We had some great discussion going on, but then it was bumped off. Let's get the analysis going again!
Original prompt:
>Calling all bughorse lovers and analytical thinkers.
>We know Changelings feed on love, happiness, positive emotions. That still leaves a lot of emotional energy in a being.
>What do you think would be the result if a Changeling was fed purely on negative emotions? How would it be affected?
Archive: http://desustorage.org/mlp/thread/27483468
Better question: Are changelings capable of generating positive emotions on their own? They can't feel love, that much is obvious. Chrysalis can laugh, but that laughter is fueled by the misfortune of others. Are they too cruel to feel genuine happiness, but are able to do right if they wanted to? Are they doomed to be monsters that only feel negative emotions?
>>27505543
Very good question, better than the OP one. I'd be inclined to say they can feed on each other, but emotional energy has to come somewhere. It would probably be equivalent to cannibalism.
>>27505560
You'd think that changelings would simply be vessels for the positive energy that they steal from other creatures. They store and use them up in their bodies, but would allow that energy to be drained from them if it served a higher purpose, like feeding a starving soldier or feeding the queen.
Can a changeling, however, be able to make friendships outside of the hive? Perhaps they have a code of honor that pays back debts and offer protection for a price, but never protects out of love or care, because it's impossible for them to emote in such a way unless they are acting.
>>27505444
poison, stomach ache, no nutritional value. for veriety in their diet, they probably suppliment with occasional physical food.
>>27505444
Why is that changeling biting a tree?
>>27506616
>"Celestia Damnit larry, i told you to wear your glasses!"
"But they make my eyes hurt..."
>>27505543
>They can't feel love, that much is obvious.
>>27505809
>Can a changeling, however, be able to make friendships outside of the hive?
Why wouldn't they be able to feel love or make friendships. There is no indication that they lack free will.
>>27507608
This.
I don't get why "eating emotions" immediately equals "emotional vacuum", maybe they can/decide to only siphon emotions out of non-changelings.
I think that's a better explanation than "they're just empathy vampires without souls".
>>27505444
>>>What do you think would be the result if a Changeling was fed purely on negative emotions? How would it be affected?
Let me rephrase it
>>What do you think would be the result if a carnivore was fed purely with plants? How would it be affected?
>>27507714
>headcanon
>>27507731
>>headcanon
>>27507043
Hehehe.
