"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 4 Monk Experience: 190/250 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote Attributes : [4] Body, [5] Mind, [9] Spirit Chi Level 6: All pressure points protected, withstand moderate poison, ability to go into Invincibility Mode
You get up and head towards the noise in a stealthy manner. Hiding behind a tree, you see a mass of armored troops walking towards the monastery. Much to your relief, though, the flags they bear have the symbol of the Liangshan carp on them. You meet Song Jiang at the head of the convoy, who gives you a horse to ride back to. The two of you ride to the village and inform the abbot of what has happened: the Jiangshan abbot's death, the assassins, the vision you had, and the arriving outlaws. Suddenly, you hear a knock on the door. The monks on the roof yell that it is okay to open, and you are surprised to see the monks of the Jiangshan Monastery. One of the older monks steps up and bows to the abbot. "Our monastery is not as big or as solid as yours, so we came over to request refuge for us and the relic. We have also brought with us 250 stalwarts, some of the greatest warriors in all of China." The abbot welcomes the host in. You have a few things you can choose to do:
A) Go out and join the outlaws on the expulsion of the soldiers and the inevitable battle against Dragon Fist's troops. B) Help mobilize the Lotus Monastery's defenses. C) Lead a scouting party to find where Dragon Fist's troops are at the moment. D) Other
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 152/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
You look for a tavern, but there isn't one for a while. However, in the moonlight you see a spring of water, which you drink and wash your face in. The two of you build a fire and then go to sleep. The rest does you good; your wounds heal very quickly, almost abnormally quickly. Is it the spring?
On a rock there is a gourd a traveller must have left, which you take and fill with the cool spring water. The two of you set off down the path through the forest. Suddenly you see three shadows fly overhead. They look human, but they move so fast it's hard to tell. They look like practitioners of Qinggong, the art of lightness. What will you do?
A) Pursue them. B) Climb a tree and see where they go. C) Keep walking at your pace D) Other
Name: Silent Step Level 3 Rogue Experience: 55/200 Element: Wood Skill: Sabotage Fighting Style: Drunken Weapon: Emei Piercers Inventory: 130 taels, bread, 9 rocks, Anqi manual, Drunken manual Attributes: [3] Body, [5] Mind, [5] Spirit Chi Level 3: Able to throw a rock accurately and stealthily, able to throw darts
You read the books that the abbot gave you. From the Anqi manual you learn the art of rock and dart throwing, and gain a chi level. From the Drunken manual, you learn the move known as "Flutist of the Strong Wrists."
You check out of the tavern and head down the path to Chang'an. The path leads to the edge of a lake, where you stop to rest and eat some bread. Suddenly, on the water's surface, you see a large blue snake. It seems a little out a place from the water, but it swims naturally. At first it looks like it is swimming randomly, but you eventually see that it is chasing a fish. At the rate it swims, it looks like it won't catch up. What will you do?
A) Nothing, stay and watch the snake and the fish. B) Strike the fish and let the snake catch up to it. C) Strike the snake and prevent it from reaching the fish. D) Strike both the snake and the fish. E) Nothing.
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 152/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
C) Go up the trees with Baboon and see where they go whilst slowly tailing them. However, if they veer too far off course of my destination, leave them but still be wary.
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 152/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
The two of you climb a large tree. In the distance you can see the black figures of the assassins making their way to a city...Chang'an! Despite its name, Long Peace, this is the place where Dragon Fist has made his capital. You and Baboon enter the city gates to find a huge, bustling city. There is much to see and do here, besides your mission of finding out why the assassins have been so active.
A) The apothecary, where you can buy herbs, medicines, and tonics. B) The Lei Tai, where you can fight others to gain money and experience. C) The tavern, where you can rest and buy herbs, wine, and food. D) The weapon shop, where you can buy or refine weapons. E) The tailor's, where you can buy clothes or armor. F) The soothsayer's, where you can learn the future. G) The garden, where you can look at the unusual plants and rocks and read your books. H) The martial arts school, where you can train and battle others for experience. I) The Imperial barracks, where you can spy on the movements of Dragon Fist's army. J) Look for the assassins. K) Other, or a combination of the above
Flame of the East Level 4 Fighter Experience: 152/250 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 5: You can punch through bronze with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
K) Firstly, take a quick look at the Imperial Barracks to see that nothing suspicious is going on. Then, go to the garden where I want to advance on my chi skill and meditate. Afterwards, hit the martial arts school for some friendly competition.
Flame of the East Level 5 Fighter Experience: 118/300 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 6: You can punch through iron with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [6], Mind [4], Spirit [5]
The barracks are heavily guarded, but Baboon says he can take a look at what's going on inside. With a terrific jump he floats lightly to the top, peering inside. When he gets back down, he tells you that the men inside are being mobilized.
After, you read your manuals in the garden. You learn a special move, Sidewinder, for your Snake style, and you gain a Chi level, which now allows you to punch through steel with a single fist. In the garden, you have a slight feeling that you are being followed, but no matter where you look you see no one.
You find the martial arts school dedicated to Snake style, where you train and gain 70 exp. The master of the school there compliments you on your skills and asks you to battle the school champion, which you accept.
The fight starts, and the two of you spar. You are physically stronger than him, but he is faster than you, and he manages to dodge and use the Sidewinder move on you. It hits you very hard, but you brace yourself and tap into your Chi. Suddenly, you reach a state of high focus with your Chi...this must be the Strength Mode that your manual talked about! The pain from the injury you received fades away, and you deliver a boneshatter strike to your opponent's arm. The fight ends there. You gained 90 exp and leveled up. You have two attribute points to spend.
