@UltraCraftGames
Can’t at the moment, just occasionally skimming from my phone at work. Thanks for making one though!
Can’t at the moment, just occasionally skimming from my phone at work. Thanks for making one though!
Zeroth
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Attn teeny boppers: You realize adbots aren't ppl, yes? They randomly generate login info, then execute pre-programmed posts. Your rage-spam goes unheard by the machine. And is equally annoying.
10 mos ago
- Last Seen: 10 mos ago
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Recent Statuses
10 mos ago
Current
Attn teeny boppers: You realize adbots aren't ppl, yes? They randomly generate login info, then execute pre-programmed posts. Your rage-spam goes unheard by the machine. And is equally annoying.
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10 mos ago
*Loads gun* I will instantly kill anyone who says "cream."
3
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10 mos ago
Thank you, completely unnecessary forced software update, for BREAKING FUCKING EVERYTHING I was doing.
1
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11 mos ago
If you're going by UK conventions of knighthood/nobility, yes. It also would be pronounced like the "dam" in "madame," rather than like a Dick Tracy "daym."
1
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11 mos ago
Me: "Goku, thank God you're here!" Goku: "I heard a really strong guy was here! Lemme at him!" Me: "He's right there!" *Points at my Writer's Block* Goku: "... Sorry bud you're on your own."
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Bio
On CST time, United States. Working from home now, so I can typically get at least one response out per week if not more depending on how things are flowing.
Most Recent Posts
@Guy0fV4lor
What you eat may factor into some things like any other adaptive behaviors in an environment, but you can’t copy or absorb skills from the creatures you eat. That would be a form of “cheat” under most circumstances, and the Demon King isn’t fond of that. ;)
What you eat may factor into some things like any other adaptive behaviors in an environment, but you can’t copy or absorb skills from the creatures you eat. That would be a form of “cheat” under most circumstances, and the Demon King isn’t fond of that. ;)
@Guy0fV4lor
They can't just immediately absorb something or stretch themselves out so much as to consume something whole, the way the protagonist of That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime / Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken does. But yes, given enough time, room, and if the prey has been beaten down enough that it can't struggle, they could potentially envelop and consume something of roughly equal size. Digesting it would probably take a long time, though, and leave the slime slow, fat, and vulnerable in the meantime.
@Gobby
All the essentials are there, once the IC/OOC/Character topic is up you can go ahead and add Mr. McPufferston to the appropriate tab. You were spot-on with the description of a Pixie, which I was hoping would be the case since the six starters I picked are either very easy to envision or popularly known monsters.
@Tatsu
The Wisp and Fanged Lizard both have ranged attacks, but the lizard is closer to a middle ground--it's not as strong in direct combat as Goblins or Dire Rats, but it isn't a leaf in the breeze like the Wisp either. However, the Wisp's magic is more directly damaging than the Lizard's status attacks--a Lizard would have to wear an enemy down with poison, or immobilize them with paralysis over time. The Wisp could, if it had enough energy, simply blast something a few good times and be done with them. Another limit to consider, however, is ammunition--the Wisp will not be able to cast spells endlessly, as just like in most games spells use up Magic Power, MP. The Lizard may exhaust its stamina over time, but very rarely would it actually have to wait for its poison sacs to refill.
@UltraCraftGames
I actually had not thought of this monster, so sure it can be one of the Wisp's evolutions, or possibly somehow a slime if I could make that overlap work. The requirements for unlocking it will probably be things themed around the general behavior of the Beholders and what passes for their "culture" throughout the lore of D&D--learning more about magic, specifically any eye-themed abilities, adapting to dark and underground environments, learning at least two different magics and then learning to cast more than one spell at a time...maybe developing split personality syndrome and then becoming paranoid, insane, and xeno-genocidal, etc (maybe just kidding on that last group).
To those who are also working on characters, I am going to wait until we have most characters in the Character Tab of a main thread before I examine your Past Lives in detail and award some carry-over skills or bonuses. This way people won't be able to predict what I'm looking for to qualify for certain skills. I've got a long workday today so I will make a VERY tentative statement that the IC will be up sometime tomorrow evening. Thanks for bearing with me thus far.
