Black Lagoon HERO

[Susano]

WARNING: The Following Contains Series Spoilers As Well As Possibly Disturbing Content!

 

LAGOON COURIERS

BADDEST MOTHERF***ERS IN ASIAN SEAS

 

Gaming in the World of Black Lagoon

 

ROANAPURA NEWS

Wednesday, November 2

At least 5 dead, 2 wounded in nightclub shooting

Gunshots Echo Through The [???]

A Fierce Four-Hour Gun Battle -- A Bar Burnt And Destroyed

 

What is Black Lagoon?

Black Lagoon was a 24-episode anime series shown on Japanese television in the year 2006. The first season ran from April 8th to June 24th, while the second season (a.k.a. “The Second Barrage”) ran from October 2nd to December 18th. It is based on the manga series of the same name, created by Rei Hiroe, which currently numbers 6 volumes. I find the show is notable for its lack of major Japanese characters (except for the main character -- Rock), as well as the large number of Americans (and other foreigners), most of who are portrayed as “regular” people, and not the stereotypes one sometimes sees in many anime. There’s also a surprising amount of American pop-culture references in the series, and Rei Hiroe even goes so far as to credit several people for assistance with the foreign dialogue, which is apparently pretty much spot on throughout the manga (the anime less so). Black Lagoon the anime is also notable for its pacing. Many stories form multi-episode arcs and almost none of them are resolved in a mere 25 minutes, instead taking (on average) three episodes to play out.

 

Due to the level of violence in Black Lagoon, I can only presume it, like many similar series, was shown very late at night on Japanese television. Curiously, Cowboy Bebop was yanked for being too violent a series, which makes me wonder how Black Lagoon was received. If Black Lagoon was a Hollywood movie, it would receive an “R” rating for sure. That said, one shouldn’t dismiss the series as just a string of chases, gunfights, and explosions -- there’s a plot under it all, as well as some rather interesting characterization and character development.

 

Finally, Black Lagoon makes for some excellent Dark Champions source material,with plot ideas, NPCs, organizations, and even an entire city (Roanapura) just waiting to be added to your campaign. Of course, anyone watching the series needs to accept the scene in the second episode where a PT Boat brings down a helicopter with a torpedo (launching the boat off of a semi-submerged wreck helps, but...). Of course, since a certain American action film features someone dropping a submachine gun down a stairwell and having the weapon fire at -- and hit -- everyone on the way down... I figure we’re even.

 

MURDER: A daily occurrence here in Roanapura.

 

The Black Lagoon Universe

The anime never actually says when the series takes place. It seems to be set in the present day, and might actually be occurring in the same time period as when it was broadcast (i.e. 2006), or a little before. However, a distinct lack of references to specific current events (such as the 9/11 attacks) makes it hard to tell. On the other hand, it certainly takes place after the break up of the Soviet Union. The manga, meanwhile, looks to be set in the late 1990s. Revy listens to the song Electric Head Part 1 (from the album Astro Creep 2000) which was released in 1995. In addition, Benny’s computers show what is quite obviously either Apple Macintosh Operation System 8 (or 9), which was released in July of 1997. Eda also makes mention of Greenbay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who started his career in 1991. Wikipedia claims the action starts in 1995. If this is the case, then the anime occurs from (roughly) December of 1995 to January of 1997 (based on certain events and the weather).

 

History

For all intents and purposes the history of the Black Lagoon universe is the same as our own (i.e. the “real world”). Dutch, for example, mentions the Vietnam Battle of Khe Sanh (which happened in 1968), while Hotel Moscow boss Balalaika is a veteran of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989). Dutch also states that the Roanapura bar “Yellow Flag” was founded by the “losers of the Vietnam War,” taking in deserters, hookers, junkies, mercenaries, and killers. This would seem to indicate that Roanapura itself didn’t become a notorious haven for crime and criminals until the late 1960s.

 

A Rough Black Lagoon Timeline

This timeline is based on comments made in the course of the series’ 24 episodes. I am going to presume the start date for Black Lagoon is 1995, at least for this timeline.

 

1996 -- Black Lagoon Episodes 19-24

1995 -- Black Lagoon Episodes 1-18

1993 -- Benny joins Lagoon Couriers/Company

1992 -- Balalaika has been stripped of her military rank, doesn’t yet have a facial scar.

1991 -- Roberta leave the FARC and joins the Loveless family.

1987 -- Balalaika serves as a First Lieutenant in Afghanistan.

1976 -- A young Balalaika is told to try for the Olympics to regain her family’s honor.

1975 -- The Fall of Saigon. Dutch goes AWOL and leave Vietnam.

1968 -- The Battle of Khe Sanh.

1945 -- March 25, U-1234 is sunk off of the Nicobar Islands.

 

Roanapura is the shady worlds of crime and drugs.

 

Places

For the most part, Black Lagoon takes place in one location -- the city of Roanapura (or Roanapur, the former spelling is used in the anime credits).

 

Roanapura: The most important location in Black Lagoon is the fictional Thai city of Roanapura. It is located on the coast of an unnamed island, with a semicircular bay. Near the mouth of the bay is an island upon which stands a huge statue of the Buddha. The face of the Buddha has been shattered from gunfire, rendering it effectively “blind.” There is apparently only one major highway into the city, that reaches Roanapura via a bridge over a river. There is always a noose (or two) hanging from the crossbars of the bridge -- a silent reminder of what awaits the unwary in this most dangerous of cities.

 

Places In Roanapura

Yellow Flag: This bar features heavily in the series, and is the scene of a number of major action sequences, including the attack by Extra Order in Episode 2, Mangrove Heaven, and Roberta’s gunfight with the Manzarella Cartel in Episode 9, Maid To Kill. It is also where all the bounty hunters gather to chase down Janet Bhai in Episode 16, Greenback Jane. According to Dutch, the bar was founded by remnants of the South Vietnamese army, who hid deserters from Vietnam. It is currently owned and run by a man named Bao, who despite having a bar capable of stopping a round from a .50 machine gun, blames Revy for getting his bar blown up at least three times (and this is before the show starts!). Technically, the Yellow Flag is neutral territory.

Barkana Square

Cafe Hoang Yen

Cafe Liquor

Caribbean Bar: On Bran Street. Under the protection of Hotel Moscow. It is shot up by the vampire twins.

Chalquam Market

Charkwan Street

Club Heart: A strip club.

Goof Fest: A strip club/whore house owned and operated by Roan "Jackpot" Pigeon. Goof Fest is located on Rachiada Street (or Lachada Street). Based on comments by Roan, Revy used to work there as a dancer, but she refuses his invitation to come back, stating "not even if it involves whipping." Roan is also the only person to ever refer to Revy by her real name, "Rebecca."

Hampion Street

King: A strip club.

Louise Cafe

Radoga Point

Ramsap Inn: Located past the Charkwan Market, it advertises air conditioning and color TV. Eda knows the owner and has used the place as a safe house before (with mixed results).

Sautanam Street

Tao Han: A restaurant.

 

U-BOAT 1324 Found In Deep Sea: Lagoon Company to undertake salvage operations.

 

Technology

Virtually everything seen in Black Lagoon can be found in the real world, with only a few exceptions (such as Claude Torchweaver’s Bic-sized flamethrower). For the most part, anyone wishing to use Black Lagoon in their campaign just needs to get a copy of Dark Champions (for the gun lists) and you’re all set (although the Hero System Vehicle Sourcebook wouldn’t hurt either). I also recommend The Ultimate Skill for its notes on Computer Programming and Systems Operation (among other pertinent skills used in the course of the Black Lagoon anime).

 

Activities Of Hotel Moscow

 

Important Organizations

14K: A Hong Kong Triad led by Mr. Chan. They form one of the four major criminal factions in Roanapura (the others are Hotel Moscow, a Columbia drug cartel, and the Italian mafia)..

Asahi Heavy Industries: This Tokyo-based company has over 50,000 employees (including one Rokuro Okajima).

Church of Violence: A Catholic Church run by Sister “PW” Deegan (a.k.a. Sister Yolanda). Other members include Sister Eda (see below) and Ricardo, an apprentice priest. The Church of Violence may be a CIA front and true to its name, is very well-armed. Revy refers to them as the “Rip-off Church” at one point.

Extra Order Company: A mercenary unit. It seems to be a parody of/based on the real-world organization Executive Outcomes.

Hotel Moscow: Another of the major crime factions in Roanapura, Hotel Moscow is a branch of the Russian mafia. The Roanapura arm is run by Balalaika and is made up of veterans of the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

Lagoon Couriers/Company: This small group of pirates and smugglers operate as a ship-for-hire, and will haul most anything in and around the islands of Indonesia. Lagoon Couriers has only four members: Dutch the Boss, Revy the Two Hands, Benny the Mechanic, and Rock the Salariman.

Manisarera Cartel: This Colombian drug cartel operated for a time in Roanapura, until Roberta showed up to reclaim Garcia Loveless.

Neveral Cartel: A drug cartel based out of Florida. They were the ones who hired Janet Bhai to make counterfeit American 100s.

Washimine Group: A Tokyo-based Yakuza gang, they end up getting wiped out by Hotel Moscow.

 

Revy arrested for murder and attempted murder

 

Important and/or Notable People

As with any other 24-26 episode anime series, Black Lagoon has a variety of one-shot and recurring characters. The following list gives most of the major characters as well as many who are mentioned only by name. As with my character sheets for Cowboy Bebop, I used the "Competent Normal" on page 224 of the HERO System 5th Edition Rulebook as a starting-point. I’ve made most of the characters 100-point base, and have purchased their primary weaponry for them (even though you technically don’t need to do that at the Heroic level. I also built many of the characters around the Package Deals given in Dark Champions.

 

Author’s Note: Much of the background information for these characters was taken from the Wikipedia entry for Black Lagoon, which itself seems to have been taken from material presented in the manga, as it is far more in-depth than what is shown in the anime series.

 

Abrego: Boss of the Manisarera Cartel, his power base was destroyed by Roberta. He survived, but has little respect from the other factions in Roanapura afterwards.

Assorted Freelance Killers/Mercenaries: “Big One” Emilio, “Greentooth” Johnny, Ronny CK, Yung Brothers

Balalaika: The Roanapura head of Hotel Moscow, Balalaika is a veteran of the Soviet war in Afghanistan. See her character sheet for more information.

Bao: Owner and operator of the Yellow Flag. He is apparently an ex-ARVN soldier who saw action in Vietnam. According to him, Lagoon Couriers (or maybe Revy specifically) has wrecked his bar at least three times. While Lagoon Couriers has never paid for the damage, Balalaika has.

Benny: Lagoon Courier’s mechanic, Benny runs the ship’s electronics suite.

Boris: Balalaika’s second-in-command, Boris, like the rest of Hotel Moscow, is a veteran of the Afghan War.

Chief Watsup: Chief of Police for Roanapura. He takes bribes from anyone and everyone and tends to stay out of the way of the crime cartels. His attitude is summed up in this quote: “As long as there is no trouble, I don’t have to change my golfing schedule.” Balalaika has this to say about him: “What an unamusing man. He makes me sick.”

Chin: Minor Chinese crime boss who made the mistake of trying to eliminate both Lagoon Couriers and Hotel Moscow. Balalaika executed him via high explosives.

Claude “Torch” Weaver: A pyromaniac who is part of the group that tries to capture Janet Bhai. He ends up dead when Revy puts a bullet through his flamethrower’s fuel tank.

Dutch: A former United States Marine, he fought in Vietnam and then left following the fall of Saigon in 1975. Eventually he ended up in Roanapura, where he set up Lagoon Couriers. See his character sheet for more information.

Eda: Is she or isn’t she? A member of the Church of Violence, Eda may or may not be a CIA agent. See her character sheet for more information.

Garcia Loveless: The only son of Diego Jose San Fernando Loveless, the Loveless family is the “lowest” of 13 noble families of South America. Garcia was kidnapped in an effort to make Diego sell his land. Diego, in turn, send Roberta after the kidnappers. Few of them survived the encounter. Garcia has a pet dog, a white Volpino Italiana named “Lazlo,” and due to events in volume 6 of the manga, is now the head of the Loveless family, following the assassination of his father. Following this, he returns to Roanapura to find Roberta, accompanied by the maid Fabiola. As a side note, the family name might be “Lovelace” not “Loveless.”

Ginji Matsuzaki: Better known to some as “Man-Slayer Ginji,” his sword skills are more than equal to Revy’s gun skills. See his character sheet for more information.

“Groovy Guy” Russel the Trouble Buster: A member of the Neveral Cartel, Russel is sent by Neveral boss Mr. Elvis to hire people to bring back Janet Bhai. He does so, but his attitude and mode of dress don’t endear him to everyone else. However, he’s the last survivor of the hunt, but is killed by Eda when he recognizes her from time spent in Washington DC.

Hansel and Gretel: Identical twins from Romania, these so-called “Vampire Twins” are utterly and unredemingly evil. See their character sheet for more information.

Janet Bhai: An expert counterfeiter, “Greenback Jane” makes the mistake of coming to Roanapura. See her character sheet for more information.

Leigharch: Irish driver who worked with Shenhua on one mission. He smokes marijuana to excess.

Luak: A pirate captain who worked the waters around Thailand. He was hired by Chin to eliminate Lagoon Couriers, but was in turn eliminated by Revy.

Masahiro Takenaka: A former Red Army soldier who now works with Islamic terrorists. He’s patient and sociable, and seems to view violence only as a measure of last resort.

Mr. Chan: Mr. Chan is the boss of the 14k Triad. He is obviously meant to be a homage to Chow Yun-Fat, specifically the character he played in the film A Better Tomorrow, since he dresses in an identical outfit. Naturally this means he’s a two-gun fighter and apparently is the one who taught Revy her skills (and thus, is the only man she refers to as “sir”). Mr. Chan (or Chang) is cool under fire, capable, intelligent, and often tries to work with the other criminal factions (especially Hotel Moscow) instead of against them.

