Ok so I recently took part in a creative writing workshop where I shared Chapter 7 of Agent Ace as my piece to be critiqued. And I got a ton of great feedback from all sides, from parts people loved to thoughts to consider. But then something totally unexpected happened (for me, anyway).
We had submitted our works and read them over prior to the workshop, taking notes and leaving comments and whatnot. And y'all. Y'all.
One of the other writers made me a MOODBOARD. Based off of a single chapter. And it's so good?! Like it matches the essence of Agent Ace perfectly. I've never made a moodboard for a story before, nor have I ever had someone else take it upon themselves to make literal art inspired by my work so to say I'm excited is a massive understatement. In fact I am THRILLED!
I got the writer's permission to share it online with y'all. And to you, fellow writer friend, I have no idea if you're on Tumblr but if you're here and you recognize this from our workshop please DM and I'll give you proper credit! Thank you again, thank you so much!! 💙
💙 Moodboard - Agent Ace 💙
“ I lost the fight for my brain, it's back and forth everyday
Eyes rolling back, can't escape, it's like I'm barely awake
Guess I'll just smile and wave to fake you out like I'm sane
Flush my thoughts right down the drain, they're coming back like the rain ”
“ I'm just a passenger tonight, overthrown by a parasite
Take caution, please leave me alone
Hands off the wheel, I'm not coming home
Hands off the wheel, I'm not coming home ”
— Passenger, Bailey Spinn
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It took me about two months and practically all night to complete, but the first addition to the Harmont Heroes bonus content is live! If you missed this beautiful city map of Harmont, do check it out and let me know what you think!
Now the question is, what comes next??
What would you like to see next?
Comprehensive character info files
Character playlists
A guide to what it takes to be a Guardian
A guide to the hierarchy within the Watch
Side story one-shots (this could become its own poll so lmk your ideas!)
Commission more character art (make a wallet sacrifice...)
So, you want to be a Guardian? You've come to the right place! Welcome to Ella's guide to the Harmont Guard!
If there's one thing you know about Agent Ace, or the Harmont Heroes series as a whole, it's that the Guard is the city's biggest line of defense. A Guardian must devote themselves wholly to civil security and be ready to put down their own life in order to protect another. Are you up to the challenge?
Well, even if you aren't, stick around! Let's take a leap and learn what it means to be a Guardian—but beware of spoilers!
Rise From the Rubble
The law exists to keep the people safe, but only until the law decides the people are not worth saving.
In years long past—but still within living memory—plague struck down the nation like a warlord's gauntlet, sparking conflict between civilians and enforcers of law. Deadly curfews lead to violent resistance lead to hatred and destruction, ending finally in apathy. The enforcers chose to abandon the people they swore to protect, and tore everything they had to the ground, until nothing was left.
Citizens lived in hopeless anarchy, choked by sickness and poverty, until, somewhere in the scorched remains of city once known as Harmont, one humble soul decided it was time to make things right.
This individual rallied others under their cause, healing the broken, cleansing despair, and bringing back the solace that was thought to be lost. And once Harmont was reunited as one, they gave their life to build the city back up to what it once was—to what it was meant to be. A place of harmony.
As this once-ruined city came to life before their very eyes, the people of Harmont hailed their hero as an Angel. Today, we know them as the Architect.
As for their most reverent followers? They became the first generation of Guardians.*
Thanks to the Architect's efforts and sacrifice, Harmont became the sovereign state of the nation. The Guardians designed a code of morality to uphold in this newborn era, and took on the responsibility of raising more heroes to bring others salvation. Today, ordinary folk of all makes and backgrounds commit to being Guardians. While many dedicate themselves to the continued fortification of Harmont, the strongest of them set off to the forefront of the new-age War, once again fighting to bring order and harmony to the world.
*During the events of Agent Ace, we have entered the fifth generation of Guardians.
The Guardian's Moral Code
The following oath is pledged by incoming Guardians and acknowledged by the Watch:
Guardians may only initiate drastic action against an opposing party under the jurisdiction of the Watch.
Agents of the Watch must be shadowed by a scout in the likely event that a mission may put them at risk.
Training and clearance by a superior is required before an agent or Guardian can register a new weapon under their name.
