Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

That's right. It is time, time at long last!

As you know, I've made more NPCs than I can easily count or remember from Redux. From minor piece set characters to full realised NPCs, Sailor Senshi and foes; I've done gallons of work making the people of this world tick. So it's time to finally talk these over - from source materials inspirations, motivations and more! I intend to do one or two every day. Will I? Probably not, but I do intend to get every single one done.

Feel free to reply to any posts here. In fact, I encourage it. Please do. Please. <_<  Anyway, to kick us off, I'm going to start with a few soft balls, and then end with THAT MAN for today. Each will get a post dedicated to them, be it a one paragraph entry or ten pages.

Entry #1

Makoto's bakery crush - Mr. Tight Buns.

I said I was starting with a softball.

Source material(s): Makoto. I'm fairly sure she fed in as much to him as I did. I want to say I did the actual description for Tighty, but past that it was a small group effort. No particular inspirations or source arts beyond that.

General: A vaguely nice guy, cute and with a killer ass. That's about the long and short of it. He has a girlfriend, likes anything Makoto bakes indirectly, and knows how to show off his body. Also not gay. His purpose is manifestly simple, eye candy for Makoto and later Hotaru. He worked fabuously at it, with no possible complaints except that Mako-chan hasn't managed a move on him. <_< For some reason he has a very deep voice to me - relaxed and charming, but deep. Think Barry White.

Notes: I gave him a name in passing once. I know I did, but I forgot to write it down. So you see; I can't remember his name or find it in the logs. Mako-chan or anyone, if you remember it could you fill me in? Thanks, this has been bugging me a long time.

Ana rating 9/10. Bit character, but has done exactly what he needed to.

That angle never really got played up. >_>;

After Mr. Nationalist, Hotaru was going 'Boys? You mean they have a purpose other than to tease our brains and make my friends cry? A mystery!'

So really, she tried to pay him little attention. Well, and he like...never said a thing besides courtesies. Ever. To my knowledge, anyway.

He was walking sex-meat. *nods*

Entry # 2

Naru's Father.

Source material(s): He was patterened after a stereotype. You know those meek Swiss gemcutters or bankers or whatever? A vaguely befuddled and distant nice guy on the surface, really. I don't have a picture handy, but imagine an old man with a handlebar mustache, an old style cap and a kindly face like a grandfather.

General: Broke up with Naru's Mom a few years back. He helped get her into the jewelry business, and what happened during that is what often happens. Naru and a ring followed, more or less, and life went on. It wasn't to be, and a bad divorce meant he fell out of Naru's life almost entirely. It was to the point that he didn't really contact Naru when he was passing through Juuban. Rather sad, no?

This was remedied by Usagi. While it wasn't a perfect fix, it at least got them talking because her friend made the effort. They're communicating by phone ever few nights now as well as writing longer letters. It's not perfect, but it's an improvement.

Notes: He got slightly overshadowed by Misuki's first apperance, as well as the Naru storyline not quite feeling right. It's not a huge deal since I feel that this story works better in retrospect. He named the Osa-p, for those of you curious. His business sense and work, while eccentric, is solid and is why Naru's mother maks a good living for her daughter.

Ana Rating: 7/10. Worked.

Quote from: AsranaThat angle never really got played up. >_>;

After Mr. Nationalist, Hotaru was going 'Boys? You mean they have a purpose other than to tease our brains and make my friends cry? A mystery!'

So really, she tried to pay him little attention. Well, and he like...never said a thing besides courtesies. Ever. To my knowledge, anyway.

He was walking sex-meat. *nods*

It wasn't played up aggressively by me, no. He was walking sex meat, as you so delicately put it. It was up to the player to react to him how they would - and hey, nothing wrong with eye candy. He was a cute guy who liked the food at your bakery, so he said a few nice pleasantries as he passed by. <_<

And probably fueled Makoto's five sisters sometimes, too! *Flees*

Naru's dad was kind of an oddball...  I wasn't too keen on getting overly involved in that situation, mainly because I wasn't so keen on Naru at the beginning. That said, Naru herself did seem to gel better with me over time, but I'll leave that for her entry!

I also think I recall something about those ribbons I bought from him being meant for Naru, since you asked if I was wearing them once when I met Naru. Sadly I wasn't so the mystery was never solved!

Entry #3

Kensuke - the first of Jadeite's commanders.

Source material(s):

http://home.swbell.net/gioliver/pkusana.jpg

http://queen_mellow.tripod.com/MiakaTamahome03.jpg

A few visual cues on general apperance and hair were taken from Kusanagi from Blue Seed and Tamahome from FY, respectively. The general cast was just that - a bit of a pretty boy. A certain aloof, precise feeling to him - the clinic battle with Usagi played this up. This game from the general genre of bishonens. His name has no relation to Evangelion, despite a few comments about that back in the day. I pulled that name out of my ass, and I've never seen much of Evanglion.

General: Mmmph. It's been stated that I didn't really care for how Kensuke turned out. Indeed, he often came off as a stock and menacing bad guy and little else. This wasn't bad on the surface, especially since he was designed to be someone for the PCs to cut their teeth on. However, I'd wanted to play up the human aspect of Gaia from the getgo, but I never really managed it with Kensuke until the very end. I meant to, but shit happened and it never quite worked out.

The above really did vex me - instead of being a bit of a cool pretty boy that hinted at more than just being a monster commander, he was simply a RAWR badguy. That wasn't what I planned, so Kensuke became something of a hair up my butt. This translated in a few ways - Jadeite ended up really having an extra bit of contempt for that man. Further, he pretty much became canon Jadeite, stuck in a rock and a hard place between his boss and the Sailor Senshi. He had no choice but to engage them in a desperate battle, and so he died.

So, who was that man? He was 24, single, dedicated to his work. He enjoyed photography(One of his few facets that made it out at the end), reading and hiking. A bit of a nature man, so his last mission was a merciful decompression. At least he croaked around a lot of what he liked.

Notes: He really did like Yuko - Kensuke thought she was cute. He manipulated her mentally because of that. No, he wasn't a rape freak, he just did it like how a normal person might try to pick up a girl they like. Says something about how altered his thoughts were in the end - par for the course in the Jade Legion.

He wasn't gay. I swear someone made that as a crack back in the day.

Usagi's 'that man' description for him honestly annoyed the piss outta me at first. While I've grown to be amused with it considerably, it did tend to summarize my grievances with how Kensuke turned out. It's also vaguely ironic, since I was playing Guilty Gear XX at the time of this arc, if I remember right.

On the chance Kensuke had gone very well, there was a chance the Lunar Staff could have appeared far earlier. This would've probably changed the tone of the game markedly, for better or for ill. If he survived he'd teach the Sailor Senshi about charm magic and forms, as well as a few other illusionary tricks. Considering he tended to set off estoric senses, these abilities may have come to light earlier.

Quote from: EbirisNaru's dad was kind of an oddball...  I wasn't too keen on getting overly involved in that situation, mainly because I wasn't so keen on Naru at the beginning. That said, Naru herself did seem to gel better with me over time, but I'll leave that for her entry!

I also think I recall something about those ribbons I bought from him being meant for Naru, since you asked if I was wearing them once when I met Naru. Sadly I wasn't so the mystery was never solved!

Oh, he was eccentric. That's a given with the description. Anyway, your'e right - this did a lot to make Naru closer and more accepting of Usagi. This was an interesting change, since at first Naru was meant to be less of an element in Usagi's life. But enough of that, it's for Naru's entry!

The ribbons were a small forgotten plot end. Oh well.  They were vaguely meant for her as I recall, but it slid away from our attentions.

Quote from: AnastasiaKensuke Stuff

Heh, sorry about the 'That Man' bit. I thought it was funny...

Anyway, yeah, Kensuke really did scream out 'Generic Bad Guy' right from the get go, as far as I could tell. He really was just... empty.

It didn't help that I genuinely wasn't expecting any kind of human face to Gaia. We didn't even find out about Gaia till Nior, so I saw him as a Jadeite-lite - viewing it in terms of the Dark Kingdom, with him being below the Generals but above the youma rabble.

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaKensuke Stuff

Heh, sorry about the 'That Man' bit. I thought it was funny...

Anyway, yeah, Kensuke really did scream out 'Generic Bad Guy' right from the get go, as far as I could tell. He really was just... empty.

It didn't help that I genuinely wasn't expecting any kind of human face to Gaia. We didn't even find out about Gaia till Nior, so I saw him as a Jadeite-lite - viewing it in terms of the Dark Kingdom, with him being below the Generals but above the youma rabble.

That man was quite funny. It also hit too close to home at the time. Hell, now that it's past it's a favorite of mine, so it's all good. There was stuff going on beneath his surface, but it never made it out at all. Compare him to Arieta - who was designed to be like that with added cruelty, and you'll note a difference. (I'll go into that in her writeup.)

This is true. Expectations played into this, which is why Nior came out when he did. I reckon he quickly helped amend that belief.

Entry # 4

Unazuki Furuhata

I suspect that Usagi took her as an NPC since she was never at work in game 1. <_<

Source material(s): The canon SM. She's almost unchanged from it - I don't recall if she went to T*A in it, however. Do you know, Usagi-chan? I only remember her from that episode where she gets a ride from Mamoru.

General: A cute and perky 16 year old high school student, Unazuki is both hot and possesses an excellent body. She wears a really cute waitress uniform and works in the Crown Fruits Parlor! She doesn't have a boyfriend, but with that body, I bet she won't be a virgin for long!

Ahem. On a more serious tack, that's about it. I played her pretty closely to what Usagi gave me. She's a nice girl, really, and I have fun whenever i trot her out. A great bit character to be used to fill out scenes in the Crown.

Damn, she's hot. Did I mention that?

Notes: She's stunning!  I was toying around with getting creative with her or having her do a serious of boy hunting scenes with Usagi and a few other girls (Makoto or Ami came to mind here for whatever reason), but those never came to be. For some stupid reason I never used her at T*A for events there. It always slipped my mind. >_<

Ana Rating 10/10. She did perfectly for the task I gave her.

Quote from: Anastasia
Source material(s): The canon SM. She's almost unchanged from it - I don't recall if she went to T*A in it, however. Do you know, Usagi-chan? I only remember her from that episode where she gets a ride from Mamoru.

Actually, that's the only time we see her in the T*A uniform. I'll dig up a pic.

Although I'm surprised you'd remember that more than the episode where she tried to kiss Makoto...

Anyway, yes, I really like Unazuki. My original intent was to have her as Usagi's best friend rather than Naru - didn't quite pan out. Naru managed to raise her standing while Unazuki didn't quite appear often enough... I still like Unazuki more, though.

Interactions with her were fun, though. She tries so hard to play the 'experienced older sister' archetype, but is nearly as clueless as Usagi at some things. Also she really messed me up in the Lesbian omake. Dammit.

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: Anastasia
Source material(s): The canon SM. She's almost unchanged from it - I don't recall if she went to T*A in it, however. Do you know, Usagi-chan? I only remember her from that episode where she gets a ride from Mamoru.

Actually, that's the only time we see her in the T*A uniform. I'll dig up a pic.

Although I'm surprised you'd remember that more than the episode where she tried to kiss Makoto...

Anyway, yes, I really like Unazuki. My original intent was to have her as Usagi's best friend rather than Naru - didn't quite pan out. Naru managed to raise her standing while Unazuki didn't quite appear often enough... I still like Unazuki more, though.

Interactions with her were fun, though. She tries so hard to play the 'experienced older sister' archetype, but is nearly as clueless as Usagi at some things. Also she really messed me up in the Lesbian omake. Dammit.

Could you? I'd love to see that picture. It's a little detail that never stuck - like the kissing Makoto episode. That was in SuperS, wasn't it? I only saw that once and a third or so, and a lot of the episodes didn't stick. Well, that and CN hacked the everloving fuck outta that part, I imagine.

Oooooh. That was a lightbulb clicking on - your intent with her makes a lot more sense now. Unazuki as Usagi's best friend never fully gelled, but she was still achingly solid. So it's all good, really. Oh, and elaborate on the lesbian omake comment? <_<

(http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ebiris/unazuki.JPG)

Actually from S.

As for the lesbian comment... well, she was both so very tempting, and yet at the same time so perfectly able to pierce my lecherous intentions with an arrow of guilt at taking advantage of her.

Ooooh. I just suck at remembering that episode, then. Anyway, I'll save the omake comments for the proper topic and time - I need to stay on track!

---

Entry # 5

Artemis.

Brace.

Source Material(s): Canon SM and watching a lot of housecats. A few of his lines have been quotes of other characters at times, but they're too scattered to be credited.

General: Aaah, Artemis and Luna. The noble feline companions of the Sailor Senshi. Those brave cats that will risk life and limb so that their charges stay safe. They dispense wisdom and powerups, doing their best to aid the girls, as well as being really cute pets. I worked off this theory from the get go, using several modifying factors.

First, the cats got extremely human like in SM1.  I wanted to turn the scale back - while they can talk, they're still felines and think like them. They bathe themselves, sleep in the sun, hunt prey and so on. I wanted to integrate this in and it went well. Secondly, I had to tweak them based on the setting. The scrambled egg memories were designed so they couldn't spoil the complex plot right off the bat - and having the benefit of keeping the events of that last battle somewhat indistinct even when they did remember. Thirdly, they had the mandate to train and watch over the Senshi. This turned into them playing house merry go round awhile - I enjoyed this, even if they tended to favorites after a good while.

As a mental note, I need to swap Luna back over to Makoto's. That's overdue. Maybe move Arty a little later down the line, too. Let him spend a week with Kotono and then come back to Ami-chan? <_<

Anyway. The intent was to blend all of the above together into a dazed but determined whole. They were in effect the vanguard for Queen Serenity, finding her Sailors and trying to protect and mend the present. This overall worked out well; there was nothing like the Dark Kingdom on the Moon incident this game.

As for Artemis? He's still a smartmouth. In fact, Ami tends to draw this out. He's a crude male cat with a glib tongue. I have a complete ball playing Artemis when he's on. No one else quite annoys Ami so perfectly, nor can deflect her words and actions skillfully. Now that I consider it, between Ami and Luna, Arty knows how to keep his hos in line! <_< >_> That line perfectly crystallized Artemis for me. Does anything else need to be said about him?

Notes: Luna and Artemis have feelings for each other, but have put them aside on agreement until peace is found. Even if they do banter like mad, they care about each other. Artemis has a taste for mice in general - he'll gladly tell you that wild mice beat the hell out of tamed or apartment mice for flavor. Don'ta sk him about roaches - they're no fun to claw up and they taste bad. He still likes salmon - he also picke dup a taste for being on the kitchen counter simply because it annoyed both Chikako and Ami.

He does believe cats are better evolved than humans, though he's not that serious about it. How can you argue with feline grace, agility and awesomeness? Besides, Queen Serenity would so give him a LOOK if he got caught saying that at the wrong time.

Officially, Artemis and Luna function as specialised detectors for the Supernatural, have hypnotic and charm abilities, and have subspace pockets of a sort. They also have a decent stack of HP for a pair of cats.

No feline love for Hotaru-chan! ;_;

Got played up a little with how utterly brief Artemis' pit stop at the Tomoe home was, and the 'can you tell me the color of my sheets?' snippies.

I dunno, do Hotaru and Reiko just repel the cats?>_>;;

I think Luna's been at the Tomoe home more often in the various lesbian omakes (and I do mean specifically the lesbian omakes) than in main game, if I think about it. <_<;

On Kensuke - He never really had much of a chance, since to the girls, they were all really just monsters and evil guys until Nior's betrayal by Arietta. That was essentially where we started learning a bit more about Gaia and the fact that these were people, not just monsters, and started holding back to a degree. So poor bastard. >_>

On Artemis - While he might have been able to put Ami in her place at times, the reverse held true just as much. Ami gave as good as she got. =p

But seriously, playing against Arty was fun, and he was the NPC I liked hanging around the most. He was the NPC I hung around the most, really, even more than Kotono or stalker-Rei, when they popped into the scene.

Plus he just didn't know when to talk and when to shut up sometimes. ^_^

Quote from: AsranaNo feline love for Hotaru-chan! ;_;

Got played up a little with how utterly brief Artemis' pit stop at the Tomoe home was, and the 'can you tell me the color of my sheets?' snippies.

I dunno, do Hotaru and Reiko just repel the cats?>_>;;

I think Luna's been at the Tomoe home more often in the various lesbian omakes (and I do mean specifically the lesbian omakes) than in main game, if I think about it. <_<;

Heh. Hotaru slipped my mind there, honestly. I still don't have any particular reason for how Arty's visit to Hotaru's place went. Maybe it was just a quirk of schedulings or GM's attention, but it amounted to very little. Don't worry, Hotaru and Reiko don't have cat repellent naturally. I think.

Luna's apperances are generally random in omakes. <_< I won't make a joke there. Really.

Quote from: MercForHireOn Kensuke - He never really had much of a chance, since to the girls, they were all really just monsters and evil guys until Nior's betrayal by Arietta. That was essentially where we started learning a bit more about Gaia and the fact that these were people, not just monsters, and started holding back to a degree. So poor bastard. >_>

On Artemis - While he might have been able to put Ami in her place at times, the reverse held true just as much. Ami gave as good as she got. =p

But seriously, playing against Arty was fun, and he was the NPC I liked hanging around the most. He was the NPC I hung around the most, really, even more than Kotono or stalker-Rei, when they popped into the scene.

Plus he just didn't know when to talk and when to shut up sometimes. ^_^

Kensuke had a chance on paper. However, one stipulation nipped him in the ass regardless - he didn't work out on this end, nor did he get a chance to show any other side. I'm not sure he had much of a realistic shot of living and was designed as such, but I wanted to do more to foreshadow how things were. That's where Kensuke failed and failed badly, Ami-chan.

I'd also argue Nior started showing and hinting what Gaia was from his first apperance, but that's here nor there.

Anyway, for Artemis? You two have a good back and forth, yeah, and I have a blast with you and him. So something to do more!

Entry # 6

Shinji

Source Material(s): A few cues from this and that - some nerdology and a few dashes of Tenchi from Tenchi Muyo in base design. It didn't really show through, however. Hotaru-chan, does he have any particular source on your end?

General: Shinji had very limited screen time. Why? I had planned for him to be a classmate of Hotaru's; someone to show up in school scenes periodically and build on that. From that I made him socially awkward but attached to Hotaru as a friend, which developed into a mild if obvious crush. So everything looked good. We did his first scene and it worked rather well. He came to Hotaru before class started and chatted it up.

Bonus points to you if you already know what's wrong with that picture. Here's a hint - Shinji has a PENIS. O_O No, that's not a Hotaru is gay joke. Remember, she goes to the Thomas Aquinas Academy for Girls. This, as we say, was a faux pas. Amazingly, this made it through my five hole the entire time of development, as well as Hotaru's sensors. If Usagi hadn't mentioned this after a couple of days, it may have managed to slip through our collective radars in a massive clusterfuck.

So anyway, that scene gets retconneed and I'm back to square 1. I manage to use Shinji around the neighborhood a few times but he only sees limited action. My base concept got rocked pretty bad, and I never quite got him back to balance. I still like the concept - a semi friend for Hotaru with a semi crush, able to develop as they interact. I rather want to bring him back with a new perspective at some point.

Notes: Has a massive geek collection ofmilitary and military esque items. Has handled a hunting gun before and has an inkling of which end is which. I considered using him in a few situations - Misuki's museum attack and as one of Balder's boosted servants. The former was discarded from being a big plot issue since I used Hotaru's uncle for it. The latter just never happened since Balder wrapped early. For some reason I find the idea of Shinji and Ami together and talking oddly compelling and amusing all at once.

Also, for some reason, I so see him already having a few dirty magazines. I have no freaking clue why.

Source material? Shinji something or other from Full Metal Panic to some degree. One of my friends from high school (we could talk totally different angles of WW2 at each other for ages and ages...and barely learn a thing from each other).

And...yeah, that weird sort of 'oops!' point in the beginning with him kind of broke things apart, and turned 'classmate' into 'the son of her dad's work friend (Dad has any other friends?) and neighbor'. So it did kind of level him quite a ways. This was partly because her school ahdn't been decided, and when asked, I made an impulse choice on T*A (Rei-chan!). So it actually wasn't present to be discovered in the creation process, I was just nervous, jumpy, and unthinking at the beginning of the game. >_>;

Mmm. That said, I did like the scenes with him, maybe the second more than the first. What were those scenes? Shinji watching his kid sister and her friends, and a small running conversation there, and then he stumbled across Hotaru unconscious when she first tried teleporting. I do kind of want to feel out where it goes with Hotaru maturing rapidly, and wherever he's getting too. Also be interesting to play on one of the few non-senshi related things Hotaru has left to her. >_>;

Dirty magazines? Perverted Ana! Shinji no Hentai! And so on and so forth. It'd be amusing for Hotaru to discover that down the road, if she ever somehow ended up in his bedroom. (Anybody's guess)

Quote from: AsranaSource material? Shinji something or other from Full Metal Panic to some degree. One of my friends from high school (we could talk totally different angles of WW2 at each other for ages and ages...and barely learn a thing from each other).

Oh, okay. Makes sense, though the FMA reference misses me.

QuoteMmm. That said, I did like the scenes with him, maybe the second more than the first. What were those scenes? Shinji watching his kid sister and her friends, and a small running conversation there, and then he stumbled across Hotaru unconscious when she first tried teleporting. I do kind of want to feel out where it goes with Hotaru maturing rapidly, and wherever he's getting too. Also be interesting to play on one of the few non-senshi related things Hotaru has left to her. >_>;

Dirty magazines? Perverted Ana! Shinji no Hentai! And so on and so forth. It'd be amusing for Hotaru to discover that down the road, if she ever somehow ended up in his bedroom. (Anybody's guess)

Mmm. That wasn't a bad scene at all. It's part of why I want to bring him back - even if he's damaged, the foundation is still uncorrupted. Moreso since he's one of the few non Senshi aspects of her life, yes. I have no idea where the magazines come from, but that's a potentially amusing scene to be had.

Entry # 7

Nationalist boy

Source Material(s): None of note. A tiny bit of Hotaru to be reactive to her, but that's about it.

General: *Snicker*

The concept was simple - a rough and early attempt to play off of Hotaru's military interests. I'd came up with him a little before his apperance. I'd wanted to test the waters with Hotaru on a lot of levels, and he was a nice duck. It so didn't work out, but I learned about how Hotaru frames and references her preferences.

Plus, he should so play Hearts of Iron 2. Right, Hot-chan?

Notes:  He's mainly included as a throwaway. He wasn't quite meant to be so extreme, but I think he bounced off the conversation that way. He had mixed feelings after talking to Hotaru, but forgot all about her the next day.

Entry # 8

Makoto's old boyfriend.

Source Material(s): The SM canon and two games worth of jokes. I don't think I need to beat around the bush with this one. You can cite both Mako1 and Mako2 here if you like.

General: Makoto's old boyfriend has been a running joke throughout the anime. Both Makotos chose to integrate this in - the first crush and romance, one that dumped Makoto and created something of a comparison complex. We all know this on the surface. However, back in the day around when Alan and Makoto were snuggling together, I started really considering this mysterious figure. What was he like? How'd the shit go down? Why? This is a little kernel that began to ever so slowly grow into a fully formed idea plant.

This was a long process - it never really came up in SM game 1. By game two it was ready, and Makoto used her old boyfriend fairly often. So it was ripe, and it was just a matter of time. I played with her awhile, building up to that and soaking up how she tended to paint the entire situation. As the game went on, it became clear that it was a short, hormone fueled affair - kiss, tell, gossip, dump. A nice guy on the surface that did wrong to Mako-chan on the way out. Nastiness all around there, really.

So I played with that - the duality of the situation interested me. While this is clearly a biased viewpoint with Makoto(If you say an ex isn't biased, you're an idiot.), the concepts latched onto me. It made me think of old Cyprine and Ptilol - two sides of the same coin. This lead to a lot of the design for ol' sempai; a nice guy with a vicious undercurrent. This also inspired his 'enhanced' form.

For the actual encounter and acting I played it by ear beyond a few guidelines; don't describe his normal form past a very rough outline to perserve the magic, and make sure that he says something for Makoto to chew on depending on how the battle goes.  His apology to Makoto was a rather nice counterpoint and twist to all the bottled up feelings Mako has about him. At least I thought so, anyway, and the drama around it was interesting to see unfold.

Notes: As a humorous aside, I had more fun with the cakewalk with Ami and Mako-chan than RPing Sempai. Not that the latter was bad, but go figure. That giant sheet cake was fun!

I'm half toying with him showing up for Makoto at some point, but we'll see. I left the initiative in her ballpark there back when this went down. Now that I remember it, I rather like how Rei told Mako-chan to go for it, even if her advice wasn't used. It's also interesting if he remembers everything that happened - circumstancial evidence about the hypered state Balder can put people in leans towards no.

For some reason I like the guy, the rumor mill trashing of Makoto aside. I suppose it's the natural modern male response to symphasize with any guy getting trashed by a modern girl, deserved or not.  That's an interesting cultural tangent, but not one for here.

I'd had the image of him asking Makoto to dance but being so affected by what Balder's done to him that he didn't know or care it was Makoto. Imagine that - freaking out Makoto and cool sempai, dancing away in the middle of the dancefloor. Balder watches on, ready to give the word and begin the attack. Dramatic, no?

It's funny you should put it like that, really. I had visions of him being a basically nice guy, too.
Makoto doesn't know what drove him, so all she knows is something sweet and wonderful...the best thing that had ever happened to her went horribly wrong, and she still doesn't know why.

I had to have a rough idea of what happened to play my reactions to him right, so as far as my loose idea of the situation goes, it happened like this. Makoto tends to stand out among her age group, and to a sempai, she's probably pretty hot. >_> *Blushes* I hope so, anyway.

So, he's interested, and things go well...and I'm barely thirteen...maybe even not thirteen, yet. He's good to me, and Handsome, and I like him...it MUST be love.

So I work up the nerve, and get ready...and decide that he can go as far as he likes. But 'Sempai' is...rather young himself, comparitively. So, a young, inexperienced guy gets his hands on my *Blush* Early launch, as they say.

He hesitates, and I turn out to be enjoying it despite my worries...and I press him to know what's wrong...and wounded pride takes over, and things end badly. Very badly. And it snowballs when his friends ask about me the next day, into the sitation I've decribed to Balder and the others.

>_> Not that you should feel constrained to this, but I thought it would be interesting if Makoto ever found someone else that he come back and start messing things up as he tried to 'apologize'.

Mmm. No, you're pretty much on track with what I was thinking for the neutral view. It's a mess, it's probably blameless mistakes of youth, and it's rather sad. The only thing I'd be inclined to change from that? I like the idea of a duality to him, it exemplifies the underlying currents and themes of the entire mess.

I imagine he's attractive, yes. Let your imagination roam, Mako-chan!

Oh, no doubt. I imagine it snowballed with him, too.

Once he decided what his excuse was going to be for running away like that, he probably even believed it. Which was why the rumor spread so far, so fast.

And yes, he was completely yummy. *Shivers* Why do you think no one stacks up well against him?

Quote from: Bean BanditOh, no doubt. I imagine it snowballed with him, too.

Once he decided what his excuse was going to be for running away like that, he probably even believed it. Which was why the rumor spread so far, so fast.

And yes, he was completely yummy. *Shivers* Why do you think no one stacks up well against him?

Pretty much. The ol' cause and effect in full force. It's a regrettable incident for all concerned. You-hm? Oh, because you're clearly gay for Hot-chan! Or not? <_<

Jokes to the side, that makes sense.

Oh, I am, It's just that I like the boys, too. *Nods*

Soon enough, after another, gentler breakup, I'll decide that girls are easier on my heart. *nodnod*

Entry #9

Luna

Source Material(s): The SM canon, as well as SM game one. We all know where she comes from, so let's move on, shall we?

General: First and foremost I'm going to refer to Arty's entry several posts back. His touches on a lot of the themes and ideas with the Mooncats, so I'm going to focus mainly on Luna and effects thereof.

The idea with Luna was to use the following - her caring but ever so slightly prissy outlook mixed with a very elementally cat based perspective. I feel these aspects compliment each other - c'mon, you know cats can be the most arrogant looking fuckers in the world. I gave Luna-chan a very mild take on this; I see her as a bit more of a cat nanny than a real bitch.  This manifests in little ways - not liking being called -chan and having an aversion to using her 'cute magic' too much.

All the above has been played for generally lighter notes, and I'm happy with how they've gone by and large. Luna's resistance and hiding of her magic is usually quite amusing - Usagi gets a good kick out of it and it's fun to tease her about. Plus it lets me keep such powers in reasonable check.

Of all the girls, Luna is closest to Usagi and Makoto. Usagi was found first and is Sailor Moon; a surrogate Princess of the Moon and reminiscent of Queen Serenity. Makoto is more earthy - a good friend, both better and worse than Usagi in tandem. Usagi started very canocionally - the lazy girl that's a chore to keep after. But as the game went on, Luna became more accepting and understanding of her. As she took up the burdens Queen Serenity gave her, annoyance matured into respect. Luna cares very much for Usagi now - both as a friend and as someone to look up to.

Makoto is simpler. Not to knock how she views Usagi or vice versa, Luna is a little more comfortable around Makoto. She's more mature, self maintaining and a great cook. All the things needed for a worn out mooncat to relax, really. Toss in some naturally good chemistry and you have a cute 1-2 punch. Luna look sforward to spending time with both of them - Makoto first, probably, now that the battle is over and she's spent a lot of time with Usagi recently.

As for the other girls? Luna likes Ami, but Arty kind of claimed her. She's also fond of Hotaru, but a little distant about it. She knows full well what Hotaru's powers are, and it's easy to let herself keep a distance there. Kotono? Well, she spent a day or two with her and while she doesn't dislike her outright...well hell. She doesn't like Kotono that much. Imagine Usagi on a smarter, hyperer and more oblivious scale. Luna does vaguely like Rei, but they don't get much time together. Oh, she really really gets annoyed by Rei's grandfather. It dents her ego to be called an oni or a kitsune!

Notes: I tried to avoid the term 'Mau' this game. It became emblematic of what Luna and Artemis were last game. This is an effort to help seperate the two incarations on a more subtle level. It's kind of a pain, since Mau's short and fitting. Ah well.

While Luna and Artemis slowly had guardian duties and training taken over by others (Queen Serenity and Jun late game), they still consider themselves as such. It's just that the students have outdone the masters. Go you?

Now that everything is over, will Artemis and Luna get together? I don't really know yet, but it'll be intereting to see and decide!

(If you have any questions or other notes about the cats, fire by all means.)

Quote from: Bean BanditSempai Stuff

Well, that finally explains a great mystery I always had. It never quite made sense why a guy would have a girl like Makoto eating out of his hand, get to near enough second base, and then suddenly bail and trash her reputation on the way out.

Sure, there's the 'she was horrible at it!' excuse, but considering the influence of her auntie, I really can't buy that. Besides, I'm pretty sure most guys wouldn't mind if Makoto just lay their like a sack of potatoes, considering how she looks.

But that explanation about him getting too excited and then wounded pride taking over makes a lot of sense. Poor Mako-chan!

Quote from: AnastasiaLuna Stuff

Usagi does enjoy teasing Luna - probably why the cat likes Makoto more, but she really can't get enough of puncturing that prissy exterior. It's all in good fun, though - Luna's own barbs pretty much roll off Usagi like water off a duck's back, she just enjoys the interaction.

Besides, the fact that Luna's an adorable little cat and lots of fun to pet does make her bossiness a lot easier to stomach.

[quoteWell, that finally explains a great mystery I always had. It never quite made sense why a guy would have a girl like Makoto eating out of his hand, get to near enough second base, and then suddenly bail and trash her reputation on the way out.

Sure, there's the 'she was horrible at it!' excuse, but considering the influence of her auntie, I really can't buy that. Besides, I'm pretty sure most guys wouldn't mind if Makoto just lay their like a sack of potatoes, considering how she looks.