Revy: Revy (real name, Rebecca) is a Chinese-American from New York. She’s Lagoon Courier’s “muscle” and is a gunfighter of almost unparalleled skill (in this or most any other anime). See her character sheet for more information.

Rico: An apprentice priest with the Church of Violence. He uses an M60 machine gun in combat.

Roberta: A maid in the employee of the Lovelace family, Roberta is no mere housekeeper, but a frightening destructive force of nature (if needed). See her character sheet for more information.

Rock: Born Rokuro Okajima, he got his nickname from Dutch. A former employee of Asahi Heavy Industries, he was kidnapped by Lagoon Couriers and eventually joined them after Asahi had him declared dead in his native Japan. See his character sheet for more information.

Rotton the Wizard: A mercenary of some sort, Rotton drinks only milk (he says strong drink makes him vomit), has gray hair, a long coat, glasses, and a soft voice. He might be a parody of numerous bishonen heroes seen in many anime. In any extent, he tries to make a fancy and impressive entrance during the fight to capture Janet Bhai and gets shot by Revy. He survives, due to his armored vest, and ends up taking a wounded Shenhua and Sawyer to the local hospital.

Sawyer the Cleaner: Sawyer disposes of bodies for the various criminal factions of Roanapura. See her character sheet for more information.

Shenhua: An operative for Mr. Chan, Shenhua is “real Taiwanese.” She is also to blades what Revy is to guns. See her character sheet for more information.

Verrocchio: Boss of the Roanapura branch of the Italian mafia. He was the guy who brought in Hansel and Gretel, who ended up killing him along with most of the rest of his men.

Yolanda: Leader of the Church of Violence. She looks to be in her 60s, has an eyepatch, and a gold-plated Desert Eagle hidden under her habit.

Yukio Washimine: The daughter of Ryuzo Washimine, Yukio takes up the mantle of leadership of the Washimine Group in order to prevent their destruction at the hands of rival Yakuza gangs.

 

Bibliography

Black Lagoon Episodes 1-12

Black Lagoon: Second Barrage Episodes 13-24

Black Lagoon, manga volume 6

Dark Champions

The Ultimate Skill

Wikipedia

 

Murder? That's an [???]

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

BALALAIKA

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
15	STR	5	12-	Lift 200 kg; 3d6 HTH Damage [3]
18	DEX	24	13-	OCV:  6/DCV:  6
15	CON	10	12-
11	BODY	2	11-
18	INT	8	13-	PER Roll 13-
17	EGO	14	12-	ECV:  6
20	PRE	10	13-	PRE Attack:  4d6
10	COM	0	11-

5	PD	2		Total:  5 PD (0 rPD)
4	ED	1		Total:  4 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	12		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
6	REC	0
30	END	0
27	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  88

Movement:[/b]	Running:	7"/14"
	Leaping:	3"/6"
	Swimming:	3"/6"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
10	[b]Cool Under Fire:[/b]  +20 PRE; Only To Defend Against Presence Attacks (-1)

[b]Martial Arts:[b]  [i]Commando Training[/i]
Maneuver	OCV	DCV	Damage
4	Block	+2	+2	Block, Abort
4	Disarm	-1	+1	Disarm; 25 STR to Disarm
4	Escape	+0	+0	30 STR vs. Grabs
3	Joint Lock	-1	-1	Grab Two Limbs, 25 STR for holding on
3	Punch	+1	+0	5d6 Strike
1	Weapon Element:  Knives

28	[b]Necksnap:[/b]  HKA 2d6, NND (defense is rigid rPD on the neck, or anything else that 
prevents the neck/head from being turned and twisted the right way ; +1), Does 
BODY (+1); Must Target The Head (-8 OCV; -1), Must Follow Grab (-1/2), No STR 
Bonus (-1/2), Requires A STR Roll  (No Active Point penalty to Skill Roll; 12- roll; -1/4), 
END 9
17	[b]Stechkin APS:[/b]  RKA 1d6+1, 20 Charges (+1/4), Autofire (5 shots; +1/2); OAF (-1), Real 
Weapon (-1/4) plus +1 OCV; OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4), [20]
2	[b]Move Soldier!:[/b]  Running +1" (7" total), END 1
1	[b]Strong Swimmer:[/b]  Swimming +1" (3" total), END 1

[b]Perks[/b]
40	[b]Hotel Moscow:[/b]  Followers (32 x 75 point base)
[b]Notes:[/b]  Ex-Spetznaz troops from Afghanistan. They are have the basic Military Training 
Package Deal mixed with the Ranger Package Deal found in 5th Edition [i]Dark Champions[/i].
0	Fringe Benefit:  Captain
[b]Notes:[/b]  Former Spetznaz Captain, rank only applicable to members of Hotel Moscow
4	Fringe Benefit:  High-Level Leader Of Hotel Moscow
5	Money:  Well Off
6	Reputation:  Boss Of Hotel Moscow (City Of Roanapura) 14-, +3/+3d6
3	Well-Connected
20	1)  Contact:  Multiple contacts within Roanapura, SE Asia, and Moscow. 11-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Represents Balalaika's contacts within Roanapura, the Russian Military, the 
Vietnam navy, the Russian Mafia, and so on.

[b]Skills[/b]
10	[b]Marksmanship:[/b]  +2 with Ranged Combat
4	[b]Marksmanship:[/b]  +2 OCV with SVD Dragunov
12	[b]Sniper's Eye:[/b]  Penalty Skill Levels:  +8 vs. Range Modifier with with Rifles; Only When 
Balalaika Braces And/Or Sets (-1)

1	AK: Afghanistan 8-
3	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 13-
3	Climbing 13-
3	Concealment 13-
3	Demolitions 13-
3	Fast Draw (Pistols) 13-
3	High Society 13-
3	KS: Roanapura Underworld 13-
3	KS: The Military/Mercenary/Terrorist World 13-
2	KS: Spetznaz History And Customs 11-
2	KS: Soviet War In Afghanistan 11-
0	Language:  Russian (idiomatic; literate)
3	Language:  English (completely fluent; literate)
1	Language:  Japanese (basic conversation)
2	Navigation (Land) 13-
3	Oratory 13-
1	PS: Ex-Speztnaz Officer 8-
3	PS: Mission Planning And Logistics 13-
2	PS: Video Editing 11-
3	Stealth 13-
3	Streetwise 13-
6	Survival (Temperate/Subtropical, Desert, Mountain) 13-
3	Tactics 13-
3	Tracking 13-
3	TF:  Parachuting, Advanced, Parachuting, Basic, Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
6	WF:  Small Arms, General Purpose/Heavy Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Knives, 
Shoulder-Fired Weapons
[b]252	Total Powers & Skills Cost
340	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
10	Distinctive Features:  "Fry Face" -- Burn Scars On Face And Body (Concealable; Noticed 
and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Distinctive Features:  Smokes Constantly (usually cigars) (Easily Concealed; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Distinctive Features:  Spetznaz Uniform Overcoat (she wears virtually everywhere) 
(Easily Concealed; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Hunted:  Other Criminal Factions in Roanapura 11- (As Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical 
Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
20	Psychological Limitation:  Loyal To Her Own (Common, Total)
20	Psychological Limitation:  Totally Ruthless (Very Common, Strong)
175	[b]Experience
340	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Balalaika is a former Spetznaz/VDV (Russian Airborne) trooper. She saw combat in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and at one point held the rank of Captain in the Russian military. Her exact age is never specified, but my best guess puts her in her mid-30s if Black Lagoon is set circa 1995 and in her mid-40s if it is set around 2005 or so. Flash backs during Episode 21, Two Father's Little Soldier Girls, show her to look to be between 10 to 14 years-old in 1976, where it is mentioned she is training to enter the Olympics in target shooting. Eleven years later, in 1987, she is a First Lieutenant in Afghanistan, and is an expert marksman. However, in 1992 she has been stripped of her rank, is no longer a Captain, and watches dejectedly as an American wins the gold in women's Olympic rifle competition. Her face isn't scarred at this point and her hair is still fairly short. Sometime later, we see a scarred Balalaika at the funeral for her original second-in-command. She declares that "dirty money" was what killed him and it is her intent to go to war.

 

For Balalaika, war meant becoming part of Hotel Moscow, a branch of the Russian mafia. She (and her men) now live and work in the city of Roanapura, where they engage in various criminal operations designed to increase Hotel Moscow's power and influence under the cover of the "Bougainvillea Trading Company."

 

Balalaika first appears in Episode 1, The Black Lagoon, and periodically in the series after that. Episodes 19-24 (the Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise story arc) show her the most and give extensive details on her background and her personality.

 

Personality/Motivation: One can sum up Balalaika in one word: ruthless. She will get what she wants, and will not hesitate to use what ever force is needed to get it. Those crossing her can expect no mercy, and she isn't above using torture to find out what she needs to know, as well as having executing a now beaten and bloody informant once she has the information she needs. She doesn't bother with flamboyant and grandiose gestures either, although she did blow up Chin (as well as most of his apartment building) as a show of force to the other crime cartels of Roanapura.

 

Interestingly, Balalaika does have a sense of honor, and will treat fairly those who deal squarely with her. She respects (and seems to like) Dutch for example, and uses Lagoon Couriers for most of her jobs. She also seems to have a liking for Rock, probably because of the defiance he showed Asahi after they declared him "dead," as well as his business and language skills. She even tolerates Revy calling her "big/elder sister."

 

Quotes: "You think so? Don't misunderstand me. I wasn't asking, I was commanding."

"Hotel Moscow will show no mercy to anything in its way. We will reject it and annihilate it. Family, friends, even the pet dog if necessary."

"What I seek is destruction and domination. I don't have interest in anything else."

 

Powers/Tactics: As seen in Two Father's Little Soldier Girls Balalaika is a crack shot, and scores several head shots in a row using a SVD Dragunov sniper rifle. She is also skilled with handguns and manages to Rapid Fire shoot the pistols out of Revy and Roberta's hands in Episode 10 , The Unstoppable Chambermaid. She's also shown to be capable in hand-to-hand combat as well, and rather effortlessly disarms an attacker of his knife and then snaps his neck in Episode 20, The Succession. However, Balalaika's greatest "power" is her cadre of more than two dozen ex-Spetznaz/VDV troopers who served with her in Afghanistan. Known as the Desantniki (Russian for "deep strike") or the Visotoniki, these men are hardened combat veterans. Well-trained and skilled at combat operations, they are as ruthless as their Captain, and follow her with nearly fanatical devotion. Unlike most other criminal cartels, Balalaika acts as if any Hotel Moscow operation is a military one, and approaches it with military planning and precision. This is seen best in Episodes 14 and 15 (Bloodsport Fairytale and Swan Song At Dawn) when Hotel Moscow is hunting Hansel and Gretel, as well as in the entire Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise story arc, in which the Desantniki destroy the Washimine Group.

 

Appearance: Balalaika is a tall woman, standing roughly 5'10" with a strong build. She's wide in the shoulders and hips and well-endowed, with blue eyes and thick wavy blonde hair that would fall past her waist if she didn't keep it tied up. She tends to dress in low-cut business suit and wear her old uniform jacket as an overcoat. At some point she was burned and scars cover the right side of her face and her upper body (at least), resulting in her being given the derogatory nickname of "Fry-Face." However, I highly recommend against using this around her.

 

Designer's Notes: Balalaika was built around the Military Training Package Deal and the Ranger Package Deal found in 5th Edition Dark Champions. I selected skills based on scenes from the anime as well as ones that would make sense for a special forces commander. In some cases I bought the skills as a reduced level to represent the passage of time since she'd last really used it. I also applied several super-skills from Dark Champions as well, such as Necksnap and Sniper's Eye.

 

To make Balalaika less powerful, remove her Necksnap power, her Cool Under Fire, and reduce the number of Followers she can call on. To make her more powerful, give her a level of Deadly Blow with all Small Arms and more Ranged Combat levels.

 

(Balalaika created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

BENNY

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
10	STR	0	11-	Lift 100 kg; 2d6 HTH Damage
14	DEX	12	12-	OCV:  5/DCV:  5
12	CON	4	11-
10	BODY	0	11-
16	INT	6	12-	PER Roll 12-
12	EGO	4	11-	ECV:  4
13	PRE	3	12-	PRE Attack:  2 1/2d6
12	COM	1	11-

3	PD	1		Total:  3 PD (0 rPD)
3	ED	1		Total:  3 ED (0 rED)
3	SPD	6		Phases:  4, 8, 12
4	REC	0
24	END	0
21	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  38

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	2"/4"
	Swimming:	2"/4""

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills
Perks[/b]
30	[b]Benny's Hardware:[/b]  Computer system built on 150 points.
0	[b]'69 Plymouth Road Runner:[/b]  Vehicle

[b]Skills[/b]
6	[b]Hacker:[/b]  +2 with Computer Programming, Cryptography, Security Systems

3	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 12-
3	Combat Driving 12-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Used when driving his '69 Plymouth Road Runner.
10	Computer Programming (Computer Networks, Hacking and Computer Security, Personal 
Computers) 14-
3	Cryptography 12-
3	Electronics 12-
3	Inventor 12-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
3	Mechanics 12-
2	Navigation (Marine) 12-
3	PS: Computer Systems Analyst 12-
3	Research 12-
3	SS:  Computer Science 12-
1	SS:  Software Engineering 8-
1	SS:  Computer Engineering 8-
2	Security Systems 12-; Only Versus Computer Security Systems (-1/2)
3	Streetwise 12-
4	Systems Operation (Communications Systems, Radar, Sonar) 12-
1	TF:  Small Military Ships, Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
[b]87	Total Powers & Skills Cost
125	Total Character Cost

75+	Disadvantages[/b]
15	Hunted:  FBI/Mafia -- only in America 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical Area, 
Harshly Punish)
10	Physical Limitation:  Wears Glasses (Infrequently, Greatly Impairing)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Protective Of His Equipment (only Benny can use Benny's 
computers) (Uncommon, Total)
15	Psychological Limitation:  "Not The Type To Shoot At Human Beings" (Common, 
Strong)
5	Social Limitation:  Criminal Record (in America) (Occasionally, Minor)
[b]135	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: What little we know about Benny's origins comes from Episode 1, The Black Lagoon, where he mentions living in Florida. There, he "...pissed off the FBI and the mafia," and would have been killed if Revy hadn't rescued him. Presumably, his skill with electronics and computers netted him a job offer from Dutch, and he's been with Lagoon Couriers for the last two years. After Episode 18, Mr. Benny's Good Fortune, he gains a long-distance girlfriend, in the form of Janet Bhai.

