Just wondering if anyone wanted to do a L5R political game, I would use the 4th Edition system.
A little background on Rokugani Empire. The Rokugani Empire is a Clan Structure Empire ruled by the Imperial Government, and the Empress of Rokugan. Under the Imperial Families are the Great Clans of which there are currently 9.
The Crab Clan- Stereotyped as Uncultured Brutes, they are tasked with defending the Empire from the Shadowlands. Constantly at war defending the Great Kaui Wall, they have gone against Rokugani customs to ensure the safety of their lands and the Empire itself. The wall consumes huge numbers of samurai so every Crabs duty to the clan is to give more Samurai for the wall.
The Crane Clan- The Crane are considered the epitome of Rokugani Culture. Known for their strength in the courts, it is unwise to expect an insult to a Crane to go unpunished. To back up their Courtiers the Crane hold the arguably premier Dueling schools which ensures their dominance in the courts. The Crane also have some of the most Fertile lands and do supply rice to other lands.
The Dragon Clan- Enigmatic, The Dragon are not widely understood in the Empire, being looked down upon for their different customs, views and practices. Tasked with watching the Empire, they reside in their mountainous lands and teaching their members to find their own path towards honor and enlightenment. They are currently ruled by the Mirumoto family, who arguable have best Dueling schools and Kenjutsu schools.
The Lion Clan- The Right Hand of the Emperor, they are a very Military very Honor devoted clan. Their rigid high views of Honor are placed on themselves and the other clans, and this leads to rifts between them. Always devoted to the Empress, they are the Army of the Empire.
The Mantis Clan- Ambitious, the Mantis are the only clan to not have descended from a Kami, instead rising to Great Clan status through their own action. They are the most diverse for families, between the Arrogant Yoritomo, the calm but quirky Tsuruchi, the traditional Moshi, and the secretive Kitsune, they are united not by commonality so much as a purpose. They are known for Commerce and their Navy.
The Phoenix Clan- Pacifists of the Empire they are known for their Shugenja having a Council of Five, which are the five Elemental masters of the Phoenix and seen as the authority on Magic. The Phoenix are known for pressing for alternative solutions to warfare for the other clans, although few have bested the actual clan in war.
The Scorpion Clan- If the Crane are the Left Hand of the Empress, and the Lion are the Right Hand, then the Scorpion are the Underhand. Known for their views on Bushido, thinking that most tenants of it are too idealistic for the real world, save for Loyalty, they are seen as untrustworthy and ever scheming. If a Scorpion offers you a favor very often it comes with a catch or ulterior motive. They are tasked with protecting the Empire from unseen threats, dirtying their honor for the good of the Empire.
The Spider Clan- I will explain this later, I will say if you want to play a Spider you better have a very good explanation.
The Unicorn Clan- The Unicorn are often seen as outsiders of the Empire, coming from the Decendents of the followers of Shinjo who explored outside the Empire. Because of this constant nomadic lifestyle the families of the Unicorn mingled with the Tribes outside the Empire. By the time the Unicorn returned they were vastly different from the rest of the Empire. The Unicorn are known for their Cavalry, Bluntness, and their Compassion.
[b]Name[/b]
[b]School / Rank[/b]
[b]Description / Background[/b]
[b]Insight:[/b]
[b]Earth[/b] (Stamina / Willpower )
[b]Water[/b] (Strength / Perception )
[b]Fire[/b] (Agility / Intelligence )
[b]Air[/b] (Reflexes / Awareness )
[b]Void[/b]
[b]Initiative:[/b]
[b]TN to be hit:[/b]
[b]Wounds: Current -[/b]
[b]Healthy (+0):[/b]
[b]Nicked (+3):[/b]
[b]Grazed (+5):[/b]
[b]Hurt (+10):[/b]
[b]Injured (+15):[/b]
[b]Crippled (+20):[/b]
[b]Down (+40):[/b]
[b]Out :[/b]
[b]Skills:[/b]
Skill ([i]Emphasis[/i]): Rank – Attribute
[center][b]School Techniques / Spells[/b][/center]
[center][b]Katas / Kihos[/b][/center]
[b]Advantages:[/b]
[b]Disadvantages:[/b]
[b]Heritage[/b]
[b]Outfit:[/b]
[b]Honour:[/b]
[b]Glory:[/b]
[b]Status:[/b]
[b]Taint:[/b]
XP Spent:
[table]
[size=0.7em] [tr] [td]1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
A character's clan is their most defining characteristic because each clan has a well-established and distinct set of philosophies, prejudices, and ideals. Whether a character adheres to the stereotypes of his clan or breaks them, one way or the other they will prove very important to his personality.[/td]
[td]2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Just like a character's clan, a character's family is an especially important defining characteristic. The stereotypes of each clan are broad, but individual families within the clan have much more specific, detailed roles and attitudes that further define the identity of the clan and those who serve it. [/td]
[td]3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
Duty is an essential aspect of every samurai's life, and establishing exactly what manner of duty a character is obligated to perfrom in an important step in breathing life into him or her. Is the character a warrior and soldier, a priest and scholar, or a diplomat and politician? [/td]
[td]4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
Every character should have a rough description in order to give him some sort of life when describing him to others. What is the character's most striking feature? Does his mood come through in his appearance or is he inscrutable? Does he make other feel at ease, or make them uncomfortable? [/td]
[td]5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
Though all samurai are, in theory, solely devoted to fulfilling the wishes of their lord, most have their own foals as well. Some may be simple, such as maintaining the honor of your ancestors, while other may revolve around the recovery of a lost heirloom or the avenging of a slight to your family's honor. [/td] [/tr]
