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Post by malifer on Dec 31, 2012 5:14:31 GMT -8
So after listening to Stu's Actual Play L5R it renewed an old flame I use to have, Samurai movies! At first I was thinking of looking into L5R, but while it seems simple it also seems there may be learning curve that might be a bit much for my players. (i.e. learning another language) I don't have any intention of running a Court style game, but I do like the importance of Honor and Etiquette. Anyone read the Iron Dynasty book? realityblurs.com/wordpress/?page_id=499Should I grab it and maybe one of the savaged fan L5R conversions?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2012 8:45:37 GMT -8
Iaijutsu: duel skill Kenjutsu: sword skill Jiujutsu: unarmed skill Kyujutsu: bow skill Daimio: Lord Thats pretty much the entire language barrier of L5R, everything else is in english (besides the names of course). You are welcome Also the system is quite easy (roll d10s, roll low, take penalties for better effect) and quite balanced too (4th edition, the 3rd one is horribly imbalanced). I don't know how well would savage worlds do samurai since every melee warrior would use the same mechanics and statistics whereas in L5R you can have 10 katana dudes with all different niches to fill and diferent styles of combat. I believe I had read a couple of savaged L5R/Samurai rules and didn't quite like how the system functioned in a samurai-style setting (not "pulpy" at all). Maybe a wandering lighter-themed Ronin style of game, like the anime Samurai Shamploo? (or most anime) I could see the reasoning behind a GURPS L5R/Samurai campaign, since gurps melee combat is awesome, but still the L5R ruleset merges seemlessly its setting, it has been around long enough to evolve to fulfill its role. I'd recomend at least giving it a look, the Roll/keep mechanic is not as dificult as it first seems, and if it seems too leathal for you there are optional rules and guidelines for reduced lehtality. TLDR: Original L5R: L5R rpg is better Anime pulpy style: Savage worlds OH, NO NOT THE FACE!!: GURPS Never ever again: D20
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 31, 2012 9:22:00 GMT -8
There are a few more Japanese words than what's listed above: words for various social statuses, a few terms used in the magic system, most of the weapons, etc. As much as I've groused about it, ultimately, it's an attempt to help immerse the players (and GM) in the setting.
You can certainly run such a game in Savage Worlds, but you're not going to have a lot of differences between your bushi, as there is one relevant skill, and not much variation there.
As to Iron Dynasty, I've not read it, so I can't give you any advice on that except to say, I own Realms of Cthulhu, which is also by Reality Blurs, and it's an EXCELLENT book.
Looking at Drivethrurpg, the setting book is going for $7.50 right now (it looks like it's on sale), so now may be the time to get it. And they've published 9 guidebooks and 10 adventures.
All that said, we're having fun playing L5R, and it's a good example of a system built to support a setting. But if you're not sure if you're players are interested in a samurai-type setting, you might want to try it with something you have.
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Post by malifer on Dec 31, 2012 10:30:47 GMT -8
Thanks.
I'm fairly sure I could get my table group to play a Samurai game, however there mostly still new to the Tabletop Rpgs and I can guarantee most of them will not read the rules.
Just glancing at L5R's 5 page character sheet makes me cringe a little. From the podcast that system sounds neat, but might be hard too teach to my table group and also difficult to play online. (sometimes dice mechanics need actually dice)
So I was looking at Savage Worlds because the group has had a blast the few times we played it.
But it's a good point that my Samurai might all be too similar. Hmmph...
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Post by malifer on Dec 31, 2012 10:31:57 GMT -8
Also the system is quite easy (roll d10s, roll low, take penalties for better effect) and quite balanced too (4th edition, the 3rd one is horribly imbalanced). Are you sure it's roll low? From the podcast it seemed like there were rolling high?
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 31, 2012 11:20:42 GMT -8
It's roll-high. The mechanic at its most basic is Skill + Associated Trait = dice pool. You keep a number of dice equal to the Associated Trait.
Here's the thing: we're only using the basic rules right now, and everyone's a Bushi (fighter). I'm slowly presenting other aspects of the game as we play for the players' benefit and mine.
We haven't used the magic system yet. We haven't introduced any Katas or Kihos (Katas are techniques Bushi can learn that give them bonuses and Kihos are sort of the same thing for spell throwers). I also haven't brought in any of the mechanics for Honor, Status or Taint.
In short, we are playing the game at its most basic, stripped-down level. And at that level, it's not hard to figure out.
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Post by shadrack on Dec 31, 2012 12:19:02 GMT -8
I have played in an Iron Dynasty game.
There is way more material there than we ever touched.
I will start off by saying that if everyone wants to walk around with a katana and be a samurai, the differences between them mechanically may be small. In my little group there was essentially a Jin and Mugen from Samurai Champloo (I was the Mugen). I used more of a kensai build and he went more samurai. He took some social graces and I went more urban. My style was also more acrobatic (enhanced by some handy edges).
We also had a courtesan and a mage (Onmyoji), with the occasional appearance of a ninja. (much like the character, the player was often difficult to find).
The book has a wealth of very neat edges that would help players build the characters they want. You can go the empty hands route, tap into your ki to help aid you in combat, a yakuza whose tattoos boost his attributes, etc. There is a reputation system.
Also, the setting material is pretty sweet, there is a steam powered aspect and a demon-tainted bit going on as well. If you want to bring those in.
So, I think my first question is, are all the PCs going to be samurai? If so, I still think it can work, it's just they will want to spend some time highlighting their uniqueness. Maybe even let them start at Seasoned (20xp) so they can get some sweet edges under their belts to help them down their separate paths.
If you want to do Oriental Adventures** in Savage Worlds, I think it's well worth it. I haven't read any of the modules or regional splat books.
I'd have to be pretty motivated to drop $35 for L5R when I could get (it's not just the players' guide) Iron Dynasty for $7.50.
I will also say that I've been quite pleased with all the Reality Blurs products that I've purchased.
TLDR ==> I'm a savage worlds shill. What do you think I said?
**Oriental Adventures was my first RPG purchase, from a chain bookstore in the nearest mall.
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Post by malifer on Dec 31, 2012 12:58:13 GMT -8
Awesome shadrack.
Yeah Oriental Adventures might suffice.
No worries being a SW shill around me. I have really enjoyed Savage Worlds. It's not perfect, but for me there is less to complain about.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2012 15:49:18 GMT -8
Are you sure it's roll low? From the podcast it seemed like there were rolling high? Ye it's roll high, also 10s on the d10 explode, that's what you get for posting in a hurry.
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Post by shadrack on Dec 31, 2012 22:05:13 GMT -8
Awesome shadrack. Yeah Oriental Adventures might suffice. No worries being a SW shill around me. I have really enjoyed Savage Worlds. It's not perfect, but for me there is less to complain about. I think you mean Iron Dynasty. Oriental Adventures was published in '85 by TSR,
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Post by malifer on Jan 1, 2013 5:51:24 GMT -8
Awesome shadrack. Yeah Oriental Adventures might suffice. No worries being a SW shill around me. I have really enjoyed Savage Worlds. It's not perfect, but for me there is less to complain about. I think you mean Iron Dynasty. Oriental Adventures was published in '85 by TSR, lol. You said you could pull off Oriental Adventures in SW with Iron Dynasty. I was saying that might be good enough for me. ;D
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