 

Benny first appears in Episode 1, The Black Lagoon, and appears in most episodes after that, expect for Episodes 19-24 (the Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise story arc), where's he's virtually nonexistent.

 

Personality/Motivation: For the most part, Benny is rather easy-going. He's not much of a fighter, and readily admits to Rock that the two of them are not gunfighters in any way, shape, or form. On the other hand, being Jewish, he can't stand Nazis, and tells Dutch that "[fighting] the Nazis" is a family motto. About the only other thing he feels strongly about are his computers -- he won't let anyone else touch them.

 

Quote: "Either way, we're not the type to shoot at human beings. That's why we stay with the fort."

 

Powers/Tactics: Although not a physical combatant, Benny is a whiz with machines and usually can be found manning the Black Lagoon's electronics gear. He's also a skilled hacker (or 'cracker') and rather ably recovers Janet Bhai's data in Episode 18, Mr. Benny's Good Fortune. On top of all that, he can drive his '69 Plymouth Road Runner like a madman and can even handle the Black Lagoon in a pinch.

 

Appearance: Standing 5' 11", with a lanky build, Benny has long shaggy blond hair he keeps tied up in a pony tail. He wears glasses, is often in need of a shave, and wears Hawaiian shirts most everywhere.

 

Designer's Notes: Benny was built using the Hacker Package found in 5th Edition Dark Champions. He is otherwise fairly normal and can be used in most any modern setting.

 

(Benny created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

DUTCH

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
18	STR	8	13-	Lift 303.1 kg; 3 1/2d6 HTH Damage [4]
17	DEX	21	12-	OCV:  6/DCV:  6
18	CON	16	13-
12	BODY	4	11-
18	INT	8	13-	PER Roll 13-/15-
16	EGO	12	12-	ECV:  5
18	PRE	8	13-	PRE Attack:  3 1/2d6
11	COM	1	11-

6	PD	2		Total:  6 PD (0 rPD)
5	ED	1		Total:  5 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	13		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
8	REC	0
36	END	0
30	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  94

Movement:[/b]	Running:	7"/14"
	Leaping:	3"/6"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
5	[b]Been There, Done That:[/b]  +10 PRE; Only To Defend Against Presence Attacks (-1)
12	[b]S&W 23 Silhouette:[/b]  RKA 2d6, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4); OAF (-1), 
6 Charges (-3/4), Real Weapon (-1/4), [6]
41	[b]Quick Fire:[/b]  Area Of Effect (up to 9" Radius; +1), Selective (+1/4) for up to 90 Active 
Points of any non-Autofire shotgun; OIF (any pump-action shotgun of 
opportunity; -1/2), Extra Time (Full Phase, -1/2), Cannot Use Targeting (-1/2), Must Use 
1 Charge Per Target Fired At (-1/4)
2	[b]Move Soldier!:[/b]  Running +1" (7" total), END 1
2	[b]Observant:[/b]  +2 PER with Normal Sight

[b]Perks[/b]
20	[b]The Black Lagoon:[/b]  Vehicle
3	Well-Connected
9	1)  Contact:  Balalaika (Contact has significant Contacts of his own, Contact has very 
useful Skills or resources, Very Good relationship with Contact) 14-
10	2)  Contact:  Multiple contacts within Roanapura, and SE Asia 11-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Represents Dutch's various business contacts within Roanapura as well as the 
surrounding area(s)

[b]Talents[/b]
16	Hotshot Pilot ([i]Dark Champions[/i])
[b]Notes:[/b]  Used when piloting the [i]Black Lagoon[/i]

[b]Skills[/b]
10	+2 with Small Arms
8	[b]Quick Fire:[/b]  +4 with Rapid Fire

7	Combat Driving 14-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Used with the [i]Black Lagoon[/i]
3	Deduction 13-
3	KS: The Military/Mercenary/Terrorist World 13-
2	KS: Philosophy 11-
2	KS: United States Army History And Customs 11-
3	KS: Roanapura Underworld 13-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
3	Mechanics 13-
2	Navigation (Marine) 13-
1	PS: Ex-Soldier 8-
3	Streetwise 13-
2	Systems Operation (Radar, Radio) 13-
3	Tactics 13-
3	Trading 13-
2	TF:  Small Military Ships, Small Motorized Boats, Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
4	WF:  Small Arms, Knives, Vehicle Weapons (PT Boat)
3	Traveler
2	1)  AK:  Indonesia 13-
2	2)  AK:  South China Sea 13-
1	3)  AK:  Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and so on) 11-
2	4)  AK:  Southeastern Asian Seas (Celebes, Java, Sulu, and so on) 13-
1	5)  CK:  New York City, New York 11-
2	6)  CK:  Roanapura, Thailand 13-
[b]195	Total Powers & Skills Cost
288	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  Wears His Sunglasses Everywhere (Easily Concealed; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Hunted:  Other Criminal Factions in Roanapura 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical 
Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
20	Psychological Limitation:  "I Don't Wanna Know." (Dutch tries to remain neutral amid 
any and all conflict[s].) (Very Common, Strong)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Looks After His Employees (Common, Strong)
5	Social Limitation:  Deserter From The US Army (Occasionally, Minor)
138	[b]Experience
288	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: A former United States Marine who saw action in Vietnam, Dutch went AWOL after the fall of Saigon, eventually ending up in Roanapura. There he formed the Lagoon Company/Lagoon Couriers, and makes his living as a middleman, delivering supplies and shipments (and well as engaging in occasional piracy) for anyone who has the cash to pay him. We know little about his past other than these few basic facts, although he does compare Roberta's assault on to the battle of Khe Sanh, meaning he might have actually been there. If he was there, and was (roughly) 20 at the time, then that makes him 47 if Black Lagoon takes place in 1995, and in his early 50s if the series takes place any later. Needless to say, he certainly doesn't look his age.

 

Dutch is in most Black Lagoon episodes, first appearing in Episode 1, Black Lagoon, but vanishing for the most part in Episodes 19-24 (the Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise story arc) as they occur in Tokyo.

 

Personality/Motivation: Benny describes Dutch as "tough, smart, and weird." This is an apt description of his character, as while Dutch doesn't look to get into fights (unlike Revy), he won't shirk from combat if needed. He also manages to survive virtually all the tussles Lagoon Couriers ends up in, with nary a scratch afterwards. As for being smart... Dutch is almost as quick on the uptake as Rock and often can see points Rock makes as soon as he brings them up. He's no fool, as many who have tried to pull as fast one on him have discovered. I'm not sure about 'weird,' but he is a talkative sort, tends to give people nicknames, and can be counted on to keep his cool regardless of what's going on around him.

 

Quotes: "I don't wanna know. Snoops don't live long in this business."

"When you try and live it up by raising your useless self up on a podium, you end up with a march-loving idiot."

 

Powers/Tactics: As a former combat vet, Dutch can certainly hold his own in the average gunfight, managing to take down five Nazi thugs in just a few seconds with a pump-action shotgun in Episode 6, Moonlight Hunting Grounds. He's also quite strong and has managed to physically restrain an angry Revy from attacking several times in the series. As mentioned above, he's also rather smart, and does a fair job of managing Lagoon Courier's business contacts, and has a fairly close business relationship with Balalaika.

 

Appearance: Roughly 6'4" in height, Dutch is the tallest regular character in the show. He's bald, well muscled, with a well-trimmed black goatee/beard. He wears small rings in his ears (3 per ear), sunglasses virtually everywhere, and dresses in fatigues (boots, trousers, tank-top, and a vest).

 

Designer's Notes: As with Balalaika, I based Dutch off of the Military Training Package Deal from 5th Edition Dark Champions. In order to represent his skill at piloting/driving the Black Lagoon, I gave him Hotshot Pilot, although technically, you might want to rename it to Hotshot Helmsman.

 

To make Dutch tougher, increase his STR and give him either some low-level Brick powers, more Combat Skill Levels, or some form of Commando-style Martial Arts. To make him less powerful, remove Been There, Done That and Quick Fire.

 

(Dutch created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

EDA

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
13	STR	3	12-	Lift 151.6 kg; 2 1/2d6 HTH Damage [3]
19	DEX	27	13-	OCV:  6/DCV:  6
15	CON	10	12-
10	BODY	0	11-
13	INT	3	12-	PER Roll 12-
16	EGO	12	12-	ECV:  5
15	PRE	5	12-	PRE Attack:  3d6
16	COM	3	12-

5	PD	2		Total:  5 PD (0 rPD)
5	ED	2		Total:  5 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	11		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
6	REC	0
30	END	0
25	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  78

Movement:[/b]	Running:	7"/14"
	Leaping:	2"/4"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
17	[b]Glock 17L:[/b]  RKA 1 1/2d6, 19 Charges (+1/4); OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4) [b]plus[/b] 
+1 OCV; OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4) plus +1 vs. Range Modifier; OAF (-1), Real 
Weapon (-1/4), [19]
[b]Notes:[/b]  Polygonal Rifling:  RKA is actually 1d6+2
2	[b]Fast On Her Feet:[/b]  Running +1" (7" total), END 1

[b]Perks[/b]
6	Contact:  assorted people in and around Roanapura 11-
3	Contact:  old connections in the CIA (Contact has access to major institutions, Contact 
has useful Skills or resources) 8-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Actual level of this Contact is up to debate, depending on Eda's real status with 
the CIA. Consider this just a "placeholder" Contact.
2	Fringe Benefit:  CIA employee
[b]Notes:[/b]  Actual level of this Perk is up to debate, depending on Eda's real status with the 
CIA. Consider this just a "placeholder" Perk.
2	Fringe Benefit:  Part Of The Church Of Violence (nun)

[b]Talents[/b]
22	[b]Something's Not Right Here...:[/b]  Danger Sense (immediate vicinity, in combat, Function as 
a Sense) 12-

[b]Skills[/b]
20	+4 with Small Arms
10	[b]Tradecraft:[/b]  +2 with Interaction Skills

3	Acting 12-
3	Bureaucratics 12-
5	Fast Draw 14-
3	High Society 12-
2	KS: Christian Theology 11-
2	KS: CIA History And Customs 11-
3	KS: Roanapura Underworld 12-
2	KS: The Espionage World 11-
2	KS: The Military/Mercenary/Terrorist World 11-
2	CK: Washington, D.C. 11-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
3	Persuasion 12-
3	PS: Tradecraft 12-
3	Streetwise 12-
3	Tactics 12-
1	Trading 8-
5	WF:  Small Arms, General Purpose/Heavy Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Shoulder-
Fired Weapons
[b]129	Total Powers & Skills Cost
207	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  Nun's Habit (tends to wear this most everywhere) (Easily 
Concealed; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Distinctive Features:  Tattoo On Right Arm/Shoulder (Easily Concealed; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
10	Hunted:  CIA 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
20	Psychological Limitation:  Greedy (Common, Total)
10	Psychological Limitation:  Occasionally Lacking In Patience (Common, Moderate)
5	Rivalry:  Professional (Revy; Rival is As Powerful; Seek to Outdo, Embarrass, or 
Humiliate Rival; Rival Aware of Rivalry)
52	[b]Experience
207	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: A member of the Church of Violence, Eda is one of the more mysterious characters in Black Lagoon. We know nothing of her background except for a few hints dropped in Episode 18, Mr. Benny's Good Fortune, in which Groovy Guy Russell comments that he's seen Eda before -- in Washington DC. Eda declares that's impossible, as she's from Alabama, until she then states she's actually from Langley, Virginia. When Groovy Guy Russell exclaims that makes her CIA, she shoots him. This, of course, leads to speculation that Eda is still active with the CIA and that the Church of Violence is a possible CIA front, or that Eda is working undercover.

 

Eda first appears in Episode 7, Calm Down, Two Men, reappears for the vampire twins arc (Episodes 13-15), and is fairly central to the action during the Greenback Jane arc (Episodes 16-18).

 

Personality/Motivation: For someone who seems older than Revy (i.e. who's in her early 30s as opposed to Revy's mid-20s), Eda's maturity level seems a bit suspect. For example, when not dressed as a nun, she tends to wear short shorts, a midriff bearing tank top, and act like she's college student on Spring Break. One thing is for sure -- Eda is one of the most greedy people you'll ever meet, becoming virtually paralyzed with indecision at the sight of Gretel (see "his" character sheet for more) waving large wads of cash in front of her face. In addition, much like Revy, she can become bored rather quickly and decides to stop hunting the vampire twins mainly because she's tried of driving all over town looking for them. She also seems to be overly curious as to Revy's sex life, asking Revy several times if she's gotten anywhere with Rock (either that, or she's trying to find out if Rock is free for the taking). Of course, if she's CIA, this might all be an act, and if it is, it's a damn good one.

 

Quote: "That room has worked four times out of seven!"