Any agent or Guardian must undergo a mental evaluation by a doctor and give a demonstration of skill under the supervision of a superior before they can be certified to carry firearms in the field.
Use of weapons in the field should be reserved for high-risk missions and ceremonial events, and individual use of such weapons is highly monitored by the Watch.
For reasons of protection and accountability, an agent and a Guardian must both be present during private audiences, including interrogations, council hearings, and matters of court.
Use of a Guardian's alias in the public eye must be enforced and respected, except posthumously, under individual discretion.
A Guardian is never exempt from the rulings of the Conventions of War.
ADDITIONAL OATHS
"Stay vigilant and prevail": A combination of the less-common phrases 'the Watch is vigilant' and 'the Guard prevails.' Usually said as a gesture of good luck.
"I swear it on my name": An informal oath within the Guard, to swear on your name means that, should you be incorrect or acting on deceit, you forfeit your title as a Guardian. While an individual cannot be stripped of their position on the basis of this oath alone, an alias is given with honor and pride, and many Guardians take these words seriously.
Now you know the history, and you understand the code. You've learned what it means to be a Guardian. Are you still with me?
Good! Now it's time to learn what it takes to be a Guardian...
PART 2 COMING SOON!!
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Ever read Agent Ace and wonder where Sophia and Harley are relative to one another at any given time? So did I, and that's why I made this handy-dandy map of Harmont!
There are a lot of locations in Agent Ace, and our characters don't stay in one place for long. While you don't necessarily need to read the map to follow along in the story, if you're a visual learner like me, who sometimes has trouble keeping track of locations without a point of reference, then hopefully you can get as much use and enjoyment out of this map that I do!
Obligatory disclaimer that I am not a professional map maker. I drew heavy inspiration from maps of real cities I'm familiar with, and distances, borders, etc. are not drawn to scale. Names of locations are also subject to change at any time, as I am incredibly critical and indecisive of my choices in such matters.
The map itself is made to be relatively simple so you can easily find each location. The line connecting multiple neighborhoods shows the trajectory of the light rail, and the red arrows represent island ferries. Districts are coordinated by color, and there are brief descriptions for each neighborhood below the cut. Bear in mind that some of these descriptions may contain spoilers for Agent Ace, so read at your own risk!
MAKER'S DISTRICT
Champion: Equinox
Area Commanders: Firelily, Umbra
Council Delegate: Orya Stockdale
ATWOOD
Cozy and retro; home to a number of restaurants, boutiques, and parks. Housing prices are especially high.
BARLOW
Barlow is best known for being the location of the main training complex for new recruits of the Guard, adapted from a long-dead shopping mall. A quiet neighborhood that is much more affordable to live in, at the cost of a higher crime rate.
BENNIC
The biggest commerical neighborhood in the Maker's District, home to an upbeat and close-knit community.
DARKSBURY
Over the years, Darksbury has built up an unfortunate reputation as an undesirable place to live. With a gritty environment and difficult living costs, this neighborhood seems to attract trouble.
ORSTON
Landem's biggest features include an abundance of unconventional art installations and a weekend market flaunting local arts and crafts and vintage wares. Most of the restaurants here are fine dining, yet the housing is surprisingly affordable. Also the location of the city's annual Architect's Festival.
TALAKE
A relaxed lakeside neighborhood with lots of green space; perfect for picnics, casual athletics, and aquatic activities.
HUB DISTRICT
Champion: Talon
Area Commanders: Dove, Jet
Council Delegate: Cressida Manalis
ARKLEY
A quiet suburb with a sleepy village-vibe, Arkley boasts plenty of wildlife trails and a stunning view of the bay that shares its name. Beautiful but pricey.
BLUMOORE
A vibrant neighborhood that appeals to both the serene and the wild side. The ritzy north end hosts cafes, bookstores, a celebrated florist shop, and old historic mansions that have been standing since before the Guardian era. On the other hand, the dynamic south end is much more lively when the sun goes down; bars and dance clubs are popular venues for block parties and live music.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Dorian's Garden (Florist, North End)
-The Vibe (Night Club, South End)
CONCORD
A small, robust neighborhood that's home to a variety of cultural eateries and coffee houses, but best known for its history museums and community food festivals. However, despite the reputation for having a generally friendly populace, many consider Concord unsafe at night.