They can't just immediately absorb something or stretch themselves out so much as to consume something whole, the way the protagonist of That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime / Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken does. But yes, given enough time, room, and if the prey has been beaten down enough that it can't struggle, they could potentially envelop and consume something of roughly equal size. Digesting it would probably take a long time, though, and leave the slime slow, fat, and vulnerable in the meantime.
@Gobby
All the essentials are there, once the IC/OOC/Character topic is up you can go ahead and add Mr. McPufferston to the appropriate tab. You were spot-on with the description of a Pixie, which I was hoping would be the case since the six starters I picked are either very easy to envision or popularly known monsters.
@Tatsu
The Wisp and Fanged Lizard both have ranged attacks, but the lizard is closer to a middle ground--it's not as strong in direct combat as Goblins or Dire Rats, but it isn't a leaf in the breeze like the Wisp either. However, the Wisp's magic is more directly damaging than the Lizard's status attacks--a Lizard would have to wear an enemy down with poison, or immobilize them with paralysis over time. The Wisp could, if it had enough energy, simply blast something a few good times and be done with them. Another limit to consider, however, is ammunition--the Wisp will not be able to cast spells endlessly, as just like in most games spells use up Magic Power, MP. The Lizard may exhaust its stamina over time, but very rarely would it actually have to wait for its poison sacs to refill.
@UltraCraftGames
I actually had not thought of this monster, so sure it can be one of the Wisp's evolutions, or possibly somehow a slime if I could make that overlap work. The requirements for unlocking it will probably be things themed around the general behavior of the Beholders and what passes for their "culture" throughout the lore of D&D--learning more about magic, specifically any eye-themed abilities, adapting to dark and underground environments, learning at least two different magics and then learning to cast more than one spell at a time...maybe developing split personality syndrome and then becoming paranoid, insane, and xeno-genocidal, etc (maybe just kidding on that last group).
To those who are also working on characters, I am going to wait until we have most characters in the Character Tab of a main thread before I examine your Past Lives in detail and award some carry-over skills or bonuses. This way people won't be able to predict what I'm looking for to qualify for certain skills. I've got a long workday today so I will make a VERY tentative statement that the IC will be up sometime tomorrow evening. Thanks for bearing with me thus far.
@Knox
I had considered insectoid monsters during my original design phase, and like you suggested thought about making them some kind of "trap master" type of character. But the most common abilities for most insects involving paralyzing or poisonous stings, fangs, etc. which the Fanged Lizard already does. Building traps out of webbing, or digging out pitfalls in the ground, could be an interesting form of combat but it seemed like it would force the players to be too passive--they build the trap, then sit and wait for something to fall into it, and I didn't think players would enjoy waiting around like that. Being speedster types, using guerrilla tactics, could work but then they would be another form of DPS like the Dire Rat, and I tried to avoid having the starter monster roles overlap as much as possible.
Not to mention most "mook level" insects would be things like giant ants, or *Projared voice* BEES, and these creatures are hive-minds controlled by a Queen. Players already have to stand out among their monstrous peers to survive, but when doing so goes against the nature of the monster itself it just seemed like it wouldn't work out.
By all means though let's hear some more thoughts on the subject, maybe someone can help fix the issues I've pointed out.
@King Cosmos@Gobby
The thing about becoming Undead is that one has to die first. ;)
I actually decided on that as a sort of "mercy" system just in case--if a player gets in over their heads and bites the big one for a second time, they immediately get the choice of becoming certain types of Undead. But a Zombie has to have a body, and a Ghost has nothing left if it gets destroyed again, and of course the Demon King won't be so kind as to reincarnate you a third time...
I had considered insectoid monsters during my original design phase, and like you suggested thought about making them some kind of "trap master" type of character. But the most common abilities for most insects involving paralyzing or poisonous stings, fangs, etc. which the Fanged Lizard already does. Building traps out of webbing, or digging out pitfalls in the ground, could be an interesting form of combat but it seemed like it would force the players to be too passive--they build the trap, then sit and wait for something to fall into it, and I didn't think players would enjoy waiting around like that. Being speedster types, using guerrilla tactics, could work but then they would be another form of DPS like the Dire Rat, and I tried to avoid having the starter monster roles overlap as much as possible.
