Treasured Companions
We're no strangers to the power of friendship in the world of fantasy!
Perhaps the real treasure is the Tomies we made along the way...
Companions Through Thick and Thin
Adventuring parties, unlikely friendships, and deep bonds — companionships of all kinds are staples throughout fantasy media, and there's nothing we love more than seeing the relationships develop between characters, whether through growth, triumph, or tragedy, or anything in between and beyond. We see it in our video games, in the movies we watch, and in the campaigns we embark on together at a table rolling dice. Everywhere we look, there is companionship to share, and relationships to build and explore. We even see it here in our chapter, as an unlikely crew of once-strangers from all over the world gathered under the badge and banner of the Seven Tomes, to create and share fantastical worlds with one another!
WorldAnvil Stream & Community Inspiration
There are so many classic examples of companions in fantasy media, and we've gone over quite a few of them throughout WorldAnvil's streams preparing us for the Treasured Companions challenge! So many timeless friendships and adventures, that simply wouldn't be the same without these captivating companionships! There's no way I've grabbed them all, but here are a whole bunch of great examples of media featuring companions of all kinds! Some obvious, some outside the box, but all treasured.
- How to Train Your Dragon — Hiccup & Toothless
- Sherlock Holmes — Sherlock & Watson
- Doctor Who — The Doctor & Various Companions
- Dresden Files — Harry & Bob
- Encanto — Casita & Family
- Lord of the Rings — Sam & Frodo, & Fellowship
- Star Wars — C-3PO & R2-D2
- The Golden Girls — The whole group!
- Arcane — Jinx & her trauma/visions
- Avatar: The Last Airbender — Gaang, Iroh & Zuko
- Batman: Wayne Family Adventures
- Steven Universe — Steven & Connie, & Gems
- The Owl House — Luz & Friends
- Knight Rider — K.I.T.T.
- Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny — J.B. & Kage
Our Recent Inspirations
The community has offered a tremendous supply of classic examples of companions and fellowships throughout all forms of media, but we've got some recent favorites of our own to share! Feel free to share some of your own fantasy favorites with us so we can inspire each other! Without further ado, here are a few more examples of media from recent years that really highlight the theme, and may or may not be new to you!
Image from Nimona (2023)
Nimona
This one's for the science fantasy lovers AND the medieval knights fantasy lovers too! If you need inspiration for a plucky sidekick, and how to turn a silly and, in some ways, antagonistic relationship into a deep and meaningful connection, this is the movie for you. We know that even the wackiest of sidekicks can have complex stories of their own, but if you're struggling to create that in your own writing, this story is a fantastic source of inspiration.Image from One Piece (2023)
One Piece
It's always a gamble when it comes to live-action anime adaptations, but it seems we've got a hit this time around! This alternate-Earth adventure through the Golden Age of Pirates now comes in a more digestible size and pacing (down from what, over 1,000 episodes?), and it's packed with action and antics. What could be more important in the Golden Age of Pirates than building up a crew? Let this wacky adventure inspire you in creating your own crews' origin stories!Image from The Owl House (2020-2023)
The Owl House
Yes, this was discussed on WorldAnvil's stream, but I can't pass up sharing it again. The Owl House is a series full of magic, wonder, and an incredible cast of friends and companions all along the way. For a wholesome and sweet series, the relationships run deep and impact each other greatly. What adventures might your characters stumble into, and who might they meet along the way? What can they learn from one another, in an effort to defeat great evils and step into the life they dream of?Image from Final Fantasy XIV (2010-2023)
Final Fantasy XIV
Hey! Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, wi— *coughs* ahem... If you've got several hundred hours to spare, I couldn't recommend playing through the story of Final Fantasy XIV enough. The companions you meet and adventure with become your anchors through times bright and harrowing. These connections become even more impactful through the current Endwalker expansion. I've never had another game and its story & characters grip me quite so tightly, and I imagine it might inspire some of you the same way.Image from Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate III
KajetanWrites's pick! Dungeons & Dragons is a prime example of adventuring parties and the gathering of companions, and Baldur's Gate III encompasses the D&D experience beautifully in video game form. Adventure together with companions from all different walks of life, with different alignments and goals, who grow and change with each choice you make.Image from Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest
Ninodonlord's pick!Image from Magnus Chase
Magnus Chase Series
Jada T's pick!Image from Carnival Row (2019)
Carnival Row
Ninodonlord's pick!Image from Bravely Default II
Bravely Default II
Endrise's pick!Image from Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Jada T's pick!Image from Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II
Endrise's pick!Our Challenge Submissions
"Thank you for being a friend!"
No, really! Neither this chapter nor the WorldAnvil community as a whole would be the same without all of the wonderful friends we make and share our creativity with in these spaces. Remember to show love to your real-life treasured companions here in the community whanever you have the opportunity! A little bit of love goes a long way. If you have favorite media to share that highlights treasured companions, you're welcome to share with us in the comments! And if you have a challenge entry you think we'd love, share that too! Either way, thank you for stopping by, and happy worldbuilding!
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