Visual Inspiration for the Stranger

I knew I wanted Hedge Maze Hoodwink to be set in a historical time period, but I didn't initially know which one to choose. Given that it takes place outdoors, the only indication of it is the lack of conversation about technology and the sprite art for the Stranger.

The Stranger (they/them) was initially inspired by the character Missy from the film Colette. Missy (the actual Mathilde de Morny) identifies and presents as a man throughout the film, although his gender/sexuality isn't explicitly defined using modern terms. However, from a visual standpoint, Colette is set during the Belle Epoque/Edwardian era. Men's fashion by the 1890's/1900's could easily be mistaken for a regular suit, and I wanted to avoid players mistaking the outfit for a generic vintage "20th century" look.

So I went further back in time to a similarly queer historic person: Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack, set in 1832. I can't add it due to itch's file size limit, but here are the gif sets I used for visual reference: this full set and this second gif, courtesy of weloveperioddrama on tumblr.

This basically solidified the Stranger's outfit and time period in the 1830's. For additional fun, I realized that the second act of Les Miserables was set not only in the same decade, but also 1832 exactly! Enter Grantaire.

Gotta love those poofy sleeves.