Not to mention most "mook level" insects would be things like giant ants, or *Projared voice* BEES, and these creatures are hive-minds controlled by a Queen. Players already have to stand out among their monstrous peers to survive, but when doing so goes against the nature of the monster itself it just seemed like it wouldn't work out.
By all means though let's hear some more thoughts on the subject, maybe someone can help fix the issues I've pointed out.
@King Cosmos@Gobby
The thing about becoming Undead is that one has to die first. ;)
I actually decided on that as a sort of "mercy" system just in case--if a player gets in over their heads and bites the big one for a second time, they immediately get the choice of becoming certain types of Undead. But a Zombie has to have a body, and a Ghost has nothing left if it gets destroyed again, and of course the Demon King won't be so kind as to reincarnate you a third time...
@UltraCraftGames
A singing character would be perfectly fine, so long as he can handle some tough critics here and there...
Skills are things that the players can learn simply by discovering them and then practicing. If you read a magic book and learn to cast a spell, then practice with that spell on different targets or do experiments with it, that spell will increase in power. Kind of like Skyrim, but grinding Iron Daggers wouldn’t work so well after the first few times. Some skills may also be passive traits.
For the skills currently listed:
Physical Damage Resistance causes you to take less damage from attacks. If you have this skill, a sword can’t cut you as deep or a hammer won’t break your bones so badly. You aren’t invincible, but you take less damage.
Beast Senses causes you to have sharper eyesight, better hearing and smelling, and in general be more sensitive to your surroundings. It’s not nightvision or danger sense, but it’s like comparing a dog or cat’s senses to a human.
Mana Orb is a simple blast of magic. At the beginning it would only do as much damage as a strong punch on average, unless the enemy is weak to magic. As it gets stronger it becomes a generic, non elemental energy blast.
Lesser Force is like telekinesis, but only at arm’s length, and it isn’t very strong. A Wisp could use it to pick up food, but not to throw a heavy rock, for example.
Levitation allows the user to float about three feet off the ground continuously. To rise higher requires effort equivalent to physical climbing, and the Speed is never faster than a brisk walk. Think like Navi in Zelda.
Use Light Equipment is very simple. You can effectively pick up and learn to use light weight weapons and tools. These things usually require multiple fingers and opposable thumbs, which is why Goblins can do it right off the bat.
Stun Fang injects poison when biting an enemy that will cause their bodies to seize up. They become unable to move until they are cured or it wears off.
Poison Spit lobs a ball of liquid poison over a short distance. Even if it doesn’t inflict status, it has an acidic burn.
Minor Heal only heals a little bit of damage at a time. It helps with nasty scrapes, cuts, and bruises, but couldn’t do much for a broken bone or a deep tissue laceration.
Lesser Flight means the user can fly, but not for long distances or at great speeds. Comparable to how everyone can run, but not everyone can run for a mile without stopping or sprint 100 meters in 10 seconds.
Shield creates a barrier of magic around the target, protecting them to a degree from any damage. Strong attacks will still chip through or even break the shield entirely.
@King Cosmos
The entire bestiary is based on the usual JRPG and D&D monsters, so whatever would be upper tier there is likely so here. Dragons, Archdevils, Liches, etc. Dont worry about trying to find the “most optimal” build or path, though. A dragon who never practices their fire breath might end up being weaker than another lower ranked monster that puts all their effort into training their own fire magic. It depends on your actions, not just your species.
I have a large number of monsters planned out, but there’s always a chance I missed something or your idea may turn out to be better than mine. Feel free to offer whatever suggestions you would like, just be aware if they get shot down it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad ideas.
@Gobby
You are pretty much correct. For example, a Goblin might turn into a Hobgoblin, learn some magic from a book while still being a jack of all trades, then become an Orc and take up the role of a shaman. Another Goblin might become a Bugbear, which is more focused on physical power, and then an Orc with a berserker role in the group. These two Orcs might look very different and would of course have different skills and personalities, even though they’re still both recognizable as Orcs.
A singing character would be perfectly fine, so long as he can handle some tough critics here and there...
Skills are things that the players can learn simply by discovering them and then practicing. If you read a magic book and learn to cast a spell, then practice with that spell on different targets or do experiments with it, that spell will increase in power. Kind of like Skyrim, but grinding Iron Daggers wouldn’t work so well after the first few times. Some skills may also be passive traits.
