Campaign Musing: Something Different(WEWY/Persona influenced) - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Campaign Musing: Something Different(WEWY/Persona influenced)

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
seizui
Jul 10, 2009 11:09:29 This idea was inspired by AndyK at RPG.net's forum. I decided to expand on the idea with my own musings. This is drawn from The World Ends with You and Persona. Also, I could care less about suggestions as far as 'what system the idea would work better for'.

To be honest, I haven't read up on the Planes for 4E yet. However, I also don't give a damn, because I like the idea.

I don't know what to call it the campaign. However, here is the deal.

SYNOPSIS: There exists many planes. However, the ones in particular focus are three places: A modernized Tokyo, the alternate Tokyo, and the fantasy world.

There exists an organization, or rather, a cult aiming to merge the three worlds to rule it as one. They are called the Dungeon Lords. They are comprised of Lords/Ladies of the respective dungeon or keep. The leader is the Dungeon master(he came from Alternate-Tokyo). This is the same deal as far as the whole Reapers, The Composer, etc. I am not sure how the other Dungeon Lord see it, but I imagined that the Dungeon Master sees it all as just a game.

PLAYERS: They are all from the modern Tokyo area. This can range from being high school students to a cop or so(kinda prefer to limit it to just high school students, but I figure I may offer more variety). Each of them possess a strange shard.

Because I am a bit against the whole 'chosen one' deal, this is more of towards the fact that they're just average joes that are just (un)lucky enough to find the shard. This means that they, are for the most part, expendable. This is dependent on them being able to work together and work in unison. What separates the shard holders from just 'average joes' is that they can make a huge difference in the fate of humanity.

How races and classes will be handled: OOCly, I believe people should choose the race and class. ICly, the class/race is their affinity. In normal Tokyo, they are all humans with no special powers.

ENCOUNTERS: For some reason, I was imagining the whole deal with Alternate Tokyo bleeding into the normal Tokyo world. As if reality itself was changing. Those with the jewels will transform into the fighters to defend the people. I have not taken into account how the NORMAL POPULACE are affected by this yet.

Alternate-Tokyo will be resolved when all of the encounters have been resolved. It can also be a gateway between the fantasy world where the other Dungeon Lords are from.

Thoughts?
#2
undrave
Jul 11, 2009 1:25:00 I'm a HUGE fan of TWEWY so I really like this idea, it sound pretty neat.

Did you read all the Secret Reports in TWEWY though? They explain a LOT about that world that might help you design your system.
#3
Armisael
Jul 11, 2009 12:15:16 I think I just had a metagasm here. HUGE amounts of fourth wall breaking that would make Hideo Kojima proud right there.

On topic, the idea sounds very interesting. Sounds a bit like the classic d20 modern setting...but more interesting. Much more interesting. Any particular things you'd like comment on?
#4
seizui
Jul 11, 2009 18:47:25
I think I just had a metagasm here. HUGE amounts of fourth wall breaking that would make Hideo Kojima proud right there.

On topic, the idea sounds very interesting. Sounds a bit like the classic d20 modern setting...but more interesting. Much more interesting. Any particular things you'd like comment on?

Heh. I am glad you like it. Well, I would like comments on how the plot is, how the classes/races would be handled(I know AndyK wanted to do it in terms of either making everyone human, or allow them to choose the race but not change them physically. For some reason, I found it funny to allow the race to be selected because I can imagine the one who gets the elf to be like '...Why do I look girly?! D:'

I would also like comments on the encounter handling. Just anything that seems off. Kinda like a critique. In terms of, "Will this actually work?"

Also, if there could be suggestions on how the normal people would be affected by the whole deal. And heck, should the people in the class be wearing the medieval gear or not? Me personally, I want to say yes. This is still D&D. On the other hand, part of me wants to make it situational. If they enter the classical D&D world, then yes. If in Alt-Tokyo, maybe something more contemporary. Not sure.

