★ Chronicles of Adventure

This book serves as your introduction into the world of Akira

WHAT YOU’LL FIND WITHIN
Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, including guides for players and Dungeon
This handbook is comprised of the following chapters:
Masters alike. With each page, you will learn of its people, items,
magic, powers, and adventures, along with how they should be
Chronicles of Adventure. We explore the themes and narrative
implemented within stories of your own.
behind the Dragon World in addition to the many rules that have
This guidebook is a rules and genre adaption of Fifth Edition,
changed across this guidebook. You are here.
with a number of additional rules and mechanics to truly emulate
Chapter 1: Character Creation. We introduce you to the myriad
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. If any mechanics are not reprinted
of origins found throughout the Dragon World, as well as
within these pages, assume the rules presented in the Player’s
provide you with insight into several new mechanics, which will
Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manual, or
be relevant throughout the rest of this guidebook.
any additional source still holds true.
Chapter 2: Dragon World. This is your guide to the world of
Accompanying these pages are a series of personal notes
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, detailing many locations and
written by various members of our writing team and our devoted
providing you with a number of adventure hooks which can be
fans. All from the perspective of their very own player
modified for your own personal use. In addition, it gives insight
characters, NPCs, and more.
into the factions and the deities of the cosmos.
Chapter 3: Character Classes. Here, we provide you with a
number of core classes and their master classes, all modified to fit
within the Dragon World. Here you can also locate know-how
options, sets of techniques, and much more.