For the skills currently listed:
Physical Damage Resistance causes you to take less damage from attacks. If you have this skill, a sword can’t cut you as deep or a hammer won’t break your bones so badly. You aren’t invincible, but you take less damage.
Beast Senses causes you to have sharper eyesight, better hearing and smelling, and in general be more sensitive to your surroundings. It’s not nightvision or danger sense, but it’s like comparing a dog or cat’s senses to a human.
Mana Orb is a simple blast of magic. At the beginning it would only do as much damage as a strong punch on average, unless the enemy is weak to magic. As it gets stronger it becomes a generic, non elemental energy blast.
Lesser Force is like telekinesis, but only at arm’s length, and it isn’t very strong. A Wisp could use it to pick up food, but not to throw a heavy rock, for example.
Levitation allows the user to float about three feet off the ground continuously. To rise higher requires effort equivalent to physical climbing, and the Speed is never faster than a brisk walk. Think like Navi in Zelda.
Use Light Equipment is very simple. You can effectively pick up and learn to use light weight weapons and tools. These things usually require multiple fingers and opposable thumbs, which is why Goblins can do it right off the bat.
Stun Fang injects poison when biting an enemy that will cause their bodies to seize up. They become unable to move until they are cured or it wears off.
Poison Spit lobs a ball of liquid poison over a short distance. Even if it doesn’t inflict status, it has an acidic burn.
Minor Heal only heals a little bit of damage at a time. It helps with nasty scrapes, cuts, and bruises, but couldn’t do much for a broken bone or a deep tissue laceration.
Lesser Flight means the user can fly, but not for long distances or at great speeds. Comparable to how everyone can run, but not everyone can run for a mile without stopping or sprint 100 meters in 10 seconds.
Shield creates a barrier of magic around the target, protecting them to a degree from any damage. Strong attacks will still chip through or even break the shield entirely.
@King Cosmos
The entire bestiary is based on the usual JRPG and D&D monsters, so whatever would be upper tier there is likely so here. Dragons, Archdevils, Liches, etc. Dont worry about trying to find the “most optimal” build or path, though. A dragon who never practices their fire breath might end up being weaker than another lower ranked monster that puts all their effort into training their own fire magic. It depends on your actions, not just your species.
I have a large number of monsters planned out, but there’s always a chance I missed something or your idea may turn out to be better than mine. Feel free to offer whatever suggestions you would like, just be aware if they get shot down it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad ideas.
@Gobby
You are pretty much correct. For example, a Goblin might turn into a Hobgoblin, learn some magic from a book while still being a jack of all trades, then become an Orc and take up the role of a shaman. Another Goblin might become a Bugbear, which is more focused on physical power, and then an Orc with a berserker role in the group. These two Orcs might look very different and would of course have different skills and personalities, even though they’re still both recognizable as Orcs.
@UltraCraftGames
Either one depending on what the player unlocks through their achievements or chooses when they reach the required levels. You’ll almost always get a choice between a few options when it’s time to transform, but whether those are all of the POSSIBLE options depends on how much the player has accomplished.
Either one depending on what the player unlocks through their achievements or chooses when they reach the required levels. You’ll almost always get a choice between a few options when it’s time to transform, but whether those are all of the POSSIBLE options depends on how much the player has accomplished.
@UltraCraftGames@King Cosmos
I have the Kobold included as one of the evolution options for the Fanged Lizard. Draconic monsters of different types can also be reached in several ways, but these would be later “tiers.” As always, True Dragons are considered some of the most powerful entities of this fantasy setting.
The Spriggan, and other nature elementals like Dryads, are also included as options on the evolution paths. I believe the Wisp and the Pixie have the easiest time getting to them, though I’m not able to check my charts at the moment.
I have the Kobold included as one of the evolution options for the Fanged Lizard. Draconic monsters of different types can also be reached in several ways, but these would be later “tiers.” As always, True Dragons are considered some of the most powerful entities of this fantasy setting.
The Spriggan, and other nature elementals like Dryads, are also included as options on the evolution paths. I believe the Wisp and the Pixie have the easiest time getting to them, though I’m not able to check my charts at the moment.
