So, we are almost done with CoS (finally...) and when that is over I was going to run an OP high-level game for our group. You know, just to let loose in this system and see how far we can take it. Then the Tortles came out and changed everything. I have four (4) players playing four (4) teenage Tortles who are also ninjas, a Goliath "Casey Jones", a bard April O'Neil... y'all get the drift! lol, I have been a TMNT fan since I was old enough to know what TMNT was. (Born in 83, so as soon as Turtles became a thing I was hooked...lol) I have a lot of story ideas that I am going to share here with the DDB family, but I am also asking for a little assistance with lore and story ideas.
This weekend I am building the Tortle Lair in the Waterdeep sewers, a wererat Master Splinter, a clay golem with a beholder in its stomach for General Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, and of course Master Shredder. Thankfully, I have around a month to plan this all out. I am starting my players off at 9th level and am going to give them a nice array of items depending on the character they pick. I guess my first question is, has anyone ever played a TMNT game in D&D? I know there was a tabletop version of TMNT a long time ago, has anyone played that? I was thinking about maybe making the game be set in Eberron's Sharn City of Towers. I feel like it has more of an NYC feel. (The game, unfortunately, wouldn't be based in Eberron just the city from it...lol)
The first mission they are going to have is April being captured while investigating the stories of the day. (She's a bard and will need relevant material is how she wants to play it.) A bunch of Foot Soldiers and a Bebop and Rocksteady later, they'll rescue their friend and find some clues about ooze. What they do with it from there is on them. (Hopefully, they take it to Master Splinter...lol)
How do we ground the TMNTortles in D&D without it seeming lame or silly? Everyone seems pretty damn serious about this game, so I want it to be fun and memorable. Any ideas, friends?
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Agreed...lol I guess I just don't want to mess up running this game. I mean, I've ran games for years and my friends love playing in them; just TMNT are pretty sacred and I don't want to do them an injustice...lol
And the turtles are so quotable, I was thinking about devising a system for "Ninja Banter" between the brothers. But also something other characters could use as well...like Casey Jones or April, if they join in. I mean, the turtles are so talkative during combat, maybe if they are saying silly turtle sayings I can give them an extra d6 to roll or give them Advantage?
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
And the turtles are so quotable, I was thinking about devising a system for "Ninja Banter" between the brothers. But also something other characters could use as well...like Casey Jones or April, if they join in. I mean, the turtles are so talkative during combat, maybe if they are saying silly turtle sayings I can give them an extra d6 to roll or give them Advantage?
There's already a mechanic for that, more or less. It's called inspiration.
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
And the turtles are so quotable, I was thinking about devising a system for "Ninja Banter" between the brothers. But also something other characters could use as well...like Casey Jones or April, if they join in. I mean, the turtles are so talkative during combat, maybe if they are saying silly turtle sayings I can give them an extra d6 to roll or give them Advantage?
There's already a mechanic for that, more or less. It's called inspiration.
Oh wow, really? Why didn't I think of that! :P jk jk, I meant on top of Inspiration...lol Inspiration is something completely different then what "Ninja Banter" should be. Inspiration is a part of this system, I want something more unique for this game. I've been calling this the Power Game, where we take off all training wheels and just make the most ridiculous builds and go H.A.M. inside the system. So, I think I am going to run Action Points like it's an Eberron game. I like that mechanic and think my players would too. I mean, as TMNT's, they're gonna have to kick some serious butt! And Action Points will help with that greatly.
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I like typing in very big fonts too. If you're making a TMNT themed campaign then it's going to be silly. If you make it "grounded" or serious then it wouldn't be a TMNT themed campaign. If you want something more serious then go with a more serious theme.
If you get a chance, read the early comics (pre 80’s cartoon) - they aren’t silly. You can play it really strait - which would still be funny. “No, I do not care for any pizza.” Do all the physical indicators. Name him after an artist. Give him a mask. Give him a staff or katana. Make the other players feel like they are dying for you to play Donatello, they will try to lead you - and just stoikly refuse - and have the character not get the joke. Could be a lot of fun.
If you're going to use Sharn as a model for modifying Waterdeep, go ahead and use the idea from Eberron of journalists and newspapers, but for more Waterdhavian flavour, have the paper April works for tied to a Bard's college in Waterdeep? What kind of bard is she?
In general, Waterdeep is a fun place. For a more NYC vibe to it, also look at the 4e FR books, as IMO Waterdeep is a bit more advanced there, with magical plumbing and such.
EDit: also, it absolutely does not have to be silly. It certainly can be, but TMNT doesn't require silly.
