Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Fourth Edition

Overview

Originally published in 1997, Legend of the Five Rings RPG Fourth Edition is based on the Legend of the Five Rings Collectable Card Game first published in 1995. This new edition presents improved streamlined rules in a rich, detailed setting that has been made timeline neutral. This allows the setting and rules to be used more like a toolbox, providing a wider range of options for GMs and players alike, as well as the room for a GM to customise the game as he/she sees fit.

The Setting

Legends of the Five Rings RPG takes place in Rokugan, a land inspired primarily by not only by feudal Japan, but also by China and Korea. It is a land dominated by eight Clans that vie for control and influence on the battlefield in Summer and at court during Winter. They are the Crab, Crane, Dragon, Lion, Mantis, Phoenix, Scorpion and Unicorn clans. The clans are comprised of the Samurai and beneath them, the many peasants that they govern. The Samurai are what the players will role-play in the game and there are several different types of Samurai to portray. All Samurai adhere to the tenets of Bushido that will vary according to his clan. The strong setting and rich background of Clans, their interaction and political manoeuvring offer a sound foundation for role-players to explore and build upon.

The Core Book

Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Fourth Edition Core Rules is the starting point for the Legends of the Five Rings RPG. This book contains everything that a GM and players will need to play, including the background and history of Rokugan; the rules of the Roll-and-Keep™ system and character creation; plus foes, allies, and a starting scenario. In addition, both the GM and the players will need some ten-sided dice. It is recommended that both the GM and the players have ten dice each.

Like all of the books for Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Fourth Edition, the Core Rules are beautiful. The artwork alternately captures the serene nature of Rokugan and its people, and the bloody fierceness of the conflicts fought across the lands of the Emerald Empire and beyond.

The Role-playing System

Legend of the Five Rings RPG uses the Roll-and-Keep™ system that uses ten-sided dice. To undertake an action a character rolls a number of dice, usually equal to a governing trait plus a skill, and then keeps a number equal to the trait. This is expressed as “x – k – y” where x is the number to roll and y is the number to keep. The total is compared to a Target Number (TN), which if equalled or exceeded means that the action is successful. In addition, a character could declare a “Raise” and increase the TN making the action more difficult, but gaining an extra benefit if the roll is successful.

Gameplay

Aside from the unique and elegant Roll and Keep™ dice system, the gameplay for the Legend of the Five Rings RPG is rooted deeply in the traditional role-playing experience.

As a role-playing game, Legend of the Five Rings RPG Fourth Edition provides a unique and compelling journey for all those that wish to embark on quests and experiences in feudal Japan. It is a game that is rooted deeply on tradition, culture and etiquette, where the characters are expected to be courteous and to place honor and duty to the Emperor, their Clan, and their family above other more self-centered concerns Discourtesy and ill manners will lead a samurai to be shamed at best, disgraced or even challenged to a duel at worst.

Since all the clans struggle to gain the favor of the Emperor, there is a unique caste system and interaction that only this setting can provide its PCs. Combat in this age is quick and deadly. Therefore creating a need and requirement that players expand their view and role-play with a deeper and broader perspective than simply the next dungeon, or monster of magic item.

Who would enjoy this game?

Note: If you have never played a RPG before, this might not be the place to start. The recommendations below assume that the gamer types have played some type of RPG.

Final Thoughts

Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Fourth Edition is very much a “Culture” game, one that rewards the GM and his players immersing themselves in a setting that is unlike the Western medieval fantasy of other RPGs. It is not the Medieval Japan of Hollywood films, but there are moments when the heroics of such films will have a place on battlefields of Rokugan. Unlike such films, this is not a setting that favors the individual, a samurai being expected to put the Emperor and his clan before himself. This will make it a very different playing experience, but one that rewards attention to detail and good roleplaying. It helps that this latest edition of the RPG makes both the rules and the setting very accessible, helping to bring Rokugan to life.

In addition, the game line is already expansive with several supplements for the Legend of the Five Rings setting:

Enemies of the Empire focuses on the threats faced by Rokugan, not just from the demonic hordes from the Shadowlands beyond the Wall that the Crab Clan mans, but also hidden conspiracies within Rokugani society, the Clanless Ronin, and the races that once occupied the lands of the Emerald Empire.

Emerald Empire details the culture, practices, and day-to-day life of the Rokugani people in detail, covering commerce, law politics, war, and more.

The Great Clans examines the eight Great Clans of Rokugan in detail, focusing on the various families, histories, and culture as well as their place in the Emerald Empire.

The Imperial Histories explores ten great periods in the history of the Emerald Empire in detail, providing era specific rules for each one, from the Dawn of the Empire to the Clan Wars and beyond.

The Book of Air explores the many different aspects of Air in the setting of Rokugan, from the mellifluous words of the courtier and the speed of the duellist’s blade to the singing arrow of the archer and the gusts of wind at the command of the devout shugenja.

This world created by AEG continues to inspire and entertain. If you enjoy deep inter-character experiences and immersive role-playing environs, dive in to the Legend of the Five Rings RPG.