Character Draft (v2.1, 07/02/2001)
As discussed in #RenaiEngine and the Ren'Ai forums
Brought to you by the RABU RABU Special Software Development Team ^_^;;
AND Myerknas!

Written by: Opal_Armor, Pentarou, sunandshadow, and Yoten
Many, many thanks go to: Myerknas, #RenaiEngine, and of course, everyone working on the project!

[ Here's yet another draft of the characters in the dating sim. As such, it is still open to modifications, additions, deletions ... and even bickering over small details, if you like. Keep them ideas coming! –Pentarou ]

06/12) I've added a few items to Female Character #1. I haven't filled them in myself, but we will probably need these for all of our characters (so as to make the concept sketches easier to do).

06/14) If I had Visio, I would have made some kind of funky flowchart diagramming all the various relationships between characters. Obviously, I haven't done that, and I'm lazy. Maybe later. Also, I've changed some of the things from before (younger vs. older siblings, associations between characters, etc)

06/16) I have added sizes and a suggested appearance for each of the females (Much, much thanks to Myerknas on this portion), but this is, after all, suggested. It may not be necessary to follow these guidelines. ... Also, the males are coming later. I will probably submit this to Kisai when the males are done.

06/17) It has been suggested that 5 or 6 of each (male and female) is a better idea. It is a lot of writing, yes, but ... well, we will see, ne? I can understand, though, if anyone feels that four is a pretty small number of choices. Another suggestion has been to add in one of the female characters as extremely hard-to-get for replay value.

06/18) Hail all, this is Myerknas. I'm borrowing you other people's work here. I recommended enlisting [S1] to be our fifth for both protagonists, because it saves writing work and it's pretty effective. Anyway, I've included some more material--I'm aware that we need eye colors but I'm hesitant to make a recommendation before we've set on a hair color.

06/25) I, Opal_Armor, have taken the resposibility of mantaining this list while Pentarou is away. We revised the female characters physical descriptions. enjoy.

06/28) Males aperances have been updated. we need concept sketches now. you artists get crackin'!

07/04) Added Limlilian's male sketches and gave each character some after school activites and listed any clubs they might belong to.

Notes) Characters are always referenced by [X#]: X is the category (M male, F female, S support), # is the number. So, for example, [F2] refers to the Shy Girl.

Also, I have tried to balance the conventional and unconventional in the characters. For example, you may notice that the Peacock [M2] turns out to be self-centered, yet not arrogant, while the kung-fu girl is short and wears glasses. (Well, so does Naru Narusegawa, ... but we'll conveniently ignore that ^_~)

And finally, "Your age" is probably around 16-18. You are a senior in The High School. You may pick your gender, and play as either male or female.

Quick Assumptions:

1. [F1-4] and [M1-4] are all in the same class as you are. Your Teacher [S7] is ... well, your teacher.

Things we Need:

1. Names! We need to put names to these characters ASAP.
2. Pairing character sketches to these characters (or even drawing new ones), but maybe that will come later.
3. Backstory, and lots of it. Writers, we need more writers!
4. Physical Descriptions. I'm not very good at this, myself. Sizes, blood type, zodiac sign, clothing.
5. Other corrections, additions, &c. All of the new support characters (with the exception of Nichole and Wai) are my ideas more or less, and I haven't been in forum/IRC much lately, so I would definitely like to hear from everyone ^_~ [irc.dal.net, standard port, #RenaiEngine]

A. Female Characters

1. The Party Girl (Suggested name(s): Yuko)
   • Sizes: 33-23-33; Height: 5'5"
   • Blood Type: A
   • Zodiac sign: Aries
   • Personality: The kind of girl who ... well ... loves to party. Extremely outgoing, sociable, optimistic, bubbly, spontaneous, charismatic, very much on the wild side. Loves networking gossiping, and matchmaking. Has a wild sense of humor. Talks a lot, and quickly to boot. Probably doesn't subscribe heavily to logic.
   • Additional Details: Prone to following fads one after the other. Today, we add -nyu to the end of our sentences, tomorrow, all your base are belong to us, what up, yo? Has an older, more level-headed sister. She's a popular girl, so her list of friends could probably cover several pages...
   • Clubs and Activities: Usualy partying or hanging out with friends.
   • Physical Description: Average height, and lives a healthy lifestyle (when she's not dieting O_o). Long hair.
   • Mode of Dress: Trendy clothing. Whatever that means. Maybe we should give her an aluminum kick-scooter.
   • Suggested Appearance: Hair: Mid-back length blonde hair; either plain-styled or in a ponytail. Often sighted wearing jeans... short, short jeans, with a loose shirt on top. Has a bad posture when she stands, somewhat leaning backwards from the waist up. Blue eyes.
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [F3] Practical Girl (friend)
     • [F4] Fighter Girl (friend)
     • [M2] The Peacock (friend)
     • [S9] Nichole (friend)
     • [S?] (Older sister)
     • [S6] Classmate 4 (gossipy accomplice)
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)
   
