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Legend of the Five Rings Discussion

Started by Songbird, December 29, 2012, 10:27:07 PM

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Songbird

Hello everyone! :-) I have recently become re-interested in the world of the Legend of the Five Rings, a roleplaying setting heavily influenced by ancient Asian culture. It is a fascinating setting and a fascinating game, so I thought it would be fun to start a thread about it.

I nearly always play a member of the Crane Clan, usually a Courtier or Shugenja from the Doji family. You have to love their white hair, blue eyes, and passion for the arts. I always thought it would be fun for the Lion and Crane clans to cement a peace treaty between them with an arranged marriage between a Lion Samurai and a Crane Courtier. Talk about a recipe for tension! I also think it would be fun to play a member of the Scorpion Clan and be a "bad girl" for a change. >:) Or perhaps a Scorpion who is too naive and honest for her own good? O:)

So, any fellow L5R fans out there? What is your favorite Clan, Family, and Character Class? Any stories to tell or ideas for a campaign? Lay it on me! ;D
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Chris Brady

Dragon Bushi fan here, Mirumoto family.  I've been playing/owning this game since the first edition.  Although I did skip the second.  And I have a hatred of the Scorpion clan, but that's mostly because of how John Wick favoured them.
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Silverfyre

I have always been partial to the Dragon and Crab clans.  Tattooed monks and grim warriors.. what's not to love? I played Crane as well for a long time before finding the idea of a loud, boisterous Crab Samurai with a passion for beating onis to death with a war maul too much to pass up.  He ended up marrying another PC who was almost his complete opposite: a Crane courtier who was frail and shy but quite practiced in politics and poetry.  I miss playing.


Pumpkin Seeds

Very much love the Crane Clan, especially the duelist.  The political intrigue and the maneuvering of an opponent into forcing a duel was always fun to me.  Sort of a forcing someone go give up the high ground and be at the disadvantage.  The Scorpion are also a favorite of mine for that reason but with them I prefer the courtier. 

Sasquatch421

I only have some of the novels... Never was able to find the core books. Though with my love of the era, this would have been a perfect fit for me...

Pumpkin Seeds

Amazon has the fourth edition books and I think Drivethru RPG has the pdfs.

Songbird

Quote from: Chris Brady on December 29, 2012, 11:10:25 PM
Dragon Bushi fan here, Mirumoto family.  I've been playing/owning this game since the first edition.  Although I did skip the second.  And I have a hatred of the Scorpion clan, but that's mostly because of how John Wick favoured them.

It's easy to hate the Scorpion Clan. That's what makes them so interesting! ;D

Who is John Wick?

Quote from: Silverfyre on December 30, 2012, 12:39:36 AM
I have always been partial to the Dragon and Crab clans.  Tattooed monks and grim warriors.. what's not to love? I played Crane as well for a long time before finding the idea of a loud, boisterous Crab Samurai with a passion for beating onis to death with a war maul too much to pass up.  He ended up marrying another PC who was almost his complete opposite: a Crane courtier who was frail and shy but quite practiced in politics and poetry.  I miss playing.

That's exactly what I had in mind! :D A big warrior type with a more delicate, shy wife. It's a match made in heaven! ;D

Quote from: Pumpkin Seeds on December 30, 2012, 08:00:31 AM
Very much love the Crane Clan, especially the duelist.  The political intrigue and the maneuvering of an opponent into forcing a duel was always fun to me.  Sort of a forcing someone go give up the high ground and be at the disadvantage.  The Scorpion are also a favorite of mine for that reason but with them I prefer the courtier. 

I love the political intrigue of L5R too. :-) I love that there is more potential for roleplay over simply hacking and slashing. A Scorpion courtier would be fun to play! >:)
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Pumpkin Seeds

I love that the combat of L5R is so deadly it promotes social interaction and intrigue versus straight up fighting.  Anything can kill anything, so just makes sense to avoid fighting a large group.

Songbird

Quote from: Pumpkin Seeds on December 30, 2012, 11:44:21 AM
I love that the combat of L5R is so deadly it promotes social interaction and intrigue versus straight up fighting.  Anything can kill anything, so just makes sense to avoid fighting a large group.

True! Perhaps the only downside of L5R is that it is so easy for a character to die. ::) A lot easier than in some other roleplaying games. Give me political intrigue and negotiation any day! ;D
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Chris Brady

Quote from: Songbird on December 30, 2012, 11:23:25 AM
It's easy to hate the Scorpion Clan. That's what makes them so interesting! ;D

Who is John Wick?

John Wick was the creator of Rokugan and L5R.  And a lot of his ideas still permeate the game.  Like there are no 'ninja', because his Real Life Books about Japan said so.  Yeah, like the government is willingly going to tell the public about any sort of official assassin organization.

Or how the Scorpion (his favourite clan) was 'obvious' villains and master of 'blackmail' and 'secrets'.  You do know the best kept secrets are?  Dead ones.  By default, the Scorpions would never have existed without GM fiat.  And lot's of it.