DANTARY
Dantary is widely regarded as the heart of the city. The downtown market is a hot spot year-round, as is the Ferris Wheel docks by the harbor, which transform into a carnival for four months of the year. Movie theaters, rooftop bars, and waterfront housing do make this one of the more expensive neighborhoods to live in, but the abundance of public transportation makes traversing these streets much easier.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Kinghaven Park (Amusement Park)
ENDEN
Enden has the highest population of Guardian patrols to compensate for the historically high violent crime. Coupled with the difficult schooling and housing in this area, people generally try to avoid this neighborhood at all costs.
KINGHAVEN
Perhaps the most luxurious neighborhood Harmont has to offer, if the name is any indication. Buildings and skyscrapers imitate a Romanesque-style architecture that can't be found anywhere else in the city, and the collection of specialty shops, art galleries, and a grand stadium for sports and Guardian festivities make Kinghaven a must-see spot for any visitor.
LEXDON
The de facto technology industry of Harmont, spearheading the movement of biotech development. Despite the presence of innovative warehouses and high-rise apartments and condos, housing and rentals are surprisingly affordable, even if night crime and traffic congestion are higher than usual.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Vigilante Training Complex
-August's Apartment
PANDOR
Pandor is widely residential, thanks to its high appeal to the cultural side with soul food joints, tap rooms, museums, and a high-end performing arts center. Even with all of these amenities, Pandor makes plenty of room for green parks and playgrounds, keeping the neighborhood scene active but easygoing.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Tona Buna Cafe (Ethiopian coffee shop owned by Imani Clarke and Angel de Soto)
-De Soto Residence
-Manalis House
SKYLAR
Known for its steep hills and stunning architecture, Skylar is the main hub for the Watch and the City Council. Uphill is home to upscale shops, bars, and some of the best views of the city, while garden venues adorn the downhill scene.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-The Watchtower (Lower Skylar)
-Colbo Architectural Firm (Upper Skylar)
STOCKARD
Casual and somewhat grungy, Stockard has some of the most affordable schooling and housing in the district. Paired with an abundance of apartments and high-rise condos with waterfront views, this neighborhood is a favorite for families looking to settle down. The night life is unexpectedly lively, featuring jazz lounges, nightclubs, and sunset parks for the night owls.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Apartment of Ahn Taeho and Evelyn Moon
GATEWAY DISTRICT
Champion: Scythe
Area Commanders: Halo, Cyclone
Council Delegate: Ronan Dalton
ALENYA
A quiet, residential area of lakeside beaches, parks, and the largest public garden in the city.
CROFTHILL
Charming and quiet, Crofthill is connected by parks and playgrounds. The north side hosts coffee shops and a library, while the south side is best known for its bakeries.
EASTLOOK
Industrial and eclectic, Eastlook has a prominent food and bar scene, and features the city's main airport and steam plant. All light rail stations connect back here.
WILLOUGHS
Quaint but lively and known for its friendly locals, downtown Willoughs is home to small shops, brunch cafes, and open mic shows. Housing here is mostly affordable, consisting of townhouses, apartment complexes, and single-family homes.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Residence of Ahren and Sophia Colbo
BAY DISTRICT
Champion: Moonbow
Area Commanders: Zephyr, Maelstrom
Council Delegate: Kallisto Neal
CALANELL
Laid-back and communal, this island neighborhood holds a small-town feel for those that live there. Coffee shops and grocery stores are within walking distance of residential areas, as are the parks and beaches that make this area so popular. The bay bridge connects the land to the rest of the city, and the woods grow quite dense east of the community border.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Former Manalis Residence
-Entrance to Tempera Forest Park
ACADEMY DISTRICT
Champion: Viper
Area Commanders: Sphinx, Barracuda
Council Delegate: Galilea Albright
AYLOR
Home to the esteemed Aylor Institute, a college bringing STEM and fine arts students together, all thanks to dean and renowned scientist Dr. Billie Prout. The population of Aylor is made up almost entirely of college students demanding independence from the rest of the city, and is a haven of cheap eats, shopping centers, and hiking trails. Every school year concludes with a street fair featuring the labors of students' creations and accomplishments before they enter the work force as developed adults.
