All right then. We are now going to get right into it. We are going to test out the system using a sample adventure they supplied us with. The adventure? Where’s Rini? No really, Where’s Rini is the title for the adventure. Already I feel like punching the pint-sized child in the head. The adventure is set in December of 1993, taking place between episodes 68 and 69 (ha ha) of Sailor Moon R, the second season. For those who need a recap on what happened, Serena made four evil sisters good people, Rubeus dies in the exploding ship, and Emerald has taken his place as the arc’s villain. The story will take place on a resort. Oh boy, here we go.
One of the snags is that the game says that three players are minimum, and while I do appreciate Dr. Rockopolis asking me if I need some players, I think I should do this on my own. One of the reasons is that this is a live blog of an RPG, not an RPG, those go to the Role-Playing forums on the site. Second, it might be difficult to organize everything as a GM. The game offers me six characters, The Scouts, or Tuxedo Mask. I am going with Darien, not just because he is the only male option, but because of that whole It's Not You, It's My Enemies thing. I talked about this in the part where I talk about flaws. Also, 30 character points. Sadly, I do not think I can possibly shoehorn my custom-made character into here without making it look like an episode of Pooh’s Adventures (aka, make it look like she is not wanted) so I am stuck with a character that I have vague memory of. I am now stuck with a Sadistic Choice, either watch some episodes of Sailor Moon to get a feel for Darien’s character, not knowing which key episodes to watch, or go with what I know and risk Character Derailment. I instead choose a third option. Darien in most Fanfiction was portrayed somewhat close to how they portray Sayoran Li, a jerkass whose only purpose is to be pushed out in favour for the author’s One True Pairing (in most cases, Serena and one of the Starlights). I do not wish to go this route, despite how fun it sounds, and wish to go for a nobler route, he is a knight after all. Therefore, I will try to portray him as close to a human being as possible. Now, let us look at his sheet.
I will look at his traits. We have his famous Rose Throw technique. I already mentioned that whole Once an Episode thing where Darien pulls a Big Damn Heroes thing and that gives the scouts the ability to save the day. He uses a cane as his weapon, which I cannot proceed without thinking of that battle in Up. His cape, which might pull a stunt similar to the infamous “Guts’ cape can deflect arrows” scene from Berserk. And he only has access to his armor as Prince Darien. Damn. He has the ability to pull off a Big Damn Heroes. I know he fits the Mysterious Protector role more, but what trope can you describe when the heroes are getting their asses handed to them and all of a sudden some dude pops out of nowhere ready to kick ass? Oh... He cannot attack humans. Even when he is Geassed mind controlled. That kind of sucks if I wanted to beat someone and call him or her out. He has the ability to heal people out of transformation. Then there are the recurring nightmares I told you about. For this arc, he has recurring nightmares about Serena dying on their wedding day, and thus, he decides to leave her. For her safety. Nope, no explaining the dream to her or anything, just breaking off. Naturally, this causes depression for Usagi (which, if the Live-Action show counts, would be a bad thing). His servitude towards the Scouts, which is not straining, but considering what he will become later, is a bad thing. And Oh, what is this? Negaverse Taint at level 2? Where not only do attacks give twenty damage less then it would normally do, but also it allows me to gain Negaverse abilities. Cool. It doesn't give me any points to buy the abilities. Not cool.
Alright, now that we got our character out of the way, it’s time for the story. First, the background. Now, recall when I said that Serena made four evil sisters good, well, one of them, Catzi, decides to invite the Scouts to a wilderness resort, however, Emerald made Catzi evil again and told her to set a trap for the Scouts, so they can finally capture Rini and the Silver Crystal. She also told her to go Stepford Smiler on them so they will not use a “detect evil” spell on her. Our story begins. (Please note, from this point forwards, my commentary will be in round brackets, while dice mechanics will be in squared)
~
The train stopped at the lodge with a screeching stop. Soon, floods of people came out. One of them was Darien, with one hand in his pocket, and another carrying luggage. He let out a sigh. “This is gonna be painful...” He thought. (I agree.) Soon, Serena came out of the train as well, crashing into Darien, sending him onto the floor. “Oh! Sorry, Darien!” She said. “Urg... that’s okay, Serena.” Darien said to Serena, as he got up to rub his arms. Soon, Rini came out of the train, squeeing on her way out. Greeting the trio was Catzi and her three sisters, Bertie (Can I call her Bert?), Prizma, and Avery. “Welcome!” Catzi said to the trio. “I am so glad you can come!” She said. “It was nothing; sorry the others couldn’t make it.” Serena said. “That’s okay, I don’t mind the three of you.” Catzi said, smiling. “Come on in, make yourselves comfortable.” She said, leading the way to their rooms.