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 Chapter 4: Mystic Items & More. This chapter contains a list of
new, mystical items and treasures which you may collect,
including the ancient Dragon Balls themselves. You can also find a
number of optional rules you may wish to implement.
Chapter 5: Transformations. We introduce you to the concept of
transformation. Here you will find a number of origin specific
power ups, as well as a handful of stand alone abilities for you to
discover in-game and unleash upon the battlefield.
Chapter 6: Mightiest vs. Mightiest. All the game stats for the
numerous aliens, androids, and monsters, along with a heap of
characters who've come from the past to destroy the present,
should your Dungeon Master choose to use them.
EARTH, TWO CENTURIES LATER
Although you may choose any point in time to be the basis for
your adventures, the stories within this guidebook unfold
following the events of the original manga’s conclusion.
Specifically, during AGE 1000 — Roughly 216 years later.
This era is commonly summarized with the loose translation:
Earth is divided into pieces, however, the Earth and its inhabitants
appear to be in no immediate danger. Still, there are enemies such
as Mira and Towa, the dark namekians, the Red Pants Army, and
the Paella Gang. Each party with their own goals.
Before you proceed further into this guidebook, here are six
key events which have all recently occurred:
1. Peace Has Returned to The Earth
After Majin Buu, the universe’s greatest threat, had been defeated
by Son Goku and his friends, peace began to return to the Earth.
Thanks to the actions of Earth’s so called savior, Hercule Satan,
people all across the world began to show interest in mixed
martial arts. The Tenkaichi Budokai, the aspiration of all martial
artists, had become a large-scale event, drawing an immense
amount of attention with each year. A peaceful world’s friendly
battles. With the aim of eliminating meaningless conflicts on
Earth, Dende chooses to deactivate the Dragon Balls.
key events which have all recently occurred:
2. Majin Race Was Born
Following the battle between Majin Buu and Son Goku, Mr. Buu,
the good half of the otherworldly demon, remained on Planet
Earth. Through Shenron’s power, the people’s memories of the evil
Buu were erased.
Mr. Buu is highly curious by nature. Watching a technique just
once is enough to help him remember it and, because of this
talent, he was able continually learn about and understand Earth’s
culture and the various natures of earthlings.
Years later, Mr. Buu started to change. With a spirited shout,
smoke violently spewed forth from the holes in Mr. Buu’s head.
The smoke began to materialize into a new life form.
Buu had been forming the image of an ideal girlfriend in his
mind. Just like when Majin Buu had split from his pure evil
persona in the past, this time he had divided into a male and
female majin. The female majin, who had been born from the
original Mr. Buu’s obsession, was beautiful and naturally
well-liked. The two majins became happily married and formed a
home together. Quite soon after, the two began to desire a child,
like most human families, and the majin race followed.
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3. Planet Namek’s Alarming Message
The namekians, whose planet was destroyed by Frieza, had
initially evacuated to Planet Earth and afterwards, immigrated to
the new planet, New Namek.
The namekians worked hard to lead a new life on the new
world. But soon after, disaster struck. A flash of light appeared out
of nowhere and from it came forth a myriad of unidentified forces.
The namekian warriors put up a desperate resistance. But due to
the stark contrast between their powers, their attacks were
ineffective. A hundred years’ worth of history that the namekians
had built up disappeared in an instant. However, the namekians
were not annihilated. Right before New Namek was destroyed,
Elder Moori summoned Porunga and requested that the
namekians be transferred to Earth.
After arriving, Elder Moori informed Earth’s God, Dende, of the
incident that unfolded. A person who is after the Dragon Balls of
the past. With Dende’s mediation, eventually the king of the Earth
accepted the accommodation of the namekian survivors. They
were thus able to start their lives once again on Earth.
4. Earth’s Approaching Peril
Mayhem quickly arises all over the world and villainous groups
take advantage of the chaos. There were some who felt that Planet
Earth was being attacked by a malevolent force, but the identity
was not yet confirmed. Wild animals becoming monsters, demons
starting to prowl, the Red Pants Army, the remnants of the Frieza
Force. In the midst of it all, an incident broke out.
5. Trunks’ Conviction: A New Threat
A strange vehicle appears over Planet Earth. It was a time
machine. The pilot: Trunks. In the past, Trunks had used the time
machine for the purpose of defeating the artificial humans,
however, even if it was for the protection of peace, the act of using
the time machine was a violation of nature and universal law.
When used, a time paradox occurs and multiple divisions are
produced, causing the formation of many different histories.
Chronoa, the Supreme Kaioshin of Time, gave Trunks a stern
warning for his actions. Afterwards, in order to redeem his wrong
actions, Trunks took up a job with the Time Patrol, those who
play a role in the correction of distorted of history.
6. The New Savior Is You
Piccolo returns to the lookout with information on their enemies.
Those who had transcended time, Mira and Towa.
After hearing this, Dende chooses to reactivate the once
dormant Dragon Balls, in hopes that the many warriors across
My birth was only allowed due to the potential
destruction of my creators' planet. Originally I was
created as a weapon... a weapon to destroy my
own genetic source material.
My creators, however, were sick and perverse.
They made me a monster and now I seek revenge
on those who survived my awakening. They will
pay for making me into a monster!
Olyv, Forsaken Bio-Android
★ Chronicles of Adventure
Planet Earth would develop their dormant powers while
competing for wishes of their own. Now, in AGE 1000, warriors all
over the world are working hard at their training. The
forthcoming of a savior. That potential resides hidden away in
every child of Planet Earth.
RULE CONVERSIONS AND MORE
We’ve made a handful of alterations to the Fifth Edition ruleset to
help your stories slide right into the world of Akira Toriyama’s
Dragon Ball. Some are minor, so you might not even notice much
of a difference. Other changes include entirely new mechanics or
reworked systems. Below are but a few examples:
OPTIONAL: ABILITY SCORES
In a traditional game of Fifth Edition, you have access to six key
attributes which define your character’s skills and more. A game of
Dragon Ball 5e uses these same six scores, however, if you are
looking for a more thematic change to fit within the world of Akira
Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, you may wish to employ the following
optional rule:
● Strength Becomes Power
● Dexterity Becomes Agility
● Constitution Becomes Endurance
● Intelligence Remains Unchanged
● Wisdom Becomes Instinct
● Charisma Becomes Pride
These changes are merely to terminology and, as such, do not
change the purpose or effects of any ability score traits.
SPELLS VS. TECHNIQUES
Throughout this guidebook, spells have been replaced with
techniques. Techniques are moves or attacks that are fueled by
Battle Points. They work almost exactly as spells do. Likewise, the
terminology changes. You no longer cast techniques, you use them.
The term encompasses a wide variety of abilities. Some
techniques, may even be spells themselves.
NEW SKILLS
Characters in Dragon Ball 5e have an additional two skills at
their disposal. An Intelligence skill called Science and a
Constitution skill called Power Up.
Intelligence: Science
Your (Intelligence) Science check measures your ability to recall
vital information about technology, mechanical vehicles,
cybernetics, robots, spaceships, or other alien devices.
Constitution: Power Up
A (Constitution) Power Up check lets you release your untapped
energy in the form of a powerful outburst. The DM might call for a
(Constitution) Power Up check when attempting to rekindle lost
Battle Points, alert others to your position, or temporarily
break your limitations.
EPISODES & SAGAS
Like the Dragon Ball animated shows, you play through a series of
episodes. Each episode is one session of the game; the saga is the
overarching story your characters are involved in.
Dad's a bit more old school. When he uses his ki,
he refers to a lot of his techniques as spells. It's
actually kind of cool, but it's weird to think that it
used to always be that way.
It's way easier to say “I'm gonna use my
Judgement Fang technique” than to say "I'm gonna
cast my Judgement Fang spell at you!” That just
sounds silly to me!
Oatte, Jr. Time Patroller
FEATS & KNOW-HOW
At certain points throughout a game, you’re character may have
the opportunity to take a feat. Likewise, features which refer to
feats have been renamed To Know-How, following the naming
theme set in the 2020 ARPG Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.
CURRENCY
This book uses the standard 5e coinage, as detailed in the 2014
Player’s Handbook, but in the Dragon World, citizens
commonly refer to their currency as Zeni.
Elsewhere in the universe, there are other forms of currency,
such as the Gammets used on Imecka or the Silver Pol used within
the Frieza Force. Other precious minerals like as Sky Gold,
otherwise known as Blue Aurum, can fetch quite the price when
presented to the right buyer.
DESIGNING DRAGON BALL
Deep in the recesses of Dragon Ball, there are major tropes which
align with the series. Rather you seek a new experience, or old one,
these tropes exist across the works of Akira Toriyama.
Below you’ll find a number of detailed tropes which have
defined Dragon Ball over the years. Some are more well known
than others, and some aren’t. As with anything, this adaption will
take liberties to provide an authentic experience.
This list is not final, and it will be up to each DM to incorporate
newer or unlisted tropes to their games. Please use these freely to
build a cohesive and fun experience!
The time distortions which occur throughout the world are an
excellent, and easy, way to implement new and original ideas. You
could easily say that strange and unknown artifacts have appeared
in your timeline, great monuments with intense history, or even
a great evil whose power was unrivaled in the past.
Time distortions are caused due to the horrid manipulation of
time, and the poor management of timelines by the Time Patrol.
Utilizing this ensures easy implementation methods which allow
DMs to connect, modify, and rebuild their ideal timeline for
their own campaigns.
DMs who look to do things the hard way should consider this: If
it is truly worth creating a completely stand alone universe, look
towards using common Dragon Ball tropes to build a memorable
and semi-familiar world for your players. Dragon Ball is a
high-octane, sci-fi, martial arts series which occasionally dabbles
in space opera. Tropes should be carefully considered for each new
facet of your world and how it would affect that world’s history.
Dragon Ball’s greatest inspirations lie within the classical
Chinese novel Journey to the West, mixed with the action of a
Hong Kong martial art film, the special effects commonly seen in
western Hollywood films. Creating an original world is going to
require a user to take these things into consideration: What media
aspects influence them the most, what novel or story sticks in
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ART BY KUBO_CHIKA