 

Powers/Tactics: Although Revy calls her a "second-rate gunman," Eda is no slouch her with Glock 17L. She uses it to good effect in the Greenback Jane arc (as well as several other weapons), and even manages to plug Shenhua several times (once Revy distracted her). She also knows Roanapura rather well and has various minor Contacts scattered around town. Her skills reflect her (presumed) CIA origins, and GMs might want to give her an additional Perk for being part of the Church of Violence -- she has access to all sorts of military equipment if she needs it!

 

Appearance: Standing roughly Revy's height (about 5'6") or so, Eda has blonde hair that falls past her waist, blue eyes, and a rather well-endowed figure. She normally dresses in a full nun's habit (in the Thailand heat!) adding only a pair of purple-tinted sunglasses. When out of her nun's habit (see description of how she dresses above), one can easily spot the tattoo on her upper right arm. It looks like a military crest or some sort, but I've yet to see it clearly.

 

Designer's Notes: Like many Black Lagoon characters, Eda was built around a Dark Champions package -- in this case the espionage field agent. I edited her skills and such to fit with what is seen in the series, and added a few "placeholder" skills in case she really is CIA. As written, she makes a fine starting PC, but you can easily make her more powerful by upping her DEX and giving her some gunfighting super-skills (see Revy for more in that).

 

(Eda created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

GINJI MATSUZAKI

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
18	STR	8	13-	Lift 303.1 kg; 3 1/2d6 HTH Damage [4]
23	DEX	48	14-	OCV:  8/DCV:  8
20	CON	20	13-
13	BODY	6	12-
16	INT	6	12-	PER Roll 13-
16	EGO	12	12-	ECV:  5
20	PRE	10	13-	PRE Attack:  4d6
13	COM	2	12-

7	PD	3		Total:  7 PD (0 rPD)
6	ED	2		Total:  6 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	7		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
8	REC	0
40	END	0
32	STUN	0	[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  124

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
Leaping:	3"/6"
Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
10	[b]In Complete Control:[/b]  +20 PRE; Only To Defend Against Presence Attacks (-1)

[b]Martial Arts:[/b]  [i]Kenjutsu[/i]
[b]Maneuver	OCV	DCV	Damage[/b]
4	Charge	+0	-2	Weapon +2 DC +v/5 Strike, FMove
4	Counterstrike	+2	+2	Weapon +2 DC Strike, Must Follow Block
5	Cut	+1	+3	Weapon  Strike
4	Evade	--	+5	Dodge, Affects All Attacks, Abort
4	Lightning Stroke	+2	+0	Weapon +2 DC Strike
4	Parry	+2	+2	Block, Abort
5	Running Stroke	+1	+0	Weapon  +v/5; FMove
5	Slash	-2	+1	Weapon +4 DC Strike
0	Weapon Element:  Blades

18	[b]Shirasaya:[/b]  HKA 1 1/2d6 (2 1/2d6 w/STR), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); 
OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4) [b]plus[/b] +1 with OCV; OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4)
4	[b]Blur Of Blades:[/b]  Autofire (3 shots; +1/4) for up to 35 Active Points of HKA; Extra Time 
(Full Phase, -1/2), OIF (sword of opportunity; -1/2), END 1
7	[b]Can Cut Bullets From The Air:[/b]  Missile Deflection (Bullets & Shrapnel); 
OAF (shirasaya; -1)
2	[b]Fast On His Feet:[/b]  Running +1" (7" total)	1
10	[b]A Blur Of Motion:[/b]  Running 7", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Only To Make Half Moves In Combat (-1)
3	[b]Sharp Senses:[/b]  +1 PER with all Sense Groups

[b]Perks[/b]
5	Fringe Benefit:  Acting Leader Of The Washimine Group
2	Reputation:  The White Scabbard, a.k.a. "Man-Slayer Ginji" (The Yakuza, specifically, 
the Washimine Group) 14-, +2/+2d6
1	Money:  Well Off

[b]Talents[/b]
10	Follow-Through Attack
7	Deadly Blow:  +1d6 ([with katana/shirasaya])

[b]Skills[/b]
12	+4 with Kenjutsu
2	+2 OCV With Slash With Shirasaya
10	[b]Unhittable In Combat:[/b]  +2 with DCV

3	AK: Takamachi District 12-
3	Breakfall 14-
3	[b]Arbitrator Of Takamachi:[/b]  Bribery 13-
3	[b]Arbitrator Of Takamachi:[/b]  Bureaucratics 13-
2	CK: Tokyo 11-
3	[b]Arbitrator Of Takamachi:[/b]  Conversation 13-
3	[b]Iajutsu:[/b]  Fast Draw (Blades) 14-
10	Defense Maneuver I-IV 
3	High Society (Yakuza) 13-
3	KS: Tokyo Underworld 12-
2	KS: Washimine Group History And Customs 11-
0	Language:  Japanese (idiomatic; literate)
2	PS: Cooking 11-
5	Rapid Attack (HTH) 
3	Stealth 14-
3	Streetwise 13-
2	TF:  Common Motorized Ground Vehicles
3	[b]Arbitrator Of Takamachi:[/b]  Trading 13-
1	WF:  Blades
[b]196	Total Powers & Skills Cost
319	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
10	Distinctive Features:  Style (Not Concealable; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By 
Large Group)
10	Hunted:  Other Tokyo Yakuza Groups 11- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical Area, 
Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
20	Psychological Limitation:  Loyal To The Washimine Group (Very Common, Strong)
20	Psychological Limitation:  Yakuza Code Of Honor (Very Common, Strong)
15	Reputation:  "man-slayer Ginji", 14- (Extreme;  Known Only To Yakuza)
144	[b]Experience
319	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: A member of the Washimine Group Yakuza gang, is the Group's wakagashira (underboss), and spends much of his time acting as a bodyguard for Yukio Washimine (see her character sheet for more information). He used to be a Yakuza enforcer, going by the name of "Manslayer Ginji," or "The White Scabbard" (for his use of a shirasaya in combat). Currently, however, he works as a street stall vendor in Takamachi. When Yuriko takes up the mantle of kumicho (boss) of the Washimine Group, he resumes his warrior ways, first by rescuing Yukio from Chaka's clutches, killing a number of Russian Mafia, and then agreeing to accompany Yukio to Roanapura to start life anew. However, when this proves to be impossible, he dies fighting Revy when she comes to rescue Rock.

 

Ginji first appears in Episode 19, Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise, and is killed in Episode 24, The Gunslingers.

 

Personality/Motivation: While capable of cold-blooded slaughter, Ginji seems to be a reluctant killer (at least these days). He seems to have put his past behind him, and prefers living and working the simple life as a vendor in Takamachi. He also cares for Yuriko a great deal, and this, coupled with his sense of honor and duty to Ryuzo Washimine, results in his picking up his sword again. Although a unwilling warrior, in that he doesn't seek combat if he can help it, one Ginji draws his sword, he won't stop until either he or his foes or dead. It is this sense of honor and duty that results in his death at the hands (and guns) of Revy.

 

Quotes: "Do you want to see my sword that badly?"

"If you're lucky... no, if you're unlucky, there will be a chance to fight."

"We're all the same. No matter how far we go, we're not normal."

 

Powers/Tactics: Ginji is a master swordsman, his blade skills easily equal to Revy's gunfighter abilities. He is quite capable of moving and attacking in one smooth motion, and has been seen to cut bullets from the air. This same skill allows him to cut a man down in an eye blink, chop one of Revy's guns in two, and lop off Chaka's hands. His speed is such that he usually can strike first in any fight and will try and make sure the first blow is a killing one, allowing him to then use his Follow-Through Attack to kill a second target almost instantly. If faced with guns he will half-move and Dodge until he gets close enough to strike, either going for the gun, or the hand holding it. The speed and violence of his initial attack, coupled with his Reputation, often allow him to make an effective Presence Attack, thus making it easier for him to strike the rest of his foes.

 

Appearance: Tall enough for Revy to call him "Jumbo," Ginji stands at least 6 feet in height. He has short black hair and a neatly-trimmed beard on his chin. He tends to wear sunglasses and dresses in fairly casual clothing and a long overcoat.

 

Designer's Notes: I modeled Ginji to be the equal of Revy, Roberta, and Shenhua in a fight. He might be a SPD 5 (as could Revy, Shenhua, and maybe Roberta) if you wish. I didn't use any one package to develop his character sheet, but did adapt elements from the 5th Edition Dark Champions Gangster package as well as the 4th Edition Dark Champions Yakuza package. If you want to make Ginji more powerful give him two Damage Classes with his Martial Arts. To make him less powerful, remove both of his Talents.

 

(Ginji Matsuzaki created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

HANSEL and GRETEL

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
8	STR	-2	11-	Lift 75.8 kg; 1 1/2d6 HTH Damage [1]
15	DEX	15	12-	OCV:  5/DCV:  5
11	CON	2	11-
8	BODY	-4	11-
16	INT	6	12-	PER Roll 12-
16	EGO	12	12-	ECV:  5
13	PRE	3	12-	PRE Attack:  2 1/2d6
14	COM	2	12-

4	PD	2		Total:  4 PD (0 rPD)
4	ED	2		Total:  4 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	15		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
5	REC	2
22	END	0
21	STUN	3		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  58

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	1"/2"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
5	[b]Weapon Muscle:[/b]  +10 STR, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Only To Meet STR 
Modifier For Using Weapons (-2)
10	[b]Nothing Fazes These Two:[/b]  +20 PRE; Only To Protect Against Presence Attacks (-1)
19	[b]Battle Axe:[/b]  HKA 1 1/2d6 (2d6 w/STR), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); OAF (-1), 
Real Weapon (-1/4) plus Range Based On STR (+1/4) for up to 37 Active Points of 
HKA; 1 Recoverable Charge (-1 1/4), OAF (-1), [1 rc]
5	[b]Battle Axe:[/b]  A Second Axe
39	[b]BAR M1918A2:[/b]  RKA 2d6+1, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4), Autofire 
(5 shots; +1/2), 16 clips of 20 Charges (+3/4); OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4), [20]

[b]Perks[/b]
1	Fringe Benefit:  Passport

[b]Talents[/b]
22	[b]Wary:[/b]  Danger Sense (immediate vicinity, out of combat, Function as a Sense, 
Intuitional) 12-
4	Deadly Blow:  +1d6 (With Axe)
6	Lightning Reflexes: +4 DEX to act first with All Actions

[b]Skills[/b]
20	[b]Frighteningly Capable:[/b]  +2 Overall
16	[b]Lethal Killers: [/b] +2 with All Combat
5	[b]Small Size:[/b]  +1 with DCV

3	Acting 12-
3	Climbing 12-
3	Concealment 12-
3	[b]"Please Become Sister":[/b]  Disguise 12-
3	Fast Draw (HTH) 12-
3	Fast Draw (Ranged) 12-
3	Interrogation 12-
3	KS: Anatomy 12-
3	Language:  English (completely fluent; literate)
0	Language:  Romanian (idiomatic; literate)
1	Mimicry 12-; Only To Switch Voices With Each Other (-1)
3	[b]"Voice Of An Angel":[/b]  PS: Singing 12-
5	Rapid Attack (Ranged) 
3	Shadowing 12-
3	Stealth 12-
3	Streetwise 12-
1	TF:  Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
4	WF:  Small Arms, Axes, Maces, Hammers, and Picks, Thrown Knives, Axes, and Darts
[b]202	Total Powers & Skills Cost
260	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
20	Psychological Limitation:  Casual Killer (Common, Total)
15	Psychological Limitation:  MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder) (Common, Strong)
20	Psychological Limitation:  Psycho-/-Socio-pathic (Common, Total)
15	Reputation:  merciless killers, 14- (Extreme;  Known Only People Of Roanapura)
10	Social Limitation:  Youth (aged 10-12) (Frequently, Minor)
80	[b]Experience
260	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Identical twins, Hansel and Gretel come from the Carpathia mountains in Romania, where they were abandoned at a state-run orphanage at an early age. While there, they were forced to star in various pedophiliac films, often one in which they raped and/or killed other children. Eventually this rather brutal upbringing destroyed their minds, resulting in them becoming complete and utter psycho/socio-paths, who feel that by killing they extend their own lives, and as long as they kill, they will remain alive. Worse yet, "Hansel" and "Gretel" are adopted identities and personalities, exchanged as needed among the pair. In fact, although "Hansel" is nominally a male, and "Gretel" a girl, it is never made clear if this is really the case. The twins may be boy and girl, two boys, or two girls. Rock may know since Gretel offered herself to him (after a fashion), but we, the viewers can never be sure.

 

Brought into Roanapura by Italian mob boss Verrocchio, the so-called "vampire twins" cut a bloody swath through the Roanapura underworld, killing at least a dozen men, including Verrocchio himself. Two of those men worked for Hotel Moscow, causing Balalaika to go on the warpath. She has Hansel shot and left to die in a sunny Roanapura Park, while Gretel is killed leaving the Black Lagoon after taking the boat to another part of Thailand.

 

Hansel and Gretel first appear in Episode 13, The Vampire Twins Comen, and are killed in Episode 15, Swan Song At Dawn. Interestingly, the end credits for that episode doesn't show Revy walking along the beach, but the twins, with the final scene of them against the bright sun. There, they do appear to be male and female.

 

Personality/Motivation: The vampire twins are complete and utter sociopaths, with virtually no regard for the lives and well-being of others. They kill freely and willingly, seeing the death of others as a way to extend their own lives. As Gretel says, as long as they kill, "we can't die." More frightening still, they can switch on (and off) their preteen demeanor, acting fairly sweet, nice and innocent, until the time comes for the kill and they revert to their bloody-thirst and sadistic "normal" selves. Once they do, they will slaughter everyone one in sight, innocent or any wrongdoing or not, and have been known to drag off survivors for a later bout of torture.

 

Quotes: "Hey? Will you play with us? Come on mister, let's play."

"It can't be helped. It's kill or be killed. That's what this world is about. So let's kill. Let's kill even more."