@Duoya
Wisps are the traditional mage option, physically frail but one of only two monsters with a ranged attack at the beginning (the other being the Fanged Lizard's poisonous spit, which doesn't go as far). In terms of appearance it's like a Zelda fairy or just a glowing, floating ball of light, but even without limbs it can manipulate objects within its "personal space" with a very weak form of telekinesis. Because of its magical and formless nature, it will find it easy to take on different elemental traits for its Transformations.
The Pixie, in terms of appearance, is roughly based on the Shin Megami Tensei version (doesn't have to be a girl though). It's probably the only monster I would consider to have a big drawback, because even though it shares the Wisp's magical nature and accompanying frailty, it has no actual attack magic. It can only fight with physical strikes at first, which it doesn't have the raw stats to truly make effective. However, the Pixie is also the only monster that starts out with healing magic, and a supportive defense spell. If a Pixie player were to work together with another player, no matter their species, they would become much more effective.
@Gobby@Kazemitsu@Duoya
I'm going to make an edit in a moment to include the skills that each monster would start with, since that would probably help any character creation drafts.
Wisps are the traditional mage option, physically frail but one of only two monsters with a ranged attack at the beginning (the other being the Fanged Lizard's poisonous spit, which doesn't go as far). In terms of appearance it's like a Zelda fairy or just a glowing, floating ball of light, but even without limbs it can manipulate objects within its "personal space" with a very weak form of telekinesis. Because of its magical and formless nature, it will find it easy to take on different elemental traits for its Transformations.
The Pixie, in terms of appearance, is roughly based on the Shin Megami Tensei version (doesn't have to be a girl though). It's probably the only monster I would consider to have a big drawback, because even though it shares the Wisp's magical nature and accompanying frailty, it has no actual attack magic. It can only fight with physical strikes at first, which it doesn't have the raw stats to truly make effective. However, the Pixie is also the only monster that starts out with healing magic, and a supportive defense spell. If a Pixie player were to work together with another player, no matter their species, they would become much more effective.
@Gobby@Kazemitsu@Duoya
I'm going to make an edit in a moment to include the skills that each monster would start with, since that would probably help any character creation drafts.
@Kazemitsu
Slimes will be somewhat similar to their Dragon Quest incarnations, with options to simply increase their size or defense, but because Slimes can be found in some form pretty much anywhere and they can eat/absorb pretty much anything, some of their options will be heavily dependent on their environment. We'll be starting in a typical sort of Noob Cave, but by traveling the world of the RP you could find many other terrains to influence your character's development.
Lizards will be a good choice for the crafy, strategic player. While they're similarly weak in up-front encounters as the Magic monsters, their status effects can work even on higher level monsters. They don't have as many Transformations to choose from at the first rank as some of the other starters, but the ones they do have all seemed (to me anyway) to be very reliable.
@Gobby
Dire Rats are, along with the Goblin, probably a good "standard" choice. Magical spells take time to learn, even for monsters with those natural abilities. Their eventual payoff is worth it, but if you're looking for fighting ability right at the get go the Dire Rat's got that. Plus, while it's somewhat limited at first, any monster can eventually learn magic or transform into a magic-focused creature later on.
Slimes will be somewhat similar to their Dragon Quest incarnations, with options to simply increase their size or defense, but because Slimes can be found in some form pretty much anywhere and they can eat/absorb pretty much anything, some of their options will be heavily dependent on their environment. We'll be starting in a typical sort of Noob Cave, but by traveling the world of the RP you could find many other terrains to influence your character's development.
Lizards will be a good choice for the crafy, strategic player. While they're similarly weak in up-front encounters as the Magic monsters, their status effects can work even on higher level monsters. They don't have as many Transformations to choose from at the first rank as some of the other starters, but the ones they do have all seemed (to me anyway) to be very reliable.
@Gobby
Dire Rats are, along with the Goblin, probably a good "standard" choice. Magical spells take time to learn, even for monsters with those natural abilities. Their eventual payoff is worth it, but if you're looking for fighting ability right at the get go the Dire Rat's got that. Plus, while it's somewhat limited at first, any monster can eventually learn magic or transform into a magic-focused creature later on.
A short note before we begin:
Even if it gets a ton of interest, this RP may get a bit slow at times. I work a lot and even on off-days often get called out. I'm pretty sure right now I have enough free time to get back into RPing, but please bear with me if we encounter difficulties. With these things in mind I'd like to encourage players to not only be patient, but also as self-motivated as possible, and to feel free to discuss ideas among themselves and with me. Thanks.