your mind, which film has the best action special effects, and a
series to key up some unique naming schemes from. This would
surely allow you to not only create a new Dragon Ball experience
but, ensure your players are left guessing on what you’re really
planning in the end for them.
Occasionally, for long term games, it wouldn’t hurt to toss in
some additional inspirations that alter the campaign significantly.
Take them into a galactic civil war, send them into an alternative
history of their world where everyone is more advanced yet less
evolved, toss in a species which uses a different form of energy
which can overpower them even in states of near divinity.
Whatever you choose, we’ve included some key tropes which are
found in Dragon Ball as it is now. These tropes are here to aid you
in laying a foundation for creation. Using these as a guide, even as
they are already in Dragon Ball, you could re-order them and
create an alternative Dragon Ball adventure with key core
foundations, minus the known expectations.
Imagine Dragon Ball, except instead of Goku landing on Earth
he instead hits a time rift which tosses him into the far flung
future. He slowly loses his flat character arc due to not sustaining
brain damage and instead can now adapt naturally to the new
society as he’s not as powerful. Now imagine, that his adult self
arrives from even further in the future and has come to ensure
that his past self grows stronger even faster as there’s an opponent
that not even he can beat alone. He teaches his past self to
befriend enemies rather than kill them, seek out a martial arts
master, and then lead a grand adventure to find the legendary orbs
which grant a single wish after meeting a genius which needs
support. These are key tropes found in Dragon Ball, re-ordered. It’s
an entirely different world now, and that’s one of the many worlds
you could create for your players! Worlds where what would’ve
happened didn’t, and what will happen never would have
happened. A world where you are not limited by powers and
abilities, and instead are only limited by your own gumption.
Martial Arts
Build your skill as a martial arts master, train under grueling
mentors, learn tough lessons, utilize your body properly, and
master the art of many aspects of life! Martial arts is a key aspect
of the world and exists on many different planets and within
various cultures! A mastered body leads to victory after all!
Magic By Any Other Name
This trope is prominent in Dragon Ball from the beginning.
Levitating objects, throwing energy attacks, powering up into new
forms, augmenting yourself, healing others, and more!
Magic exists in Dragon Ball, yet is never seen doing the things
that ki can do fully. So ki usage can be seen as a lower form of
magic utilization.
Flat Characters
Son Goku, our prime example, is a flat character. He does good
throughout his life, not merely because it’s good but instead,
because he wants to fight someone. He helps out when he can,
though most times it’s solely because his journeys line up
with who he’s helping out.
He’s a happy go lucky fighting junky, and
you probably will be too! Another flat
example is the emperor of the universe,
Frieza, who is evil for
evil's sake, and even with
Son Goku's interference,
still fails to change his evil
machinations.

