"A long time ago, in ancient China, an evil general named Dragon Fist overthrew the old emperor in a coup and became the new ruler. Under his rule he created an oppressive regime, stamping out rebellion and consolidating his empire. Under the order of the Jade Emperor, several spirits were incarnated among men to restore peace to the land."
This is a new RPG I am starting with a completely different "game engine." Based on the wuxia genre of books and movies (think Hong Kong kung fu flicks), players will be able to choose from 3 classes, 5 elements (will be explained later), 11 skills, 9 fighting styles, and 12 weapons.
Most RPGs here borrow game mechanics from Sonny or Monsters Den, which is fine, but has the downside of becoming overly predictable. To address this, I have developed a system of combat utilizing playing cards. I'd like to demonstrate this system first before starting the game.
In this demonstration, I'll use the Brawl fighting style, which is the basic fighting style that thugs, soldiers, and those unversed in martial arts will use. We have two soldiers with 2 health, and basic attacks that deal 1 damage.
Each soldier has a deck of poker cards representing their moves. Number cards (2-10) represent their basic attacks, face cards their special moves, and aces their ultimate move. As you level up in this RPG, you will have the freedom to choose or even develop your own moves based on your fighting style, and build up your deck.
Now in order to deal damage to the opponent, one side must win a "bout" of 5 draws. To demonstrate this:
1st draw: Soldier #1 drew an 8. Soldier #2 drew a 4. Soldier #1 wins the draw. 2nd draw: Soldier #1 drew a 3. Soldier #2 drew a 6. Soldier #2 wins the draw. 3rd draw: Soldier #1 drew an 8. Soldier #2 drew an 8. Neither of them wins the draw. 4th draw: Soldier #1 drew a K. Soldier #2 drew a J. Soldier #1 wins the draw. 5th draw: Soldier #1 drew an Ace. Soldier #2 drew a 10. Soldier #1 wins the draw.
In this bout, Soldier #1 won the majority of draws, therefore, they get to deal damage. I choose the highest draw to become the damage dealer, which in this case is the Ace. In the Brawl fighting style, the Ace attack is the Strangle, which we'll say deals 2 damage in this case. Soldier #1 deals 2 damage to Soldier #2 and wins.
However, I will not reveal draws like this; instead, I will narrate them in a more active style. I might narrate this fight like this:
The two soldiers face each other, ready to battle to the death. Soldier #2 charges and attempts to throw a punch, but Soldier #1 side steps the attack, grabbing him by the throat and strangling him. The attack is fatal. Soldier #1 wins!
It might be a little complicated at first, but I have tested it thoroughly to make sure it works.
Name: Gathering Storm Level 2 Monk Experience: 0/150 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote, Staunching Powder Attributes : [2] Body, [3] Mind, [5] Spirit Chi Level 3: Can withstand blow to stomach, protect pressure points in arms and legs, withstand weak poison
You fall to the ground, pretending to be stunned. The man goes up to you and starts to rustle through your belongings when you kick him away and perform a kip-up to get up. The man quickly recovers, revealing himself to be unarmed. The two of you then fight.
Through his short, explosive bursts of power, you deduce that he is a practitioner of the Eight Extremes school of martial arts. Although he is fast, you are able to counter his moves effectively and strike him back. He attacks even harder, managing to hit you, but you use your Nei Jin survivability to withstand the blow.
"Wait!" he cries, and you stop fighting. "Who are you?"
"I am Gathering Storm. I am a monk from the Jiangshan Monastery, going to deliver a message to the Lotus Monastery."
The man falls to his knees. "I am sorry, but I have been forced to go into banditry to feed my wife and children. The reign of Dragon Fist has taxed us all. Can you take me to the Lotus Monastery so that I may ask for help from the abbot?" What will you do?
A) Believe him and take him along to the Monastery. B) Refuse him and go away. C) Give him your bread and go away. D) Other
Name: Gathering Storm Level 2 Monk Experience: 0/150 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote, Staunching Powder Attributes : [2] Body, [3] Mind, [5] Spirit Chi Level 3: Can withstand blow to stomach, protect pressure points in arms and legs, withstand weak poison
The man is familiar with the area, and in a short period of time the two of you reach the village where the Lotus Monastery is located. Not all of your comrades are here yet, so you have time to visit the city. Where would you like to go?
A) The Apothecary, where you can buy herbs. B) The Tavern, where you can buy food and meet other people. C) The Lei Tai, where you can battle other people. D) The Monastery, where you can train and read your books. E) The Tailor Shop, where you can buy clothes and armor. F) The Blacksmith's, where you can buy weapons. G) Any combination of the above.
BladeBreaker Level 3 Fighter Experience: 132/200 Element: Metal Skill: Craftsmanship Fighting Style: Tiger Weapon: Hook Swords Attributes: Body [6], Mind [3], Spirit [5] Inventory: 120 Taels, Bread, Tiger Manual, Dian Xue Manual, Letter, Tiger's Tooth, Silver Needles Chi Level 2: Can hit pressure point for momentary pain or to stop a wound from bleeding
D) Take refuge on a tree top and rest there for the night.
