Jajanken Duel

A storytelling game for 2 players.

You are rival warriors facing off in a Shonen-style duel, each eager to prove how far they’ve come and how much they’re truly capable of. You might be friendly rivals or mortal enemies, but neither one of you is an irredeemably villain.

The Duelists

Decide together: what are the circumstances of your duel?

• Competing in a tournament
• Fighting to claim a powerful object
• Proving who’s the strongest warrior
• One of you is preventing the other from doing something they shouldn’t
• One of you is proving they’re ready for a greater trial to come
• One of you is unwilling to let things change
• (Something else of your own invention)

Decide individually: what are your powers? Choose any one word from the options below to be your Theme. Your powers encompass anything that you can tie into your Theme. Don’t be afraid to be broad and creative.

Explosions

Heat

Light

Colors

Ice

Time

Friction

Electricity

Wind

Teleportation

Flight

Breath

Gravity

Form

Plants

Beasts

Punching

Kicking

Grappling

Psionics

The Duel

First, separate a standard deck of cards into four separate decks, one for each suit.

Each player draws two cards each from Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. Place the Heart deck to the side so that it’s clearly separated. Label the other three with post-its or notecards so you know which one’s which.

During each round of the duel, you’ll place a single card face down. Once both players are ready, flip your card to reveal your move.

Play a Diamonds card to Defend, play a Clubs card to Attack, and play a Spades card to Charge Up