But that explanation about him getting too excited and then wounded pride taking over makes a lot of sense. Poor Mako-chan![/quote]

It does make sense, doesn't it? I'm rather fond of the fact that Mako-chan and I both came up with roughly the same conclusion. It fits.

Quote
Usagi does enjoy teasing Luna - probably why the cat likes Makoto more, but she really can't get enough of puncturing that prissy exterior. It's all in good fun, though - Luna's own barbs pretty much roll off Usagi like water off a duck's back, she just enjoys the interaction.

Besides, the fact that Luna's an adorable little cat and lots of fun to pet does make her bossiness a lot easier to stomach.

Exactly. That's a whole lot of why the dynamic works so well. It also works in tandem with Makoto - the two relationships buttress each other and balance out the aspects of Luna' spersonality nicely.[/quote]

Entry #10

Misuki

Source Material(s):

http://toychest.diamondcomics.com/toys/02_05/NG-001-Taki.jpg

http://www.kamikaze-taki.de/taki8.jpg

http://www.playfrance.com/images/downloads/ps2/artworks/186139269/zoom/3076.jpg

Taki from Soul Caliber is obviously a fairly big influence. I had the idea of Misuki and tapped Taki for the visual effects. This was due mainly for having easy source art handy for her; I suspected she had a pretty good chance of sticking around. Notably I did play down her chest for obvious reasons. (Those things have got to be so un aerodynamic, yeah?) Beyond Taki, Misuki owes bits and pieces to a few other ninjas. Mizuki from Suikoden 4 contributed a partial hairstyle and some of her various tricks were taken from general ninja lore.

The Mizuki and Misuki name simliarity is totally coinicidental. When I stumbled on Mizuki it was too delicious not to tap in due to the name irony.   Go figure.

General: This is the point where I need to get into some underlying game theory. All of the commanders represented an aspect against Jadeite, Gaia and the entire situation therein. Taking this as an accepted given, Misuki's roll was that of the well meaning fanatic. She has many good traits - a sense of duty bordering on the obsessed, feelings of love, and a slowly emerging compassionate side when she connects with a person. On the other hand, the man she loves and swears fealty to uses her as nothing more than another tool. She was bred from childhood to serve him silently; Misuki's body was torn asunder at his touch to better that aim. Jadeite used her feelings for him with utter contempt and disregard to motivate her, yet her feelings never waivered.

I'll go into a lot of the above later in a game theory discussion. The long and short is that Misuki loved Jadeite and was used by him. This is a neat little package when you consider what he's done to her - perfect for an interesting character build. This could be expanded as she got more screentime, making Misuki a tragic and yet relatable person. Everyone has had or knows someone that's had a really shitty boy/girlfriend, you know?

This is also why her being relatable in other ways was vital. This is what was begun with Hotaru at the dance ball; for this to work for the PCs they had to see her as more than a fanatic of Jadeite. Her interaction with Hotaru was excellent overall and heralded many good chances there. The concept of building on that was starting there - but we all know what happened that night.

Shifting gears backwards, Misuki was designed to last a good while. Her offensive capacity(Or lack thereof!) combined with her defensive skill made it unlikely she'd die easily or kill another Sailor Senshi. However, I gave her other things to compensate - sleeping gas and various toxic tricks can be as scary as 50 points of damage when used right. Combined with this and a few good battle scenarios, I tried to keep her interesting on the combat end of it. Not only does this make combat a lot more fun, but keeping Misuki unpredictable makes the PCs not take her for granted mentally. This was desired, too.

In fact, everything with Misuki was going gold. I hadn't had a single scene with her I didn't like and several I loved. She was the evil twin of Kensuke and I was thrilled with every moment of it. Then she died. Yep. Kaboom! Ahem. I'm not going to rehash that plot point here - we're all familiar with how it went down, the Tiara Enclose dicing incident, and Hotaru's 2-6 critical.

I will say in all my times in gaming this is the one time I was truly tempted to utterly ignore the dice and the numbers -completely- in favor of throwing an NPC a break. (Sure, I fudge things on occasion, but that goes without saying as a GM. This is different.) I suppose that says a lot of how I feel and still feel about Misuki. It was a damn waste - I had a lot planned for her ahead.

So, what if Misuki had lived? My plans worked around this idea - I was going to have her start getting closer to the Sailor Senshi as the plots went on. I wanted to make her a figure starting to be torn - between that she's starting to have real compassion for those she's fighting and using, while coping with her feelings for Jadeite. Combine this with chances for purification and you have all sorts of interesting scenarios. Imagine how she'd defend Jadeite and interact with Balder, for example. That's just the tip of the iceberg, too. I had some ideas for Misuki and Queen Serenity interacting. This is unrelated to the idea of ressurecting her, that'll be gotten into in Queenie's post.

Powerwise? Misuki would've taught various ninja like traits and tricks. Even without direct powers she had a helluva pool to draw from. Imagine you girls learning to be little ninjas!

Notes: Misuki-Hotaru and Misukibot basically came into life because I didn't want to let Misuki go. Sometimes I really do wonder if I should've given her a break.  Misuki has a rack, but taped them down when at work. They weren't Taki like, but she was a typical anime girl. Misuki was the first NPC that I'd brazenly broken the ACV/DCV ratio for beyond some minor twinking. I think it worked pretty well overall. I toyed around with giving Misuki crits on 2-3, but having her have an equal chance of a critical vs a normal hit was stupid. Queen Serenity spared Misuki from the Beast Lord doing an Arieta on her - a small mercy for me, I suppose. Besides, I'm a little scared to see what he'd come up with from her soul.

Quote from: AnastasiaMisuki Stuff

I think of all the senshi, Usagi probably had the highest opinion of Misuki. The main reason being that despite her somewhat scary front, probing a bit deeper revealed that her bark was a lot worse than her bite. Case in point, her propensity for using knockout gas - sure, that could really mess us up, but considering she could be using poison or something nastier, it showed she wasn't an out and out killer.

This was further confirmed the time she had Hotaru and Rei hostage at the museum. Usagi went in alone, and when she proved unwilling (more like unable, but let's look at this from Misuki's perspective) to hand over the Lunar Staff, Misuki promptly attacked the combat ready Sailor Moon, while leaving her two defenceless hostages completely alone.

Because of the above, Usagi had decent hopes of reasoning with Misuki when she took Hotaru hostage (again) at the Shrine. I won't get sidetracked on that, but basically, Misuki seemed a lot easier to deal with on a personal level than Arieta or Kensuke, blind devotion to Jadeite notwithstanding.

Then came the fun at the ball. From an OOC perspective, having her escape from a tiara bind via secret GM magic as I was in the middle of typing a "Moon Restoration" line (Usagi greatly preferred convincing someone to abandon Jadeite before purifying them, as she did with Janna, but it was a somewhat desperate situation, and was preferable to killing her) really did piss me off. Hotaru promptly one-shotting her to death was immensely satisfying, OOC-wise.

IC, Usagi was a a bit sad at the senseless waste of life, and had she been given the choice Hotaru was given, probably would have taken it. But since Hotaru said no, I didn't want to step on her toes by volunteering.

A pity, since Misuki would have been fun to keep around, had she been purified. Learning ninjitsu doesn't really appeal (especially if it requires having your vocal chords mutilated), but her interactions with Beck and Balder probably would've been priceless...

Mmm. Makoto didn't have as high opinion of Misuki as Usagi did. Knockout gas and stuff was more evidence of sneaky bitchery than being a softy at heart (She could have snuck back and slit our throats and stuff)

Basically, Makoto saw her as someone unable to stand up to the Senshi in straight fighting, and was horribly devious in compensation, which made her much more dangerous...Hence the willingness to charge straight in when Misuki had Hotaru Hostage.

Thusly, Makoto shed no tears when finding out she died. She seemed as unsympathetic and horrible as Arieta.

QuoteBecause of the above, Usagi had decent hopes of reasoning with Misuki when she took Hotaru hostage (again) at the Shrine. I won't get sidetracked on that, but basically, Misuki seemed a lot easier to deal with on a personal level than Arieta or Kensuke, blind devotion to Jadeite notwithstanding.

Good. I'm glad that shone through, that was the point of the exercise. That's what I was trying to paint; even if using deadly poison would be a lot less interesting from a purely gaming perspective. She was able to start 'talking' to you just before she went, too.

QuoteThen came the fun at the ball. From an OOC perspective, having her escape from a tiara bind via secret GM magic as I was in the middle of typing a "Moon Restoration" line (Usagi greatly preferred convincing someone to abandon Jadeite before purifying them, as she did with Janna, but it was a somewhat desperate situation, and was preferable to killing her) really did piss me off. Hotaru promptly one-shotting her to death was immensely satisfying, OOC-wise.

I didn't really want to rehash that again since it's been done to death in PM. Oh well, too late now. OOC wise, it me having her dice in another room since I was on a kick of 'you know, it would be nice if I could do some rolling off screen'. For what it's worth she did outright pass the check.

Anyway, yeah, sorry about that.

QuoteA pity, since Misuki would have been fun to keep around, had she been purified. Learning ninjitsu doesn't really appeal (especially if it requires having your vocal chords mutilated), but her interactions with Beck and Balder probably would've been priceless...

Yes. Once the early bumps and bruises were resolved, I had high hopes for that situation. Beck would've been amusing, and Balder would have been pricelessly insane headbutting. Imagine how he'd deal with someone that wanted to keep Jadeite alive or save him, hm?

No vocal cord mutilation is needed, that was just Jadeite being Jadeite. Rawr.

Quote from: Bean BanditMmm. Makoto didn't have as high opinion of Misuki as Usagi did. Knockout gas and stuff was more evidence of sneaky bitchery than being a softy at heart (She could have snuck back and slit our throats and stuff)

Basically, Makoto saw her as someone unable to stand up to the Senshi in straight fighting, and was horribly devious in compensation, which made her much more dangerous...Hence the willingness to charge straight in when Misuki had Hotaru Hostage.

Thusly, Makoto shed no tears when finding out she died. She seemed as unsympathetic and horrible as Arieta.

Mmm.

I can see that, too. It's a matter of perception and which way you want to take her actions. Was she devious? Hell yes. I did try to give her a humanity that showed beneath the surface, albiet if she died before she got to fully explore it. Between that and a few scenes with her and Jadeite, I really did try to pump that up.

Questions, Mako-chan:

With that mind frame, would you have been willing to learn from Misuki if she'd survived?

How would Makoto have processed and reconciled someone loving Jadeite, especially as more and more was found out about him?

I'm curious, since your view point is another good one and different from mine.

QuoteQuestions, Mako-chan:

With that mind frame, would you have been willing to learn from Misuki if she'd survived?

How would Makoto have processed and reconciled someone loving Jadeite, especially as more and more was found out about him?

I'm curious, since your view point is another good one and different from mine.

It really depends. There were a few times where I simply wasn't with the Senshi, and that hurt my ability to try and get to understand her-if I could have anyway. It would be entirely in Misuki's court to try and win my trust.

Makoto, of all people, can understand not being able to control who you love - See the lingering affections for her old sempai. Despite everything.

Hotaru? Didn't think Misuki was necessarily cruel, but didn't think she ahd anything good at heart, either. She used poison, hostages, deception, and other such sneaky efforts that put the rules of war on even further hold.

Having been on the business end of two such happenstances didn't exactly assist the positive opinion.

Then came the ball, which DID paint Misuki in a new light, if not a particularly favorable one. While it added humanity, it was very much a religious fanatic kind of thing. She expected Misuki to never stop, never give in, and never compromise when it came to her mission for Jadeite, and there was no way short of brainwashing they'd get her to not become yet another threat.

Thus, sacrificing her one virtue in combat to any degree ti ressurect an opponent she expected would not pull a Nior wasn't really an option. Misuki was annihilated, it was a relief, and she wouldn't change that.

Quote from: AsranaHotaru? Didn't think Misuki was necessarily cruel, but didn't think she ahd anything good at heart, either. She used poison, hostages, deception, and other such sneaky efforts that put the rules of war on even further hold.

Having been on the business end of two such happenstances didn't exactly assist the positive opinion.

Then came the ball, which DID paint Misuki in a new light, if not a particularly favorable one. While it added humanity, it was very much a religious fanatic kind of thing. She expected Misuki to never stop, never give in, and never compromise when it came to her mission for Jadeite, and there was no way short of brainwashing they'd get her to not become yet another threat.

Thus, sacrificing her one virtue in combat to any degree  ressurect an opponent she expected would not pull a Nior wasn't really an option. Misuki was annihilated, it was a relief, and she wouldn't change that.

The ball was a start. The start of trying to show her differently, anyway. I wasn't intending for it to be an end all be all redemption on the spot, but another stepping stone on that possible road.

Annyway. Hotaru's take on it is interesting. I never deeply considered that view of her tactics, though I should have considering Hotaru. True enough with the next point- Hotaru had a trick of running afoul of her schemes like that. One shame on you, twice shame on me or something?

Mmm. What's your take on the questions I asked Makoto, too?

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteQuestions, Mako-chan:

With that mind frame, would you have been willing to learn from Misuki if she'd survived?

How would Makoto have processed and reconciled someone loving Jadeite, especially as more and more was found out about him?

I'm curious, since your view point is another good one and different from mine.

It really depends. There were a few times where I simply wasn't with the Senshi, and that hurt my ability to try and get to understand her-if I could have anyway. It would be entirely in Misuki's court to try and win my trust.

Makoto, of all people, can understand not being able to control who you love - See the lingering affections for her old sempai. Despite everything.

True enough on all counts there, really. It's a shame there was never a chance to explore that aspect between the two women.

"With that mind frame, would you have been willing to learn from Misuki if she'd survived?

How would Makoto have processed and reconciled someone loving Jadeite, especially as more and more was found out about him?"

Since you requested I take these on...

Learn from? Yes. Hotaru's already picked a handful of ideas out of Jadeite's bag of tricks that she's seen, not to be applied directly, but still. She'll learn from whatever she can.

Reconciled? She wouldn't. People loved Hitler, people can be misled, humans are mentally malleable given the right pushes at the right times. Part of why she easily considered Misuki a fanatic that'd have to be killed and not reasoned with.

Quote from: Asrana"With that mind frame, would you have been willing to learn from Misuki if she'd survived?

How would Makoto have processed and reconciled someone loving Jadeite, especially as more and more was found out about him?"

Since you requested I take these on...

Learn from? Yes. Hotaru's already picked a handful of ideas out of Jadeite's bag of tricks that she's seen, not to be applied directly, but still. She'll learn from whatever she can.

Reconciled? She wouldn't. People loved Hitler, people can be misled, humans are mentally malleable given the right pushes at the right times. Part of why she easily considered Misuki a fanatic that'd have to be killed and not reasoned with.

Mmm. Okay, fair enough.

Entry #11

Yuko.

Source Material(s): Hotaru's character sheet and an NPC from Persona 2. I can't remember the girl's name, but she's one of the photographers or journalists that works with Maya. The one with black curly hair - she gave me a lot of my mental image for Yuko.

General: Yuko was done quick and dirty - I took the writeup from Hotaru's sheet and meshed it with a preexisting mental profile. I think it came out pretty well for her first scene and her later one. She feels like a yuppie.

She knows Ami's father by passing coincidence of working in the same fields. Despite Hotaru making a few jokes about Yuko and Ami's father, they're nothing but business colleagues. She met Akira, her fiancee, half through him. Funny how those things work out, isn't it?

Notes: If this game ever ends up in L territory again, I'm half fooling with her having some college experiences to play off Hotaru. I had that inkling for a long time - maybe I'm just projecting from the Persona 2 template, but there's something a tiny bit queer about Yuko.

I wanted to do a little more with her here and there, so she'll probably pop up again at some point.

QuoteNotes: If this game ever ends up in L territory again, I'm half fooling with her having some college experiences to play off Hotaru. I had that inkling for a long time - maybe I'm just projecting from the Persona 2 template, but there's something a tiny bit queer about Yuko.

This just plain made me snicker. >_>

Overall, I liked Yuko a lot, one of the more 'normal' influences on Hotaru I'd probably like to see more of. (No, Reiko isn't normal, she's a cynical politic. This doesn't subtract from my immense love for mom, though!)

She didn't take part much in the second one, though she might get another appearance with the reunions (I hope?)?

It's not every day your child comes back from saving two worlds!

Note: Yes, I thought she and Ami's dad were going out or something for a moment or three. It was back when I had an overactive sense of paranoia. Though it did resurface when I heard she had a fiance! Only for a moment, though! *hides from Ami*

Quote from: Asrana

QuoteNotes: If this game ever ends up in L territory again, I'm half fooling with her having some college experiences to play off Hotaru. I had that inkling for a long time - maybe I'm just projecting from the Persona 2 template, but there's something a tiny bit queer about Yuko.

This just plain made me snicker. >_>

Overall, I liked Yuko a lot, one of the more 'normal' influences on Hotaru I'd probably like to see more of. (No, Reiko isn't normal, she's a cynical politic. This doesn't subtract from my immense love for mom, though!)

She didn't take part much in the second one, though she might get another appearance with the reunions (I hope?)?

It's not every day your child comes back from saving two worlds!

Note: Yes, I thought she and Ami's dad were going out or something for a moment or three. It was back when I had an overactive sense of paranoia. Though it did resurface when I heard she had a fiance! Only for a moment, though! *hides from Ami*

I like her, too. I'm thinking she'll live again at some point; some point soon. Bi curious or not, as the Hotaru-chan said.

Entry #12

Maya

Source Material(s): SM canon. In the early episodes there's a hefty girl as one of Usagi's generic classmates. I don't remember if her name IS Maya offhand, but she's who I used for this.

General: Maya's pretty normal - sure, she's gotta be around 200 pounds or so. Girl's fat, no nice way to say it. Because of that she's a little twitchy and quiet, especially if her bitchy side gets gong. Loyal to her friends despite all this.

That's really it - she's worked off of a basic premise. Fat girl, slightly insecure but nice enough. Insecurity leads her down bad roads sometimes. She's the sort I hope grows up and slims down in high school - mature all around.

Notes: I like Maya. I just don't have a ton to say about her. What you see is what you get, she's not a deep NPC. She showed her nastier side in a few omakes, as I remember.

Quote from: AnastasiaMaya Stuff

I remember she got pretty nasty in that one omake where I had silver hair, for some reason.

She's an okay friend, but I don't see Usagi spilling any big secrets to her any time soon - she's just not close enough. She works as a generic classmate/friend, and at least serves as proof that not all anime girls could pass for models.

Naru and I should take her along when we go boy hunting to make ourselves look better...

As I recall, the silver hair omake had something or other to do with Balder's influence there. I can't recall for the life of me what. Sorry. Anyway, you're dead on - she's an average school mate friend. The sort to be in groups with and go over to each other's houses for birthdays, but that's it. That's how it should be - not every friend has to be razor close.

Good idea with boy hunting, though! Just watch the ego if she gets lucky and you don't?

Character entry #13

Miss Haruna

Source Material(s): SM canon yet again. Surprise!

General: Miss Haruna serves a very basic purpose in canon and in game - to goad Usagi on while not being heartless. She's pretty much the avatar of all of Usagi's classes and teachers. She's easy to play, fun if used sparingly and overall cute, too.

Speaking of, she's had a few notable flesh outs from omake land. She was on the swimming/diving team in college. This came out of Usagi's trip to the nudist camp omake if I remember right. I liked the detail enough to attach it onto her main game persona, even if I haven't been able to use it yet. The L Usagi omake also added to this - she drives a small car, knows several nice restaurants and is generally comfortable in adult settings.

The lesbian part didn't translate over, at least, since it's fun to occasinally play up her passed or failed dates. Unless Usagi really wants a lesbian teacher to se-er, talk to? <_<

Notes: Mostly unchanged from SM1 Haruna. There's not too much room to work with unless I go deeper into the character. Circumstances aren't favorable for that, so I'm happy keeping her as so. I had plans to use her out of school one or twice but they never got a chance to go. Ah well.

Quote from: AnastasiaMiss H Stuff

I like to consider the less outrageous omake stuff canon for minor characters as well - it gives them definition that we can't always get into in the main game.

Anyway, Miss H is fun to play with - she and Ikkuko are a lot alike when it comes to hassling Usagi over schoolwork - it's a pity I haven't been able to be present for any of the numerous parent/teacher conferences, since I don't think we've ever seen Miss H and Ikkuko interact together, and for some reason it appeals to me.

Miss H is Usagi's favourite teacher, for all that she's the only one ever really gotten into (occasional references to Miss Makana notwithstanding). Sure, she drives Usagi hard, but when she's not doing that she's easy to relate to for a young teenage girl - if Usagi had a personal problem she had to take to an adult and couldn't tell her mother for whatever reason, she'd likely go straight to Miss Haruna. (Well, I suppose there's Queenie as well, now that she's alive... regardless, Usagi does trust and like her homeroom teacher, and would be comfortable confiding in her if necessary)

Besides which, Usagi has picked up a small knack for manipulating Miss H during classes (this was really emphasised at the start of the lesbian omake, but it's shone through occasionally in the main game) to get her into discussing her love life rather than educating, which is always a more beneficial learning experience in her opinion!

QuoteI like to consider the less outrageous omake stuff canon for minor characters as well - it gives them definition that we can't always get into in the main game.

While it's a case by case basis for myself, I often do the same. If nothing else, the image of a naked Miss H freediving is...aah, compelling?

QuoteAnyway, Miss H is fun to play with - she and Ikkuko are a lot alike when it comes to hassling Usagi over schoolwork - it's a pity I haven't been able to be present for any of the numerous parent/teacher conferences, since I don't think we've ever seen Miss H and Ikkuko interact together, and for some reason it appeals to me.

I can't believe I've never thoughts of this. Seriously, that sounds like pure platinum. *Notes it down*. That said, you're right about the first part. They do act somewhat similiar, yes? Interesting.

QuoteBesides which, Usagi has picked up a small knack for manipulating Miss H during classes (this was really emphasised at the start of the lesbian omake, but it's shone through occasionally in the main game) to get her into discussing her love life rather than educating, which is always a more beneficial learning experience in her opinion!

It is! Mmm, that lesbian omake has to be up there on the best omake list. So many awesome little things. But heh.

Character entry #14

Setsuna Mei'oh.

Source Material(s): SM canon. Hal's NPC of Megumi had a few cameos around Setsuna, so he'll get a bit of credit as well. That's about it, though this will be gotten into below.

General: Oi.

Setsuna had a long and turbulent history in Redux. At first she was going to be played by Hal as a PC. This went far enough to have a beta warm up RP session(Still in the logs here) and to draw up a full character sheet. So Setsuna wasn't a concern of mine until Hal dropped out of the game and the OOC room.

So I got the entire portfolio of Sailor Pluto dumped into my lap. At first I really wasn't sure what to do with it - I'd had some vague plot integrating plans for Hal's Setsuna, of course, but they were painfully crippled. So as the Kensuke arc developed, I put in a lot of OOC thought into her. First of all, did I still want to use her? Porting Pluto to another NPC or PC and just dropping Setsuna felt like the logical choice, after all. It would've been easier to let Set-chan rest after all the attached drama soured me on her.

Why I didn't drop Setsuna is something I've never been entirely clear of. She migrated from being on the fence into having plans made for her. It was casual and gradual, but rather strong once it started. Her visions provide an excellent motif for inserting her into pretty much any situation, so much so that I made them a focus all their own. Having Setsuna run around a few times laid out options - as a mysterious save if things went utterly fubar due to no fault of the PCs, or as an option on Earth if the PCs got stuck on Gaia early. So I started to play her up - she had little apperances, starting to do her thing of showing up, changing the future, and fleeing.

This was also a very slow burn. Set-chan showed just enough to set her myserious personality and tease, but not long enough to have much pumped out of her. She also had to studiously avoid Artemis and Luna, but this was an easy caveat since I controlled all three. Yes, a bit of a contrivance, but a needed once since I hadn't made up my mind yet. This begs the question, where were Setsuna's visions going and why? I had a few ideas:

a) Setsuna was coming into her power. She was trying to do good with it, but wasn't proficient. More like a strong pyschic making sense of what she could do and eventually falling into the Sailor Senshi in some dramatic way.

b) As an appendix to a), if the Senshi got crippled or stuck on Gaia or whatever, Sailor Pluto could emerge by herself. This was part of the point of Hotaru and Makoto transforming without pens at first(This set a bit of an overall mess up in retrospect, but easily enough solved. Further, this makes a lot more sense in game now with other elements.). In other words, she was also an insurance policy.

There's a c), also, and this is what I ultimately went with. However, some backtext is needed here. For awhile I didn't use Setsuna quite enough. I had enough on my plate with other matters, and it was easy tos lacken off with her. As this happened, it led to a vague uneasiness with her. I needed to pick her up and run with the ball soon - but I was still waffling ever so slightly. Also as this happened, something amazing began to occur; Kotono Sarashima. I've never quite fallen in with an NPC as I did her. I grew to love every time I could get her on camera - but I was at an impasse. A non Sailor Senshi could only do so much, really.

Then one and one became two. Setsuna knew Kotono as a member of the Supernatural Club(Even if absent to play up her myseriousness and to keep her clear of the Beast Lord mess.), and...I realised something. I wasn't sure I wanted to play Setsuna even now. I have nothing against her and I wanted to do good with her, really I did. But Kotono was growing stronger and capturing my heart swifter and swifter. As I pondered, a plot grew in my mind.

Setsuna didn't like her powers. She loathed what seeing the future did to her, and came to dread what she saw ahead. Her destiny as Sailor Pluto repelled her the more she saw; her fears became visions of her failure. Desperate she threw all her energy into what she could see - and she eventually saw the Silver Crystal's shard. It could do anything at a price. This is a price Setsuna was willing to pay. So who? The answer came close to home; Kotono loves everything Supernatural. She'd throw herself into Pluto with full abandon and be damn good at it, she was sure.

---

At this point we need a digression. One of the more observant and paranoid commented that this was beginning to feel like a commentary on Hal leaving the group and Setsuna. Was it? No, it was more of Kotono becoming strong and capturing my interest. I do freely concede there are similiarities in retrospect. These are sincerely unintentional, my only motivation was that I fell in love with Kot-chan.

Still, apologies to those of you that noted it.

---

This lead to what Setsuna did and our last Sailor Senshi being found.  For the record? Hotaru got dead close to getting Setsuna to buckle and break - really, she got creamed several times verbally. It's funny, one more good push after the girls decided to just go with it would've gotten her to break and really reconsider. I was doing my damnest to play it neutrally - I was vested in both characters for good, so I left it entirely in the PCs hands.

Am I happy with how it turned out? In the end, yes. While I wanted to tell a better story with Set-chan, I'm not ashamed of this one. It's a new take on being a Sailor Senshi and one that makes you think. If you had a real choice about it, would have chosen this road? As for Kotono's end of it? This isn't the post for it, but all you need to do is look at my sometimes IRC name, isn't it?

Notes: Setsuna is achingly hot with glasses. Doubly so if she can get a lighter pair - but the Crystal's price isn't cheap. I was proud of all you girls that you wouldn't let only some of you bear the price for this; no matter your disagreements you wouldn't sentance any of your friends to that. Setsuna's omake apperances vary; the Master PC one was essentially fun fanservice. She showed in the L omake - it kinda didn't work out because of bad communication, but it was nice to play with. Now that she's finally found peace, I imagine she'll at least show up once more. For better and fo worse, she took the debt to choose her own path again. Where that will take her is something I'm still not sure on. But it's good that way, it's her choice.

Megumi was the only real carryover from Hal's sheet. I might've used a little more, but he deleted the copy on SR at some point. Oddly that NPC stuck with me despite it all. Go figure, but a tiny fragment of Hal's ideas still live in Redux.

If Setsuna had gotten into the Sailor Senshi? She was going to compete with Makoto for the tall and busty crown. I had some vague, amusing ideas on playing that up. I also had plans for her to get closer to Usagi - cracking the quiet nut, so to speak. Her focus would have been time for sure, which makes Kotono's space focus a nice contrast. I'm not sure how stronger and more frequent visions would've gone on Gaia, since you PCs have a way of utterly cracking them wide open. If she'd gotten to the last powerups, I was considering giving her a gimped but still awesome version of Time Stop depending on game power levels.

Not gay for Hotaru. Really. <_<

I keep debating to myself--should I be proud that I got so close, or disappointed that I didn't push quite hard enough?

I leave myself and Ana a note here--Toy with a Setsuna Stays Pluto omake sometime, amidst other omakeness, just for kicks, and to maybe get that nagging feeling out of the back of my head.

Setsuna...I didn't honestly like her until the end, but I enjoyed playing off against her. She was the real refinement of Hotaru's personality and psychology. The raw paranoia and hostility she sometimes showed with Usagi was brought together with Setsuna's more refrained and sharp opposition to help create the sarcastic biting girl we all know today, who still has her moments of immature rawness. But it really gave her reason, between the Beast Lord and Setsuna, the friends she was gaining, those were the most important things to her, and she's violently protective of what she considers their inviolate nature. Setsuna and Balder both crossed the line or thjreatened it massively, and she really tried to bring them to their knees verbally, and in Balder's case, physically. (She was preparing to provoke him when Serenity got involved, just so she could annihilate him)

Anyway, that was Setsuna's huge chain reaction contirbution to Hotaru's character development, and why I like her. >_>

Added to that, Hotaru wants to draw Setsuna out some more. Having succesfully torn her to shreds, she seriously thinks Setsuna needs a few more people around her to live right.

As an end note: Are you positive, Dune? Because she was pretty head over heels last time I met her... >_>

Quote from: AnastasiaSetsuna Stuff

The Setsuna/Kotono plot was a good opportunity for Usagi to show off her main consideration in decision making at that point in the game - free choice. The same reason she was somewhat reluctant to purify Misuki (and the triplets) without first talking to them to convince them Jadeite was bad news.

While for most people the Pluto mess caused angst, for Usagi it was simplicity itself - Setsuna didn't want to be Pluto, and Kotono did. What more could there be to it?

That said, Setsuna's comment about her plan to grab the Crystal shard involving breaking a pot over the guy's head really had me wishing I'd at least tried to convince her being a senshi could suit her...

Besides that, Usagi hasn't really had much to do with Setsuna - which does hurt a little. They all sacrificed for her sake, and it was a pretty emotional scene with Setsuna openly realising they were all good friends... and now we never see her. It's understandable that she doesn't want reminders of the live she just dodged, but it's hard to escape a feeling of being used and discarded.

Also, I'm surprised at the 'Setsuna with glasses = hotness' comment. I always figured she was now stuck with Umino style googly glasses. Part of why Usagi was so eager to divest her of them in the lesbian omake (that keeps coming up, doesn't it?).

QuoteI keep debating to myself--should I be proud that I got so close, or disappointed that I didn't push quite hard enough?

Well, let's put it this way - are you happy with how Pluto has turned out, Setsuna and Kotono aside?

QuoteI leave myself and Ana a note here--Toy with a Setsuna Stays Pluto omake sometime, amidst other omakeness, just for kicks, and to maybe get that nagging feeling out of the back of my head.

Sure. That's worth a shot and I'll toss it onto the omake heap.

QuoteSetsuna...I didn't honestly like her until the end, but I enjoyed playing off against her. She was the real refinement of Hotaru's personality and psychology. The raw paranoia and hostility she sometimes showed with Usagi was brought together with Setsuna's more refrained and sharp opposition to help create the sarcastic biting girl we all know today, who still has her moments of immature rawness. But it really gave her reason, between the Beast Lord and Setsuna, the friends she was gaining, those were the most important things to her, and she's violently protective of what she considers their inviolate nature. Setsuna and Balder both crossed the line or thjreatened it massively, and she really tried to bring them to their knees verbally, and in Balder's case, physically. (She was preparing to provoke him when Serenity got involved, just so she could annihilate him)

Mmm. That is an interesting bit of ruminations. It's nice to see that Setsuna had such an impact with her considerations. I remember Hotaru saying something along the lines that she didn't want Kotono mixed up in all of this after she'd saved her life once. Does this extend all the way to the other girls?

