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Legend of the Five Rings RPG is an RPG that is based off of the Legend of the Five Rings CCG. The RPG was licensed to Alderac Entertainment Group for development by then Five Rings Publishing.

The game is presented into five main parts: The Book of Earth, which presents the world system, the Book of Water, which is character creation; the Book of Fire, game mechanics; the Book of Air, which is the magic system; and finally the Book of the Void, which is a treatise on GameMastering the Legend of the Five Rings™ RPG.

THE ART After looking at the way cool full color art found in the Sea Devils, I thought that the art in the book was lame, but it did present the world in vivid detail.

The pictures of Samurai and very important people inside the book was only of less quality than what you can find in the various Way of the Clan: series of books. But it was functional, and it serves to spark the imagination, which is the important use of art in any RPG book.

WORLD SYSTEM Welcome to Japan -- err -- Rokugan. The World System is very Japanese in nature, a theme in RPGs that is often overused. What makes it great is that this version is much more realistic to old Japan than earilier supplements. It's better than Oriental Adventures in many respects, and it's better than Rolemaster's Oriental Companion in others.

"Momma, what's a Geisha?" "I'll tell you when your older dear." The only thing I have a problem with is the way Giesha are treated in the book. The people at Alderac Entertainment needs to go to college and become Japanese Minors: then they will learn that the Geisha are REALLY EXPERTS IN JAPANESE CULTURE! They are not prostitutes.

Character Creation Character Creation is really, uhh, shall we say, a Scrooge in the way players are allowed to create their characters. The player only gets 25 Character Points to distribute among rings, skills, and Advantages and Disadvantages. Less than what should be a good number. I would at least give them 30 or even 35, so that my player characters would have well rounded characters with a good mix of skills, talents, and flaws.

Game Mechanics I never really got a good look at the Game Mechanics, but lets just say that the rules are simple. An insult to your Children's capacity to learn.

Magic System The Magic system was well thought out, distribute magic powers among the four rings and leave a fifth, the Void, out of the picture. There is a good choice of spells for your shugenja to choose from. With expanded lists found in the various Way of the Clans: books.

Overall Can we say: conversion potential? Since it is really about one culture, Rokugan, I would say that it's safe to drop this little system into an existing World. Rokugan can really fit into any GM's Fantasy World System with ease. A little modification is in order and you have an oriental culture ready to go for your game. Of course, if you want continuity, this author suggests that you convert the setting to your favorite game system.

As a Stand Alone Game, whether you are already a L5R CCG player or fan, or someone looking for something different to play, then L5R RPG will provide months of enjoyment playing people who are part of an "alien" culture. It has the potential to be a really entertaining game, which is something every game strives for.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Legend of the Five Rings RPG
Author: John Wick Category: game Company/Publisher: Alerac Entertainment Group (for WOTC). Line: Legend of the Five Rings Cost: $30.00 Page count: 250 ISBN: 188795300-0 SKU: 90000 Capsule Review by Elton Robb on 12/22/99. Genre tags: Fantasy Asian/Far_East Live-action	Legend of the Five Rings RPG is an RPG that is based off of the Legend of the Five Rings CCG. The RPG was licensed to Alderac Entertainment Group for development by then Five Rings Publishing. The game is presented into five main parts: The Book of Earth, which presents the world system, the Book of Water, which is character creation; the Book of Fire, game mechanics; the Book of Air, which is the magic system; and finally the Book of the Void, which is a treatise on GameMastering the Legend of the Five Rings™ RPG. THE ART After looking at the way cool full color art found in the Sea Devils, I thought that the art in the book was lame, but it did present the world in vivid detail. The pictures of Samurai and very important people inside the book was only of less quality than what you can find in the various Way of the Clan: series of books. But it was functional, and it serves to spark the imagination, which is the important use of art in any RPG book. WORLD SYSTEM Welcome to Japan -- err -- Rokugan. The World System is very Japanese in nature, a theme in RPGs that is often overused. What makes it great is that this version is much more realistic to old Japan than earilier supplements. It's better than Oriental Adventures in many respects, and it's better than Rolemaster's Oriental Companion in others. "Momma, what's a Geisha?" "I'll tell you when your older dear." The only thing I have a problem with is the way Giesha are treated in the book. The people at Alderac Entertainment needs to go to college and become Japanese Minors: then they will learn that the Geisha are REALLY EXPERTS IN JAPANESE CULTURE! They are not prostitutes. Character Creation Character Creation is really, uhh, shall we say, a Scrooge in the way players are allowed to create their characters. The player only gets 25 Character Points to distribute among rings, skills, and Advantages and Disadvantages. Less than what should be a good number. I would at least give them 30 or even 35, so that my player characters would have well rounded characters with a good mix of skills, talents, and flaws. Game Mechanics I never really got a good look at the Game Mechanics, but lets just say that the rules are simple. An insult to your Children's capacity to learn. Magic System The Magic system was well thought out, distribute magic powers among the four rings and leave a fifth, the Void, out of the picture. There is a good choice of spells for your shugenja to choose from. With expanded lists found in the various Way of the Clans: books. Overall Can we say: conversion potential? Since it is really about one culture, Rokugan, I would say that it's safe to drop this little system into an existing World. Rokugan can really fit into any GM's Fantasy World System with ease. A little modification is in order and you have an oriental culture ready to go for your game. Of course, if you want continuity, this author suggests that you convert the setting to your favorite game system. As a Stand Alone Game, whether you are already a L5R CCG player or fan, or someone looking for something different to play, then L5R RPG will provide months of enjoyment playing people who are part of an "alien" culture. It has the potential to be a really entertaining game, which is something every game strives for. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Legend of the Five Rings RPG