Adventure Awaits
Throughout the series, there has always been an adventure to be
had. Through serine mountains, scorching deserts, frozen tundra,
and murky swamps, you will travel just as a young Son Goku
once did. Meeting new friends, helping those in need, searching
for ancient treasures, or even causing some mayhem!
All of these things are apart of the core of Dragon Ball. Even if
it’s traveling the reaches of space to find legendary orbs, or digging
in on your own home planet, there are tons of adventures to be
had. Learn, play, grow, and develop into your own through a
wonderful journey which will be sure to stick with you.

Befriending Your Enemies

Surely you’ve seen various examples of this in modern media, it is
especially focused on in Dragon Ball. The hero goes out of their
way to befriend a villain... or redeem a lost friend. I mean, how else
will they find the need, or desire, to grow stronger! Who will they
train with, who will they strive to overcome!? This is a heavy trope
in the original Dragon Ball and it’s continued on all the way into
Dragon Ball Super. This is one you should be keen to try.

Science, Space, Cyborgs, Stuff

Aliens, space exploration, invasions, laser rifles, capsule tech, and
even time travel. All of which are components of sci-fi. Rather
you want to do a low tier adventure, no matter what you’ll likely
have sci-fi elements in your world... especially if it’s Dragon Ball.
Most key characters are aliens, if not descendants of aliens.

