Ruin Explorers debuted at around the same time as Slayers did, and it has been noted that there are some similarities between the two - though there are many differences as well. Although Ruin Explorers is only a short OAV series and never gained the popularity that Slayers did, it is still fun to watch. It is about two treasure hunters - Fam and Ihrie - who meet up with Galuff who explains about a valuable treasure known as the "Ultimate Power" which is formed by three objects. In exchange for a fee he gives them a map and Fam and Ihrie set off on a new hunt. They meet up with Rasha and Miguel along the way, who are also searching for the same treasure. Eventually they also meet up with Lyle and learn of his story about the man who destroyed his family and kingdom and how Lyle wants the "Ultimate Power" to stop the man. They all end up teaming together, though the motives of most of them except Fam and Lyle is just money. A short but entertaining series, Ruin Explorers is a good watch for any fan of Fantasy.
Main Characters
Fam
Original voice: Hekiru Shiina
Fam is a Wiccan, a sort of cross between a human and a cat (ie catgirl - Wiccan also means "witch"). As most Wiccans do, she posesses great magical powers, though her inability to memorize spells (much to Ihrie's dismay) limits her powers. Her powers are also limited in that she refuses to use them for offensive purposes, fearing that the spirits would become angry and ignore her. She cares a great deal for her best friend, Ihrie, and for Lyle. Fam is very innocent, naive, and pure, and hates violence of any kind, though she seems to make an exception regarding Rasha.
Ihrie is hot-tempered and spends her life hunting for treasure for money and power. She has decent skill with a sword and even more skill with the use of magic. Her magic use is limited, however, because of a curse placed upon her by her old teacher that causes her to turn into a mouse whenever she uses magic. This curse is why she originally teamed up with Fam - so she could have Fam use magic for her - though since then the two have become good friends. Fam also carries the pills that change Ihrie back into a human when she becomes a mouse.
Lyle is pure, noble, and honourable, and only has one goal in life - to stop the man (Rugudorall) that destroyed his home and killed his wife (Meria) and family. Although more noble than vengeful, this desire initially prevents him from wielding the legendary sword Sargus when the group finds it. He is able to later, though only after Fam (who's pure heart allows her to take it) gives it to him and tells Sargus (whom is sentient) to help Lyle. Lyle's swordsmanship is only average, but he gets help from Miguel's teachings and Sargus' power. His focus to stop Rugudoroll prevents him from taking notice of Fam and Rasha's affectionsfor him.
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Rasha
Original voice: Rica Matsumoto
Another explorer and treasure seeker, Rahsa has a similar personality to Ihrie. she is bad-tempered and arrogant and
generally only thinks of herself. She is infatuated with Lyle and doesn't like Fam paying so much attention to him. At
heart, she is a good person, but her selfishness and arrogance mask this most of the time. Rasha is a skilled magic user
and a decent cook, as well.
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Miguel
Original voice: Kouichi Yamadera
Rasha's partner, Miguel is a skilled swordsman. He is very strong and powerful, though he tends to exaggerate his
abilities. He likes to tell stories about his great feats, though most are only half-truths. Miguel doesn't do much thinking on his own, mostly he just acts as Rasha's bodyguard and does what she says. He is an honourable man and will never
turn down a challenge or a good fight.
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Galuff & Gill
Original voices: Chikao Otsuka (Galuff), Kenichi Ogata (Gill)
Though he pretends to be a travelling merchant, Galuff is really just a con man. He will stoop to almost anything to make a quick buck, usually by passing off useless or worthless items as valuable treasure. He is quite knowledgable about the world, despite being a bit of a coward as he usually runs away when faced with trouble. Galuff will help others when it suits him, if not to clear his conscience but because he thinks he can make a profit out of it. He travels with his dog, Gill, who has a habit of biting other people when they get too close.
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Images
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