Shounen Battle School Anime RP - Institute for Young Channellers

[Zero Hex]

@tipssyCalibrator
You know, I hate feeling like I'm telling you how to run your game or w/e, just offering advice/opinion here, having said that: the "whole having a tiny mech/powered armor" thing could easily fit channelers that specialize in materializing objects and whatnot. You're the smart but weak type and you want to be the smart and strong type, so you literally create a way to do so. It plays into a variety of personalities rather than just "generic smart coolguy", because you're sacrificing a potentially much more versatile power in exchange for being able to compete with the meatheads in their own terms.

As for summons, it feels like limiting creation to something that exists just puts too much of a damper on what people could do with that ability creatively. For instance, it'd take away the ability to create a power armor for yourself. That's a fun and cool concept gone. For shonen show examples, while the main character in S.Cry.Ed was essentially an augmenter (given the way the show worked his powerset was creating a rocket punch gauntlet, another thing that seemingly wouldn't fly), his rival was a cool headed operator whose power was summoning a humanoid creature that used flexible ribbon limbs for attack and defense. That wouldn't be doable either.

[Rin]

This channeller category will be also based around creating and controlling things like architects, but these channellers are based more around solid objects. So things like swords, knives, guns, etc. They are limited by the type, number and complexity of the objects they can create, so they can't create an infinite number of an object, they cant create any type of object they want at any time (like a blade guy can only create swords and knives and stuff), and they have to understand how the object is constructed and functions in order to create it so complicated things like machines are limited to the really smart people who can understand them. They can also create a certain type of animal, though they can only create empty bodies that they control, they can't create actual life. These channellers can also control already existing things as well (so a sword guy can also control swords that he didn't create). This also works for animals as well, kind of like mind control for the animal

@tipssyCalibrator

...Aaaand my first thoughts upon reading this were the words "I am the bone of my sword". XD

[Shadow Daedalus]

@tipssyCalibrator I've been thinking about casting my interest and the new Architects are pretty much my favourite for superpower RPs. I'd suggest the old Architect types would be renamed Manipulators or something energy related like 'Wavecasters'

[Mixtape Ghost N]

@tipssyCalibrator I've been thinking about casting my interest and the new Architects are pretty much my favourite for superpower RPs. I'd suggest the old Architect types would be renamed Manipulators or something energy related like 'Wavecasters'

@Shadow Daedalus

I like the idea behind Wavecasters.

[tipssyCalibrator]

@tipssyCalibrator
You know, I hate feeling like I'm telling you how to run your game or w/e, just offering advice/opinion here, having said that: the "whole having a tiny mech/powered armor" thing could easily fit channelers that specialize in materializing objects and whatnot. You're the smart but weak type and you want to be the smart and strong type, so you literally create a way to do so. It plays into a variety of personalities rather than just "generic smart coolguy", because you're sacrificing a potentially much more versatile power in exchange for being able to compete with the meatheads in their own terms.

As for summons, it feels like limiting creation to something that exists just puts too much of a damper on what people could do with that ability creatively. For instance, it'd take away the ability to create a power armor for yourself. That's a fun and cool concept gone. For shonen show examples, while the main character in S.Cry.Ed was essentially an augmenter (given the way the show worked his powerset was creating a rocket punch gauntlet, another thing that seemingly wouldn't fly), his rival was a cool headed operator whose power was summoning a humanoid creature that used flexible ribbon limbs for attack and defense. That wouldn't be doable either.