The master is angry at you for crippling his champion, and kicks you out. You are also quite angry, and storm away. Suddenly, you see someone very familiar pass you...Thunderleg! He has a sack with him...perhaps that might have the book he took from the monks?
A) Follow him. B) Go the other way. C) Get to a taller building and look for where he's going. D) Other
BladeBreaker Level 4 Fighter Experience: 82/250 Element: Metal Skill: Craftsmanship Fighting Style: Tiger Weapon: Hook Swords Attributes: Body [7], Mind [4], Spirit [5] Inventory: 60 Taels, Bread, Tiger Manual, Dian Xue Manual, Tiger's Tooth, Silver Needles, Gold Ring Chi Level 3: Can hit pressure point for momentary pain, to stop a wound from bleeding, or to blind an opponent Status: Wounded
(Remember to post your sheet for my own reference. You still have two attribute points to spend.)
You pluck the fish from the water with your tiger claw. It writhes about, but you have it firmly in your reach. The snake slithers up to you inquiringly, and you intuitively toss the snake the fish, which it swallows headfirst. Your eyes are drawn to something very shiny that fell from the fish's mouth...a small gold ring, made in the shape of a dragon. It looks like it would be worth a lot. You put it on your finger as a symbol of good luck.
You continue down the road, when suddenly you see a flash of metal miss you by mere inches and impact a tree to the left of you with a thump. It is a throwing knife. Suddenly the source of the knife jumps from the trees, but you dodge and roll out of the way.
"Who are you?"
"I am the assassin Poison Eagle! Prepare to meet your doom, BladeBreaker!"
And with that he charges at you with his Eagle style. You dodge his attack and then grab his throat, tossing him over your shoulder. He hits the ground hard, but kips up immediately.
"How do you know me?!" you cry, but instinctively you know the answer. He reaches into a sack and pulls out a bloody head, Sonic's head.
"He was no match for me," spits Poison Eagle, tossing the head aside, "He told me everything about you and your friends' quests. Already my fellow assassins are hunting them down." Then he attacks again.
He attacks more ferociously this time, jumping and then diving towards you, hitting your stomach, then following up with a swift kick to the face. You fall to the ground wounded, and you can feel yourself bleeding internally. You hit a couple of pressure points to stop the bleeding and roll away from Poison Eagle's next attack, getting up.
You see him reach into his robes and quickly you fall to the ground. The throwing knives whoosh past your head, embedding into the tree. You get up again, and his attacks are fierce, driving you back. He grabs you by the throat and holds you up. You feel extremely weak, but you still have one card to play. Using your feet you hit his pressure point to blind him, and he staggers back, unable to see. Pulling out a throwing knife from the tree, you stab him in the stomach and kick him to the ground.
A) Interrogate him. B) Walk away and find some place to treat your wounds C) Finish him off on the spot D) Other
Name: Gathering Storm Level 4 Monk Experience: 190/250 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote Attributes : [4] Body, [5] Mind, [9] Spirit Chi Level 6: All pressure points protected, withstand moderate poison, ability to go into Invincibility Mode
At this point, it seems that I put my skills to use most efficiently by performing a "scout" role with Perserverance. By using my Soothsaying skill, I should be able to discern any danger that could be present. The intelligence that could be gained may be invaluable.
Name: Gathering Storm Level 5 Monk Experience: 30/300 Element: Earth Skill: Soothsaying Fighting Style: Crane Weapon: Wind and Fire Wheels Inventory: 75 Taels, Bread, White Crane Manual, Nei Jin Manual, Antidote Attributes : [4] Body, [5] Mind, [9] Spirit Chi Level 6: All pressure points protected, withstand moderate poison, ability to go into Invincibility Mode
You choose three other fighters to accompany you to look for the enemy and scout them out. You walk in the forest instead of on the path, looking and listening. As you reach a small clearing, suddenly you see a number of flashes. Instinctively you jump up high, pulling out your Wind and Fire Wheels. Your friends do the same, except for one who was slow to dodge. The source comes from a group of five men, clad in all black, and wielding sickles with a long rope tied to the end.
"Who are you?" you shout, but inside you know the answer.
"We are the Renzhe, the emperor's personal assassin guard. You will not survive."
"We shall see," Perseverance shouts, taking out his butterfly swords.
You and your party charge forth, engaging the assassins. It is uneven, four against five, but a well-placed dart from Perseverance subdues one of the assassins quickly. You engage an assassin, who uses his cord to swipe at you from long range, but you dodge and parry the blows. Fighting furiously, you move in closer for the kill. He dodges the blow, but you cutt the cord he has so that he cannot hit you from long range. Tapping into your chi you suddenly reach a state of consciousness that you have never reached before...Invincibility Mode. The Renzhe slashes you, but it bounces off as if you had armor. You move in for the kill, slashing his throat and dispatching him. You gain 90 exp. and level up; you have two attribute points to spend. The others are masters at their arts, and they defeat the Renzhe.
Due to your clarity of mind and your soothsaying, you predict that there are more Renzhe in the forest. However, you are unsure of how many there are.
A) Continue through the forest, engage more Renzhe, and see if you can find Dragon Fist's main force. B) Go back to the monastery and report on the Renzhe. C) Hide in the treetops to ambush any Renzhe or soldiers you might see. D) Go back to the village to help the outlaws. E) Other
Flame of the East Level 5 Fighter Experience: 118/300 Element: Fire Skill: Art of War Fighting Style: Snake Weapon: Staff Inventory: 230 taels, bread, Snake manual, Fa Jin manual, jade pendant, gourd of spring water Chi Level 6: You can punch through iron with your fist, enter Strength Mode. Attributes: Body [7], Mind [5], Spirit [5]
D) Get Baboon to snatch the sack and use his master acrobatics to escape. Tell him beforehand to meet me at the Gardens.
