Chapter Text
I mostly just liked the idea of Hypnos being sad funny guy, and thought about how that would play out in the context of a relationship with Zag.
For this I wanted to characterize Hypnos as sad and self deprecating bc major mommy issues and just the general feeling that everyone perceives him as annoying. It is a major issue I have with the way his character is handled in the game as if he is annoying and no one actually wants to deal with him. Zagreus literally says that he will keep talking to Hypnos so no one else has to and that hurt my feelings. May or may not be projecting that isn't important.
I wanted Zagreus to be optimistic, extroverted and cheerful. (Hypnos is also extroverted he just thinks people hate him.) I also want Zag to be so so so angry. Like deep rage inside his heart. He grew up with Hades though so he made a point to channel his rage in a way that does not hurt others, has a bad habit of turning it inwards. Also mad at Hades but still loves him a lot as he does understand why he is like that tm.
I don't want Zagreus to fix Hypnos, that is unrealistic and not the vibe I would want. I think it would be more compelling to add some other conflict that would result in a catharsis but I literally cannot think of a conflict I can only think of a broad timeline for the development of the relationship and a few emotional beats that I would want to hit.
I figured the best way to write a timeline would be utilizing the heart system in game, so I did. I added one extra ambrosia scene because that made sense to me.
6 Nectar 2 Ambrosia
- Zag is getting back from getting killed by bone hydra, chthonic coin purse gifting back. Hypnos thinks Zagreus is an acquaintance maybe friend and a break from the dullness of routine.
- Zag has killed bone hydra, celebration for Hypnos’s advice in a jokey way. Hypnos beginning to trust that Zagreus may actually consider him a friend.
- Zag killed by shades or some shit in Elysium, it’s rough out there. The idea is to establish more of what their dynamic is actually like. Slightly more dialogue than the previous chapters. Maybe mom quest reveal if it isn’t already established, at the very least a discussion of it.
- Zag has an off day and dies in Asphodel again, happens to the best of us. Hypnos is starting to realize that the dread he had about Zag leaving is getting worse, though he knows he deserves the chance to meet his mom. Hypnos mommy issues.
- Zag dies to Asterius before he can meet both champions. Hypnos is getting super stressed but he is having a hard time identifying why. Considers Zagreus to be one of his closest friends. Hypnos has an inkling this may be a budding crush. Longue scene?
- Zagreus dies to champions. Hypnos commends him for getting so far. Tells him he believes in him, and wishes for the best. Hypnos tells Zag he considers him to be his best friend and will miss him a lot. Zag reciprocates and tells him he can always just come back. Hypnos accepts he probably has a crush and assumes it’s one sided.
Ambrosia 1.
Zag makes it past the champions for the first time. Dies to dad fight. Angst probably. Sheep chthonic companion? Some subtle flirting but nothing super concrete. More of an emotional catharsis.
Ambrosia 2.
Zag makes it out. Dies to natural causes. Sad boy hours. Mommy issues. Hypnos does his best to comfort Zag, offer of surface dreams?
Ambrosia 3.
Yo what if we kissed?