Also, the handling of the gateway between Alt-Tokyo and the regular D&Dish world where the other Dungeon Lords are from. I mused that to solve the encounter, they'd have to deal with going into that plane where they must HANDLE the situation at hand. (Plus, it'd make a nifty bonus side quest if needed).
#5
Armisael
Jul 11, 2009 21:23:56 To me, the best way to handle classes appearing would be to have them manifest upon the characters, kinda like Incarnum soulmelds...though obviously more useful (ZING!). If you've ever read or seen Shaman King's early chapters, it should give you an idea about what I'm saying. Maybe even have the classes perform a partial mental takeover, replacing the character's personalities...and when the characters realize they're not themselves when transforming into the classes, make them think about hack-n-slash twice, which is usually a good thing.

As for the people, why not make all the damage mental or something. For example, a collateral explosion would crate a mild-to-moderate headache on people due to the mild overlap between the normal and alternate worlds, but enough collateral damage could cause cerebral hemmorraghes or something. This would also give players a reason to pay attention to where they pick their fights, to avoid injuring civilians.

As for gateways, it sounds like a good idea. Making each "quest" a major one and dividing the campaign in arcs is what I'd do in this case.

PS: Also, I'd consider using a different motivation for the Dungeon Lords when compared to the Reapers. If you imply that divine beings are behind everything, the players can and WILL conquer Heaven and make themselves the new overlords. Plus, it's a pretty "meh" twist. Something more elaborate would be good.
#6
seizui
Jul 12, 2009 6:50:18 Funny thing.

Earlier in the post, I mentioned that the Dungeon Master is from Alternate Tokyo. Something had happened to make him the way he is. I don't know. I'll leave it up to the player for the motivation behind it. Whether it from Alternate-Tokyo the Tokyo that was destroyed, the Dungeon Master being the future form of the party members who went a dramatic change(lost everything and became bitter), or caused the incident for power. Etc. That is left up to the person who uses the idea. Just options.

Not sure if I am sold on the personality change during the change-up. Mostly because it would be nice to consider their reactions when they first start up.

For example, I will be having a character who is a 17 year old male. He's a bookwormish guy, but very sarcastic and a huge conspiracy theorist. ...He is a total coward. His avatar is an elven wizard.

'...AHHH! I look girly! ...AHHHH! MONSTER! *FLEES!*'

But the rest of the idea sounds good.

Yeah, I am not sure what to do for the motivations. Not sure if I'm keen on the whole becoming the new overlords either. But.. I have nothing definite, but we'll see.

