So I've decided to make a game based during the Industrial Revolution & Conflict of Japan. First off, I am not trying to rip-off Spinal Tap's Feudal Japan RTD. While our games share settings, the overall styles will be quite different. I actually got the idea of this game from 'Total War: Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai.' Second, this game will focus more on GM/Player-made plot than realistic history. So if you see historical inaccuracy, (which there will be a lot of) it's done on purpose. I'd rather make a game that is fun and takes twists and turns rather than one that accurately follows history. Also, I intend to keep this RTD small. Ideally, I'd like there to be 4-5 players, 6 at the max.
With that out of the way, here is the story!
Story:April 12th, 1890. Japan is in a state of civil war. On one side, the Shogunate want to modernize Japan, and on the other, Imperialists would like Japan to revert to it's old ways. Whether you know it or not, you will play an important role in the struggle and will forever change Japanese history. Are you a soldier, born to fight and reclaim Japan? A noble, who speaks well in office but is deadly in a duel? A peasant who sets out to make his own fortune? Perhaps you are a foriegner, who has come to Japan for your own goals?
You know who you are, but now is the time for your journey to begin....
.......
Gameplay & Rules:I will use the standard D6 dice roller, but this game will be based on my own decision and subjectivity rather than numbers. What I mean is that there will be less focus on numeral systems, (No HP and Exp. Bars) but instead more based on characters, situation and plot. For example, in a regular RTD, Character X attacking Enemy Y with a (6 vs. 4) result would normally result in -2 HP. However, here I take into account things like weapon, attack/defense positions, experience, health, and etc. So a (6 vs. 4) in a combat could mean anything from a kick that breaks a knee, to a gunshot to the head.
Also, instead of classic dice result rules, (1 & 2 are bad, 3-5 are good, 6 is bad) I will have this formula: The higher a number, the better a result. So 6's or above are the best results, and the numbers get smaller the result becomes more negative.
As for combat, first I will post the aggressor's attack, versus the defender's defense (X vs. Y). If X is more than Y, the attack hits. If X and Y are the same, the attacks cancel out, and there is no counter-attack. However, if Y is more than X, X misses the attack, and Y gets a counterattack. I roll again, and if Y>X, than Y hits. But if Y< or = to X, it misses.
Lastly, each number represents a different outcome. The higher a number is in a result, it will have a more dramatic effect than the same difference but with a lower result; i.e. (6 vs. 5) will be a more powerful attack than (3 vs. 2), a (5 vs. 1) has more impact than a (5 vs. 3), etc.
Attributes:
Attributes are permanent factors that modify rolls that pertain to their areas, i.e., Strength effects actions that utilize strength. Attributes can either be + or -. + Attributes have a 50% chance of adding +1 to rolls, while - Attributes add a 50% chance of -1 from effected rolls. It doesn't matter which Attributes you + or -.
The main rule is that you can only have as many + Attributes as -, and vice-versa. (i.e., if you have 2 + Attributes you MUST have 2 - Attributes.)The attributes are:
Strength: The amount of muscle that can be put into tasks. Effects actions like lifting heavy objects and melee combat.
Endurance: How long you can keep physically working. Effects things like traveling long distances and using heavy weaponry.
Agility: How quickly you can move. Effects things like sprinting, dodging and jumping.
Perception: How well you can see and aim. Effects things like looking around and using ranged weapons.
Toughness: How much physical pain you can take. Effects things like combat and disease.
Stealth: How sneaky you are. Effects being unnoticed, pickpocketing and lock picking.
Intelligence: How much raw brain power you have. Effects solving logical problems and using medicine.
Will: Mental toughness. How much mental strain you can take, and how you respond in peril.
Instinct: How fast your body can process new information. Effects counter-attacking and quick reactions.
Charisma: How well you can speak to people. Effects things like charm and intimidation.
Dexterity: How well you can work with your hands. Effects Martial Arts and grabbing objects.
Luck: How well Lady Luck treats you. Randomly effects roles.
Factions & Clans:Japan is split into two sides: The Shogunate and the Imperialists. Simply put, the Shogunate want to modernize Japan, and bring in more technology, foreigners and trade. The Imperialists want Japan to remain an isolated country, returning to it's feudal ways. The two sides are at war, each split into four major clans, which you character will be a part of. Each clan has it's own bonuses. (Area is listed like if you looked at Japan horizontally, not like the usual vertical.)
The Shogunate - We will embrace the future!Tokugawa: The Tokugawa clan resides in eastern Japan, and their ruler is the current emperor. It is the center of government for the Shogunate clans.
Capital - Due to being the capital of this faction, this clan is populated and guarded well. However, it attracts bandits due to the amount of wealth in major cities.
Duelists - Much of the nobility likes to settle issues with duels. As such, this clan is stocked with the finest Pistols and Swords.
Connections - Also due to being the capital of the faction, you can get a lot of power and favors if you are in, or make friends, with the higher-ups.
Hyritori: The Hyritori clan is west of the Tokugawa clan, and is adjacent to the Ruita clan. As such, this clan is the military spear-point for the Shogunate.
Military Clan - As the military clan of the faction, normal weapons are easier to get in this area.
Telephone Lines & Railroad - Telephone Lines and Railroad Tracks are plentiful in this area, making it easier to communicate and travel.
Plains - The area is covered in plains, meaning that travel is easy and crops are plentiful. If this area isn't taken that is....
Shutomo: With the soldiers in Hyritori, the industrial workers reside in Shutomo, just east of Tokugawa. The weapons and materials the Shogunate need are produced from here.
Industry - If you need metals or materials, this is the place to get them.
Heavy Weaponry - Weapons such as Cannons or Gatling Guns are easier to get here.
