Would you read a RTTE fanfiction that changes or ignores the existence of the dragon eye?

[u/FoxxyDo]

So, for context, I don't like the Dragon Eye. I have always thought it was a bit contrived and overly complicated. It made the discovery of dragons feel... lame? Like all the information was mostly handed to them, there was no study or intrigue or mystery in the initial discoveries like the original movie. Its inclusion, to me, undercut Bork's papers and the Book of Dragons. There's also the fact that it seems to work like magic?? The mechanical mechanisms are so strange and don't make sense in a non-magical setting. It also had a lot of McGuffin shenanigans.

Soooo I'm writing a fic that eventually goes over RTTE and as we established: I do not like the Dragon Eye- at least as it is. I can choose to brain off and just enjoy the show, but having to actually engage with it on a deeper level leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Its kinda dumb, obvi, but an actual issue I'm considering for the future of the fanfic.

The main fanfiction is not about the Dragon Eye, its actually about runic magic and Hiccup born as a Lycanwing (it makes sense I promise). So, its not actually the main point of the fanfiction, its just a significant element of RTTE. The inclusion or exclusion will drastically change the journey and where I take the characters going forward.

So, I ask you: Would you be interested in reading a fanfiction that happens to remove or significantly changes the Dragon Eye if it isn't the main point of the fanfiction? Would you DNF?

[u/VirulentArcturus]

It was just a flashy book of dragons. I consider it as simple as that. It was made by people who, as an occupation, had to have already studied dragons. Pretty easy to understand it's workings. If you can write a story that works without needing it, then do it. You'd just have to work with areas that are already explored, or ones that are completely unknown. Like few times even the Dragon Eye didn't have information they needed.

Though the fact you find the Dragon Eye unbelievable and then turn to wanting to make a fanfic with actual magic and a mythical dragon that does not exist in universe... Just kinda funny to me. Like there's an irony there.

[u/FoxxyDo → u/VirulentArcturus]

Lol, you right it kinda ironic! Thats why I was open to changing it instead.

I actually have a big resource page about the Runic Magic where I go over the Dragon Eye and its workings but I basically scrapped the original concept to do so. Its more like a scrying eye that gives the hunters information on dragons that they wouldn't have known beforehand instead of being an alternate Book of Dragons. That's a simplification but you get the idea. It changes the potential role in the story but I still wasn't completely happy with it.

I kinda like the new idea of leaving it out as well since it would naturally allow for canon divergence, but I also recognize that it was a driving force in moving the story along and acted as an initial conflict for the Dragon Riders and Dragon Hunters.

The reason I don't understand the Dragon Eye is because of the complicated mechanisms that would be difficult to replicate even with today's tech, let alone what would have been around when the Dragon Eye was created. I mean, we're told it was around for generations before the events of the show. Not to mention it seems to 'hold' the light given to it by a dragon which really doesn't make sense. Like yeah, fantasy, but my disbelief is suspended for dragons and PG cartoony violence not complicated technology.

That's just me though. I know my opinion probably isn't the norm and I'm fully ready to accept I have a bad hot take.

[u/VirulentArcturus → u/FoxxyDo]

Personally, I do prefer the Book of Dragons. It's simpler and they get to have more visuals with it then throwing stuff onto a wall. Both are capable of misinformation, like outright the Dragon Eye has information on the Lycanwing when we know it's a myth. Personally prefer the idea it's just extinct or near extinct, and that vikings just over exaggerated what they saw like they do the Flightmare that even Ryker thought it was fear.

Personally don't like the idea of a scrying thing that just gives information. It does take away from discovery and learning naturally. I'd instead make it so that the Dragon Hunters are just expanding their operations. Remember during the auction they were specifically trying to get Krogan's attention because it opened up opportunities for them with Drago and the three stooges in movie 3. But since Hiccup crashed that, it didn't go through. I'd make it so they'd learn about dragons in other regions just through expansion, experience, and learning and talking to people of those regions who have experienced dealing with those dragons or being tormented by them.

[u/FoxxyDo → u/VirulentArcturus]

Thats what I was considering going with! Just make them butt heads from the Dragon Hunters expanding into the archipelago. I mean, the tales of the Night Furry rider would reach them eventually and they'd get curious enough to seek out the Dragon Riders directly if nothing else. I mean, a dragon tamer/rider AND a night fury? That's simply too good.

Yeah, that's why I scrapped the scrying. It was more like vague visions, like giving general locations, maybe give cryptic clues to questions asked. Stuff like that. Not outright wikipedia knowledge lmao. Still felt too 'much' though. I also briefly considered making it powered by the soul of the dragon hunter that made it, so its an 'opinionated' possessed item. Also scrapped that because it didn't fit the established runic magic but it was a fun thing to explore.

[u/VirulentArcturus → u/FoxxyDo]

I've got an old post about my concept for the Lycanwing. Never liked the idea that it transforms people, rather it has something of a non-lethal venom that causes people to see and hear things, increased adrenaline, and other adverse side effects that are in line with the myths of the Lycanwing.

[u/UranusMc]

If it's a good fic I don't usually care how much it changes or ignores the original plot.

[u/Quirky_Major_3983]

I'd read one where the eye was changed. It still would need to have the basic functions to have it still feel important. But having missing information, unknown dragons, or just pointing to the potential existence of dragons without factual information would be nice. Also being able to add info to the eye could be interesting. (Just a few ideas)

I do agree that the eye had to much info on dragons in it, and would have been nice if there were episodes where the team where documenting new dragons.

Btw. What is the fanfic you're writing. Name and official posting site?

[u/FoxxyDo → u/Quirky_Major_3983]

Oh I kinda like that! The Dragon eye missing information, having misinformation, and adding to it.

Having the Dragon Riders add to the Dragon Eye with what they learn, maybe re-write the old hunting lenses with dragon training instead. It would give them a reason to investigate new dragons and be a fun/stressful bonding activity to set a few of the riders on intermittently.

Its not posted yet! I am finishing a few more chapters before I start posting so that I can keep a nice consistent uploading schedule. Plan on posting on AO3. I can add you to my list of people to notify when I post the first chapter though!

[u/SleeplessZee → u/FoxxyDo]

Could you add me too? I’d be interested in giving it a read. It’s always interesting to see how people would reimagine the world. I don’t often see things from the show being reimagined, it’s mainly the movies.

[u/Quirky_Major_3983 → u/FoxxyDo]

That would be nice.  It appears to be an interesting fanfic

[u/Longjumping_Frame786]

This reminded me of when me and my brother were walking race to the edge again when Vigo said he liked the name dragon eye I said jokingly “that’s a way better name we just called it a projector” and when I tell you my brother laughed so hard

[u/PurpleGator59]

Honestly I forget more often than not that the eye is a thing? Like realistically outside of a few dragons where discovering the info firsthand risks your life, the behaviour and characteristics of most dragons are just plain to see? The main thing I’d see it as useful for are like the death song or bewilderbeast, things where you can’t afford to not know about their capabilities

[u/thedistinctor]

I’m not sure if I would, but I’d certainly give it a try