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[Heckfire]

I'm hoping I can get a little brainstorming going here, since I don't seem to be able to at any of my normal haunts. See, I've been collecting TFs since '84, and, for some reason after I read the "Universe '08" bios for Nemesis Prime, Galvatron, and Acid Storm, I was suddenly struck with the idea of creating an overarching story for them all (as well as a couple of non-TFs). What I'm going to ultimately do with it, I don't know, but there are some elements that seem to be...stuck, I guess.

I've included elements from various TF sources, from G1 to Beast Era to the Unicron Trilogy and TF: Animated to the live-action movies, but not everything will be as it was originally.

Anyway, I guess I ultimately want to see if there actually IS any interest in me elaborating on this in any way. I know, it's horribly "n00bish" of me, but if I can pull something readable out of 25 years of toy collecting, it'll be worth it.

It is the year 2009.

The war between the Autobots and Decepticons has been in stalemate ever since the Siege on Autobot City in 2005, when Optimus Prime and Megatron, the leaders of both factions, took each others' lives in single combat, ending the intense day-long slaughter. The Autobots have entrenched themselves on Earth, entering into a treaty with a native governmental body, the United Nations, exchanging technology and protection from Decepticon forces in exchange for asylum and aid in retaking their home world from Decepticon control and future aid in bringing the dead planet back to life.

It is a trying time for both factions; operating under UN control, the Autobots have established bases in several countries globally in cooperation with the oft-times stiflingly strict UN accords as well as local governmental policies. As they are without the guidance of a Prime, due to the Matrix of Leadership remaining silent as to Optimus' replacement, the Autobots have no choice but to bend to human command; in reaction, some Autobots have "retired" from active service, choosing to serve the war effort in alternate ways, while others form covert groups to try and speed up the reclamation of Cybertron.

For the Decepticons, however, it is a dark time indeed. Despite their still-unquestioned control over Cybertron, it is a rule over a dead world, with any efforts to revive it quickly shouted down by the petty squabbling of internal politicking and delusional, grandiose plans for galactic conquest, with Earth remaining a particularly ripe target despite the Autobot-human allegiance and their repeated victories on that front. Without Megatron's charismatic if iron-fisted rule, the Decepticons have splintered into three distinct sub-factions, with Megatron's usurper, Starscream, claiming rule over all. Lacking his predecessor's power and fearsome reputation, however, Starscream's rule is only recognized by a handful of his fellow Seekers and various others among the Decepticons "stranded" on Earth; many have become little more than petty thugs and terrorists, offering their services to human dictators and insurgents in exchange for fuel and safe haven from Autobot/human forces.

However, on Cybertron, one of Starscream's Seekers, Acidstorm, delves deep into the forgotten recesses of the former Decepticon capital city, Polyhex, operating under the orders of "Project: Stormbringer," an internal directive buried so far within his programming that he wasn't even aware it existed until it began guiding his actions down this possibly traitorous path. Deep, deep within the beyond "Top Secret" levels of the main Decepticon command bunker, Acidstorm finds the Pit, a place for beings who are meant to be forgotten by all others. Indeed, he only finds two beings remaining functional amongst the corpses of long-abandoned experiments and prisoners: an insane, cackling femmebot named "Crasher," and the object of his mysterious quest, a mechanoid designated by its creator, Straxus, as "Nemesis Prime."

Meanwhile, back on Earth, former Autobot ally Buster Witwicky, makes a discovery of his own: once, shortly after meeting the Autobots, he was temporarily given the Creation Matrix, an amazing power derived from the Matrix of Leadership that made him a master over all things mechanical, Transformers included, in order to keep it out of Decepticon hands. It was too much power for a human to wield, however, so it was fortunate the Autobots were able to rescue Optimus Prime and transfer the power back to him before permanent damage was inflicted.

