Leg

Winter Schnee

Conceptualized in 2013 following the idea of the Maidens, Winter was meant to differ from Weiss not only visually but also characteristically. I was given a lot of Aion references, primarily the Abyss armors. Lightning Farron and Erza Scarlet were also prominent influences.

With the premise that she would be defiant of her father's expectations and reject her responsibilities as a Maiden, I designed her opposite of her sister:

Where Weiss wears an asymmetrical hair style but symmetrical clothing, Winter would have symmetrical hair styles and asymmetrical wardrobes. I insisted on giving her pants to lend to her authoritative role. I inverted the direction of the Schnee insignia to represent her conviction to take down her family's empire using their very technology against them. It was requested that her main outfit feature a crystallized crow's skull.

Qrow Branwen

I did a preliminary sketch for Qrow knowing how important this character was to Monty. The one desire he had was for there to be, "a lot of feathers," while also referencing Guilty Gear Xrd. What a request.

I unfortunately couldn't bring myself to revisit this design.

Venus Adele

A member of team RAVN. Her two-handed Chain-Whip Katana was designed, modeled and textured before being passed off to Shane for rigging. Inspired by FF Type 0's Seven.

Episodic Designs

Following the Volume 2 wrap, I was tasked by Monty with designing alternative outfits for classical trope episodes such as Beach and Parade/Concert. They only had to be good enough to meet Monty's standards and detailed enough for me to reference when modeling.

Things did not go according to plan, but I still enjoyed the process and opportunity to explore the characters' personalities. Monty told me Neptune needed floaties because he doesn't know how to swim.

Penny got to go to the beach, too. Just not in the water.

Young Cinder

Exploring her journey from starting out as, "ashes," that would later catch flame to become a, "cinder." Her leggings were meant to resemble those on her catsuit design.

Cameos

This request was the most annoying because I could not for the life of me figure out a way to make these characters/team names follow the naming/design convention of the world. Monty had always been vocal about wanting to include his friends in some way and I tried my best, but I'm not very fond of it personally.

I continued working on things up until June of 2015 when it was made more than apparent that my presence and involvement was neither welcomed nor appreciated over a phone call:

"Trying to find a place for you on RWBY is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."

I packed my things and left.

It has taken me a decade to start believing in myself again, and looking back at everything that Monty trusted me with restores some of the confidence I once had. I should be proud of what I accomplished regardless of how things played out.

Sanctum

“Currently, the oldest living member of the Meta Liberation Army turned Paranormal Liberation Front. Strict, no-nonsense  person that basically acted as temp MLA leader until Re-Destro was of age. He became Twice’s #1 Advisor in order to try to direct the most unstable of the League of Villains to more MLA values. It hasn’t really gone well in that regards. He joined the MLA since he genuinely believed that society’s current draconian ruling regarding Quirks was unsustainable and a new order that supported liberal usage of powers was beneficial to all metahuman kind. His base was a well known private university with Sanctum serving as it's President that would indoctrinate youth to the MLA. ”

Meta Ability: Sanctum - He creates an impromptu hideout for temporary rest and recouping for his allies...and if any enemy tries to answer without permission they are mentally harmed until they leave or die.

Vent

“The second oldest member of the Meta Liberation Army. A Heteromorph whose seen a lot of tragic sights regarding discrimination for being so visually different and joined the MLA in hopes of elevating hopes of reform. Though in his age, he has since passed down his fire to Disgustus, while mellowing out a good deal. These days he likes to tell young folk stories of his youth and act as a mentor. Dislikes being called Grandpa. His base is a scrapyard that has hands in many recycling program efforts and non-profits, especially those related to defective support items in the hero industry and is constantly seeking volunteers/accepting rehab people to help in Vent’s operations…and eventually the MLA’s.”

Meta Ability: Air Manipulation - For a brief space and time, he can alter air to be able to fly or use air pressure to stall/crush his foes.

Blossom

“Otherwise known as Auntie Blossom to the younger people in the MLA (she hates being called Grandma - she’s not that old yet!!). She operated an orphanage that took in kids and teens being abandoned or coming in abused because of society’s intolerance to Quirks and lack of accommodation for them. When the orphanage was in danger of being shut down, the MLA stepped in to give it the funds it needed to thrive. Because of that, both Blossom’s loyalty and a new stream of recruits was acquired that day. Blossom loves to spoil the younger MLA folks rotten, and can’t help but dote on even her peers as well. However, she has no love for the current status quo and is ruthless against those that support it. She’s the mother to another Advisor in the Violet Regiment.”

Meta Ability: Sweet Smell - Emits a pleasant scent that lowers enemies accuracy and evasion...leaving them open for Blossom and her broom spear.