QuoteAdded to that, Hotaru wants to draw Setsuna out some more. Having succesfully torn her to shreds, she seriously thinks Setsuna needs a few more people around her to live right.

She's due to finally seriously reappear. She was backburned in favor of Gaia and the fact that I didn't need another heavy NPC on my hands. But I agree with both yours and Usagi's sentiments on the matter.

Fuck, you girls need to get home!

QuoteAs an end note: Are you positive, Dune? Because she was pretty head over heels last time I met her... >_>

OMAKELAND DOESN'T COUNT! Ahem. Do you just wanna, y'know, put your tongue into her vagina or something? I'm cool with that, just wonderin'.[/quote]

QuoteThe Setsuna/Kotono plot was a good opportunity for Usagi to show off her main consideration in decision making at that point in the game - free choice. The same reason she was somewhat reluctant to purify Misuki (and the triplets) without first talking to them to convince them Jadeite was bad news.

*Nods*

All the difference in the world between choosing to do so or having a vast government scooping you up, eh? This aspect was shown off as well, it full solidified it for me.

QuoteThat said, Setsuna's comment about her plan to grab the Crystal shard involving breaking a pot over the guy's head really had me wishing I'd at least tried to convince her being a senshi could suit her...

Oh? I'm going to snicker here and let you elaborate, Usa-chan.

QuoteBesides that, Usagi hasn't really had much to do with Setsuna - which does hurt a little. They all sacrificed for her sake, and it was a pretty emotional scene with Setsuna openly realising they were all good friends... and now we never see her. It's understandable that she doesn't want reminders of the live she just dodged, but it's hard to escape a feeling of being used and discarded.

Yeah. As I just said in Hotaru's post, it's more a matter of NPC balance as well as letting that stick cool down. These sentiments are ensuring she'll at least show again now that the great struggle is done with. It's over, she's forgotten and put it behind her. All that's left is those that are her friends, be it by the Supernatural Club or a great sacrifice they made for her.

QuoteAlso, I'm surprised at the 'Setsuna with glasses = hotness' comment. I always figured she was now stuck with Umino style googly glasses. Part of why Usagi was so eager to divest her of them in the lesbian omake (that keeps coming up, doesn't it?).

I tend to imagine considerably thinner glasses with her. If you've ever seen Quistis from Final Fantasy 8, that's about where I'm batting at.  While in game you're correct, the mind is a far more malleable place. (Yay!)

It does keep coming back to that, doesn't it? Usagi-chan, Ahem. Do you just wanna, y'know, put your tongue into her vagina or something? I'm cool with that, just wonderin'!

Quote from: AnastasiaOh? I'm going to snicker here and let you elaborate, Usa-chan.

It was a very simple and blunt plan, and Usagi does abhor violence, but at the same time... it was also very sneaky, and Usagi really approves of sneakiness. Plus the mental image of that guy sitting over the table and polishing his crystal while Setsuna creeps up behind him with a priceless antique vase over her head is just priceless.

Quote from: AnastasiaI tend to imagine considerably thinner glasses with her. If you've ever seen Quistis from Final Fantasy 8, that's about where I'm batting at. While in game you're correct, the mind is a far more malleable place. (Yay!)

It does keep coming back to that, doesn't it? Usagi-chan, Ahem. Do you just wanna, y'know, put your tongue into her vagina or something? I'm cool with that, just wonderin'!

Yes, those style glasses would look very nice on her. Maybe she can borrow Rei's magic glasses since she never uses them?

And I really can't help coming back to that omake a lot - HLS aside, it was a wonderful character exploration thing - there wasn't even a hint of combat, it was just pure personal interactions, and almost all of it was gold.

QuoteYes, those style glasses would look very nice on her. Maybe she can borrow Rei's magic glasses since she never uses them?

And I really can't help coming back to that omake a lot - HLS aside, it was a wonderful character exploration thing - there wasn't even a hint of combat, it was just pure personal interactions, and almost all of it was gold.

That's a good thought on the first. May as well get some use outta them.

Yeah, the L omake was gold for all of that. It's also my only real complaint with said omake - Setsuna fell apart. On the other hand, Miss H, Mom, Kotono, Rei, (Makoto and Hotaru in side scenes), Ami, and more sparkled brightly.

"Well, let's put it this way - are you happy with how Pluto has turned out, Setsuna and Kotono aside?"

The 'aside' is what I can't really do. It's just a wondering of how things would've gone that keeps bugging me.

"Mmm. That is an interesting bit of ruminations. It's nice to see that Setsuna had such an impact with her considerations. I remember Hotaru saying something along the lines that she didn't want Kotono mixed up in all of this after she'd saved her life once. Does this extend all the way to the other girls?"

To one degree or another, yes. She couldn't stop Rei from being a senshi, it just happened spontaneously. But along side Serenity's order to do whatever she thought necessary, it's built up a stark belief that attacks or threats to her friends are injury, insult, and debasement of her reason for living all at once. It gives her a measure of focus and a way to keep a hold on her own emotions and problems, and so additionally, it's an affront to that which keeps her world sane.

So she's a little violent when it comes to the topic.

Quote from: AnastasiaNotes: Setsuna is achingly hot with glasses. Doubly so if she can get a lighter pair - but the Crystal's price isn't cheap.

...I wish I still had that edited pic I made of Setsuna with Umino glasses. XD

QuoteThe 'aside' is what I can't really do. It's just a wondering of how things would've gone that keeps bugging me.

I'll make a note to tackle that when I make a 'what if...' thread. There are a few things I think would've gone down for sure.

QuoteTo one degree or another, yes. She couldn't stop Rei from being a senshi, it just happened spontaneously. But along side Serenity's order to do whatever she thought necessary, it's built up a stark belief that attacks or threats to her friends are injury, insult, and debasement of her reason for living all at once. It gives her a measure of focus and a way to keep a hold on her own emotions and problems, and so additionally, it's an affront to that which keeps her world sane.

So she's a little violent when it comes to the topic.

That explains some of her reactions regarding Balder and certain others. Under that light, how does she view Nior and the triplets since that's a somewhat grayer area?[/quote]

Quote from: MercForHire

Quote from: AnastasiaNotes: Setsuna is achingly hot with glasses. Doubly so if she can get a lighter pair - but the Crystal's price isn't cheap.

...I wish I still had that edited pic I made of Setsuna with Umino glasses. XD

I might/maybe have it somewhere if I dig. Want it if I do?

Oh, and make more Kotono edit images!

Nah, don't worry about it.

Anyhow, heh, I liked Kotono more than Setsuna. She was quirky. Sometimes when I read Harry Potter fics with Hermione/Luna interplay, I imagine them as Ami/Kotono to amuse myself. ^_^;

Quote from: MercForHireNah, don't worry about it.

Anyhow, heh, I liked Kotono more than Setsuna. She was quirky. Sometimes when I read Harry Potter fics with Hermione/Luna interplay, I imagine them as Ami/Kotono to amuse myself. ^_^;

Well, I'll let you know if I ever stumble on it anyway.

While the HP interplay goes over my head, I'll still take the compliment for Kotono. What did you think of Setsuna from what you saw, anyway?

QuoteThat explains some of her reactions regarding Balder and certain others. Under that light, how does she view Nior and the triplets since that's a somewhat grayer area?

The triplets? Eliza tried to kill her, not Rei or Ami. Entirely different reaction. She was still willing to kill Eliza in cold blood, she just...wasn't mildly psychotic about it.

Nior? Came before this all really formed together. She wavered back and forth between just wanting him dead, and some level of respect for at least showing concern for his own troops on one or two occasions.

Quote from: Asrana

QuoteThat explains some of her reactions regarding Balder and certain others. Under that light, how does she view Nior and the triplets since that's a somewhat grayer area?

The triplets? Eliza tried to kill her, not Rei or Ami. Entirely different reaction. She was still willing to kill Eliza in cold blood, she just...wasn't mildly psychotic about it.

Nior? Came before this all really formed together. She wavered back and forth between just wanting him dead, and some level of respect for at least showing concern for his own troops on one or two occasions.

Mmm. The first one makes sense. As for Nior, I suppose the mix of the latter and something of a grandfathering works out. I won't get too much more into this for now, though.

Honestly? I felt sorry for her. Even if I did feel that she was wrong for giving up her powers, or the fact that she was willing to give up powers that she felt were making her suffer and making them someone else's problem...I did feel sorry for her.

I didn't really interact with her outside of the portion where she gave her powers up though, so I didn't have much vested interest in her either. Once she gave up her powers, she was 'free' and I really did mostly put her out of my mind.

Quote from: MercForHireHonestly? I felt sorry for her. Even if I did feel that she was wrong for giving up her powers, or the fact that she was willing to give up powers that she felt were making her suffer and making them someone else's problem...I did feel sorry for her.

I didn't really interact with her outside of the portion where she gave her powers up though, so I didn't have much vested interest in her either. Once she gave up her powers, she was 'free' and I really did mostly put her out of my mind.

*Nods*

That's about what I figured. Thanks, Ami-chan.

Character entry #15

Motoki Furuhata

Source Material(s): SM canon. Usagi drew a lot of her NPCs from that pool.

General: A nice guy, cute, affable. That sums up Motoki nicely, if you add in the disclaimer of 'TAKEN, BITCHES'. Much like Maya, Motoki isn't an overly deep character; he exists for Usagi and occasionally other girls to crush on. While he has a life past that and makes a great background filler NPC, he is what he is.

Being together with Reika adds a slightly different vibe to the entire paradigm, but not so much so as to mess it up.

Notes: A fun omake character. The possessed arcade machine was a grisly hoot, for example. Is it me, or can I imagine him having one of the girls doing him under the counter while he smiles and talks to the others? He's decent eye candy if not overused. I think I like Unazuki better, however.

Quote from: AnastasiaMotoki Stuff

Yeah, there's not much to him. It's odd that Usagi actually became a bit more open about her feelings towards him as said feelings diminished. I think she actually flirted with him once, although that resulted in him quickly throwing Chihi at her as a distraction.

Quote from: AnastasiaIs it me, or can I imagine him having one of the girls doing him under the counter while he smiles and talks to the others? He's decent eye candy if not overused. I think I like Unazuki better, however.

Shouldn't it be Reika under the counter?

But yes, Unazuki is superior. (but what if it was her under the counter?!)

Motoki likes Usagi, but he has a girlfriend and doesn't want to lead on Usagi-chan. It's the nicest thing he can do from his point of view - no need to make her pine uselessly.

I dunno. Motoki could be a player! Or it could be Reika, Hotaru and Unazuki down there having a threesome while they all get him off too, right?! O_O

Character entry #16

Reika

Source Material(s): SM canon. Poor Usa and Mako-chan, that always makes me remember that Reika was a Rainbow Crystal carrier.

General: My outline for Reika was simple - adult, beautiful, intelligent. Pretty much close to the canon and SM1 Reika. Within this simple mold there wasn't a ton of room for deviation, but I did get to fill her out some. Appearing at the ball dance and at the museum gave me chances to play with her. Remember at the end of the ball dance when someone peeked in? That was her.

As a digression I totally fucking forgot to go into this in Motoki's bio. I blame being distracted by acid reflux. I also suck. I'll start it here.

As a plot point a ways back, it was hinted that Mamoru told Motoki about being Tuxedo Kamen. This was back before he knew about Usagi. As lovers tend to, they talk a lot and Motoki eventually let clues and hint slip. So by the time the dance rolled around, she had an inkling and saw some fo the events with the first Crystal piece. This was meant to tie into more story arcs, mainly the musuem and second crystal piece saga. These plans were toned down due to a mix of IC and OOC reasons. IC, this was really dragging out and the approach Usagi took ended up minimalizing Reika's roll. OOC, the entire museum incident turned into a mess and I just wanted to clear it and get on with our post Setsuna lives.

So where does this leave Reika? She knows about Mamoru more or less. I'd have to check my notes and logs to see if she kenned anything reasonably about the other girls. Will this come up at all? If Mamoru comes home with you, probably. If not? I'll probably do something with it anyway. This is a little plot strand that irriated me. I wanted Motoki and Reika to have slightly larger rolls later on, but it wasn't to be. I had ideas from them just being helpful, to a two second consideration of Reika as Sailor Neptune(<_<), to doing a Live Action Sailor Moon and having Motoki provide a really cool base in the Crown somewhere.

I suppose letting it go wasn't bad, I had enough on my plate. Still, I want closure with this sooner or later. It also doesn't help that this was just before Mamoru and THAT falla part, but I'll go into that when I finally marshall up the will to write about Mamo-chan.

Notes: Reika's in the category of 'achingly hot SM girls'. Remember her in that horse riding outfit? Damn. I'd sell three Hotarus and a couple of Reis for that! If any girl in the universe is randomly bi and flaunts it, it so has to be her for visual reasons.  She makes a good foil on first inspection to Usagi or any other Motoki crushes. She's designed to be above any teenage girl, I felt. Her family's well off, and she has a solid job at the natural history museum. Archeology and a bit of Greek History was another minor thread I'd considered weaving in more if she took a role in game.

Quote from: AnastasiaReika Stuff

Reika is nice - Usagi likes her and is glad that Motoki is at least with someone she can look up to rather than an evil skank. They don't interact much, but that's about the long and the short of it - she's a nice young woman who happens to be her first crush's girlfriend. Usagi's pretty sure Reika knows all about her one-time feelings for Motoki, and appreciates that she isn't condescending about it or anything.

I did get the impression that she knew something was weird with Mamoru, but how much and so on was never clarified, since we only really got that bit at the ball and a line from Mamoru about Reika acting weird - needless to say he didn't expand on it despite my proddings.

Dunno if the Crown has room for a cool base, unless we use that storage room I got locked in with Motoki and Mamoru, one time. I wouldn't mind Reika and Motoki taking more of a role, but if any random NPC is to be Sailor Neptune it should be Unazuki!

Speaking of that, isn't it odd that two of the most 'achingly hot' girls happen to be close to Motoki? Not quite sure where to go with that, but it is worthy of note...

(Poor Maya. Is she the only girl in the universe who isn't beautiful/really cute?)

Quote(Poor Maya. Is she the only girl in the universe who isn't beautiful/really cute?)

Junki's mom wasn't attractive, but that's all I can think of.

Quote from: EbirisReika is nice - Usagi likes her and is glad that Motoki is at least with someone she can look up to rather than an evil skank. They don't interact much, but that's about the long and the short of it - she's a nice young woman who happens to be her first crush's girlfriend. Usagi's pretty sure Reika knows all about her one-time feelings for Motoki, and appreciates that she isn't condescending about it or anything.

I did get the impression that she knew something was weird with Mamoru, but how much and so on was never clarified, since we only really got that bit at the ball and a line from Mamoru about Reika acting weird - needless to say he didn't expand on it despite my proddings.

Dunno if the Crown has room for a cool base, unless we use that storage room I got locked in with Motoki and Mamoru, one time. I wouldn't mind Reika and Motoki taking more of a role, but if any random NPC is to be Sailor Neptune it should be Unazuki!

Speaking of that, isn't it odd that two of the most 'achingly hot' girls happen to be close to Motoki? Not quite sure where to go with that, but it is worthy of note...

(Poor Maya. Is she the only girl in the universe who isn't beautiful/really cute?)

Yeah. The storyline ended up not being gotten into. I was just laying the seeds for it to blossom but never went past that point. I had more planned - be it things like that lunch with Ami, Usagi, Motoki and Reika to more palpable interjections. She was going to be a MotD or MotD victim for a little while, before this got badly shelved. Some good drama there - imagine her seeing Tuxedo Kamen, hesitating, and reaching out with a '...Ma...mor...'!

It is a little odd - Motoki has it going' on, yeah yeah yeah! Go figure that one, too. Well, Motoki is cute, almost like a taller and not totally evil Jadeite, and is friendly. That gets the chicks.

Maya is Maya. Someone has to be average or below average. More reason that I feel bad for her and tend to like her.

Quote from: Asrana

Quote(Poor Maya. Is she the only girl in the universe who isn't beautiful/really cute?)

Junki's mom wasn't attractive, but that's all I can think of.

It's also an RP. Most of the serious characters tend to be attractive by definition. It is make believe, remember. <_<

QuoteIt's also an RP. Most of the serious characters tend to be attractive by definition. It is make believe, remember. <_<

Was I badmouthing you? Didn't think so. >_>

Just answering Usa's musings. =p

Quote from: Asrana

QuoteIt's also an RP. Most of the serious characters tend to be attractive by definition. It is make believe, remember. <_<

Was I badmouthing you? Didn't think so. >_>

Just answering Usa's musings. =p

I know, I'm just saying. <_<

Character entry #17

Beck

Source Material(s):

http://forfeit.electromaz.com/lufia2/art/maxim.jpg

http://forfeit.electromaz.com/lufia2/art/maxim2.jpg

Maxim from Lufia 2 inspired some of Beck's apperance. His fighting style was culled from a variety of sources, notably stylistically from Swordmasters from FE6/7/8. A general mishmash.

General:

Let's compare and contrast, shall we? A flawed, angry but noble swordsman who embodies the fighting spirit of Gaia. While his tongue is occasionally sharp, his devotion is sharper. So! For 100 yen, how far away from Beck was that? Beck wasn't meant to be such a jerk - he just came out that way. His edge and anger never faded into anything more productive until it was far too late - his better half was overshadowed by his acidic words.

This wasn't intentional or anyone's fault, it's just the way he developed out. I ran with it and it made him interesting if grating to RP. There's not much else to say here - he's very simplistic in motivation and action.

Notes:

His sword's name is 'Nameless'. This was wholly intentioned - it simply is what it is. He makes a very interesting contrast with Balder - in many ways, Beck should be the bad guy and Balder the good guy based on heritage and attitudes. His youma form was known as the 'Death'. He was meant to be a lingering threat for awhile, but you got him right off. Good for you girls.

He sincerely respects Usagi and Makoto for different reasons, even if he'd never admit it to anyone but maybe Usagi. He also personally concedes that Hotaru is a very deadly warrior. I like the small irony that one of Dei's passing acts came back to smite Jadeite in this form - his critical at the end of the battle was hellishly perfect.

Quote from: AnastasiaBeck Stuff

Usagi really pities Beck, although she doesn't show it to him in the same way she shows it to Balder and Serenity jr, who're about the only people she pities as much - mainly because Beck just doesn't seem to respond well to anything she does unless it relates to killing Jadeite.

It also bothers her that she often feels pulled each way between Beck and Balder - in all honesty, she likes Balder more as a person, but she's acutely aware of what he's done, especially to Beck (and it's because of what Balder did that Beck's so aggravating), so keeps a mostly neutral viewpoint between them.

Knowing what Beck's been through and lost, she's willing to cut him a ton of slack, and will only reply with light teasing at most when he's being particularly abrasive. That's not to say that Makoto gut-punching him didn't elicit a small internal cheer, but Usagi can't bring herself to really be harsh on him herself.

Besides, when he does loosen up (for those brief ten second periods every couple of days), he can be surprisingly good company.

QuoteIt also bothers her that she often feels pulled each way between Beck and Balder - in all honesty, she likes Balder more as a person, but she's acutely aware of what he's done, especially to Beck (and it's because of what Balder did that Beck's so aggravating), so keeps a mostly neutral viewpoint between them.

That's the crux of how Balder and Beck interact, and why it's such a deliciously amusing and twisted interplay. Beck's the victim but he's aj erk because of it and Balder's the badguy but more likeable and the victim also all at once.

It's a nifty, self contained moral and ethical mess.

I think you're right. At heart and under all the pain, grief and rage? There's an honorable, decent and very human person. Circumstances make this a rare side to be seen.

Hmm...Beck certainly is a jerk. I don't think this ever made Makoto look down on him, though she does disdain his attitude-she can't abide people taking out their frustrations on people who don't deserve it. This was the crux of her initial clash with him...Usagi, who's attitude she respects deeply, even if she doesn't fully agree with it in every case, was losing patience with him.

That alone was so completely and jaw droppingly rare (Makoto and Hotaru disgreed directly with Usagi more than a few times, but they never elicited the same type of annoyance and constant irritation that Beck managed) That Beck's sneering little comment as they passed was just the last straw.

Makoto: *Inner Monologue* Alright, Usagi, you had your chance. My turn.

>POW<

It was catharthic, both IC and OOC, but it was a watershed moment in her dealings with him. All the niceties got pushed to the side, and the gloves came off. It was meant to be just ripping into him, but it was more basic when I got into it. It turned into a way for me to examine Makoto's most basic motivations.

Makoto's a good girl, but she's not the same type of girl as Usagi. She's a firm believer in appropriate application of the rod, so to speak. She admires Usagi for being nothing but kind to the Gaians (Balder, for example, where she tried hard to follow Usagi's example) (With mixed results, really. >_>)

Beck has had a hard, awful life. Makoto simply doesn't care. It's nothing that can be used as a club to beat other people with, and she called him on it.

Interesting, Mako-chan.  How does the hatesex idea factor into all of that?

----

Character entry #18

Jun.

Source Material(s): Sailor Moon canon.  Very slight nods to other stereotypical wise hermit figures like Yoda tossed in here and there. Mostly whole cloth extrapolated from the concept of Gaia.

General: From the beginning, Jun was shaded to be an older version of Kunzite; wise, aged and still bearing traits from his youth, yet distant and waiting for his one day. A toned down version of Kunzite that's also had a lot of long waiting and thinking to do on many matters. I generally like how it worked - his intensity was there as well as loyalty, yet he was his own person as well.

Wishing on the Crystal was a last resort. When he came on what had happened to Dei, he knew it was too late to reveal himself and attempt to remedy what went down. His only option was one hidden ace in the hole; a part of the Silver Crystal that came to him. So he wished and gained great insight and power, yet lost all fighting ability. His task was to wait for that day when the Sailor Senshi of the future would come to him. Like Queen Serenity, he served the will created by Queenie's last wish, albiet in another form. Taking the ability and vigor of a proud warrior was the most fitting price to take from Jun, as well as sliding in well with what the Crystal wanted from him.

Notes: Jun's name has meaning. What it is I never decided - be it a name he had on Earth or something only know to him. I never could quite decide what. Yes, he's gay. It's not anything that matters much to him anymore, however. He's mainly just relieved that this is all over at last - he'll take control of Gaia if need be, now that he doesn't have a percieved death sentence hanging over him. He tends to see people as warriors, especially the Sailor Senshi. The little teenage fight between Hotaru and Usagi reminded him that they weren't just heroes. He personally pities almost everyone invovled - though he does have some personal contempt for how Beck carries himself now, and vaguely dislikes Rei. I think those two just rub badly from what little I did with them.

Jun is quite the cook - probably better than Makoto and Ikkuko. Doubly so since he has magic to openly alter taste, though one can wonder if this invalidates much of the point of cooking skill. He thinks Mamoru is handsome, but nothing more. He's fond of Hotaru in her way, he finds her darker side amusing.

Quote from: AnastasiaJun Stuff

I think Usagi preferred Jun in his 'wise hermit' mode. There's too many haughty prettyboy warriors around her, these days, so he was something of a breath of fresh air in that regard.

I rather like the dynamic they built up, with him playing the wise but obtuse mentor and Usagi being a somewhat cheeky and reluctant pupil - she's often so eager to learn anything and everything to do with magic, but his indirect methods of teaching frustrate her. Hopefully she'll figure out the answer to his puzzle one of these days, but I did enjoy the banter they had at Miro's, with Usagi finally admitting that he's not so hard to talk to, 'for an old guy'.

Whether that continues now that he's a bishonen warrior remains to be seen, but I hope it does. Most of the older NPCs that are either so genuinely nice that she could never backtalk them (Serenity for example) or have leave her feeling like she has a very high standard to uphold (pretty much everyone she's purified), so having a mentor figure deserving of occasional disrespect (from her point of view) and thick skinned enough to take it is quite the blessing.

Hotaru found Jun...well, entertaining, of all things.

She enjoys pretty much any kind of magic learning, even if it's posing a riddle to let her toy with and grumble over, so she'll honestly attack anythign eh gives out, and not really care if it's frustrating or weird or the like. It's magic, and far too personalized to really be taught easily in a straightforward manner, she thinks.

That aside, What got her is that she started to get a reaction, even just an amused one, from the continual little needling...so she upped it. And then the argument happened, and she got in a REAL argument of sorts with him, and whoa was that fun. >_>

Just the way he interacted/interacts with her makes her think of him...like her mother's brother, or something. She can't banter with Eiichirio, but Jun will provbide at least a sounding board and humor her as a kid. Hmm...on thought, that factors into it, too. At some points ti did seem like he was willing to just sigh and maybe mutter 'children...', while at the same time address a muse of complex magic. It's a mixture that Hotaru's been kind of berefit. She enjoys being both annoying as a child for once, and being addressed seriously in an area of study.  It's just not a combination that exists for her.

As an aside, minimal Beck commentary: He's an asshole, Hotaru wants to kick him in the head a few times, with her senshi boots. He's #2 on her list of 'security risks', that's now obsolete because they aren't hiding anymore.

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaJun Stuff

I think Usagi preferred Jun in his 'wise hermit' mode. There's too many haughty prettyboy warriors around her, these days, so he was something of a breath of fresh air in that regard.

I rather like the dynamic they built up, with him playing the wise but obtuse mentor and Usagi being a somewhat cheeky and reluctant pupil - she's often so eager to learn anything and everything to do with magic, but his indirect methods of teaching frustrate her. Hopefully she'll figure out the answer to his puzzle one of these days, but I did enjoy the banter they had at Miro's, with Usagi finally admitting that he's not so hard to talk to, 'for an old guy'.

Whether that continues now that he's a bishonen warrior remains to be seen, but I hope it does. Most of the older NPCs that are either so genuinely nice that she could never backtalk them (Serenity for example) or have leave her feeling like she has a very high standard to uphold (pretty much everyone she's purified), so having a mentor figure deserving of occasional disrespect (from her point of view) and thick skinned enough to take it is quite the blessing.

Yeah. It was a nice dynamic there in - you two could talk easier than the average really old person(TM). This often came across as that you took him seriously, but not SERIOUSLY, you know? Jun's also fun to RP, especially discreetly trying to hint you towards complex, difficult concepts with the barest comments.

Elaborate on this part, though?

Quoteor have leave her feeling like she has a very high standard to uphold (pretty much everyone she's purified)

Quote from: AsranaHotaru found Jun...well, entertaining, of all things.

She enjoys pretty much any kind of magic learning, even if it's posing a riddle to let her toy with and grumble over, so she'll honestly attack anythign eh gives out, and not really care if it's frustrating or weird or the like. It's magic, and far too personalized to really be taught easily in a straightforward manner, she thinks.

That aside, What got her is that she started to get a reaction, even just an amused one, from the continual little needling...so she upped it. And then the argument happened, and she got in a REAL argument of sorts with him, and whoa was that fun. >_>

Just the way he interacted/interacts with her makes her think of him...like her mother's brother, or something. She can't banter with Eiichirio, but Jun will provide at least a sounding board and humor her as a kid. Hmm...on thought, that factors into it, too. At some points ti did seem like he was willing to just sigh and maybe mutter 'children...', while at the same time address a muse of complex magic. It's a mixture that Hotaru's been kind of berefit. She enjoys being both annoying as a child for once, and being addressed seriously in an area of study.  It's just not a combination that exists for her.

As an aside, minimal Beck commentary: He's an asshole, Hotaru wants to kick him in the head a few times, with her senshi boots. He's #2 on her list of 'security risks', that's now obsolete because they aren't hiding anymore.

Heh, glad to see that you like that combination. Uh, I don't have a ton to say here - I hit on some of the same points with Usagi above, and your comments delinate what should be said very well.

Anyway, he didn't quite get to the muttering point of children, but you did press him!

Quote from: AnastasiaElaborate on this part, though?

Quoteor have leave her feeling like she has a very high standard to uphold (pretty much everyone she's purified)

Basically she feels responsible for the former youma + Balder, and that she has to set a good example for them to become productive members of society.

Plus when people look up to you to the degree that for example Balder clearly does, you really want to live up to those standards and not disillusion them.

For those reasons Usagi strives to be as tolerant and pleasant as humanly possible around those she's purified.

Character Entry #19

Reiko Tomoe.

Source Material(s): Hotaru's character sheet and a lot of bouncing off Hotaru-chan's RP and reactions.

General: Reiko started very basically - Hotaru sketched out some traits and feelings. She wants a normal, happy daughter vs Miss Gloomy 'taru. This combined with being a workaholic were the defining traits I had to work with. So I sketched her out as a slightly acidic but normal woman who has a job she's really into but still tries to reach a very distant daughter. Sounds good on paper?

In reality? Bouncing off Hotaru can be difficult, especially when tension is present. It leads to often strained and difficult RPing at first - not a bad thing, but it lead to Reiko's sharper side coming out. A few passing, resigned comments flowed into something more; into a real back and forth of emotional barbs between mother and daughter. This fit - they were clearly not on the best terms and didn't communicate well at all. When her daughter started to act strange? More than enough grist to pick up the pace on that, in essence.

So how does Reiko stand? She's still a work in progress - she's mellowing out again now that Hotaru and Reiko have better communication and have done some relationship repairwork. Even moreso because she's now a mother all over again, this helps prompt introspection coupled with  a lot of hard thinking thanks to Hotaru going to Gaia.

Notes: Apperance 4 is about right for her. I don't play it up too much since she's a wife and not often viewed that way by the view of the PCs, but she's quite hot. Reiko and her husband strike me as the sort that are close, but in a distant way - they're happy with each other, but don't always have to be within feet of each other.

Totally not gay in the least. Sorry, Hot-chan.

She works for an unnamed firm. She's upper/middle management of some sort, probably, but it's never had reason to be gone into. I'd peg her salary at around, say, $90,000 bucks of current US dollars? Quite good, and coupled with her hubby's paycheck? Cha-ching. Has tons of stored up vacation time. This never quite came up, but I've always had an inkling she wants a family pet.  Did I mention she and Ikkuko should have devastatingly appealing lesbian sex? Speaking of, she took a bit of as hine to Ikkuko and vice versa - they're the opposite side of the coin with family and life choices.

QuoteBeck hatesex

How does it factor in? Sex ideally is the consumation of a relationship based on strong emotions.

The emotions don't have to be love.

The way they clash, It's easy to see how they could either come to blows, or abuse sexual intercourse in a fight for dominance.  To me, anyway.

QuoteReiko post

Hotaru's mother intimidates Makoto muchly. >_> She's very well aware Reiko's been nothing but kind to her, but she can also feel the force of the personality underneath the kindness.

Honestly, I'm kind of curious how they would interact if Reiko softened a little to her daughter's near constant companion, and Makoto was less guarded.

I actually turned the idea of having her be the one to find Makoto leaving the graveyard over in my head a few times-but really, I couldn't think of a way to make it comfortable...Especially now that Makoto's really coming out of her shell.

Mmmm. Yeah, I'd never quite imagined at first them shooting back and forth like that. It was originally in my head as a sort of *sigh...* Exasperated thing. When we actually started bouncing real problems into them? Oi.

Where did it start? I don't know, really. I think Yohko's bakery sort of cracked it, putting them in direct touch again. Hotaru at the same time...well, she did used to blame ehr mother, a lot. Dad was at least casually supportive (Souichi's casual about everything, though), so why did mom still have to be hatefully perfectionist? It was a bit of an abandoement thing she has less of these days, though she still holds some grudges about the whole mess...well, yeah, it keeps coming back to her alienation at school.

Hotaru thinks she couldn't have been that good of an actor when she was seven, and honestly, that mom just sort of ignored her hoping things would turn out well. She does admit some guilt these days as to nto having told her mother, and later learned how to conceal everything and done just as...it's still a sore point that her mom couldn't figure out that 1st or 2nd grade Hotaru was suddenly in the thick of it.