One doesn't touch the power of gods without being changed forever, though; years later, after a life derailed and ambitions unfulfilled, Buster finds himself back at the place it all began, his late father's garage. Perhaps roused by the familiar surroundings, Buster finds the fraction of the Creation Matrix still within him awakened by a potentially fatal accident that results in his dirt bike being changed into the loyal (if somewhat simple) Autobot-wannabe, Wheelie. Experimenting, Buster uses his far-more-limited Matrix powers to turn several motorcycles (his hobby was restoring them) into the Autobot Intelligence Corps: Elita-1, Arcee, Chromia, Moonracer, and Nightbird; due to his weakened powers, they were all roughly human-scale. Fashioning himself a suit of ability-augmenting armor based on his old motocross equipment, Buster tried to lead his new creations into battle...only to be nearly decimated during their first encounter with Crasher, shortly after her arrival with Acidstorm and Nemesis Prime on Earth, unintentionally beginning a running rivalry between the Corps and the Decepticon racecar (as well as beginning a potentially dark interest in the Decepticons within the spark of Nightbird...).

A second faction, composed of spaced or Cybertron-bound 'cons and led by the deadly Bludgeon, have been growing in power since adopting a more cult-like stance, with their worship of a supposed entity known as "The Chaos-Bringer" filling the space once filled by Megatron's fierce rhetoric. While they lack the specialized and deadly skills of Starscream's faction, their use of mass-produced drones allows them to operate efficiently and with a minimum of the personality conflicts inherent in an army staffed by fully sentient beings, and the arrival of a mysterious general named Galvatron and his personal lieutenant/bodyguard, Cyclonus, has spurred these self-styled "Destructicons" into a flurry of action that harkens terrifyingly back to Megatron's reign.

Not all of the "Destructicons" want to follow the Way of the Chaos-Bringer, however. Two who'd been press-ganged into service, Crumplezone and Gasket, took advantage of the confusion following Galvatron's arrival to flee, reasoning that, with an entire dead planet to hide on, there was no way for the to find them. Unfortunately, they discovered that, while the planet may have been dead, cannibalistic "mutants" still roamed the darkened corners of Cybertron, preying upon any mechanoid foolish enough to leave the Decepticon bases...and with their only ally being a weary young battle-fatigued Autobot named Wedge, their chances of survival were beginning to look slim, especially once the formerly-deceased Decepticon founder, Cryotek, mutated by millions of years of Nucleon exposure, discovers them.

As if this wasn't already volatile enough, a third faction of Decepticons, primarily composed of beast-form sentients and biomechanical monstrosities, broke off from the rest due to dissatisfaction at their treatment by the other 'cons. With the aide of prior AWOL Decepticon-turned-space-pirate Cannonball and his crew, these defectors stole the "Predacon," a Decepticon warship equipped with an experimental trans-warp drive, and now roam the space ways, preying upon any unfortunate enough to cross their path. While these "Predacons" seem content with this new arrangement, their de-facto commander, Overbite, has recently found his hands full with the arrival of a preening, ambitious mechanoid with the alt-mode of an extinct Earth tyrannosaurus, who, despite his claims of loyalty, seems to be secretly fomenting mutinous thoughts towards returning and reclaiming Cybertron for their own purpose, yesss...

[Heckfire]

Wow...this is sort of a dead zone as far as these forums go, isn't it? Ah, well...anyway, the bulk of brainstorming I hope to do is in regards to the cast, anyway. While it started as a background story for the figs in my collection, it expanded to include several that aren't in my collection (yet ), so I can have a visual cue to use, especially if I can actually teach myself to draw inorganic characters. There are several that I want to include that either have too many toys to choose between or too few, which is where I'd like to get some feedback (for now).

To that end, here is my WIP "cast list"...a couple of caveats, though: first, there are a LOT of potential spoilers in the list, and, secondly, some toys may seem like they were renamed or given new names seemingly at random (or, worse, for no reason at all). All I can say is there IS a point to the madness.

Feel free to make any recommendations or critiques, please.

