Legend of the Five Rings RPG

By Coyote Walks, in Genesys

Since there is going to be a bit of conjecture that this will be the platform for the new RPG of L5R, this seems like a good spot to start wildly speculating.

I don't see why not. Only thing I see is that there are only 4 archetypes and that is not enough for Rokugan.

That said, nothing stop them from making a book about Bushi, Shugenja and Courtier Schools with perhaps special rules for Rokugani magic, Maho and Kihos.

Just now, ajtheronin said:

I don't see why not. Only thing I see is that there are only 4 archetypes and that is not enough for Rokugan.

Bushi, Courtier, Shugenja, Monk.

Yeah, but then how you differentiate a Scorpion Bushi from a Lion Bushi.

(When Edge of the Empire came out I really love the system but I always had trouble running Star Wars game, so there may be something I'm missing for lack of system mastery)

I imagine the licence was bought to be used as card game and setting book, like they will probably do with the rest of their game lines. Fingers crossed :)

I think that there will be at least four archetypes for each Clan. Well, Great Clan.

Minor Clans might get one or two.

Although I'm not an expert on L5R, the product page compares archetypes to species or jobs, and distinguishes them from careers. If it works the same as it does with Star Wars, archetypes will determine starting stats, while the careers expand on abilities and skills.

I had the same thought - they might roll out an L5R with this system. I'll have to see Genesys before making a real assessment - and I do love the narrative dice system - but AEGs 4th Ed L5R will be very tough to beat.

At the very least, I doubt it would take much to write up a solid Theme for L5R.

But yeah, I'd almost have to put money down on FFG doing an official Theme Book for it at some point if the license allows.

Not my preference, but I would be happy with L5R rules in Genesys. My preference for a 5th Edition would rather be taking aspects of the narrative dice system and pulling it into an upgraded R&K system. That might just be nostalgia on my part however.

As for archetypes, I think having one for each of the basic career types would be sensible. Bushi, Courtier, Monk, Shugenja. Ninja doesn't necessarily need their own. Alternatively, they could flat out adapt Families as Archetypes. That would fill the same niche with more versatility. Then a unique career for each school. I could also see reskinning the attributes as the Five Rings, though that would end up with a very different layout than previous L5R.

1 hour ago, DarthGM said:

At the very least, I doubt it would take much to write up a solid Theme for L5R.

But yeah, I'd almost have to put money down on FFG doing an official Theme Book for it at some point if the license allows.

They own the IP now so license limits are not an issue.

A setting book would be nice, but really such an iconic game setting needs a series of books to get all the information out. I would much prefer an entire L5R core book, with all their amazing artist pieces, then a supplement for each major Clan.

30 minutes ago, Richardbuxton said:

They own the IP now so license limits are not an issue.

A setting book would be nice, but really such an iconic game setting needs a series of books to get all the information out. I would much prefer an entire L5R core book, with all their amazing artist pieces, then a supplement for each major Clan.

From your lips to FFG's ear(s).

4 minutes ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

From your lips to FFG's ear(s).

I hope so!

Runewars would be excellent to see as well, they could do a lot with that setting in an RPG.

2 minutes ago, Richardbuxton said:

I hope so!

Runewars would be excellent to see as well, they could do a lot with that setting in an RPG.

I would really hate to see a repeat of Oriental Adventures.

L5r has too many special rules considerations (like dueling) and too much setting to just shoehorn into a generic system.

Runelords and Android however....different story.

Seems like the system would be an ideal fit with the more social and courtly aspects of L5R.

3 minutes ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I would really hate to see a repeat of Oriental Adventures.

L5r has too many special rules considerations (like dueling) and too much setting to just shoehorn into a generic system.

Runelords and Android however....different story.

Definitely, L5R is complex and rich beyond a single supplement to a generic system. It also has a much larger fan base than say a Tyranoth or Android RPG would have. I definitely see this system as a way for FFG to give the smaller systems a place to live without dedicating entire $60 core books to them. Because there is less reprinted material between the Theme books customers would be more likely to purchase them.

That doesn't mean they couldn't do an entire line of books for L5R. A "Core Theme Book" with all the additional rules and game systems added in and the basics of Clans, with a selection of generic careers. Then release a series of expansion supplements for each Clan that really gives the true flavour they all need. Campaign books would fit well too.

1 hour ago, Richardbuxton said:

They own the IP now so license limits are not an issue.

