from those animated promos. Brotherwise and Dragonsteel please please hire me for an animated anything.

also chat I know there are people who repost my stuff on Pinterest and that’s fine and all but PLEASE JUST CREDIT ME. I’m also on instagram under @/pool.maintenance.art

cosmerelists

10 Things Hrathen & Lightsong Could Talk About

As requested by anon. :)

Well, to be fair, anon asked for a list in which these two interacted without making it the focus on of the entire list. Whoops.

This list contains major spoilers for Warbreaker and for Elantris!

1. The Color Red

Hrathen: Why are you staring at me? Lightsong: Oh, sorry! Your armor--it's just so striking. Lightsong: That red is fantastic. Lightsong: And that cape! You really pull it off. Hrathen: ...Thank you?

2. Guilt

Lightsong: ...And it is ALWAYS a child who offers their breath to me. Lightsong: It's freely given and all of that...but it is always horrible. Hrathen: I inadvertently threw a country into a prolonged and bloody civil war, bringing death to the citizens I had hoped to save. Hrathen: Their lives were...not freely given. Lightsong: ... Lightsong: You might win this one.

3. Assistants

Hrathen: Dilaf has his uses, but I know that I cannot trust him. Hrathen: He is a tool, nothing more. Lightsong: You should give him a nickname. Hrathen: ... Lightsong: I call my priest "Scoot" and I think it really sets the tone between us. Hrathen: I do not think I will take your advice.

4. Games

Lightsong: ...so yeah, that's a sport we like to play here. Lightsong: I probably described it badly, because I do not know the rules. Lightsong: I am REALLY good at it, though. Lightsong: What do you do for fun? Hrathen: I like to read. A good debate with a worthy opponent is enjoyable as well. Lightong: ... Hrathen: What? Lightsong: Sorry! I 100% expected you to say that you've never had fun. Hrathen: Yes, I do give off that impression.

5. Troubles in love

Hrathen [in a rare moment of vulnerability]: And in the end, although she was a heathen and my enemy, I actually...spent my own life to save her... Lightsong: I understand. Lightsong: There is a gorgeous, intelligent woman who is great to talk to and fun to be around who really, REALLY wants to sleep with me--which is a little awkward since I do not want that. Hrathen: ... Lightsong: Hey, my problems matter too! Hrathen: I died, though. Lightsong: Social awkwardness is real!

6. Death

Lightsong: Being serious, though, I do understand. Lightsong: I sacrificed my life too. Hrathen: ...You did? Lightsong: I did. Lightsong: I gave up my life to heal a man's tongue. Hrathen: [processing] Hrathen: [processing] Hrathen: [processing] Hrathen: Was it a sex thing, or...? Lightsong: No, but I can see how you got there!

7. Death (Part II)

Lightsong: My sacrifice was actually about saving my country, if I am being honest. Hrathen: Now THAT is an act with purpose and with intent. Hrathen: ... Hrathen: So, this man's tongue... It was vital to the country... ? Lightsong: Actually, very much so. And yet, there seems to be no way to say that without it seeming flippant. Lightsong: Luckily, "flippant" is where I like to live. Hrathen: ...You say that, but I am sensing hidden depths. Lightsong: Ugh.

8. Religion

Hrathen: The only true religion is Shu-Dereth. Lightsong: Okay, but I am literally here, though. A man who is called a god. Talking to you. Hrathen: You are NOT a god. Coming back to life and having some semblance of magic does NOT make you a god. Hrathen: Anyone can see at a glance that you would be a poor excuse for a deity. Lightsong: [eyes shining] Hrathen: ... Hrathen: Please do not look so pleased. Lightsong: I think I love you.