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View Full Version : Poipole's & Palkia's: D&D Style Game THE TECHNICAL DISCUSSION



Saraibre Ryu
10-06-2018, 04:59 AM
Poipole's and Palkia's
Do you like D&D? Do you like Pokemon? Do you think you would like them both? Well excellent news, I have a proposition for you. In my absence I've been running a few D&D games. I thought it may be fun to make a simplified version of D&D, Pokemonize it, and make it forum friendly, somehow. I'm a crazy person so I'm writing up some things and transposing others based on what I know of D&D and Pokemon. This is not a sign up, this is a discussion and interest gathering project.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PLAYED D&D 5TH EDITION, PLEASE WATCH/READ THESE HELPFUL RULES/DEFINITIONS BELOW, MORE WILL BE ADDED AS TIME FOES ON AND I FIND NICELY EXPLAINED THINGS:

Handbooker Helper: Dice 101 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQq_WsPFiDs) AKA What are the dice for?
Handbooker Helper: Ability Scores (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoV5iM7peOg)AKA What are Ability Scores?
Handbooker Helper: Ability Checks, Proficiencies & Saving Throws (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVEX4J2Sh4A) AKA What is all this technical jargon I keep seeing?
Handbooker Helper: Death Saving Throws (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo7zMVrdyXo) AKA Wait I can DIE? How does that happen? What are the rules for that!
All Ressurection spells detailed in this video will be altered slightly, but will work more or less the same as class features instead of spells.


This is the Abilities document. (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RZXV0wsDDzBclbg5NpEtX3zrP6zLzbbzWeY00X0tC h8) THIS IS COMPLETE BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

This is the Type Racials document. (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sk4HDDg37GmAq-1QV1JyUwGBzX-OlQ81PB9GMC4cHeM) IT IS COMPLETE BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.


What D&D edition is this based off of?
It will be based on 5th Edition D&D, as that is the one I know best and am familiar with most of the rules.

How many things will be the same from the 5E rules?
The core rules and most mechanics will be intact, as well as things like Conditions, though may be modified or have new ones added in for that Pokemon familiarity.

How would this play out?
Similar to Mystery Dungeon, you would play a Pokemon. As you would level up, your character would evolve, grow stronger, gain new skills and what not. Various systems involving that are being written up. You would form a party with other players characters and go on text written adventures with combat, RP, puzzles and what not. I would be the DM, acting as the universe you all play in and a story for your characters to live and be a part of.

Will there be classes?
Yes, sort of. I plan on simplifying the classes, due to the nature of there being well over 800+ Pokemon, I would have to make some racial stats for a lot of Pokemon. I already have some guidelines based on types, and while you my get bonuses for being that type, or combination of those types, you will also gain specific things for being a particular Pokemon. The class system will help assist in choosing your stats, flavour your combat and what types of attacks you would have. For example, if you were to be a more Clerical Pokemon, you would have access to more of your support abilities. If you were more, a Barbarian style Pokemon, you would be a much more melee style brawler, with of course the Rage mechanic we can't take away.

What about stats?
While I won't be adhereing to the base stats Pokemon have in the game, certain Pokemon will fit roles better than others. However I don't want to deter anyone from trying anything they would like to try. They will be based on the ability score stats of D&D, and work out pretty well considering there are 6 Pokemon stats and 6 ability scores in D&D.

How would combat work?
For those unfamiliar with D&D, when combat begins, initiative is rolled to see the turn order of events. Then during your turn, you have a set number of things you can do. What those are is usually determined by your class skills and the like. Normally there is a map with mini's, and while I am trying to figure out a simple map system, theater of the mind may have to do for now.

Can characters die?
Yes, they can, but this is a D&D style game. If your character dies, they can be revived. It would be a difficult task depending on how far along your character is, but it is doable. Plus it makes for great character development and storytelling.