LOCATION(S) OF NOTE
-Aylor Institute
-Jade and Max's Apartment
RITCHING
Houses some of the best schools in the districts and decent public facilities. Looks may be deceiving, however, as violent crime is not uncommon.
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Thank you @illjustpretend for taking on my request and delivering with all of these beautiful sketches you created for Agent Ace! Please check out the rest of her art, because I'm in love 💕
*Minor spoilers in character bios*
⬗ Sophia Colbo
“If it looks like you won’t make it, I’ll be here to catch you. Whenever you’re ready.”
Sophia Colbo is a former Harmont Guardian and a current agent of the Watch. After her own crucial mistake resulted in a traumatic accident, she stepped down from the Guard to take up field work, scoping out potential threats in the city and gathering intel. Despite the smooth transition, her past days as the sharpshooter Ace continue to haunt her at every turn.
Sophia is scrappy, tough, and competent, taking immense pride in her work and refusing to accept failure or dissatisfaction. She'll never back away from a job (or an ally in need), even if it means putting herself in danger.
⬗ Janus
“We’re all on the same side here, whether you like it or not, so your cooperation would be much appreciated."
Janus is a street-smart vigilante working alongside a shadowy organization with ambitious plans for the city of Harmont. Despite his alliance, he mainly operates under his own agenda without any regards to authority.
Snarky and sarcastic but surprisingly empathetic, he isn't easily rattled. Janus is used to building up walls and working hard to bury his past from the rest of the world—including himself.
⬗ Harley Manalis
“At this point, I’m starting to get used to the weird.”
Harley Manalis is Sophia's younger sister, but due to their complicated family history and large age gap, they rarely cross paths. She loves to tinker around and discover how different mechanical creations work, considering herself an amateur inventor. After graduating high school, she was offered a robotics scholarship for the prestigious Westheight Institute, but she ultimately turned it down to accept an apprenticeship with her eccentric uncle, the talented but underrated architect Atticus Manalis.
Harley is as intelligent as she is loyal, harboring a secret crush on her one of her best friends that she wishes she could share. She may not have the same tactical experience as her sister, but she, too, has a protective streak—to the point of being impulsive—and may be capable of much more than she realizes.
⬗ Jade de Soto
“Some things can be self-indulgent. You’re allowed to have fun with this, too.”
Jade de Soto is best friends with Harley and Max, though certain feelings for the former continue to transform and grow stronger. She has a talent for chemistry, though her passion lies in street art. Participating in the medium as an anonymous artist to avoid scrutiny from the public, she works to build up a reputation and prepare her portfolio for the day she steps into the light.
She's incredibly spirited and bright in terms of both brains and personality, loving her friends with dedication and ferocity.
⬗ Max Ahn
“I might not be as strong as you, but I know more about these guys than anyone. I’m not that helpless.”
Max Ahn has been friends with Harley and Jade for many years. He's quiet and reserved, but mentally strong with a dry sense of humor (though he's rarely funny on purpose). He studies law and political science at the Westheight Institute and is extremely close with his family, though together they keep a dark secret, which he learns the hard way once he gets caught in the middle.
At first, he's uncomfortable as a leader, and unsure of himself in moments of high pressure, but as he learns more and starts taking charge, he begins to grow and gain confidence in his own abilities.
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**For those of you who use Wattpad or AO3 as your preferred reading platform!**
Blurb and Author's Note
Content Warnings
Bonus Content
Chapter 1 || SOPHIA
—Sophia Colbo, an agent of the Watch investigating the disappearance of a teenage boy, answers an anonymous tip in the dead of night.
Chapter 2 || HARLEY
—Harley Manalis, a nineteen-year-old amateur inventor, returns to the city after six months of living with her eccentric uncle. But her homecoming takes an unexpected turn when she hears a stranger's voice in her head on the train, and after receiving more disturbing news from her best friend, she realizes that Harmont has changed in her absence, marking the beginning of her troubles.
Chapter 3 || SOPHIA
—Sophia and Jet reunite, now imprisoned as hostages of the vigilantes. While Sophia begins to plot their escape, Jet reveals the cryptic information he has gained on their new enemy.