With that in mind, Hotaru's trying to make up for lost time, but...well, she and Reiko are both cynical, sarcastic people. I doubt they'll ever lose the barbing and needling, or just plain saying more than they should, jujst some of the grudge feelings behind it all, and they might some day honestly look like they're not trying to tear each other apart.

Her incoming sibling...hmmm. It's a mixed bag for Hotaru. While she likes that a) Her family's stable enough that it's happening, b) It happened not as a result that she disappeared for a month...well, it's something that'll especially be taking over her mom's already sort of crammed time. She's also foreseeing hateful, hateful babysitting in the future, being a responsible twelve year old with an infant sibling.

Moreso, she's even more unsure if she wants a sister or a brother. While she mgiht relate better to a sister...she's scared that if she herself doesn't advance rapidly in the department of 'normalizing', her mom may just give up and try to replace her with her sister. Probably unfounded given the age difference, but eh.

So those two have a LOT to sort out, I guess, though Hotaru growing up a it more and getting away from her old class will probably help an awful lot. (She wants to be in Rei's class, dammit!) As an aside, she would have too much fun watching Mai and her cohorts squirm at having to call ehr sempai.

Notes stuff: As I said in the Reiko omake: Mom IS good looking enough to distract on her own! It's one of the things Hotaru's honestly looking forward to - growing up to look an awful lot like her mother. Though this touches one one of the positive aspects of their relationship, in that Hotaru unashamedly wants to be JUST LIKE her mom in adulthood. She's almost to the point where she'll start sking after dirty adolescent secret stories!

I swear she's bi! Dammit! There go my Mizuno/Tomoe parents partner swap situation ideas!

See, I could get into Ikkuko too even, that'd just be...weirdly funny. Moneywise? Hmmm...Hotaru's aware of it in a way, but she honestly doesn't apy attention to how much she has, it hasn't mattered before. Might change a little, Janna's poverty made her almost physically uncomfortable. <add 'typical rich girl' comment about that here>.

Oh yeah, and the requisite:

THE TOMOE SOCIAL EMPIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE, ALL BOW BEFORE EMPRESS REIKO

Ahem.

Quote from: Bean Bandit
Hotaru's mother intimidates Makoto muchly. >_> She's very well aware Reiko's been nothing but kind to her, but she can also feel the force of the personality underneath the kindness.

Honestly, I'm kind of curious how they would interact if Reiko softened a little to her daughter's near constant companion, and Makoto was less guarded.

I actually turned the idea of having her be the one to find Makoto leaving the graveyard over in my head a few times-but really, I couldn't think of a way to make it comfortable...Especially now that Makoto's really coming out of her shell.

This is another thing...she really, really, REALLY wants Reiko to like Rei and Makoto, as the two senshi she feels closest to. Rei's less of a problem, being more what Reiko might want Hotaru to be like, involving less sleeping outside of the house, and with a whole lot less direct involvement in some of the nastier spats over senshi stuff than Makoto.

On the other hand, Makoto's Makoto and Hotaru's Hotaru, so good freaking luck on Rei being the primary influence. She DOES plan on doing a lot more back and forth between houses really late at night now that she can teleport. It knocks out osme of the objections Reiko had earlier, and lets her split her time better.

QuoteThis is another thing...she really, really, REALLY wants Reiko to like Rei and Makoto, as the two senshi she feels closest to. Rei's less of a problem, being more what Reiko might want Hotaru to be like, involving less sleeping outside of the house, and with a whole lot less direct involvement in some of the nastier spats over senshi stuff than Makoto.

Makoto feels, honestly, that she hasn't been a point of contention, because she's an orphan, and Reiko would look like an utter bitch if she tried to seperate them. >_>; But Makoto can feel a certain amount of disapproval from Reiko.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteBeck hatesex

How does it factor in? Sex ideally is the consumation of a relationship based on strong emotions.

The emotions don't have to be love.

The way they clash, It's easy to see how they could either come to blows, or abuse sexual intercourse in a fight for dominance.  To me, anyway.

Mmm.

Okay, I get what you're saying. I wasn't thinking on quite that track there, but I see all too well. Hatesex ahoy?! Shades of Reiko and Hotaru?!

Quote from: Anastasia
Mmm.

Okay, I get what you're saying. I wasn't thinking on quite that track there, but I see all too well. Hatesex ahoy?! Shades of Reiko and Hotaru?!

Over at least one dead body. >_>

Quotewasn't thinking on quite that track there, but I see all too well. Hatesex ahoy?!

What track WERE you thinking on? Just out of curiousity?

I did think it interesting that Reiko was the one to instigate the parents having more contact with each other, as well as being the parent most involved in senshi stuff (making a point of meeting us all at Makoto's and going on the camping trip).

I guess it fits, in a way. Despite her workaholic nature, if she was as insular as Hotaru then those two wouldn't have had such a rocky relationship, so it does serve to emphasise her social side.

Heck, Reiko might even be the first of us to meet Rei's dad, since she's the closest to moving in those circles of power!

edit for HLS: While I think both Hotaru-chan and I would be relieved that if Tomoe/Tsukino sex happens then it won't involve us, I think after the initial mindscarring, Usagi would find herself a lot more open-minded and experimental if even her beloved mother can indulge in some lesbian hijinks. So consider what could be unleashed!

That said, I can see Ikkuko and Reiko being close friends, albeit with an edge of (non sexual!) tension. Admittedly, Reiko seems to create tenseness with nearly everyone, but I think both of those two would sometimes look at the other and think 'What if I'd done things differently in my life?'

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteReiko post

Hotaru's mother intimidates Makoto muchly. >_> She's very well aware Reiko's been nothing but kind to her, but she can also feel the force of the personality underneath the kindness.

Honestly, I'm kind of curious how they would interact if Reiko softened a little to her daughter's near constant companion, and Makoto was less guarded.

I actually turned the idea of having her be the one to find Makoto leaving the graveyard over in my head a few times-but really, I couldn't think of a way to make it comfortable...Especially now that Makoto's really coming out of her shell.

There could be a nice relationship there. Reiko feels all the world for Makoto; an orphan living on her own in a difficult city gets Reiko to care. However, toss in the normal daughter issues as well as some personal misgivings? TENSION MAX!

We'll see how it goes, anyway.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

Quotewasn't thinking on quite that track there, but I see all too well. Hatesex ahoy?!

What track WERE you thinking on? Just out of curiousity?

More of anger and strong emotion turning into passion. More of an angry metamorphasis than a furious bodily communication of said anger. On another note, I can so see Beck putting it in the backmost door on Makoto just to prove that point. <_<

Quote from: AsranaMmmm. Yeah, I'd never quite imagined at first them shooting back and forth like that. It was originally in my head as a sort of *sigh...* Exasperated thing. When we actually started bouncing real problems into them? Oi.

That's exactly how it came off to me as well. 'course, tossing Hotaru's myriad issues into it sure messed with things!

QuoteWhere did it start? I don't know, really. I think Yohko's bakery sort of cracked it, putting them in direct touch again. Hotaru at the same time...well, she did used to blame her mother, a lot. Dad was at least casually supportive (Souichi's casual about everything, though), so why did mom still have to be hatefully perfectionist? It was a bit of an abandoement thing she has less of these days, though she still holds some grudges about the whole mess...well, yeah, it keeps coming back to her alienation at school.

Hotaru thinks she couldn't have been that good of an actor when she was seven, and honestly, that mom just sort of ignored her hoping things would turn out well. She does admit some guilt these days as to not having told her mother, and later learned how to conceal everything and done just as...it's still a sore point that her mom couldn't figure out that 1st or 2nd grade Hotaru was suddenly in the thick of it.

Mmmph. On looking back, the bakery was an important step. It wasn't a huge step - it started as Reiko's most notable attempt to get Hotaru out of the house and having fun. It just happened to hit gold, more power to her. Opening the floodgates a crack that way really began things, as well as nicely feeding into Hotaru and Makoto meeting.

Did Reiko know something was wrong? Almost certainly. Did she grasp how bad it was? Probably not, at least not at first and fast enough to break either pattern that was established. For all that she's a very perceptive and intelligent woman, I think she had her blinders on, as well as was deeply into her work at the time. My take is that this basically subtly encouraged her to obsess on work even more so, furthering the rift.

This is a case of 'take it how you will'.

QuoteWith that in mind, Hotaru's trying to make up for lost time, but...well, she and Reiko are both cynical, sarcastic people. I doubt they'll ever lose the barbing and needling, or just plain saying more than they should, jujst some of the grudge feelings behind it all, and they might some day honestly look like they're not trying to tear each other apart.

Gee, that sounds like basic family dynamics!

QuoteHer incoming sibling...hmmm. It's a mixed bag for Hotaru. While she likes that a) Her family's stable enough that it's happening, b) It happened not as a result that she disappeared for a month...well, it's something that'll especially be taking over her mom's already sort of crammed time. She's also foreseeing hateful, hateful babysitting in the future, being a responsible twelve year old with an infant sibling.

Moreso, she's even more unsure if she wants a sister or a brother. While she mgiht relate better to a sister...she's scared that if she herself doesn't advance rapidly in the department of 'normalizing', her mom may just give up and try to replace her with her sister. Probably unfounded given the age difference, but eh.

This sounds like a set of normal issues for a teenager to have with another sibling on the way! I know the gender and likely name of the baby, though I won't spoil it. So I'm getting exactly what I want with the baby, we'll see how it hashes out as it goes on.

QuoteSo those two have a LOT to sort out, I guess, though Hotaru growing up a it more and getting away from her old class will probably help an awful lot. (She wants to be in Rei's class, dammit!) As an aside, she would have too much fun watching Mai and her cohorts squirm at having to call her sempai.

I'm tempted to get you, Rei and Kotono in the same class.

QuoteNotes stuff: As I said in the Reiko omake: Mom IS good looking enough to distract on her own! It's one of the things Hotaru's honestly looking forward to - growing up to look an awful lot like her mother. Though this touches one one of the positive aspects of their relationship, in that Hotaru unashamedly wants to be JUST LIKE her mom in adulthood. She's almost to the point where she'll start sking after dirty adolescent secret stories!

Oh, that could be fun! Just...fun! <_<

QuoteI swear she's bi! Dammit! There go my Mizuno/Tomoe parents partner swap situation ideas!

To also touch on what Usagi said in her post; it's good omake bait, but I really feel parental hijinks would be rather cheap'n'crass in the main game. Mmm, killer good omake bait...mmm!

QuoteSee, I could get into Ikkuko too even, that'd just be...weirdly funny. Moneywise? Hmmm...Hotaru's aware of it in a way, but she honestly doesn't apy attention to how much she has, it hasn't mattered before. Might change a little, Janna's poverty made her almost physically uncomfortable. <add 'typical rich girl' comment about that here>.

Basically. It didn't come up much, though it makes for potentially amusing 'Kotono and Hotaru get a little money obssessed over something' scenes.

Quote from: Asrana

Quote from: Anastasia
Mmm.

Okay, I get what you're saying. I wasn't thinking on quite that track there, but I see all too well. Hatesex ahoy?! Shades of Reiko and Hotaru?!

Over at least one dead body. >_>

Except maybe in omakeland? That could be a sickeningly good and weird omake if you wanted to get into power dynamics.

Quote from: EbirisI did think it interesting that Reiko was the one to instigate the parents having more contact with each other, as well as being the parent most involved in senshi stuff (making a point of meeting us all at Makoto's and going on the camping trip).

I guess it fits, in a way. Despite her workaholic nature, if she was as insular as Hotaru then those two wouldn't have had such a rocky relationship, so it does serve to emphasise her social side.

You're right. Reiko's Hotaru without the introvert side as far as that goes. She's not the sort to sit by and let stuff pass her by. Hell, if there was a way, she might've even taken powers.

QuoteHeck, Reiko might even be the first of us to meet Rei's dad, since she's the closest to moving in those circles of power!

It's possible they've met. I've kept Rei's dad entirely in a very minor roll - I meant for Gramps to take up that roll instead, but some misfortunes occured. More on that later in another post.

Quoteedit for HLS: While I think both Hotaru-chan and I would be relieved that if Tomoe/Tsukino sex happens then it won't involve us, I think after the initial mindscarring, Usagi would find herself a lot more open-minded and experimental if even her beloved mother can indulge in some lesbian hijinks. So consider what could be unleashed!

That said, I can see Ikkuko and Reiko being close friends, albeit with an edge of (non sexual!) tension. Admittedly, Reiko seems to create tenseness with nearly everyone, but I think both of those two would sometimes look at the other and think 'What if I'd done things differently in my life?'

The first paragraph is amusing omake bait. The second is about how I see it - they see the path not taken with each other. It makes Reiko wonder if she should've stayed at home after all, and it makes Ikkuko wonder where she'd be if she'd gone after a career. Even if both women are happy, it still stirs the pot.

Quote from: Anastasia
Except maybe in omakeland? That could be a sickeningly good and weird omake if you wanted to get into power dynamics.

No, no, the dead body doesn't stop existing in omake land. I just get more creative in how I kill them.

Quote
Various Reiko Stuff to be quoted later.

"Rei, Hotaru, Kotono, same class" - Honestly, I'm mildly against this. Nothing wrong with Kot-chan, but in her presence, Rei and I generally stop our own interaction to put up a seamless united front of caution. Putting us all in the same class would almost make being in the same class with Rei moot, only I'd have less of my back against the wall.

"The fun of Reiko's aodelescent life and the stories Hotaru will try to wring from her" - It could be! Though I wonder just how much she'll share with Hotaru.

"Reiko Taking powers" - Sailor Reiko? This needs to be omakeified, SOON. >_> Or maybe they have a different post for the Queen Mother of Saturn or something. <_<

That's all for now! Mom's cool! *nodnods*

Quote"Rei, Hotaru, Kotono, same class" - Honestly, I'm mildly against this. Nothing wrong with Kot-chan, but in her presence, Rei and I generally stop our own interaction to put up a seamless united front of caution. Putting us all in the same class would almost make being in the same class with Rei moot, only I'd have less of my back against the wall.

*Nods*

How about being in the same class with just Rei, or with just Kotono?

Quote"The fun of Reiko's aodelescent life and the stories Hotaru will try to wring from her" - It could be! Though I wonder just how much she'll share with Hotaru.

*Snickers*

How much do you think? How much do you really think, huh, Hot-chan?

Quote"Reiko Taking powers" - Sailor Reiko? This needs to be omakeified, SOON. >_> Or maybe they have a different post for the Queen Mother of Saturn or something. <_<

Sure. This works perfectly with an omake idea I have. Need to just flush it out a wee bit.

QuoteHow about being in the same class with just Rei, or with just Kotono?

Just Rei would be great. Just Kochan could become a nightmare, realistically speaking.

Hell, if I went with just Rei, we could make 'we're sisters!' jokes or something!

QuoteHow much do you think? How much do you really think, huh, Hot-chan?

Honestly? Nothing, at least not until I'm dating, or maybe until she knows she can give up on boys getting me in bed 'because mom did it'. (I'm looking at you, Mako-chan!)

Character Entry #20.

Masataka Takayanagi; Uncle Taka.

Source Material(s): Mako-chan's character sheet and general RPing back and forth with Makoto.

General:  Uncle Taka is pretty basic - a martial arts sensei in his rough middle age. Not very refined, very 'manly' and only so-so with feelings. He takes cues from stereotypes - alternating between a stern father figure and a wise teacher.

Taka cares greatly about Makoto, but doesn't show it directly - only when she returned and when she's in her utmost need. Draping his jacket over Mako-chan's shoulders was the epitome of that. Understated yet caring; supportive in his way.

Notes: RPing Taka and Nior in the same scene was oddly hard. I tended to play Taka down somewhat, moreso since Fuuko tended to have an opposite vibrancy to her.

Hmm...I think Makoto 'gets' Taka at the most basic level. He and Fuuko are everything to her, especially at first, before Makoto connected emotionally with Hotaru, they were her anchors, the ones that kept her able to function in the real world, without just withdrawing.

Taka is the rock. The one Makoto goes to when she feels herself faltering, and needs someone to be there for her. She doesn't know it consciously, but that's what she's looking for in a boyfriend, too. It's why Balder didn't pass muster, but she fell for Mamoru.

(Fuuko, along with numerous bad habits, and a blossoming sexual precociousness, gives her someone to boost her spirits, and make her appreciate 'fun' instead of feeling sorry for herself. >_>;)

She understands that he can't be as emotional as might be preferable sometimes, but given the opportunity, he will show he cares in subtle ways...or simple, but direct ones, if she desperately needs it. So, though they might not be tied as firmly...as, Say, Usagi and her father, Makoto loves Taka just as fiercely.

Having never met uncle Taka and only hearing stories from Makoto of all her harsh training, Usagi's mental image of the man is somewhat reminiscent of Pai Mei from Kill Bill - ie a sadistic beard stroking martial arts master who takes perverse glee in beating the crap out of innocent Mako-chan.

Just thought I'd throw that out.

Quote from: Bean BanditHmm...I think Makoto 'gets' Taka at the most basic level. He and Fuuko are everything to her, especially at first, before Makoto connected emotionally with Hotaru, they were her anchors, the ones that kept her able to function in the real world, without just withdrawing.

How does that play now with more friends and outreaches, Mako-chan? Also, Usagi scaaaares me.

---

Character entry # 21

Souichi Tomoe

Source Material(s): SM canon, SM game 1.

General: Ah, old Professor Tomoe - erk, not. That sums up a lot of my mental policy regarding him in Redux. As you probably know, he was a considerable plot player in SM game 1's second half. This lead to him having a very large roll and being active. For SM game 2, I wanted to work with the other half; what if he was achingly normal instead?

At heart, Souichi Tomoe is a normal man. He has always wanted nothing more than to have a peaceful, content family and career. This is how he is when he 'lives the dream'; normal, casual, unfocused. Without any motivation otherwise, he's a very typical if laid back Tokyoian. This related to how he deals with shocks to his status norm. He just rolled with Hotaru being who she is in the end, unlike his wife.

Notes: I wouldn't be surprised if Tomoe 1 and Tomoe 2 daydream about having the other's life during mental free time. Reiko and Souichi really do love each other, as well as understanding that careers are a priority for them as well. As a bit of a nod to his 'other' side, he tends to utterly cut loose when he gets drunk.

Character Entry # 22

Chikako Mizuno

Source Material(s): A very small snatch from SM canon, but mostly Ami-chan's sheet and a bit from Hotaru.

General: Aaah, another parent! Chikako isn't too different from the rest - she's been mainly born by interacting with the other PCs and occasionally the other NPCs. She reflects certain aspects of Ami whilst being independant and mature.

Chikako tends to be very 'in the moment' for RPing, much more of a natural flow than anything planned. She has just a hair of Ami's sarcasm and barbs at time, as well asher twitchy disdain for Arty's less mannered behaviors. However, she's also much more of a working woman, albiet less distant than Reiko is to Hotaru.

Notes: Chikako and Reiko knowing each other was a nice idea. It allowed some easy connecting RP in the later midgame. Is also not bisexual. Sorry, Hot-chan. She really loves her work and Ami - she's lucky the two of them have a good, unstated understanding about it. While she doesn't quite fall into the money throwing trap/mindset Reiko does with Hotaru at times, she can sure spend when she feels like it.

QuoteHow does that play now with more friends and outreaches, Mako-chan? Also, Usagi scaaaares me.

Essentially the same way, really. The only time things really started to change was when Makoto began crawling out from under the shadow of her parent's deaths, and waking up to how much they care about her, and vice Versa.

The painful hole left by being an orphan, but still remembering your mother and father is still there, only now she's realizing that even if she can't have the love she wants, life can be pretty nice all around anyway.

Edit: Usagi's mental image of Taka might be fun to play with, since Makoto's only intent with describing training is to illustrate how tough and cool Uncle Taka is. >_>;

Quote from: AnastasiaSouichi Tomoe Stuff

I dare to ask what we're all thinking - Does Mr Tomoe like to relax by playing dating sims, and if so will he ever catch that darn Yuki?!

Character Entry #23

Queen Serenity.

Source Material(s): SM canon, SM game one, various religious studies, fairy tales, ect. She's a composite of a lot of ruminations on the concept of the Silver Millenium.

General:

It's hard to reckon on where I should start. Queen Serenity was both developed independantly and yet molded  precisely to the game's circumstances. Mmm. Let's start with a simple comparison.

Queen Serenity=~Prince Dei=~Usagi.

Simple enough, right? While the circumstances of each is different, they possess marked similarities. To borrow a phrase from the Dark Tower, each can be called a coming of the White. They give themselves to try to improve the world they live in and defeat it's darknesses. With me so far? Good.

Each tends to be charismatic, larger than life and very humanly flawed. Queen Serenity lead a fairy tale kingdom in near perfect bliss, Prince Dei attempted to unite the fractured, darkened world of Gaia and Usagi nominally leads the Sailor Senshi and planned to inspire the people of Gaia. (Usagi's case is stickier since she's a PC and not in a position to have nearly as much leeway as an NPC. The rough context is the same, however.) Each is a figure a normal person would speak of in reverence and awe, should they know of their tales. Finally, each possesses flaws - Queen Serenity gave her life to stop Metallia and is willing to lead children into battle. Prince Dei had the taint of Metallia living within his soul and succumbed to it. Usagi? I glance at her schoolwork, her grades and so on and nod. Sure, it's not on the same relative scale, but she's also a kid, and her life reflects as such.

Anyway. That said, let's look at the woman in question. We've established a basic, vague stereotype. She's the near heavenly ruler of the Moon Kingdom, a mythical paradise. I had this to work with in the context of the story and plot I wanted to tell. So how do I make her work and how do I make her interesting? Before anything else, I pondered if she was just going to pop up briefly in each Crystal segment's uncloaking or if she'd play more of a direct roll. As I considered the themes of the game and the Gaian situation, she fit perfectly in as a long time, slow burn buildup to aid Usagi.

Let me say that this decision was backed up by how Usagi developed. She complimented Queen Serenity's build flawlessly and made the chosen path for her all the better. But I digress.

But I'm getting ahead of myself again, too. Bleh. Let's back up a few steps. Way back, back in the days of yore! Eb and Merc remember Queen Serenity 1 - more of a defeated, broken spirit than a noble ruler.  I wanted something different for her from the get go. I'd taken a dystopian view of the Lunar Queen, so it was time to take a utopic mold of her. This lead into the above thought patterns as the game's plot progressed in my mind.

Okay, so back on track down. I had that modicum of how I wanted to use her and I had the Gaian plot in place. Let's look at Dei and Jadeite. This is a mirror of much of Gaia itself. Even those that sincerely wish to do good are often swallowed by the lingering hatred of Metallia. So I needed a figure to counter that. Would a conquering Queen work? Not in this context, no. It doesn't fit any of the preestablished molds without more tweaking, and that was the last thing I needed. The only other highly viable option was a very forgiving Queen. A merciful figure, if you will. To be honest, something of a messianic figure. Let me clarify, I really didn't want to turn Queen Serenity into a religious wankoff in RP form. I freely admit that some religious impulses and tendencies did manifest in her, but I tried to make a pont of avoiding anything overt. We all have our feelings on those matters, and I didn't want to poison the pool by overplaying that too strongly.

So this was all the need to make her appear more human, moreso as the Sailor Senshi got to know her. It was at about this point that I realised something - I was thinking of her in the terms of the girls getting to know her, not as just a cameoing 'rawr go get 'em' spirit. I suppose that settled that, didn't it? So I had to develop her as a person, not just an icon. This was going to be very slow going. I had to build up her good side first to get the proper impact for her characterisation, so I sketched up a mini trait sheet for her. Thoughts and ideas, like her speech patterns, regrets over the past, missing bodily things like eating and touching, and so on. This helped quite a bit - it gave her an added depth of humanity with in her. After all, it's hard to view someone as a total saint if they have a large sweet tooth! Even if it didn't have a strong chance to come up until the post game.

That's really what I was aiming for - a human, yet a very good and pure figure, magnified by the fact that she's had countless lifetimes to stir in the Crystal and await Tokyo. I'm pleased that I can say that I feel this worked very well. While she did have a few missteps early on(Mercifully the worst by far was in an omake), I feel Serenity has been rock solid. The PCs tend to react to her very well and seem quite fond of her. Both as a Queen and beginning to see her as a real person, too.

There's a lot more I could blather on about, but I'd rather cut it there. By all means comment for elaboration or more comments.

Notes: This was mentioned once in omake, but her husband's name was Roland. This is admittedly a nod to the Dark Tower series, as well as a subtle bit of comedy if you've read said series. I'm of the opinion that he died sometime in the Silver Millenium, but I prefer to leave this plot point unresolved. She geniunly cares about each of the Sailor Senshi to an extreme - it's why she acted the way she did when she had to choose between Usagi and Makoto's placed. She really didn't want to hurt either one. She has much of Usagi's magical skillset - borrowing from one another seems quite logical from a design perspective.

Oooh, where to start? I suppose with Usagi's feelings on the NPC, since that's what I've been doing for most everyone else.

Usagi loves Serenity. Seems simple enough, but it's a complex relationship due to them interacting on so many levels. There's the idea that Serenity saw in her a potential that no one else did, and gave her the chance to realise it, something Usagi is immensely grateful for - there's no doubt that becoming Sailor Moon was the most important event in her life, and despite all the trauma and dangers, Usagi could never go back to the blissfully ignorant carefree girl she was before. Serenity gave her the chance to grow in a way no one else ever could - Ikkuko might point to the moral sketchiness of choosing a 13 year old girl to fight your battles for you, but Usagi has no qualms at all over the choice.

Then Usagi spent a month and a half (the short timescale of this game really boggles the mind at times) with Queen Serenity effectively living in her head. From sharing their dreams to the sure knowledge that Serenity was there, no matter what, I honestly don't know if anyone could ever match that level of closeness to Usagi. Serenity is Usagi's most treasured friend and confidante, and as happy as she is for the woman to be alive again, it's hard not to miss the closeness they shared in that period.

To be honest, the Queen/Senshi relationship is quite effectively eclipsed by the above. Usagi's only as deferential to Serenity as her regal demeanour naturally draws forth. Considering Serenity to be effectively family, Usagi doesn't have much time to stand on ceremony with her, and considers it her place to protect Serenity not just from physical threats, but also more subtle threats - Serenity already gave her life to one Kingdom, and that spurred Usagi's vehement opposition to her becoming ruler of Gaia - she wants Serenity (and her daughter, dammit!) to have a peaceful life without everything hanging on her shoulders. And it's partly a simple selfish desire to not be parted from the woman.

In summary, Serenity represents everything Usagi aspires to - it's her dearest wish to live up to Serenity's example and the faith shown in her. It's a bit sad in a way that becoming Sailor Moon and knowing Serenity pushed Usagi away from her previous dreams of emulating her mother's role in life, but she doesn't love Ikkuko any less, she just wants to realise the potential she now knows she has, and Serenity represents the pinnacle of that.

Usagi's strong ideas about government by and of the people notwithstanding.

Quote from: AnastasiaI was thinking of her in the terms of the girls getting to know her, not as just a cameoing 'rawr go get 'em' spirit.

Thank you for the mental image of cheerleader Serenity. That's just adorable.

Quote from: AnastasiaWhile she did have a few missteps early on(Mercifully the worst by far was in an omake)

I'm curious, can you refresh my memory on this?

Hmm...

My thoughts on Serenity aren't as detailed as Usagi's unfortunately, no doubt a byproduct of her not being tied as closely through many stages.

Makoto's a bit different from Usagi, but also similar in many ways-But they began to diverge as the Senshi adventures began. To use an illustration that no one will understand, personality wise, Usagi would be Shirou, And Makoto would be Saber.

As her fighting instincts were encouraged, Makoto's own bent on being a hero(ine) was nurtured-and she's all about strength and sacrifice, as it turns out. She's old fashioned. A knight in a short skirt with a bigass sword, or a Samurai-ko.  

Serenity fits into her worldview nicely. A Maternal Queen that she can lean on, but willing to put her life on the line to defend...For an orphan, any emotional relationship she can forge is precious, and this one's no exception. Makoto can treat her normally, but ultimately, when she's made up her mind, Makoto defers to what the Queen wants, confident that Serenity would never betray her principles.

Something I forgot to mention, in the What If thread for the last game (which sadly died without being finished) you mentioned the possibility of keeping Queen Serenity around as an NPC, but we all agreed it caused too many problems to be worth it.

It's an interesting to compare the two under that context. There was the concern that Serenity would drive a wedge between Usagi and Ikkuko (What's that, Mom? Can't handle that I'm a magical girl? That's alright, I've got Moon Mom here and she's okay with it!), but with Usagi not being any sort of reincarnated Princess, her existing family relationships are unthreatened despite her immense closeness to Serenity. Plus Ikkuko herself took the Sailor Moon bit a fair deal better here than she did in the last game (let's just hope we never have to find out if a lesbian daughter would freak her out as much as last time).

The worry that Usagi would be overshadowed by Serenity from the last game is also dodged here, although not entirely - Usagi has no pretensions of becoming Queen of anything, far less rebuilding the Moon Kingdom, so there's no need to worry about Serenity stepping on her toes. But she does eclipse Usagi as a leader/figurehead - not so much with the ex youma to whom she's just a nice lady, but definitely among the senshi. Much as I hate to admit it, Usagi has pretty much failed in being a leader to the other girls, so having Serenity to rally behind keeps us together better than we would without her.

The last point was about Serenity being too big a source of free info if she'd stuck around in the last game - she'd most certainly have dispelled all the mystery of the Space Criminal arc, to say nothing of Zirae. How much that matters here depends on where our future adventures take us - most of her knowledge regarding Jadeite/Gaia was very ancient history, and certainly less detailed than what Jun was able to show us. Time will tell about this point, I suppose.

QuoteDad stuff

Yeah. Dad's...pretty much been a non-figure, honestly said. While he was supposed to be the 'involved' parent, it eventually came down to a 'smile and nod' relationship most of the time. Taking me out for dinner when I learned to teleport was the final epic moment of 'He's taking this WAY too well...'

Overall though, Dad's nice, and a little nuts hwen he gets drunk, too. Though Hotaru's never seen him directly in such a state. Still. Beer chicken? What the hell?

QuoteChikako stuff

Chikako...I don't know why, maybe it's simply the involvement with Reiko, but she's my second favorite of the parental figures. She seemed relaxed enough to joke with us at least a little, and I'm almost tempted to ask after soemthing random and canon where Hotaru and she run across each other somewhere, just for the hell of it.

QuoteSerenity stuff

Serenity...Hotaru has a bit more of a relationship like Makoto's with her. Serenity is the authoritative reason (in Hotaru's mind) for Hotaru to keep going. While her friends provide incentive, Serenity creates the necessary demand on Hotaru to be Saturn. Assigning Hotaru the task of 'whatever is necessary' had its influences too. It made her feel closer to Serenity, more like friends in some ways than simple superiors, and at the same time made her much more aware of her own dark aspects, and to think about them. What COULD be necessary? What was the worst thing she might have to do for Serenity?

For that reason, Hotaru would like to spend an awful lot more time with Serenity than she gets to. She's a queen, a level of experience in control, manipulation, and management that Hotaru just wants to keep on talking to, and also a friend that'll sit down and talk to her. An adult friend at that, and who Hotaru wants to get to know for friendly reasons as much as knowing the mind of the person that's entrusted her with--in Hotaru's perception--carte blanche.

QuoteUsagi loves Serenity. Seems simple enough, but it's a complex relationship due to them interacting on so many levels. There's the idea that Serenity saw in her a potential that no one else did, and gave her the chance to realise it, something Usagi is immensely grateful for - there's no doubt that becoming Sailor Moon was the most important event in her life, and despite all the trauma and dangers, Usagi could never go back to the blissfully ignorant carefree girl she was before. Serenity gave her the chance to grow in a way no one else ever could - Ikkuko might point to the moral sketchiness of choosing a 13 year old girl to fight your battles for you, but Usagi has no qualms at all over the choice.

Really? That's interesting - Usagi has no desire to all? If she had the perfect chance to become normal and innocent again, she wouldn't take it?