Can I see what -insert Pokemon here- abilities would be before I would commit to a character?
Due to the fact there are a ton of Pokemon, I will make racial abilities and what not, on demand. There will be staples, such as Poison Pokemon being unable to be under the Poisoned Status.

How will Pokemon Attacks translate into combat?
This is another one of those transposing projects. Which attacks your character would get will depend on what class you pick. What passive abilities will also be taken into consideration. As for how some things will work in combat, I will transpose some skills into the D&D format. Some spells already existing in the D&D universe are quite similar to Pokemon attacks, so those may get translated. I will try and divide attacks into two categories, to make a simplified version of the spellcasting system in D&D, but not as restricted. Other than that, the D20 attack system will be in play. I will make some kind of compendium for reference.

Will I have to know a lot about Dungeons and Dragons to try this out?
It would certainly help, but nope! No previous experience necessary. I will be writing the basic rules out once I work out a bunch of technical stuff, and posting it for your ease of access.

Will this be role play heavy?
Probably. This is why I put this in the RP forums and not the games section. A quest may involve no combat, a hostile situation could be solved with words, or you may mock a ghost to death. It's all about how you play and what you'd like to do! Also if the dice like you, that's a real important part. There is going to be a lot of dice rolling.

How will we roll dice on a forum? We aren't all a a table.
I don't know if PXR still has it, but I could have sworn there was a dice rolling widget. If not, I'll figure something out. I will hope that everyone won't try to cheat the game if I have to let you make your own rolls on a dice roller. That or I may roll the dice for you and post the results. Again, technical stuff I'm working out.

QUESTIONS ROUND 2:

Will equipment matter?
While I won't have weapons such as swords and pikes, I may use armor and cloaks and other magic items. Of course I'll transpose some Pokemon Items as well. Fear not! I have something in mind to help the Fighter/Rogue/Barbarian/Ranger and other melee based classes who do rely on that sweet sweet loot.

Shiny Pokemon?
There will be shiny Pokemon, however, being a shiny or earning it will come as a reward for a great feat in the world. You can earn it through the course of the many adventures as your character levels up.

Do I have to dedicate a ton of time to this? Can I drop in and out? Do I have to stick to one character?
No you don't, and yes you can! While I'm sure your party members would appreciate if your character didn't disappear in the middle of a dungeon run, sometimes life doesn't always work out. You can swap characters every so often between adventures, dungeons and other things going on. As a DM if someone needs to vacate their character because of an emergency, I will essentially control that character until they can get to a place of leave. Of course I will make sure things are okay with said player and made retcons if necessary.

Do we have to follow a story, or can we do whatever we like?
Both! I as a DM will have a story within a story no doubt, however your approach to how it goes is all up to you. I've had players in my previous games make beer draft business deals with dragons, make a PR stunt out of a tavern party in a recently ransacked village, or decide to go to the hot springs for that anime filler episode. That's the beauty of how Dungeons and Dragons works.

How will character creation work?
Everyone will choose a basic, non legendary or legendary esque Pokemon. I'll make a list. Then everyone will roll for their stats, AKA ability scores. Then they can put those in whichever stat they see fit, using the base stats as a guideline. I will explain the ability scores in the google doc I'm working on. I will help each and every player make a character sheet, as I'm going to have to approve them all anyway! Then everyone can make a post that they can edit, as people will have to maintain inventory, HP and all that stuff.


Any further important questions you may have will be edited into this post for ease of reading. Thank you for taking the time to give this a look!

[Desolate Divine]
10-06-2018, 01:17 PM
http://www.pokemoncrossroads.com/dice/

You're welcome.

And this is something I'd be keen for!

@Suicune's Fire?

EmeraldSky
10-06-2018, 02:13 PM
Count me in! If Pikachu counts as a bard class, I would so make a minstrel Pikachu.

Saraibre Ryu
10-06-2018, 02:24 PM
Count me in! If Pikachu counts as a bard class, I would so make a minstrel Pikachu.