Chapter 4 || HARLEY
—In light of her conversation with Jade, Harley discovers that a rogue vigilante has recently gained notoriety for a number of violent crimes done in the aftermath of Max's disappearance. Worse still, she learns that Sophia, her sister and the Watch agent assigned to track down the vigilante, has become unresponsive in the field.
Chapter 5 || SOPHIA
—Sophia has a visitor who offers her an explanation, but at a price.
Chapter 6 || HARLEY -1-
—Harley receives an urgent phone call from Sophia early in the morning. Her warning stirs her to action, but nothing could prepare her for what she would encounter once she stepped foot out of the house.
Chapter 7 || HARLEY -2-
—Now caught in the fray, Harley is questioned about the incident at Jade's apartment. While she attempts to clear herself of any involvement in the crime, she comes to a realization with horrifying implications.
Chapter 8 || SOPHIA -1-
—After giving in to Mulciber's threat, Sophia meets a familiar face that is just as eager to escape the vigilantes as she is.
Chapter 9 || SOPHIA -2-
—If Sophia and Max hope to make it out of the vigilante complex alive, they'll need to take a leap of faith.
Chapter 10 || HARLEY
—Jade is cleared from the medical ward, returning home three days after Harley's interrogation. Harley pays her a visit and discovers that Jade has a surprise waiting in store.
Chapter 11 || SOPHIA
—Following their rescue by the Guard, Sophia and Max are placed under the Watch's care. Two days later, Sophia has a private meeting with the director of the Watch, but little does she know that she is unprepared for what he has to say.
Chapter 12 || HARLEY -1-
—After a heartfelt moment in the city, Harley and Jade return home, unaware of the danger that awaits them there.
To be continued...
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Thank you @ceph-the-ghost-writer-writer for the tag! Check out their post here.
I'm going to leave this as an open tag because I'm very behind on these and want to avoid spamming people with tags. XD
Rules: Post three images that you feel describe/capture the vibe of one of your OCs. They can be photos, famous works of art, drawings, etc. Be as abstract or specific as you want.
This one's for Jade from Agent Ace!! (all pictures were found on Google)
Rules: List at least 4 songs from your current WIP playlist, or just a writing playlist you’ve been using lately, and the lyrics that speak to you the most! Then tag at least 4 people or as many songs as you listed. Let’s spread the inspiration!
WIP: Agent Ace (and the Harmont Heroes series in general)
I couldn't decide on only four songs, and in most cases, I couldn't choose just one set of lyrics. Oops!
What's Up Danger - Black Caviar and Blackway
—'Cause I like high chances that I might lose / I like it all on the edge just like you ayy / I like tall buildings so I can leap off of 'em /I go hard wit' it no matter how dark it is
Break In - Halestorm
—You let me fall apart without letting go / Then you pick up the pieces / And you make me whole
—Yeah, it's perfectly reckless / Damn, you leave me defenseless / So, break in
Goodbye - Ramsey
—I can hear the sound of a heartbeat before it goes out / Won't ever leave my memory of bloodshed all around
—Be still, 'cause I see smoke up ahead and I got steel in my hands
—Where is my home? / I don't recognize the faces anymore, no / Where is my friend? / The one I've known since I was only just a kid
Survivor - Destiny's Child (Tomb Raider cover by 2WEI)
—Thought it would be over by now / But it won't stop / Thought that I would self destruct / But I'm still here
Monster Inside - Give Heart Records
—Just take one look in my eyes / You'd see right through my disguise
—When I fell apart / Yeah, something changed in my heart / As you can tell from these scars / I'm not the man that you knew before
Far From Never - The Pretty Reckless
—All the things you've said / Made it harder to breathe / When I was lying on the floor / I couldn't believe you wouldn't save me / But you blame me
—The fire just died / It's gone forever, and the chance to live our lives / It's gone forever
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
—Load up on guns, bring your friends /It's fun to lose and to pretend
—I'm worse at what I do best / And for this gift, I feel blessed / Our little group has always been / And always will until the end
Hate - Plush
—My eyes are distorted / From the lies that you've spoken / I scream / But I feel nothing / It's unreal
—I hate everything about you / I hate myself for hanging on