BladeBreaker Level 3 Fighter Experience: 142/200 Element: Metal Skill: Craftsmanship Fighting Style: Tiger Weapon: Hook Swords Attributes: Body [6], Mind [3], Spirit [5] Inventory: 120 Taels, Bread, Tiger Manual, Dian Xue Manual, Letter, Tiger's Tooth, Silver Needles Chi Level 2: Can hit pressure point for momentary pain or to stop a wound from bleeding
You rest for the rest of the night in the treetops, and gained 10 experience. After, you decide to travel along the ridge, and you come across the log bridge, which you cross. You soon reach the village where the monastery is located. Before you go to the monastery, you decide to take a look around. Where do you want to visit?
A) The Apothecary, where you can buy herbs. B) The Tavern, where you can buy food and meet other people. C) The Lei Tai, where you can battle other people. D) The Monastery, where you can train and read your books. E) The Tailor Shop, where you can buy clothes and armor. F) The Blacksmith's, where you can buy weapons. G) Any combination of the above.
Name: Gathering Storm Level 2 Monk Experience: 0/150 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote, Staunching Powder Attributes : [2] Body, [3] Mind, [5] Spirit Chi Level 3: Can withstand blow to stomach, protect pressure points in arms and legs, withstand weak poison
I would first like to ensure that the man makes it to the Monastery and talks to the Abbott...afterward, staying in the Monastery and training, then going to the Tavern to unwind and converse with some locals is my choice.
Name: Gathering Storm Level 2 Monk Experience: 60/150 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote, Staunching Powder Attributes : [2] Body, [3] Mind, [5] Spirit Chi Level 4: Protect pressure points in arms and legs, withstand weak poison, protect pressure points in abdomen
You head to the monastery, where the young man immediately runs towards the abbot and kneels at his feet. The abbot talks with him, in which you find that the man, whose name is Perseverance, was the abbot's nephew and ran away from the monastery years ago. After you see the two reconcile, you meditate and read your manuals there, gaining 60 exp, a Chi level (now the pressure points in your abdomen are protected), as well as a new fighting move, Crane's Shadow Strike.
After, you leave to the tavern, mostly to meet the people, as you cannot drink because of your monastic vows. There are several soldiers who appear to be terrorizing the tavern keeper. You ask a bystander what is going on.
"Don't you know? Ever since Dragon Fist sent a detachment of soldiers here, the soldiers have been extorting from us. And now that a group of five soldiers were just killed in this very tavern, they're angrier than ever!"
"Are there any stalwarts in this town?"
"Our village champion died under mysterious circumstances, and although we all have some knowledge of martial arts, we don't have the strength to force the soldiers from our town. We also fear retribution from the Emperor if we do. Stranger, you look like someone who could help. Would you help lead us?"
A) Talk to the abbot first for advice. B) Yes, help the villagers kick the soldiers out. C) No, refuse the offer D) Other
You have all returned to the monastery. The abbot comes out:
"I have received word that the assassins were probably contracted and based in the large city of Chang'an. You will need to go there to find what is going on exactly."
To sonic, BladeBreaker, Flame of the East, and Silent Step, he gives 100 taels.
"Gathering Storm, I have a different task for you. I want you to deliver a message to the outlaws of Liangshan Marsh. Long have they rebelled against Dragon Fist, stealing money from his rich convoys and distributing them among the poor. They will not attack you because you are a monk and because you bear a message. When you are done, I want you to return to me. If he has found favor in your eyes, I also want you to take my nephew, Perseverance, with you."
The five of you have different ways to go, but each of you have different modes of transportation you can take. Since none of you have the Equestrian skill, horses are not available.
A) Oxcart, the slowest but safest way. B) Boat, the fastest but most hazardous way. C) Foot, which strikes a balance between the two.
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 22/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 130 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, coil of rope Chi Level 4: You can smash two bricks with a single hit. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
Refuse to take the cuirass and allow The Baboon to join me.
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 22/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 130 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, coil of rope Chi Level 4: You can smash two bricks with a single hit. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
I'll also take the B) The boat to get to my next position.
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 22/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, coil of rope Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
Baboon and you get onto the boat. The river is calm and swift, and you head downstream easily. Suddenly, you see a boat approaching with a black flag. River pirates! Swiftly they approach, tossing grapple hooks onto the boat and hooking on. There are three of them, who storm onto your boat, kick your rower off, and then demand your valuables. Ahead, you notice there are some rather rough rapids coming up. What will you do?
A) Fight the pirates. B) Distract them long enough for both boats to run aground into the rapids. C) Jump off into the water and swim ashore. D) Other
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 22/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, coil of rope Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
Ooh nice situation Time to put my fiery creativity to use. D) Distract the pirates with blinding fast moves whilst not hurting them whilst the Baboon uses my coil of rope to quickly wrap them into a bunch-trapping them on our boat. Then jump off the boat and swim to shore.