It soon became night. Darien had already finished unpacking his luggage. He looked at the empty luggage and began to sigh. “How long can I keep this masquerade up?” Darien said, looking outside his window at the starry sky. He then heard yelling. From the voice, it was Serena. “Oh boy. That can’t be good.” As he opened the door, he saw Rini retreating to her room and locking the door. “What in the...” Darien then saw Serena, fuming up with rage. “Rini broke my camera!” Serena said, steam coming out from her ears as her face became red. “I assume it was accidental. You should go apologize to her.” Darien said. (Alright, I am going to test out that dice roll system now. I believe that the soul stat would be good, since I am trying to calm Serena down and trying to convince her to apologize to Rini.)
[SOUL CHECK: 8 = Marginal Success]
Serena sighed. “Yeah, but I am still mad about that camera. I will apologize to her in the morning.” She said as she went back to another room and closed it. Darien walked back to his room, laid down on the bed, and began to sleep.
This sleep did not last for a while, as Darien woke up from another nightmare. It was the same dream: A wedding turned tragedy. “Again?” He said. He began to look out the window. Darien was glad Catzi rented out three rooms, one for Amy and Mina, another for Raye and Lita, and one for him, Serena and Rini. It happened to be fortunate that the Scouts just happened to be busy around this time, thus resulting in Darien, Serena, and Rini having their own rooms. He was glad. If he woke up from that nightmare with Serena in the same room, he would have to explain the situation to her. (I am going to roll the mind stat to see if he gets an idea to tell her about the nightmare anyways.)
[MIND CHECK: 7 = Marginal Failure]
Darien then thought of something, but the thought was gone before he could realize what it meant. (What An Idiot) He continued to look out the window. He then saw someone outside. The figure had pink hair. Just like Rini. “Rini!” He said. (We are presented with our first goal, find Rini. Don't worry, there will be a good reason why she was out there.) He rushed out and open the door. He realized that Serena was still sleeping. He decided not to wake her up, sneaking past her. (Body check to see if he sneaks by without a fuss)
[BODY CHECK: 3 = Major Success]
He managed to not make a sound passing by. He proceeds to open the elevator door, when he heard someone behind him. “Going somewhere?” Darien turned around and saw the person who said that voice. It was Bertie. “Yeah, don’t tell anyone, but I noticed Rini outside in the cold. I am going to find her and bring her back safely.” Darien whispered. “Rini’s in danger? I don’t suppose you want company.” Bertie said. “I don’t mind. So long as we do not alert the others. I don’t want Serena to be upset.” Darien said as he pressed the button on the elevator. The doors opened as Darien and Bertie enter. (PARTY MEMBER GET! Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
As the duo stepped outside, they felt the harsh bitter cold of the winter. “Shouldn’t we had got our jackets?” Bertie said, shivering. “Don’t worry; I managed to snag some at the lobby.” Darien said, giving Bertie a jacket for her to warm up in. The two began to trek to where Rini was. “So, Darien, do you... care for Serena?” Bertie asked him during the journey. “What makes you think that?” Darien asked. “The way you said that you didn’t want her to be upset.” Bertie said. “Contrary to that, I actually wish to push her away from me.” Darien said. “Why?” Bertie asked. “Well... It’s not her fault; I am doing it to...” Before Darien could finish, the duo slipped on some ice, sliding across it, unable to stop. Soon, they slowed down to a stop. They then heard a robotized crow. As Darien looked up, he saw a robotic humanoid falcon. “Excuse me sir, but do you know where a little girl went?” The robotic falcon asked in a accent similar to one of the Three Stooges. “A droid?” Bertie asked, recognizing the build. (Forgive me, but I am still under the assumption that Droids are literally droids) “Oh, wise guy, huh? I’ll show you!” The falcon said as it flapped its wing-for-arms at Darien and Bertie, pushing them back. “Darien! You think you can handle this?” Bertie asked. “Yeah, I think I can.” Darien said as he stood up. Suddenly, light flashed. The falcon and Bertie covered their eyes. When the light faded, they saw Darien, now as Tuxedo Mask. “Now, allow me to punish you for your sins.” ({Gets whacked for referencing Double}) Darien gets out his cane and rushes to attack the falcon.
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK: 7 = OKAY. DEFENCE: 12 = MISS.]
