So bit of context, obviously a fantastical world with magic and races. Basically I have one kingdom which is in the north. Family V was the first to set foot in it, Family B sent to accompany V landed second. V was meant to take charge and govern the kingdom but they were self obsessed and too busy on exploring the new kingdom and expanding that the people grew fond of B and the empire gave governance to B. V got super pissed so they ventured deeper into the cold then anyone and they found something. And that’s my main issue idk what they found and I have tried to figure it out but idk, like they ventured so far north into uninhabitable conditions so much so years and years (potentially 1000 year later) no one has attempted to go that far to find them. But intelligence of house B suggest they still exist. But here’s the issue I can’t for the life of me figure out what the hell find they find there in the “Absolute North” that made them stay, cuz there are certain parameters. If they found for example a magical sword if their ultimate goal is to get revenge and takeover the kingdom why not leave the next day why stay for so long. But also what would take all this time to get ready or have they been ready. So please someone help me out, this is meant to be a huge immensely cool and powerful and interesting mystery that should feel iconic and I can’t think of it.
How far into the story are you? A reveal as big as you're talking about should have some kind of hint/allusion in your world building or story.
That's how I would do it anyways... but I also didn't write LOST, so put whatever you want up there—a smoke monster, a portal to hell, etc.
Technically speaking the story itself is done and it’s left on a cliff hanger of them leaving and to this day no one knows what they are doing there. The first example could actually work if I wanted to tried to adjust to it but the second wouldn’t cuz it’s not powered by anything. Do you think the reveal that the god that made the kingdom is shackled there and they find him is interesting and truly shocking?
They have to find something that would give them shelter and a means to live. I assume they would hunt some to feed themselves. What they discovered changes the direction of the story. If they found a hidden valley that was a utopia, they might have used that as a base to extend their reach over the region. A wellspring of energy could be harnessed by their magicians and clerics to build things. An underground region full of monsters who want to reach the surface might need someone to keep the door shut.
CES
The monsters thing could be interesting they found this region of monsters a they spent all these years cultivating and strengthening their legion so one day they can bring dominion. But does that feel a bit like the army of undead from game of thrones?
i don't know. I haven't read game of thrones. I wasn't really thinking about undead, but Drow
CES
Ok... Fam V or the First Fam/explorer fam was sent to established the new region of an empire. Fam B or the Support Fam was sent as Support.
Explore Fam was so focused on exploring and expansion that.... Support Fam gov the established colony and became liked by the colonist. Explore Fam is angry that the governance of the colony was given to people, the Support Fam, that were attentive to the needs of a colony....
Got it....
Your quest is you want some ideas of what Explorer Fam found or what their motivations are for this obsession for explore?
In no particular order...but I'll try to go with simple and predictable cliche to more complex and you can figure out what's your taste
Powerful artifact trope....sword is so obvious, armour....there are 3 dragon eggs that we haven't seen in 1000s of year......army of the dead. All are part of that magical 'item' trope
Story of... Powerful Artifact... trope. It's a version of the above, it's chasing history or legend of the above. This can help explain why it's a 'long obsession'....that is draining the resources of a starter colony. This will add tension to the resources of .....taking manpower away from farming, hunt/gather, construction and upkeep of colony security. Security is not just about 'sharp end goes into the other person', it's also about food security and disease and clean drinking water....also, weather.
YOu can make your story very sophisticate if you add the above tension into the struggle of Colony needs vs this unknown reason why Explore Fam must draw a dozen men to go on this hunt for weeks at a time, taking food and resources....for nothing. I think you'll appeal to the Brandon Sanderson crowd that get off on the logistics of the story..... that sh!t deos add tension.
Story Dev or Dev editor side of me:
WHY were they sent to established that colony....beside the obvious. WHAT IF.... the Explore Fam was sent on a secret mission? It make sense... the Support Fam is delegated a job....care taker job to oversee the daily life of the colony, leaving the Explore to do what they do best.... but why Explore be angry? It could be a show....maybe to show spies that there is division. Maybe Explore fam is human...and is jealous that Support is getting cred but Explore has a job to do.... jealous but must do the job is very human.
What if Colony is...just expansion, no secret mission. Then Explore fam discover clues that may indicate a danger and they are on a wild goose chase. The 'cluse' should be slightly ambiguous to give Explore and Critics for the Explore equal chance of being right....but as readers, we know there will be danger but the evidence was inconclusive...Much like the hype up in Game of Thrones with the Ice zombies.
Personally, I favour the "political" tension of the jealous Explore Fame but they still professional enough to do their job, so they hold their tongue. I love the Support fam to be "right, as well" when they focus on keeping the colony alive (the Roanoke disappearance). This isn't some contrived friction between two cartoon characters, it's real and legit needs between two factions that is all above saving lives.
Actually the reasons to why this whole expedition took place and the actual story of this whole colony I’ve already told. I end it with this cliffhanger that they leave and they went to the north of the north and then I can’t figure out what they actually found there. Like the motives behind why they are so focused on expansion and conquering more of the new land I’ve explored im more so needing help to decide what they found after the story is over so I can continue to tell the story