I hate the Scorpion not because of what they are in the setting.  I hate them because they're set up in a fashion that's simply too stupid to exist.

Quote from: Pumpkin Seeds on December 30, 2012, 11:44:21 AM
I love that the combat of L5R is so deadly it promotes social interaction and intrigue versus straight up fighting.  Anything can kill anything, so just makes sense to avoid fighting a large group.

It also means that the Crab Clan no longer exists.  The amount of goblins and oni that exist in the Shadowlands would have crushed the wall, and moved on.

It's also not very Japan film or older stories.  Where skill matters.  Yes, lucky shots happen, but the system can be a bit too swingy at times.

Still, it's one of the few games I had a blast to play and run.
My O&Os Peruse at your doom.

So I make a A&A thread but do I put it here?  No.  Of course not.

Also, I now come with Kung-Fu Blog action.  Here:  Where I talk about comics and all sorts of gaming

ofDelusions

Never played this, but I'll be GMing a game for my friends starting next Weekend. Plot is basically that the last emperor was assisinated, and the Lions blame Scorpions for it. And so the entire Rokugan is nearly at civil war. Before the players have done anything even  ;D

I'd love to play in a game aswell though. So many character concepts in my head that I wanna play.

...Does anyone wanna make a game in this site?

Songbird

Quote from: Chris Brady on December 30, 2012, 12:36:05 PM
John Wick was the creator of Rokugan and L5R.  And a lot of his ideas still permeate the game.  Like there are no 'ninja', because his Real Life Books about Japan said so.  Yeah, like the government is willingly going to tell the public about any sort of official assassin organization.

Or how the Scorpion (his favourite clan) was 'obvious' villains and master of 'blackmail' and 'secrets'.  You do know the best kept secrets are?  Dead ones.  By default, the Scorpions would never have existed without GM fiat.  And lot's of it.

I hate the Scorpion not because of what they are in the setting.  I hate them because they're set up in a fashion that's simply too stupid to exist.

Ohhh, I see. Thank you for explaining it to me! :-)

Quote from: ofDelusions on December 30, 2012, 02:34:10 PM
Never played this, but I'll be GMing a game for my friends starting next Weekend. Plot is basically that the last emperor was assisinated, and the Lions blame Scorpions for it. And so the entire Rokugan is nearly at civil war. Before the players have done anything even  ;D

I'd love to play in a game aswell though. So many character concepts in my head that I wanna play.

...Does anyone wanna make a game in this site?

I hope you have a great time! :D The Scorpion Clan gets blamed for everything, don't they? ;)

I'd love to create a L5R roleplaying thread here someday! :D I'd probably wait until I'm approved, though, so it could include naughty stuff. ;D
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Chris Brady

Quote from: ofDelusions on December 30, 2012, 02:34:10 PM
Never played this, but I'll be GMing a game for my friends starting next Weekend. Plot is basically that the last emperor was assisinated, and the Lions blame Scorpions for it. And so the entire Rokugan is nearly at civil war. Before the players have done anything even  ;D

Why? The Lion want to wipe out the Scorpion, OK.  So do the Crab.  And Crane.  And Phoenix.  The Dragon would like to intervene, because balance and all that, but they wouldn't because they too know that Secrets are best kept dead, but they wouldn't interfere...  What allies do the Scorpion have?  Outside the Imperial line?

I honestly and sincerely cannot think of any major clan that would back them up.

Quote from: ofDelusions on December 30, 2012, 02:34:10 PMI'd love to play in a game aswell though. So many character concepts in my head that I wanna play.

...Does anyone wanna make a game in this site?
I'd love to, but as you can see above, given what I know of the Scorpion, it would be a rather one sided massacre in my mind.
My O&Os Peruse at your doom.

So I make a A&A thread but do I put it here?  No.  Of course not.

Also, I now come with Kung-Fu Blog action.  Here:  Where I talk about comics and all sorts of gaming

Songbird

Quote from: Chris Brady on December 30, 2012, 06:23:41 PM
Why? The Lion want to wipe out the Scorpion, OK.  So do the Crab.  And Crane.  And Phoenix.  The Dragon would like to intervene, because balance and all that, but they wouldn't because they too know that Secrets are best kept dead, but they wouldn't interfere...  What allies do the Scorpion have?  Outside the Imperial line?

Ah, but what if the Scorpion Clan were able to discover damning secrets about a few of the shoguns of the other clans, then blackmailed them into supporting their cause? ;) Never underestimate them! >:)
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Silverfyre

Definitely one of the reasons why I love a well-played Scorpion clan member!


Chris Brady

Quote from: Songbird on December 30, 2012, 06:36:33 PM
Ah, but what if the Scorpion Clan were able to discover damning secrets about a few of the shoguns of the other clans, then blackmailed them into supporting their cause? ;) Never underestimate them! >:)
And that's the issue I have with the Scorpion Clan.  Compared to the other Clans, they are way too effective.  They know 'everything', and are super sneaky and perfect and, and, and...