@Zero Hex

The problem with creating things that don't exist is that it can be really vague and would be a real headache to keep in check. I can easily understand someone creating a real thing, cause it's a thing that can be probably easily understood and most likely isn't OP in a world with super powers. But something like a magical item or a demon or something is a very weird concept that would needed to be explained very thoroughly in order to make sure it's not some crazy OP thing. Not to mention it kind of messes with the worldbuilding a little bit, cause it's like "Oh, so magic exists in this world? Where does it come from? What are its limits? Is it different from energy?" I guess you could argue it just comes from the channeller's imagination and nothing else, but I dunno, it still seems kinda weird to me for some reason

That being said, I am still sympathetic to those who want to be more creative with their powers, so I guess I might allow for more fantastical item creation. However, they will have to be very, very well defined, and I'm going to probably be pretty strict on what I will allow and what I won't

@tipssyCalibrator I've been thinking about casting my interest and the new Architects are pretty much my favourite for superpower RPs. I'd suggest the old Architect types would be renamed Manipulators or something energy related like 'Wavecasters'

@Shadow Daedalus

"The new Architects" sounds like a band name, lol

And those are both good names. I was thinking maybe something like "Generators", but I kind of like those names more

[Plank Sinatra]

<Snipped quote by Zero Hex>
The problem with creating things that don't exist is that it can be really vague and would be a real headache to keep in check. I can easily understand someone creating a real thing, cause it's a thing that can be probably easily understood and most likely isn't OP in a world with super powers. But something like a magical item or a demon or something is a very weird concept that would needed to be explained very thoroughly in order to make sure it's not some crazy OP thing. Not to mention it kind of messes with the worldbuilding a little bit, cause it's like "Oh, so magic exists in this world? Where does it come from? What are its limits? Is it different from energy?" I guess you could argue it just comes from the channeller's imagination and nothing else, but I dunno, it still seems kinda weird to me for some reason

That being said, I am still sympathetic to those who want to be more creative with their powers, so I guess I might allow for more fantastical item creation. However, they will have to be very, very well defined, and I'm going to probably be pretty strict on what I will allow and what I won't

@tipssyCalibrator

What if any hypothetical confrontation with a magical item or demon was solely for worldbuilding, and played no part in the character's powers? My original character concept last night was someone who found himself or his soul on the line against some third-party force, and ended up teaching the next generation of goddamn brats channelers in order to earn his freedom back from whatever it was that he confronted. This event wouldn't have factored into anything he could do - he would have already been a channeler by the time this confrontation took place - but would have given an otherwise aloof teacher reason to serve the younger characters your typical shounen schlock.

[Zero Hex]

@tipssyCalibrator
Well yes, you'd have to keep that stuff in check, but that's part of a GM's role after all. Creation of nonexistent things doesn't have to mess with your worldbuilding, it doesn't have to be a wholly separate form of magic. It's just a manifestation of a channeler's power, influenced by their personality and creativity. For a simple character example: a bullied emo kid that wanted some kind of badass protector ends up projecting a "demon" summon/stand as his power. It's not an actual demon from hell, but it looks and might even act like what he thinks a demon would because it's that closely linked to the character's story and personality.

As for where it comes from, this is already a setting hinging around magical inner spirit energy projection, with a subset based around creating something from nothing and even manipulating things similar to the things you create on some level. I don't think there's much of a problem if channelers can manifest their energy as a physical being or object.

[tipssyCalibrator]

<Snipped quote by tipssyCalibrator>

What if any hypothetical confrontation with a magical item or demon was solely for worldbuilding, and played no part in the character's powers? My original character concept last night was someone who found himself or his soul on the line against some third-party force, and ended up teaching the next generation of goddamn brats channelers in order to earn his freedom back from whatever it was that he confronted. This event wouldn't have factored into anything he could do - he would have already been a channeler by the time this confrontation took place - but would have given an otherwise aloof teacher reason to serve the younger characters your typical shounen schlock.

@Plank Sinatra

Well I imagine you could probably make that type of backstory work with the existing powers as they are now. Technically you wouldn't even have to have anything supernatural involved at all for that to work, just say it's a group of people that he's forced to do something for in some other way or something like that instead of making it literally his soul on the line. I mean, I'm sure you probably want it to be more supernatural in origin cause that's more fun, I'm just saying that it's technically possible for the sake of making the point is all

[Western Robot]

I'd like to day I would prefer for the setting to be more constrained. Introducing future tech and magical creatures will make things less focused. It's nice to keep things coherent.

