#Antiheroes in Fantasy

[joncronshawauthor]

What Makes Assassin Fantasy a Must-Read?

In the darker corners of the fantasy genre, where morals are as grey as a stormy twilight, assassin fantasy carves out a niche that attracts readers with a penchant for the lethal dance of cloak and dagger. This subgenre, steeped in the clandestine arts of stealth and murder, offers a thrilling escape into worlds where the deadliest characters are often the most compelling. What Exactly Is…

[aingeal98]

It's about Bruce not being able to love himself and Cass coming along as the idealized version of what Bruce wishes Batman could be (Not to be confused with Dick as Nightwing which is the idealized version of what Batman could never be) and Bruce being so excited and delighted and willing to pour so much love and trust into Cass and then being hit in the face with the fact that all his own flaws still exist even in this "perfect" mini me, they're just more intense to compensate for the intensity of her heroism. You cannot be Batman without the survivors guilt, without the value of every human life no matter how extreme, without the hours of pushing yourself to ridiculous limits and self harming to make yourself a more effective weapon against evil. And he can either accept these as downsides that must exist for Batman to be perfect or he can try and steer Cass down a healthier path. He has to choose the person or the mission and it's one thing to make that choice for yourself and another thing to enable someone to dehumanize themselves to the same degree. He'd never want anyone else to be like him that's the whole point. But she's already there and she wants it more than anything and she views Batman as salvation instead of a curse so what's the right choice? What can he do to help? Perfect for a year or mediocre for a lifetime?

[peterkothe]

INKtober 2024-Knight⚔️

Last year I drew the Red Knight, thus, I’m following him up with THE BLACK KNIGHT!Sometimes a villain, sometimes an antihero, but usually a mystery!

[vertigoartgore]

Elric of Melniboné commission by artist Mike McKone (2024).

[s-soulwriter]

As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate one of the most intriguing supernatural beings in literature and media: vampires. These creatures have captivated our imaginations for centuries, and it's easy to see why. Here’s an personal list of reasons why vampires truly reign supreme among supernatural beings.

Timeless Appeal: Vampires have remained popular for centuries, from classic tales like Bram Stoker's Dracula to contemporary series like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. Their ability to adapt to changing societal norms and interests makes them a staple in storytelling, proving that they know how to stay relevant!

Mysterious Nature: There is an inherent intrigue surrounding vampires. With origins steeped in folklore and myth, each culture presents a unique interpretation, adding depth and richness to their narratives.

Immortality: The concept of immortality is a powerful fantasy. Vampires live through the ages, witnessing historical events and cultural shifts firsthand.

Seductive Charm: The allure of the vampire is often characterized by their seductive charm. This duality of being both enchanting and dangerous creates a compelling dynamic, drawing readers and characters alike into their orbit. Who can resist a character who’s both alluring and potentially lethal?

Complex Morality: Many vampires struggle with their darker instincts, offering a rich exploration of morality. Their internal conflicts regarding feeding on humans or the ethics of their actions provide depth to their character.

Supernatural Powers: Vampires possess an array of supernatural abilities that enhance their narratives. From enhanced strength and speed to mind control and shapeshifting, these powers create dynamic storylines filled with conflict and excitement. Plus, it must be nice to skip leg day!

Fashion Icons: Vampires are often portrayed as impeccably dressed, exuding elegance and sophistication. Their distinctive fashion sense, whether it’s Victorian capes or modern couture, adds a visual allure that enhances their mystique. Honestly, they make a turtleneck look threatening—who else can do that?

Cultural Significance: Vampires often reflect societal fears and desires, serving as metaphors for various themes such as death, sexuality, and the unknown. Their presence in literature allows for deep allegorical storytelling that resonates with readers on multiple levels. And they remind us that sometimes, our biggest fears come with fangs.

Versatility in Genre: Vampires can seamlessly transition across genres, thriving in horror, romance, fantasy, and even comedy. This versatility ensures that they can reach a broad audience and remain relevant in contemporary storytelling.

The Ultimate Anti-Hero: Many modern vampire stories present them as anti-heroes, allowing for complex character arcs that challenge traditional notions of heroism. This complexity invites empathy, as readers witness their struggles and growth. Plus, who doesn’t love a bad boy (or girl) with a heart of gold?

Connections with Humanity: Despite their monstrous nature, vampires often exhibit human emotions and relationships. Their struggles with loneliness, love, and loss resonate with audiences, allowing for a more profound connection to their characters.

