Reviews of L5R Books
Supplements
City of Lies (9/10)
This boxed set is details the Scorpion city of Ryoko Owari Toshi
and is crammed full of interesting locations and characters (all
with many skeletons in their proverbial closets). One book
describes the history and current affairs and is intended for the
players and another describes the city from a GM's perspective
with all the dirty little secrets. There are enough ideas here
for a whole campaign of scenarios within the city. Hardly a dull
page in the whole and heartily recommended. Also included is an
epic investigative adventure to solve the mysterious murder of an
Imperial Magistrate.
Book of the Shadowlands (9/10)
Written in a first-person style, this book explores Fu Leng's
realm from the eyes of Kuni Mokuna, a Crab shugenja infamous for
his unique research methods. Full GM notes on the dreaded
Shadowland Taint and its effects and details the many denizens of
the Shadowlands (Bakemono, Orges, Trolls, and Oni). Superbly
written and many interesting ideas presented. A second book of
the shadowlands has recently been released by AEG (See Bearers of
Jade).
Way of the Shadow (9/10)
Like the previous book, this is again written from a first person
perspective and chronicles the investigations of the Dragon clan
magistrate Kitsuki Kaagi into the Ninja legends. More an
adventure book than a supplement, the book is presented as a
series of investigations documented by Kaagi with each one
revealing greater insights on the nature of the 'living shadows'.
Packed with genuinely spooky atmosphere, this is one of the rare
roleplaying adventures that is as much fun to read as it is to
play. Players who assume the ninja are as portrayed in popular
entertainment will be in for a rude shock.
Bearers of Jade: The 2nd Book of the Shadowlands
(8/10)
Like the first book of the Shadowlands, this supplement details
more secrets of the Dark Brother Fu Leng, including more
creatures and Tainted characters, more maho spells, Crab unarmed
combat (a particularly nasty version of Kaze Do), and the Maho
bushi school. In addition, there are lots of small articles
describing first person encounters that do a great job of
capturing the dread and horror of the Shadowlands. Interesting
material but not essential, unlike the first book.
Clanbooks
These books are intended as rule and background supplements, expanding the possibilities for both players and GMs. Each book details the families of one of the seven great clans, and includes noteworthy NPCs, additional schools, skills, and advantages/disadvantages. I particularly like the way each clanbook presents the history from the clan's perspective; thus two books may have a totally different version of the same historical event.
Way of the Dragon (7/10)
This book presents new rules and a detailed background for the
Dragon clan. Noteworthy additons are rules for the "Tattoed
Men" of Rokugan (including magical Tatoos), the 1000 year
old secret of clan daimyo Togashi, and the Dragon samurai daisho
(two-sword) technique. My major complaint with this book (common
to all clanbooks) are threefold: the lack of maps on Dragon lands,
the worthless card lists (to RPG players at least), and the 8+
pages of sample characters.
Way of the Unicorn (6/10)
This clanbook details the history of the "outsider clan"
of the Unicorn and expands the rules for creating Unicorn
characters from the Shinjo, Ide, and Moto families. Includes
rules for the famous Unicorn personalities, Otaku battle maidens,
warhorses, and gaijin gear. My major complaint with this book (common
to all clanbooks) are threefold: the lack of maps on Unicorn
lands, the worthless card lists (to RPG players at least), and
the 8+ pages of sample characters.
Way of the Crab (7/10)
If you can ignore the lack of maps, the worthless card lists (to
RPG players at least), and the 8+ pages of mediocre sample
characters, this book is a good buy. Like all other clanbooks,
the major families of the Crab (Hida, Kuni, Yasuki, Kaiu, and
Hiruma) are detailed, together with the famous Crab personalities
like Hida Kisada (use this daimyo's stats as a guide to creating
a close-combat monster!), his son Hida Yakamo, and Kuni Yori. In
addition, two sidebars in the book teach the players how to curse
like a Crab.
Way of the Crane (6/10)
This clanbook details the most cultured of the 7 great clans:
Crane. Not particularly outstanding, although we have the typical
extra skills and advantages/disadvantages for Crane Characters,
noteworthy Cranes, sample characters and seemingly mandatory CCG
card lists. Also included are several pages of rules on the
Kakita Artisan skills although these I consider over the top. It
may just be me, but I don't really like the idea of artisans -
who aren't shugenja - imbuing their creations with magical powers.
The descriptions of the artisan skills may be useful for those
GMs planning on making court life a staple of their campaign.
Way of the Scorpion (8/10)
I consider this the best of the clanbooks with details of the
various families (Bayushi, Shosuro, Soshi, and Yugo) and more
importantly, ideas on how to play a Scorpion. The story behind
the Scorpions and their motivations is particularly well done and
manages to capture the soul of Rokugan's most despised clan. The
chapter on Treachery 101 is especially interesting for GMs
looking for ways to twist the PCs into a devious Scorpion plot.
Also includes rules for Poisons and the infamous Shosuro Assassin
school. Some letdowns are the glaring lack of information on the
Black Scrolls protected by the Scorpion clan and miniscule notes
on the lands of the Scorpion (even less than the typical for
Clanbooks).
Way of the Lion (6/10)
I was a little disappointed that the book of Rokugan's
most militaristic clan does not include detailed rules on mass
battles. Included are details of the Lion families (Akodo, Matsu,
Ikoma, and Kitsu), famous Lion personalities and Kitsu spirit
magic. Snippets of wisdom from Akodo's book Leadership are
included, but these are mostly fluff. Like all other clanbooks,
this one suffers from the lack of maps, the
worthless card lists (to RPG players at least), and the 8+ pages
of mediocre sample characters.
Way of the Phoenix (?/10)
(In progress)
Way of the Naga (?/10)
(In progress)
Way of the Minor Clans (?/10)
(In progress)
Way of the Wolf (?/10)
(In progress)
Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun (8/10)
This book does a great job of describing life in the Emperor's
court, detailing the Imperial families and prominent individuals
including the Hantei and his heir. Rules are included for
creating characters from the Imperial families (Miya and Seppun)
and their special schools (Miya Courtier and Imperial Bodyguard).
Typical of all L5R books, there are lots of short pieces
describing the history and first person experiences of the
Emperor's court. A essential book for GMs wishing to make the
Hantei and his entourage a main part of his campaign.
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