Fervor

“Dabi’s 1st ranked Advisor. Just one look and you get all that you would know of about FErvor. He’s an energetic to the point of insane man, whose own self-preservation isn’t even remotely close on his mind. He’s an utter battle junkie that loves to go all out with is Quirk in brawls. He was recruited int othe MLA after higher-ups witnessed his power in a street fight, and sought to recruit him. Currently, he’s the manager of a support Despite his looks, he’s actually pretty friendly to his underlings and his co-workers…they still are pretty wary of him though.”

Meta Ability: Frenzy - Like a shark, he enters a frenzied state when smelling blood. His pain sensors dull, and he grows faster and stronger too.

Strict

“Strict is one of many in the Meta Liberation Army that believed he should have had a better lot in life than what he has now. He actually aspired to be a Hero himself, but his brutal disposition and cold attitude towards civilians/people he thought of as lesser had him expelled from his school. Eventually, during his current stint as head of a security company, he would come across Destro’s book, which eventually lead to him joining the MLA.”

Meta Ability: Gaseous - He can turn the very air around him into different sorts of gases.

Pierce

“Pierce is an up-and-coming Commander of the Meta Liberation Army. He’s known as the charismatic bad boy of the new generation of MLA executives. He’s dating Bless, and is known for being a teasing, yet loyal companion. Pierce joined the MLA as a wayward youth without much to his name, yet eager to make his mark on the world. The base he controls over is actually a hostel that he acts as a hangout for lost souls like himself and a refuge for those with nowhere to go, with Pierce essentially being their big brother figure.”

Meta Ability: Puncture - He can make holes in anyone and anything, though in himself, it's mostly harmless.

Wisdom

“Wisdom has the reputation of being the most levelheaded of the PLF Advisors. Wisdom is a Quirk therapist that helps people deal with the trauma or issues their powers have given them. As a result, though, he was constantly butting heads with the current dogma concerning the ineffective Quirk counseling at the time. Eventually, in frustration he joined the MLA to change society’s views, and uses his position as a therapist to guide more hurt people towards an organization that will readily accept them and their powers.”

Meta Ability - Flash Orb. He can throw out orbs that act as mini-bombs and/or flashbangs on his targets.

Bless

“Bless is a woman who was essentially raised into the MLA as apart of its new generation of MLA executives. Bless is the daughter of Blossom, and had been helping her mother ever since she was young in her endeavors with the Cause. She’s a deadpan snarker, and doesn’t hold a high opinion concerning a lot of her allies and their intelligence, but is devoted to working with what she got. Dating Pierce, who genuinely loves her, even with her face being scarred due to her Quirk - something she is self-conscious about. She's running her own private clinic that especially caters to those who struggle with Quirk related illness or injuries, and holds the most medical knowledge of the Advisors.”

Meta Ability: Corrosive Breath - She can emit noxious, steel melting breath. Due to the potency of her breath, she needs her guard to properly keep it under control.

Sly

“Sly is a Heteromorphic man that comes from a poor, neglected, family with fox Quirks. Ultimately, he split up for them in an attempt to make it on his own as a businessman, dissatisfied with society’s treatment of them. He joined Detnerat as apart of its weapon testing branch and eventually becoming acting director of his own division once he joined the MLA. He’s frugal man that loathes wasteful spending, having come from a home that relied on every cent counting.”

Meta Ability: Fox! He can do everything a fox can!!

Speculate

“Speculate was Curious’ Vice President of Shoowaysha, handling things in the organization while her boss was away. Her own inquisitive nature and need for the truth had her meet Curious as kindred spirits who have been disillusioned with journalism concerning Hero Society. As one can expect, she holds mixed feelings regarding working under Toga. However, she tries to be professional and polite when going about her new PLF life, determined to see Curious’ will come to fruition.”

Meta Ability: Shutterbugs. Can create little minions to act as her means of attack or recon of any area or person.

Keen

“An introvert to their core, Keen is the most reclusive member of the MLA commanders, but is still one of their best assets. A skilled programmer in their own right, Keen was recruited by the MLA after Skeptic was impressed by their own set of programming skills when Keen applied for Feel Good Inc. Skeptic introduced them to the fold and they eventually became commander of a base that was an Internet Cafe. They’re a major Star Wars fan and would rather not be seen out of their cosplay.”

Meta Ability: Tamper - They can tamper with any electronic device and use that to either attack or disrupt their foes.

Bold

“A former street fighter in her younger years, Bold is a big sister type, she loves to rumble and is highly competitive, so when the MLA offered her a world where she can do that her heart’s content, she readily agreed. Bold runs a private gym and is always eager to help new clients get in shape themselves.”