   
2. The Shy Girl (Suggested name(s): Manami, Nanami)
   • Sizes: Less "impressive" than F1. Possibly 29-23-31. Height 5'1"
   • Blood Type: B
   • Zodiac sign: Cancer
   • Personality: Shy, introverted. A little melancholy at first because she has given up hope for romance and expects to not have any attention paid to her, but she opens up to be very romantic, dreamy, and poetic after you are persistent in being nice to her. Extremely idealistic, and if you do pick her up, she will let her head float beyond the clouds.
   • Additional Details: Shy Girl does a lot of deep thinking, and if you leave her alone for a few minutes (say, five), you will notice her sinking into deep thought, from which one would have to really try to get her out of it. Because of this, she also has a very good understanding of her own self, and knows her habits forward and backward, but at the same time, she has a limited understanding of others around her, and group behavior in general. Is an only child. Is pretty, but often un-noticed.
   • Clubs and Activities:
   • Physical Description: Hmm ... Short. Not the most healthy person, but looks ... about average, maybe.
   • Mode of Dress: As long as she doesn't wear anything too flashy/showy, any kind of clothing can be used. (Although that may change if the player gets her to open up some more).
   • Suggested Appearance: Hair: Very dark brown hair, waist-length but kept tied up so it looks short (something like this). Eyes: Deep brown eyes. Wears glasess for reading.
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian Opal Armor
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [M4] Poet (Good friend - occasionally, these two have been known work on various creative projects)
     • [S2] Librarian (the other person she talks to regularly...but doesn't everyone?)
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)
     
     
   • The Practical Girl (Suggested name(s): Tomoko, Takako)
     • Sizes: 35-25-34. Height 5'7"
     • Blood Type: AB
     • Zodiac Sign: Leo
     • Suggested Appearance: Hair: Light brown, shoulder-length. Dark green eyes.
     • Personality: Very practical, managerial, getting things done. May try to manipulate and mother people a little. Remains calm in heated situations. Has a weird and subtle sense of humor.
     • Additional Details: Owns a cat, which the protagonist has a tendency to trip over. Appears to be average in all ways at first, but turns out to be deep once you get to know her. Likes jogging around the campus in the morning. Also has a younger brother
     • Clubs and Activities: Member of the volleyball club.
     • Physical Description: Taller than average. Very much fit & healthy.
     • Mode of Dress: Nice t-shirt and jeans, and perhapse a jacket. Generally, prefers function over form.
     • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
     • Affiliated Characters:
       • [F1] Party Girl (friend)
       • [S5] Classmate 3 (friend)
       • [S?] (Younger brother)
       • [S7] The Teacher (student)
     
     
   • The Fighter Girl (Suggested Names: Aki, ???-aki)
     • Sizes: 30-23-32 . Height: 5'4"
     • Blood Type: O
     • Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
     • Affiliated Characters:
     • Personality: A real martial arts buff. Very feminine, but touchy and hot-tempered, and when she gets angry she tends to react with physical violence. Somewhat jealous and possessive. Like Asuka from Evangelion, but not as extreme.
     • Additional Details: Uses some hand-to-hand style of combat, preferably kung-fu. Absolutely no katanas (overdone; too many katana-wielding "kendo witches" out there already). Wears glasses, and takes them off to practice. Would beat the living crap out of [M2] The Peacock if given the opportunity. (Myerknas's note: Some people have recommended Judo because they want to see her throw people. I think it's more entertaining to watch her plant her foot in someone's face. Stick with kung-fu.)
     • Clubs and Activities: Kung fu practice
     • Physical Description: A little shorter than average. Very healthy, average sized.
     • Mode of Dress: Trendy clothing, but nothing too far off from the norm. That is, when she's not in uniform for school or practice. Which is rare. Wears a lot of T-shirts and shorts.
     • Suggested Appearance: Hair: Ash-black, either short or long with a ponytail. Ice blue eyes.
     • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
     • Affiliated Characters:
       • [S2] Librarian (Unofficial mentee of)
       • [F1] Party Girl (Friend)
       • [S5] Classmate 3 (Friend)
       • [S6] Classmate 4 (Friend)
       • [M1] Relaxed Guy (Friend)
       • [M2] Peacock (Sworn enemy)
       • [M3] Otaku ([her personal] Slave)
       • [S7] The Teacher (student)

