My Friends are My Strength TTRPG: A Shounen Anime RPG

Have you heard of My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG)? When it comes to tabletop roleplaying games, few genres offer a layout found in Shounen anime. My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG), an upcoming Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) tabletop RPG, promises to deliver just that. Drawing inspiration from beloved Shounen series such as Dragon Ball Z and My Hero Academia, this game allows players to dive headfirst into their own anime-style storylines, where friendship and courage triumph over adversity. The Kickstarter is coming but for now support the game on Itch.io!

My Friends are my Strength TTRPG cover image featuring an action-packed scene with a dynamic character wielding a sword, surrounded by vibrant, explosive energy effects and colorful streaks, symbolizing the power and camaraderie of friendship in the game. — Cover image for “My Friends are my Strength” as seen on Itch.io!

A Shounen Anime Experience with My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG)

The Essence of Shounen

Shounen anime, known for its high-energy battles, emotional character arcs, and themes of friendship and perseverance, serves as the backbone for My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG). The game offers players a platform to create their own epic tales, whether they’re battling in martial arts tournaments or leading pirate crews against tyrannical governments. It captures the essence of Shounen by emphasizing character growth, unique abilities, and the indomitable spirit of teamwork.

Embracing Tropes and Tropes in My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG)

One of the game’s standout features is its unapologetic embrace of classic Shounen tropes. Characters wield powerful abilities that come with their own set of drawbacks, reflecting the balance often seen in anime. The concept of “plot armor” is also woven into the mechanics, allowing characters to survive otherwise deadly encounters through sheer force of will and the strength of their bonds with others.

Powered by the Apocalypse System

The PbtA Framework

My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) utilizes the Powered by the Apocalypse system, known for its narrative-driven gameplay and flexible mechanics. In this system, players roll pools of d6 dice to determine the outcomes of their actions. Rolling above a 10 results in a complete success, while a roll above a 7 yields a mixed success, and anything below a 7 is a failure. This system encourages storytelling and collaboration, making it ideal for capturing the spirit of Shounen anime. Remember, friendship is was makes you have a power-up.

Moves and Playbooks

While traditional PbtA games rely on playbooks—character archetypes that guide player abilities—My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) takes a different approach. Players can choose from a variety of moves, allowing for greater customization and freedom in character creation. This flexibility ensures that each character feels unique and capable of performing extraordinary feats, true to the Shounen genre.

Unique Abilities and Plot Armor in My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG)

Custom Powers

Every character in My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) possesses a unique power, mirroring the abilities seen in Shounen anime. These powers come with inherent drawbacks, adding depth to gameplay. You can be a martial artist harnessing the power of flames or a strategist controlling shadows, each ability is designed to provide both advantages and challenges, fostering dynamic storytelling.

Bonds and Plot Armor

A defining feature of the game is the inclusion of bonds and plot armor. Characters have three uses of plot armor, a mechanic that symbolizes the inexplicable survivability of Shounen heroes. Additionally, the bonds between characters play a crucial role, enabling players to draw strength from their relationships in critical moments. This focus on friendship and unity is a hallmark of the Shounen genre and is beautifully integrated into the game’s mechanics.

The Creator and Future Prospects

Jess Appleton’s Vision

My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) marks the debut of designer Jess Appleton in the tabletop RPG scene. Appleton’s passion for Shounen anime and innovative game design shines through in this project, offering a fresh addition to the PbtA catalog. The game’s development has been supported by a community eager to see their favorite anime tropes brought to life in a tabletop setting.

My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) Character Designs

Character artwork for 'My Friends are my Strength' TTRPG featuring Tokage Kumo / Tristan Kelly. The character is shown in a confident pose, wearing a stylish yellow suit with a black tie and white gloves, against a background of swirling purple smoke effects. The character has green hair and a calm expression, highlighting the unique and charismatic personality within the game.

Character artwork for 'My Friends are my Strength' TTRPG featuring Bella Stevens / Budou Suppai. The character is depicted holding a large black umbrella, dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black dress. Bella has long dark hair and a composed expression, standing in a dramatic shadow with subtle purple highlights. The background is minimalist, with the character's name and alter ego displayed prominently in bold text.

Availability and Kickstarter

A free in-development version of My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) is currently available for download on Itch.io, providing an opportunity for players to explore the game before its full release. The upcoming Kickstarter campaign promises to bring the complete version to life, with additional content, artwork, and refined mechanics. While pledge amounts and delivery dates have yet to be confirmed, the anticipation for this project continues to grow.

Thoughts and Excitement over My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG)

My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) is a celebration of Shounen anime. This game captures its essence through engaging gameplay and the bonds you make along the way. By leveraging the Powered by the Apocalypse system, the game offers a flexible experience. This style invites players to create their own epic sagas. My Friends are My Strength (TTRPG) promises an adventure like no other. It’s the strength of your bonds can turn the tide of any battle.

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Bailey Harris

Bailey, born in 1988, is a passionate and analytical writer specializing in TTRPGs, MMORPGs, and Light Novels. Known for descriptive and meticulously detailed reviews, Bailey's work serves as a valuable resource for research. His love for geography shines through in vivid descriptions of maps and locations. Bailey's articles immerse readers in the intricate worlds of games and novels.