The lines each toy comes from should be fairly obvious ("07" refers to the first live-action movie, FYI); also, toy names marked with an asterisk (*) are not owned by me (yet) and are simply here for reference:

CHARACTER (REPRESENTATIVE TOY)

EARTH-BASED DECEPTICONS:
Nemesis Prime/Scourge (U2.0 Nemesis Prime)
Crasher (07 Fracture)
Acidstorm (U2.0 Acid Storm)
Nightbird (Armada Airazor)
Thunderblast (Cybertron Thunderblast)
Banzai-Tron (BotCon Banzai-Tron)
Stormsurge (07 Target Storm Surge*)
Undertow (Energon Sharkticon)
Blitzwing (ROTF Ransack)
Swindle (TFA Swindle)
Bushwhack (Cybertron Swindle)
Astrotrain (Classics Astrotrain)
Hooligan (G2 Hooligan)
Firefall (G2 Skyjack)
Skyjack (G2 Space Case)
Frostwing (G2 Air Raid)
Dropout (G2 Strafe)
Hook (G1 Hook)
Scrapper (G1 Scrapper)
Mixmaster (G1 Mixmaster)
Long Haul (G1 Long Haul)
Bonecrusher (G1 Bonecrusher)
Scavenger (G1 Scavenger)
Battletrap (G1 Flywheels)
Flywheels (G1 Battletrap)
Bad Boy (U2.0 Storm Cloud)
Warwolf (MMPR White Tigerzord)
Devil-Z (BotCon Vector Sigma*)

STARSCREAM’S SQUADRON:
Starscream (Robot Wars Starscream)
Skywarp (Robot Wars Skywarp)
Thundercracker (Robot Wars Thundercracker)
Ramjet (Classics Ramjet)
Thrust (BotCon Thrust*)
Dirge (BotCon Dirge*)
Cloudraker (Cybertron Skywarp)
Sidewinder (Cybertron Thundercracker)
Skybreaker (’07 Divebomb)

DESTRUCTICONS:
Bludgeon (Cybertron Unicron)
Cyclonus (U2.0 Cyclonus)
Nightstick (U2.0 Nightstick)
Galvatron (U2.0 Galvatron/Energon Galvatron*/Beast Wars II Galvatron*)
Shockwave (TFA Shockwave)
Rumble (Cybertron orange Scrapmetal)
Frenzy (Cybertron yellow Scrapmetal)

CYBERTRONIAN UNDERWORLD:
Crumplezone (Cybertron Crumplezone)
Gasket (Cybertron Ransack)
Cryotek (07 Voyager Megatron)
Mutants (ROTF Legends Megatron, ROTF Ravage, 07/ROTF Scorponok*, Monster Go-Bots, BIONICLE, whatever else looks the part…)

PREDACONS:
Overbite (Universe Overbite)
Megasaurus (Armada Predacon)
Cannonball (Cybertron Cannonball)
Bandit (TFA Bandit Lockdown)
Blastcharge (Universe Blastcharge*)
Shrapnel (G1 Shrapnel)
Bombshell (Energon Insecticon)
Blackarachnia (TFA Blackarachnia)
Savage (Cybertron Wreckloose)
Terrorsaur (Armada Terrorsaur)
Buzzkill Drones (TFA Waspinator)
Cruellock (Energon Cruellock)
Undermine (Cybertron Undermine)
Webwidow (Universe Blackarachnia)
Razorclaw/Predaking (BotCon Razorclaw)
Rampage (Armada Cheetor)
Headstrong (Armada Rhinox)
Divebomb (BotCon Lazerbeak*)

DECEPTICON R&D SQUAD:
Fulcrum (Cybertron Sky Lynx)
Backstab (Cybertron Shockwave)
Spindoctor (Cybertron Razorclaw)

