As part of the 25th anniversary, Neopets is launching a brand new tabletop role-playing game. The release is still a long way off, but it’s already easy to get excited as the game looks to be much more than a simple Dungeons & Dragons reskin.
What We Know
So far, details are limited. We’re ages away from a manuscript, and even a playtest seems far away. However, the Kickstarter project contains plenty of information about the plans for the Neopets RPG. First, what’s probably of utmost importance to Neopets fans is that the developers are promising a total of 55 playable species. This should encompass everything in the Neopets universe at the moment, including rare pets like Draiks and the elusive Lutari! They’ve also announced regional variants of some species, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to have your Neopets be Maraquan, Tyrannian, or one of several others (without having to save up for an expensive Paintbrush).
Mechanically speaking, it’s interesting that the developers have promised the ability to re-spec your character. The likes of D&D and Pathfinder have rules for retraining, but nothing near so expansive as what the Neopets Kickstarter promises. They have made it sound as though players will be able to change their character builds by visiting special locations. Furthermore, they also mention an unrestricted tech tree, so it sounds like deep levels of experimentation will not only be possible but possibly encouraged.
The number of professions, presumably the analog to classes, is already extensive, even without the whole list available to us. Among those teased are such classics as Fighter, Scout, or Merchant, along with more exotic inclusions like Loan Shark or Dungmancer. Since Petpets, a staple of Neopets, are also listed as a feature, perhaps there will be a profession that utilizes them in a similar manner to D&D/Pathfinder’s Ranger class.
Aiming to be truly appropriate for all ages, the Neopets RPG will feature a dynamic set of core mechanics that can be taught simply and added onto as players like. It’s unclear exactly what this means, but it’s easy to imagine that they will initially present a version of the rules with any unnecessary crunch stripped away. In line with getting that all-ages tag, the developers have shared that there will be nonviolent options for all situations. Young children can go through adventures trying to make friends instead of picking fights, and pacifist characters won’t have to drag down the entire party.
These are just a few of the game features mentioned. Some things classic to Neopets will also be making appearances, such as random events, minigames, and the Battledome. In alignment with the source material, there is also mention of Paintbrushes, potions, accessories, and more, should your Neopet’s identity ever need to be a little flexible or even change completely.
The Fall of Faerieland
For long-time fans, one of the most exciting things about the Kickstarter campaign is sure to be the inclusion of the Fall of Faerieland campaign book. For those not in the know, this is an adaptation of Faeries’ Ruin, a classic plot from the Neopets web game. Whether hungry for a bit of nostalgia or eager to experience something that they missed out on, all Neopians are certain to be chomping at the bit for this book. Of course, as a tabletop RPG, this campaign module is sure to be more in-depth than the web game, with players able to have a far more personal stake in it.
A Bit of Speculation
From the sound of it, this book is shaping up to be absolutely massive. How they will cover all 55 species of Neopets, regional variants, Petpets, a flexible profession system, along with all the core mechanics without having a monolithic book over 600 pages is a bit of a mystery. The hope is certainly that they don’t skimp, however, and still provide the detail that Neopians are going to be looking for.
Despite the game not being a D&D reskin, we can tell from the dice set featured in the Kickstarter that this will be some manner of d20 system. This, however, doesn’t indicate anything other than that the d20 will be the primary method of determining success. There are many different ways this could be implemented; compare D&D with the Essence20 system. Some people aren’t fans of d20 systems because of how swingy they can be, but that won’t be enough to put off any hardcore Neopets fans. And this is only one reason to be thrilled about the game’s 25th anniversary!
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