Fantasy romance in an apocalypse world
January 20, 2012 in Apocalypse World
We’ve all heard the saying “Love conquers all,” but will that old adage stand true in a post apocalypse world? Will the strength of love really withstand all the obstacles and life-threatening situations you’ll find in your path? In reality, thought loves does exist, it certainly will not overcome obstacles or trump another’s natural tendency towards survival. For a fantasy romance to work in an apocalypse world will require much more than just love.
The love in fantasy romance novels is wild, passionate and dramatic—able to withstand the most dystopian setting imaginable. If you’ve ever experienced a relationship, you know that kind of feeling rarely lasts and can end up being destructive and codependent. We’re not living in a world of fantasy and adventure—ours is a dark one, where reality is dull and sometimes brutal, especially for the Pearls. If we find ourselves immersed in a post apocalypse world as predicted, then things are going to be very dog eat dog. Even if it doesn’t, the people who mate by their 18th birthday may find themselves in their own trap—for Pearls, mating is out of survival, so they’re looking for pretty much anyone to pick up their mate-option, meaning all compatibility issues fly out the window.
Imagine that you and your love are hunting for dinner. You’re both tired, hot and thirsty, and arguing about which direction to go. You’re sweaty and looking terrible and next thing you know, you’re arguing. Not the fantasy and adventure you’ve read about in young adult books. The argument overrides your environment and you stop being present—you get so caught up and distracted that you don’t hear the group of looters, zombies or worse that sneak up behind you. You’re both caught so off-guard that you find yourself smack in the middle of a romantic apocalypse style battle. It’s an utter travesty!
If everyone didn’t have to mate, then it would probably be best to avoid a fantasy romance altogether and instead form alliances with others whose skills and talents complement your own. In a climate of post apocalyptic survival, you will already be extremely emotionally charged—it can make it worse when you’re emotionally charged not only in regards to your survival, but to how your mate is acting or treating you. It’s a huge catch-22 in so many ways. For example, if you’re a female and you know how to hunt better than your mate, are you going to act like you don’t so you can assume the more feminine role rather than start an argument or perhaps emasculate your man? These kinds of scenarios will be rampant, keeping you on the edge of a romantic apocalypse at all times.