AUTOBOTS (EARTH):
Ultra Magnus (TFA Ultra Magnus*)
Ironhide (U2.0 Ironhide)
Ratchet (U2.0 Ratchet)
Sawbones (TFA Ratchet)
Hound (U2.0 Hound)
Evac (Cybertron Evac)
Prowl (U2.0 Prowl)
Wheeljack (Energon Downshift)
Hot Rod (Classics Rodimus)
Downshift (Cybertron Downshift)
Nightbeat (OTFCC Nightbeat*)
Minerva (BotCon Elita-1*)
Sentinel Minor (Cybertron Brakedown GTS)
Big Daddy (07 Big Daddy)
Ricochet (G1 Ricochet)
Sideswipe (U2.0 Sideswipe)
Silverstreak (U2.0 Silverstreak)
Hot Shot (Cybertron Excellon)
Crosshairs (G1 Crosshairs)
Override (Cybertron Override)
Clocker (07 Target Clocker)
Smokescreen (U2.0 Smokescreen)
Kup (G1 Kup)
Topspin (G1 Topspin)
Blurr (TFA Blurr)
Trailbreaker (Cybertron Red Alert*)
Jetfire (Classics Jetfire*)
Jetstorm (U2.0 Treadbolt)
Armorhide (TFA Voyager Bulkhead)
Scattershot (Cybertron Scattorshot)
Grindcore (07 Grindcore)
Road Ranger (07 Target Armorhide*)
Salvage (TFA Wreck-Gar)
Depthcharge (Universe Depth Charge)
Rattrap (BW TM Rattrap)
Mach Kick (Universe Magna Stampede)
Waspinator (BW TM Waspinator)

AUTOBOT INTELLIGENCE CORPS:
Buster Witwicky (Energon Kicker)
Wheelie (ROTF Knock Out)
Elita-1 (07 Target Elita-1)
Arcee (Energon Arcee)
Chromia (07 Target Arcee)
Moonracer (Botcon Chromia)
Nightbird (BotCon Flamewar*)
Fractyl (Classics Swoop)
Jolt (U2.0 Jolt)
Steeljaw (Action Master Lionizer)
Ramhorn (Action Master Topheavy)
Pincer (Action Master Razor-Sharp)

AUTOBOTS (OFFWORLD):
Wedge (Universe Wedge)
Stockade (Universe Stockade)
Skyfire (Titanium Jetfire)
Leobreaker (U2.0 Leo Prime/Universe 2.0 Legends Leo Prime)
Jazz (U2.0 Legends Jazz)
Windcharger (G1 Windcharger)
Gears (G1 Gears)
Warpath (G1 Warpath)
Beachcomber (U2.0 Beachcomber)
Red Alert (U2.0 Legends Red Alert)
Overload (Armada Overload/Rollout)
Hi-Q (Armada Overrun)
Muzzle (G1 Nightstick)
Cerebros (G1 Spike*)
Longshot (Cybertron Mini-Con Thunderblast)
Pummel (Cybertron Tankor)
Endzone (Cybertron Steamhammer)
Knockdown (Classics Knockdown)
Dragout (Classics Terrorsaur)
Repugnus (Universe Repugnus)
Grotusque (BW Torca)

EDC:
Binaltech Omnibot 1 (07 Camshaft)
Binaltech Omnibot 2 (07 Swindle)
Binaltech Omnibot 3 (07 Payload)
Binaltech Vehicon 1 (07 Dreadwing*)
Binaltech Vehicon 2 (07 Overcast*)
Binaltech Vehicon 3 (ROTF Fearswoop*)

Unicron (Armada Unicron)
Sideways (TFA Blazing Lockdown)
The Fallen (Titanium The Fallen, ROTF The Fallen*)

Dark Nova (Energon Unicron*)
Violen Jiger (BW Tripredacus*)
Jhiaxus (Universe Ramjet)
Nova Prime (Universe King Atlas*/Machine Wars Starscream*)

Vector Prime (Cybertron Vector Prime)
Safeguard (Cybertron Safeguard)

[cybercat]

Yeah, fanfic is kind of a backwater. I didn't respond to your brainstorming, mostly because you weren't really very clear what you wanted feedback on.

Does it sound like it could be fun? Yeah.

Does it sound like it could be too humongous to handle? Possibly. IT's a very ambitious premise. Very cool, but that's an entire elephant you're trying to eat.

Other than that, I'm lost--what, exactly, are you hoping to get feedback on?

