: Re: Is it a deus ex machina if the alternative is illogical? Background: I know to avoid Deus Ex Machinas - meaning to me a sudden and unexpected solution arriving out of nowhere to save an otherwise

@Mendez196

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Yes, I would consider this a DxM.

To me, a DxM is any logically unjustified outcome, and this twist is not logical. I won't talk about how to fix it or how to write, just what makes me think so:

...(what's left of them)...

So I presume the heroes are dying in their quest already...

The villain has recently conquered all of the land, and executing his enemies would only inspire fear in his new subjects. He wishes to rule through peace, not fear.

I presume in the story that not just members of the heroic band but many others are dying in an attempt to prevent this "conquering of all the land", because it makes little sense to me such an enterprise is not met by massive resistance, and is not lethal on both sides.

Since this happened "recently", all the land is probably uncertain if the conquering is completed. Thus the villain's motivation for NOT killing the heroes makes no sense, the people of the world are already frightened by the war, and they know people are dying trying to stop the villain. From their POV the villain is already a wanton killer bent on dominance and rule at any cost, so what's a few more dead? It won't inspire any more fear than the hundreds or thousands killed before them.

Especially since the heroes intend to leave this world as soon as they get their magic device. So to the outside world, their disappearance looks no different than if they were killed and their bodies disappeared, cremated.

And especially since the villain WAS willing to kill them before this moment in order to rule.

As promised I won't talk about how to fix it, I just think this change of heart would not make sense to me as a reader, and would not be satisfying. The villain's sudden conversion to pacifism and magnanimity does not sound in character, his motivation (not inspiring fear) does not make sense, and it definitely does not sound like the heroes earned their reward at the end, it feels like a "participation" ribbon for the losing team.

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