Exploration of Power Dynamics: Vampire narratives frequently delve into themes of power and control, whether through the relationships they form or the dominance they exert over others. This exploration can prompt discussions about authority, consent, and the nature of power itself.

Enduring Legacy: The enduring legacy of vampires in popular culture speaks to their universal appeal. They have inspired countless adaptations, spin-offs, and retellings, proving that their stories can continually evolve while maintaining their core essence.

The Twilight of Their Power: As much as we love the dark side of them, let’s not forget the fun side of vampires: their struggle with the modern world. With the advent of garlic bread and sunscreen, these once-mighty creatures have had to navigate a world that can ruin their day in seconds.

As Halloween approaches, let us celebrate these fascinating beings and the myriad stories they inspire, reminding us of the complexities of life, death, and everything in between—all while being fabulously stylish.

DO YOU HAVR A FAVOURITE TYPE OF VAMPIRE ?

[godlesshasideas]

Writing Prompt: The Curse of Immortality

The group of friends had been traveling together for some time, and upon finding shelter, they meet the protagonist’s old mentor who decides to tell the group a story:

The story of two powerfully beings who did not known their strength. They fought on opposite sides and seemed destined to fight each other forever. The hero and the villain… they had given each other many scars. They bickered and they fought. They seemed evenly matched.

That is until the hero witnessed the villain being punished for not taking the hero down. The villain’s own mentor, the villain’s parent, struck them because they could not defeat a singular being. After the punishment, the hero showed up at the villain’s doorstep. No weapons. No fight. Just a medkit clutched to their chest. The hero tended to the villain’s wounds. That sat in a surprisingly comfortable silence. The villain didn’t ask what the hero knew and the hero didn’t ask how long it had been happening.

The next few times they fought. It seemed like nothing had changed. They were still evenly matched. Until the villain was able to land a blow. The hero was down. The villain’s mentor stepped forward, prepared to finally end the hero who had been in their way for oh so long. As they prepared that final blow, the hero bowed their head prepared for this fate… but the attack never came. Upon looking up, the villain was shielding the hero with their mentor knocked back on the ground.

So began the unlikely team, the hero and the villain turn anti-hero. For years, their friendship grew. They protected people. They stopped the bad guys (one way or another). Then friendship became something more.

Character C: I knew it! I knew it! They were in love!

Mentor: yes they were but it took some time for them both to see it or admit it to each other

Character D: *tsk* why?

Mentor: because they were each other’s first friends in many, many years. It took many years of friendship for them to feel safe enough to share a secret. A secret that always left them with heartache.

Character C: well? What was it?!

Mentor: the hero was immortal, destined to protect. They had lived through many lives and had watched main people die, and the hardest was watching them die from old age when they themselves would never meet such a fate… what the hero didn’t know though was the anti-hero was also immortal and had also lived countless lives.

Character C: aww they were meant for each other.

Mentor: if only that were true-

Character D: what? What do you mean?

Mentor: as I said before, the hero was destined to protect. It’s written into their story into their fate. The anti-hero was destined to conquer and destroy, as was their parent, the true villain. Despite their love, they could never truly escape destiny. The time would come… they’d face each other once more and it would not be as lovers.

Character C: but- but that’s not fair!

Mentor: life rarely is. After all, when has it ever been true for immortality to be a gift and not a curse?

They sat together in silence. Little did Character C and D know was their companions, Character A and B, were the ones in the story. Mentor was mentally preparing them for what was to come.

They would have to help A fight the villain, yes, but they’d also have to help in defeat B. This is where their journey was leading them. A and B knew this. While Mentor began to talk about old tales, B held A’s hand a little tighter while A leaned their head onto their lover’s shoulder.

[naksushadows]

for always an iconic kiss

[purpleprincessonfyre]

We've seen Liane's 'ending' so to speak but how did she end up in that dark twisted tower to begin with? Here is the start of Liane's twisted journey as The Dark Fairy and a little bit of context in the Modern World too after Ethan discovers who's been digging up dirt on him.

OUAT AU - I'm The Problem, It's Me

Characters: Mal!Liane, Prince of Hearts!Ethan, The Dark Prince!Alexander

Also mentioned: Sleeping!Petra, King!Scott Summers, Belladonna St James

Themes: Depictions of violence, implied abuse

IB: Once Upon A Time, Maleficent and Antihero by Taylor Swift

The fae woodland was in tatters. Beautiful tall trees reduced to ugly stumps, the land torm up by footfalls, every sign of life and beauty was destroyed. Fairies lay dead on the ground, some on the verge of dying as a lone fairy walked through the wreckage, her large sweeping wings hanging limply from her shoulders as she tried to help her fellow fairies.