I am going to be "that guy" and point out that "volume three" of the IDW run of the TMNT comics from the 90s (which should actually be re-released in colour and with proper ending some time this year) is one of the darkest things you can think of related to giant Turtles fighting like ninjas.
I do not want to spoil the surprise to anyone interested, but believe me, the first issue already is a HUGE punch in the guts, and gives a good idea of how you can also run seriously-toned stories with our beloved giant shelled heroes (I had ALL the freaking toys when I was a kid).
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Born in Italy, moved a bunch, living in Spain, my heart always belonged to Roleplaying Games
I have some sad news, our TMNT game never took off. We started playing Eberron instead. It's still on the backburner, just everyone got pretty involved in our small Eberron campaign. lol, Keep the ideas coming, though. It's gonna happen one day, and when it does I will let y'all know what goes down.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
If you're going to use Sharn as a model for modifying Waterdeep, go ahead and use the idea from Eberron of journalists and newspapers, but for more Waterdhavian flavour, have the paper April works for tied to a Bard's college in Waterdeep? What kind of bard is she?
In general, Waterdeep is a fun place. For a more NYC vibe to it, also look at the 4e FR books, as IMO Waterdeep is a bit more advanced there, with magical plumbing and such.
EDit: also, it absolutely does not have to be silly. It certainly can be, but TMNT doesn't require silly.
I know it doesn't require silly, but...you should our Friday night game. We tiptoe the line between serious and silly in the most dramatic and hilarious ways. We have an Eberron "Yelp" reviewer working for House Ghallanda. lol Then we have a half-elf warlock who tries to be serious with our "yelp" reviewer and always fails...lol it's so crazy haha Makes it interesting as a DM to run, for sure...
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I like typing in very big fonts too. If you're making a TMNT themed campaign then it's going to be silly. If you make it "grounded" or serious then it wouldn't be a TMNT themed campaign. If you want something more serious then go with a more serious theme.
BIG FONTS FOR THE WIN!!!! lol :P
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I am going to be "that guy" and point out that "volume three" of the IDW run of the TMNT comics from the 90s (which should actually be re-released in colour and with proper ending some time this year) is one of the darkest things you can think of related to giant Turtles fighting like ninjas.
I do not want to spoil the surprise to anyone interested, but believe me, the first issue already is a HUGE punch in the guts, and gives a good idea of how you can also run seriously-toned stories with our beloved giant shelled heroes (I had ALL the freaking toys when I was a kid).
I feel like this is the one site on the internet where not only is it okay to be that guy, it's 100% welcomed! :)
I really do need to get back into reading TMNT comics, I really haven't read any since I was a little Gmoat on summer vacation from school...oh the 90's; you're sorely missed!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I am going to be "that guy" and point out that "volume three" of the IDW run of the TMNT comics from the 90s (which should actually be re-released in colour and with proper ending some time this year) is one of the darkest things you can think of related to giant Turtles fighting like ninjas.
I do not want to spoil the surprise to anyone interested, but believe me, the first issue already is a HUGE punch in the guts, and gives a good idea of how you can also run seriously-toned stories with our beloved giant shelled heroes (I had ALL the freaking toys when I was a kid).
I feel like this is the one site on the internet where not only is it okay to be that guy, it's 100% welcomed! :)
I really do need to get back into reading TMNT comics, I really haven't read any since I was a little Gmoat on summer vacation from school...oh the 90's; you're sorely missed!
There's quite a few different runs of the comics, with a wide range of tones. The IDW one is the "hardest" of them, and the original one if I'm not wrong, with a level of violence that was then obviously lost in the TV adaptation and in several subsequent iterations of the characters. With "volume three", though, the reached such a level that the serie was decided to be closed before the narrative arc was actually concluded, leaving that story without a proper closure up to today. Since then volume three has been "relegated" at the status of non-canon (rightfully or not, I am not one to say) and categorised as more a "what-if" or "alternate reality".
Hi this is really late, but have you considered adding factions and groups other than the foot clan? The purple dragons would be awesome as orcs and goblinods (Hun would make a perfect BugBear/Hob). Also in the 2003 series Baxter Stockman had a reputation of replacing his body with cybernetics. Would make for an interesting subplot
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So, we are almost done with CoS (finally...) and when that is over I was going to run an OP high-level game for our group. You know, just to let loose in this system and see how far we can take it. Then the Tortles came out and changed everything. I have four (4) players playing four (4) teenage Tortles who are also ninjas, a Goliath "Casey Jones", a bard April O'Neil... y'all get the drift! lol, I have been a TMNT fan since I was old enough to know what TMNT was. (Born in 83, so as soon as Turtles became a thing I was hooked...lol) I have a lot of story ideas that I am going to share here with the DDB family, but I am also asking for a little assistance with lore and story ideas.