Quote(the short timescale of this game really boggles the mind at times)

Doesn't it? It's an effect of OOC dragging and time elapse, but it feels like nearly years.

QuoteThen Usagi spent a month and a half (the short timescale of this game really boggles the mind at times) with Queen Serenity effectively living in her head. From sharing their dreams to the sure knowledge that Serenity was there, no matter what, I honestly don't know if anyone could ever match that level of closeness to Usagi. Serenity is Usagi's most treasured friend and confidante, and as happy as she is for the woman to be alive again, it's hard not to miss the closeness they shared in that period.

Mmm. That makes a lot of sense and ties into thing. Serenity the trusting fairy godmother and guardian angel rolled into one, eh? Do you think this has affected any of her other relationships, or even Mamoru? (Just fishing .)

QuoteTo be honest, the Queen/Senshi relationship is quite effectively eclipsed by the above. Usagi's only as deferential to Serenity as her regal demeanour naturally draws forth. Considering Serenity to be effectively family, Usagi doesn't have much time to stand on ceremony with her, and considers it her place to protect Serenity not just from physical threats, but also more subtle threats - Serenity already gave her life to one Kingdom, and that spurred Usagi's vehement opposition to her becoming ruler of Gaia - she wants Serenity (and her daughter, dammit!) to have a peaceful life without everything hanging on her shoulders. And it's partly a simple selfish desire to not be parted from the woman.

Mmm. What do you consider more 'subtle threats', Usagi? Further, what about if she wanted the roll of Queen of Gaia or something close to it, or if Princess Serenity wants to stay there forever?

Does this bond run to Princess Serenity much, and if so, how?

QuoteIn summary, Serenity represents everything Usagi aspires to - it's her dearest wish to live up to Serenity's example and the faith shown in her. It's a bit sad in a way that becoming Sailor Moon and knowing Serenity pushed Usagi away from her previous dreams of emulating her mother's role in life, but she doesn't love Ikkuko any less, she just wants to realise the potential she now knows she has, and Serenity represents the pinnacle of that.

I want to make a joke about Serenity turning Usagi into Reiko mark 3.

Anyway, does that mean she wants to abandon her old dream entirely, or try to do both, or...? ? What's her mindset on all of that now? How about romance, though I wonder if Mamoru had a bigger impact there.

QuoteUsagi's strong ideas about government by and of the people notwithstanding.

Aaaaw! It's like a social liberal looking up to a paternal autocrat! So cute! <_< How does she reconcile Serenity's kingdom and her own ideas on the matter?

QuoteThank you for the mental image of cheerleader Serenity. That's just adorable.

I find pairing this image with cheerleader Makoto has most satisfactory results, Usa-chan.

QuoteThank you for the mental image of cheerleader Serenity. That's just adorable.

Sure. It was in the first Misuki-Hotaru omake (Hence why I suspect you don't remember it, and it was done in t he evening as well.). Makoto confronted Serenity over the entire affair and it got kinda stupid.  (I misread some of what Makoto was getting at, as well as being way to too unsubtle with motivations.)

QuoteAs her fighting instincts were encouraged, Makoto's own bent on being a hero(ine) was nurtured-and she's all about strength and sacrifice, as it turns out. She's old fashioned. A knight in a short skirt with a bigass sword, or a Samurai-ko.

Pretty much. A bit of my mental association with Sailor Jupiter is a stylished and romanticized samurai. It fits rather well overall, and begs the question of why I haven't run a samurai omake at some point with Makoto and Beck. Hell, I should brush up and do that.

QuoteMakoto can treat her normally, but ultimately, when she's made up her mind, Makoto defers to what the Queen wants, confident that Serenity would never betray her principles.

Question - what if this creates a moral, ethical or emotional conflict of a high degree? To shoot the moon and choose something obviously unlikely and extreme, what if she needed Jupiter to stop or hurt or kill Hotaru?

No comments on the rest, since you pretty much knocked 'em  down well.[/code]

QuoteSomething I forgot to mention, in the What If thread for the last game (which sadly died without being finished) you mentioned the possibility of keeping Queen Serenity around as an NPC, but we all agreed it caused too many problems to be worth it.

As an aside to the question raised here? Part of it was that the bulk of good what if's were early/mid game heavy. I didn't have quite as many for the Shadow Tokyo Arc, and very little for the Zirae arc. The latter was rather inflexible with the basic design as it was, and the former, while ripe in the extreme, had such a modifying factor in Chibi Usa that it was limited therein.

Though I should've asked the what if question of, "What if Chibi Usa died/stayed dead?" Oh well.

QuoteIt's an interesting to compare the two under that context. There was the concern that Serenity would drive a wedge between Usagi and Ikkuko (What's that, Mom? Can't handle that I'm a magical girl? That's alright, I've got Moon Mom here and she's okay with it!), but with Usagi not being any sort of reincarnated Princess, her existing family relationships are unthreatened despite her immense closeness to Serenity. Plus Ikkuko herself took the Sailor Moon bit a fair deal better here than she did in the last game (let's just hope we never have to find out if a lesbian daughter would freak her out as much as last time).

Pretty much. The dual mother thing brings another dimension entirely into it, versus just being a close roll model and friend. It's easier to integrate this Serenity and Ikkuko peacefully than for the previous Serenity. I didn't think Hal was going to turn it into THAT sort of thing with Ikkuko, but it does bear mentioning.

I wonder how she would take a gay bunny rabbit...>_>

QuoteThe worry that Usagi would be overshadowed by Serenity from the last game is also dodged here, although not entirely - Usagi has no pretensions of becoming Queen of anything, far less rebuilding the Moon Kingdom, so there's no need to worry about Serenity stepping on her toes. But she does eclipse Usagi as a leader/figurehead - not so much with the ex youma to whom she's just a nice lady, but definitely among the senshi. Much as I hate to admit it, Usagi has pretty much failed in being a leader to the other girls, so having Serenity to rally behind keeps us together better than we would without her.

This wasn't quite such a worry in my books for game one. Usagi was quite willful even at that point, dreams of rebuilding the Moon or not. Anyway, point about no conflict on Moon Kingdom routes. To the more interesting second part of the paragraph? Yeah. This is partly due to the game structure and character interactions(The way you and Hotaru tend to get along has a big role here, I think.), and party a side effect of having Serenity around. It's hard to be the leader when Queen Serenity has an active role - much like it would be for Princess Serenity if Queen Serenity was still alive when the Princess became a Queen.

The third point is entirely true(Too lazy to copy the last paragraph.).  Serenity was a bad case with potential Space Criminal baddies coming up, and Zirae would've needed fudging or work if Queenie was still around. This game is rigged up so that this isn't a huge problem, and quite deliberately. Very knowledgeable about the plot NPCs need to not be THAT available without earning it, or it's easy for them to become a crutch.

That aside? The truly main reason that I didn't keep Serenity 1 around was that it would be too much of a headache for those reasons and others. I also didn't want a huge NPC distraction there on top of what may have been coming up. You girls had more than enough on your plates after Metallia - especially Usagi and Rei, who were already becoming RP dominate early on. Minako as well, doubtless to say. Makoto did/should have, but...nevermind, we know that old away story!

QuoteQuestion - what if this creates a moral, ethical or emotional conflict of a high degree? To shoot the moon and choose something obviously unlikely and extreme, what if she needed Jupiter to stop or hurt or kill Hotaru?

Makoto's saved by the spin Queen Serenity put on her first order. She'd save Hotaru, no matter the cost. She'd probably give up on saving herself if Hotaru couldn't be rescued, rather than killed.

In fact, I'm pretty sure that follows for everyone-if Makoto is ever forced to kill once of the Senshi, she'd probably die afterward. Not even in an angsty burst, just quiet resolution and simple penance.

Quote from: Bean BanditIn fact, I'm pretty sure that follows for everyone-if Makoto is ever forced to kill once of the Senshi, she'd probably die afterward. Not even in an angsty burst, just quiet resolution and simple penance.

There's a whole long established stand off argument here that I won't go into, but would like noted that I've won most of the time! >_>

QuoteYeah. Dad's...pretty much been a non-figure, honestly said. While he was supposed to be the 'involved' parent, it eventually came down to a 'smile and nod' relationship most of the time. Taking me out for dinner when I learned to teleport was the final epic moment of 'He's taking this WAY too well...'

Overall though, Dad's nice, and a little nuts hwen he gets drunk, too. Though Hotaru's never seen him directly in such a state. Still. Beer chicken? What the hell?

Mmm. A lot of this comes down to how I tend to see the man's basic personality. He's achingly normal and relaxed in his natural state - he has the life he wants and is quite content with it.  With him that translates to an almost unearthly calm and contentment, as well as a resiliancy to stay in that status quo.  Also, this is obviously the effect of the Tomoe Family dynamic developing in play.

The second part relates to the same. Anyone who's that well adjusted has to be suppressing -something-, even if it's just a wild and wacky side. See Germatou for the extreme of that view. Haven't you heard of beer batter chicken or shrimp or beer marinated hot dogs, Hotaru-chan?

This is admittely something of a cross cultural joke.

QuoteChikako...I don't know why, maybe it's simply the involvement with Reiko, but she's my second favorite of the parental figures. She seemed relaxed enough to joke with us at least a little, and I'm almost tempted to ask after soemthing random and canon where Hotaru and she run across each other somewhere, just for the hell of it.

This is probably Reiko influence, yes. It also carries her in with a friend and in a unique way since she's both a family friend and a friend's mom. Spillover effect in simpler terms that leads to affection.

See also - dating a friend's ex.

---

As for the Serenity stuff?

Telling Hotaru to do what needed to be done put the ultimate trust and faith into the young Saturn. Even with her darkest impulses, her Queen saw fit to entrust such a heavy duty onto her. It's a justification, a philosophy and a moral quantry all in one.

I'll second the seeing more of her. Serenity's gonna be doin' the Senshi rounds, I imagine. For all that I suspect she's not quite as strong on the traits Hotaru mentioned - she is something of a fairy tale queen, remember.

QuoteIn fact, I'm pretty sure that follows for everyone-if Makoto is ever forced to kill once of the Senshi, she'd probably die afterward. Not even in an angsty burst, just quiet resolution and simple penance.

Since we're in what if land anyway and I want to press the question? Let's say she had you do that and specifically instructed you not to commit suicide or die or whatever works to continue the internal conflict?

QuoteSince we're in what if land anyway and I want to press the question? Let's say she had you do that and specifically instructed you not to commit suicide or die or whatever works to continue the internal conflict?

I'd have to question her on her reasoning, as she didn't say it outright, but she left little room for doubt that defending the others at high personal cost was my role. If she was countermanding that for some reason, I'd feel entitled to ask why...though, if it was Hotaru she wanted killed or stopped, I'd trust her to have the right reasons, but I'd ignore explicit orders not to suicide.

I mean, How can you execute your closest friend in the whole world, and then have to explain to her mother and father why you did it, and still look yourself in the eye in the bathroom mirror?

Quote from: AnastasiaReally? That's interesting - Usagi has no desire to all? If she had the perfect chance to become normal and innocent again, she wouldn't take it?

It is nicely ironic. In canon, Usagi's dearest wish granted by the Silver Crystal was for her and her friends to have their normal lives back (and incidentally live again after being brutally killed by those youma at the North Pole, in the case of her friends), where as here I think that taking away Usagi's powers would be the greatest price the Crystal could exact upon her.

If you'd asked Usagi before Gaia, she'd probably be okay with losing her powers once things with Jadeite were settled - it seemed that dealing with him was the real point of being a Sailor Senshi. But the Beast Lord changed that.

In all honesty, killing the Beast Lord was probably the most powerful event to ever happen to Usagi. Sure, beating Jadeite and recreating Gaia was certainly a far grander undertaking, but it was also fairly impersonal - few people will ever know or thank Usagi. On the other hand, she has earned the heartfelt gratitude of people like Janna and Princess Serenity, which certainly does mean a great deal to her. But can anything compare to slaying a millenia old spirit and freeing possibly millions of souls from an eternity of torture, physically feeling their joy and gratitude as they pass on? Not really. But it doesn't mean Usagi won't dedicate her life towards similar good deeds.

Quote from: AnastasiaMmm. That makes a lot of sense and ties into thing. Serenity the trusting fairy godmother and guardian angel rolled into one, eh? Do you think this has affected any of her other relationships, or even Mamoru? (Just fishing .)

Serenity's only influence on Usagi/Mamoru was to give them her blessing (kinda, by telling Tux to look for love elsewhere since the Princess might not be available) when she first appeared at the ball.

Usagi's relationship troubles with Mamoru only really boiled to the surface at Janna's prompting on Gaia, and between that and her breakup with him, Serenity was sadly unavailable while she recovered from being attacked by Jadeite.

Quote from: AnastasiaMmm. What do you consider more 'subtle threats', Usagi? Further, what about if she wanted the roll of Queen of Gaia or something close to it, or if Princess Serenity wants to stay there forever?

Does this bond run to Princess Serenity much, and if so, how?

The example given is pretty much the best one. Usagi would feel immensely cheated if she worked so hard on Serenity's behalf, and was finally able to help her live again by reuniting the Crystal, if Serenity was then immediately roped into ruling a world. She has an extremely low opinion of Gaia's "We need someone big and strong to tell us what to do!" tendancies, and doesn't want Serenity mixed up in that. They need to learn to solve their own problems, not dump them all on someone else's feet.

That really bugs her about Princess Serenity as well - the woman just spent nearly two decades being driven insane by Jadeite, and now she's being burdened with the governance of the planet which so easily let Jadeite do as he pleased to her.

Of course, she's got no problem at all with the Princess living on Gaia - it's her home, after all. I'll get more into my thoughts on her when you do her NPC post, but Usagi feels protective of the Princess, and likes her a lot, but they're not as close as she is to the Queen - how could they be? They haven't spent that much time together, far less having the Princess living in her head, after all.

Quote from: AnastasiaI want to make a joke about Serenity turning Usagi into Reiko mark 3.

Anyway, does that mean she wants to abandon her old dream entirely, or try to do both, or...? ? What's her mindset on all of that now? How about romance, though I wonder if Mamoru had a bigger impact there.

Serenity mk 3, not Reiko!

Anyway, Usagi still wants to marry and have children. But it's no longer the be all and end all of her life. To be honest, she never thought she could accomplish more - she was happy to set her sights on being a housewife, since her mother seems happy, but she always felt a bit ashamed of herself for not having more ambition - goes with her modern ideals and not wanting to betray decades of women's lib, y'know!

Anyway, no spinster-superheroine Usagi - it's all about balance!

And Usagi certainly intends to start boy-hunting with a vengeance once she's over Mamoru, which isn't taking that long. This is the springtime of her youth, after all!

Quote from: AnastasiaAaaaw! It's like a social liberal looking up to a paternal autocrat! So cute! <_< How does she reconcile Serenity's kingdom and her own ideas on the matter?

Usagi would vote for Queen Serenity. <_<

She understands that Kingdoms were simply normal back then, and doesn't begrudge the past its ways. But it is the past - this is the 20th century and that shit just doesn't fly anymore. If Serenity started talking about how she could do a better job of running Tokyo, Usagi would encourage her to run for office (and probably have to assist in creating a fake identity), but any attempt to assume control just because she thinks she's best for the job? That'd be an awkward situation.

Fortunately, I don't think Serenity's the type. Considering her reaction when Usagi offered to return the Crystal, I suspect she's done with rulership.

Quote from: AnastasiaPretty much. The dual mother thing brings another dimension entirely into it, versus just being a close roll model and friend. It's easier to integrate this Serenity and Ikkuko peacefully than for the previous Serenity. I didn't think Hal was going to turn it into THAT sort of thing with Ikkuko, but it does bear mentioning.

I wonder how she would take a gay bunny rabbit...>_>

I wouldn't imagine it'd be conscious, just a subtle rift between Usagi and Ikkuko as she favoured spending time with Serenity.

And I thought the L-Usagi omake established Ikkuko is ok so long as I'm not a militant lesbian?

Character Entry #24

Nior

Source Material(s):

http://membres.lycos.fr/balderbombadil/rpg-mania/t-rpg/arc/Iga.jpg

A bit from Iga from Arc the Lad, as well as a lot of odds and ends from the genre thereof. Oddly I can't remember names for some stupid reason.

General: Nior was designed to be one side of a coin.

With the failure of Kensuke on many levels, I decided I needed to be more direct. Nior had been set for a goodly while - I'd had his image and general plot outline done for quite some time. However, he needed a contrast to further elaborate the differences between him and 'evil'. In this case, Arieta was achingly perfect for the role. The two are meant to be opposites; Nior is an honorable man who fell under Jadeite by a misplaced sense of loyalty and despair, while Arieta embraces what she is wholeheartedly.

With this broad statement outlined? Nior was meant to show another side of Gaia - those that go on with the Agency simply because it is all they have left. The Agency fills the holes those losses left, subsuming grief with fanatical purpose. The Agency wasn't just a government, for many, it was a very way of living.

Much like Gaia, Nior is defined by tragedies - the loss of his wife and child so many years ago, and a tedious, nether existance under Jadeite there after. To many he appears cold by this - stoic and unfeeling. Yet he showed his honor and many things that set him apart from Jadeite's other commanders, even when he battled the Sailor Senshi. His very first line was not a threat, but surprise and ruing the fact that the Sailor Senshi were mere children.

It's ironic. His apperance is of that of a fearsome giant - as close as a normal human build can be to inhuman.

Notes: Even if he ever so rarely shows it, Nior deeply cares about the Sailor Senshi. Makoto in particular he's partial to. Nior understands her all too well. He's also fond of Usagi and puts his faith in her completely now, and feels indebted to Ami, moreso because of the mixup in their last battle. He respects Hotaru but doesn't push her in the least. He does find Kotono rather tiring, but I can't blame him.

He's a natural protector. His actions in the crossover to Gaia exemplify that.

Mm. Lessee.

From the very start, that first punch to the stomach that Makoto landed that hurt her hand, Nior had her respect. Makoto isn't egotistical about her strength, but she KNOWS she's capable enough to at least make a good showing, even against someone of Nior's size, but there was obviously something beyond mere size at work.

When I think about the early interaction, I see it as Makoto not intellectually aware, but instinctively understanding him. She's only been aquainted with Uncle Taka (She remembers her father, but only in vague images. She WAS just a toddler) as a male influence, and Nior and Taka are similar...very similar. She just sort of understands that they'd look out for her.

He cemented her affections as an Uncle-Type after stepping out of character to express concern after Balder nearly burned Makoto to death. From then on, Makoto cared about the big guy, a lot. Though his stoicism never bothered her much-From her perspective, he's always been an 'actions speak louder than words' type.

Quote from: AnastasiaNior Stuff

Nior was a good change from Kensuke and Arieta, and certainly went a long way to humanising the Jade Legion, but he wasn't perfect - more than once did he flee while leaving a lower ranking youma to fight and die by herself. Usagi doesn't bring that up for the same reason she doesn't like to talk about frequently being the one to kill said youma, but it is noted.

That said, Nior had a pretty rough start after we purified him - I don't think anyone was especially happy with how that went, but he did manage to settle into a comfortable niche eventually - I think Janna played a big part in that, as someone we could more readily relate to, and we could then view Nior through the lens of her perceptions - her odd complaints about living with him made him more rounded than the eminently respectable but somewhat flat former general he was before.

Also, it's pretty scary how effective he is in combat despite being utterly bereft of magic. He managed to slam once of the Beast Lord's avatars around pretty well, and damn near splattered Balder one time (a 2-6 does help, just a pity our Prince dodged).

Quote from: Bean BanditMm. Lessee.

From the very start, that first punch to the stomach that Makoto landed that hurt her hand, Nior had her respect. Makoto isn't egotistical about her strength, but she KNOWS she's capable enough to at least make a good showing, even against someone of Nior's size, but there was obviously something beyond mere size at work.

When I think about the early interaction, I see it as Makoto not intellectually aware, but instinctively understanding him. She's only been aquainted with Uncle Taka (She remembers her father, but only in vague images. She WAS just a toddler) as a male influence, and Nior and Taka are similar...very similar. She just sort of understands that they'd look out for her.

He cemented her affections as an Uncle-Type after stepping out of character to express concern after Balder nearly burned Makoto to death. From then on, Makoto cared about the big guy, a lot. Though his stoicism never bothered her much-From her perspective, he's always been an 'actions speak louder than words' type.

This is all mostly true. They are similar, it's why they're sometimes hard to RP together. They strike me as friends once Taka gets over the initial impression, something I wish I'd gotten to play up more. One thing I'd like to slightly quibble on - I don't like the term 'out of character'. I don't think you mean it that way; Nior is capable of showing his emotions in certain cases and/or under great stress. This showed when his doubts and despair overwhelmed him in  his last battle against the Senshi and in a few other cases.

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaNior Stuff

Nior was a good change from Kensuke and Arieta, and certainly went a long way to humanising the Jade Legion, but he wasn't perfect - more than once did he flee while leaving a lower ranking youma to fight and die by herself. Usagi doesn't bring that up for the same reason she doesn't like to talk about frequently being the one to kill said youma, but it is noted.

He did, yes. He isn't perfect, and further, he had his orders. The fact that he did sometimes and didn't was intentional - he had his doubts, but they were also mixed with loyalty.

QuoteThat said, Nior had a pretty rough start after we purified him - I don't think anyone was especially happy with how that went, but he did manage to settle into a comfortable niche eventually - I think Janna played a big part in that, as someone we could more readily relate to, and we could then view Nior through the lens of her perceptions - her odd complaints about living with him made him more rounded than the eminently respectable but somewhat flat former general he was before.

In retrospect I wish Ami hadn't taken Nior's line how she did. He didn't meant to threaten Ami's family like that, he was more just like '...oh.' He hit gold by random chance, more power to him. Sort of. Anyway, that aside, he spent some time off camera being slightly adapted and mentally worked out. This bore fruit both in demeanor and with how other people saw him. Janna did indeed help, as did his interactions with Makoto. He's still someone one note, but he's a deeper and layered note. I'm quite happy with how he's turned out in that regard.

QuoteAlso, it's pretty scary how effective he is in combat despite being utterly bereft of magic. He managed to slam once of the Beast Lord's avatars around pretty well, and damn near splattered Balder one time (a 2-6 does help, just a pity our Prince dodged).

(As an aside, why is Usagi bringing up all the good thoughts about Nior? I expected Makoto to more. Go fig.)

This gets into another point. Nior didn't use his powers much beyond teleportation. In a way I believe a small part of him always knew the truth, and in his heart he couldn't accept most of it. Being a commander level youma, he was able to resist between that and his strong will. It's scary to imagine Nior if he'd fully tapped into his potential, even if it's only mediocre.

This was a nice side point to compensate his lack of magic post purification. He's still capable of layin' it down and out.

Quote(As an aside, why is Usagi bringing up all the good thoughts about Nior? I expected Makoto to more. Go fig.)

Usagi has better perspective on the battle scenes-I tended to focus on my own role, she had to concentrate on the battle as a whole. >_>

And when I said out of character, I meant his normal character. If someone is customarily impassive, and they turn emotional, it's out of character. Not completely, but to a certain extent.

As a side thought, If Nior wasn't so old, Makoto would have practically thrown herself at him. >_> Like I said in the Taka replies...Someone like Uncle Taka is who she's looking for in a boyfriend, and Nior definitely fits the bill. I'm not 100% certain it would work out perfectly, but the feelings would be there initially...Actually, it's funny, but I recall that 'Reini' omake where a 'Balder-Hotaru-Makoto' arrangement is hinted at...Swap out Balder for a young Noir, and Makoto would be a very happy camper. Anything she could possibly want romantically is there.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteAnd when I said out of character, I meant his normal character. If someone is customarily impassive, and they turn emotional, it's out of character. Not completely, but to a certain extent.

Oh, okay. I get what you're gettingat now.

QuoteAs a side thought, If Nior wasn't so old, Makoto would have practically thrown herself at him. >_> Like I said in the Taka replies...Someone like Uncle Taka is who she's looking for in a boyfriend, and Nior definitely fits the bill. I'm not 100% certain it would work out perfectly, but the feelings would be there initially...Actually, it's funny, but I recall that 'Reini' omake where a 'Balder-Hotaru-Makoto' arrangement is hinted at...Swap out Balder for a young Noir, and Makoto would be a very happy camper. Anything she could possibly want romantically is there.

Obligatory snicker goes here.

That said, I get what you're saying. Not to mention both are, ah, oversized as far as it goes. That would be an interesting dynamic to get into, it's a shame you caught Nior at the end portion of his very long life, you know? Besides, would Makoto want to marry a widower?

QuoteThat said, I get what you're saying. Not to mention both are, ah, oversized as far as it goes. That would be an interesting dynamic to get into, it's a shame you caught Nior at the end portion of his very long life, you know? Besides, would Makoto want to marry a widower?

I don't think she'd care, really...Makoto's straightforward seeming, but in reality, she's pretty openminded. She doesn't take part in the 'Lily' sniping because she can easily see why a girl might want to get romantically involved with another girl, though it hasn't occured to her to look that way...yet. >_>

Nior might be hard to get to open up, but with him and Hotaru both sharing Makoto's bed, Emotionally and physically, Makoto would be completely and utterly satisfied.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteThat said, I get what you're saying. Not to mention both are, ah, oversized as far as it goes. That would be an interesting dynamic to get into, it's a shame you caught Nior at the end portion of his very long life, you know? Besides, would Makoto want to marry a widower?

I don't think she'd care, really...Makoto's straightforward seeming, but in reality, she's pretty openminded. She doesn't take part in the 'Lily' sniping because she can easily see why a girl might want to get romantically involved with another girl, though it hasn't occured to her to look that way...yet. >_>

Nior might be hard to get to open up, but with him and Hotaru both sharing Makoto's bed, Emotionally and physically, Makoto would be completely and utterly satisfied.

Interesting. Before I say anything else, however?

O_O

Sorry, that comment produced some hellacious mental images! Anyway, that is interesting. Mildly disturbing and amusing, but interesting.  I'm curious - if the notion ever came to Makoto, would she make a play for Nior as he stands? Don't read into this, I'm just curious.

---

As far as the Lily stuff, that explains a few things. The perspective in the light of actions is quite interesting.

QuoteSorry, that comment produced some hellacious mental images! Anyway, that is interesting. Mildly disturbing and amusing, but interesting. I'm curious - if the notion ever came to Makoto, would she make a play for Nior as he stands? Don't read into this, I'm just curious.

Why disturbing?

And no, Makoto wouldn't. There are firm and clear lines drawn between father figures and romantic interests in her head. That said, if Nior was actually interested, she would think about it long and hard...Much harder than she had to think about Balder.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteSorry, that comment produced some hellacious mental images! Anyway, that is interesting. Mildly disturbing and amusing, but interesting. I'm curious - if the notion ever came to Makoto, would she make a play for Nior as he stands? Don't read into this, I'm just curious.

Why disturbing?

And no, Makoto wouldn't. There are firm and clear lines drawn between father figures and romantic interests in her head. That said, if Nior was actually interested, she would think about it long and hard...Much harder than she had to think about Balder.

Makoto, Hotaru and Nior in the same bed, Makoto-chan. Just imagine that long and hard - allt hree of them naked.

Character Entry #25

Arieta

Source Material(s): Growlanser 2 for the name of Arieta. Past that she was mostly whole cloth.

General: Arieta is rather simple - reverse a lot of Nior and add in a lot of Jadeite. She was cold, cruel, vain and loud. I don't need to draw a lot of connections as far as that goes, so I'll leave that on face value and instead talk about other aspects of her character.

Nior ultimately rejected Jadeite, Arieta embraced him. Male and female, two sides of a coin. While dislike in many ways, they were inexorably linked together thematically, often alternating apperances to keep the Sailor Senshi off guard. One had redeeming qualities, while the other was a brash monster. A contrast of sorts about Gaia - some resist, some embrace what Jadeite is bringing, but in the end? By themselves they can't stand up to him. No matter what, they sink deeper into despair and his darkness, until another force comes to break the cycle, Usagi in this case.

Arieta couldn't - and just like she treated her youma, she was slain herself.

Her final cameo as beast food doesn't tie directly into this, at least not planning wise. Sure, I could say it tied into being freed in the end and blah blah blah, but it was more a convient vehicle to use for the Beast Lord.

Notes: Honestly, not that many. She was very circumspect and complete. There's not much to say about Arieta, she was what you saw.

So no hidden depths within Arieta like there were within Kensuke? Ah, well - considering she's the only member of the Jade Legion to execute her subordinates (not counting Jadeite), having her around might have scared off the likes of Janna.

Still might've been interesting, though.

Anyway, yeah. Arieta was pretty simple, and way more bluntly evil than Kensuke. It was only her horrific fate worse than death that managed to inspire any sympathy towards her. Good thing she never got a cameo when we killed Beastie, though...

Quote from: EbirisSo no hidden depths within Arieta like there were within Kensuke? Ah, well - considering she's the only member of the Jade Legion to execute her subordinates (not counting Jadeite), having her around might have scared off the likes of Janna.

Still might've been interesting, though.

Anyway, yeah. Arieta was pretty simple, and way more bluntly evil than Kensuke. It was only her horrific fate worse than death that managed to inspire any sympathy towards her. Good thing she never got a cameo when we killed Beastie, though...

There weren't. She was meant to contrast with everything Nior was - and that meant for her to be cold, heartless and cruel. She worked for exactly what she was and what she needed to be at the time. I do like that she got a shred of sympathy at the end, but I'm of the opinion she got mostly sent off with Usagi's magic at the time.

It's no big deal either way. I'm inclined to let her rest after the fact.

Character Entery #26

Janna

Source Material(s): Apperance was inspired by Nabiki from Ranma 1/2. To focus, imagine an adult Nabiki with a -2 mod to her charisma and we're on the same boat. Another element flared up at times - she's a bit of a rich girl, even if resourceful.

General: Janna was a sketch I had for a good long time. I knew there were good odds a mere foot soldier would be saved sooner or later, so this begged a setup. At heart, Janna is a very normal person. Quirky for better RPing, but fundamentally just a normal girl just out of college.

I played this for broke, usually netting mild rewards from it. There were some good laughs when she dug up gawd awful furniture as well as cut corners with what little money they had.  The image of her cooking over a Hibatchi grill and lamenting her situation is one that always makes me smile. This was a doubly nice play off of her Nabiki inspired apperance.

She also served to put a far more human face on many of Jadeite's servants and to Gaia in general. She wasn't the most attention getting or show stealing NPC, but Janna is a total success for what she is. Bravo.

Notes: Janna has family on Gaia. I expected they may have been tapped as an emergency hideout if circumstances required it. This never happened, a pity there. I'll get into the guts of that in a what if post a little later since it was going to be a small plotline.

I vaguely toyed around with making her bicurious for amusing RP. I never went through with it, however. Janna was a litlte uneven with the whole ecchi advice thing - that was more circumstance and situation than anything else. Oh well. I'm still not sure how Hotaru managed to make out the best there. Janna would've been quite willing to do something foolishly brave if the situation had called for it. She'd grown attached to the cause, and had stuck around Nior a little too long. I could so see her taking a hit to save someone if it had gone down like that.

Sailor Gaia, anyone?

Character Entery #27

The Triplets(Eliza, Juli, Kiko)

Source Material(s): The very seed idea came from a movie I saw ages ago. I forget the name and the plot, but I remember three buxom blonde triplet badgirls in it. The idea came from that. Insert your favorite blonde triplet fantasy here. The names came from the following: Eliza Maza from Gargolyes, Juli from Street Fighter Alpha 3, and Kiko from Kiko's Delivery service. These are entirely random homages and reflect nothing on the actual demeanors of the girls.

General: Heh, this is where I make a confession. The triplets were meant to be a gimmick battle and fight - while they showed regret, the situation was most likely going to make a fight unavoidable. When circumstances hosed that, I had to work on the fly. I'll freely admit they're interchangeable with one small exception - this is to keep me sane and play off the fact that they're triplets. The three are a bit noisy, good workers and fairly normal past inter family drama. Eliza has a bit of a nasty side if you piss her off which the other two tend to lack.

