I was thinking-Why not make an anime style campagin? You know, one where the characters do absolutely over the top stunts and call out their attacks?
I also want an anime-themed story-you know, with archetypes like the "tsundere" (tempremental crush), the "monster of the week", and the whole social angle.
So, should I decide to make one, what are some ideas for it?
Now, on to the helpful part!
I've often gained inspiration (and sometimes downright copy-pasted) from several anime series in my campaigns.
Tsubasa: Reservoire Chronicle (actually, the manga version) has always been helpful. CLAMP does an excellent job of using classic "anime cliches" tastefully and unexpectedly, and the episodic nature of the series makes it easy to find inspiration for side adventures.
On a similar note, whenever my players get sidetracked or head off somewhere I hadn't planned on, my first thought is typically to run down the episodes of Jing: King of Bandits or Kino's Journey in my head.
Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, and the Gundam series have inspired many a memorable Spelljammer campaign.
Just be careful when incorporating elements of "mass appeal" shows (like DBZ, Inuyasha, Bleach, etc). Do it right and you get, well, mass appeal; do it wrong and it gets old really fast.
Mutants and Masterminds
Hero System
GURPS - Supers
I don't think D&D is the system you want.
Mutants and Masterminds
Hero System
GURPS - Supers
Or rather "Big Eyes, Small Mouth" (BESM) a system specially created to play manga/anime style RPG.
Or rather "Big Eyes, Small Mouth" (BESM) a system specially created to play manga/anime style RPG.
Yes, but I thought they were out of business. Am I wrong?
If you aren't married to D&D as your system, I'd recommend giving White Wolf's Exalted a look, in addition to the others already mentioned.
both should be here http://www.mangavolume.com/
Both were origioanlly made by DnD players in Japan a WHILE back. Full of old school dnd goodness.
Both are heavy on comedy but still have respectable stories. Bastard is also heavily influenced by old heavy metal. I laughed out loud when they introduced the Holy Kingdom "Iron Maiden"
STPO PLAYING THIS GMAE UR WHEY WHEN ITS SO WRONG NOT TO PLAY IT MINE WTF??!!11evelen!1!
LOL
Yes, but I thought they were out of business. Am I wrong?
Not too long ago (some years ago) they came out with a 3rd edition. Also they have made several d20-adaptations of their system.
But yes I think your are right, there hasn't been any updates on their webpage since 2006
I could ask David Pulver, one of the co-creators. He is still very active on the GURPS forums and still produce books for GURPS.
http://www.white-wolf.com/besm/
Well, first off, I'd search for one of those attack name generators. Make a list of ludicrous names, and let the players pick and choose from them.
Second, make the players read the big list of Anime Character Type tropes. It should give them a few ideas about what you expect.
Third, start making ridiculous and over the top villains. I'll leave the rest up to you.
Here are some handy tips to consider..
-Attack Phrases: Simple enough - Whenever you use a Power, you have to call out the Power's name as your Attack Phrase.
-Weird color hair: Just about every race might have girls with blue, white, pink or purple hair. Could be justified with Fae races, though.
-Bishonen: Male characters with High Charisma tend to look rather effeminate; clean shaven, clear skin, occasionally long, flowing hair, etc.
-Cat Girls: I think enough people have converted Catfolk to 4e, just pick one. Or, in a pinch, use the Razorclaw Shifter stats from the Monster Manual.
- Anime Elves: In nearly all Anime, Elves don't just have pointy ears. They have long pointy ears. No game effects, but do point out that Elves, Eladrin and Drow never have ears under 6 inches in length.
-Cute Androids: Take the Warforged, but make it cuter.
-Kendo and Kyudo: Swords and Bows are important weapons to Japanese culture. Emphasize them.
-Hammerspace, Nose Bleeds, Terrible Cooks: Mostly Roleplay elements, all of these, but very useful for mixed gender parties.
-Sexy Female Armor: In Anime, even the best suits of armor, when worn by cute female characters, will show some skin, or alternatively will include skintight bodysuits that might as well look painted on.
-Cute Monster Gals: In many cases, just because a "monster" race has ugly males, doesn't mean it will have ugly females. WoW very much follows this exemple.
-Oni: These should either replace common Ogres, or they can once again be made into "Ogre Mages" leading common Ogres (who could also be given horns, and renamed "common Oni"
-Tentacle monsters: There's a reason why Succubi/Incubi are Devils in 4e. Demons don't seduce. Demons... just take, if you catch my drift. for Mature audiances only, of course.
Now, that's the best I can think of for now. At least until I figure out how to adapt Mecha rules to 4e...
But the main point: A lot of the things you find in anime are also found in live action Japanese movies as well. It's like how mountains of US films feature characters that spout clever quips for everything, the screen is washed in dark shadows or great overcast, and you could die at a drinking game for the terms "epic", "destiny," and "good versus evil."
My advice would be to run what you like with those cultural flourishes. If you want to story to seem more like a "typical anime," then make sure that what each character believes in and how they feel toward others enjoy focal importance (your hooks will always dip into their backstory/world philosophy or their character relationships). Characters could take turns monologuing between action encounters or during a climax or second wind of one. The person you chase is really someone from your past, your PC acts strange, and then (if the players pick up on the emphasis) you'll be questioned and can explain a piece of your character's story.
Basically, have fun making up characters with strange and dramatic behaviors and have players who like monologues or brief, cryptic epithets. The DM's job is to pick at them: throw damsels in distress at the guy who's afraid of girls, give the person with nightmares prophetic ones, the person with a traumatic past is faced with a present very similar scenario, the PCs with a rivalry have to help each other because they fell off a cliff together and are separated till their party finds them...or they could meet a boy they both like. For inspiration, you can look at OVA & BESM lists of attributes and defects (most of the cool story ones are defects).
Hell, you could probably just rip this off directly and I doubt anybody would complain
-Tentacle monsters: There's a reason why Succubi/Incubi are Devils in 4e. Demons don't seduce. Demons... just take, if you catch my drift. for Mature audiances only, of course.
Salt is an instant kill for 'em, though. It's the ultimate counter.
Haiiii-Ya! - by Goodman Games
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