"Because we want to [kill]. There's no other reason."

 

Powers/Tactics: The twins tend to use their age and appearance to get close to a potential victim(s). Since they are preteens, most people consider them harmless, allowing them to get settled properly before attacking. Hansel carries two throwable battle axes under his coat, while Gretel carries a BAR M1918A2 machine-gun, wrapped in a blanket. They may have other weapons, but these two are their primary killing tools. In combat, Gretel will provide covering fire, emptying the BAR's magazine as quickly as she can, while Hansel closes to hand-to-hand range. If needed, Hansel will throw his axe and draw a second one.

 

If outnumbered and outgunned, the twins will retreat, and have been known to stealing cars in order to get away. They will also use sewers, back alleys, and rooftops to move about, and have managed to disguise other young children to look like themselves as a diversion.

 

Appearance: Hansel and Gretel are nearly identical twins, with pale skin and hair so blond it looks white. The dress in semiformal traditional-looking Eastern European clothes, described as looking like "mourning clothes." Hansel has short hair (it falls to his lower jaw) while Gretel's falls to past her waist. However, there's a scene where Gretel tells Hansel "Please Become Sister" and hands him her wig, showing that both have short hair and bringing into question which, if any, of the pair, is female (or male...).

 

Designer's Notes: Hansel and Gretel, the vampire twins, have to be two of the most disturbing characters I've ever encountered in any media. They are true sociopaths, having little to no compassion for others (as well as an unhealthy attraction to each other), and will gladly kill, dismember, and torture virtually anyone merely for the sheer joy of it. Thus, any GM really needs to carefully consider if introducing such characters is something his campaign and players can handle. Partially due to the twins' sheer evilness and partially due to the fact the twins aren't grown people, but roughly 10 year-old children. The twins aren't redeemable (not any more), and odds are the only choice any PCs in a Dark Champions game will have when dealing with them will involve bullets and blood. By the same token, any GM who choses to use Hansel and Gretel in his game needs to resist any temptation to give the twins' a "lighter" side. They should be presented as the frightening, death-dealing monsters they really are, who combine almost angelic looks and manners with a virtually demonic thirst for blood and pain.

 

The character sheet for Hansel and Gretel was built around the small child character sheet in HERO System 5th Edition, Revised. I added in a few abilities from 5th Edition Dark Champions (such as Gun Muscle), and used stats from Fantasy Hero for the axe, and from Pulp Hero for the M1918A2 BAR.

 

(Hansel and Gretel created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

More to come.

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

JANET BHAI

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
8	STR	-2	11-	Lift 75.8 kg; 1 1/2d6 HTH Damage [1]
11	DEX	3	11-	OCV:  4/DCV:  4
10	CON	0	11-
8	BODY	-4	11-
16	INT	6	12-	PER Roll 12-
12	EGO	4	11-	ECV:  4
11	PRE	1	11-	PRE Attack:  2d6
14	COM	2	12-

3	PD	1		Total:  3 PD (0 rPD)
3	ED	1		Total:  3 ED (0 rED)
3	SPD	9		Phases:  4, 8, 12
4	REC	0
20	END	0
17	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  21

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	1"/2"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
5	[b]Sheer Dumb Luck:[/b]  Luck 1d6

[b]Skills[/b]
3	Acrobatics 11-
3	Climbing 11-
8	Computer Programming (Computer Networks, Hacking and Computer Security, Personal 
Computers) 13-
3	Electronics 12-
5	Forgery (Paper Money) 14-
3	KS: Currency Of The United States 12-
3	KS: Currency Printing Techniques And Technology 12-
3	KS: World Currency And How It's Made 12-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
2	PS: Computer-Aided Graphic Design 11-
2	SS:  Computer Science 11-
1	Streetwise 8-
1	Systems Operation (Computer Systems) 8-
[b]42	Total Powers & Skills Cost
53	Total Character Cost

25+	Disadvantages[/b]
10	Physical Limitation:  Wears Glasses (Infrequently, Greatly Impairing)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Stubborn (Common, Strong)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
5	Unluck: 1d6
8	[b]Experience
58	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Janet (a.k.a. "Greenback Jane") is an Indian counterfeiter hired by some American gangsters out of Florida to make copies of the American 100 dollar bill. As she is very precise in making copies, and pays attention to even the most minor details, she also takes far longer to create the masters than the gangsters would like. After they shoot one of her partners, Jane escapes and ends up hiding in the Church of Violence. They almost kick her out, but not before getting into a gunfight with the gangsters chasing her. After the gangsters leave, Eda sends Jane to a hotel in town, telling her she'll be safe there. Eda then leaks this information to the Roanapura underworld. But not to worry, the plan Eda's cooked up has worked four times out of seven....

 

Janet Bhai appears in Episodes 16-18 (Greenback Jane, The Roanapur Freakshow Circus, and Mr. Benny's Good Fortune). In Episode 19, Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise, she started an internet romance with Benny.

 

Personality/Motivation: Jane is a perfectionist (or so it seems) as she won't allow the gangsters to use her counterfeit money plates until they are virtually perfect. Not to mention her demands for the exact paper, printer type, inks, and so on. She won't back down from threats (well, not without protest), and wants to do things her way. Of course, she's not an idiot, and knows when to compromise -- she just won't be happy about it.

 

Quote: "What? What's going on?"

 

Powers/Tactics: Aside from her smarts and knowledge of counterfeiting, Jane doesn't have much in the way of combat skills. She's a hacker of sorts, however, knows just about everything needed to print US currency, and can run from danger with the best of them.

 

Appearance: Janet Bhai is a pretty Indian woman with tanned skin and blond hair. She wear glasses, has a nice figure, and tends to dress in blouses and skirts.

 

Designer's Notes: Janet is a fairly normal human with some specific skills. I used The Ultimate Skill to get some idea for what she should know about forging bank notes. Her 1d6 of Luck is what lets her escape the thugs in Roanapura (you might want to make it 2d6), while her 1d6 of Unluck usually results in her tripping, falling down, and giving everyone a nice look at her legs and underwear.

 

(Janet Bhai created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

REVY

(Rebecca)

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
13	STR	3	12-	Lift 151.6 kg; 2 1/2d6 [3]
23	DEX	48	14-	OCV:  8/DCV:  8
17	CON	14	12-
13	BODY	6	12-
10	INT	0	11-	PER Roll 11-
13	EGO	6	12-	ECV:  4
15	PRE	5	12-	PRE Attack:  3d6
16	COM	3	12-

6	PD	3		Total:  6 PD (0 rPD)
5	ED	2		Total:  5 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	7		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
6	REC	0
34	END	0
30	STUN	1		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  98

Movement:[/b]	Running:	7"/14"
	Leaping:	5"/10"
	Swimming:	4"/8"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
7	[b]Can Handle Her Booze:[/b]  +10 CON; Only For Resisting The Effects Of Intoxication (-2)
10	[b]"This Is More Entertaining Than Hollywood":[/b]  +20 PRE; Only To Protect Against 
Presence Attacks (-1)

[b]Martial Arts:[/b]  [i]Dirty Infighting/"Gun-fu"[/i]
[b]Maneuver	OCV	DCV	Damage[/b]
4	Block	+2	+2	Block, Abort
[b]Notes:[/b]  Block uses her handguns
4	Dodge	--	+5	Dodge, Affects All Attacks, Abort
5	Flying Dodge	--	+4	Dodge All Attacks, Abort; FMove
5	Flying Kick	+1	-2	6 1/2d6 Strike
3	Punch	+1	+0	4 1/2d6 Strike
0	Weapon Element:  Handguns

11	[b]Sword Cutlass (Beretta 92F Custom):[/b]  RKA 1d6+1, 4 clips of 15 Charges (+1/4); 
OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4), [15]
5	[b]Sword Cutlass (Beretta 92F Custom):[/b] A Second Sword Cutlass

60	[b]Master Gunfighter:[/b]  Multipower, 90-point reserve, all slots OIF (any non-Autofire 
firearm of opportunity; -1/2)
3u	1)  [b]"I'm Miss Rebecca. I Have No Equal With A Gun.":[/b]  Area Of Effect (up to 12" 
Radius; +1 1/4), Selective (+1/4) for up to 60 Active Points of any non-Autofire firearm; 
OIF (any non-Autofire firearm of opportunity; -1/2), Cannot Use Targeting (-1/2), No 
Range (-1/2), Must Use 1 Charge Per Target Fired At (-1/4)
1u	2)  [b]Double Tap:[/b]  Autofire (2 shots; +1/4) for up to 60 Active Points of any non-Autofire 
RKA, Both Shots Must Be At Same Target (+0); OIF (firearm of opportunity; -1/2)
1u	3)  [b]Quick Fire:[/b]  Autofire (5 shots; +1/2) for up to 60 Active Points of any non-Autofire 
firearm; OIF (any non-Autofire firearm of opportunity; -1/2), Cannot Use 
Targeting (-1/2)

8	[b]Springing About The Battlefield:[/b]  Leaping +3" (5 1/2" forward, 2 1/2" upward) 
(Accurate), END 1
5	[b]Combat Leaping:[/b]  Leaping 5" (Accurate), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Forward 
Movement Only (-1), Only To Make Half Moves In Combat (-1)
2	[b]Fast On Her Feet:[/b]  Running +1" (7" total), END 1
10	[b]Combat Running:[/b]  Running 7", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Only To Make Half 
Moves In Combat (-1)
2	[b]"[swimming Is] Like Second Nature To Her":[/b]  Swimming +2" (4" total), END 1

[b]Perks[/b]
4	Reputation:  "Two-Hands" (expert gunfighter) (Roanapura Underworld) 14-, +2/+2d6

[b]Talents[/b]
9	[b]"Two-Hands":[/b]  Ambidexterity (no Off Hand penalty)
6	Combat Luck (3 PD/3 ED)
15	Combat Sense 11-
27	Danger Sense (immediate vicinity, out of combat, Function as a Sense) 11-
4	Deadly Blow:  +1d6 (with Sword Cutlass)

[b]Skills[/b]
30	[b]"All These [Guns] Need To Do Is Hit.":[/b]  +6 with Ranged Combat
8	Penalty Skill Levels:  +4 vs. Hit Location modifiers with Small Arms
8	[b]Never Stands Still In Combat:[/b]  +4 with DCV; Only if Character Makes A Half Move Or 
Full Move (-1), Costs Endurance (-1/2)

3	Acrobatics 14-
3	Breakfall 14-
5	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 14-
1	CK: New York City, New York 8-
3	Combat Driving 14-
10	Defense Maneuver I-IV 
3	Electronics 13-; Only For Hot-Wiring Cars (-1)
3	Fast Draw (Small Arms) 14-
1	KS: Currency Of The United States 8-
5	KS: Firearms 14-
2	KS: Modern Military Weaponry 11-
4	KS: Roanapura Underworld 13-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
3	PS: Knot-Tying 14-
1	PS: Play Harmonica 8-
5	Rapid Attack (Ranged) 
5	Rapid Autofire
2	Sleight Of Hand 14-; Only To Perform Gun Tricks (-1/2)
5	Streetwise 13-
1	Systems Operation (Radio) 8-
3	TF:  Common Motorized Ground Vehicles, SCUBA, Two-Wheeled Motorized Ground 
Vehicles
10	[b]"Two Hands":[/b]  Two-Weapon Fighting (Ranged) 
4	WF:  Small Arms, Grenade Launchers, Shoulder-Fired Weapons
[b]339	Total Powers & Skills Cost
437	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  A Killer's Eyes (Not Concealable; Noticed and Recognizable; 
Detectable Only By Small Group)
10	Distinctive Features:  Tattoo On Right Shoulder And Arm (Concealable; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
15	Hunted:  New York Police Department -- only in America/NYC 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, 
Limited Geographical Area, Harshly Punish)
5	Hunted:  Other Criminal Factions in Roanapura 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical 
Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
15	Psychological Limitation:  Bad/Explosive/Short Tempered (rapid mood swings) 
(Common, Strong)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Casual Killer (Common, Strong)
15	Psychological Limitation:  "[Money] Is Power. And A Lot More Useful Than God."  
(Very Common, Moderate)
5	Rivalry:  Professional (Eda; Rival is As Powerful; Seek to Outdo, Embarrass, or Humiliate 
Rival; Rival Aware of Rivalry)
5	Social Limitation:  Criminal Record (in New York City) (Occasionally, Minor)
[b]247	Experience
437	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: As with most of the members of Lagoon Couriers, we known precious little about Revy's origins. Comments by Revy, as well as small snippets in the anime (and I presume in the manga) give us the occasional glimpse, allowing the following profile of Revy's early years to be built --

 

Rebecca/Revy grew up in New York City, possibly somewhere around the 27th Police Precinct (A fictitious precinct. If real it would be located on the north end of Central Park.). She apparently was a street kid from an early age, running with the gangs and generally raising hell. It wasn't an easy life (Revy mentions getting beaten by the police at one point for something she didn't do) and impressed on her the value of money and power, and how money often equals power (as well as how power usually gets one money). We can only guess at the violence Revy saw and/or was part of, as in one episode she rather offhand mentions killing, stealing, and so on to Rock. At some point she started practicing with handguns, firing at cans and the like down on Mott Street (a real NYC street located just north of Chinatown). All of these elements came to a head when she murdered someone by placing a pillow over their body, pressing a snub-nosed revolver to it and pulling the trigger (hence the feathers in the opening credits).

 

Afterwards (I presume), Revy was arrested (for murder and attempted murder based on the opening credits), tried, convicted, and sent to prison. This is when I am guessing she gained the tattoo and long hair, as flashbacks of her in New York on Mott Street and standing over her murder victim show her with short, collar-length hair.

