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It's finally out, 7th Sea the newest title from The creators of the Legend of the Five Rings, and I must admit, It was worth the wait! Just like it's predocessor 7th Sea represents a world very similar to reality but not quite authentic. Leaving plenty of room for the fantastic to take place in a previously well known era. And while the rules are similar to Legend of the Five Rings they are also extremely unique to the 7th Sea system.

Unlike say vampire and Werewolf where then names of main stats and most skills stay the same, &th Sea has 5 stats (Brawn,Finess, Wits, Resolve and Penache) in place of the 5 rings with 8 sub stats. To be honest a Legend of the Five rings/7th Sea adventure would require both experienced GM's and players. Personally I think it's excelent being that the stat system is similar but baseed on a more "European" Mind Set from it's oriental cousin.

It is possible to run characters from both games together but just make sure you know BOTH systems well! The history and culture of the land of Theah is well done and just as in L5r you will probably catch similarities between Theah's history and our own, with elements like the Church's upheaval and the "White Plague" The only true flaw I see in the game is that unlike L5R there is a bent toward being able to make characters a little obnoxious (one of the reasons that there is no Disadvantages list no doubt was to fix this problem)

Certain stroy based elements (such as Backgrounds) which will hinder your character cost points meaning that most of your nuimber crunching moron types will walk into game with no history whatsoever! part of the difference in design still reflects the difference in European to Oriental thinking. For this fact alone I could see this game winning the 1999 Origins award for Best Roleplaying game! Anyone who has ever wanted to play Pirates, or anyone Who apreciates Legend of the Five rings,This is a MUST GET!!!

Also anyone who liked the Idea of L5r but found Japanese society too restrictive, this game may be just what the doctor ordered!

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)