Darien swings his cane at the falcon, smacking the side of its head with a loud clang. The falcon laughed. “Hah. That supposed to hurt?” The falcon chuckled. (Okay, let me explain. Darien’s cane is worth about 18 damage. His flaw of being tainted by the Negaverse knocks it down to minus two. We are fucked.) “My turn.” The falcon said as it flapped its wings.
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK: 5 = OKAY. DEFENCE: 8 = OKAY.]
There was another gust of wind coming from the winds. Darien blocked it with just his arms. (Making a random roll (eight is the target) here to see if Darien gets knocked off)
[RANDOM CHECK: 6 = Minor Success]
Darien manages to stay on his feet. “Okay then. Eat this!” Darien said, producing a rose to throw at the monster.
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK: 4 = OKAY. DEFENCE (2d6 +6): 12 = MISS]
Darien throws the rose at the droid, stabbing it right at the heart. The falcon screeched in horror. The droid weakly flew off. “We have to follow it. It might lead us to Rini.” Darien said as he began to run. “What about Serena?” Bertie asked. “Rini could be in danger! We have to hurry!” Darien said as he ran, with Bertie following.
Meanwhile, a wolf-cyborg with two tentacles on his back had Rini in a corner, about to eat her. “Wolzie! Stop! We want her alive, not dead!” A female voice was heard. “Sorry, Miss Emerald, I just want a little snack.” Wolzie said, his voice sounding like a snarl. “You will get a snack after, when we bring her to the future.” Emerald said. “Hey you!” Darien’s voice shouted. Emerald turned around. “Ah, we have been expecting... wait, you’re not Sailor Moon!” Emerald said. “No, she’s on vacation. Now you deal with me.” Darien said, pointing his cane towards her. The falcon landed. "Miss Emerald, I..." before the bird could finished, Emerald's hand entered the falcon's chest sharply. "Falzie, you are a huge failure." She said as she pushed Falzie's dying body onto the ground, exploding as it hit the floor. (Falzie's health was at one when the rose hit). "You killed your own servant? You..." Before Bertie could finish her sentence she heard a familiar voice. "Bertie... you should know of dishonour by now." Bertie turned and saw the person who just said it. Catzi. She was with Prizna and Avery, who were pushed down onto the ground, trying to push up. "Catzi, what are you doing?" Bertie asked Catzi. "What does it look like I am doing? I am reverting that stupid loving and caring power that brat gave us." Catzi said. "How... How did you..." Bertie said, before she realized. "Emerald... you did this? Why?" Bertie said, turning around. "Because, unlike that failure, Rubeus, I see potential in you. But it is far better if the four of you were on our side, as opposed to just one or two." Emerald said. "So you turned Catzi evil?" Darien asked. "Yes. And she shall do the same to her sisters. Starting with Bertie." Emerald said, Catzi walking towards her. "No! I won't let you do this!" Darien said, holding his cane up. "It was fortunate that you are alone. So that way we would have an advantage. You have a choice, if you try to save this brat, Catzi here will turn her sisters evil by the time you rescue her. If you try to stop Catzi, I will leave here with the spoiled child, and you will never see her again." Emerald said with a laugh. (Our second and third goals, prevent Catzi from making the sisters evil, and prevent Emerald from leaving with Rini. There was another goal that says to determine if Catzi was evil, but I said screw it) “You forgot another option." Darien said. "Oh? What other option?" Emerald asked. "The one where I take all of you on." Darien said as he began his attack. (CUE EPIC MUSIC!)
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK (2d6 + 1) 8 = OKAY. DEFENCE: 7 (from Emerald) AND (2d6 + 6) 15 (from Catzi) = MISS]
Darien smacks Emerald with his cane, at the same time, he spun around and threw his rose at Catzi. The rose knocked Catzi back. (Catzi is at 36). Emerald on the other hand did not move out of the way and was hit by the cane. Unlike with Falzie, this had its impact, knocking Emerald onto the ground. (It did not hurt her, but applying a cane onto someone's face does hurt. Just ask that guy that was attacked by Carl)
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK: 4 = OKAY. DEFENCE: 10 = OKAY.]
