The King of the Tabletop: How to Run a TTRPG in the Style of Tekken


 

 Tekken is a popular fighting video game franchise that has been around since 1994. The games are known for their fast-paced combat, diverse cast of characters, and engaging storyline. If you're a fan of Tekken and want to bring that same sense of action and excitement to a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) setting, this article is for you. In this post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for running a TTRPG in the style of Tekken.

    Use a Martial Arts Setting: Tekken games are known for their martial arts setting, with characters from around the world competing in a global martial arts tournament. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a setting in which martial arts are central to the game world.

    Emphasize Combat: Tekken games are known for their fast-paced combat system, with players using a variety of martial arts techniques to defeat their opponents. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by emphasizing combat and providing players with a variety of martial arts techniques and styles to choose from.

    Use a Diverse Cast of Characters: Tekken games are known for their diverse cast of characters, with fighters from around the world with different backgrounds, fighting styles, and motivations. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a diverse cast of player characters with unique abilities and motivations.

    Use a Tournament Plot: Tekken games are known for their tournament plots, in which characters from around the world compete in a martial arts tournament to determine who is the best fighter. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a tournament plot in which the players compete against a variety of opponents to become the ultimate champion.

    Use a Revenge Plot: Tekken games are known for their revenge plots, in which characters seek revenge against their enemies for past wrongs. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a revenge plot in which the players seek revenge against a powerful enemy who has wronged them in the past.

Suitable Player Characters:


  •     The Martial Artist: A skilled fighter with expertise in a specific martial arts style, such as karate or jiu-jitsu.
  •     The Street Fighter: A tough fighter with a background in street fighting and brawling, with a focus on dirty tactics and unorthodox techniques.
  •     The Weapon Master: A fighter with expertise in a specific weapon, such as a sword or nunchaku, who uses their weapon to devastating effect in combat.
  •     The Acrobat: A nimble fighter with a background in acrobatics and gymnastics, who uses their agility and speed to outmaneuver opponents in combat.

Sample Adventure Outline: "The Tournament"


Setting: A global martial arts tournament that brings together fighters from around the world to compete for the title of champion.

Plot: The players are a group of fighters who have come to the tournament to prove their skills and compete against the best fighters in the world. As they progress through the tournament, they encounter a variety of opponents with unique fighting styles and techniques. Along the way, they must also navigate political intrigue and personal rivalries that threaten to derail their quest for glory.

Characters: The players could take on the roles of a martial artist, street fighter, weapon master, and acrobat, each with their own unique abilities and skills that complement each other in combat.

One way to make the tournament plot more interesting is to add a twist or complication to the tournament itself. Here are a few examples:

    Corrupted Judges: The players discover that the judges of the tournament have been bribed or threatened by a powerful organization or individual. The players must decide whether to confront the corrupt judges and risk disqualification, or to play along and try to win the tournament despite the corruption.

    Secret Objectives: The players discover that each fighter in the tournament has a secret objective or mission that they must accomplish in addition to winning the tournament. This could include assassinating a rival fighter, stealing a valuable item, or gathering information on a powerful organization.

    Hidden Dangers: The players discover that the tournament is not just a test of martial arts skill, but also a test of survival. The arena is filled with traps, hazards, and dangerous creatures that the players must navigate in addition to fighting their opponents.

    Rivalry with a Twist: The players discover that one of their opponents in the tournament is actually a long-lost sibling, friend, or ally. This adds an emotional component to the rivalry and forces the players to confront their own motivations for competing in the tournament.

    Political Intrigue: The players discover that the tournament is actually a cover for a larger political conspiracy, with powerful organizations or individuals using the tournament as a way to gain power or influence. The players must navigate the political landscape of the tournament and decide whether to side with or against the conspirators.

Incorporating these twists and complications can add depth and complexity to the tournament plot, making it more interesting and engaging for the players. It also provides opportunities for roleplaying, exploration, and decision-making beyond just combat.

 

Suitable TTRPG Systems to Use:


    Feng Shui 2: A TTRPG system that is designed for action-packed martial arts combat. It emphasizes cinematic action and a fast-paced, easy-to-learn rules system.

    Mutants & Masterminds: A TTRPG system that is designed for superhuman action and combat. It emphasizes character customization and a flexible rules system that can accommodate a variety of martial arts styles and techniques.

    Savage Worlds: A TTRPG system that is designed for fast-paced, cinematic action. It emphasizes character customization and a streamlined, easy-to-learn rules system that can accommodate a variety of martial arts styles and techniques.

Conclusion:

Running a TTRPG in the style of Tekken can be a thrilling and engaging experience, allowing players to explore a martial arts setting, compete in a global tournament, and engage in fast-paced combat. By incorporating the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a memorable and engaging game that captures the spirit of Tekken.

 

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