Fantasy? Hell Yes!

For long time readers of my blog, you will have already been aware of my struggles with trying to make fantasy characters come to life in bjd form. After all, it was the primary reason I got into and started collecting these resin dolls in the first place. But because most fantasy outfits cost as much as a doll itself these days, it was looking quite bleak. During my holidays (where the heck did the time go and why did I not get anything creative done???) I realised that not having at least that core fantasy group made me unhappy. So I decided to hell with it. I wanted my fantasy group, somehow, I would find a way to figure out their outfits.

So I did some tweaking as I usually do and came up with "The Twins Saga", a story that I am working on at the moment (which usually consists of me writing a bunch of scenes with dialogue between characters). The instigator of this mad project was this dialogue between Mahalia, one of the Twins and her guardian, Brunhilde (I'm not crazy, I swear, but this scene just popped into my head randomly.)

"Have you ever met her?" Mahalia asked curiously as they made their way along the dirt track, lagging behind the others.
"Once, a very long time ago."
"Is she as ageless as they say she is?"
A small smile crept across Brunhilde's face at the memory. "She is. Stuck between child and adult with the responsibility of the three Kingdoms on her shoulders, she was one of the sanest people I have ever met."
"Was she as beautiful as the bards say?"
"It's a different sort of beauty but there nonetheless."
Mahalia sighed loudly. "I wish I could meet her."
"What would you ask of her?"
"What she saw of us, Jamal and I. What we would do. Why the Kingdoms are afraid of us."
Brunhilde slipped a comforting arm around the young girl's thin shoulders. "People are always afraid of what they can't control. What is to come, that path hasn't been set yet. It can be changed."
"I hope you're right."

That's it. Just this short snippet and an image of a young girl and her warrior guardian walking side by side along a dirt path having a conversation about the Blind Seer who pretty much started their journey. My feeling is that Mahalia is curious and intrigued by the Seer but she also perhaps hates her a little and blames her for having to be on the run and having to leave her home and being hunted by the King's soldiers. I guess Mahalia just wants to confront her and ask her "Why?".

I've started working on Brunhilde, the guardian of the Twins. She's from a tribe of warriors from the Northern clans. Her concept was heavily inspired by the Amazons, Valkyrie and Shield Maidens of old. With the small addition of being able to use both Ice and Air magic to enhance her fighting style.

My plans are to make some shoulder armour pads for her, a fur coat and some brown trousers. I have still to add a bit more leather and beads to her. She also has realistic eyes from Dollmore. I changed out the other ones for something with a bit more interest.

The main reason I bought this sculpt was this character. As soon as I saw her face, I could not get that Nordic/Viking vibe out of my mind. She was perfect for my warrior woman.

Most of my fantasy characters are a work in progress.

Next up on my list is Matteo. I've made him into my King of Vanor. I'm still keeping his interest and love of music. He was the second son so he was never groomed for the throne but a hunting accident killed his older brother and he found himself in charge. He is out of his depth and guided by the High Council who essentially run the Kingdom with the King as its puppet. But Matteo wants that to change. It was actually Matteo who suggested an alliance with the neighbouring Kingdom of Letheia and single-handedly brought peace between the two Kingdoms after a centuries old war. He proposed a marriage between the Kingdoms and promised to take their Crowned Princess as his bride. The two have not laid eyes on each other at this point.

The High Council actually don't want him to take a foreigner, no less their former enemy as his wife. He's butted heads with them on the issue numerous times.

He ends up disguising himself to find the Twins before the Council's soldiers do. He tells the Companions he is the son of a Blacksmith and calls himself Cedric. The council want to kill the twins and remove the threat of the prophecy. He wants to see for himself what threat they pose to the Three Kingdoms before making any rash decisions.

Lady Amaryll is the Crowned Princess of Letheia. Her father is still the King of Hela (Hell in this world) or at least that's what everyone believes because she is able to call on and use dark magic without any visible consequence. As the Queens of Letheia rule the Kingdoms and don't actually marry their Consorts, her mother falling victim to the Charms of the King of Hela is not a crime, nor is spawning his child. She is still half Letheia which still makes her royalty. Sons born to the Queens often end up as Knights or are married off to noble houses for alliances. Daughters are more highly prized in Letheia.

A rare portrait of the betrothed together some time after their very first meeting. He finds her intriguing. She is undecided about him but she will do what her mother asks even if it's not to her liking. At her core, she is a true daughter of Letheia and will do what is required; duty and sacrifice.

A wig change for Yanna. I love this pink wig on her so she will be wearing it. I've decided the MYOU Delia 1/6 version will be one of the three sisters as I shifted Eolande to the fantasy storyline as I plan to blush her hooves and change her legs out for those.

I also got my new Integrity girl but I will post about her another day. Hope everyone has a great weekend!