[tipssyCalibrator]

@tipssyCalibrator
Well yes, you'd have to keep that stuff in check, but that's part of a GM's role after all. Creation of nonexistent things doesn't have to mess with your worldbuilding, it doesn't have to be a wholly separate form of magic. It's just a manifestation of a channeler's power, influenced by their personality and creativity. For a simple character example: a bullied emo kid that wanted some kind of badass protector ends up projecting a "demon" summon/stand as his power. It's not an actual demon from hell, but it looks and might even act like what he thinks a demon would because it's that closely linked to the character's story and personality.

As for where it comes from, this is already a setting hinging around magical inner spirit energy projection, with a subset based around creating something from nothing and even manipulating things similar to the things you create on some level. I don't think there's much of a problem if channelers can manifest their energy as a physical being or object.

@Zero Hex

(Didn't see this post when I made my last post)

I guess what I'm really saying is that I'm trying to not make it too hard on me. It would just be more stuff I'd have to keep track of on top of all the other GM things I'll be doing. Like I said, I'm willing to bend on the rule, but I will want the weird stuff to be well thought out and reasonable

I'd like to day I would prefer for the setting to be more constrained. Introducing future tech and magical creatures will make things less focused. It's nice to keep things coherent.

@Western Robot

This is basically what I'm saying, I want it to be more focused. I just don't want it to get too ridiculous or out there, y'know?

[Krayzikk]

Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth, but I don't think some out there stuff would be too bad.

Most people will go for simpler energy-based powers, but being able to bend a little for something that is well thought out wouldn't be too bad. It puts the burden on the player to come up with something acceptably fleshed-out, and given that we're discussing a shounen setting... That sort of thing wouldn't be too far outside the genre norm.

On an unrelated note, do you have any idea what the big fields on the CS might be? I'm starting work without one, but I want to make sure I cover the major bases so I can fit it all into the actual CS when it comes up.

[tipssyCalibrator]

Most people will go for simpler energy-based powers, but being able to bend a little for something that is well thought out wouldn't be too bad. It puts the burden on the player to come up with something acceptably fleshed-out, and given that we're discussing a shounen setting... That sort of thing wouldn't be too far outside the genre norm.

@Krayzikk

Well like I said, I'm willing to allow it if it's well thought out and reasonable. I just don't want it to become the norm is all

On an unrelated note, do you have any idea what the big fields on the CS might be? I'm starting work without one, but I want to make sure I cover the major bases so I can fit it all into the actual CS when it comes up.

Well I actually have the CS written up already, I just haven't posted the OOC yet because I want everyone to come to an agreement on the power situation first. I could PM you the CS (and anyone else who wants it) if you want

[Krayzikk]

<Snipped quote by Krayzikk>
Well like I said, I'm willing to allow it if it's well thought out and reasonable. I just don't want it to become the norm is all

<Snipped quote>
Well I actually have the CS written up already, I just haven't posted it yet because I want everyone to come to an agreement on the power situation first. I could PM you the CS (and anyone else who wants it) if you want

@tipssyCalibrator

That would be great. It'll be a bit before I work out a power, but it would be fantastic to be able to start filling in the rest.

[Zero Hex]

<Snipped quote by Zero Hex>
(Didn't see this post when I made my last post)

I guess what I'm really saying is that I'm trying to not make it too hard on me. It would just be more stuff I'd have to keep track of on top of all the other GM things I'll be doing. Like I said, I'm willing to bend on the rule, but I will want the weird stuff to be well thought out and reasonable

<Snipped quote by Western Robot>
This is basically what I'm saying, I want it to be more focused. I just don't want it to get too ridiculous or out there, y'know?

