Last year, some of my work colleagues and I began a TTRPG adventure together. As life often happens (and then gets in the way), our bi-weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions endure a hiatus. We are returning to gaming, but we are now down two players. Because several of us still want to play, we explored other options, which lands us at Otherscape.
Having spent the last several years writing tabletop content and reviews for CBR, I have a ton of amazing TTRPGs at my fingertips. From franchise-themed games like Star Trek Adventures and Cowboy Bebop to Haunted Table’s Triangle Agency and Modiphius’ Dreams & Machines, I have plenty of options. In the end, we are exploring Son of Oak’s :Otherscape. And I can’t wait!
Yakuza Is the Perfect Fit for Otherscape’s Cyberpunk Framework
Crime syndicates feature heavily in cyberpunk settings. Since that’s exactly what :Otherscape is, the yakuza feels perfect. I’m already imagining them running AI companion hostess clubs and cyber-brothels. I see them hosting underground fight clubs with biomechatronic champions sporting overpowered prosthetics. And really, who better to protect small business owners from the hackers and thieves than the yakuza?
If it isn’t obvious, I’ve been playing through all of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) games and its spinoffs. Setting my game in Japan, with its thriving populations, bustling nightlife and neon lights lends a futuristic tone I feel like most of us will relate to. Couple that with the old world brotherhood of yakuza clans, and the possibilities feel unlimited. But why stop at the yakuza?
Blending the Old With the New In Otherscape Creates Something Epic
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As I build my :Otherscape megacity, I also work in Edo Period elements with the yakuza to create a dystopian cybernetic future. I imagine a Japan finding strength in the technologically advanced Shogunate. Couple that with the seedy underbelly of criminal enterprise, and the two forces clash perfectly as they strive for ultimate power. Throw my players into the mix of that battle, and the results could be catastrophic.
My megacity, Nyūtokyō, expands across the entire island of Honshu. Now the foremost region for cybernetic and AI development and production, both elements feature heavily into everyday life. For those at the top, life is a neon dream of never ending wealth and power. Unfortunately, there is only so much room at the top.
My players face this world from the streets, that life at the top little more than an out-of-reach goal everyone strives toward. Though the game hasn’t even started yet, I am really looking forward to exploring this world with my friends. A lot of work goes into building a campaign for a game like this. Fortunately, Son of Oak gives you so many resources to draw from.
Otherscape’s Possibilities Promote Exciting Roleplay
Nyūtokyō won’t be an easy place for my players to survive, especially considering just how much of the city is “plugged in.” So much of our lives today seem to revolve around AI and tech. Setting this game in the world’s most populated metropolis feels perfect. Couple that with Son of Oak’s first :Otherscape setting expansion, Tokyo :Otherscape, and it’s a no-brainer.
Tokyo: Otherscape provides everything the MC (Master of Ceremonies) needs to take their players to Japan in the not-so-distant future. To make matters even more exciting, :Otherscape blends gritty cyberpunk with urban fantasy elements. Incorporating kami and supernatural entities like yokai, the old world clings to the electric tethers of the future. Those forces will not be forgotten or ignored. They will not be drowned out by the constant noise of technology dulling the senses of the living.
Sharing :Otherscape With You Could Be Super Helpful for Me
:Otherscape‘s game mechanics focus more on collaborative storytelling and cooperative problem-solving than dice rolls. This excites me to no end. We did struggle a bit with figuring out how to make characters, at first. That being said, I have a feeling that once we get started, the game itself is going to be epic.
At least I hope so, anyway. I tend to get a little insecure about running games for others, but it’s still one of my favorite things to do with friends. Sharing and building a world together has so much potential.
I’ll be continuing to prep beyond my first session, which I’m holding on Saturday. I’m going to try to keep updating with new posts on our progress in this game because I’m super excited about playing it. I’m combining a lot of my favorite elements, and I really can’t wait to see how they all fold in together!