While the rest of the Clans from the Crane to the Unicorn, from Dragon to Crab have done incredibly stupid things (most of which are actually caused because of the card game, but that's another entire rant on it's own.)  From aligning with Oni (Why Crab Clan?  WHY?), to ousting members of their own clan for non-existent faults (looking at you Lion Clan), or creating a new sort of evil (Really, Dragons?  I thought you better than that...) and other sorts of crap, but the Scorpion?  Nope, nothing they've ever done has never part of 'the plan'.  Even the Yogo clan is more tragic than stupidity.

They're a Mary Sue which dates all the way back to 1st Edition and John Wick's ego stroking, and they drive me nuts because of it.
My O&Os Peruse at your doom.

So I make a A&A thread but do I put it here?  No.  Of course not.

Also, I now come with Kung-Fu Blog action.  Here:  Where I talk about comics and all sorts of gaming

Songbird

Quote from: Chris Brady on December 30, 2012, 09:57:36 PM
And that's the issue I have with the Scorpion Clan.  Compared to the other Clans, they are way too effective.  They know 'everything', and are super sneaky and perfect and, and, and...

While the rest of the Clans from the Crane to the Unicorn, from Dragon to Crab have done incredibly stupid things (most of which are actually caused because of the card game, but that's another entire rant on it's own.)  From aligning with Oni (Why Crab Clan?  WHY?), to ousting members of their own clan for non-existent faults (looking at you Lion Clan), or creating a new sort of evil (Really, Dragons?  I thought you better than that...) and other sorts of crap, but the Scorpion?  Nope, nothing they've ever done has never part of 'the plan'.  Even the Yogo clan is more tragic than stupidity.

They're a Mary Sue which dates all the way back to 1st Edition and John Wick's ego stroking, and they drive me nuts because of it.

Oh, they've been publicly ousted more than once. :-) It's true that they've hardly ever suffered severe consequences for their actions, but, honestly, have any of the other clans? I don't think any of them have gotten their full just desserts. Political and military clout does a lot towards preserving all of the clans, not just the Scorpions.

From the Scorpion's point of view, they are a necessary evil, the one clan responsible for doing the Emperor's "dirty work." They value loyalty over honor, so they are willing to do what the average samurai or courtier would never risk doing. And, like the rest of the clans, they fight to win influence and preserve their power. Other than their often dishonorable ways of going about things, I don't think they're too awful. ;)
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Silverfyre

Quote from: Songbird on December 30, 2012, 10:12:53 PM
Oh, they've been publicly ousted more than once. :-) It's true that they've hardly ever suffered severe consequences for their actions, but, honestly, have any of the other clans? I don't think any of them have gotten their full just desserts. Political and military clout does a lot towards preserving all of the clans, not just the Scorpions.

From the Scorpion's point of view, they are a necessary evil, the one clan responsible for doing the Emperor's "dirty work." They value loyalty over honor, so they are willing to do what the average samurai or courtier would never risk doing. And, like the rest of the clans, they fight to win influence and preserve their power. Other than their often dishonorable ways of going about things, I don't think they're too awful. ;)

Agreed.  I hardly think they are "Mary Sue" material when they have been just as screwed time and time again in the canon.  I think they are a nice change from all the rest of the Clans, actually.  A different shade if you will.


Songbird

Quote from: Silverfyre on December 30, 2012, 10:19:51 PM
Agreed.  I hardly think they are "Mary Sue" material when they have been just as screwed time and time again in the canon.  I think they are a nice change from all the rest of the Clans, actually.  A different shade if you will.

Plus, let's face it, the masks are cool. ;) Oh yes, the Scorpions are sexy. ;D
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Silverfyre

I loved how the Scorpion Clan looks, from the masks to the red and black colors they favor. 


Songbird

Quote from: Silverfyre on December 30, 2012, 10:30:22 PM
I loved how the Scorpion Clan looks, from the masks to the red and black colors they favor.

Exactly! :D It's very striking, and it's impossible to mistake them for anyone else. 8-)

I like the differences in fashion and dress between the clans. The Crane Clan's light blue and silver clothing, white hair, and blue eyes are impossible to mistake as well! :-)
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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Pumpkin Seeds

Sounds like a good lay out for an adventure in the Gozuku (sp?) period.  Perhaps playing a group of individuals made up of rogue elements within the Scorpion and Crane at the bidding of the Emperor to help free his subjects from the rule of the conspiracy by uncovering blackmail and holds. 

Silverfyre

Hm, I rather like that premise.  Nice thinking, Pumpkin Seeds!


Pumpkin Seeds


Songbird

That is a great idea! :D I bet you'll make an awesome L5R GM! ;D
... Babe of the Bounteous Bosom, Mistress of the Comma, Saint of Submission, Her Succubian Majesty, the Non-Prescription Viagra, The Beauty with the Booty, The Hussy Who is Busty, Curvaceous Muse, Hopeless Romantic, Horny Marshmallow, History Whore, Captured Maiden, Innocent Angel, Sex Kitten, Dutiful Daughter, Nubile Nerd, and One Wordy Wench. 💗

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