I do like the ideas that you have presented.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 seizui Jul 10, 2009 11:09:29	This idea was inspired by AndyK at RPG.net's forum. I decided to expand on the idea with my own musings. This is drawn from The World Ends with You and Persona. Also, I could care less about suggestions as far as 'what system the idea would work better for'. To be honest, I haven't read up on the Planes for 4E yet. However, I also don't give a damn, because I like the idea. I don't know what to call it the campaign. However, here is the deal. SYNOPSIS: There exists many planes. However, the ones in particular focus are three places: A modernized Tokyo, the alternate Tokyo, and the fantasy world. There exists an organization, or rather, a cult aiming to merge the three worlds to rule it as one. They are called the Dungeon Lords. They are comprised of Lords/Ladies of the respective dungeon or keep. The leader is the Dungeon master(he came from Alternate-Tokyo). This is the same deal as far as the whole Reapers, The Composer, etc. I am not sure how the other Dungeon Lord see it, but I imagined that the Dungeon Master sees it all as just a game. PLAYERS: They are all from the modern Tokyo area. This can range from being high school students to a cop or so(kinda prefer to limit it to just high school students, but I figure I may offer more variety). Each of them possess a strange shard. Because I am a bit against the whole 'chosen one' deal, this is more of towards the fact that they're just average joes that are just (un)lucky enough to find the shard. This means that they, are for the most part, expendable. This is dependent on them being able to work together and work in unison. What separates the shard holders from just 'average joes' is that they can make a huge difference in the fate of humanity. How races and classes will be handled: OOCly, I believe people should choose the race and class. ICly, the class/race is their affinity. In normal Tokyo, they are all humans with no special powers. ENCOUNTERS: For some reason, I was imagining the whole deal with Alternate Tokyo bleeding into the normal Tokyo world. As if reality itself was changing. Those with the jewels will transform into the fighters to defend the people. I have not taken into account how the NORMAL POPULACE are affected by this yet. Alternate-Tokyo will be resolved when all of the encounters have been resolved. It can also be a gateway between the fantasy world where the other Dungeon Lords are from. Thoughts?
#2 undrave Jul 11, 2009 1:25:00	I'm a HUGE fan of TWEWY so I really like this idea, it sound pretty neat. Did you read all the Secret Reports in TWEWY though? They explain a LOT about that world that might help you design your system.
#3 Armisael Jul 11, 2009 12:15:16	I think I just had a metagasm here. HUGE amounts of fourth wall breaking that would make Hideo Kojima proud right there. On topic, the idea sounds very interesting. Sounds a bit like the classic d20 modern setting...but more interesting. Much more interesting. Any particular things you'd like comment on?
#4 seizui Jul 11, 2009 18:47:25	I think I just had a metagasm here. HUGE amounts of fourth wall breaking that would make Hideo Kojima proud right there. On topic, the idea sounds very interesting. Sounds a bit like the classic d20 modern setting...but more interesting. Much more interesting. Any particular things you'd like comment on? Heh. I am glad you like it. Well, I would like comments on how the plot is, how the classes/races would be handled(I know AndyK wanted to do it in terms of either making everyone human, or allow them to choose the race but not change them physically. For some reason, I found it funny to allow the race to be selected because I can imagine the one who gets the elf to be like '...Why do I look girly?! D:' I would also like comments on the encounter handling. Just anything that seems off. Kinda like a critique. In terms of, "Will this actually work?" Also, if there could be suggestions on how the normal people would be affected by the whole deal. And heck, should the people in the class be wearing the medieval gear or not? Me personally, I want to say yes. This is still D&D. On the other hand, part of me wants to make it situational. If they enter the classical D&D world, then yes. If in Alt-Tokyo, maybe something more contemporary. Not sure. Also, the handling of the gateway between Alt-Tokyo and the regular D&Dish world where the other Dungeon Lords are from. I mused that to solve the encounter, they'd have to deal with going into that plane where they must HANDLE the situation at hand. (Plus, it'd make a nifty bonus side quest if needed).
#5 Armisael Jul 11, 2009 21:23:56	To me, the best way to handle classes appearing would be to have them manifest upon the characters, kinda like Incarnum soulmelds...though obviously more useful (ZING!). If you've ever read or seen Shaman King's early chapters, it should give you an idea about what I'm saying. Maybe even have the classes perform a partial mental takeover, replacing the character's personalities...and when the characters realize they're not themselves when transforming into the classes, make them think about hack-n-slash twice, which is usually a good thing. As for the people, why not make all the damage mental or something. For example, a collateral explosion would crate a mild-to-moderate headache on people due to the mild overlap between the normal and alternate worlds, but enough collateral damage could cause cerebral hemmorraghes or something. This would also give players a reason to pay attention to where they pick their fights, to avoid injuring civilians. As for gateways, it sounds like a good idea. Making each "quest" a major one and dividing the campaign in arcs is what I'd do in this case. PS: Also, I'd consider using a different motivation for the Dungeon Lords when compared to the Reapers. If you imply that divine beings are behind everything, the players can and WILL conquer Heaven and make themselves the new overlords. Plus, it's a pretty "meh" twist. Something more elaborate would be good.
#6 seizui Jul 12, 2009 6:50:18	Funny thing. Earlier in the post, I mentioned that the Dungeon Master is from Alternate Tokyo. Something had happened to make him the way he is. I don't know. I'll leave it up to the player for the motivation behind it. Whether it from Alternate-Tokyo the Tokyo that was destroyed, the Dungeon Master being the future form of the party members who went a dramatic change(lost everything and became bitter), or caused the incident for power. Etc. That is left up to the person who uses the idea. Just options. Not sure if I am sold on the personality change during the change-up. Mostly because it would be nice to consider their reactions when they first start up. For example, I will be having a character who is a 17 year old male. He's a bookwormish guy, but very sarcastic and a huge conspiracy theorist. ...He is a total coward. His avatar is an elven wizard. '...AHHH! I look girly! ...AHHHH! MONSTER! FLEES!' But the rest of the idea sounds good. Yeah, I am not sure what to do for the motivations. Not sure if I'm keen on the whole becoming the new overlords either. But.. I have nothing definite, but we'll see. I do like the ideas that you have presented.