This weekend I am building the Tortle Lair in the Waterdeep sewers, a wererat Master Splinter, a clay golem with a beholder in its stomach for General Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, and of course Master Shredder. Thankfully, I have around a month to plan this all out. I am starting my players off at 9th level and am going to give them a nice array of items depending on the character they pick. I guess my first question is, has anyone ever played a TMNT game in D&D? I know there was a tabletop version of TMNT a long time ago, has anyone played that? I was thinking about maybe making the game be set in Eberron's Sharn City of Towers. I feel like it has more of an NYC feel. (The game, unfortunately, wouldn't be based in Eberron just the city from it...lol)
The first mission they are going to have is April being captured while investigating the stories of the day. (She's a bard and will need relevant material is how she wants to play it.) A bunch of Foot Soldiers and a Bebop and Rocksteady later, they'll rescue their friend and find some clues about ooze. What they do with it from there is on them. (Hopefully, they take it to Master Splinter...lol)
How do we ground the TMNTortles in D&D without it seeming lame or silly? Everyone seems pretty damn serious about this game, so I want it to be fun and memorable. Any ideas, friends?
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I'd say just embrace the silly. You're basically running fantasy TMNT so just own it.
I second Metamongoose's notion.
Crank the silly to 11, friend.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Agreed...lol I guess I just don't want to mess up running this game. I mean, I've ran games for years and my friends love playing in them; just TMNT are pretty sacred and I don't want to do them an injustice...lol
And the turtles are so quotable, I was thinking about devising a system for "Ninja Banter" between the brothers. But also something other characters could use as well...like Casey Jones or April, if they join in. I mean, the turtles are so talkative during combat, maybe if they are saying silly turtle sayings I can give them an extra d6 to roll or give them Advantage?
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
I like typing in very big fonts too. If you're making a TMNT themed campaign then it's going to be silly. If you make it "grounded" or serious then it wouldn't be a TMNT themed campaign. If you want something more serious then go with a more serious theme.
A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
If you get a chance, read the early comics (pre 80’s cartoon) - they aren’t silly. You can play it really strait - which would still be funny. “No, I do not care for any pizza.” Do all the physical indicators. Name him after an artist. Give him a mask. Give him a staff or katana. Make the other players feel like they are dying for you to play Donatello, they will try to lead you - and just stoikly refuse - and have the character not get the joke. Could be a lot of fun.
If you're going to use Sharn as a model for modifying Waterdeep, go ahead and use the idea from Eberron of journalists and newspapers, but for more Waterdhavian flavour, have the paper April works for tied to a Bard's college in Waterdeep? What kind of bard is she?
In general, Waterdeep is a fun place. For a more NYC vibe to it, also look at the 4e FR books, as IMO Waterdeep is a bit more advanced there, with magical plumbing and such.
EDit: also, it absolutely does not have to be silly. It certainly can be, but TMNT doesn't require silly.
We do bones, motherf***ker!
I am going to be "that guy" and point out that "volume three" of the IDW run of the TMNT comics from the 90s (which should actually be re-released in colour and with proper ending some time this year) is one of the darkest things you can think of related to giant Turtles fighting like ninjas.
I do not want to spoil the surprise to anyone interested, but believe me, the first issue already is a HUGE punch in the guts, and gives a good idea of how you can also run seriously-toned stories with our beloved giant shelled heroes (I had ALL the freaking toys when I was a kid).
Born in Italy, moved a bunch, living in Spain, my heart always belonged to Roleplaying Games
I have some sad news, our TMNT game never took off. We started playing Eberron instead. It's still on the backburner, just everyone got pretty involved in our small Eberron campaign. lol, Keep the ideas coming, though. It's gonna happen one day, and when it does I will let y'all know what goes down.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
The IDW one is the "hardest" of them, and the original one if I'm not wrong, with a level of violence that was then obviously lost in the TV adaptation and in several subsequent iterations of the characters. With "volume three", though, the reached such a level that the serie was decided to be closed before the narrative arc was actually concluded, leaving that story without a proper closure up to today.
Since then volume three has been "relegated" at the status of non-canon (rightfully or not, I am not one to say) and categorised as more a "what-if" or "alternate reality".
Born in Italy, moved a bunch, living in Spain, my heart always belonged to Roleplaying Games
Hi this is really late, but have you considered adding factions and groups other than the foot clan? The purple dragons would be awesome as orcs and goblinods (Hun would make a perfect BugBear/Hob). Also in the 2003 series Baxter Stockman had a reputation of replacing his body with cybernetics. Would make for an interesting subplot