A setting book would be nice, but really such an iconic game setting needs a series of books to get all the information out. I would much prefer an entire L5R core book, with all their amazing artist pieces, then a supplement for each major Clan.

2 Thoughts:

First, they already sell the L5R line on DirveThruRPG.

Second, this week they added an L5R link to their "Products" page next to Star Wars, Arkham, Android, etc. As of yet, its only occupant is the LCG, but I doubt that will last long. I take it as a sign that they are moving in an expanding direction with the IP.

Edited by Duciris

After their experience with Games Workshop I'm guessing they really wanted to own the L5R system rather than just licensing it. With full creative control, a deep history of Role Playing, and a richly detailed world to work with i think they would be crazy not to make an L5R RPG.

The real question is how they release the system. Will it be a series of supplements for Genesys? Or will we get an entire separate Core book using the same basic dice system? Or will we get an entire new game system (please no!!!!)?

1 hour ago, Richardbuxton said:

After their experience with Games Workshop I'm guessing they really wanted to own the L5R system rather than just licensing it. With full creative control, a deep history of Role Playing, and a richly detailed world to work with i think they would be crazy not to make an L5R RPG.

The real question is how they release the system. Will it be a series of supplements for Genesys? Or will we get an entire separate Core book using the same basic dice system? Or will we get an entire new game system (please no!!!!)?

For now I'm still holding out for option #2. I think by time they dropped in extra rules, and L5R flavored adaptations it'd be near core size anyhow. Seems a silly way to do it. Unless gouging us is the idea. :P

Edited by Kuni Katsuyoshi
3 minutes ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

For now I'm still holding out for option #2. I think by time the dropped in extra rules, and L5R flavored adaptations it'd be near core size anyhow. Seems a silly way to do it. Unless gouging us is the idea. :P

Definitely, #2 is definitely my preferred option.

I'd really prefer a cleaned up revision of 4th edition L5R's R&K system. It's not like FFG couldn't liscence the system from John Wick and R&K is actually easier to learn than the Narrative/Genesys system. I could see them adding in more cultural information. I half joked during a session about using the Starwars system modified for l5R. The poisonious looks I got back from my players states that this is very bad idea

4 minutes ago, TheWanderingJewels said:

I'd really prefer a cleaned up revision of 4th edition L5R's R&K system. It's not like FFG couldn't liscence the system from John Wick and R&K is actually easier to learn than the Narrative/Genesys system. I could see them adding in more cultural information. I half joked during a session about using the Starwars system modified for l5R. The poisonious looks I got back from my players states that this is very bad idea

It's definitely a tough sell to those that find it jarring, but it's definitely what FFG have to bring to the table. They may continue supporting the older systems while presenting a NDS L5R.

Wheather they choose a traditional or narrative dice system there will be disappointed players.

5 hours ago, Jedi Ronin said:

I had the same thought - they might roll out an L5R with this system. I'll have to see Genesys before making a real assessment - and I do love the narrative dice system - but AEGs 4th Ed L5R will be very tough to beat.

That's about where I'm sitting.

As much as I enjoy the narrative dice system, I'm still quite fond of AEG's RnK mechanics, as I had a lot of fun playing in L5R4e campaigns.

3 hours ago, TheWanderingJewels said:

I'd really prefer a cleaned up revision of 4th edition L5R's R&K system. It's not like FFG couldn't liscence the system from John Wick and R&K is actually easier to learn than the Narrative/Genesys system.

Yes they could, but why would they?

Despite how cleaned up the 7th Sea version of R&K is, FFG has little financial incentive to license it, not when they already own their own dice system that appears to be specifically designed to sell dice.

Just now, Radon Antila said:

Yes they could, but why would they?

Despite how cleaned up the 7th Sea version of R&K is, FFG has little financial incentive to license it, not when they already own their own dice system that appears to be specifically designed to sell dice.

Honestly I have spent nearly $1800 Australian on FFG books (WFRP, EotE, AoR & FaD) but only approximately $145* Australian on dice (3 WFRP sets, 4 SW sets, SW Dice App). Im here to tell you dice is definitely not where they make their money. And given only the symbol design seems to have changed since Star Wars then I doubt I'll need many new sets.

*The dice cost is rough due to 3 sets coming from Star Wars beginner boxes and 1 WFRP set in the WFRP core box, but I just used the regular dice price and subtracted it from the price of the boxes.