B. Male Characters

1. The Relaxed Guy (Suggested Names: Shinichi)
   • Sizes: Height 5'9" (or, 5'10")
   • Blood Type: B
   • Zodiac Sign: Aquarius Personality: He sails calmly through life because he lacks the ability to be afraid of things. Buildings collapsing around him do not faze him. People admire him from a distance, but up close he drives them nuts.
   • Additional Details: None yet.
   • Clubs and Activities: Member of the "Go Home" club (he goes home after school)
   • Physical Description: About average size. In good shape, but is definitely not a bodybuilder.
   • Mode of Dress: Casual wear. If not in school uniform, he can be found wearing a T-shirt and khakis. Maybe a tye-dye shirt.
   • Affiliated Characters:
   • Suggested Appearance: chin length, brown hair, gets in his face a little. Brown eyes.
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [S2] Librarian (Mentee)
     • [S6] Classmate 4 (Friend)
     • [M2] Peacock (Friend)
     • [F4] Fighter Girl (Friend)
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)
   
   
2. The Peacock (Suggested Names: Akira, Tetsuo)
   • Sizes: Height 5'11"
   • Blood Type: A
   • Zodiac Sign: Gemini
   • Personality: Vain, competitive, athletic, eloquent, self-centered but not arrogant. A practical joker who takes his hobby seriously, but is careful not to be cruel with his jokes. That rare creature ... a nice jock. Something of a narcissist and prefers people who he perceives to be his equals.
   • Additional Details: Beefcake? Has a "secret" hobby of birdwatching, but most people notice him staring outside the window during class and after hours.
   • Clubs and Activities: In the Baseball club
   • Physical Description: Well-built: Has a six-pack and everything else that goes with it.
   • Mode of Dress:wears popular and expensive name-brand t-shirts and loose jeans. not ass-showing loose, but loose.
   • Suggested Appearance: Short, spikey, bleached blond hair (though he still has his black eyebrows). Soft blue eyes. Comes equipped with the kind of big grin that makes people suspicious.
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [F4] Fighter Girl ("Friend")
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)
     • More?
   
   
3. The Otaku (Suggested Names: Tetsuya, Takashi)
   • Sizes: Height 5'6"
   • Blood Type: O
   • Zodiac sign: Pisces
   • Personality: Rather feminine - bookworm, couch potato, suxxors at sports, but nice and empathetic. Obsessive. "But..but...I'm almost done watching the Love Hina Spring Special!" The kind of guy who you have to physically drag out of the house. He is easily amused, distracted by bright shiny objects, and tends to giggle. Resembles a teddy bear, literally and metaphorically.
   • Additional Details: You artists, have a field day with this guy. He cosplays. At least, he had better. (Myerknas's note: Don't make the cosplaying too disturbing.)
   • Clubs and Activities: Anime Club
   • Physical Description: Average height, but not particularly healthy in stature.
   • Mode of Dress: When not in school uniform, Otaku dresses in a polo shirt left unbuttoned with a anime t-shirt underneath and khakis or shorts. Wears glasses. (Myerknas's note: A bit of a slob. His clothing, including the uniform, will be a little sloppy. He may not know how to tie a tie, if the uniform has one.)
   • Suggested Appearance: His hair is styled like Keiichi's (from AMG) and dyed blue (says he got the idea from Chichiri). gray eyes. Not in excellent physical shape, but not too fat or else nobody will go after him. Consider Keitaro a possible example?
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [S11] University Student #1 (Friend)
     • [F4] Fighter Girl (Attracted to)
     • [S2] Librarian (Accomplice ;)
     • [S4] Classmate 2 (Friend and accomplice)
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)