You died.
The crystal clear memory, the moment of your death, burns at the back of your vision in exquisite detail. In this image, time freezes and every minutia stands out for you to ponder at your leisure. Behind it, the rest of your memories stretch into infinity like an endless hall of mirrors. Somehow you know you will never forget any of it. Moments of bliss and despair, weakness and triumph alike, engraved into eternity.
It would seem that you are alone, in this “eternity.” Endless white stretches out in every direction. Yet you feel claustrophobic, as if sealed in a box waiting to be opened. You stand upon a floor, but to look down reveals no shadow nor footprint. You are not sure if the pristine, featureless expanse is light, or void. You have a body, but your eyes, nose, and every nerve may as well be nonexistent for all the perception they provide.
But your ears hear a voice.
“This one’ll do, too.”
In white, there is now black, and with this disparity comes a return to sensation, to feeling. The gaping tear in reality, onyx flesh rent by necrotic claws, admits a man into your presence. His steps ripple upon the floor like water and bring with them undulating shadows. His red cloak's tattered hem reminds you of billowing flames. You can’t decide if his dark clothing is that of the plain layman, or that of the pragmatic general. His hair is blacker than ink, finer than silk, and his features might be considered handsome. But the red eyes and knowing grin are too unsettling. Shadows dance behind him, trailing like smoke. Are they the heads of many dragons, or some other beasts? Is it the phantasmal image of some hundred-armed figure, bearing weapons of destruction? You cannot be certain.
“Greetings, mortal soul.” He sweeps one hand out, throwing the cloak over one shoulder. “I’ll try to make this quick.” Now both of his hands extend, and beneath you the floor presents an image...an entire world laid out before you. A world that is not your own.
“Your world has quite the imagination, so perhaps you’ve heard this one before. An everyday, run of the mill, average soul is swept off their feet by a sudden, glowing circle of runes! Or a portal that appears out of thin air! Or, like now, they are plucked from death’s door. It doesn’t matter, as the end result is the same." He chuckles, and the infinite expanse ripples.
"You’re now a Chosen Hero, and you’ve fallen into a brand new world. Magic is real and brave knights wield magical blades against the forces of evil! You might become an adventurer! You could explore vast dungeons, discover ancient treasures! You might even get your own personal harem of romantic interests, or slay a Demon King!”
The salesman’s smile he wears now twists into a cold, seething rage with a mouth set in stony resolve. His fangs gleam white in a mad grin. With a thunderclap from his hands, the world below you disappears. The void around you goes pitch black. Somehow, he is still visible.
“But that’s not how it’s going to go! You see, I am the aforementioned Demon King. And this time, I’m summoning my own Damned Heroes!”
Something closes in on you; the claustrophobia before is now full blown restraint. The “Demon King” folds one leg over the other and either floats back, or sits on some unseen throne.
“Unfortunately, my followers don’t put much stock in “prophecy,” “blessings,” or “talent." And I find the idea of "cheats" to be overdone. You have to start at the bottom rung like everyone else, and claw your way up...over a mountain of corpses, if need be. Yet, I will allow you one boon: You may choose, from a handful of options, how your new life will begin. In both of our worlds, no one ever gets to choose the circumstances of their birth, right? So in a way, maybe I’m giving you the best deal of all…
Then again, all of your choices are pretty shitty.”
He shrugs, and the shell around you closes completely. You can no longer see anything, yet your other senses begin to stir. And you can still hear his voice, though it comes now from within you.
"Despite all that, in all your world's tales the Heroes are quite savvy. No matter their nature or abilities, they always seem to find a way. Yes...a way to completely, utterly BREAK whatever hackneyed system the gods design!" You can hear him cackle with glee. Then you hear an odd, almost digital sound right next to your ears. Images, each displaying a creature out of a story-book, appear before you.
"Choose among these weak and pitiful creatures. As you grow in power and experience, you will transform into something greater. Some have more options, and others may overlap. In the end it is reliant on you as an individual. Even if two of you become the same type of creature down the line, I doubt your abilities will be exactly the same." Strings of an unknown language appear below the images, and before your eyes they begin to make sense.