Sharpshooters - Sharpshooters, snipers, and other gunners focused on aim get a training bonus if they come from here.
Kotowa: Kotowa mainly holds land on the far eastern island of Japan. Because of this, they are the big port of the Shogunate.
Boats - If sea travel is your thing, head to Kotowa to get a ride.
Warship - Kotowa specializes in producing big warships: Huge hunks of steel armed to the teeth with cannons and men.
Open to the West - As a Port, Western Merchants and Mercenaries are abundant here. You will find people and products from places like Great Britain, America and Holland. This is a great place to start if you are a foriegner from the West.
The Imperialists - Restore Japan to her glory!Kyoto: Kyoto is the capital clan of the Imperialists, which sits in Western Japan. The Imperialist government is headed here.
Capital - Due to being the capital of this faction, this clan is populated and guarded well. However, it attracts bandits due to the amount of wealth in major cities.
Duelists - Much of the nobility likes to settle issues with duels. As such, this clan is stocked with the finest Pistols and Swords.
Connections - Also due to being the capital of the faction, you can get a lot of power and favors if you are in, or make friends, with the higher-ups.
Ruita: East of Kyoto is Hyritori's powerful rival, Ruita, the military capital of the Imperialists.
Military Clan - Weapons are easier to obtain in this area.
Hidden Paths - Hidden dirt roads are in this region for quick transport, and outmaneuvering the enemy.
Mountains - This are is mountainous, making it easier to defend. Just hope the food comes in every season....
Banke: Further West of Kyoto is Banke, the big producer for the Imperialists. While it has many more farmers than Shutomo, it also has it's industrial side.
Industrial - If you want materials or resources, come to Banke.
Cavalry - Even horse-back fighting has been diminished due to firepower, the Cavalry and horses of Banke are still prestigious and deadly.
Shinobi & Samurai - Like Cavalry, both of these warriors have started to die out from modern combat. However, Banke is a haven to them, and both still have a few last pieces of glory before their end.
Mushami: Mushami controls the Western islands of Japan, and serves as the rival port to Kotowa.
Boats- Controlling a set of islands, boats are easiest to get in Mushami.
Fighters- Mushami specializing in the construction of small Fighter ships. What they lack in size and firepower, they make up for in speed and mobility. They can sneak through the dead of night and can easily transport people and soldiers. They have even been reported sneaking up on bigger ships without them noticing!
Open to the East- While the Imperialists have more isolationists views than the Shogunate, they do allow foreigners in from Asia. This means people and products from other parts of Asia are plentiful. This is a great place to start out if you are from somewhere like China, the Philippines or Korea.
Neutral:If neither one of the sides suits your goals, you can choose to be neutral. You still to state which Clan Area you start out in, but just also put you are neutral, i.e. Tokugawa (Neutral)
Weapons:All characters will start out with two weapons, and in these two weapons they will be proficient. There are two types of starting weapons; Primary and Secondary. Primary is the default weapon, the one your character is most skilled with. Secondary weapons are side weapons, usually there to fill a purpose that the Primary can not. The Primary and Secondary weapons must be different.
Weapons will change based on Clan, Area and Biography. Note that these are only starting weapons: Characters can find and learn to use more.
Weapons are listed below, P means it can be only Primary, S means only secondary, PS can mean either.
Rifle (P) - A long barreled gun that can do damage at any range. It has become the main weapon for a majority of armies in Japan.
Sword (PS) - A blade that cuts into flesh, or stabs it through.
Spear (P) - One of the oldest weapons, a long stick with a pointed metal end. Some can be thrown.
Pistol (PS) - A smaller gun than the rifle. While not as accurate or powerful than the rifle, it is easier to draw and reload, making it very useful in close quarters.
Knife (S) - A blade that acts as a smaller sword. Has a variety of uses. Knives are very different depending on whether they are traditional or western made.
Ono (S) - An axe, used for hacking and chopping. Slower, but more powerful than the knife.
Bow (P) - A traditional weapon that fires arrows and bolts at incredible speeds. Less powerful than the rifle, but in the hands of a master, it has more range, a quicker reload, and is silent. More common among Imperialists than Shogunate.
Name: Tsuo Yagati
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Clan: Hyritori
Appearance: A blacked haired, smallish Japanese man. Has a battle-cut scar on his right cheek. Other than that, he looks pretty average.
Biography: Tsuo was born in a family of Hyritori peasants. He grew as a farmer, but that changed when the Shogunate started recruiting, and then he joined the army. He was small for a soldier, so he wasn't a physical warrior. However, he has the heart of one, and will remain loyal and devoted to the Shogunate. Plus, he's a damn good shot. He dreams of the Shogunate ruling all of Japan, and becoming a modern nation.
Attributes: (Leave them blank except for + and - Attributes)
Strength (-)
Endurance
Agility
Perception (+)
Toughness (-)
Stealth
Intelligence (+)
Will (+)
Instinct
Charisma
Dexterity (-)
Luck
Character Sheet:Name:
Gender:
Age:
Clan:
Appearance: (Brief statement on what your character looks like.)
Biography: (A short or long statement on your character's past.)
Primary Weapon:
Secondary Weapon:
Attributes: (Leave them blank except for + and - Attributes)
Strength
Endurance
Agility
Perception
Toughness
Stealth
Intelligence
Will
Instinct
Charisma
Dexterity
Luck
Playerlist:1. agertor (Sarawa Io)
2. Caellath (Nikolae Kriegsmacher)
3. Lord Allagon (Shimizu Katsuo)
4. borno (Horokomoi Orogami)
5. Flintus10 (Matsuo Satoshi)
6. Spinal_Taper (Akira Hiroto)
Waitlist1. mcclay
2. Tiruin