"Please, please be okay..." she whispered, scooping up an injured flower fairy. As she brought the fairy closer to her face she saw her struggling to breathe, fighting for her life.

"I tried to stop them...Liane I-"

"Shhh it's okay, I'll fix this. I'll find those men who hurt you."

"No Liane, please...don't stoop to their level."

And as the Fairy took her final breath, she slowly went limp in Liane's hand. A rage started to build up inside her as she gently placed her fellow fairy down on the ground, fire in her eyes as she surveyed the land she called home left to die. She screamed, an earth shaking scream that sent ripples of fire across the barren landscape, the ruined stumps set ablaze and the ground burning around her in lavender flames. The men would pay dearly.

----

Liane St James heard the doorbell in the middle of an episode of Grey's. She paused the TV and got up to answer the door and saw Bella's biological father Ethan standing on her doorstep, his jaw set, his green eyes boring holes into her head. Liane gulped and smiled nervously.

"Surprised to see you here, Mr L-"

"You've been spying on me?"

"I-"

"I went to your office to ask if you wanted to go and get coffee and saw all these pages on your desk about me and my 'chequered' past. Care to explain?"

"Ethan I-"

"I should've known. Everyone in this town is crazy! You just want to get rid of me, don't you? So you get Belladonna all to yourself-"

"Ethan!"

Liane yelled, that firey rage building up inside again like a furnace. He stopped, his eyes cold with contempt. She stepped out of the doorway to let him inside so she could explain. She was going to tell the truth. It was the least she could do after her actions got him thrown in a cell downtown. She offered him a drink but he stayed silent, sitting at the table, waiting for an explanation. Liane sighed and sat down across from him, ready to talk.

"It's a long story."

-----

Liane took to the skies in search of someone she had hoped to never cross paths with again but that she knew could help her in her needy hour. She no longer wanted justice or peace. She wanted revenge. And she knew just who could provide it to her. She scoured the skyline until a dark castle came into view, a torn flag flapping in the battlements. The Castle of the Dark Prince.

Liane landed at the gates and demanded an audience with the Dark Prince, threatening the guards with a scorching fate if they denied her. Just as the guards tried to attack her, the air turned cold as a figure appeared in a high up window of the castle.

"Men! Let the Dark Fairy in. We have business to discuss." Came the voice, laced with venom, as the guards opened the gates to let her in. As Liane entered, the Dark Prince himself, Alexander appeared at her side.

"My my you've grown...not such an ugly duckling now are you my dear?"

"I assume you know the reason for my visiting?"

"That I do....you poor thing. All those dead fairies and trees, humans are truly scum of the Earth. But you don't want them back...you don't want your home back. You want to watch them suffer....that I can help with gladly." He smiled, his teeth looking rather malevolent in the dim candlelight.

The Dark Prince led her to a tall tower filled with magical objects and such, directing her to a chair and then sat down himself, playing with a very dangerous knife playfully.

"Revenge is a delicate matter. A massacre would certainly be fun but do they even deserve death? That would be over and then there would be no way for them to suffer. I have just the thing." Alex stood up, walking towards a cabinet of cursed objects and pulled out a rather wicked looking spindle. Liane eyed it with awe.

"Poisoned?"

"Cursed my dear, not poison. No the fate of the poor soul who pricks themselves on this will be far more painful. A sleeping death, where they are still alive but are locked in a living nightmare but can never, ever awaken! But who do we curse? The king? His wife? Or his precious heir..."

The Dark Prince turned to a globe sat atop his table and waved a hand over it to reveal a sweet young princess playing in a garden happily, no older than at least 10, running around gaily with her maid.

"The Princess? She's just a child!"

"Her father ordered his men to destroy your land and your people! Why should his daughter have peace and happiness?"

"I..." There was doubt in the Dark Fairy's eyes so Alexander changed tactics, offering her a smile and taking her hand.

"I will give you much more than this curse if you want to do this. This crystal ball will give sight on anyone in the world instantly. This cloak will hide you in plain sight anywhere. And this staff will grant you some simple spells to convince others you have more power than they think."

"But-"

"You want revenge, right?" Alexander muttered, his eyes turning dark. Liane nodded, rage still blazing in her eyes. He smiled, knowing he'd got her. He handed her the spindle.

"Now I don't do any of this for free so I will need something from you...you probably won't miss it. You understand right?"