I ran them off those basic principals. I had an NPC glut so I didn't need to get too deep into them.

Notes: I'm amazed there hasn't been a 'Hotaru goes to make the blonde threesome her own' omake. I used them to help pry open parts of Janna that she doesn't normally show.

They're not gay or into tripletcest. Pervs.

Makoto loves Janna. She's smart, independant and spirited, though she can be a touch spoiled, though after exposure to Rei, Makoto barely notices Janna's 'rich girl' leanings.

The part she DOES notice is that when the chips were down, Janna, clearly used to better things perservered and struggled through things, and Beck wallowed in his own self pity.

Janna's a good, strong girl, and Makoto respects her immensely, even if the age thing is a slight barrier. But back when Makoto was planning for her own death in the line of duty (It's not morbid, dammit!) Janna would have been her first and only choice for replacement.

Makoto is slightly mystified by her prudishness-though Makoto's POV there is slightly biased, to the amusement of the triplets. >_>;

I would have liked to have Makoto spend more time with Janna. In much the same way Kotono latched onto Makoto, I could easily see Makoto adopting Janna as an Oneesama.

Quote from: AnastasiaJanna Stuff

Janna was so cool she made me feel twice as bad about every dead youma...

I agree that she didn't really steal the show or anything, but she was by far the most human of the former Jade Legionairres - Balder and Nior were both a bit larger than life, and of course remained actual combatants. Janna was a regular girl after she was purified (it helped that we barely even saw her youma form for two seconds, and didn't get the slightest glimpse at her powers - which does make me idly curious as to what they were), which made it far easier to group her in with our 'innocent' friends and family.

It was also refreshing to see her consistently bolt for safety at the first singn of trouble.

I had considered us making use of her family as a hideout on Gaia, although I felt it might have been too dangerous - no telling how loyal they might be to the Agency, and even if they did help us I'd feel bad for putting them at risk - I'd also feel like a bit of a heel to take advantage of their generosity after we put Janna up in that dirty hovel...

Quote from: AnastasiaTriplets Stuff

While I never really saw the triplets as fanservicey as in your first paragraph (they never got the glowing physical descriptions Rei is so often lavished with), the rest sounds about right. Juli and Kiko were effectively interchangable, while Eliza was a bit more forthright than the other two.

They were fun to play around with, and it was nice to have a few more 'youma survivors'. Having them around probably made things far more pleasant for Janna, at least.

Character post #28

Miro

Source Material(s): None. He came into birth to be a minor support NPC and was forged from scratch.

General: I've said before that Miro's roll was somewhat altered due to Nior's absence for the majority of the Gaian arc.  There was meant to be some plot that finally got into Nior's family life and added some clarity to many of his statements - the man's older than most quite literally and yet only looks middle aged, and has a painful past he's only briefly alluded to under duress.

Well, that sure got shot in the ass! <_< This made Miro pretty much a one dimensional plot push. I at least played up his situation for flavor, this was the least I could do.

Notes: Miro really carries around a lot of guilt for what happened to Nior all those years ago. Old men that can't quite let go of the past, even as the future threatens to rot away any chance for the next generation to live. Most of this ended up happening off camera after you girls left Gaia. Oh well.

Quote from: Bean BanditMakoto loves Janna. She's smart, independant and spirited, though she can be a touch spoiled, though after exposure to Rei, Makoto barely notices Janna's 'rich girl' leanings.

The part she DOES notice is that when the chips were down, Janna, clearly used to better things perservered and struggled through things, and Beck wallowed in his own self pity.

Exactly. That's a bit of why Janna really doesn't like Beck. A small part of her wonders why that if she can be brave, why can't Mr. Big Badass Rebel get his shit together.

QuoteJanna's a good, strong girl, and Makoto respects her immensely, even if the age thing is a slight barrier. But back when Makoto was planning for her own death in the line of duty (It's not morbid, dammit!) Janna would have been her first and only choice for replacement.

Really? Now that's interesting - want to elaborate on that a little, Mako-chan?

QuoteMakoto is slightly mystified by her prudishness-though Makoto's POV there is slightly biased, to the amusement of the triplets. >_>;

I would have liked to have Makoto spend more time with Janna. In much the same way Kotono latched onto Makoto, I could easily see Makoto adopting Janna as an Oneesama.

The prudishness was a lot of just being oddly off guard on those thing. Cognitive Dissonance and all that, you know? But agreed there - Janna's one of the main NPCs I want to go back to Gaia for, and I'm half tempted to drag her to Earth. (Moreso if Jun ends up stuck on Gaia.)

Quote from: AnastasiaMiro Stuff

While Miro was a nice guy, and a tremendous help, I almost couldn't stand talking to him. Just his laboured form of speech, even in text form makes me tired and cranky... I kept wishing Hotaru would heal him so we could have a normal conversation!

QuoteReally? Now that's interesting - want to elaborate on that a little, Mako-chan?

*Shrugs* Out of anyone she could pass the pen or her powers to, Janna seemed likely the most willful and determined enough to make good use of them.

QuoteJanna was so cool she made me feel twice as bad about every dead youma...

Um, sorry? <_< I'll take that as a compliment, at least?

QuoteI agree that she didn't really steal the show or anything, but she was by far the most human of the former Jade Legionairres - Balder and Nior were both a bit larger than life, and of course remained actual combatants. Janna was a regular girl after she was purified (it helped that we barely even saw her youma form for two seconds, and didn't get the slightest glimpse at her powers - which does make me idly curious as to what they were), which made it far easier to group her in with our 'innocent' friends and family.

It really pleases me to hear that. Being a normal girl was Janna's reason to exist in game. Honestly, these opinions really show that she did exactly what I wanted her to do. That's another point - Nior and Balder were both huge figures. They were like the Senshi - world changers. Janna was just a normal girl, and thus all the more relatable to.

As for the last part? (10,000 Yen Blast, Go!)

QuoteIt was also refreshing to see her consistently bolt for safety at the first sing of trouble.

It's nice to see someone who has no illusions about being a fighter when they aren't?

QuoteI had considered us making use of her family as a hideout on Gaia, although I felt it might have been too dangerous - no telling how loyal they might be to the Agency, and even if they did help us I'd feel bad for putting them at risk - I'd also feel like a bit of a heel to take advantage of their generosity after we put Janna up in that dirty hovel...

Yeah. That was pretty much the entire plot there. It wasn't subtle if you thought about it, but it sure was ripe. Incidentally, Janna doesn't hold it against you girls. As much as she bitched, she understood the situation well. Also, after a little bit, she'd have rather stayed there with Nior. She couldn't quite bring herself to leave him alone. I think she kind of 'got' him a bit, too.

Quote from: AnastasiaTriplets Stuff

While I never really saw the triplets as fanservicey as in your first paragraph (they never got the glowing physical descriptions Rei is so often lavished with), the rest sounds about right. Juli and Kiko were effectively interchangable, while Eliza was a bit more forthright than the other two.

They were fun to play around with, and it was nice to have a few more 'youma survivors'. Having them around probably made things far more pleasant for Janna, at least.[/quote]

Basically on all counts. Not much to say here, they were what they were.

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaMiro Stuff

While Miro was a nice guy, and a tremendous help, I almost couldn't stand talking to him. Just his laboured form of speech, even in text form makes me tired and cranky... I kept wishing Hotaru would heal him so we could have a normal conversation!

1. I agree with you completely.

2. I'm glad I at least hit the form of speech out of the park like that?

So I dunno.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteReally? Now that's interesting - want to elaborate on that a little, Mako-chan?

*Shrugs* Out of anyone she could pass the pen or her powers to, Janna seemed likely the most willful and determined enough to make good use of them.

Aaah.

Fair enough there entirely. I am curious about one thing - Sailor Nior? Sailor Balder? Sailor Beck? Did those thoughts cross your mind?

QuoteFair enough there entirely. I am curious about one thing - Sailor Nior? Sailor Balder? Sailor Beck? Did those thoughts cross your mind?

No.

Janna...

At first? Hotaru didn't work well with her. Hotaru was far, far too self-conscious about being a rich girl who still had it, and Janna threw a curve ball at her in general. Besides that Usagi handled most of her at the start.

Once they hit Gaia, opportunities didn't really increase, but she got more comfortable with Janna, enough to relax.

And then came the ero ero talk...

This is what actually piqued Hotaru's interest. Janna suddenly had depth, Janna knew things, Janna had actual experience, and it was all in something Hotaru didn't have the best knowledge of, yet was interested in.

This gross imbalance of the universe had to be rectified. So Hotaru pushed, porodded, pleaded, fat talked, whatever she could for more, more, more! I honestly don't think she'd ever STOP as long as she could think up a question to be asked.

This kind of put Janna into that 'older friend' status Hotaru honestly doesn't view most of the other senshi with. Not Oneesama, but that person you invite to parties just for the gossip, and because such gossip is fun to chat about.

The triplets! Honestly? See Janna. Hotaru thinks of them almost in a more extreme way than Janna, but they're less engageable about things.

Well, except Eliza. Hotaru actually feels bad for Eliza, having watched Rei set her on fire, and then having tried to cut Eliza's throat. She's a little awkward around her for it, but at the same time honestly wants to make Eliza feel ebtter after that,e ven if she tried to take Hotaru's head off. Eliza and Jannare pretty much the social reasons Hotaru wants to go back to Gaia. She likes talking to the errant youma, and still sort of wants to 'make up' with Eliza.


I'll add Miro in here since it's very minor. Despite having probably been able to work with Miro well...Hotaru simply necer had any opportunity to do so. He was pushed at other people, no one ever really brought him up with her and then she was busy either recovering or being the resident live energy battery. So despite her likely curiousity into his past and the military experiences...really nothing at all.

Character Entry #29

Ikkuko Tsukino

Source Material(s): SM canon and SM game 1. Duh.

General: Of all the parents, Ikkuko got the most thought put in about her. She'd been a fairly major NPC in SM game 1, and since she had to repeat, I needed to gear her up to be distinctive from Ikkuko-1. In game one, barring some drama, Ikkuko was the perfect supportive, loving mother.

You can see where I'm going with this, can't you, Usa-chan?

Well, considering Usagi's grades and likely temperament, I simply flipped that onto it's head. I looked to the early SM canon for inspiriation, finding it in spades. Ikkuko could be frankly bitchy towards her often underachiving daughter, so I tapped into that for a major facet of her early personality.

Really, I think we ended up with a very canon take on Usagi's mother - sure she's grown a bit and began to change/adapt(Serenity, Reiko and others will probably start showing a bit soon), but that's the fundamental approach.

Notes: Loves her husband dearly. This is a given.

I'm always amused when she really tears into Usagi. The interaction tends to sparkle, and she won't do this to anyone else as a rule. She's all flowers and sunshine when guests are over, after all. Serenity's probably going to play up this side naturally, moreso in regard to Usagi.

Ikkuko has slightly mixed feelings regarding Serenity, but she can't bear to say anything to her. She and Reiko really like each other - they see the path not taken in each other and it interests them. She feels sorry for Kotono after meeting her father - that's kind of a general sentiment, however. She found Rei's grandfather charming.

Ikkuko is probably a better cook that Makoto on paper, purely because of more experience. It's reasonably close, and I think Mako would outdue her wiht a few more years of work. Speaking of, she's always half meant to try and get to know Makoto - her situation inspires a lot of feelings within her.

Hm. You know, suspisciously little is said about how Reiko and Ikkuko interacted with Auntie Fuuko and Uncle Taka. =D Wanna hear more about that!

Also, I would have been interested in interacting with Usagi's mom. Just to see how we get along. >_> Other than that, not much to offer, here.

Quote from: Bean BanditHm. You know, suspisciously little is said about how Reiko and Ikkuko interacted with Auntie Fuuko and Uncle Taka. =D Wanna hear more about that!

Also, I would have been interested in interacting with Usagi's mom. Just to see how we get along. >_> Other than that, not much to offer, here.

I'll get yours first since it's not too long.

She liked Auntie Fuuko quite a bit - a womanly sort of thing. Can you imagine Ikkuko, Reiko, and Fuuko sitting around, chatting about love lives? It's quite interesting! Uncle Taka? Mmm. Not as much connection there - seems like a nice man, but nothing that innately draws the two together.

Mmm, you should swing by the Tsukino house sometime, the more I think about it.

Quote from: AsranaJanna...

At first? Hotaru didn't work well with her. Hotaru was far, far too self-conscious about being a rich girl who still had it, and Janna threw a curve ball at her in general. Besides that Usagi handled most of her at the start.

Once they hit Gaia, opportunities didn't really increase, but she got more comfortable with Janna, enough to relax.

Agreed. You two never felt like there was a serious connection, nor much to talk about. Eggshell pushing and all that, really. This tended to be an issue with Hotaru and some of the Gaian NPCs.

QuoteAnd then came the ero ero talk...

This is what actually piqued Hotaru's interest. Janna suddenly had depth, Janna knew things, Janna had actual experience, and it was all in something Hotaru didn't have the best knowledge of, yet was interested in.

This gross imbalance of the universe had to be rectified. So Hotaru pushed, porodded, pleaded, fat talked, whatever she could for more, more, more! I honestly don't think she'd ever STOP as long as she could think up a question to be asked.

*Snicker*

Pervtaru! Anyway, that is amusing, even if I really feel bad for poor Janna now. You're going to hound her to death, you know that? But mmm. It's an interesting application of Hotaru's intellectual curiosity springing up.

QuoteThis kind of put Janna into that 'older friend' status Hotaru honestly doesn't view most of the other senshi with. Not Oneesama, but that person you invite to parties just for the gossip, and because such gossip is fun to chat about.

Yeah, Janna is 'that friend', isn't she? Mmmm. Good for her.

QuoteShe liked Auntie Fuuko quite a bit - a womanly sort of thing. Can you imagine Ikkuko, Reiko, and Fuuko sitting around, chatting about love lives? It's quite interesting!

It's funny...but I can really see these three bonding. >_> If they were in high school, it'd be almost funny...the stereotypes presented by them actually compliment each other well. The Bad girl, the Class President, and the Sweet and Popular girl.

Quote from: AnastasiaIkkuko Stuff

OOC, Ikkuko is probably my favourite NPC to interact with. She has a knack for bringing out the worst in Usagi - the ditzy argumentative and tactless girl who provides me with so much amusement. Obviously Usagi and Ikkuko love each other, but it's a long suffering love that withstands the occasional juvenile outburst/unfair ultimatum (depending on who's viewpoint you side with).

It does bug Usagi that Ikkuko is all sweetness and light to everyone else, but it's part of their relationship, and she does slightly enjoy baiting her mother for amusement value - though it's a tricky balancing act not to push her too far.

Still, behind the love and slight fear Usagi has of her mother, she does deeply admire the woman. Before Serenity Ikkuko was Usagi's biggest role model - despite Usagi's own feminist leanings, Ikkuko is a strong willed and confident woman, even if she's a housewife, and Usagi would be quite happy emulating her mother as her life goes on.

Also worth noting that despite your comments about Ikkuko not being that supportive here, she was 100% behind Usagi nabbing Mamoru, right from when she first met him. At least I hope it's support of her daughter, and not a more sinister interest in Mamoru... Regardless, it is nice that on the topic of her love life, Usagi can speak freely with her mother - she might even be understanding of lesbian Usagi if recent events are any indication!

Not that I intend to go there, of course...

It's just nice to know.

I do wonder how things will go with Serenity in future, though. The two appear to have hit it off really well so far, but will it last after a few vocal fights between Ikkuko and Usagi if Serenity speaks up on Usagi's behalf? Serenity's so nice it seems unthinkable, but I almost wonder if she might start breeding resentment in Ikkuko if she gets too close to Usagi. I hope the fact that mother and daughter make up as quickly as they fight will forestall that - things never brood between them enough for it to seem like a wedge can be driven, but you never know what the future holds.

Anyway, in conclusion I once again emphasise how much fun I have with Ikkuko. She's just perfectly played for Usagi to go on uber-dramatic 'I hate you!' speeches without them actually causing real fallout. As the game's gone on, Usagi's gotten a bit better at holding her own when they argue, but Ikkuko still has an undefeated record...

Quote from: AsranaThe triplets! Honestly? See Janna. Hotaru thinks of them almost in a more extreme way than Janna, but they're less engageable about things.

Well, except Eliza. Hotaru actually feels bad for Eliza, having watched Rei set her on fire, and then having tried to cut Eliza's throat. She's a little awkward around her for it, but at the same time honestly wants to make Eliza feel ebtter after that,e ven if she tried to take Hotaru's head off. Eliza and Jannare pretty much the social reasons Hotaru wants to go back to Gaia. She likes talking to the errant youma, and still sort of wants to 'make up' with Eliza.

Pretty much. I won't get into long replies with the triplets since they're very shallow and up front. That's a good motive for wanting to go back, too.

QuoteI'll add Miro in here since it's very minor. Despite having probably been able to work with Miro well...Hotaru simply necer had any opportunity to do so. He was pushed at other people, no one ever really brought him up with her and then she was busy either recovering or being the resident live energy battery. So despite her likely curiousity into his past and the military experiences...really nothing at all.

Yeah.

This one was partly circumstance and partly my fault. I wanted you two to spend some time together, but it never really worked out. My bad.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

QuoteShe liked Auntie Fuuko quite a bit - a womanly sort of thing. Can you imagine Ikkuko, Reiko, and Fuuko sitting around, chatting about love lives? It's quite interesting!

It's funny...but I can really see these three bonding. >_> If they were in high school, it'd be almost funny...the stereotypes presented by them actually compliment each other well. The Bad girl, the Class President, and the Sweet and Popular girl.

That's partly the MO I was operating with there, Mako-chan. Can you imagine Fuuko showing off your special coming home present while Reiko rolls her eyes and Ikkuko blushes?

<Reiko> "Really now," Reiko rolls her eyes, "Maybe I can see it for MAkoto. The girl looks sixteen already! But what about Hotaru - and she'll get into it, mark my words." A little knowing smile there, "I can see her saying, 'Mah, is THAT what it is?'"

<Fuuko> Fuuko smirks, a hand on her hip as she puts the toy down on her lap. "Good for her! A girl has to learn somewhere, and it's better than from her first crush! Besides, that would so ruin all of your nice plans for her college years, wouldn't it?"

<Ikkuko> "Aaah..." Blushing and looking down, "Does a young girl NEED that sort of toy...then again..." Stopping as images of Mamoru and Usagi enter her mind, "Say, could I get that shop name again...just inc ase?"

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaIkkuko Stuff

OOC, Ikkuko is probably my favourite NPC to interact with. She has a knack for bringing out the worst in Usagi - the ditzy argumentative and tactless girl who provides me with so much amusement. Obviously Usagi and Ikkuko love each other, but it's a long suffering love that withstands the occasional juvenile outburst/unfair ultimatum (depending on who's viewpoint you side with).

It does bug Usagi that Ikkuko is all sweetness and light to everyone else, but it's part of their relationship, and she does slightly enjoy baiting her mother for amusement value - though it's a tricky balancing act not to push her too far.

It is!

It's pretty much a tightrope of love, triumph and hope, all mixed in with the times Usagi should've just shut up. See the recent parent/teacher conference for a great example of that. When she gets pushed past the line, it's time for USagi to whimper and batton down the hatches.

QuoteAlso worth noting that despite your comments about Ikkuko not being that supportive here, she was 100% behind Usagi nabbing Mamoru, right from when she first met him. At least I hope it's support of her daughter, and not a more sinister interest in Mamoru... Regardless, it is nice that on the topic of her love life, Usagi can speak freely with her mother<Snip>

It is  nice, yes. I felt that Usagi needed that support, and that her mother wouldn't sabotage her there outright. That would've been just cruel.

Quote- she might even be understanding of lesbian Usagi if recent events are any indication!

Not that I intend to go there, of course...

It's just nice to know.

Allow me to summarise!

<#mk> o-o

QuoteI do wonder how things will go with Serenity in future, though. The two appear to have hit it off really well so far, but will it last after a few vocal fights between Ikkuko and Usagi if Serenity speaks up on Usagi's behalf? Serenity's so nice it seems unthinkable, but I almost wonder if she might start breeding resentment in Ikkuko if she gets too close to Usagi. I hope the fact that mother and daughter make up as quickly as they fight will forestall that - things never brood between them enough for it to seem like a wedge can be driven, but you never know what the future holds.

It'll be interesting to see how that goes. There is certainly the potential for that to happen. If anything, Serenity is too perfect. It would be easy to start to envy her, wouldn't it?

QuoteAnyway, in conclusion I once again emphasise how much fun I have with Ikkuko. She's just perfectly played for Usagi to go on uber-dramatic 'I hate you!' speeches without them actually causing real fallout. As the game's gone on, Usagi's gotten a bit better at holding her own when they argue, but Ikkuko still has an undefeated record...

Usagi'll win one day. Maybe. <_<

Quote"Pervtaru! Anyway, that is amusing, even if I really feel bad for poor Janna now. You're going to hound her to death, you know that? But mmm. It's an interesting application of Hotaru's intellectual curiosity springing up."

Yes, Hotaru probably WILL hound Janna right up until somewhere in the ninth month of sleeping with Makoto, whenever that happens. >_>

Quote"Yeah, Janna is 'that friend', isn't she? Mmmm. Good for her."

I'd almost make an Usagi/Unazuki comparison, but Hotaru and Janna aren't that close. Just more casual friends, but you can guess the dynamic drift. Well, and Janna actually knows what she's talking about. >_>

Quote<Reiko> "Really now," Reiko rolls her eyes, "Maybe I can see it for MAkoto. The girl looks sixteen already! But what about Hotaru - and she'll get into it, mark my words." A little knowing smile there, "I can see her saying, 'Mah, is THAT what it is?'"

<Fuuko> Fuuko smirks, a hand on her hip as she puts the toy down on her lap. "Good for her! A girl has to learn somewhere, and it's better than from her first crush! Besides, that would so ruin all of your nice plans for her college years, wouldn't it?"

This suddenly is very applicable... Just wait for spring cleaning. JUST YOU WAIT.

Character Entry #30

Junki

Source Material(s): None. Pure creative gusto, even if it wasn't a ton of it.

General: Junki was designed to be a one shot. Her application was very direct - innocent victim hurt by Jadeite in the name of the Beast Lord. Something designed implicity for Hotaru, yet able to rile up the other girls just fine, too. The fact that she survived and Hotaru was willing to heal Junki earned Hotaru a real friend that day.

Junki was meant to at least allude to Rei having a social life off camera. She does, but being an NPC makes this far more difficult to show than for a PC. She's very much a casual friend for Rei, nothing more. Enough to add emotional anger at the murder attempt, but not enough to make it endless drama.

It's interesting to see her try and be integrated into the main T*A senshi group. Messy due to circumstance but interesting.

Notes:

Hotaru seems to see her as a prototype lesbian fling with minimal strings. She's not gay! ...I think? She rather likes Hotaru and Kotono as well as Rei, even if she was a bit offput by the first Supernatural Club meeting. She feels resiliant to me, however.

QuoteJunki was meant to at least allude to Rei having a social life off camera. She does, but being an NPC makes this far more difficult to show than for a PC.

Well, that might change if Hotaru gets her way and ends up in Rei's class next term. >_>

QuoteHotaru seems to see her as a prototype lesbian fling with minimal strings. She's not gay! ...I think? She rather likes Hotaru and Kotono as well as Rei, even if she was a bit offput by the first Supernatural Club meeting. She feels resiliant to me, however.

That actually branched out of a handful of jokes about 'gratitude' for saving Junki's life. More like gratuitous, amirite? For the small pinch of times it got used, it was mostly a 'break the cliche' kind of thing.

And yeah, we need to show her a better time...we have, actually cafe coming to mind. So maybe she'll learn to just dodge it.

Character entry #31.

Balder.

Source Materials: Some slight inspiration from the fanon Sailor Sun. Balder returns this with a slight parody on the concept. By and large he's original material, however.

General: When I began to fill in the concept of Gaia, I wondered. The concept of being held for years and years would imply Princess Serenity was into middle age. So I thought further - what if she had a bit of a life before Jadeite got to her? What if she had a child? A son, just to mix things up a little more?

The idea gelled from there. A male Chibi Usa was a comment I made to myself in passing. This hit another gold mine. Once I finished laughing, I considered - how would a Prince of the Moon turn out with someone like Jadeite. Someone, who on thinking about it, would do nothing more than pervert him into a mockery of what he should be? To turn the gentle light of the Moon into the burning agony of the uncaring Sun - the very Sun that normally gives life every day - was too good to pass up.

Balder's powers reflected this MO. Instead of merciful powers like Serenity or Usagi? His attacks were burns, one of the most intense and crippling pains known of. Instead of being a shining beacon of hope, his face was too bright to look at; yet he could remove himself from sight only to then turn them to ashes. His movement through the world was agony to the universe around him.

Jadeite fed the hatred Balder held for him. He pushed him further into obession, tormenting him at every step. Much like Metallia so long ago? Fighting this feebly, he came to his actions. The Crystal, no matter what. The mere humans in his way are of no note to one such as him.

He only failed and was saved because someone cared enough to break the cycle. He was unable to do so alone. Ultimately, he was helpless to his own despair, anger and loss. Of course, it wasn't an easy road to recovery. He has only really begun it at the end of Arc 1. The sailors lived with the roughest period of his life, but hopefully he'll begin to recover now.

Notes: Balder is one of my relative mixed bags. I'll toss out a few statements about him:

I feel I RPed Balder very well and hit all my goals with him.

RPing Balder was hard as hell.

Balder grated on me at times, and was draining.

I'm ultimately proud of him.

All of this ties into the fact that he's still a child underneath his body. His development was stunted, leading to his relationships with Makoto and Usagi.

I really feel bad for the guy. He's had the ultimate bad life in ways that most couldn't even imagine. It doesn't give him a free pass on what he's done, but it certainly makes him a tragic character.

I had minor hopes and interests on the Makoto angle working out at first. It wouldn've been interesting, but I wonder now if it would have been good for either of them.

I wish I could've done more with him and Hotaru. There was some interest there, but I think both of us weren't sure how to proceed on. I didn't have the foggiest!

Balder, as a male, hit on all the right notes with Makoto for all the wrong reasons.

The nearly dying from his attack was a horrible note to start out on, but Makoto's nature came to the fore there, and rescued it...Once he was on our side, all was forgiven/forgotten.

After all, I can't afford to be looked down on by anyone who can get a good hit in, right? If I keep obsessing about it, I'll just weaken myself. Gotta concentrate on getting my own punches in...and if I don't need to, then I don't have to worry.

I was kind of uneasy when Serenity-sama asked me to visit him, though. I mean, he's cute, but he was always mad all the time, and back when I challenged him on the rooftop after he attacked Ami-chan, he seemed really pissed when I came pretty close to letting him see his own intestines, Y'know?

Still, Serenity-sama's Serenity-sama. No one in their right mind can refuse anything she asks for nicely. So I went to visit him...and the High and Mighty attitude kinda got under my skin...So I just kinda picked at it, like a scab on your knee when you're little?

He surprised me when he wasn't too stubborn about it, and he was cute and kind of endearing. Like Kenta-chan from my classes at the dojo. He likes to pretend he's tough, but bad things go on at his house (I think his parents might be divorcing)...so I just give him a hug every now and then, and it messes him right up, but he smiles more after! *Snickers*

It's the same thing I tried with Balder. Mako-Oneesan tried to be as sweet as she possibly could, but utterly firm when he was wrong, or just being bratty...and it seemed to work. We got to be friends...still are, I hope.

I should have guessed something was amiss when he barged into the bathroom when I locked myself in after he hit a nerve, but it didn't really click in. Despite me treating him like a little brother, He's really mature looking. More than Mamoru-san, even. It didn't even dawn on me that he might be interested until he kissed me when I was singing to him.

It bothered me a little bit...I thought I might have encouraged it somehow-and, I have to admit, it bothered me even more that I even entertained the idea. (I didn't exactly shove him away, did I? I shouldn't have let him finish the kiss, but it -was- good.) But after a good look at it in my head, I knew it wouldn't work.

Even if I let my hormones run away with me, I'd be settling myself in for being a girlfriend that acts like a mother. And that would be really sad. A boyfriend is supposed to be strong for you, too, and Balder's just not even close to ready, in his heart. He needs to grow up straight, like a pruned seedling, first. Whoever DOES get him will be a lucky girl (Or boy. There's no telling about his preferences just because he thought he liked me, after all.) But it won't be me.

Hrm. Balder...

He started off as just another general. aA more serious threat possibly than the others, but just another one of Jadeite's cronies meant to be dispatched.

Serenity made things messy. Very messy. But...she was Serenity. Hotaru kept her wishes in mind, wanted to fulfill them as best she could, her own predictions of viability aside.

On reflection, Balder crossed a lot of lines. He was using our own people for this, not just hostages, but literally posessing and turning them to fight their own planet. That's an ideological offence more than anything, not honestly unexpected considering the par so far at that point.

Threatening the unconscious grandpa Hino? Strike two. That was a hostage, threatening to out of handedly kill on of our own people, and a magically talented one at that!

All of that feels kind of flat, though, and looking at Hotaru's mental richter scale, it is quite flat in retrospect. Not quite anything she hadn't faced before, just more dangerous. We all know what happened next though, and THAT certainly isn't flat. Hotaru, like we've said earlier in this thread, considers her friends...inviolate. After a certain point in the game, threatening their lives was like signing your own death warrant. And Balder nearly killed Makoto in one single attack.

That's it. Gloves off. Serenity's blood or not you DIE.

He was too close, he was hovering right over her, he had her at his mercy, he was bearing down on everyone else, didn't seem to think Usagi (Miss Macross Cannon) was worth much thought power wise, so drastic measures were quite obviously necessary. Perhaps some of that was justification. The driving, burning motivator I've always had since I took him seriously as an individualized threat was as a threat to Makoto.  So I picked up my glaive, and advanced. I was going to make him hit me. He was sensitive to insults, he'd already shown he thought he was superior. So I wanted to get in his face, and scream the most demeaning, horrific, insulting things to his heritage, to his person, to everything about him that I could. I wanted him focusing on me, I wanted him attacking me, I wanted all the pain he could bring, because he'd certainly already brought terror into my world. If I could make him come after me, he'd forget Makoto laying on the ground helpless, he wouldn't pay attention as the others poured on their attacks, he'd be heedless of everything except who I wanted him to try and kill: Me. And he'd get close. I WANTED that. My nightmare scenario was coming true all on its own, I'd play my part, I'll drown him in my nightmare, wring his pitiful hateful life from his very soul, tear his body to pieces, annihilate every last single speck of his existence and the threat it posed to my happier life, my sanity, and all that I loved.

And then Serenity interrupted me.

For all that he came in useful later, I felt a few moment of snarling anger at our queen when she did that. It was only the fact that she seemed to thouroughly disable his offensive posture that kept me from doing anything. So I redirected all of it. Physical violence wasn't my only form of necessary destruction, Serenity herself had said that. So with Usagi playing good cop, I merrily took to the role of cruel, hateful, iron fisted and venomous bad cop, trying my damnedest to use what I knew and his newfound vulnerability to level Balder to the ground emotionally and mentally.

And I think together, we did a pretty good job.

I wasn't really comfortable with him from there on out. He wasn't even Setsuna, who was simply selfish on some dangerous levels, but basically mature.. He was a child, an emotional liability waiting to happen, and one that seemed inexplicably attached to Makoto. Well, perhaps not inexplicably. He was male, she was too nice for her own good, I'd seen this pattern before. I didn't like the results of the apparent trial run, and the run I'd witnessed.

I stepped down alert from Defcon 1 to Defcon 2. I wasn't going anywhere near 3 though.

Life went on, he didn't seem to be exploding just yet.

Vague moment of 'YOU IDIOTIC SHITBRAINED SLIMEMONKEY' when he disappeared on Ami, Rei, and I. No biggy, he showed up in time with the energy necessary.