My issue with cast (as someone who teaches CW) is that if you're going to have that many robots, you really need to do character work to make sure it doesn't, well, turn out like ROTF--one or two kind of developed characters, and a lot of cannon fodder. Ideally, you want their character to be well-reflected in what they say and what they do. The bios on the toys can be helpful, but they don't really have enough backstory to flesh out the character fully--so you're going to have to do that work. Like you can't just say, ok, I see Starscream's deceitful, so I'll just have him run around and deceive everybody. It wouldn't ring true (to an adult reader who likes complex characters). There's a reason he'd feel the need to deceive, and there are probably bots he wouldn't try that on--for whatever reason. (Too scared he'd get his ass kicked, for example).

Can you be a little more precise (like, actually asking questions) for feedback? I'd be happy to help, but I feel like I'm just shooting in the dark here.

HK

[Heckfire]

I've been sitting on this "thread" honestly trying to think of an answer. I mean, the minor question was just a request for suggestions for pre-existing toys to fill various other character roles, but the way you asked it (and I love the "eating an elephant" comparison, BTW) made me realize that all I really was doing here was, as a regular at my normal forum haunt put it, "hemorraging ideas" in hope of gauging some kind of reaction so I could decide if there was any interest in me pursuing it...fancy way of saying "Anybody want me to write this?" I realized now that, duh me, I was once again jumping the gun by asking for feedback on something I haven't even started on yet.

So, I apologize for wasting your time and this space. Hopefully, the next time I post here, it'll be with something to actually read. For what it's worth, your response DID spur me into organizing what I do have into a framework I can start working with, I've just had a very tetchy muse the past few years...

[Name_Violation]

Tat is a mighty impressive cast list you have going. I like the random things for mutsnts, but i would suggest thinning the main cast to about a quarter of that list. You have to keep in mind how much character development you need to have with even the most basic characters. adding a 5 sentence description for the guy who passes threw the room is time spent on further devoping an existing character.

Pace your self when undertaking such a massive project. I'll try to chime in with more advice when i get a chance.

[cybercat]

I've been sitting on this "thread" honestly trying to think of an answer. I mean, the minor question was just a request for suggestions for pre-existing toys to fill various other character roles, but the way you asked it (and I love the "eating an elephant" comparison, BTW) made me realize that all I really was doing here was, as a regular at my normal forum haunt put it, "hemorraging ideas" in hope of gauging some kind of reaction so I could decide if there was any interest in me pursuing it...fancy way of saying "Anybody want me to write this?" I realized now that, duh me, I was once again jumping the gun by asking for feedback on something I haven't even started on yet.

So, I apologize for wasting your time and this space. Hopefully, the next time I post here, it'll be with something to actually read. For what it's worth, your response DID spur me into organizing what I do have into a framework I can start working with, I've just had a very tetchy muse the past few years...

Totally not a waste of time and space. It's a huge project and a huge idea. Sure, we'd love to see it. I think Carriemus Prime would agree with me that even when you start small, fanfic has a tendency to sprawl. My first one had a tiny cast. Now I'm juggling about seven. And that's a trick, trying to make sure I keep track of each character's agenda, personality, and backstory. A decent conversation--and I mean moving along with plenty of tension and conflict, can go a couple of pages. That's one conversation. Maybe not even the whole scene. Pumped up to publication standard (Times New Roman 12 double spaced) my first fanfic is (gasp) 92 pages. ONE main character, a few lightly sketched supporting. Dead End is about 60. ONE incident. If you do it right, it's going to be looooooooooong. NOt that that's a bad thing, but if you try to cover too much ground, you won't get the depth that people want in the character development. Plot driven stories are great, but people won't stick around if they can't relate to *character*.

I'd pick one segment of the story and start with that. People are intrested in characters, I've found. If you spend some time developing one group of your cast list really well, and tell *that* story, where people can really attach to those characters as psychologically complex critters, you'll find plenty of room and interest to put in the rest.

Sometimes I think the fanfic boards are only read by us other fanfic'ers.


HK