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★ Chronicles of Adventure
Fatal Flaws
Everyone in dragon ball falls into this trope. Vegeta and his pride
constantly blinding him to potential dangers. Krillin’s violent and
uncontrollable fear of death causing him to prefer to flee and
support than fight on the front lines. Piccolos dangerous need to
protect Son Gohan. Son Gohan’s focus on studies over training
which leads the earth into danger multiple times from
lacking a hero. It is key that everyone has some flaw that they
seemingly, just cannot get rid of.
Visit From Your Future Selves
Time travel is in a lot of franchise, though it is an issue. Having
characters exist as a future variant alongside their past variant is
hard to handle. Yet, here we are. Rather you’ve returned to the past
to prevent the future, or you’re from the past and displaced into
the future alongside your future self doesn’t matter. You exist as
two of the same being biologically but, not mentally.
Genius-Level IQ
There’s always a character that’s more intelligent than the rest.
Whether they fight or not, there’s just the one. They may take to
inventing key items, weapons, and gear for their allies. Maybe
even a time machine or two. While typically a non-combatant,
sometimes, they are the most dangerous in a fight!
STEP-BY-STEP CHARACTERS
Our first step when playing a game set in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon
Ball is to imagine a character. Your character is a combination of
statistics, roleplaying hooks, and your own imagination.
You begin by choosing an origin and a class. You also describe a
number of other traits: like an appearance and backstory. These
elements, along with a handful of numbers, help you come to the
table with a character that you are excited to play.
Building Son Goku
Each step of the character creation process
includes an example, with a player building the
iconic Son Goku, as he is shown early on in the
original run of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball.
1. CHOOSE AN ORIGIN
Every character belongs to a species known as an origin, one of the
many intelligent species in the Dragon Ball world. The most
common player character origins are earthlings, namekians,
majins, saiyans, and frieza clansman.
Some origins also provide additional options, such as mighty
majins or dragon clan namekians. Chapter One provides more
information about these origins.
The origin you choose contributes to your character's identity in
an important way, by establishing an overall appearance and the
natural talents gained from culture and ancestry. Your character's
origin grants particular origin traits, such as special senses,
proficiency with certain weapons or tools, proficiency in one or
more skills, or the ability to use innate techniques.
Your origin also increases one of your arts and provides you
with suggested ability score increases, which you determine. Note
these increases and remember to apply them later. Record the
traits granted by your origin on your character sheet. Be sure to
note your languages and your base speed as well.
Z-SOULS & BATTLE POINTS
Note down three Z-Souls which define your character. You also
begin with a number of Battle Points. Typically, a 1st level
character has only one Battle Point.
Building Son Goku: Pt. 1
Although he was unaware of his true origin, Son
Goku was a saiyan. We’ll make note of his origin
traits on his character sheet, in addition to his
Energy Art increase and his speed of 30 feet. Son
Goku has the option to learn two languages, but
due to his upbringing on Earth, we’ll only be
choosing one: The Universal Language. It’s also at
this stage where we will create his Z-Souls and
gain Battle Points. For now, we have only one.
2. CHOOSE A CLASS
Every character is a member of a class. Class broadly describes a
character's vocation, what special talents he or she possesses, and
the tactics he or she is most likely to employ when exploring the
world, fighting monsters, or engaging in a tense negotiation.
The character classes are described in Chapter Three.
Your character receives a number of benefits from your choice
of class. Many of these benefits are class features-capabilities
(including techniques) that set your character apart from members
of other classes. You also gain a number of proficiencies: armor,
weapons, skills, saving throws, and sometimes tools. Your
proficiencies define many of the things your character can do
particularly well, from using certain weapons to telling a
convincing lie.
On your character sheet, record all the features that your class
gives you at 1st level.
CHARACTER LEVEL
Typically, a character starts at 1st level and advances in level
through exploration and battle. Starting off at 1st level marks your
character's entry into the Dragon World.
If you're already familiar with the game, or if you are joining an
existing Dragon Ball 5e campaign, your DM might decide to have
you begin at a higher level, on the assumption that your character
has already survived a few harrowing battles.
Record your level on your character sheet. If you're starting at a
higher level, record the additional elements your class gives you
for your levels past 1st.
HIT POINTS & HIT DICE
Your character's hit points define how tough your character is
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 in combat and other dangerous situations. Your hit points are
determined by your Hit Dice (short for Hit Point Dice).
At 1st level, your character has 1 Hit Die, and the die type is
determined by your class. This is also your hit point maximum.
Building Son Goku: Pt. 3
Record your character's hit points on your character sheet. Also We’ll be using the standard set of scores (15, 14,
record the type of Hit Die your character uses and the number of 13, 12, 10, 8) for Son Goku’s abilities. Since he is a
Hit Dice you have. After you rest, you can spend Hit Dice to martial artist, we will prioritize scores like
regain hit points.
Strength and Dexterity. Given Son Goku’s isolated
upbringing, we’ll sacrifice Intelligence.
PROFICIENCY BONUS
The table that appears in your class description shows your
proficiency bonus, which is +2 for a 1st-level character. Your
proficiency bonus applies to many of the numbers you'll
be recording on your character sheet: 4. CHOOSE EQUIPMENT
Your class and background determine your character's starting
● Attack rolls using weapons you're proficient with.
equipment, including weapons, armor, and other adventuring
● Attack rolls with spells you cast.
gear. Record this equipment on your character sheet.
● Ability checks using skills you're proficient in.
Instead of taking the gear given to you by your class and
● Ability checks using tools you're proficient with.
background, you can purchase your starting equipment. You have
● Saving throws you're proficient in.
a number of gold pieces (abbreviated to gp) to spend based on your
● Saving throw DCs for spells you cast.
class. If you wish, you can also have one trinket at no cost.