Meta Ability: Brawn Boost - Can enhance her muscles for a limited amount of time.

Red

“It’s hard to imagine that Red was a 1st-ranked Advisor with his laidback attitude, but he was actually one of the most active members of the Intelligence Regiment. He owns his own bar that’s an active hotspot for disgruntled patrons and broken folk, as well as government official and Heroes who are prone to letting things slip in their drunken states. Like many others, he joined the MLA out of frustration with the system. He oftens tries to get Skeptic to go drinking with him, to no avail.”

Meta Ability: Liquid Control - Red can bend liquid to his will and even manipulate it to act as weapons.

Slidin’ Go

“Was once the highest ranked Hero in the Meta Liberation army before Hawks joined the PLF. He was one of many struggling Heroes in the thousands, barely being able to scrape by due to his lack of popularity. It was the MLA that reached out to him, promoting him and getting him in the upper echelons of the Hero rankings, in exchange for his loyalty.”

Meta Ability: Some slide on the wiki already.

Victory

“A Heteromorphic man who life hasn’t really been kind to him, since minute one, given his toad mutation. Pretty much a social outcast, he was left with little choice but to join the MLA to gain some sort of refuge. He’s very bright and a great engineer, if a bit sloppy, and it’s to the point he’s in charge of his own workshop for the Cause, where he develops much of the cutting edge support items Detnerat uses.”

Meta Ability: Toad. He can do whatever a toad can.

Power

“A grumpy individual that thinks highly of himself and lowly of those not in his position. He was a fierce believer in the Electric Dream - that those who hold electrification Quirks were destined for greatness in Hero Society due to their powers always being in demand. However, his ego and carelessness had him lose job after job in such fields. Bitter and wanting nothing more than to dominate the society that ‘failed to see his greatness’, his eyes were turned to the MLA. He is currently the chief of security of one of their hideouts that acts as a supply depot.”

Meta Ability: Amplivolt - Can do whatever shocking thing it does on the wiki.

Flair

“Flair is a part of the new generation of MLA commanders that was set to take over the organization’s reigns later on in life. Flair is a pretty boy that has the hearts of many of soldiers, boy, and girls alike, with his down to earth nature making him very likable. Flair runs a cafe that actually serves a hangout spot for his fellow Commanders and even other higher-ups when they just want a chance to unwind. He also plays guitar and likes doing songs cover to his cafe audience.”

Meta Ability: Heat Spikes - Can generate a layer of fire spikes to use against his foes, and can cover his body with them as well like a porcupine.

Question

“Who are they? Now that’s the Question: and the answer is fairly simple! The Question is a flamboyant actor who dreamt of making their theatre a big shot in the entertainment world. But, sadly, while they were a good manager, it was a constant struggle to keep the theatre afloat. Thankfully, the MLA stepped in to provide said fundings for not only repairs but to even host plays that made use of the talent’s Quirks as well!! While controversial, it became a smash hit and the Question was loyal to the MLA ever since.”

Meta Ability: Inquisition - Can force a person to go mad with questions about their own existence.

Fury

“A heteromorphic woman that received the brunt of both ends of discrimination for her looks. Both from those who despised her appearance, and those who thought of her as ‘exotic’ and a prize to show off. Filled with rage against the current status quo for this, she joined the MLA for finally payback such actions. Fury runs a shelter for unhoused Heteromorphs who can’t find accommodation easily.”

Meta Ability: Shell Hair - Can use her hair as a shield or as sharp weapons to attack.

Disgustus

“Of the Heteromorphic Trio of the Spinner’s advisors, Disgustus, as per his name, holds the most bitterness towards society. Similar to Spinner, he had to deal with harassment and assault by non-heteromorphs, and has become filled with vengeance and hatred because of it. Naturally, he found his home in the MLA as it was his best chance at rectifying such an issue. An eloquent speaker, he has the best persuasion skills of his trio, which serves well for his job maintaining a church.”

Meta Ability: Spider - Does whatever a spider can.

Joy

“Like with Fury and Disgustus he was also a victim of Heteromorphic discrimination and often thought to be stupid for his passiveness. However, Joy is a big believer of being subtle with intent and purpose: until it’s too late for your enemies. As such, he fits right alongside the shadow organization of the PLF. His base is a recreational center for the youth of Heteromorphs.”

She is not alone in thinking that it’s some real BS, let me tell you.  Like, if nothing else, I don’t think the back edges of that mob should have even been able to hear all the dialogue going on at the front.  Anyway, while I definitely don’t think Kurogiri should have left Spinner on the floor when he even bothered to bring Mic along, if he did, maybe Nimble will live up to her fan name I gave her her position as Spinner’s No. 1 and evade capture long enough to get Spinner out of there.

