Apocalyptic Thinking

We've had the post-apocalypse, we've had the pre-apocalypse, but what about the pro-apocalypse? Sometimes you just gotta clear some stuff out. For instance, suppose the dark lord won and controls the eight pillars, or maybe the author added a character the audience doesn't like. We have to get past this kneejerk response that the apocalypse is bad.

The Tyranny of the Arcane Killjoys

"Magic isn't as fun since they got good at it."
Everyone agreed, including the people who got good at it, but what was to be done? Efficiency beat pizzazz whenever they clashed. But one man dared to challenge the consensus. He was a genius. Veterans struggled not to show the awe they had at his talent, but he knew. Against the standing orthodoxy, he developed his own methods. The consistent methods became inconsistent under his assaults. Admirers praised his triumphs and imitators went over the details again and again.
After overthrowing every standard and unseating every established authority, the man looked around. He beheld the wreck of the old ways and the crowds cheering his name, and he wept, for he realized they would be the new arcane killjoys.
Finis

The Rules Are Simple

Q. Can my main character have a head maid instead of a butler?
A. No. A head maid alongside a butler is permissible however.
Q. But I really want a maid and not a butler.
A. Have you considered having the butler be a woman in disguise?
Q. Fantastic!