Cross-posted From: Buzzly.art
Date Originally Published: March 8 2022
I haven't seen the show myself - I mostly consume it through second hand means such as critique videos, sin counters, and misc clips, and so far I don't think it deserves most of the hate it gets but it does deserve all of the critisms. I also think the story has some potential, and I think that's why so many people are upset about it and critiquing it so much. The characters don't even have the worst designs, they're simply not handled all that great and their story arcs aren't given any individual attention.
But I still thought it'd be fun to put my own twists on them. I also designed them with a different story in mind. I decided to get rid of the magical school since that sort of setting doesn't really fit in the world of DnD and went with idea of a guild instead.
Rosemary: I ended up changing her the most since I feel like they could've done more with her given that this story is supposed to be inspired by DnD. I tightened up the armor, got rid of the dress shirt and skirt combo she wore under it, moved her bow to her hair (apparently she originally had hair bows anyway before they redesigned her for the anime, and gave her some leathers for no particular reason other than to look cool. I also gave her pants since they seem much easier to move around in.
Oh yeah, and I made her an half-orc x) I keep seeing redrawings where people use green to break up the pink and this is how my mind chose to interpret that. Her father's an orc sad her mother, the legendary, MIA warrior, is human. Also, her brother? Yeah he died around the time Lavender went MIA. Rumors say losing her son drove her mad and that's why she never came home. But who's to say 😏
Instead of going to study being a Guardian at an Academy, Rosemary spends most of her time helping out her father, and her village with fighting monsters and protecting livestock and crops. But lately their monster problem is getting worse and with their letters and pleas to the famous High Guardian Guild going unanswered, Rosemary makes the decision to go in person to "drag their uppity asses back and help them".
Sage: Her design isn't the worst thing in the world, it's just very monochromatic. I took inspiration from the cottagecore fashion to break up the blues while still leaving the feeling of a country bumpkin who's never left her hometown before. Her and Rosemary are still childhood friends (I just forgot mention it until now) and while Rose is protecting her town from the local monsters, Sage and her family work at the local apothecary to create beneficial potions and protective wards, but lately those wards don't seem to be working as well as they should.
Old magic seems to be weakening and Sage sets out with Rosemary to find out why.
Parsley: I actually like her design! She's a cute round friend and is generally well liked, it's just unfortunate she's mainly used for exposition and doesn't go through any character development or growth through the show. I still decided to give her an alternative outfit since I think she's supposed to be accociated with orange. I also gave her some stubble since female dwarves also have facial hair but it's tidbit if lore that's hardly ever used. She still helps run her family's forge, 12 brothers and all, but what she really wants to do is get an apprenticeship with the High Guardian Guild's artificer to study under him instead.
She meets Rose and Sage when they come to the capital (where she lives and works) when they bring in the locket that was broke during their journey to the capital. They get to talking and one things leads to another.
Thyme: I also really like her design and kind of do regret giving her braids, especially without a reference because I couldn't find one that I liked, even if they are more practical. But that leather top piece and belt dhe's wearing? Yeah they're meant to keep clothing in place and conformed to the body, so it's kind of ironic they decided to style these pieces with loose fabrics. I swapped out her tunic dress for a tunic and a pair of leather pants and gave her some boots to match her gauntlets. (I also wanna give her she/they pronouns but don't know if I should).
She's still an angsty elf who comes to the capital with her mother seeking answers and also to plead her case with the High Guardian Guild. She meets Sage and Rose when she comes to their aid during a scuffle with a monster and the three sort of head the same way. Though I imagine she also goes to the blacksmith for some arrows or something.
I have other thoughts like:
- Rose and Sage still staying with Sage's cousin, Anise, and her wife, Aloe, until they find a more permanent arrangement.
- Mandrake and Olive being introduced early on because •°•Secret Mission•°• Also, they're a friend duo and actually look out for eachother.
- Amaryllis and Sage are rivals who have differentiating opinions and views on old magic vs new magic. She's still the chaotic rich and powerful brat who's apart of the High Guardian Spice Guild and thinks herself one of the best mages the guild has.
- Snapdragon, instead of being Transgender, is just a guy who just happens to also like some traditionally femine things. I also like the idea of him being gender fluid, but I don't like the idea of him being m2f in the context the show gives him (that because he's a guy who like feminine things that he must be transgendered; the transgender identity doesn'texist to reinforce gender roles).
- Caraway is still f2m transgender but instead of having to take a potion monthly and suggesting his transition is not permanent and he can go back to being a girl at any time, it is permanent and the suggestion of using transition magic is not brought up immediately to someone still figuring themselves out (Snapdragon). Obviously he's a veteran member of the guild who has worked with Lavender in the past.
I might go into this a bot more, a may not. Honestly I don't even know why I'm so fascinated with a show that I haven't even watched and don't think I would even like with how immature the writing is and the constant waste of potential for deeper plot points. ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHARACTERS.
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