Q&A Section

Site usage and frequently asked questions.

Website Usage Permissions

Can I copy something from your site?
Plenty of work from multiple people went into scanning, translating and enhancing the content until it was just right. Plagiarizing content is highly disrespectful, as is copying the layout. If you'd like to quote the website, please list it as a source.

Can I take the images from your site and put them on my own?
This site is meant for personal use. For fanart and other files, ask the creators listed with them.

Can I make something out of your screenshots?
Yes, you may use the FMV Captures and Game Captures but please give credit where it's due with a link back. The FMV captures were by Jess and I, making sure that each frame was unique and not found on any other gallery. The Game Captures used throughout the site were done by Gabriella, who also painstakingly captured every scene on the PC game just for this website.

General Information

Why did you make a site about Rinoa?
When I first saw a CG render of Rinoa on a Japanese ad, I liked her costume and long dark hair. Months later, members of the FFO & FFWA forums pointed out how one of my photos looked like the ad because of the same position, hair and dark eyes. When the game was first released, friends translating it told me that Rinoa had a bubbly personality like mine and moves around like me. They got me hyped and sent me some demos and press kits.

When I finally played the game, I loved how Rinoa was an outspoken teen. She was similar to Andie in Pretty in Pink while resembling Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's with her blonde streaks. At the time, I grew up in a bedroom coincidentally decorated like Rinoa's, with dark wood furniture and vintage pink curtains, so I started to like this character even more. For every scene where Rinoa was happy or frustrated with Squall, I felt the same because I always attract Squall-types who aren't exactly Mr. Sunshine. (Eventually married one!) Since I had access to media and imported merchandise, I decided to create a website and eventually it grew.

"Rebelling Princess" is the title?
This site actually had no title for the longest time. It was plain "Rinoa" or "Rinoa Heartilly" until I stuck in some random text ("The Rebelling Forest Owl Princess") on a layout. People assumed that the text was the title... so it stuck!

Will you add more avatars or fanart?
For avatars I only plan to keep a relatively small selection. Icons are easy to make and Rinoa icons are a dime a dozen. As for fanart, I am constantly replacing some of the older artwork to keep the section fresh.

Why do you get so many visitors?
It's not the layout nor the character that brings people to my sites. Original content from the heart and word-of-mouth is what constantly brings people here. I never expected that sharing the love for a game on a website would lead to making friends with the staff of Squaresoft/Square-Enix who created and designed the Final Fantasy games, and spending time with them whenever in Japan.

How long will this site be around?
The site has been around since I played the Japanese import of FF8, sometime in 1999. It has since moved through numerous hosts and layouts until I decided to finally get my own domain. It will be around forever if I can help it! Thank you to everyone who sends me messages asking to never shut the sites down.

Game Help & Various Trivia

Where can I buy....?
If you are not in Japan, your best bet is to find a reputable store that sells imported goods with certificates that can be validated. Most of the older Rinoa related items are out of production. The rare Rinoa Wing Heart Pin can be bought through etsy. My own merchandise has been supplied by friends and my older brother's Japanese import store.

Can you answer a game question about FF8?
I probably can, though I haven't touched the game in several years. For gameplay help, I suggest Gamefaqs for guides. You can also try FFOnline, which has databases covering the game and a forum filled with the most knowledgeable people around.

I need help making Rinoa's costume!
If the Costume section isn't enough help, places like cosplay.com have experts. For my own Rinoa costumes, they're all locally done by a dressmaker while I source the materials. I've since done Rinoa's black costume from Dissidia and always like to add a touch of luxury either through the fabrics, hardware, or designer boots. Photos of my costume are at ~RinoaMao on deviantART.

Why are people cosplaying as Rinoa half naked?
Their costumes are based on fanart by Dion Rogers. It is not from any of the games.

Why wasn't Rinoa in Kingdom Hearts?
Originally, very few FF characters were meant to be in the game. Explained in a KH Ultimania interview regarding the characters, Rinoa had a highly different character than the ones Tetsuya Nomura was planning to use in the game. He felt it was difficult to capture her true personality and somewhat regrets that she was not included. However, Rinoa has dozens of chibi cameos in games such as Itadaki Street, FF: Airborne Brigade, Theatrythm FF, FF: All the Bravest, FF: Record Keeper and FF: Brave Exvius. The wait was 20 years but Rinoa was able to get a full cameo in Dissidia.

How did you find out about Rinoa's actresses?
They were mentioned in the game credits. There was a slight discrepancy in how an actress' name was spelt when the game was translated to English but thanks to Takochu the correct spelling was confirmed. The information about the dance is my own explanation, since I have been taking ballroom dancing lessons for decades.

How did you find out about her model? signed sketch of Rinoa

Tetsuya Nomura has stated that River Phoenix was the inspiration for Squall in quite a few interviews – including an English one with IGN many years ago. The name similarities and birthdate should speak for themselves. As for Rinoa... a girl has to have her secrets, you know! I have promised to not expose the industry insider, who is a close friend now working on Atlus games.