Se7en Sagas

Introduction

Are you ready to blend the passion of the pitch with the creativity of tabletop role-playing? Inspired by the dynamic action of Captain Tsubasa and the innovative mechanics of Dawnfall, we’ve developed a soccer-themed TTRPG that lets you live out the highs and lows of professional soccer in a dramatic and interactive way. Here’s how to get your game on!

Setting Up Your Soccer RPG

In this game, players create characters that are rising stars in the soccer world, choosing positions like Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, or Striker, each with unique skills and strategic roles. The campaign can follow their journey from local heroes to global superstars, facing challenges on and off the field.

Core Positions and Their Specializations

Every player picks a core position that comes with specific skill bonuses and unique perks:

Goalkeeper

• Skills: Shot Stopping, Aerial Control, Positioning, Distribution
• Bonus: Exceptional at Shot Stopping and Aerial Control
• Perks:
  • Last Line of Defense: Excel in critical save situations.
  • Commander of the Box: Master tactical setups during set pieces.

Defender

• Skills: Tackling, Heading, Positioning, Passing
• Bonus: Dominant in Tackling and Heading
• Perks:
  • Lockdown Defender: Specialize in shutting down key opponents.
  • Clearance Expert: Expertly clear balls from high-pressure situations.

Midfielder

• Skills: Dribbling, Passing, Running, Positioning
• Bonus: Superior at Passing and Positioning
• Perks:
  • Field General: Enhance the effectiveness of passes and setups.
  • Stamina Surge: Outlast others on the field with heightened endurance.

Striker

• Skills: Shooting, Dribbling, Running, Heading
• Bonus: Ace at Shooting and Running
• Perks:
  • Clinical Finisher: Thrive under pressure, especially in critical scoring situations.
  • Poacher’s Instinct: Master finding and exploiting gaps in the defense.

Passions

Reflecting the dramatic flair of Captain Tsubasa, players’ Passions drive their actions and narratives on the field:

• Goal: Aspire to win the World Cup and achieve international glory.
• Motivation: A deep-seated love for soccer and the thrill of competition.
• Relationship: Build powerful connections with teammates and rivals, influencing gameplay.
• Flaw: Overzealous passion that can lead to critical gameplay mistakes under pressure.

Sample Characters

Let’s introduce two characters inspired by the iconic figures from Captain Tsubasa, reimagined for our soccer-themed RPG:

Taro “Eagle” Misaki

• Position: Midfielder
• Skills: High Passing and Dribbling
• Perks: Playmaker, Stamina Surge
• Passions: Goal to play in top European leagues, motivated by showcasing team spirit, strong bond with striker partner, flaw is hesitance in selfish play when necessary.

Ken “Hawk” Wakashimazu

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Skills: Excellent Shot Stopping and Aerial Control
• Perks: Last Line of Defense, Commander of the Box
• Passions: Goal to become the undisputed best goalkeeper, motivated by personal redemption, rivalry with another top goalkeeper, flaw is occasional over-aggression that leads to penalties.

Dramatic Time Stretching Enhanced by Passions

Concept Overview: “Dramatic Time Stretching” occurs during critical moments of gameplay, where actions are described in a detailed, slow-motion narrative style. By tying this mechanic to the Passions of each character, these moments not only become more strategically interesting but also deepen the character’s personal story and emotional investment in the game.

Implementation:

1. Triggering Dramatic Time:
   • Dramatic Time is triggered by specific conditions related to character Passions. For example, when a character faces a situation directly tied to their Goals, Motivations, Relationships, or Flaws, the game shifts into Dramatic Time.
   • Example: A striker with a Passion to “overcome a notorious rival team” faces a penalty kick against this team’s famed goalkeeper in the championship match.
2. Passion-Driven Actions:
   • During Dramatic Time, players can invoke their character’s Passions to enhance their actions. This can be represented by bonus Effort Points, rerolls, or temporary skill boosts that reflect the heightened emotional and narrative stakes.
   • Example: If the player’s Motivation is “proving oneself under pressure,” they might receive bonus Effort Points for actions taken during these critical game phases.
3. Enhanced Narrative Detail:
   • In Dramatic Time, players are encouraged to elaborate on their actions through internal monologues, flashbacks, or detailed descriptions of their character’s emotions and thoughts. This narrative depth not only adds drama but also aligns with the anime-inspired aesthetic of extended play sequences.
   • Example: As the midfielder prepares to take a crucial corner kick, a flashback triggers showing a previous loss where a failed corner was pivotal. The player describes how this memory fuels their determination to succeed now.
4. Consequences and Outcomes:
   • The outcomes of actions taken during Dramatic Time have significant repercussions, influenced by how well players utilize their Passions. Success might lead to dramatic boosts in morale or key advancements in character arcs, while failures could have deeper emotional impacts or setbacks in their personal goals.
   • Example: Success in a critical action could lead to a lasting increase in a related skill, representing the character’s growth from the experience. Failure might trigger a Flaw, such as doubt or frustration, which could affect future actions.
5. Integration with Team Dynamics:
   • Dramatic Time can also enhance team dynamics, where other players’ actions or encouragement can influence the outcome, simulating the cooperative nature of soccer. This encourages players to support one another, tying their Passions together for collective success.
   • Example: Teammates might use their own actions to assist or boost the main player’s effort during a Dramatic Time sequence, like offering key tactical advice or emotional support that plays into their own Passions and backstories.

Conclusion

This soccer-themed TTRPG combines the tactical depth of soccer with the imaginative potential of tabletop gaming. Whether orchestrating a last-minute comeback or battling through a tournament, this game brings the thrill of soccer to life, offering a unique blend of sports and storytelling. Lace up your boots, strategize with your team, and get ready to bring glory to the grassy fields of your imagination!