 

Once Revy was released, I can only guess she decided to leave New York City and the United States. Somehow she ended up in Thailand and the city of Roanapura, where she learned gunfighting from Mr. Chan and eventually was hired by Dutch to be Lagoon Courier's muscle.

 

Revy first appears in Episode 1, The Black Lagoon, and every episode after that. Episode 5, Eagle Hunting And Hunting Eagles, has Revy talking a bit about her younger years and how they shaped her opinion of the world.

 

Personality/Motivation: To Revy there are only two things that matter in the world -- guns and money. The latter can get you the former, and the former can get you a great deal of the latter. She doesn't see much use for God, compassion, love for your fellow man, and so on, since virtually none of that was shown to her while she was growing up... so why show it to anyone else? To her, power is all that matters, since power can get you all you need. This is probably why she's a abrasive as she is, since she can't show weakness to anyone, else they'll walk all over her. To Revy, diplomacy is simply which gun to best threaten someone with.

 

Revy's fascination with guns and power means that she is fairly callous and uncaring killer, and often smiles almost maniacally during gunfights. She will kill most anyone and everyone without hesitation, having an almost psychopathic love for gunfighting and violence in general. Dutch comments that whenever Lagoon Couriers gets a new addition, Revy goes on a killing spree, as seen in Episode 6, Moonlit Hunting Grounds, where she tries to kill everyone on board the Nazi ship, including the civilian crew members that Nazis had hired to run the boat. Later Revy states she can't work with Rock because he doesn't belong with the like of Dutch and Revy, but with the "other side."

 

It is possible that Revy has a death wish, hence her desire to get into violent gunfights with the toughest people possible. She certainly drools at the prospect of facing off against Ginji, especially once she saw him cut a bullet out of the air with his sword. It may also be that her getting in to, and surviving, violent confrontations simply reinforces her own self image and her right to exist. Basically, if she lives and you dies, then you weren't strong enough, were you?

 

Quotes: "When I was a brat and crawling around in the streets, for some reason God and love were always sold out."

"What can a powerless Chinese bitch rely on if there's no God? It's money. And guns. With those two things, the world's a great place."

"I've got no complaints if I can kill who I can kill and steal what I can steal."

"If you cling to being alive, you become frightened and your eyes get clouded. If you don't have that desire to begin with, you can fight on, right until the end of the world."

 

Powers/Tactics: Revy is one of the most skilled gunfighters you will ever see in any media. She certainly is one of the top anime gunfighters, being up there with Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D Wolfwood from Trigun and Arucard from Hellsing. I'd also rank her up there with most any Chow Yun-Fat's characters in such films as Hard Boiled and The Killer. Her line of "I'm Miss Rebecca. I Have No Equal With A Gun." is not mere hyperbole.

 

Revy tends to fight with a gun in each hand, firing them rapidly and often hitting multiple targets with each burst. She is seen firing both guns down either end of a hallway while looking down at the floor. She has almost a 'zen-like' ability to know where her targets out and to hit them regardless of what she and they are doing. Most of the time she uses only one shot per person, but will do perform a "double tap" on people who she wants to put down and keep down.

 

Her ability to move in combat is almost unparalleled and one of the reasons Revy can survive most fights without a scratch. She won't stand still if at all possible, and will leap and tumble about the combat zone, using her DCV levels to avoid gunfire. About the only way to hit her in a gunfight is to do what Roberta did -- fire a grenade at her.

 

Appearance: Revy is a Chinese-American woman who is probably only in her mid-twenties. She stands around 5'5" or so, with a trim but still curvy build that she manages to maintain despite a diet apparently consisting only of alcohol, cigarettes, and take-out pizza. She has dark purplish hair, an intricate "tribal" tattoo on her right shoulder and upper arm, and dresses in unlaced combat boots, partially undone Daisy Dukes held in place by a military web-belt, a short black tank-top, and a two-gun shoulder holster that contains her customized twin 9mm "Sword Cutlass" Beretta 92F automatic pistols.

 

Designer's Notes: As with Ginji (and Roberta and Shenhua), Revy might need a 5 SPD to fully simulate how well she can outfight most anyone else. On the other hand, I got great use out of 5th Edition Dark Champions and its various super-skills, which is how I built her Multipower. I'm not sure if you'd want to make Revy more powerful, as she's the second most expensive character in the setting, but... I'd give her a 5 SPD, up her CON, and give her another level of Deadly Blow. To make her (far) less powerful, remove her Master Gunfighter Multipower.

 

(Revy created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

"A Blessing For The Living,

A Flower Branch For the Dead,

With The Sword Of Justice,

A Punishment Of Death To Evildoers,

And We Will Arrive At The Altar Of The Saints."

 

ROBERTA

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
30	STR	30	15-	Lift 1600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage [6]
23	DEX	48	14-	OCV:  8/DCV:  8
20	CON	20	13-
13	BODY	6	12-
15	INT	5	12-	PER Roll 12-
15	EGO	10	12-	ECV:  5
15	PRE	5	12-	PRE Attack:  3d6
16	COM	3	12-

8	PD	2		Total:  8 PD (0 rPD)
8	ED	4		Total:  8 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	7		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
10	REC	0
40	END	0
38	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  142

Movement:[/b]	Running:	9"/36"
	Leaping:	6"/12"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
10	[b]Battle-Hardened:[/b]  +20 PRE; Only To Defend Against Presence Attacks (-1)

70	[b]Suitcase Full Of Guns:[/b]  Multipower, 105-point reserve, all slots IAF (weapons hidden in 
suitcase; -1/2)
6u	1)  [b]M249 SAW:[/b]  RKA 2d6, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4), Autofire 
(10 shots; +1), 200 Charges (+1); IAF (weapons hidden in suitcase; -1/2), Real 
Weapon (-1/4) [b]plus[/b] +1 OCV; IAF (weapons hidden in suitcase; -1/2), Real Weapon (-1/4) 
[b]plus[/b] Penalty Skill Levels:  +1 vs. Range Modifier with All Attacks; IAF (weapons hidden 
in suitcase; -1/2), Real Weapon (-1/4), [200]
2u	2)  [b]Grenade Launcher:[/b]  EB 8d6, Explosion (+1/2); 2 clips of 4 Charges (-3/4), IAF 
(weapons hidden in suitcase; -1/2), Real Weapon (-1/4), [4]

23	[b]Franchi SPAS-12:[/b]  RKA 2 1/2d6, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4), Area Of Effect 
(One Hex; +1/2); 8 Charges (-1/2), IAF (shotgun-umbrella; -1/2), Limited Range 
(20"; -1/4), Real Weapon (-1/4), Reduced By Range (-1/4), Reduced Penetration (-1/4), [8]
14	[b]Sistema Colt Modelo 1927:[/b]  RKA 2d6-1, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4); 
OAF (-1), 2 clips of 7 Charges (-1/4), Real Weapon (-1/4) plus +1 OCV; OAF (-1), Real 
Weapon (-1/4), [7]
5	[b]Sistema Colt Modelo 1927:[/b]  a second Sistema Colt Modelo 1927
13	[b]Kevlar Umbrella:[/b]  Armor (8 PD/8 ED), Usable Simultaneously (up to 2 people at once; 
self and one other person; +1/2); OAF (umbrella -- this contains the SPAS-12; -1), 
Nonpersistent (-1/4), Real Armor (-1/4), Second Person Must Stand In Same Hex As 
Umbrella-Holder To Gain Its Protection (-1/4)
26	[b]What Is She? The Terminator?:[/b]  Physical Damage Reduction, 50%; STUN Only (-1/2) 
[b]plus[/b] Energy Damage Reduction, 50%; STUN Only (-1/2)
11	[b]Can Keep Up With A Car:[/b]  Running +3" (9" total), x4 Noncombat, END 1
4	[b]Not Going Anywhere!:[/b]  Clinging (normal STR); Only To Remain On A Surface (such as 
the roof of a speeding car) (-1), Cannot Resist Knockback (-1/4)

[b]Perks[/b]
1	[b]Roberta:[/b]  False Identity
[b]Notes:[/b]  Real ID:  Rosarita Cisneros, a.k.a. the "Hunting Dog of Florencia"
2	Reputation:  Bloodhound/Hunting Dog of Florencia (Columbia Drug Cartels) 
14-, +2/+2d6

[b]Talents[/b]
32	[b]"She Knew What Was Going On Long Before I Did.":[/b]  Danger Sense (general area, out of 
combat, Function as a Sense) 11-
10	Deadly Blow:  +1d6 (any circumstances, any firearm)

[b]Skills[/b]
32	+4 with All Combat
8	[b]Hard To Hit:[/b]  +4 with DCV; Only if Character Makes A Half Move Or Full Move (-1), 
Costs Endurance (-1/2)

2	AK: Columbia (South America) 11-
2	AK: Venezuela 11-
3	Acrobatics 14-
3	Acting 11-
3	Breakfall 14-
3	Combat Driving 14-
3	Concealment 11-
10	Defense Maneuver I-IV 
1	Electronics 11-; Only For Hot-Wiring Cars (-1)
3	Fast Draw (Knife) 14-
3	Fast Draw (Small Arms) 14-
6	[b]Fast Draw Rig In Sleeves:[/b]  +4 with Fast Draw; IIF (rig in her sleeves; -1/4)
0	Language:  Spanish (idiomatic; literate)
3	Language:  English (completely fluent; literate)
5	Precise Sprayfire II
3	TF:  Common Motorized Ground Vehicles, Carts & Carriages, Equines
10	Two-Weapon Fighting (Ranged) 
6	WF:  Small Arms, Blades, General Purpose/Heavy Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, 
Shoulder-Fired Weapons
2	Weaponsmith (Firearms) 11-
[b]340	Total Powers & Skills Cost
482	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
20	DNPC:  Garcia Loveless 11- (Incompetent)
5	Distinctive Features:  Maid's Uniform (tends to wear this most everywhere) (Easily 
Concealed; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Distinctive Features:  Very Polite Mode Of Speech (Easily Concealed; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
5	Distinctive Features:  A Killer's Eyes/Eyes Of A Soldier (Not Concealable; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable Only By Small Group)
20	Hunted:  Interpol 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Capture)
15	Hunted:  Colombian Drug Cartels 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical Area, Harshly 
Punish)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
25	Psychological Limitation:  Loyal To And Protective Of Garcia Loveless And The 
Loveless Family (Very Common, Total)
10	Social Limitation:  Wanted Terrorist (Occasionally, Major)
277	[b]Experience
482	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Nominally a maid in the household of Diego Jose San Fernando Loveless, Roberta's true origins are far more sinister. In truth, she's really Rosarita Cisneros, a former solider with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (a.k.a. FARC), who was trained to be an assassin in Cuba. During her time with FARC she murdered numerous people, including women and children, and gained the moniker "The Hound of Florencia" due to her relentless nature in battle. However, once she realized she wasn't fighting for the Revolution, but instead to protect the drug cartels, she left FARC and ended up working as a maid for the Loveless family (where her cooking and cleaning skills are rather less then stellar...).

 

When the Mainsarera Cartel kidnapped Garcia Loveless and had Lagoon Couriers bring him to Roanapura, Roberta followed. She appeared at the Yellow Flag and ended up blowing the place apart fighting with the Cartel's soldiers. She also fought with Revy, winning after a brutal known-down drag-out fistfight and took Garcia safely home to Venezuela. Apparently, later in the manga she returns to Roanapura, searching for whoever killed Diego Loveless, followed by another Loveless combat maid -- Fabiola Iglesias.

 

Roberta first arrives in Episode 8, Rasta Blasta, blows up the Yellow Flag in Episode 9, Maid To Kill, and returns home in Episode 10, the aptly-named The Unstoppable Chambermaid.

 

Personality/Motivation: For all her violent potential, Roberta is normally very polite and reserved, speaking in a soft voice, saying please and thank you, and generally acting in a somewhat submissive (or, at least, inoffensive) manner. She even gives a curtsey as she drops roughly a dozen hand grenades from under her dress. In fact, she only loses her cool and shows anything other than calm efficiency when Balalaika starts to tell Garcia who Roberta really is and what she did before becoming a maid for the Loveless family. Garcia for his part doesn't care about Roberta's past, and asks Roberta not to pick up her guns again -- he finds this other Roberta more than a little frightening (and with good reason).

 

Quotes: "I am just a lonely soul who has come all the way from South America. I am in search of a place where I can find my countryman."

"I hope you'll excuse me, but I'm afraid I may have to be rude."

"I swear on the name of Santa Maria to smite the unrighteous with my hammer!"

 

Powers/Tactics: Where to begin? Roberta may be the most combat effective character in all of Black Lagoon. She is skilled with all manner of weapons, including small arms, knives, grenades, grenade launchers, and a light machine-gun. She's stronger than Dutch, as fast as Revy, and tougher than both of them. She can punch out a car's window, hot wire it, and drive over rooftops. She runs fast enough to catch a car, strong enough to hold on, and keeps twin Colt 45s up her sleeves. Unarmed her sheer strength is enough to almost put Revy out with a single punch, especially since she's not above such simple trick of telling her foe her shoe's untied (and Revy fell for it too....).

 

Roberta keeps most of her weapons crammed into her suitcase. There is what looks like a M249 SAW in there, and some sort of semi-auto grenade launcher. One shot from the anime shows knives, brass knuckles, and hand grenades tucked inside as well. Roberta's umbrella is has a SPAS-12 semi-auto shotgun for a shaft, while the fabric layer is made from some sort of flexible Kevlar-like material. Roberta can fire this one-handed, at arm's length.

 

In combat Roberta will use whatever tactics are best of the situation. In one case, she popped the umbrella, let her foes fire at the armored surface, and then opened up with the shotgun once they paused to reload. She also used the suitcase to basically spray down the Yellow Flag with bullets, ducking behind a support pillar to avoid return fire. While she won't run from a fight, she can be made to withdraw, but that only means she's gathering her strength of a fresh attack.