@tipssyCalibrator

That's fair enough. I'm just saying it's not exactly "out there" to have characters whose powers are having a super suit or summoning a creature to fight for them in shonen, and that you can have these things as part of the same creation archetype so it allows more creativity for the "smart and weak" types without it stepping outside your worldbuilding. What Western's saying is that he doesn't want to introduce other forms of non-chi magic or super tech, which I've never said I wanted. I'm just saying a materialization power determined by a teen's personality can easily have them tap into fantasy and sci-fi for inspiration and still be the same powerset.

[tipssyCalibrator]

So is everyone alright with summoning fantasy-esque things but not making them too weird and out there or OP? If so, then I'll get to making the OOC

[Archmage MC]

I'm seeing one huge problem here. For an RP based around 'character interactions and building', your drastically limiting character build options for the sake of pvp 'balance' and making everything super watered down and boring in the process.

I mean, sure if you just want a hunter x hunter sorta thing going, then just say that. But then nein can be used to an extent that is very close if not exactly magic. (Greed island) or borderline alchemy (Chimera Ants) so it seems like that isn't even happening here.

I dunno, just seems like the initial vision, then your refinement of that vision, are two totally different ends of the spectrum. Aren't shonen anime supposed to be fun and over the top? Fist of the North Star being a great early example. Or bobobo, if you want a shonen parody. (I miss that one.)

If your super worried about PvP being unbalanced, you can always just make death an inconvenience instead of a certainty with dragonballs or something. Its not going to happen very often if your trying character development stuff anyway.

OR, and here me out here. Go One Punch Man and just have everything dialed up to 11.

[Silvan Haven]

I feel like half of the problems you have there could be solved with a co-gm.

[Krayzikk]

I'm seeing one huge problem here. For an RP based around 'character interactions and building', your drastically limiting character build options for the sake of pvp 'balance' and making everything super watered down and boring in the process.

I mean, sure if you just want a hunter x hunter sorta thing going, then just say that. But then nein can be used to an extent that is very close if not exactly magic. (Greed island) or borderline alchemy (Chimera Ants) so it seems like that isn't even happening here.

I dunno, just seems like the initial vision, then your refinement of that vision, are two totally different ends of the spectrum. Aren't shonen anime supposed to be fun and over the top? Fist of the North Star being a great early example. Or bobobo, if you want a shonen parody. (I miss that one.)

@Archmage MC

These are some decent points. I don't know if I necessarily agree on the proposed solutions, but honestly shounen is usually pretty over the top by definition.

[VitaVitaAR]

You can have something over the top and still have a setting where there are consistent rules that get followed.

In fact, that can make character planning a lot easier if you know what you're working with.

I'll be honest, as much as I love One Punch Man it's not the inspiration I think we should be looking at here.

Neither is making death a joke if we want to have any kind of serious plot.

[Archmage MC]

<Snipped quote by Archmage MC>

These are some decent points. I don't know if I necessarily agree on the proposed solutions, but honestly shounen is usually pretty over the top by definition.

@Krayzikk

Yeah they aren't too good for sure. And I can kinda see where the OP is coming from with balance if its too over the top, but then thats why Dragonball has, well, Dragonballs. A nice writer's miguffin that lets you do things in universe that you need to do to rein in the over the topness if you need to for the sake of a good story.

I feel like half of the problems you have there could be solved with a co-gm.

@Silvan Haven

Yeah, I agree here.

You can have something over the top and still have a setting where there are consistent rules that get followed.

In fact, that can make character planning a lot easier if you know what you're working with.

I'll be honest, as much as I love One Punch Man it's not the inspiration I think we should be looking at here.

Neither is making death a joke if we want to have any kind of serious plot.

@VitaVitaAR

I mean, most shonen anime are usually with a single protag or their team of people, so death tends to be a non issue as having the main character die ends a series anyway. and most of their plots tend to be either whimsical or super serious depending on the writing. (Heck, even Hunter x Hunter laughs at death even with all of it happening in Chimera Ants. If you've seen it you know what I mean. Even then it was still super good.) Either way, its usually never in the middle.

Its a tricky thing to balance for sure.