I'm working on an idea for a superpower Roleplay based on the Chinese and Vietnamese Zodiacs. I could use some tips for fleshing it out.
The Plot:
Welcome to Jadewall. A city where humans, demons, and mythical beings reside. Here, the extraordinary is not that unusual. A few years ago, a team of superheroes known as the Zodiac Clan defeated the greatest threat known to reality, the embodiment of Chaos itself. Although the city was saved, it was predicted that Chaos's successors, the Remnants, would wreak havoc on the world. In the meantime, there are plenty of demons, monsters, and Zodiac traitors to go around. Jadewall is going to need new heroes, masters of the Five Elements and zodiac warriors, in order to keep Jadewall City from falling into ruin.
~Character Options~
Human = Pretty self explanatory. Can anything from a hero to a zodiac powered super villain. Most humans don't have powers. Those that do are considered rare or at least intriguing by the other races. What to be an average joe caught up in some mystical mumbo jumbo? By all means, be my guest.
Demon = Generally considered evil, greedy, or at least tricksters. Expect your alignment to fall somewhere on the chaotic end of the scale. The exact size and description of a demon may vary. Some have the power to possess people or objects. Some eat souls. Others enjoy casting illusions and stealing a person's wallet. According to legend, demons are the reincarnations of ancient fallen heroes.
Risen = These guys are basically demons, accept they are considered good. Some are just trying to live a normal life while others are trying to redeem themselves for crimes they committed in a past life. Their features are generally somewhere in between demon and human.
Mythical Creature = anything from Asian mythology is fine: dragons, kitsunes, nagas, etc. Your character could also be a hybrid or descendant of one or more of these creatures. Just try not to make them too OP or too difficult to describe.
Remnant = These do not technically count as a species. A remnant can be anything or anyone, good or bad, just as long as they have a dubious past and somewhat sinister or mysterious ability. You are basically a reincarnation of Chaos. Expect trouble to follow you at every turn.
The Power Structure:
Characters Powers and Abilities are tied to their Zodiac symbol. There are 13 animals to choose from (the cat is not part of the Chinese zodiac but it is apart of the Chinese and Vietnamese origin stories). Characters can also have powers based on their Yin/Yang alignment and designated element. By selecting their characters year of birth, players determine their Animal, Yin/Yang sign, and Element which their powers are based off of. The table includes some ideas for powers. In addition, every Zodiac Warrior has the ability to transform into their animal/element or summon a spirit animal to assist them in battle with sufficient training.
| Animal | Yin or Yang | Lucky # | Lucky Colors | Most Compatible | Least Compatible | Powers |
| Rat | Yang | 2, 3 | blue, golden, green | Dragon, Monkey, Ox | Goat, Horse, Rabbit | Shrinking, night vision, sensitive touch, smell, swimming, jailbreaking |
| Ox | Yin | 1, 9 | blue, red, purple | Rat, Snake, Rooster | Horse, Dog, Goat | Strength, durability, night vision, hearing, tenacity |
| Tiger | Yang | 1, 3, 4 | blue, grey, white, orange | Horse, Pig, Dog | Snake, Monkey | Stealth, camouflage, night vision, hearing, agility, strength |
| Rabbit | Yin | 1, 4, 9 | red, pink, purple, blue | Goat, Pig, Dog | Rat, Dragon, Rooster | Speed, agility, hearing, power jumping, smell, cunning |
| Dragon | Yang | 1, 6, 7 | golden, silver, hoary | Rat, Monkey, Rooster | Ox, Rabbit, Dog, Dragon | Control over water and weather, levitation, strength, wisdom, intellect |
| Snake | Yin | 2, 8, 9 | red, light yellow, black | Ox, Rooster, Monkey | Tiger, Pig | Infrared vision, venom, toxin immunity, agility, smell, vibration sensitivity, strength, flexibility |
| Horse | Yang | 2, 3, 7 | brown, yellow, purple | Tiger, Goat, Dog | Rat, Ox, Rabbit | Speed, stamina, endurance, hearing, smell |
| Goat | Yin | 3, 4, 9 | green, red, purple | Rabbit, Horse, Pig | Ox, Dog | Night vision, climbing, balance, hearing, jumping |
| Monkey | Yang | 1, 7, 8 | white, golden, blue | Rat, Dragon, Snake | Tiger, Pig | Climbing, balance, speed, object manipulation, agility, |
| Rooster | Yin | 5, 7, 8 | golden, brown, yellow | Ox, Dragon, Snake | Rat, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster | Sound, gliding, sight, anger boost, protection/team shielding |
| Dog | Yang | 3, 4, 9 | green, red, purple | Tiger, Rabbit, Horse | Ox, Rooster, Dragon, Goat | Hearing, smell, night vision, emotion and disease detection, speed, strength, versaliity |
| Pig | Yin | 2, 5, 8 | yellow, grey, brown, golden | Goat, Rabbit | Snake, Monkey, Pig | Object manipulation, smell, sensitive hearing, intellect |
| Cat | Yin | | | | Rat | Night vision, super sight, speed, freefall, hearing, flexibility, agility, stealth, sorcery |
Elements are based on the last number of your character's Birth Year. There are 5 to choose from:
- 0, 1 = Metal
- 2, 3 = Water
- 4, 5 = Wood
- 6, 7 = Fire
- 8, 9 = Earth
The Most Compatible/Least Compatible sections of the table are included for friend/rival purpose and for the possibility of Fusion Moves. For example a compatible Yin and Yang zodiac can harmony their energizes to send a powerful blast at their opponents. I have included a simpler break down below.
Most Compatible
- Rat, Dragon, Monkey
- Ox, Snake, Rooster
- Tiger, Horse, Dog
- Rabbit, Sheep, Pig
Least Compatible
- Rabbit & Rooster
- Tiger & Monkey
- Ox & Sheep
- Rat & Horse
- Pig & Snake
- Dog & Dragon
My main question is, how do I make this all appear less....congested? As it stands, I feel that I may have too much detail.