"As former Humans, your "intelligence" and "wisdom" will far surpass many “normal” monsters. Feel free to use your memories and knowledge to your advantage. Just beware of thinking you’re a big fish when the pond is merely small." With no other option, and with the closed in feeling growing stronger, you make your choice.
"Now, off with you! If you want more than a snowball’s chance in Hell of surviving the world outside your cave, defeat the Boss Monster! Use violence, subterfuge, even negotiation, I don’t give a damn! After that, make your way to my Palace...those who survive will be rewarded! Maybe I’ll even send you back home…" The shell emits a sharp crack. You see light.
You are reborn.
As you may guess, this is a Fantasy, Anime style RP in the growing “isekai” or “other world” genre. The characters were once normal people on our version of Earth, like you and me. After their deaths, they reincarnate as monsters under a mysterious King of Demons. It's like series like Re:Monster, That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime, I'm a Spider, So What, and a few others. There’s also noticeable influence from monster raising games like Monster Rancher, Pokemon, etc.
Though there might be references to terms like “stats,” “experience,” and so forth, there won’t be any dice rolling or number crunching. If the “stats” are revealed, they’re vague comparisons meant to show an Ogre is stronger than a Troll or something like that. They aren’t the end-all-be-all of combat.
Players will choose one of six monsters types to be when they are reborn, unless I'm convinced to add more. If you want to suggest a new type, remember you're all supposed to be weaklings. Start with the kind of mooks an RPG would have at Level 1. Depending on how many players we have, I’d like to have one of each or at least a good variety. The characters will advance by performing all sorts of actions. Fighting is one option, training or learning new skills is another, and then there might be some odd stuff you wouldn’t expect. There are three forms of growth: Skills, Transformation, and Variance. Skills are things like magic spells or proficiency with weapons. They typically improve with practice or personal insight. Transformation is evolution; a Goblin becoming a Hobgoblin and then an Orc, for instance. Variance is the most unique of the three, and is only earned through special instances that will likely become unique to each character. Depending on different characters' backstories, I may grant them a few "carry overs" from their past lives at my discretion.
Here are your choices:
Slime - The Tank of the group. In stat terms, they’d have higher HP and Defense. They have many options for Transformation, and are adaptable to almost any environment. As they grow they might gain shapeshifting abilities or better offense without giving up too much of their specialty. Starting Skill: Physical Damage Resistance I. (A bundle skill applying to all three types, Blunt, Slash, and Pierce)
Dire Rat - The Damage Dealer. It might seem odd, but even though they’re small their speed and strong jaws mean that taking big bites out of an enemy can be very effective, among fellow weaklings. Their Transformations will allow them to branch out into other beast-type monsters. These usually focus on being physically powerful and having sharp senses. Starting Skill: Beast Senses I (A bundle skill applying to all physical senses).
Wisp - The Magic Attacker. A floating orb of magical energy, this monster can fire spells from range and levitate. But it can’t actually “fly” and is very weak up close. As it Transforms it will grow more powerful magically, and may gain various elemental affinities. And of course it won’t stay a featureless glowing puffball forever. Starting Skills: Mana Orb I, Lesser Force I, Levitation.
Goblin - The Jack of All Trades. The long eared, big nosed, green skinned and child-sized peon we’ve all come to love. Goblins aren’t especially strong at anything, but they’re well-balanced. They are the first monster that can use tools, limited to simple things like sharpened sticks. As they Transform they can specialize more, but it'll be hard to match up against creatures with natural specialties. Starting Skill: Use Light Equipment.
Fanged Lizard - The Status Effecter. Physically not much, but a single bite has the chance to paralyze any enemy, even stronger ones. It can also spit poison to wear an enemy down over time. It has fewer Transformations than some of the others. Yet each one offers distinct advantages and may hint to some interesting possibilities…Starting Skills: Stun Fang I, Poison Spit I.
Pixie - The Healer. Like the Wisp, this tiny winged humanoid is magically focused. Though weak, its healing and defensive spells (one of each) allow it to work very effectively as part of a group. As it Transforms it may become more independent with magical offense or different elements. Starting Skills: Minor Heal I, Lesser Flight I, Shield I.
And here’s a rough draft of the character sheet, complete with an example:
So, who's interested?
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