We got back, we settled in at the house.. Maybe things would calm down.

No, no they wouldn't. I shouldn't have been positive, it just hit harder. I can't remember how long it was, but eventually, I found myself in a rather paradoxical position of extreme concern and boiling rage:

Makoto. Was. Crying.

Why was she crying? Because, to my perspective, he took advantage of her. She was nice, she was open, she was even caring, for someone that had nearly killed her. And not only does he give her a hard shove into the fire emotionally, but he adds physicality to it. He kissed her. He just shoved ahead and kissed her. He disregarded her opinion, even if her's prevailed, to have disregarded it in the first place...

Stepping out of character a moment, Hotaru's well known to be rather insanely paranoid. In the darkest pits of her mind, she DID formulate a profile of Balder as a rapist.

Priorities though! We must keep priorities! Priority 1: Makoto! Okay, calm down, she doesn't need to see you blow up right now, she needs support, she needs comfort, she needs Hotaru-chan, she needs TRUST. This more than anything else just steamrolled my feelings on it. Makoto is Makoto, she overrides most emotional responses. Reiko and Serenity can contest it, but it's contentious. So I stuck to Makoto primarily, I tried to calm her down, and I think I did.

Priority 2: The mission. I can't just walk out and beat Balder into a bloody mess. I have to find a way to try and protect Makoto from him without impairing his availability as either an offensive or defensive weapon. So I tried to offer and formulate what I thought might both delay him, and keep Makoto safe--I offered advice on how to get close to Makoto safely. I figured he'd jump on this, all ears, right? So I do--try to act a sibling relationship. Worked for Kotono, works for everyone, Mako-neesan is your best bud!

He never seemed to take it seriously. From my perspective, he practically leered at her at times...childish, piggish, male.

And that's about where it stopped, and where it stands. Standoff. He's not a current threat, he's safely ensconced with his mother, the pinnacle of his obsessions. I don't have reason enough to go after him, that would upset Makoto to a degree that is far more of a threat to my priorities than Balder's mental brokenness is. So I'll just hover over Mako-chan, and make sure she's alright.

Quote from: AnastasiaBalder Stuff

Balder had a rough start- really, to begin with, he seemed little more than a beefier and nastier version of Kensuke. Usagi didn't really expect much from him based on what Nior told them, and his actions when they finally met did nothing to impress himself as any sort of relatable person - he was just all 'Raargh, I'm evil and badass! So evil I'll even turn on my boss because I certainly don't display any motivations beside increasing my power!'. So, though it wasn't a happy thought, Usagi was quite resigned to the prospect of killing Balder. Serenity's revelations on his bloodline put a kibosh on that, but it did force Usagi to wrestle with the possibility that Serenity might be wrong - that, like a mad dog, Balder would still have to be put down for everyone's safety. She sure couldn't see any way to reason with him!

But, she was determined to try. After all, Usagi sure doesn't enjoy killing people - it's way down on her list of favourite things! So, she resolved to try and figure out what makes him tick, find a way to get under his skin and provoke him into revealing his vulnerabilities which would hopefully reveal him as an actual human being rather than an evil caricature.

Then he kicked Mamoru's ass on one of our few dates! Scared and angry (it took all of the senshi to really give him pause before, so Usagi really seemed in a dangerous situation), it was all too easy for Usagi to lose her temper and do her level best to kill him with her Crystal based attack. It gave him some pause, at least, and made him flee before the after effects of the attack caught up with Usagi, both physical and mental. The agony of having her spirit leached away at least served as an appropriate punishment for betraying Serenity and her principles, in Usagi's mind.

Still, she was determined to make amends, so when we found Balder after what he'd done to Grampa Hino (and another ruined date!), Usagi certainly gave her all to resolve things through dialogue, probing and provoking him as best she could to get under his skin. Then the big jerk goes and nearly kills Makoto. After that, all bets were off - Usagi had taken a gamble for Serenity's sake, and one of her friends paid a horrific price for it. Time to put Old Yeller down...

Had Serenity not stepped in to take an active hand, I'm pretty sure someone would have died in that battle. As it was, even Usagi hesitated to let Serenity give him another chance. Luckily, with her help, they were finally able to get through to him and settle things peacefully, even gaining a powerful new ally in the process!

Hearing from Balder of his life first hand after that did a lot to turn around Usagi's opinion of him - he's had a horrible life she can barely imagine, and she finds it hard now to blame him considering the circumstances he comes from. Their similarities in what they can do gives a frightening idea of how easily things could be reversed (nevermind that she wouldn't have any Moon powers if Balder had been raised as a nice guy on Earth). Since then she's done her best to guide and advise him without being too overbearing - letting him find his own path to redemption with a few gentle nudges along the way.

As a last aside, she does somewhat get a kick out of being his 'aunt', and it does somewhat suit their relationship, with her being there for support and advice but not in the same way as his mother, or indeed big sister Mako-chan. Yes, Usagi did feel some guilty relief when she found out he was interested in Makoto - the thought of her being targeted as part of some weird mother complex would have been quite repellent.

Quote
The nearly dying from his attack was a horrible note to start out on, but Makoto's nature came to the fore there, and rescued it...Once he was on our side, all was forgiven/forgotten.

Pretty much. Hell of a dramatic note, but also messy as fuck. I'll go into that more for the 'taru.

QuoteEven if I let my hormones run away with me, I'd be settling myself in for being a girlfriend that acts like a mother. And that would be really sad. A boyfriend is supposed to be strong for you, too, and Balder's just not even close to ready, in his heart. He needs to grow up straight, like a pruned seedling, first. Whoever DOES get him will be a lucky girl (Or boy. There's no telling about his preferences just because he thought he liked me, after all.) But it won't be me.

I ultimately agree with that, but with a few caveats. Makoto is startlingly good at a mothering role, and I could see her getting into that sort of relationship. I wonder if Makoto is the type that draws strength from being that sort of person and helping others?

QuoteI ultimately agree with that, but with a few caveats. Makoto is startlingly good at a mothering role, and I could see her getting into that sort of relationship.

*Blushes* I'm not sure how to feel about the way you put that, But I guess I'm happy you think I'd be a good mom?

QuoteI wonder if Makoto is the type that draws strength from being that sort of person and helping others?

Wow, you make me sound like a saint...I'm not, really. I like being able to support my friends, but I'm not like that...at least, not all the time. If I don't let people support me, I get sad, and frustrated, though I try not to let anyone see. I couldn't be with anyone who couldn't make me feel safe when I want to cry.

QuoteWe all know what happened next though, and THAT certainly isn't flat. Hotaru, like we've said earlier in this thread, considers her friends...inviolate. After a certain point in the game, threatening their lives was like signing your own death warrant. And Balder nearly killed Makoto in one single attack.
That's it. Gloves off. Serenity's blood or not you DIE.

That was pretty much expected when Mako-chan ate that critical. That I don't blame you for in the least - seeing a friend turned into a cooked sausage is a helluva provocation.

Quote
I'd play my part, I'll drown him in my nightmare, wring his pitiful hateful life from his very soul, tear his body to pieces, annihilate every last single speck of his existence and the threat it posed to my happier life, my sanity, and all that I loved.

And then Serenity interrupted me.

<_<

Scaaaaaaary! No, I don't blame you, but you don't do things by halves.

Quote
I wasn't really comfortable with him from there on out. He wasn't even Setsuna, who was simply selfish on some dangerous levels, but basically mature.. He was a child, an emotional liability waiting to happen, and one that seemed inexplicably attached to Makoto. Well, perhaps not inexplicably. He was male, she was too nice for her own good, I'd seen this pattern before. I didn't like the results of the apparent trial run, and the run I'd<snipped>

Parataru.

Honestly, this is my only real gripe here. I wish you'd given him a bit more compassion, at least mentally. I won't deny his shortcomings, but I won't deny his handicaps, either.

Reading the rest of it, your situation comes off as 'best female friend over bad male, taken to an extreme'. Balder's no saint, but he doesn't deserve a lot of that PoV. Maybe I just feel bad for Balder, but eh. The closest thing I can compare it to is the Criminal Intent in the law: For a crime to happen there has to be the intent to do so.

It's something I feel Balder lacked.

Quote from: Bean Bandit

*Blushes* I'm not sure how to feel about the way you put that, But I guess I'm happy you think I'd be a good mom?

You would be. You'd also be good at supporting a boy/girl friend like such.

QuoteI wonder if Makoto is the type that draws strength from being that sort of person and helping others?

Wow, you make me sound like a saint...I'm not, really. I like being able to support my friends, but I'm not like that...at least, not all the time. If I don't let people support me, I get sad, and frustrated, though I try not to let anyone see. I couldn't be with anyone who couldn't make me feel safe when I want to cry.

Oh, you're not a saint. Not if your chest and my intentions have anything to say about it! <_<

Ahem. Dodging Hotaru's Glaive a moment, I think you do. Being able to support them validates you in short. Being there gives Makoto something to do, making her feel useful and not useless. Considering Makoto's confidence problems(Especially in combat), this plays for me.

If they need you to support them, it's tacitly saying that you're needed and useful.

Quote
Reading the rest of it, your situation comes off as 'best female friend over  bad male, taken to an extreme'. Balder's no saint, but he doesn't deserve a lot of that PoV. Maybe I just feel bad for Balder, but eh. The closest thing I can compare it to is the Criminal Intent in the law: For a crime to happen there has to be the intent to do so.

It's something I feel Balder lacked.

Stepping out of character for a moment...I think you're execting a metric fuckton of unreasonable emotions from a twelve year old girl.

I mean, I'll sidestep the usual stuff, and point something out.

Ami held a grudge for quite some time for far less. No one calls her out about it, and Balder came a lot closer to doing us all damage close to home.

Hotaru Might be running to extremes with her dislike for Balder, but I don't think it's unjustified at all.

Honestly? I don't disagree, Mako-chan. I'm just arguing it because I guess no one else will and I feel bad for the guy. That and yeah, Hotaru doesn't do hatred by half measures.

OOCwise, I don't disagree. I'm just sayin'.

Mm. *shakes head* No, I understand. Balder's not a bad guy, but really, it's not fair to call Hotaru out 'cause she doesn't like him.

Eheh. You're right, I do like feeling useful, but there's a limit. A girl can be strong and still need to be held once in a while.

I prefer trying to get her to elaborate on it, Mako-chan. A good part of the reason there was for her to marshal her thoughts and reply in kind. I was curious(Even if I expect I know what it'll be) to her answer to that.

Quote from: Bean BanditEheh. You're right, I do like feeling useful, but there's a limit. A girl can be strong and still need to be held once in a while.

That's also quite true. To refer to something else a moment? If, say, you got into a relationship with Kotono in Arc 2, it would have to change so she's at least stepping up a little more. While I think you'd maintain some of the 'sis' aspects in that dynamic, she'd have to change as well.

So yeah, everyone needs to be held by a soft, warm set of...mmm. Anyway, yeah, I get the point.

QuoteParataru.
Honestly, this is my only real gripe here. I wish you'd given him a bit more compassion, at least mentally. I won't deny his shortcomings, but I won't deny his handicaps, either.
Reading the rest of it, your situation comes off as 'best female friend over bad male, taken to an extreme'. Balder's no saint, but he doesn't deserve a lot of that PoV. Maybe I just feel bad for Balder, but eh. The closest thing I can compare it to is the Criminal Intent in the law: For a crime to happen there has to be the intent to do so.
It's something I feel Balder lacked.

We're past a line where intent matters at all to Hotaru. Accidents happen, okay, if someone crossed the line and she has clear evidence it was just a one time fumble, little chance to happen again, she'll let it go with a grump. Balder on the other hand, was a repeat offender. You don't stay your judgement of a serial killer because they were abused and dropped on their head as a child. Hotaru's wilder imaginations build intent behind it, but the focus of her entire attitude on it is thus: Balder's repeated it, and by evidence doesn't look like he won't repeat it yet again.

She's not a judge, or a jury, she watched one person hurt her friend twice over, and then exhibit behaviors indicating he might do it again. His personal intentions are irrelevant, his active effects on Makoto are all that matter to Hotaru. She's more important than compassion or understanding.

Quote from: EbirisBalder had a rough start- really, to begin with, he seemed little more than a beefier and nastier version of Kensuke. Usagi didn't really expect much from him based on what Nior told them, and his actions when they finally met did nothing to impress himself as any sort of relatable person - he was just all 'Raargh, I'm evil and badass! So evil I'll even turn on my boss because I certainly don't display any motivations beside increasing my power!'. So, though it wasn't a happy thought, Usagi was quite resigned to the prospect of killing Balder. Serenity's revelations on his bloodline put a kibosh on that, but it did force Usagi to wrestle with the possibility that Serenity might be wrong - that, like a mad dog, Balder would still have to be put down for everyone's safety. She sure couldn't see any way to reason with him!

Pretty much, yeah. Admittely the moral question here hit Usagi the hardest, and I'm glad to see it shows.

QuoteThen he kicked Mamoru's ass on one of our few dates!

I regret that in retrospect.  -_-

QuoteHad Serenity not stepped in to take an active hand, I'm pretty sure someone would have died in that battle. As it was, even Usagi hesitated to let Serenity give him another chance. Luckily, with her help, they were finally able to get through to him and settle things peacefully, even gaining a powerful new ally in the process!

Exactly. While the battle was dramatic, it was entirely clear shit was hitting the fan in a way that wasn't going to end well.

I don't have a lot to say on your points here, honestly.

Quote from: AsranaWe're past a line where intent matters at all to Hotaru. Accidents happen, okay, if someone crossed the line and she has clear evidence it was just a one time fumble, little chance to happen again, she'll let it go with a grump. Balder on the other hand, was a repeat offender. You don't stay your judgement of a serial killer because they were abused and dropped on their head as a child. Hotaru's wilder imaginations build intent behind it, but the focus of her entire attitude on it is thus: Balder's repeated it, and by evidence doesn't look like he won't repeat it yet again.

She's not a judge, or a jury, she watched one person hurt her friend twice over, and then exhibit behaviors indicating he might do it again. His personal intentions are irrelevant, his active effects on Makoto are all that matter to Hotaru. She's more important than compassion or understanding.

This probably rubs me the wrong way for a few reasons. One of the underlying themes of Redux is redemption and change, or the lack thereof. Balder being redeemed in this manner speaks of a principal; the chance to reform no matter how great your crime, if one is willing. This underlies a lot of what Queen Serenity says - there's always a chance to make better. If you don't believe that, hope becomes a far more elusive beast.

With that said, Makoto is your most important thing. Yet if you take it to that extreme, does that make you any better than Jadeite's obession with Metallia? Not entirely a fair question, but humor me for the moment. I'm not saying things need to be flowers and sunshine. That would just be stupid. However, the active denial of redemption chances can strike me as bad as the acts of evil in the first place.

---

That said? Two points. One, I'm sure you can pretty much repeat your last paragraph in reply to that. Two, I'm not trying to pick on you or anything. I'm simply taking the line of thought to it's conclusion, and also pinning down some of my own views on the matter.

Food for thought, since this turned into an examination of philsophical principals more than a character post. Doh?

QuoteThis probably rubs me the wrong way for a few reasons. One of the underlying themes of Redux is redemption and change, or the lack thereof. Balder being redeemed in this manner speaks of a principal; the chance to reform no matter how great your crime, if one is willing. This underlies a lot of what Queen Serenity says - there's always a chance to make better. If you don't believe that, hope becomes a far more elusive beast.

With that said, Makoto is your most important thing. Yet if you take it to that extreme, does that make you any better than Jadeite's obession with Metallia? Not entirely a fair question, but humor me for the moment. I'm not saying things need to be flowers and sunshine. That would just be stupid. However, the active denial of redemption chances can strike me as bad as the acts of evil in the first place.

---

That said? Two points. One, I'm sure you can pretty much repeat your last paragraph in reply to that. Two, I'm not trying to pick on you or anything. I'm simply taking the line of thought to it's conclusion, and also pinning down some of my own views on the matter.

Food for thought, since this turned into an examination of philsophical principals more than a character post. Doh?

There's the clear exception though--"continued exhibiting behavior that indicated he would continue the destructive behavior". She's more on edge because of repeat offence, but she gave him a chance with the sibling advice. That Balder seemed to not be taking it set her once again ready and expecting a repeat performance. She's fully willing to forgive if he becomes a non-threat in behavior and result, and given time; but he's continued to be a possible threat.

She gave him the opportunity to put the safety on, instead he racked the slide. She's not about to holster her own gun under the circumstances.

QuoteThis probably rubs me the wrong way for a few reasons. One of the underlying themes of Redux is redemption and change, or the lack thereof. Balder being redeemed in this manner speaks of a principal; the chance to reform no matter how great your crime, if one is willing. This underlies a lot of what Queen Serenity says - there's always a chance to make better. If you don't believe that, hope becomes a far more elusive beast.

Again, falling out of character to look at this-Hotaru did say that it wasn't the mistakes that made her angry, it was the repitition.

Secondly, We need someone to look at things like this with a more cynical eye. Frankly, that was one of the things about the anime that never quite settled right. The near mindless optimism about everyone having a good side doesn't find a solid footing with people that treat humans like cattle, or worse, batteries.

Makoto is probably a nice midway point between Hotaru and Usagi. The Paranoia isn't present, but neither is the innocence.

Some people are Evil. Simple as that. Trying to be better should earn them the benefit of the doubt, not a get out jail free card. And I think the balance of opinions between all the senshi affords Balder exactly that.

Quote from: Bean BanditSecondly, We need someone to look at things like this with a more cynical eye. Frankly, that was one of the things about the anime that never quite settled right. The near mindless optimism about everyone having a good side doesn't find a solid footing with people that treat humans like cattle, or worse, batteries.

I don't disagree with the cynical part. Helps keep you a bit more focused.

Now this is where I do disagree in part. The anime is rather hopeful, yes. I like to think Redux took that part of it and applied it in more realistic(sic) situations. It takes the assertions therein and applies them to a more gray world. The only person to truly have no good side was Arieta, and look at what she was. Even Jadeite, the biggest bastard of them all? He came from a good man striving to do a very good thing.

So you have the core assertions therein meeting a different spread indeed. The bright principals meet the very dirty world. You see different shades of evil change or refuse to - and yet all but one are shown to have good or bad sides. Two of the darkest are merely victims of a bad life - one wishes to change sincerely, the other doesn't.

That poses a question that society still struggles with: What do you with with the man who was once a monster but is no more? Do you throw him in a cell for his life? Do you put a needle in his veins? Do you try to continue redeeming him? Even if, as Hotaru asserts, he still may make mistakes on a lesser scale?

QuoteMakoto is probably a nice midway point between Hotaru and Usagi. The Paranoia isn't present, but neither is the innocence.

True. Mako-chan can be a refreshing middle ground at times.

QuoteSome people are Evil.

Some people choose to be evil. Some people are raised to be evil. Some people are hurt/damaged/disturbed to be evil. I really dislike saying that categorically.

---

Since this is really turning into a debate removed from actual characters, I'm going to post another character soon instead. If you wanna pursue it in PM or another topic, feel free, but this is getting onto a page long disgression. God knows I'm starting to ramble.

Character Entry #32

Kenji Tsukino

Source Materials: SM canon. This isn't a surprise!

General: He's pretty much his canon self - he's a photographer, makes good money and takes care of his family. A very nice man with a nice wife, who likes his daughter but suffers a bit of a gap with her. He's just normal.

He is a good father and a nice man - he invites Usagi out a few times, tries to be there for her when he can, that sort of thing. Overshadowed by the KO of his family. Not really his fault.

Notes: He still said he'd take you girls to w aterpark, wasn't it?

Quote from: AnastasiaNotes: He still said he'd take you girls to w aterpark, wasn't it?

Contingent on my grades, but yes! And I'm sure that's in the bag.

Anyway, yes, Kenji is nice. But sorely overshadowed by Ikkuko. It's a shame, because he can be amusing sometimes in his zealous overprotectiveness, and I'd like more chances to try and play him off against Ikkuko when she's being difficult...

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaNotes: He still said he'd take you girls to w aterpark, wasn't it?

Contingent on my grades, but yes! And I'm sure that's in the bag.

Anyway, yes, Kenji is nice. But sorely overshadowed by Ikkuko. It's a shame, because he can be amusing sometimes in his zealous overprotectiveness, and I'd like more chances to try and play him off against Ikkuko when she's being difficult...

Duly noted.

A waterpark trip could be fun for you, a couple of PCs/NPCs to unwind at. I'll keep that one in mind for a free scene we could do some time. ...hey! Best chance to show off new maturity, huh, and bathing suits?

QuoteOvershadowed by the KO of his family. Not really his fault.

He and Souichi should form a support group for this, it's pretty prevalent! KO EMPIRE LIVES ON.

Character Entry #33

Rei Hino

Source Material(s): SM canon and a lot of my own work. A real mixed up miko!

General: Oh Rei-chan, where to begin? I'll start at the beginning, since I'm a bastard tied to the fallacy of linear expression and thought. Once Hotaru was introed as a T*A student, I began to ponder Rei. Hotaru was the logical hook for her since they're schoolmates and all. However, while early on I had written off Panda as a PC for Rei, I still wanted to stall her al ittle bit. This was simple enough - have her appear as an innocent NPC. However, to keep her focused and prevent cat finding, I needed yet another focus for her.

This is where the Supernatural club came in. Rei's old friend Kotono would be the perfect way to have them interact and stay on target! A nice and easy way to have Rei access modified and controlled, and to keep the cats away.  I even wrote Setsuna into the club as the idea took off, but that's getting off track.

So we had Rei - poor Rei. The sane foil to the insane Kotono. A nice girl that smiled at Hotaru amid her own storm of blonde. A bit distant, perhaps, but on a fine start for Marshood. She showed a bit of color during the haunted house event, but I did underline one trait - her miko stuff wasn't that effective/played up. This was a concious decision after that, to differentiate her from Rei-1's high usage of such.

I think I regret that in retrospect, having her be more mikoly may be to my advantage.

So anyway, there wasn't a ton of note until she became Mars. This is what set the stage early on -s he began to come off as angry. Bitchy. Imperious. Haughty. Moreso than planned; a bit of spunk is an essential part of Rei-chan. I wasn't sure at first why, but I did know the arguments with Kotono tended to play these up.

On thinking about it, I believe I have an answer. I had some troubles with Rei for awhile on these lines. I wasn't sure why she was so angry, but I think it was because of Kotono. Those two are yin and yang, unplanned, and frankly, Kotono stole the spot light. I don't think this ever really did Rei-chan any favors. So...

She became the Haughty Princess we have now.

Notes: Probably the only rock hard straight Sailor. She may not even be gay for Serenity. Sorry, Hot-chan. She really does like her friends, but she's god awful at expressing it. She really enjoys her interactions with Usagi as well as Hotaru by and large. Rei likes Makoto, but that last fight was vicious so she's stills orting out her thoughts there. Like Hotaru, she thrives on conflict.

Yes, she's a bitch.  I can't deny that. She's also really not gay for Hotaru. Really really really really.

Quote from: AnastasiaRei Stuff

Being the unashamed Usagi/Rei fangirl that I am, I had high hopes for Rei. Sadly, we didn't really gel that well at first - she and Usagi sniped at each other a fair deal after first meeting, but it was just vaguely bitchy with no real heat or anything. Things did improve after the first battle with Balder - Rei being the only senshi to speak out in Usagi's defence after Balder offered to let them live in exchange for her really made a strong impression on the rabbit. Even moreso because they'd been getting along poorly.

I think the next step in their friendship was when she visited Usagi's house and the two hung out, reading manga and teasing each other - things seemed a lot more relaxed and friendly there, and after they both expressed their interest in Mamoru (oh, how the mighty have fallen...) it set up a nice 'rivals' dynamic.

Seeing her relationship with Kotono made it quite easy to write off Rei's occasional harshness as as just her way of dealing with people, and not reading anything personal into her smug attitude and condescension. In fact, seeing that was Rei's preferred way of dealing with her friends spurred Usagi to treat her the same way in kind, allowing their mutual bitchiness to evolve into a more friendly type of sparring.

After that things just seemed to evolve on the same course - Usagi and Rei are friends who constantly tease and compete with each other over pretty much anything, sometimes going to excessive lengths but never actually holding any grudge over it since they both recognise that it is all in good fun. I hope this continues into arc 2, even if I do have a odd image of the two flirting relentlessly with each other's boyfriends as a natural evolution of their competitive impulses...

QuoteSo anyway, there wasn't a ton of note until she became Mars. This is what set the stage early on -s he began to come off as angry. Bitchy. Imperious. Haughty. Moreso than planned; a bit of spunk is an essential part of Rei-chan. I wasn't sure at first why, but I did know the arguments with Kotono tended to play these up.

Along the same lines, at first, I had high hopes for Rei as well. The bitchy parts didn't really show too badly at first, and Rei's interesting habit of matching Makoto in terms of Profanity, and the slightly jaded worldview she shares with Hotaru made me kind of hopeful Makoto and Rei could be friends. But she spent all her time with Kotono and Setsuna, and the ship kind of sailed, without anything coming of it. Rei was distant, but that's ok. Not everyone can be a friend magnet, and Hotaru likes her, so whatever.

The camping trip is where Makoto's opinion of Rei began to dim. Kotono wasn't much of a riddle to her...she sort of understood the blonde, after the initial aggravation with her manner subsided. Makoto could not for the life of her understand why Rei was so vicious. Irritation and anger, she could understand, but Rei was...well, it was like kicking a puppy, with steel toed boots.

And then came the little fight with Usagi in the stream that I had to blow up to stop. That was the real downturn, I think. Disagreeing with Usagi is one thing, but that was just plain horrible, especially since Usagi was defending Kotono. Not to mention that despite the fact that Usagi and I rarely agree, I think she's a sweetheart, and no one has any good reason to be that way to her. (Bring up Hotaru and Usagi's fights here at your own peril)

The competitive haughtiness really tamed Makoto's wilder streak. Looking at Rei being an overzealous hag made her examine herself and her moves more carefully, and settled her unease with her rate of progress. It's just NOT a competition, dammit!

QuoteNotes: Probably the only rock hard straight Sailor. She may not even be gay for Serenity. Sorry, Hot-chan. She really does like her friends, but she's god awful at expressing it. She really enjoys her interactions with Usagi as well as Hotaru by and large. Rei likes Makoto, but that last fight was vicious so she's stills orting out her thoughts there. Like Hotaru, she thrives on conflict.

Yes, she's a bitch. I can't deny that. She's also really not gay for Hotaru. Really really really really.

Makoto's eased up in her dislike for Rei a bit since that fight. She's still kind of down on her attitude, but it's more mild disapproval, now that she understands Rei's just as emotionally disabled as Kotono, in her own way.

I -would- like them to be friends, but the main bone of contention is a problem. Even people Makoto doesn't like, she tends to smile and overlook the worst of it. Life's too short to obsess on things that bug you.

Rei zeroes in on faults and flaws like a laser guided ICBM. Unless she settles down a bit, I imagine Makoto and Rei will constantly be at odds...

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaRei Stuff

I think the next step in their friendship was when she visited Usagi's house and the two hung out, reading manga and teasing each other - things seemed a lot more relaxed and friendly there, and after they both expressed their interest in Mamoru (oh, how the mighty have fallen...) it set up a nice 'rivals' dynamic.

Yeah. This set the stage for Usagi and Rei to hit it off. Both Usagi and Hotaru helped my Rei a fair bit by projecting on her and giving her chances to grow. The natural back and forth set Rei's more argreeable tone with Usagi. The rabbit managed to reflect back on Rei without sending her into meltdown.

QuoteAfter that things just seemed to evolve on the same course - Usagi and Rei are friends who constantly tease and compete with each other over pretty much anything, sometimes going to excessive lengths but never actually holding any grudge over it since they both recognise that it is all in good fun. I hope this continues into arc 2, even if I do have a odd image of the two flirting relentlessly with each other's boyfriends as a natural evolution of their competitive impulses...

Heh, heh, heh. I like that image a lot, Usa-chan. Hell, imagine if one gets a girlfriend and the other goes bi just to do taht to the other's girlfriend, huh?

But yes, I liked how Usagi and Rei developed. Out of all the girls Usagi managed the firewalking path, and tamed it. An interesting take.

Quote from: Bean BanditAlong the same lines, at first, I had high hopes for Rei as well. The bitchy parts didn't really show too badly at first, and Rei's interesting habit of matching Makoto in terms of Profanity, and the slightly jaded worldview she shares with Hotaru made me kind of hopeful Makoto and Rei could be friends. But she spent all her time with Kotono and Setsuna, and the ship kind of sailed, without anything coming of it. Rei was distant, but that's ok. Not everyone can be a friend magnet, and Hotaru likes her, so whatever.

Basically. I like Rei and Makoto together in theory. They never quite got to click for a few reasons - Hotaru and T*A takes a ton of her attention as it is, and Usagi/Ami grabs a lot of the free time vibes left over. Oddly, despite Hotaru being one of the closest and glommed onto Makoto, it didn't spread into Rei interacting that much with her. A pity there.

I do remember and like that movie night, though.

QuoteThe camping trip is where Makoto's opinion of Rei began to dim. Kotono wasn't much of a riddle to her...she sort of understood the blonde, after the initial aggravation with her manner subsided. Makoto could not for the life of her understand why Rei was so vicious. Irritation and anger, she could understand, but Rei was...well, it was like kicking a puppy, with steel toed boots.

Yeah, that lead to Rei finally pushing Kotono too hard at the springs. That did get out of control for awhile - probably an extension of Rei's general frustation and my own. Even the line that did it wasn't intended to be such, but it came out harsh and cruel.

The scene after was okay and helped. On thinking about it, I think those two roughly function as outlets for each other. Rei's Kotono's outlet for a ton of her energy and weirdness, which turns Kotono into Rei's outlet for anger and steam. I wouldn't be surprised fi they have incidents like that every so often.

Of course, this looks understandably horrible to anyone outside of it. I'm too conflicted to give an unbiased answer to how cruel Rei is to Kotono relatively, but mmm.

QuoteAnd then came the little fight with Usagi in the stream that I had to blow up to stop. That was the real downturn, I think. Disagreeing with Usagi is one thing, but that was just plain horrible, especially since Usagi was defending Kotono. Not to mention that despite the fact that Usagi and I rarely agree, I think she's a sweetheart, and no one has any good reason to be that way to her. (Bring up Hotaru and Usagi's fights here at your own peril)

Like hell if I'm bringing in  Usagi and Hotaru's quibbles. <_<

Pretty much, yeah.

QuoteThe competitive haughtiness really tamed Makoto's wilder streak. Looking at Rei being an overzealous hag made her examine herself and her moves more carefully, and settled her unease with her rate of progress. It's just NOT a competition, dammit!

For all of Rei's follies at the time, I'm glad you reflected off of her to get something good from that. Thanks!

QuoteMakoto's eased up in her dislike for Rei a bit since that fight. She's still kind of down on her attitude, but it's more mild disapproval, now that she understands Rei's just as emotionally disabled as Kotono, in her own way.

I -would- like them to be friends, but the main bone of contention is a problem. Even people Makoto doesn't like, she tends to smile and overlook the worst of it. Life's too short to obsess on things that bug you.

Rei zeroes in on faults and flaws like a laser guided ICBM. Unless she settles down a bit, I imagine Makoto and Rei will constantly be at odds...

So would I, Mako-chan. I think that's on the way now that they blew their loads of anger on each other. That was one of the nastiest fights I've ever seen relative to them. If Rei can grow up a bit and let off, I can see that settling down. Despite it all, Rei slightly looks up to Makoto - if for no other reason than the toy. She really was impressed and amused, pussybreath aside. <_<

Hell, she nearly used the same prank on Kotono. Shame Kotono's expo there got cut off.

Quote from: AnastasiaHell, she nearly used the same prank on Kotono. Shame Kotono's expo there got cut off.

No 'nearly' about it, as I recall...

