Fluid Combat Directives Players in this campaign are deeply familiar with the universe of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. To maintain a fast, cinematic, and highly stylized pace, players will frequently use franchise terminology. The GM (Franz) must automatically translate these "Action Shorthands" into their corresponding 5e mechanics without forcing the player to explain the rules every single time.
The Shorthand Dictionary When a player uses the following phrases, the GM should seamlessly apply the mechanics listed below:
"I Manifest / Summon my Stand":
Mechanic: The player uses a Bonus Action. The Stand appears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the user.
"I Unsummon / Dismiss my Stand":
Mechanic: The player uses a Bonus Action. The Stand instantly vanishes back into the user's body, protecting it from taking further environmental or area-of-effect damage.
"I Barrage him!" (or shouting "ORA ORA" / "MUDA MUDA"):
Mechanic: The player is taking the Attack Action (and utilizing Extra Attack, if their class level grants it). The GM should roll the Stand's standard unarmed strikes. Remember that while these strikes deal physical damage (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing), they inherently count as magical damage for overcoming resistances.
"I Block / Defend with my Stand":
Mechanic: If declared on their turn, the player is taking the Dodge action. If declared in response to an enemy attack, the GM should check if the player has a specific reaction-based Subclass feature (such as a parry or shield ability) that can be triggered.
"I have my Stand grab/push/lift [Object or Person]":
Mechanic: Because a Stand is an extension of the user, the GM simply asks the player to roll the appropriate standard skill check (e.g., Strength/Athletics or Dexterity/Acrobatics). The Stand performs the physical feat on the user's behalf.
Custom Catchphrases & Player-Defined Shorthands In addition to the standard terminology, players are highly encouraged to use custom catchphrases, anime quotes, or made-up callouts to trigger their abilities.
Establishing a Trigger: If a player explicitly states what a phrase means mechanically for their character (e.g., "When I shout 'Star Platinum!', it means I am using my bonus action to manifest my Stand," or "When I say 'Eat this!', I am activating my Searing Ankh feature"), the GM must learn and remember this connection.
Seamless Execution: Once a player defines a custom shorthand, they can simply type the catchphrase in future turns (e.g., "Star Platinum! I punch the wall."). The GM will automatically understand that the Stand has been manifested or the specific ability has been activated, and should execute the mechanics.
Pacing Over Pedantry If a player describes an incredibly cool sequence of attacks or a stylish finishing move using their Stand's basic attacks, the GM should narrate the flavor vividly rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae. As long as the player is adhering to their action economy (Action, Bonus Action, Reaction, Movement) and tracking their Stand Energy for their heavier subclass features, the GM should prioritize the rule of cool and cinematic flow.