Here's the best part! You can be a Bardic Pikachu, or a Wizardly Pikachu, any kind of Pikachu you want. Your class would basically determine how your moveset worked out. For example Bards would get some support and utility skills, and of course the ever important Inspire mechanic, and the ability to just, well be the Bard TM. XD

EmeraldSky
10-06-2018, 04:35 PM
If you guys go ahead with this, I am making a Pika-bard.

Neo Emolga
10-06-2018, 06:43 PM
I would definitely give this a shot. It seems very interesting and fun to try. :3

Shruikan
10-06-2018, 07:49 PM
Ever since I started watching Critical Rol, I've been wanting to play D&D, but timezones & not having any RL friends has continually thwarted me. This idea to me is like a dream come true. Forum based, pokemon themed D&D? Definitely count me in.

Now to figure out what kind of cleric I'll end up as. It will happen; one way or another, I always end up playing the healer. :P

Saraibre Ryu
10-06-2018, 09:32 PM
As someone who plays a cleric, it can be a little stressful, but also fun! I will most likely be including domains to pick from, but not get too fancy with all the subclasses and archetypes. I don’t want to scare anyone who doesn’t know a thing about DND. XD

Also feel free to ask any kinds of questions! Examples of racial abilities, and what not, go for it.

I have thought of not including weapons in this game style for simplicity’s sake, but fret not, I do have an idea so that the non spell slinger classes aren’t cut out of the fun.

EmeraldSky
10-07-2018, 12:48 AM
Saraibre Ryu

Would singing to cast a spell be too outlandish for a bard to do?

Saraibre Ryu
10-07-2018, 12:58 AM
Saraibre Ryu

Would singing to cast a spell be too outlandish for a bard to do?

Absolutely not! That's basically the idea of a bard! Singing to weave the magic and arcane wonders is how they get by in life! In D&D 5e there are plenty of different kinds of bards, and they typically go to colleges to learn their craft. Some are know it alls, some learn to sing with a blade, some to be sneaky and whisper fear into others, the list goes on. This game probably won't get that specific into sub classes, but the idea is still there. And of course, what is a bard without their trusty instrument? Besides, outlandish tends to be a Bard's go to bread and butter.

I have also updated the first post with a few questions I thought would be important to note!

EmeraldSky
10-07-2018, 02:07 AM
Saraibre Ryu

That's good to know--any idea of a potential start date?

Saraibre Ryu
10-07-2018, 04:54 AM
EmeraldSky
Hopefully a few weeks? I'll see how long it takes me to make up the documents. Lots of things to write up and simplify for the core game mechanics and then work on some consistent rules for racials based on typing and what not. XD

EDIT: I've posted my work so far on the Abilities list. It is incomplete, but I figure I would show you some in-progress work now. If any terms are confusing, let me know and I'll be happy to translate!

Saraibre Ryu
10-10-2018, 05:18 PM
As an update (sorry for the double post >_>) I have completed an Abilities and Type Racials Page in Google Documents. The next thing I'll be working on is Conditions and what they all mean. I may tweak a few things for balancing purposes.

Saraibre Ryu
10-23-2018, 04:52 AM
So as I will be absent for the next little bit, or on sparingly, I'll be taking Pokemon requests in terms of making species specific race details, such as Size, Movement Speed, Special Speeds, senses and the like. Also which classes you guys would like to see me make up first! (I'ma get banned fo this triple post so getchu requests in!)

Neo Emolga
10-24-2018, 02:14 AM
So as I will be absent for the next little bit, or on sparingly, I'll be taking Pokemon requests in terms of making species specific race details, such as Size, Movement Speed, Special Speeds, senses and the like. Also which classes you guys would like to see me make up first! (I'ma get banned fo this triple post so getchu requests in!)

I would say maybe focus on the basic rules for now. The idea seems cool, but it sounds like a tremendous amount of stuff and mechanics are going into it, which might make things complicated and make the rules seem intimidating.

