This chapter will encompass a variety of topics. Once you have identified the reason why you wish to become a Magical Girl, the journey to actually become one starts.
The "set up" stage, as I like to call it, is a series of steps you take to plan out becoming a Magical Girl. This includes...
• Your Outfit (will it stay the same? will it change?) • Your Powers (light or dark? elemental or aesthetics? powers are really diverse) • Your Appearance (will your hair, height, or any part of your body change when transformed?) • Your Codename (will you have a separate name from your human identity?) • Your Transformation Item (what item will you use to help you transform?) • Your Tagline (what will you say as you transform? this one is optional, but will make transforming the first times easier) • Type of Magical Girl (Are you a Majokko, Idol Girl, or Warrior?) • Will You Have a Mascot?
The outfit, powers, and appearance are simple enough. These are typical traits of Magical Girls, and it is what makes them so unique. For codenames, make sure that whatever you chose fits the powers you will have.
For me, my codename is Anana, since my powers and outfit are related to strawberries. In fact, my entire team has berry-themed powers, but we will get to that next chapter. I found some inspirations and ideas for my outfit and appearance through making pinterest boards, and then I began listening to subliminals.
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Above is the inspiration I took for my dress. I also have pictures of my socks and shoes, weapons, transformation item, hair and eyes, and hair accessories. I also liked this dress because it had different colors, that I could use as dresses for my teammates.
My transformation item was based around the image that I used for the cover of this book. It is a Strawberry Vial, that has a pale pink liquid inside. There is also tiny strawberry slices scattered inside the mixture. To transform, I open the vial and pour the liquid onto my hand. I then toss it into the air as I say my Tagline. The mixture begins to glow, and will float and surround my body to transform me.
However, for your Magical Girl type, consider that there are different types of Magical Girls.
Majokkos are more sideline based, and never actually confront their enemy face to face. Instead, they are more like witches, casting spells and such. These types are the most likely to not have other Magical Girl teammates. Instead, they often opt for a Mascot.
Idol Girls are Magical Girls that transform on the stage. They can be either idols by day, Magical Girls by night, or ordinary citizens by day, idols with magic by night. They use their singing and voice to fight -- that is their magic. Because of this, there isn't much variety, but I would like to see what magic Idol Girls can bring to the stage!
Magical Girl Warriors (Warriors for short) are the most common type of Magical Girl, and it is the type me and my team is. The Precure series, Sailor Moon, and Mahou Shojo Site are notable examples of shows that feature Magical Girl Warriors. They are the most likely to team up and group together.
Keep in mind that during the set up stage, you should also be thinking about what weapons you will have. I did not include this as a bullet, since I think that determining which type of Magical Girl you will be will help you figure out your weapons. For example, if you become an Idol Girl, then your weapon will most likely be your voice.
I use two weapons -- the Strawberry Vial, which also serves as my transformation item, and the Berry Book. This book is like a catalyst, for summoning Strawberry juices and magic. The vial creates healing and buff concoctions.
The last bullet I listed was Mascots. This is something many guidebooks list later on, and as something secondary. However, I think it is very important in a Magical Girl's journey, and should be decided very early on. However, as of writing this, the section about Mascots is very long. Because of this, I will split up the section on Mascots into the next chapter.
Remember that the set up stage focuses on you and your Magical Girl identity only!! Wait until you are completely ready with yourself to move on to potential teammates.