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaHell, she nearly used the same prank on Kotono. Shame Kotono's expo there got cut off.

No 'nearly' about it, as I recall...

Okay, fine. R rated version:

Kotono, Usagi and Rei sucked on Makoto's big, used vibe like a lollypop, slurping it all down. Happy? <_<

Quote from: AnastasiaKotono, Usagi and Rei sucked on Makoto's big, used vibe like a lollypop, slurping it all down. Happy? <_<

I do so love it when you talk dirty, Ana-chan!

Quote from: Ebiris

Quote from: AnastasiaKotono, Usagi and Rei sucked on Makoto's big, used vibe like a lollypop, slurping it all down. Happy? <_<

I do so love it when you talk dirty, Ana-chan!

I cry and flee like the dickens. You're a scaaaaary rabbit that's giving Hot-chan nice Mako/Rei/Usagi/Kotono fantasies to do her dirty things with! O_O

Rei...

By and large my biggest disappointment within Redux, I think.

Just...mm. She came on strong. Really strong. Older sister/sempai vibe early one right after getting into Mars. I think it was a scene right after we beat Balder that Hotaru keeps bringing up that really just hit her. And it was never a repeat perforamnce for Rei.

Just...mm. It was hard even to tell what she wanted from Hotaru as a friend.

I'm having trouble even looking back into it, and some scenes like brushing Rei's hair on Gaia, or others...mmm.

She and Hotaru crossed circuts, Rei turned Haughty, Hotaru was already half panicked after the counselor incident about what her friends thought, panicked, Rei's Rei, they came to blows.

It's a sincere and utter chaotic mess in Hotaru's head she just wants to break down and cry into Rei's shoulder over, but well...Rei-chan's Rei-chan.

Hotaru wants to be closer to her, but cant' figure out any way to manage that except to really pull away, and tryi to coax Rei into setting terms. She expects, and feels, that Rei would say good riddance and live on her life as distant friends.

Rei SCARES Hotaru. She's everything that could hurt her, and yet everything that tempts her, and at the same time has jsut enough caring and sense to keep Hotaru immobilized in indecision and anxiety.

And really Ana, you don't have to smack her with the not gay thing, Hotaru was coming to grips with it until you punched her in the face with an opposing PM.

I dunno how many ways I can say Rei's an emotional chaos warp or whatever for Hotaru, but she is. She draws in everything horrific and wonderful, and makes Hotaru hold it all in her head simultaneously.

Quote from: AsranaRei...

By and large my biggest disappointment within Redux, I think.

Mmm. She's not mine - that goes to Kensuke or Mamoru. I'm not thrilled with her, but I think she's mostly come into her own for better and for worse.

QuoteJust...mm. She came on strong. Really strong. Older sister/sempai vibe early one right after getting into Mars. I think it was a scene right after we beat Balder that Hotaru keeps bringing up that really just hit her. And it was never a repeat perforamnce for Rei.

Elaborate on the scene so we're all clear?

QuoteJust...mm. It was hard even to tell what she wanted from Hotaru as a friend.

That's something that I can answer and not at the same time. She wants a friend - she'd call Hotaru one, but I'm not sure she she'd fit the criteria at the same time. Look at how she reacts with Usagi. Different dynamic, but I think it's a peek into her mindset.

QuoteI'm having trouble even looking back into it, and some scenes like brushing Rei's hair on Gaia, or others...mmm.

Seconded.

QuoteShe and Hotaru crossed circuts, Rei turned Haughty, Hotaru was already half panicked after the counselor incident about what her friends thought, panicked, Rei's Rei, they came to blows.

That fight is one of my least favorite scenes in Redux. Now Hotaru slipped up - she made a honest mistake. These things happen. Rei was just...oi. You know how she won't let Kotono go easily when she gets going? I think that's some of what happened, as well as playing up some older tendencies.

QuoteIt's a sincere and utter chaotic mess in Hotaru's head she just wants to break down and cry into Rei's shoulder over, but well...Rei-chan's Rei-chan.

That's a point. Rei-chan is very much NOT a touchy-feely sort of person. I'm not sure why, but Hotaru's hugging/holding tendency just...mmm. A lot of times it rubs her the wrong way. She's not even sure why. Maybe it turns the sparring into something a little too close.

QuoteHotaru wants to be closer to her, but cant' figure out any way to manage that except to really pull away, and tryi to coax Rei into setting terms. She expects, and feels, that Rei would say good riddance and live on her life as distant friends.

Push come to shove? Rei...she might do that in moments of heat, and even have a chance to stick to it in pride, but it's more likely she's break down. See how she started changing reactions when Mako told her to get out of her house to a small degree.

QuoteRei SCARES Hotaru. She's everything that could hurt her, and yet everything that tempts her, and at the same time has jsut enough caring and sense to keep Hotaru immobilized in indecision and anxiety.

Funny how those things work out, isn't it?

QuoteAnd really Ana, you don't have to smack her with the not gay thing, Hotaru was coming to grips with it until you punched her in the face with an opposing PM.

Fair enough, okay.

QuoteI dunno how many ways I can say Rei's an emotional chaos warp or whatever for Hotaru, but she is. She draws in everything horrific and wonderful, and makes Hotaru hold it all in her head simultaneously.

Despite all that you claim Rei is one of your favorites. Is this chaos and mix why, or is it the allure that things could be so much better?

QuoteQuote:

QuoteJust...mm. She came on strong. Really strong. Older sister/sempai vibe early one right after getting into Mars. I think it was a scene right after we beat Balder that Hotaru keeps bringing up that really just hit her. And it was never a repeat perforamnce for Rei.

Elaborate on the scene so we're all clear?

Ugh...someone was laying in one of the beds in the formerly haunted house, people were moving this way and that, Hotaru was sitting in the living room waiting. Hm...couldn't have been Beck, she stood the whole time that scene. Either the one before Usagi went to the hospital because she collapsed, or when we were letting Makoto heal, I dunno.

But Rei came out, sat next to Hotaru, and ended up hugging her. Then asked something like "Why's it so easy to end up holding you?"

That's the scene where it really shot Hotaru out past 'She's nice' into 'Rei-chan!'.

Quote

QuoteQuote:
I dunno how many ways I can say Rei's an emotional chaos warp or whatever for Hotaru, but she is. She draws in everything horrific and wonderful, and makes Hotaru hold it all in her head simultaneously.

Despite all that you claim Rei is one of your favorites. Is this chaos and mix why, or is it the allure that things could be so much better?

I actually tossed some of this into PM to store it, so...

Rei is second from the top for 'Who yanks on Hotaru's heart'. Hotaru's in love with Rei, but not really romantically, simply loves her, and is in fair grips with that fact.

Why she sticks to it? Look at Hotaru and her mother, then look at Hotaru and Rei. They aren't really parallel, but the experience of mingled negative and positive feelings held in hand and complete all together isn't new to her, it's not even associated with something 'bad'. It's a depressing state of affairs she wishes she could fix, but feels more fransfixed into the conundrum because Rei seems to reject any intense emotion not either clearly 'simple friends' or romantic. To Hotaru's own mind, Rei doesn't want to hear it, it'd only hurt what little she's trying to salvage more, and she's coming into a very resigned/morose internal situation concerning Rei.

This is also I feel the root of the romantic omake bait with Rei. There isn't a comfortable middle ground she can locate, so she goes for what might actually get what she feels out.

Quote from: AsranaUgh...someone was laying in one of the beds in the formerly haunted house, people were moving this way and that, Hotaru was sitting in the living room waiting. Hm...couldn't have been Beck, she stood the whole time that scene. Either the one before Usagi went to the hospital because she collapsed, or when we were letting Makoto heal, I dunno.

But Rei came out, sat next to Hotaru, and ended up hugging her. Then asked something like "Why's it so easy to end up holding you?"

That's the scene where it really shot Hotaru out past 'She's nice' into 'Rei-chan!'.

Damn. Rei'd forgotten all about that, and I nearly had as well. That's interesting and plays something up I was going to go into soon. Rei - if you look at her, she can seem like a different person depending on who she's interacting with. Kotono, Hotaru and Usagi have been gone into, and Makoto alluded to. Add in Ami - she really treats her well, to the point of getting Ami stalker jokes.

This begs the question of why. On thinking about it a few minutes, I think it's a byproduct of her general mindset. She's a Princess, and she'll treat you how she sees fit and how she slips into. Hotaru's something of the exception for a few reasons. I said before that Hotaru and Usagi both tended to project onto Rei. Usagi's was more firing back in a semi playful way, she managed to establish a very back and forth vibe. This suits Rei just fine.

Hotaru, on the other hand? To focus the point about not being touchy feely above, I think she's more open to it when she's in a good mood, and VERY against it when she's pissed off. Tie this into the fact that Hotaru pushes her buttons, as well as her brand of drama really rubbing her bad? Booooooooom. She can slip past this some and reply better to what Hotaru wants from her when she's in the mood, but when not?

QuoteI actually tossed some of this into PM to store it, so...

Rei is second from the top for 'Who yanks on Hotaru's heart'. Hotaru's in love with Rei, but not really romantically, simply loves her, and is in fair grips with that fact.

Why she sticks to it? Look at Hotaru and her mother, then look at Hotaru and Rei. They aren't really parallel, but the experience of mingled negative and positive feelings held in hand and complete all together isn't new to her, it's not even associated with something 'bad'. It's a depressing state of affairs she wishes she could fix, but feels more fransfixed into the conundrum because Rei seems to reject any intense emotion not either clearly 'simple friends' or romantic. To Hotaru's own mind, Rei doesn't want to hear it, it'd only hurt what little she's trying to salvage more, and she's coming into a very resigned/morose internal situation concerning Rei.

This is also I feel the root of the romantic omake bait with Rei. There isn't a comfortable middle ground she can locate, so she goes for what might actually get what she feels out.

Mmm. Hence the problem - she slips into how she interacts with her mother. Unlike Reiko, Rei has one helluva temper. Your mother's more cynical and even handed, Rei's a volcano ready to go off.

As an addendum, I'd place a bit of the blame on all the stress from Gaia. I meant to work that into the above, so I'll just fire it off as a standalone comment. I think you can relate to that pretty well anyway, Hot-chan.

QuoteAs an addendum, I'd place a bit of the blame on all the stress from Gaia. I meant to work that into the above, so I'll just fire it off as a standalone comment. I think you can relate to that pretty well anyway, Hot-chan.

Har. Hotaru pretty much pins pent up stress from Gaia as one of the biggest reason she was was batshit right after.

QuoteMmm. Hence the problem - she slips into how she interacts with her mother. Unlike Reiko, Rei has one helluva temper. Your mother's more cynical and even handed, Rei's a volcano ready to go off.

Actually, this isn't really right. Hotaru's in outright panic reacting to Rei in this form, her mother is just...her mother. It's why I said it's very un-parallel and doesn't go past the coupling of negative and positive feelings in her mind at the same time.

She expects the argument from her mother. With Rei, she sees it coming, she panics, she can't seem to stop it, she panics MORE, and she starts losing it. The only time she's really itneracted with Reiko the way she's been interacting with Rei was when Reiko flew off the wall and retreated into her bedroom. This was when we were telling our parents we'd have to leave for a month to be on Gaia. And just before Usagi called me when I was explaining to dad, with makeup on (for context and scene exactness).

Quote from: AsranaHar. Hotaru pretty much pins pent up stress from Gaia as one of the biggest reason she was was batshit right after.

True enough. I don't want to blame the entire thing on it since that would be a gross simplification, but it was a factor without a doubt. While making mistakes is good and helps keep your PC realistic, I really wish you hadn't made that one.

More and more, I really wish that fight hadn't happened.

QuoteActually, this isn't really right. Hotaru's in outright panic reacting to Rei in this form, her mother is just...her mother. It's why I said it's very un-parallel and doesn't go past the coupling of negative and positive feelings in her mind at the same time.

She expects the argument from her mother. With Rei, she sees it coming, she panics, she can't seem to stop it, she panics MORE, and she starts losing it. The only time she's really itneracted with Reiko the way she's been interacting with Rei was when Reiko flew off the wall and retreated into her bedroom. This was when we were telling our parents we'd have to leave for a month to be on Gaia. And just before Usagi called me when I was explaining to dad, with makeup on (for context and scene exactness).

Mmm.

That helps explain the grand drama buildup and how crazy she went at Rei there? Elaborate a bit?

QuoteThat helps explain the grand drama buildup and how crazy she went at Rei there? Elaborate a bit?

It's what scares her the most: She has something with Rei, they'd both agree they're friends on some level, and she cherishes that. But she can't help think it can all go kablooie if she fumbles something. Rei's...REI. A haughty, demanding, bitchy princess. So what if Rei's standards aren't met? Will she walk off? What if Hotaru does something horribly wrong, isn't good enough, and loses even that friendhsip that feels so tiny?

It scares her so much she just...loses it. Loses any control and erupts as much as Rei does, but in a very betrayed manner.

Character Entry: #34

Jadeite.

Source Material(s): SM canon, obviously. Beyond that a shit load of creative thought and application.

General:

Where to begin? This gets into the very roots of Redux, as Jadeite's formation signifies so much of my mental energy on the subject. It started with a few things:

- A conversation with Liddo-kun to where he wondered what the Dark Kingdom was like past what little we saw of it in the canon.

- Taking the idea of Jadeite as the first villian and saying 'how can he be fresh and Redux like?'

- Pondering on game 1 Jadeite and the nature of redemption thereof, as well as the burdens of an infinite life span.

The original spark was from Liddo. We were bullshitting around in PM and the subject of the Dark Kingdom came up. The speculation on what it was like came up, and the conclusion that you have to wonder, and how interesting it would be if a world existed beyond the mere darkness. This laid much of the seed idea for Gaia.

Secondly, Jadeite. I'd decided early on I wanted to use him in some manner or another. His Game 1 fate, while interesting, was very stereotypical of the fanon and ultimately a vital but minor event. I wanted to play with this persona a little more. But how? That's where the third idea came in: The crux of Sailor Moon is about goodness and redemption versus horrific events. Sure, there's the panty shots and fluff that takes up 90% of the series, but the underlying themes are quite mature and worth pondering on a cold night. When Sailor Moon saves someone in a manner - say the Akayashi Sisters - what happens after the episodes ends? How does one reconcile such a life with normality? Can they ever? Further, even after change, can they maintain this new status quo?

So I ran with it - I imagined a Jadeite that escaped the Dark Kingdom's graps. One that was haunted by it, fought against it, lived against it.  But his fate was his fate, no matter how hard he struggled. The seeds Metallia had laid were potent, not to be defied so easily. So in response, he spends this countless lifetimes maturing, strengthening, overcoming. To a small degree the generalised concept of an 'overman' came to mind - the very best of humanity, created by the most sincere desires to be better, to be pure and right.

That's all well and good, but evil doesn't give up, does it? So what happens when that man is touched again? What happens when he fights on, blurring everything in the singleminded obsession to defeat his 'evil', or his Metallia? When everything around him becomes tools to an end no matter what, is he even human? Is he even better than Metallia ever was anymore? Is he worse than her? Can he redeem himself by himself?

You saw full well what he was and what he did, Sailors.

--

Prince Dei relied on being a near copy of Queen/Princess Serenity. The reasonings and influences are quite clear - who else would Jadeite look to for purity than the very perfect kingdom he helped bring to ruin? It was the goal that made the most sense, as well as offering obvious meaty RP connotations to all the girls, especially Usagi and Serenity.

I meant to spread out his buildup a little longer, but I still think he was quite effective for what he had to be.

---

For Jadeite to really work, I had to sell him like mad. Tons of buildup, displays of power, menance and instances of fear. Gaia itself was an excellent vehicle for this, as was everyone he touched. From the strongest Commander he had being -nothing- next to his power to his 'saved world' being another Fascist toned police state, his elements of controlling and using had to be upplayed. When a tool needed to be manipulated, he would without a second thought. (Misuki). In the cases where something had run out of usefulness, he attempted to destroy it in one last gasp of worth. (Nior.)

Yet dashes of creative madness were needed. The ironies around Balder and Serenity sold that as well. He's so far gone that he parodies what Dei stood for - he holds his Princess in a room of darkness and drives her mad. He takes her son as his own Prince and turns him into a monster. In his raw quest to dominate Metallia, he has done so to almost every living thing on Gaia.

I think all of that combined built him up to what he was. The final key were the displays of power - possessing Ikkuko, basting Serenity, nearly obliterating Sailor Moon in one shot, and the infamous critical on Balder. I can't claim credif or the last, but the others were calculated to have as much effect as possible.

Creating great works was another part of this. The Portal in particular - I think it was Usagi or Ami that outright said 'This is something we can't handle, it's beyond us', which only creates more reinforcement.

Finally, a few choice comments about upholding Serenity's legacy were just icing.

Notes: Jadeite's mood and movement in battle was always carefull considered. How he walked down in the air like stairs to Rei and Ami, how he deigned to take off his glove to grasp her and nearly siphon off her life, how he ripped the very sky apart at a whim. His 'perfect, unblemished body' was meant to play that up as well; just another inhuman aspect of what he had become.

Could he have been saved? This is something that was considered for awhile, but the plot elements for it to have a shot never happened. In short, not really short of amazing events. He was just too far gone in his own choices - if you had managed to get through to Dei enough?

I really wasn't sure. One of you girls said he'd better have the humility to kill himself after that, and I'd considered it if it happened. Otherwise, dunno.

Hmm.

Makoto didn't spend too much time pondering Jadeite as a human being. He was a monstrous force of nature. Something had to be done, and it was up to them.

Also, in all honesty, it sounds arrogant, but the idea that they COULDN'T stop him never really lodged in her head. It was all a matter of attacking the problem in steps. Finding out weak points, and levering on them to get more and more out of each position of strength, no matter how minor.

In a really perverse way, I'm kind of sorry Jadeite didn't manage to get his hands on Makoto. It would have changed her emotional perspective on him. The only thing he really did that got under her skin was cause Kitara's long, lonely vigil guarding the crystal shard in a form that wasn't hers. That was the first crack, but it never really had time to sink in.

Essentially, Makoto's whole emotional take on the whole thing was like a human facing down a tropical storm. Take the necessary precautions, and fight!

Unfortunately, beyond that, and the vague sense of loss she felt for Dei, his story didn't move her much.

Quote from: Bean BanditHmm.

Makoto didn't spend too much time pondering Jadeite as a human being. He was a monstrous force of nature. Something had to be done, and it was up to them.

Also, in all honesty, it sounds arrogant, but the idea that they COULDN'T stop him never really lodged in her head. It was all a matter of attacking the problem in steps. Finding out weak points, and levering on them to get more and more out of each position of strength, no matter how minor.

In a really perverse way, I'm kind of sorry Jadeite didn't manage to get his hands on Makoto. It would have changed her emotional perspective on him. The only thing he really did that got under her skin was cause Kitara's long, lonely vigil guarding the crystal shard in a form that wasn't hers. That was the first crack, but it never really had time to sink in.

Essentially, Makoto's whole emotional take on the whole thing was like a human facing down a tropical storm. Take the necessary precautions, and fight!

Unfortunately, beyond that, and the vague sense of loss she felt for Dei, his story didn't move her much.

Yeah. That's my one regret about him - I didn't get to do as much with his past as I wanted to. This is part of why saving him didn't come up strongly; circumstances never quite worked out to it. I agree - some more work with Makoto and Jadeite could've been most fascinating, and I still have the image of Makoto smiling tearfully in the darkness and calling him Father.

It does work, in a lot of ways, he was like a storm as you said.

Quote from: AnastasiaJadeite stuff

Oooh, Jadeite... where to start?

Hmm. Well, for the longest time, he was something of your generic evil villian. Can't be helped considering we only heard of him through his agents, and very little at that. Seeing the sorts he encouraged, like Arieta and Kensuke, while trying to have Nior killed, managed to play up that he wasn't a nice guy, but we already knew that, right? Nice guys don't invade other planets to steal sweet sweet life energy from schoolgirls.

I think the first time we actually interacted with him was when he left his invitation to visit Gaia, along with a brief glimpse of the Princess. That was easy to write off as a bluff for a variety of reasons (some of them involving metagaming - we all knew the Moon Princess was safe on Earth and ignorant of her true nature, right?!). So I guess when the truth came out, it helped to sell Jadeite as someone who really doesn't fool around. (But then he never killed Nior... still, we didn't actually know that for sure until right at the end)

Still, bluff or not, it made his nastiness a bit more personal. But still he remained far away on Gaia... Balder helped us learn more about Jadeite, and none of it good. Considering how much punishment he'd taken from us, and how much he'd dished out, when Balder repeatedly emphasised without a hint of pride how easily Jadeite could ignore his attacks and take him down, it made Usagi worry. Nonetheless, one must be optimistic, which is something Usagi worked on quite hard - also matched with a strong determination to bring him to justice for his crimes.

While Usagi could forgive Balder and the subordinate youma for their sins, in her mind Jadeite was beyond such. Had he thrown himself at her mercy and begged forgiveness and a chance to mend his ways, she'd have taken it, but the thought was never given any serious consideration, and she didn't see any point in pursuing it by giving him a chance which he could just as easily use to get past her guard and kill her. It was clear from the others that they'd had their misplaced sense of loyalty abused by Jadeite, and even in Balder's case, his own hatred had merely been another string for Jadeite to manipulate him by, Jadeite himself had no one to answer to - all the pain and suffering started and ended with him, and the stakes were far too high to play around with two planets on the line.

As time went by on Earth, Usagi had occassion to grow more confident in defeating Jadeite, as well. In purifying Eleni and reforging Beck's sword, she proved able to quite handily deflect his attacks on her, giving her reason to believe that when the final confrontation arrived, she wouldn't be quite so outmatched as Balder believed. Even when Ikkuko was possessed, that was more a result of Usagi being sloppy than anything else.

It never quite occured to her just how much sending one's will between worlds could dilute its force until they encountered Jadeite in person for the first time at the bridge between Earth and Gaia. When he arrived to confront them at the gateway to Gaia, she even allowed herself a moment to think that they could end things right there and then.

The short battle that followed did much to enlighten her.

As an aside, I find it interesting how we tend to suck in 'disorganised' battles, despite us suffering no mechanical deficiency compared to forewarned battles - we still had all the same stats and abilities, yet for whatever reason the tide just seems to favour the enemy, while at times when we plan it out in advance, despite not doing much more than hurling attacks as normal, things seem to fall into place so easily. Anyway, it's an odd observation I've noticed throughout this game and the last (Hi, Oxyite!), and not really relevant to this discussion.

Anyway, the group's broken up and defeated arrival on Gaia did much to dampen Usagi's usual confidence. Being utterly helpless while her friends were at the mercy of the Agency's regime in the capital, or threatened by Jadeite himself in the wilderness, only made things worse. Usagi might have truly been broken if not for that miracle save that brought Hotaru and the others to Miro's house.

That save at least gave her the will to continue in the face of seemingly impossible odds while she learned the history of Gaia. Truth be told, I rather liked my theory that Jadeite had planned the whole Agency thing, wanting Gaia to suffer in the eternal grip of war until he saw the time as right to consolidate power, and had Dei killed as an obstacle to his goals. It fit so well with everything we'd heard of him so far - even Beck's odd comment about outspoken Agency officials being silenced helped it all add up.

It says a lot about how well developed Jadeite was that we could concoct a fully realised and believable set of motivations for him, which could then be peeled away to reveal we were completely on the wrong track. Like an onion, the man was!

Finding out the truth about Dei, especially after all of Jun's comments about how she reminded him of the 'deceased' Prince really stung Usagi. There were a lot of conflicting feelings there, not helped by her wonderings on just what point Jun had been trying to make on her. In the end, she took the lesson that he was warning her that even the purest soul can fall from grace, retaining her resolve that Jadeite simply had to be defeated for the good of Earth and Gaia, and there was no way she'd ever be able to get through to him - she'd killed before, so why not again? He'd lowered himself far more than any of the poor misguided youma she'd been forced to kill in the past, so it's not like this is any worse, right? Certainly, the evidence of Princess Serenity, the sad state of Gaia under the Agency's rule, and his horrible deal with the Beast Lord all pointed to a soul beyond any redemption she could provide.

So, unlike all the youma who she slew in the course of a fierce battle with no thought beyond surviving the next attack in her head, Usagi came to the sollemn realisation that Jadeite, even after all the circumstances were taken into account, had to die.

Probably the most pragmatic decision she had ever had to make, but one she can live with. And so can Earth and Gaia.

QuoteAs an aside, I find it interesting how we tend to suck in 'disorganised' battles, despite us suffering no mechanical deficiency compared to forewarned battles - we still had all the same stats and abilities, yet for whatever reason the tide just seems to favour the enemy, while at times when we plan it out in advance, despite not doing much more than hurling attacks as normal, things seem to fall into place so easily. Anyway, it's an odd observation I've noticed throughout this game and the last (Hi, Oxyite!), and not really relevant to this discussion.

Replying to this first since it's a tangent.

That is interesting, isn't it? I've noticed that myself at times - maybe it's just selective memory and dumb luck talking, but it's a fascinating point. The Sailor team that plans together lives to make sweet yuri together? Either that or it's karma, whichever you prefer.

Quote from: EbirisOooh, Jadeite... where to start?

Hmm. Well, for the longest time, he was something of your generic evil villian. Can't be helped considering we only heard of him through his agents, and very little at that. Seeing the sorts he encouraged, like Arieta and Kensuke, while trying to have Nior killed, managed to play up that he wasn't a nice guy, but we already knew that, right? Nice guys don't invade other planets to steal sweet sweet life energy from schoolgirls.

Pretty much. This was phase one - set him up just as that. The format worked smashingly, as well as your own mental tendencies.

QuoteI think the first time we actually interacted with him was when he left his invitation to visit Gaia, along with a brief glimpse of the Princess. That was easy to write off as a bluff for a variety of reasons (some of them involving metagaming - we all knew the Moon Princess was safe on Earth and ignorant of her true nature, right?!). So I guess when the truth came out, it helped to sell Jadeite as someone who really doesn't fool around. (But then he never killed Nior... still, we didn't actually know that for sure until right at the end)

Yes. I freely admit I used some of your IC and OOC tendencies to play up Jadeite in the long run. As I recall the image of the Princess was an illusion relatively, but he still had her.  I liked how hard you girls bit on it at first.

As for the latter? Nior was useful to him alive throughout Gaia. A chip to use against the Sailors at least once, and he was plotting to use him again. It's a shame his first gambit with him failed.

QuoteStill, bluff or not, it made his nastiness a bit more personal. But still he remained far away on Gaia... Balder helped us learn more about Jadeite, and none of it good. Considering how much punishment he'd taken from us, and how much he'd dished out, when Balder repeatedly emphasised without a hint of pride how easily Jadeite could ignore his attacks and take him down, it made Usagi worry. Nonetheless, one must be optimistic, which is something Usagi worked on quite hard - also matched with a strong determination to bring him to justice for his crimes.

Phase 2 - more direct reports and scenes. Build him up as something more sinister while still having him be far away. Bolstering PC confidence on the side helps.

QuoteWhile Usagi could forgive Balder and the subordinate youma for their sins, in her mind Jadeite was beyond such. Had he thrown himself at her mercy and begged forgiveness and a chance to mend his ways, she'd have taken it, but the thought was never given any serious consideration, and she didn't see any point in pursuing it by giving him a chance which he could just as easily use to get past her guard and kill her. It was clear from the others that they'd had their misplaced sense of loyalty abused by Jadeite, and even in Balder's case, his own hatred had merely been another string for Jadeite to manipulate him by, Jadeite himself had no one to answer to - all the pain and suffering started and ended with him, and the stakes were far too high to play around with two planets on the line.

Interesting mental process here. Usagi had to consider this - as she was the one who was given the power of purification - and made her choice. I think this highlights a very important but not played up aspect of Usagi, the willingness to do these things and the responsibility to do just that.

QuoteAs time went by on Earth, Usagi had occassion to grow more confident in defeating Jadeite, as well. In purifying Eleni and reforging Beck's sword, she proved able to quite handily deflect his attacks on her, giving her reason to believe that when the final confrontation arrived, she wouldn't be quite so outmatched as Balder believed. Even when Ikkuko was possessed, that was more a result of Usagi being sloppy than anything else.

It never quite occured to her just how much sending one's will between worlds could dilute its force until they encountered Jadeite in person for the first time at the bridge between Earth and Gaia. When he arrived to confront them at the gateway to Gaia, she even allowed herself a moment to think that they could end things right there and then.

The short battle that followed did much to enlighten her.

Usagi-chan, do you remember expressing to me in PM you were afraid you'd ice Jadeite then and there, huh? I must admit I had a spectacularly refreshing Evil GM Laugh.

Anyway.

Phase 3 - lowering the boom on Gaia. I think it stands for yourself now; you looked into the darkness and it kicked back hard! You hit on it and know much more about it now - going to and from worlds is far from an easy task. The fact that Jadeite could create an object to do this, could do it himself, could -possess- a body on Earth is frightening in it's raw scope of power. Of course you didn't really know that at the time, did you?

QuoteAnyway, the group's broken up and defeated arrival on Gaia did much to dampen Usagi's usual confidence. Being utterly helpless while her friends were at the mercy of the Agency's regime in the capital, or threatened by Jadeite himself in the wilderness, only made things worse. Usagi might have truly been broken if not for that miracle save that brought Hotaru and the others to Miro's house.

That save at least gave her the will to continue in the face of seemingly impossible odds while she learned the history of Gaia. Truth be told, I rather liked my theory that Jadeite had planned the whole Agency thing, wanting Gaia to suffer in the eternal grip of war until he saw the time as right to consolidate power, and had Dei killed as an obstacle to his goals. It fit so well with everything we'd heard of him so far - even Beck's odd comment about outspoken Agency officials being silenced helped it all add up.

It was nice - he worked on so many possible levels. While I admit Occam's Razor would have a fuckin' field day with Jadeite, it only underscores one of the themes. Someone like Jadeite has to always have been this way, right? There's no way a decent person could ever have been underneath it all?

QuoteIt says a lot about how well developed Jadeite was that we could concoct a fully realised and believable set of motivations for him, which could then be peeled away to reveal we were completely on the wrong track. Like an onion, the man was!

Oniontaru.

That said? Pretty much. He was meant to work on a lot of levels, and as the game went, it was clear he did.

QuoteFinding out the truth about Dei, especially after all of Jun's comments about how she reminded him of the 'deceased' Prince really stung Usagi. There were a lot of conflicting feelings there, not helped by her wonderings on just what point Jun had been trying to make on her. In the end, she took the lesson that he was warning her that even the purest soul can fall from grace, retaining her resolve that Jadeite simply had to be defeated for the good of Earth and Gaia, and there was no way she'd ever be able to get through to him - she'd killed before, so why not again? He'd lowered himself far more than any of the poor misguided youma she'd been forced to kill in the past, so it's not like this is any worse, right? Certainly, the evidence of Princess Serenity, the sad state of Gaia under the Agency's rule, and his horrible deal with the Beast Lord all pointed to a soul beyond any redemption she could provide.

To the first thrust, Jun was Jun. He made his point and gave enough for Usagi to really think it over. He'd be pleased to here her conclusions, as Usagi needed to understand that on her own terms. Jun had no illusions about saving Jadeite, but he knew the other girls had to see that - Usagi in particular, due to the likenesses therein.

Like all the girls, Usagi once again lived up to his expectations, no matter how cryptically executed.

As an aside, I won't hold any of the deaths you had to make against any of you. There was simply no way for any of you to reasonably know at first, and later, you didn't have a choice in many cases.

QuoteSo, unlike all the youma who she slew in the course of a fierce battle with no thought beyond surviving the next attack in her head, Usagi came to the sollemn realisation that Jadeite, even after all the circumstances were taken into account, had to die.

Probably the most pragmatic decision she had ever had to make, but one she can live with. And so can Earth and Gaia.

Pretty much. Coming to that conclusion I'd call a defining moment in Usagi's case, since so much of her was light and saving people for a good part of the game.