I just feel the more complicated something gets, the more I tend to shy away from it. I'll admit, I'm already lost with the Abilities and Type Racials stuff and I have no clue what any of that means. Maybe these could be "expansion pack" things we could add later after we've had a go playing with the basic rules and components first?

It's up to you, but from personal experience, I just find this is the better way to do things. Start with the basic package, see what can be added later, and go from there. Otherwise everyone is just overwhelmed at the start.

Saraibre Ryu
10-24-2018, 04:26 AM
I would say maybe focus on the basic rules for now. The idea seems cool, but it sounds like a tremendous amount of stuff and mechanics are going into it, which might make things complicated and make the rules seem intimidating.

I just feel the more complicated something gets, the more I tend to shy away from it. I'll admit, I'm already lost with the Abilities and Type Racials stuff and I have no clue what any of that means. Maybe these could be "expansion pack" things we could add later after we've had a go playing with the basic rules and components first?

It's up to you, but from personal experience, I just find this is the better way to do things. Start with the basic package, see what can be added later, and go from there. Otherwise everyone is just overwhelmed at the start.

As I said in the first post, rules for how the game would work are based on D&D 5th Edition. I can post/write up the basic information for those who have never played Dungeons and Dragons before, and post some helpful videos (Bless Handbooker Helper) to explain the basic mechanics. Most mechanics are based mostly for combat, as much as I tried to lean more towards the role play aspect of things. It was my impression those who knew a bit of how D&D works would be most interested in the project, but that was an oversight on my part, that I will correct in the next few days.

That being said, you do have a point, and might be better to first figure out who is interested in this, and has NOT played D&D before, vs those who have. For those who have, what I've listed will make a lot of sense. Those who haven't, it is, as you say, may be a little scary. Never fear though, it's really not as intimidating as it looks, I just have a tendency to make things look like that while I'm scaling back. Story of my life really.

Suicune's Fire
11-05-2018, 12:28 PM
Bruh. Yeah. Duh I want to play. D&D rocks my socks all the way off.

Saraibre Ryu
11-05-2018, 06:37 PM
Suicune's Fire Great to see you're on board!

I have come up with an idea to help those who haven't played D&D before understand the fundamentals of character creation and all the technical stuff with that. I'm going to run an Alpha thread with a small story tied to the larger one I have in order to help ease people into it. For those who already know how to play D&D, it would be great if they could help people along. I'm going to try and make the process as painless and as unintimidating as possible. This way I can finish simplified class mechanics, work on Pokemon based racials and see if I need to alter anything for a forum setting.

Suicune's Fire
11-08-2018, 12:27 AM
Yaaas girl!

Yeah, sure, I'd be willing to help people. I suppose it depends how much of 5e you plan to carry over. The Critical Role team have been releasing helpful few-minute episodes of a series called Handbooker Helper (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-LWHhiseE&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyr6-gqJ8r29j_rJkR49uDN) which details basic rules and also advises on quick builds.

Saraibre Ryu
11-08-2018, 03:25 AM
Yaaas girl!

Yeah, sure, I'd be willing to help people. I suppose it depends how much of 5e you plan to carry over. The Critical Role team have been releasing helpful few-minute episodes of a series called Handbooker Helper (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-LWHhiseE&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyr6-gqJ8r29j_rJkR49uDN) which details basic rules and also advises on quick builds.
Oh I know! I’ve got some relevant ones linked in the first post. I’m making simplified version of the classes so I’m not sure if the quick build episodes will be entirely relevant yet, but they are still helpful. There is a lot of technical I have to simplify. XD

AWA1997
11-30-2018, 07:29 PM
I've never played DnD before, but I do enjoy all of the wacky stuff that can happen in it. I think I have a bit of a basic understanding of the mechanics from following a tumblr called yourplayersaidwhat and watching youtube videos from, for example, puffin forest, then researching terms I heard but didn't understand from those sources. I do think that if I were to get into this, I would definitely need to be in the Alpha Thread to make sure I have my grasp on these things as firm as I think I do.