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Hi all! I'm trying to outline a plot for the sff romance novel I'm writing, and I'm stuck for a climax. So, if any of you would like to brainstorm a little with me I would really appreciate it.
Here's the general story: the society has small clans composed of a leader, his co-husband(s) (often these are the leader's younger brother, cousin, or best friend/blood brother) and their wives and children. One of the characters, Ravennin, is a born leader, but blocked from attaining this role because he has a hormonal disorder called hyperterritoriality, which makes him have difficulty tolerating the presence of other males, much less getting along well enough with one to be co-husbands. Ravennin's father views him as flawed and a dangerous disgrace, and Ravennin has come to agree and think of himself as flawed, which makes him overcompensate by rigidly controlling himself instead of relying on his instincts, which are his one strength which could actually earn him the leadership position he wants so badly.
Then there are 3 other characters, with the strengths of creativity/openmindedness, sneaky strategy, and loyalty/faith. The premise of the story is that the characters find happiness through becoming a family(clan). So the climax of the story needs to show them working together as a family, using their strengths to accomplish what none of them could accomplish alone - making their dreams come true. But exactly what events could demonstrate this?
My vague ideas: The climax should probably include Ravennin officially becoming a clan leader. To do this, he would probably have to aquire territory or some other prerequisite. This might be won as a prize from a contast such as a wargame, where the 4 characters would have to use their 4 strengths together to win. Another possibility is that since family is often symbolized by a child, the climax might include some sneaky planning and struggle surrounding the conception and birth of the clan's first child.
So, anyone have any nice sff ideas for what specifically the climax could be?
Here's the general story: the society has small clans composed of a leader, his co-husband(s) (often these are the leader's younger brother, cousin, or best friend/blood brother) and their wives and children. One of the characters, Ravennin, is a born leader, but blocked from attaining this role because he has a hormonal disorder called hyperterritoriality, which makes him have difficulty tolerating the presence of other males, much less getting along well enough with one to be co-husbands. Ravennin's father views him as flawed and a dangerous disgrace, and Ravennin has come to agree and think of himself as flawed, which makes him overcompensate by rigidly controlling himself instead of relying on his instincts, which are his one strength which could actually earn him the leadership position he wants so badly.
Then there are 3 other characters, with the strengths of creativity/openmindedness, sneaky strategy, and loyalty/faith. The premise of the story is that the characters find happiness through becoming a family(clan). So the climax of the story needs to show them working together as a family, using their strengths to accomplish what none of them could accomplish alone - making their dreams come true. But exactly what events could demonstrate this?
My vague ideas: The climax should probably include Ravennin officially becoming a clan leader. To do this, he would probably have to aquire territory or some other prerequisite. This might be won as a prize from a contast such as a wargame, where the 4 characters would have to use their 4 strengths together to win. Another possibility is that since family is often symbolized by a child, the climax might include some sneaky planning and struggle surrounding the conception and birth of the clan's first child.
So, anyone have any nice sff ideas for what specifically the climax could be?