In many cases, they are shown as being part of a larger, darker underbelly of the medieval - inspired fictional world. Their actions drive the plot, as the heroes often have to stop them to restore peace and justice in the land.
They are often portrayed as very menacing. Their appearance might be dirty and unkempt if they are bandits, or they could have a sinister look with dark robes if they are sorcerers.
One of the most common types of medieval murderers in fantastic fiction are power - hungry nobles. They often plot and kill to gain more land or influence. For example, in some fantasy novels, a duke might poison his rival to claim the throne.
Sure. Mystery is a big one. The whole point of many of these stories is to figure out who committed the murder. Also, there's often a theme of power struggle. In a medieval context, power could be political, religious, or social. The murderer might be trying to gain or maintain power in some way. And there's the theme of secrecy. Secrets play a crucial role as they are often the cause of the murders or at least a big part of the mystery surrounding them.
Well, the murderer is a main character, and they can be from all walks of life in the medieval world, like a corrupt noble or a deranged peasant. Then there are the witnesses or people close to the victim. They might be hiding something or have important clues. And don't forget the authority figures. They could be trying to cover up the murder for their own reasons or sincerely trying to solve it. There are also the side characters who add color to the story, like the tavern keeper who might have overheard something important.
In many Fantastic Beasts fanfictions, Abernathy is often portrayed as a bit of an enigma. He might be shown as having a sly nature, always lurking in the shadows. Sometimes he's a minor villain, causing trouble for the main characters.
A damaged family heirloom, like a necklace with a broken clasp or a ring with a chipped stone, was often used to show the decline of a family's fortune or status. It carried the weight of the family's history and the sadness of its current state. In stories, characters might try to repair or preserve these items as a way to restore their family's honor.
Fantastic medieval romance novels often have elements of chivalry. Knights are usually the main characters, and they follow a code of honor. For example, they are loyal to their lords and ladies, and they fight bravely. Another characteristic is courtly love. The love between the characters is often idealized, with the knight serving his lady. Also, there are often magical or supernatural elements, like in the Arthurian legends where there are wizards like Merlin.
Often, they explore the dark side of human nature. The characters of the murderers can be complex, with motives ranging from revenge to psychological disorders.
One way is to visit flea markets. You might stumble upon some old bookshelves where someone is selling their collection which could include medieval pulp fiction. It's like a treasure hunt.
First off, for writing medieval fiction, focus on getting the historical elements right. Pay attention to the weapons, warfare, and trade. Craft characters with motivations that are relevant to the medieval setting and tell a story that transports readers to that era.
In fiction, snakes can be portrayed in various ways. Sometimes they are seen as sly and dangerous villains, like the snake in the Garden of Eden in religious stories which represents temptation. In some adventure stories, giant snakes are depicted as terrifying monsters that heroes have to overcome. For example, in 'The Jungle Book', Kaa the snake is a complex character, both feared and respected.