1. The Poet (Suggested Names: Jiro, Etoh)
   • Sizes: Height 5'7"
   • Blood Type: O
   • Zodiac sign: Capricorn
   • Personality: Like so many other mis-understood artists, The Poet is prone to extreme mood swings. The difference is, The Poet's mood is based upon how much sleep he gets. On good days, he is extremely thoughtful and deep; on bad days you might confuse him with a depressed Dan Quayle. Your typical absent-minded genius. Also an angsty, walking emotional wound. Needs comforted. and mothered to blossom into an adult artist.
   • Additional Details: Writers...your turn to have a field day. Also, The Poet should fluctuate in his mood from day to day. To win The Poet's heart, the player may have to help him regulate his sleeping pattern, at which point he will end up being thoughtful, inspired, passionate, etc. for the rest of the game. Oh yes, and his poetry should improve. ;)
   • Clubs and Activities: Hangs out in the library after school.
   • Yet More Details: (IRC log)

   •    [Opal_Armor] poet?
        [PentaroX]   Mmm...field day for the writers
        [Ken-Chan]   possibly he can be real deep
        [PentaroX]   Or real shallow.  Both would work.
        [PentaroX]   Or, he could fluctuate
        [Opal_Armor] that would be interesting
        [PentaroX]   some days, he acts really shallow, some days,
                     you see him acting deep.  Make it in relation
                     to how much sleep he gets ;) if he pulls an all-
                     nighter, he'll start saying stuff like "beauty
                     is in the beholder of the eye"
        [Ken-Chan]   he'd be the really hard character to win over

   • Physical Description: Average height, but not particularly healthy in stature. Pale to begin with.
   • Mode of Dress: dresses mostly in black and other dark colored t-shirts and pants.
   • Suggested Appearance: black, shoulder length hair (maybe a bit longer). deep blue eyes.
   • Concept Sketches: Limlilian
   • Affiliated Characters:
     • [F2] Shy Girl (Good friend - occasionally, these two have been known work on various creative projects)
     • [S7] The Teacher (student)

C. Supporting Cast

Appendix I: Notes, details, etc.

1. Nationality/Ethnicity: There is no nationality/ethnicity. While certainly the characters may be drawn as if they were Asian/white/Hispanic/etc., it is not necessary to bring up nationality or ethnicity at all. It would be too much trouble, and in addition, we intend to create an international game. The same goes for the setting--while there may be a high school, and it may be in Somewheresville, it doesn't matter where the town is actually located.
2. Another note on Nationality/Ethnicity: Hm ... well, if you folk want Japanese-ish characters, then so be it. Still, we don't need to mention the actual nationality and/or ethnicity of these characters throughout the game.
3. School: The dating sim will be set in a high school. Not a university/college. In other words, the students are high school students. All of them? That's another question ;)
4. Names: As you may have noticed, these characters do not yet have names. We need names.
5. Character/concept sketches: Same deal here.
6. Other major issues: None currently.

Appendix II: Generic Romantic Character Types

These are quoted verbatim from sunandshadow (Mare Kuntz)'s post on the forums. Extremely idealistic; most people will be mixtures of the various types.

• Bishonen: I'm hurt and lonely, cuddle me and make it all better.
• Puppydog: I'm playful, charming, cheerful, and spontaneous. Wouldn't you like to take me home with you?
• Sprite: I can talk rings aroud anyone, exude charisma, wrap people around my little finger. You're fun to play tricks on, so you can be my pet.
• Individualist: I'm an arrogant individualist, but I met you and all my defenses cracked; I need to have you or I'll never get my strength back.
• Competitive: I'm eloquent and powerful, but you, my rival, have proven yourself my true equal. You have earned my respect and my heart.
• Relaxed I sail calmly through life because I lack the ability to be afraid of things. Buildings collapsing around me do not faze me. People admire me from a distance, but up close I drive them nuts.
• All-Around Nice: Enough said.
• The Sacrifice: A character who doesn't question love despite agression, hatred or any other barrier. Will sacrifice anything, no matter the cost, for his/her love of another, may be submissive/get abused.