 

Appearance: Standing at 5'7", Roberta has black hair and blue eyes she hides behind a pair of fake glasses (to make her look less threatening and to symbolize her new life). She wears the classic maid's outfit (black dress, white apron, hair frill, stockings, and so on), with a fast draw rig up the sleeves for her pistols. She normally carries her shotgun-umbrella and a suitcase full of firepower in her hands.

 

Designer's Notes: Rock likens Roberta to the Terminator, and he's not far off. Certain scenes in the anime pay homage to the sequence in Terminator II where the T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick) chases after the car our heroes are escaping in, especially her running style (visually identical), and her use of a knife to climb up the back of Benny's car. She is also an obvious homage to Robert Rodriguez's character of "El Mariachi," especially with regards to the shootout in the Yellow Flag and her "suitcase full of guns."

 

Roberta was built by basically taking Dutch and Revy and mixing them together. Her weaponry is all adapted from material seen in 5th Edition Dark Champions. Benny comments that Roberta, Revy, and Balalaika are the "three scariest women in the world."

 

If, for some reason, you want to make Roberta more powerful give her some sort of Martial Art, such as Commando Training or Dirty Infighting. To make her less powerful, get rid of some of her specialty guns, like her suitcase or the shotgun.

 

(Roberta created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

ROCK

(Rokurou Okajima)

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
9	STR	-1	11-	Lift 87.1 kg; 1 1/2d6 HTH Damage [2]
13	DEX	9	12-	OCV:  4/DCV:  4
11	CON	2	11-
10	BODY	0	11-
18	INT	8	13-	PER Roll 13-/14-
14	EGO	8	12-	ECV:  5
11	PRE	1	11-	PRE Attack:  2d6
14	COM	2	12-

4	PD	2		Total:  4 PD (0 rPD)
4	ED	2		Total:  4 ED (0 rED)
3	SPD	7		Phases:  4, 8, 12
4	REC	0
22	END	0
21	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  40

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	1"/2"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
7	[b]Can Handle His Booze:[/b]  +10 CON; Only For Resisting The Effects Of Intoxication (-2)
5	[b]"Villain In Training":[/b]  +10 PRE; Only To Defend Against Presence Attacks (-1)
1	[b]Sharp Ears:[/b]  +1 PER with Normal Hearing

[b]Perks[/b]
1	Favor from Balalaika

[b]Skills[/b]
10	[b]Understands The World Of Business:[/b]  +2 with Interaction Skills

3	Bureaucratics 11-
3	Combat Driving 12-
[b]Notes:[/b]  Used with automobile.
1	Computer Programming (Personal Computers) 8-
3	Conversation 11-
5	Deduction 14-
3	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 13-
2	CK: Tokyo 11-
3	Persuasion 11-
2	PS: Salariman (for Asahi Heavy Industries) 11-
3	SS:  Geology (specifically rare earths and rare earth metals) 13-
2	SS:  Mathematics 11-
1	Streetwise 8-
3	Trading 11-
2	TF:  SCUBA, Small Motorized Boats, Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
3	Linguist
2	1)  Language:  English (completely fluent; literate)
1	2)  Language:  Italian (basic conversation; literate)
0	3)  Language:  Japanese (idiomatic; literate)
1	4)  Language:  Spanish (fluent conversation; literate)
3	Scholar
1	1)  KS: Asahi Heavy Industries History And Customs 11-
2	2)  KS: Rare Earths/Rare Earth Metals/Elements Of The Periodic Table 13-
1	3)  KS: Roanapura Underworld 11-
2	4)  KS: Tea 13-
2	5)  KS: The Business World 13-
2	6)  KS: The Loveless Family 13-
[b]80	Total Powers & Skills Cost
120	Total Character Cost

75+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  "Different"/Out Of His Realm (Not Concealable; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Large Group; Not Distinctive In Some Cultures)
5	Hunted:  Other Criminal Factions in Roanapura 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical 
Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
15	Psychological Limitation:  Tries To Adhere To A Moral Code (Common, Strong)
5	Social Limitation:  Declared Dead In Japan (Occasionally, Minor)
15	[b]Experience
120	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: A salariman with Asahi Heavy Industries, Rokurou Okajima (nicknamed "Rock" by Dutch) was the head of Materials Procurement, which meant he went on business trips, made phone calls, wrote reports, and generally "sucked up" to his bosses. At one point he was asked to hand-deliver a CD of information to a location in south east Asia, a trip that resulted in his being captured by the crew of the Black Lagoon. Asahi, in an effort to cover-up the contents of the CD, sent a mercenary unit after the Black Lagoon, with orders to kill all involved -- Rock included.

 

The crew of the Black Lagoon, assisted by Rock, managed to defeat the mercenaries, and when all was said and done, Rock discovered he'd been declared dead by Asahi back in Japan. Refusing a request to join his department chief for a trip back to Japan, Rock instead elected to remain with Lagoon Couriers, where he could decide his own fate. Currently he serves as their account manager, dealing with the company's contacts on a diplomatic level.

 

Rock appears in Episode 1, The Black Lagoon, and every episode afterwards. Episode 7, Calm Down, Two Men, provides a bit of insight into his character, as well as his talk with Revy in the wreck of the U-1234 in Eagle Hunting And Hunting Eagles. In addition, the entire Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise story arc reveals a lot about Rock -- both his background and his motivations.

 

Personality/Motivation: The strongest impression I get of Rock is of a man who isn't certain where he belongs. He obviously didn't like corporate life much and describes a rather distant family relationship. His parents apparently don't think much of him since he didn't pass his college exams on the first try and pay far more attention to his older brother, who has a governmental job. He sticks with Lagoon Couriers because he considers them his friends, but even then, is often taken back by the violence that is a regular occurrence in Roanapura. Interestingly, it is this aversion to violence, as well as Rock's use of diplomacy when dealing with others, that has brought him to the attention of such people as Balalaika, Yolonda, and even Eda (who seems to be romantically interested in him).

 

Quotes: "When I was invited by [Revy], it was like something blew through me. Something snapped."

"I am... I am where I'm standing. No where else."

"These are my friends, but they're worth sticking with."

"I feel like I've been running away since kindergarten."

 

Powers/Tactics: For a man who failed his college entrance exams, Rock is a very bright individual. He picks up on subtle clues quickly and is often the first to notice if something isn't right with a job. Skilled at dealing with people, he speaks several languages, including his native Japanese, English, Spanish, and seems to be familiar with others, such as Italian, Russian, and Romanian. Time spent chugging drinks at corporate functions has given him a strong tolerance for alcohol, while his time in Roanapura has jaded him to most displays of violence.

 

Appearance: Rock is of abut average height for a Japanese male (.i.e. 5'6" or so), with a slender build. He still dresses like a salariman, in slacks, white dress shirt, and tie, and apparently never bothers to wear anything else, even the Hawaiian shirt Revy bought for him at the market.

 

Designer's Notes: I built Rock as a normal, but boosted his INT and EGO to match scenes from the anime. Can Handle His Booze was taken from Pulp Hero and allows him to match Revy drink for drink.

 

(Rock created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

SAWYER the CLEANER

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
13	STR	3	12-	Lift 151.6 kg; 2 1/2d6 [3]
15	DEX	15	12-	OCV:  5/DCV:  5
15	CON	10	12-
10	BODY	0	11-
13	INT	3	12-	PER Roll 12-
13	EGO	6	12-	ECV:  4
15	PRE	5	12-	PRE Attack:  3d6
10	COM	0	11-

5	PD	2		Total:  5 PD (0 rPD)
4	ED	1		Total:  4 ED (0 rED)
3	SPD	5		Phases:  4, 8, 12
6	REC	0
30	END	0
25	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  50

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	2"/4"
	Swimming:	2"/4"
	Tunneling:	1"/2"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
27	[b]Chainsaw:[/b]  Multipower, 55-point reserve, all slots OAF (chainsaw; -1)
2u	1)  [b]Blade:[/b]  HKA 1d6+1 (1 1/2d6 w/STR), Activation Roll 15-, Burnout (chance varies 
according to what is being cut through, normally it is a base 15-; +0), +1 Increased STUN 
Multiplier (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Continuous (+1); OAF (-1), No 
Knockback (-1/4), Real Weapon (-1/4)
1u	2)  [b]Cutting Through Walls:[/b]  Tunneling 1" through 5 DEF material, Activation Roll 15-, 
Burnout (chance varies according to what is being cut through, normally it is a 
base 15-; +0), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); OAF (chainsaw; -1)1

7	[b]Chainsaw Blocking:[/b]  Missile Deflection (Bullets & Shrapnel); OAF (chainsaw; -1)
7	[b]Ultravoice:[/b]  Hearing Group Images 1" radius, +4 to PER Rolls, Reduced Endurance 
(0 END; +1/2); OAF ("microphone"; -1), Set Effect (only amplifies what Sawyer 
says; -1), No Range (-1/2), Gestures (must hold Ultravoice to her throat; -1/4)

[b]Perks[/b]
6	Contact:  assorted people in and around Roanapura 11-
2	Reputation:  Sawyer the Cleaner (Roanapura Underworld) 14-, +1/+1d6

[b]Talents[/b]
6	[b]Pretty Quick With Her Chainsaw:[/b]  Lightning Reflexes: +4 DEX to act first with All 
Actions

[b]Skills[/b]
12	+4 with Chainsaw
8	+4 with Missile Deflection

3	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 12-
2	KS: Anatomy 11-
3	KS: Roanapura Underworld 12-
0	Language:  English (idiomatic; literate)
3	Paramedics 12-
2	PS: "Cleaner" 11-
3	SS:  Anatomy 12-
3	Streetwise 12-
1	WF:  Chainsaw
[b]98	Total Powers & Skills Cost
148	Total Character Cost

75+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  Large Scar On Neck (Easily Concealed; Noticed and Recognizable; 
Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
15	Physical Limitation:  Unable To Talk Normally Due To Cut Throat (Infrequently, Fully 
Impairing)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Casual Killer (Common, Strong)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Goes Catatonic Without Her Ultravoice (Uncommon, Total)
23	[b]Experience
148	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Sawyer is one of the more mysterious main characters seen in Black Lagoon. She works as a "cleaner" for the gangs in Roanapura, disposing of unwanted bodies. She also performs executions (usually in the process of disposing of said unwanted bodies), and has chopped people for Mr. Chan (after Shenhua has dropped them off). Sawyer works out of a tiled room near a meatpacking business labeled "U.G. Pork." The room is covered in bloodstains, while Sawyer herself dresses in full doctor's scrubs, including goggles and face mask. This is probably due to her method of disposal -- a chainsaw.

 

I'm fairly sure Sawyer first appears (as a cleaner) in Episode 11, Lock And Load Revolution. She is given a name in Episode 16, Greenback Jane, where we see her sans scrubs.

 

Personality/Motivation: To say Sawyer is a little odd is like saying the Arctic is a little cold. She certainly seems amoral, as she chops up screaming victims without a second glance. She also engages in some bounty work, and dresses in a very goth-like manner while doing so. At some point in her past her throat was cut, so she can only talk with an Ultravoice. Take that away from her, and she curls up into a catatonic ball.

 

Quote: "Usually I'd dismember you and call it good."

 

Powers/Tactics: Unlike most everyone in Roanapura, Sawyer doesn't use a gun. Instead, she fights with the weapon she's most familiar with -- an industrial-sized chainsaw. Said saw has a blade some three feet long, and is shown cutting through walls as well as people. Sawyer can even block gunfire with it, although doing so will probably cause her to retreat. Her saw does seem to be rather cinematic in nature, as it doesn't jam when used to saw through sheet metal and the like. The write-up for her saw does, but you can take that out if you wish. You might also want to give the saw an inch of Stretching, to represent a chainsaw with a blade as long as Sawyer is tall.

 

Appearance: Sawyer is rather short and slim, standing (maybe) 5'4" or so. Her hair is black and her manner of dress is either surgeon's scrubs, or a goth-like dress over striped shirt and stockings outfit.

 

Designer's Notes: Sawyer was built to be a slightly tougher-than-normal normal, while her chainsaw was taken from a similar design I made for the FPS Hero article I did for Digital Hero. If you want to make Sawyer tougher, up her STR, DEX, CON, and SPD, and give her a bigger saw. I don't recommend making her weaker, although you could get rid of her Missile Deflection and Lightning Reflexes.