Liane nodded, blinded by her hunger for revenge as The Dark Prince circled her carefully, pulling out his blade swiftly. His grin turned wicked as he eyed her body, his gaze landing on her beautiful feathered wings.

"Now those...should do nicely. They'll look beautiful on my wall. Easy, right? And if you succeed then you can come and get them back, instantly. But if you fail...you work for me. You will do as I say, when I ask, no questions asked. Do we have a deal?"

"We have a deal, sir." Liane uttered, taking hold of Alexander's outstretched hand, shaking it as the contract was sealed. He was still grinning as he brandished his knife devilishly.

"Don't you worry, you won't feel a thing..."

------

"And he's been blackmailing you ever since? Shit...."

"Well not blackmailing just-"

"You're a lawyer. That's blackmail right there. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because he's the most powerful man in town. He could take away everything I love so easily, you don't understand!"

"He's a monster-"

"Ethan..."

"No he is! Holding something like that against you all these years later? We all make mistakes!"

"I know..."

Liane swiped away a tear from her cheek harshly, wishing the ground would just swallow her up. That twinging sensation ran down her back again like knives in her spine. It never seemed to stay for too long but it would show up every so often like a curse. She winced in pain and this time Ethan noticed. His eyes were full of concern as he watched her stumble to the cupboard for pain killers.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine, my back's playing up."

"Do you have arthritis or something?"

"The uh...the doctors don't actually know. I got tested a bunch years back but they never found out what causes it. I'm fine really." She rubbed her back, swallowing down pills quickly as she got back to her chair.

"You need to tell him no."

"I- what?"

"You need to tell him! Say you quit or you're done with this shit, you clearly don't enjoy prying. He shouldn't have this power over you for God's sake!"

"But what if he threatens me again?"

"Do you really care if he releases that information?"

"No..."

"Do you think Bella will care?"

"No."

"Then maybe you shouldn't care. This town is tight, they won't shun you for this. You're only human."

Liane's eyes filled with tears again as Ethan took her in his arms and hugged her gently, careful not to hurt her. This town was out to get him, but now he knew who was the ringleader. And he wouldn't hold it against his daughter's adoptive mother any longer.

-----

Liane awoke inside a dark room, dimly lit by a few smoky candles. As her vision adjusted she started to see the crystal ball on a table, the cloak hung on a stand, the staff leaned against the dirty bricks and a number of bottles and vials lining the wall. As she tried to stand she suddenly felt strangely lighter than usual, struggling to keep her balance. As she reached for her wings to try and steady herself she felt nothing but two jagged stumps on her back, the edges raw. And then she remembered the deal.

Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to her feet, taking hold of the staff to steady herself, looking out the window. She was now surrounded by a thick dark forest of trees and briars, in a tall tower that was just for her. She'd given up her wings for revenge. So now she had to hold up her end of the deal. She looked at the crystal ball and whispered to it.

"Show me the Princess Petra."

The ball filled with smoke and revealed a young Princess surrounded by gifts and guests, giggling and smiling. Her tenth birthday. The King was smiling too, grinning like the cat that got the cream. That made Liane's blood boil. Her eyes turned dark as she slipped on the cloak and looked at the staff.

"Take me to the Royal Castle of King Scott."

In a flash she appeared in the centre of the party, the guests falling quiet, the birthday girl turning to face the new stranger, the King's blood running cold as he saw the eyes under the hood, horns jutting out of the hood.

"Well well, what a glittering assemblage, Your Majesty. I'm quite disturbed to have not received an invitation to the darling child's birthday..."

"You weren't wanted, you vile woman!" The King spat, urging guards to approach.

"Ah ah, manners. I too wish to bestow a gift upon the sweet child. Before the sun sets on her 16th birthday...she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleeping death! From which she will NEVER awaken!" Clouds of magic and smoke swirled around her as she raised her staff, the spell sticking to the young Princess as she spoke.

"Her only chance of waking...if she receives true Love's kiss! Enjoy what few birthdays you have left little Petra!"

"Get her!"

But as the guards descended on her she disappeared again, back to her tower. Now she had to wait. She really hadn't thought this through. But True Love's Kiss didn't exist so she would succeed. And as far as The Dark Fairy knew, everything was going according to plan.

Meanwhile, back in the dark castle, Alexander surveyed the scene from afar, smirking to himself at the Dark Fairy's actions.

"Poor naive fairy. If only she knew..." muttered The Dark Prince softly, stroking Liane's wings gently. And then he broke into a laugh, a cruel laugh that echoed through the entire castle. She wasn't going to get away that easily.

Hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the next part of Liane's Villain Arc where the tables are going to turn rather quickly....

Tagging: @gcthvile @jackiequick @blueboirick @rooster-84 @cherrysft @meiramel @missstrawbs2001 @askstevella @ask-missparker @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh

[dnangelic]

i'm pulling stuff from yukiru mania but this

is probably the most comprehensive dark fullbody i've seen

[joncronshawauthor]

The Charm of the Rogue: Unpredictable Characters in Fantasy

Fantasy is filled with brave heroes, wicked villains, and wise old mentors. But some of the most memorable characters are the rogues—those lovable scoundrels and rapscallions who charm their way into readers’ hearts. Who doesn’t love a witty, wildcard rule-breaker? Let’s take a look at what makes fantasy rogues so dashingly appealing. What is a Rogue? While definitions vary, a fantasy rogue…

[flourmelon]

You cannot strike a shadow… But a shadow can strike you.

Dark Rise

C. S. Pacat

10.11.2023

👑🎠🕯️🌳🔮

[mischiefmagpie]

Some celebratory WIPs since I got my new iPad!

It's 2nd hand and its got its....features. I love it and its character! A good start to a new portfolio!

[kohakudragon]

Just another day of taking over starships with the Aquila crew. 🏴‍☠️ Really enjoyed drawing Altair in this pose 😆 With him is Spica (left), and his second in command, Vega (right). This is probably going to be Altair’s first scene in the story along with the rest of his pirate crew! 🌌

[meatormenta]

New chapter! Please read it, and comment to get a cute comment back and my eternal gratitude!

The Crimson Children - Chapter Five: The Cure for Tears are Magic Tricks (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1359088401-the-crimson-children-chapter-five-the-cure-for?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=meatormenta&wp_originator=Epmmt%2BqE7QtrAF%2Bssdy72BfvqQqoHfy2ajp%2BpDFPOn%2Fh3DaQ6AbL2dlcu0%2Bgf6l%2BvZLlfcfhKDEozlMiuLp4kldKAcYDNThCLNkb6j4gvaHRCS7dzQo246%2BIb0ScFbZL What are the depths of her obsession? How far is she willing to go for knowledge and love? A bone-chilling, twisted, and sexy romance about two people who have nothing left to lose, not even their own selves. UPDATED every week on SUNDAY! SYNOPSIS: After receiving a grim health diagnosis, a sheltered noble lady Valentina Zrinski decides to spend the last months of her life fulfilling her lifelong dream: proving that magic exists and becoming a real magician. With her only clue about anything magic-related being an obscure illusionist named Florian that she had seen as a child, she decides to find them by any means possible in search for answers. When she finally meets the one she's idolized since childhood, his duality and mysterious demeanor only leaves her wanting more. As both obsession and hatred grow between them, she has no time to spare for the unwanted romantic feelings muddling her mind and threatening to ruin everything she worked hard for.

[the-henry-cavillian]

The Perfect Fit: Iconic Roles That Henry Cavill Was Born To Play

Henry Cavill has proven himself as a versatile actor, demonstrating charisma, physicality, and depth in his performances. In this article, we explore some iconic roles that would be a perfect fit for Cavill's talents, showcasing his ability to bring beloved characters to life with his unique presence and skill.

I. The Suave Super Spy:

Henry Cavill possesses the suave charm and physicality required to step into the shoes of a classic super spy. Whether it's James Bond or another iconic secret agent, Cavill's sophisticated demeanor and action prowess make him a natural fit for a role that demands equal parts charisma and intensity.

II. The Intrepid Adventurer:

With his rugged good looks and commanding presence, Henry Cavill would excel in a role that embodies the spirit of a fearless adventurer. Whether it's Indiana Jones or another legendary explorer, Cavill's ability to blend physicality with emotional depth would make him a captivating lead in a thrilling, globe-trotting escapade.

III. The Heroic Knight:

Henry Cavill's chiseled physique and regal aura make him an ideal candidate for a heroic knight or warrior. Whether it's a legendary character from mythology or a beloved figure from fantasy literature, Cavill's ability to convey strength, honor, and determination would bring such iconic roles to life with authenticity and gravitas.

IV. The Complex Antihero:

Henry Cavill has demonstrated his talent for playing complex characters with shades of gray. An iconic antihero, such as Batman or a morally conflicted protagonist, would provide Cavill the opportunity to showcase his acting range and delve into the depths of a character's psyche, creating a captivating portrayal that challenges traditional notions of heroism.

[moonmitsu]

Anti-Hero | Digital Painting