Darien noticed Wolzie about to hit him with its tentacles. Darien flapped his cape at it, deflecting it off. However, he smelt something and noticed his cape was sizzling, dissolving from acid. "Crap!" Darien said, taking off the cape as it dissolved into nothingness. "You have to get past me in order to rescue the girl!" Wolzie said, flapping his tentacles. (Yeah. Sadly, I cannot use the rose attack once more because I depleted my energy. I can however opt to use the rejuvenation spell.) Darien held out his cane as he began to heal. Wolzie looked at this and saw an opportunity to attack. [COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK: 11 = MISS] Darien notices the attack, his rejuvenation being complete, he ducked down, and attempted to attack Wolzie (Modifying for speed based counter)
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK (2d6 - 1): 5 = OKAY. DEFENCE (2d6 + 1): 12 = MISS]
Darien hits Wolzie in the crotch with his cane (2 damage for Groin Attack) and flips the droid over him. (Wolzie's HP is now 48) He rushed over to Rini. "Are you hurt?" Darien asked Rini. "No..." She then cried in Darien's arms "I am sorry! I just wanted to scare you and Serena!" (YOU WHAT? Darien, can you smack this brat out, please?) "You have made your choice! Now watch as the once good sisters become evil once again!" Emerald said, as Catzi was about to pull off a spell to do just that. "Hold still, let me handle this." Darien said, as he produced two roses.
[COMBAT ROLL: ATTACK (2d6 +1): 7 = OKAY. DEFENCE (2d6 +6) : 17 (Catzi) AND 14 (Emerald) = MISS]
Darien threw the roses as fast as he could, hitting the two girls. (Emerald is at 41, Catzi is at 17, Darien's energy is at 0). Catzi was injured from the second rose while Emerald was minorly scratched. “What are you waiting for, Catzi? Finish the spell!” Emerald said to Catzi. Catzi could barely get up. “You... you are just like the rest of your sisters! Like trash! This was a bad plan to begin with. Come along Wolzie, we are out of here.” Emerald said, snapping her fingers. “Oh! Thank you! Now I get to eat!” Wolzie said, rushing to Emerald’s side as they teleported to the future. Darien reverts to himself as he rushes over to the injured Catzi. “She’s hurt badly. Bertie, can you and the others take her back to Serena so she can make her good again?” Darien asked. Bertie nodded. She and her two sisters pick up Catzi. “Don’t tell Serena about Rini running away. I will bring her back soon.” Darien said. “Okay.” Bertie said as the sisters escort Catzi back to the resort. “As for you, Rini.” Darien said as he turned around to face her. (Give her a taste of the good ol’ cane!) “You nearly got yourself killed for your stunt, and put others at risk.” Darien gave Rini a stare before she broke down crying again. “I am so sorry!” Rini said. (Smack her.) “I will let it go, this once. Just remember what you learned.” Darien said, patting Rini on the head. (SMACK HER!) Rini then took Darien’s hand and walked towards the Resort.
Darien and Rini enter the floor of where the rooms are. The two try to sneak past Serena so is to not wake her up. (Rolling another Body stat, this time adding plus two to the difficulty, as Serena must had just woke up to revert the evil)
[BODY CHECK (2d6 +2): 9 = FAIL]
Darien fell down, the strain from the fighting got to him. Soon he heard the door open. “Darien?” A female voice rung out. (Alright, I am gonna do one last roll for this game, I am just gonna check if Bert is a liar or not. If she is not, then she had told Serena the whole thing)
[SOUL CHECK: 5 = Failure]
“Darien, you are alright. I am so sorry, Rini. You had me worried. Come on in, you need rest, both of you.” Serena said, pulling Darien and Rini in. Darien’s last thoughts before losing consciousness was that he was going to tell Serena the truth when he wakes up, whether she likes it or not. No more secrets.
~
Well, that was Where’s Rini. Granted, I did take a few liberties with this, but other than that, I had nothing to pick at, except for Rini running off to worry the scouts, but that I feel would be something she would do. No, wait; there was one thing. This was the banned episode of Sailor Moon. No, really. It starts out the same way (the girls arrive at the beach where they have to find Rini) but the difference is that that episode had a baby dinosaur. Don’t ask. This one-shot was well written, and although not intended for Solo adventures, it faired out pretty well. The motif for the droids (wildlife) seems to make me think of the old kaijin from the Showa Era of Kamen Rider, particularly those of Destron. Playing as Darien is challenging, and not just as his character. This guy’s main rose themed attack is the only attack that can put a dent on someone thanks to his flaw of being tainted by the Negaverse (unless you can combine it with your cane) and it runs out of juice pretty quickly, so one has to think strategically as opposed to rushing into battle. However, since I remembered the rejuvenation trick, I did not need to do something as drastic as say, striking some ice with my cane to make an avalanche. All and all, this was a good one-shot. If you are intending on trying out this, I recommend playing this one-shot after you learned everything there is to learn in the game.
We are not done yet though, as we have one last one-shot to tackle. Join me next time.