 

(Sawyer the Cleaner created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

SHENHUA

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
15	STR	5	12-	Lift 200 kg; 3d6 HTH Damage [3]
24	DEX	54	14-	OCV:  8/DCV:  8
20	CON	20	13-
13	BODY	6	12-
15	INT	5	12-	PER Roll 12-
15	EGO	10	12-	ECV:  5
20	PRE	10	13-	PRE Attack:  4d6
20	COM	5	13-

6	PD	3		Total:  6 PD (0 rPD)
6	ED	2		Total:  6 ED (0 rED)
4	SPD	6		Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
8	REC	2
40	END	0
31	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  128

Movement:[/b]	Running:	8"/16"
	Leaping:	3"/6"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills[/b]
[b]Martial Arts:[/b]  [i]Sword Techniques[/i]
[b]Maneuver	OCV	DCV	Damage[/b]
4	Charge	+0	-2	Weapon +2 DC +v/5 Strike, FMove
4	Counterstrike	+2	+2	Weapon +2 DC Strike, Must Follow Block
5	Disarm	-1	-1	Disarm, 25 STR to Disarm roll; FMove
5	Flying Dodge	--	+4	Dodge All Attacks, Abort; FMove
4	Parry	+2	+2	Block, Abort
5	Passing Strike	+1	+0	Weapon  +v/5; FMove
5	Slash	+1	-2	Weapon +4 DC Strike
4	Strike	+0	+2	Weapon +2 DC Strike
0	Weapon Element:  Blades

11	[b]Kukri:[/b]  HKA 1d6 (2d6 w/STR), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); OAF (-1), 
Real Weapon (-1/4) [b]plus[/b] Range Based On STR (+1/4) for up to 22 Active Points of 
HKA; 1 Recoverable Charge (-1 1/4), OAF (-1), Lockout (cannot use HKA at all until 
Charge is recovered; -1/2), [1 rc]
5	[b]Kukri:[/b]  a second Kukri
11	[b]Line Connecting Kukri:[/b]  Stretching 5", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); OAF (-1), 
Only To Cause Damage (-1/2), Always Direct (-1/4), No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), 
No Velocity Damage (-1/4)
11	[b]Throwing Blades:[/b]  HKA 1d6-1 (1d6+1 w/STR), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); 
OAF (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4) [b]plus[/b] Autofire (3 shots; +1/4), Range Based On STR (+1/4) 
for up to 15 Active Points of HKA, 12 Recoverable Charges (+1/4); OAF (-1), [12 rc]
8	[b]Springing About:[/b]  Leaping +3" (6" forward, 3" upward) (Accurate), END 1
4	[b]Fast On Her Feet:[/b]  Running +2" (8" total), END 1
12	[b]A Blur Of Motion:[/b]  Running 8", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Only To Make Half 
Moves In Combat (-1)
3	[b]Excellent Sense Of Balance:[/b]  Usable Flight (+1/4) for up to 16 Active Points of Running; 
Only Along Reasonable Horizontal Surfaces (-1/2), END 1

[b]Perks[/b]
9	Contact:  Boss Chan (Contact has significant Contacts of his own, Contact has useful 
Skills or resources, Very Good relationship with Contact) 14-
2	Fringe Benefit:  Important Member of Boss Chan's Triad

[b]Talents[/b]
9	Ambidexterity (no Off Hand penalty)
6	Combat Luck (3 PD/3 ED)
3	[b]Excellent Sense Of Balance:[/b]  Environmental Movement (no penalties on narrow surfaces)

[b]Skills[/b]
32	+4 with All Combat
12	Penalty Skill Levels:  +4 vs. Hit Location modifiers with All Attacks

5	Accurate Sprayfire
3	Acrobatics 14-
3	Breakfall 14-
5	CK: Roanapura, Thailand 14-
3	Climbing 14-
10	Defense Maneuver I-IV 
3	Fast Draw (Kukri) 14-
3	Fast Draw (Throwing Blades) 14-
5	KS: Roanapura Underworld 14-
2	Language:  English (fluent conversation; literate)
0	Language:  Taiwanese (idiomatic; literate)
3	Language:  Mandarin (completely fluent; literate)
2	PS: Assassin/Enforcer 11-
5	Rapid Attack (HTH) 
3	Sleight Of Hand 14-
3	Stealth 14-
3	Streetwise 13-
10	Two-Weapon Fighting (HTH) 
4	WF:  Blades, Off Hand, Thrown Knives, Axes, and Darts, Thrown Sword
[b]249	Total Powers & Skills Cost
377	Total Character Cost

100+	Disadvantages[/b]
5	Distinctive Features:  Singsong Speech Pattern (Easily Concealed; Noticed and 
Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
10	Distinctive Features:  Style (Not Concealable; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By 
Large Group)
5	Hunted:  Other Criminal Factions in Roanapura 8- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical 
Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
10	Psychological Limitation:  Vain About Her Appearance (Common, Moderate)
15	Psychological Limitation:  Disdainful Of Firearms (Common, Strong)
232[b]	Experience
377	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: Originally from Taiwan (and proud of it), Shenhua works for Mr. Chan and the Triads. She is one of Chan's assassins, who also does some freelance work on the side. Other than this, we know next to nothing about her, such as where she learned to her fighting skills, or how she came to Roanapura. She certainly has some influence in Roanapura, and acts as the spokesman for the bounty hunters in Episode 17, The Roanapura Freakshow Circus. However, in Episode 18, Mr. Benny's Good Fortune, she meets her match in attempting to take on both Revy and Eda, and ends up getting shot. She survives, and is helped to the hospital by Rotton the Wizard.

 

Shenhua first appears in Episode 11, Rock And Roll Revolution. She reappears for the Greenback Jane story arc and as stated above, is last seen staggering away from the battle in the company of Rotton and Sawyer.

 

Personality/Motivation: Shenhua is an attractive walking death machine, and knows it. Several times in the series (mostly in her first appearance) we see her applying make-up and the like between action scenes, and her manner of dress (a tight-fitting high-cut cheongsam and jacket) is far more flashy than practical. Shenhua also has a marked disdain for guns, using various bladed weapons instead, and doesn't think much of most gunmen. Actually, she doesn't think much of those who can't put their money where their mouth is, as seen in her comment about Revy: "Ah. All mouth she is not." She's also critical of Groovy Guy Russell, basically telling him that he's out of his depth in Roanapura and he better put up more money if he wants her (and the other mercs) to take on Revy and Eda in a gunfight.

 

Quotes: "English is not good because I am real Taiwanese."

"Cannons run out of ammo. Blade and body last forever. Best weapons in the world."

 

Powers/Tactics: Faster even then Revy, Shenhua puts her impressive speed to good use in a fight, dashing into the thick of things in order to attack with her twin kukri. She will often perform Multiple Move-bys, trying to hit as many targets as possible. If she comes under fire, she'll perform a Flying Dodge while getting as far away as possible, before turning around to come right back at you. Shenhua has been known to throw her kukri as well, using the roughly 30' of line attached to the hilts of each one pull such stunts as swinging the blade across several foes, wrapping the weapon around a projection, and to quickly retrieve her sword at will. Shenhua also keeps a number of short throwing knives strapped to each thigh. She is quite adept a hurling them in groups of three, keeping the blades between her fingers, and can hit either a single, or multiple targets.

 

It is unknown if Shenhua has any unarmed hand-to-hand skills, although it seems likely. In the anime she fights only with blades, and never engages anyone in true hand-to-hand combat.

 

Appearance: Shenhua has one of the sexiest character designs in Black Lagoon. She's taller than Revy, with a curvaceously slender build and long legs. Her costume consists of an ankle-length reddish-purple cheongsam cut high over the thighs and a loose long-sleeved jacket in white. Unlike most anyone else in the series, her English is rather broken, giving her a rather distinctive manner of speaking.

 

Designer's Notes: Shenhua is yet another of Black Lagoon's walking death machines, as well as another of the series strong and powerful warrior women. I built her to be faster (in DEX) than Revy, as she does seem to be the quickest of all the warrior-types in the series (i.e. Ginji, Revy, and Roberta). Her martial arts are pretty much made up whole cloth, although she does demonstrate some of the maneuvers in certain scenes. If you want to make her more powerful, give her Combat Luck, and some form of Revy's Never Stands Still In Combat ability. To weaken Shenhua, pare back her martial arts, Skill Levels, and combat-related Skills.

 

(Shenhua created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

YUKIO WASHIMINE

 

[b]Val	CHA	Cost	Roll	Notes[/b]
8	STR	-2	11-	Lift 75.8 kg; 1 1/2d6 HTH Damage [2]
12	DEX	6	11-	OCV:  4/DCV:  4
8	CON	-4	11-
8	BODY	-4	11-
18	INT	8	13-	PER Roll 13-
18	EGO	16	13-	ECV:  6
13	PRE	3	12-	PRE Attack:  2 1/2d6
14	COM	2	12-

2	PD	0		Total:  2 PD (0 rPD)
2	ED	0		Total:  2 ED (0 rED)
2	SPD	0		Phases:  6, 12
4	REC	0
16	END	0
16	STUN	0		[b]Total Characteristic Cost:  25

Movement:[/b]	Running:	6"/12"
	Leaping:	1"/2"
	Swimming:	2"/4"

[b]Cost	Powers & Skills
Perks[/b]
5	Fringe Benefit:  14th Washimine Group Deputy
2	Money:  Well Off

[b]Talents[/b]
3	[b]Strength Of Her Resolve:[/b]  Resistance (3 points)

[b]Skills[/b]
3	Bureaucratics 12-
2	CK: Tokyo 11-
3	Deduction 13-
3	High Society 12-
3	Tactics 13-
1	TF:  Small Motorized Ground Vehicles
1	WF:  Handguns
3	Scholar
1	1)  KS: Law 11-
2	2)  KS: Literature 13-
2	3)  KS: Philosophy 13-
1	4)  KS: Washimine Group History And Customs 11-
[b]35	Total Powers & Skills Cost
60	Total Character Cost

25+	Disadvantages[/b]
10	Hunted:  Other Tokyo Yakuza Groups 11- (Mo Pow, NCI, Limited Geographical Area, Watching)
0	Normal Characteristic Maxima
10	Physical Limitation:  Wears Glasses (Infrequently, Greatly Impairing)
20	Psychological Limitation:  Yakuza Code Of Honor (Common, Total)
10	Social Limitation:  Youth (Frequently, Minor)
[b]70	Total Disadvantage Points[/b]

 

Background/History: The daughter of Ryuzo Washimine, Yukio is the heir to the Washimine Group Yakuza gang. She has lived most of her life protected from the gang's activities, under the watchful eye of Ginji. However, Hotel Moscow ends up destroying the upper ranks of the Washimine Group, and Yukio takes over command of the gang and leads them into action. Unfortunately, the Washimine are too small and too scattered to fight back effectively, and end up defeated. Yukio then decides to flee Japan and head to Roanapura, where she (and Ginji) can do battle with Balalaika and Hotel Moscow. This plan comes apart about as soon as it is conceived, and when Ginji is killed in a fight with Revy, Yukio decides to preserve her honor by committing suicide with Ginji's blade.

 

Yukio Washimine first appears in Episode 19, Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise, and dies in Episode 24, The Gunslingers.

 

Personality/Motivation: For most of her life Yukio has tried to deny her birthright, spending her time attending school and reading philosophy and other literature. She thinks a lot about human nature, destiny, and fate, and wishes greatly that her time spent in the Takamachi District would last forever. But when the time comes, she takes command of the Washimine Group with frightening efficiency, issue commands with a tactical sense beyond her years. But this might be a false front, as Rock rightly points out. She doesn't want to be a Yakuza gang boss, she wants to live the simple life of a schoolgirl and then go on to dwell in the light -- not the darkness. But as her own words show, she is torn between what she wishes and what Yakuza life dictates, almost forcing her to commit herself to a self-destructive course of action. It is this observation by Rock that causes Ginji to "throw" his fight with Revy and results in Yukio's suicide.

 

Quotes: "I'm scared I might be sucked into the darkness."

"I had no choice but to come here! I f I don't believe that I chose this, I have no resolve."

"If someone's life, honor... if their future is counting on me, what can I do but fight for them?"

 

Powers/Tactics: A very intelligent girl, Yukio is well-read, and when needed, can command her troops without hesitation. Although only 16 or 17, she can drive and use a gun, and seems exhilarated to rob a bank, comparing herself and Ginji to Bonnie and Clyde. Yukio is also strong willed, and survives being beaten by Chaka without breaking down. If she'd lived, she would have made a highly effective gang boss.

 

Appearance: Yukio is a young Japanese girl who is roughly 16-17 years-old. He has long black hair, glasses, and a slender figure. She normally dresses in her school uniform.

 

Designer's Notes: Yukio is a normal, but one with a lot of potential. Rock obviously had a romantic interest in her, seeing her as an idealized version of what life in Japan should be like. Yukio recognized this as well, and accused him of standing in the twilight, nether taking to the sun or embracing the darkness. She also correctly pointed out that if she dies in the gang fighting, he would lose his last memories of Japan, since he's already discarded most others (for example, Rock is unable to make himself go see his parents and tell them he's not dead). By the same token, she realizes he wants to get out of Japan and experience something aside from a normal life, while she would like nothing more than to live a normal life. And when it all comes crashing down, Revy says it best: "Don't look, Rock! You'll be damaged!"

 

If you want to make Yukio more powerful, make her older and give her more wealth, Contacts, Followers, and Skills suitable for a Yakuza boss.

 

(Yukio Washimine created by Rei Hiroe, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

That's it! Enjoy!!

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Fully edited, corrected, and posted to the web for your enjoyment. Includes character artwork and hdc files.

 

http://surbrook.devermore.net/adaptationsanime/animechar.html#BL

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Uhm... any comments? Or are you all stunned by the awesomeness?

[nexus]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Another impressive adaptation, Susano. I'll be using a few of this characters in my games (with slight alteration to protect the guilty )

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Another impressive adaptation' date=' Susano. I'll be using a few of this characters in my games (with slight alteration to protect the guilty )[/quote']

 

Nexus, didn't you do the Revy poster about how "DF: Hawt half-naked Chinese gunbunny makes it all good"? 'cause if you did, it showed up on 4-chan.

[nexus]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Nexus' date=' didn't you do the Revy poster about how "DF: Hawt half-naked Chinese gunbunny makes it all good"? 'cause if you did, it showed up on 4-chan.[/quote']

 

Yeah, I did do that...

 

and it did?

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Yeah, I did do that...

 

and it did?

 

Yup. And not by me.

[nexus]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Yup. And not by me.

 

 

Got a link?

[Susano]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Got a link?

 

Sorry, it's gone from the board....

 

(http://zip.4chan.org/tg/imgboard.html)

 

Which is mainly filled with people arguing over D20 and WH40k.

 

But HERO has gotten some mention and props.

[nexus]

Re: Black Lagoon HERO

 

Sorry, it's gone from the board....

 

(http://zip.4chan.org/tg/imgboard.html)

 

Which is mainly filled with people arguing over D20 and WH40k.

 

But HERO has gotten some mention and props.

 

Weird, didn't expect that to show up somewhere else.

 

Did the person who posted it claim it was their creation?