—

Hmmmm.  I assume you meant these two?

I guess they could be.  They’ve got similar silhouettes and broad similarities—short hair that divides in the middle; a white mask with a dark pattern—but there’s just enough different going on that I would probably not assume so without further appearances.

In direct comparison, Big Sis Bindi lacks those over-the-eyes bangs, her hair is a darker shade, and she of course has the big sweater neck thing.  The left figure’s hair lacking the screentone shading could just be because they’re so far in the background, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue for various other tiny background faces, so I don’t see why it would be an issue for this one.  Likewise, the horizontal dash just below the nose could be the outline of the sweater neck, but it looks more like a mouthline to me.

The other figure has the white mask down, but the enormous Kamen Rider-esque eye pattern is quite different from the question mark that should be there.  More subtly, the white mask seems to continue all the way down the neck, cowl-style, while The Question has that high black collar.

But!  That said, I appreciate that I’m not the only one obsessively looking for Advisor Appearances, so I thank you for calling my attention to it.  If anything, I expect we’ll see at least Big Sis Bindi again, probably with Brand, since we haven’t seen where he wound up yet, or possibly Hose Face, though we’ve already seen him once and not, as I recall, with any other pre-established PLF faces.

I do wonder where Spinner’s Number 3 has gotten off to, though…

—

HMMMMM. I wonder if that is his name, or if it's just Horikoshi shorthanding what Scarecrow's whole deal was going to be?

I ran it by friendchat and @codenamesazanka found that the Japanese on the original version of that page is a little unclear; a fan translator took their best guess about it, back when the volume it was in came out, and offered ヴィスガスタス”, visugasutasu, which no one could make any sense of.

However, Nal also noted that if the smudgy first character was di instead of vi, you got disugasutasu—Disgustas, which sounds an awful lot like Disgust, and disgust was a major theme in his speech to the hospital mob, like so:

So is this a reclamation thing? He had the "you're creepy and gross" sentiment thrown at him so much that he decided to take it up as a weapon? Or is it, again, just a shorthand for his general shtick? How does it compare to other examples of Horikoshi's design-phase sketches and notes? And if Horikoshi had the name picked out, why not include it anywhere? Just another example of Horikoshi's ongoing refusal to give plot-significant heteromorphs actual names?[1]

I also initially thought that Disgustas doesn't fit the typical MLA name scheme, but there are enough caveats there that I wouldn't consider it wholly disqualifying. Skeptic, Trumpet, Curious and Sanctum are all well and good English words, but Destro is not the same as Destroy, Re-Destro even less so, and Geten a complete outlier. So "word that resembles a relevant English word but is itself not quite that word" is not completely unprecedented.

It still makes me frowny, though, that the MLA gets shafted, the heteromorph plotline gets shafted, the single most eloquent speaker on the matter of heteromorph oppression gets EXTRA shafted, and also maybe that speaker's name is a reference to how gross the people who oppressed him and scarred him for life thought he was.

Like, for real, I have enough problems with Shouji preaching the moral superiority of passive endurance in the face of discrimination. By contrast, the MLA's whole deal is the violent overthrow of the harmful status quo; they won't even use a term their own founder's martyred mother coined because that term has been too bastardized by society at large. Spinner's #2 specifically decries various aspects of the status quo as phony, a sham, a false and shallow facade that's incapable of providing the "light" that heteromorphs need. He's the last person who should be willing to wear a label foisted off on him by the non-heteromorphic majority.

It all just feels like more of the entirely unnecessary two-faced bent #2 showed at the hospital, and, I suppose, in that regard, it's not entirely unfitting. I even kind of like the way, if his name is Disgustas, he answers his own question with both a verbal answer and a visual one via his dramatic face reveal.

"Take a look beyond the cities! What do they still say there?" In pulling off his hood, he implies the answer is him, his name: disgust. Disgust is what the people beyond the cities say. "'You give me the creeps.'"

It's a powerful moment. Indeed, language reclamation is always powerful. Still, though, that kind of internal calculation runs counter to the true believer zealotry he'd been written with prior to the hospital scene, and I admit I'm still pretty sore about that discrepancy.

But! In any case, thanks very much for bringing it to my attention! Anything about the advisors is a thing I will always want to hear about. For the time being, I'm going to keep on calling #2 Scarecrow, but if he ever turns up being called Disgustas (or Disgastas or Disgustus or however it gets romanized) in a volume extra or databook or something to that effect, I'll make the best of it at that time.[2]

Thanks for the asks, both of you!