How's Land of the Samurai?

[Loz]

There are some lengthy lists of feudal families and their alliances that struck me as "list overload" without enough associated data to help decided how best to use them, however.

One of the things I've always found lacking in Japanese games is some idea of the family/clan structure (and associated names). The clan/family names are there to act as a simple hook for characters and GMs to then develop, using the background that IS provided on the Taira/Minamoto and Fujiwara clans. But yes, there are some lengthy lists and not enough detail on how these could be developed for the context. I'll certainly accept that criticism.

I am glad that, otherwise, the book hits the right notes. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[shotgun-toting chipmunk]

Sounds good. Still need to fit this book into my purchasing query.


BTW, anybody who is trying to prove a point about any faults in historical knowledge, etc., remember this simple rule: Do NOT use wikipedia! :x

 

[Nickbergquist]

There are some lengthy lists of feudal families and their alliances that struck me as "list overload" without enough associated data to help decided how best to use them, however.

One of the things I've always found lacking in Japanese games is some idea of the family/clan structure (and associated names). The clan/family names are there to act as a simple hook for characters and GMs to then develop, using the background that IS provided on the Taira/Minamoto and Fujiwara clans. But yes, there are some lengthy lists and not enough detail on how these could be developed for the context. I'll certainly accept that criticism.

I am glad that, otherwise, the book hits the right notes. Thank you for the feedback.

Oh, it's definitely a good book--I'll be demoing it for some prospective RQers soon, and my regulars will be enjoying LotS in a mini-campaign, as well. In many respects your book is a major step ahead of the last effort at a historical book (Pirates) which was an excellent rules resource but lacked some of the requisite detail to help a GM bring the game to life; yours has detail in spades and did a fine job of helping me ot visualize a variety of campaign ideas and story paths. Thanks again!

 

[gran_orco]

One question: Naginata uses the naginatajutsu skill. However, you could use the naginata like a polearm or like a 2H axe. Means this that should we use onojutsu with second case?

Masakari does 1D6+1 and 1D6+2 (maybe using with 2H?). Should we use onojutsu with second case, too?

 

[Loz]

One question: Naginata uses the naginatajutsu skill. However, you could use the naginata like a polearm or like a 2H axe. Means this that should we use onojutsu with second case?

Yes, you could, but perhaps at a -10% penalty. Whilst a naginata might look a bit like an axe-headed polearm, its more akin to a sword-blade and has different dynamics. But yes, you could use it akin to a poleaxe (ono)

Masakari does 1D6+1 and 1D6+2 (maybe using with 2H?). Should we use onojutsu with second case, too?

Yes, masakari 2H damage is 1D6+2. But I don't understand what you mean about the ono...

 

[gran_orco]

onojutsu is the name given for 2H axe skill and naginatajutsu for polearm (page 50). When I attack I must choose if I want to attack like a "polearm" -1D10- or like a "2H axe" -2D8- style (how described in Arms & Equipment).
My question is if naginatajutsu is a skill able for both styles.

 

[Loz]

onojutsu is the name given for 2H axe skill and naginatajutsu for polearm (page 50). When I attack I must choose if I want to attack like a "polearm" -1D10- or like a "2H axe" -2D8- style (how described in Arms & Equipment).
My question is if naginatajutsu is a skill able for both styles.

That's clearer Gran. Thank you.

Yes, it can be used either way with Naginatajutsu - polearm or 2H axe - with the differing damage as noted.

 

[gran_orco]

Loz, could you give me a complete example of how to calculate personal On? I am not sure.
[60+2D10 (family) + 2D6 profession /20 -rounding up or down?] + personal starting on (class) .
69+3/20=3.6 (3 or 4?) + class
It's OK?

 

[Loz]

Family On is separate from Personal On.

For example, a Samurai class character begins with On = 40+POW+CHA (so a maximum of 76, average of 62). He then factors-in his profession. So if the samurai is a Bushi, he has an additional 3D6 (so his maximum would therefore be 94, and an average of 73). If he chooses Yabusame as one of his professional skills, he gains +5 On.

Let's say we therefore have an average samurai bushi with Yabusame: his Personal On is therefore 78.

His Family On depends on whether the family is Allied, Unallied or Aspiring. If our samurai is part of a family allied to a major clan - Taira, say - his Family On is 60+2D10 (so 80 maximum, and 71 average).

Divide the Family On by 20 (round it up) and add to the Personal On. So our average samurai has Personal On of 78 + (71/20) = 82.

Both should be recorded somewhere on the character sheet, but for all personal interactions, then Personal On is used. If the samurai is on business representing his family then he would use Family On as part of any dealings with, say, the Imperial Court.

 

[gran_orco]

Divide the Family On by 20 (round it up) and add to the Personal On. So our average samurai has Personal On of 78 + (71/20) = 82.

I am a bit confused with that. Did you want to say Personal Family On? Sorry
I have understood that the samurai has personal On of 82 and his family 71