Your class determines your weapon proficiencies, your saving

throw proficiencies, and some of your skill and tool proficiencies.
Your background gives you additional skill and tool
proficiencies, and some races give you more proficiencies. Be sure
to note all of these proficiencies, as well as your proficiency
bonus, on your sheet.
Your proficiency bonus can't be added to a single die roll or
other number more than once. Occasionally, your proficiency
bonus might be modified (doubled or halved, for example) before
you apply it. If a circumstance suggests that your proficiency
bonus applies more than once to the same roll or that it should be
multiplied more than once, you nevertheless add it only once,
multiply it only once, and halve it only once.
Building Son Goku: Pt. 2
Even from a young age, Son Goku was a martial
artist. We’ll make note of his proficiencies and
1st-level class features on his character sheet.
3. DETERMINE ABILITY SCORES
You can generate your character's six ability scores randomly. Roll
four 6-sided dice and record the total of the highest three dice on a
piece of scratch paper. Do this five more times, so that you have six
numbers. If you want to save time or don't like the idea of
randomly determining ability scores, you can use the following
scores instead: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. Now take your six numbers and
write each number beside one of your character's six abilities to
assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence,
Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to
your ability scores as a result of your origin choice.
After assigning your ability scores, determine your ability
modifiers. To determine an ability modifier, subtract 10 from the
ability score and then divide the result by 2 (round down). Write
the modifier next to each of your scores.
ARMOR CLASS
Your Armor Class (AC) represents how well your character avoids
being wounded in battle. Things that contribute to your Armor
Class include the armor you wear, the shield you carry, and your
Dexterity modifier.
Without armor or a shield, your character's AC equals 10 + his
or her Dexterity modifier. If your character wears armor, carries a
shield, or both, calculate your AC using these rules. Record your
AC on your character sheet.
WEAPONS
For each weapon your character wields, calculate the modifier you
use when you attack with the weapon and the damage you deal
when you hit. When you make an attack with a weapon, you roll a
d20 and add your proficiency bonus (but only if you are proficient
with the weapon) and the appropriate ability modifier.
Building Son Goku: Pt. 4
We will writes down the starting equipment from
the martial artist class and the outlander
background. Let’s assume we’ve been given a
choice of mystical items. The power pole seems
like a good fit for the young saiyan.
Father created me for a special purpose! If only I
knew what it was and why I'm stuck here on
Planet Earth... Perhaps I should double check
myself and my things before se󰏠ing out.
Either way, I'm here to help out and I’ll save
whoever I can. To spread the proud word of our
company, I’ll do anything!

TM-0162 "Kiwi"
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