[tr] [td]6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
Characters should have developed background in order to facilitate roleplaying. This question not only includes the individual's identity, but how that person met the character, why they are so close, and other similar questions. [/td]
[td]7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
Strengths are what others see as respectable or admirable in the character, while weaknesses are what he would struggle to hide from others, lest they look down upon him for his failures. What does the character regard as his strengths and weaknesses, and how does this differ from his actual abilities? [/td]
[td]8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
Although all samurai pay homage to the code, most Clans and families revere certain tenets over others. Which does the character consider the most important and which does he consider inconsequential? Do his views differ from those of his Clan? [/td]
[td]9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
Of course all samurai are loyal and devoted servants of the Clan, but that does not mean they do not have their own opinions. Is the character a martial vessel of a pacifistic Clan? Or is he a pacifist in a society of warriors? Does he disagree with the Clan's current enmities and alliances? [/td]
[td]10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
Marriage is very important institution in the Empire of Rokugan. A samurai's spouse is responsible for the managing the estate, and actually wield considerable political power depending upon the size of their holdings. Was the character's marriage arranged, or is he or she still betrothed? Is it someone the samurai actually met, or a complete stranger? Is there a case of true lover that will interfere with the wedding, or will the samurai embrace duty over the wants of the heart? [/td]
[/tr]
[tr] [td]11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
Most Clans are negatively predisposed against at least one other Clan, most often as a result of conflicts that have endured for decades or even centuries. Is the character one who readily subscribes to these prejudices or has he developed his own dislikes of other Clans, even allied Clans, based on his own experiences? [/td]
[td]12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
The simplest answer to this question would of course be "The Empress" by very few samurai have the honor to serve the Daughter of Heaven directly, instead serving someone in a long chain of authority that could included the Emerald Champion, The Clan Champions, the family daimyo, the provincial governors, or even the local magistrate. Whom does the character serve immediately, and is that person the one to whom he is the most loyal? [/td]
[td]13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
This could address a wide variety of responses, including material possessions, activities, locations, or almost anything else that could spring to mind. Why does the character revere these things? What significance do they have to his history? [/td]
[td]14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
Since everyone tends to act according to the same protocol and etiquette, minor and inoffensive details of behavior tend to get noticed more frequently. Does the character chew his lip when he is nervous? Perhaps he has a unique greeting that he prefers to use. What does he do with his hands when nothing is going on? [/td]
[td]15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
A true samurai is not supposed to show emotion, but no one is completely disciplined at all times, and everyone demonstrates to some degree of emotion at one point or another. What emotion is the character most likely to display when circumstances arise? What are the things that push him to the edge most easily, and which emotions are the easiest for him to hold in check? [/td]
[/tr]
[tr] [td]16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
The actions of a subordinate reflect the honor of his superior and in such cases a superior has considerable amount of leeway in dealing with a subordinate. Is the character the sort to demand the subordinates seppuku over even a minor infraction (something that could get the character into significant trouble very quickly), or will he forgive the behavior and attempt to correct it? [/td]
[td]17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?
Devotion to one's parents is considered proper behavior for any samurai, but devotion can be offered without any real respect between parent and child. Does the character have a proper relationship with his parents or are they estranged? Was the character's upbringing a source of joy or dismay for his parents? Are they still alive, or were they taken from the character at a younger age? [/td]
[td]18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Desire is a sin, but ambition tempered by duty is considered acceptable among most in the samurai caste. Bushi often aspire to become military leaders, for example, while courtiers desire nothing more than to rule over others at influential courts. What is the character's ultimate goal and, perhaps more importantly, how far is she willing to go in order to accomplish it?[/td]
[td]19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Among bushi and courtiers, the levels of religious devotion vary widely. Shugenja are of course religious, but even among their ranks some are more reverent than others. Is the character one to offer frequent prayers and make trips to the temple, or has she dismissed the need for religion and instead embraced the rule of steel in her life? [/td]
[td]20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
This is a very important and intimidating question, but one that should be given consideration. Every samurai lives a few short feet from death, and death is a threat that can rear its head on any day of a samurai’s entire life. What is the character’s destiny? How will he meet his end when the time comes for him to join his ancestors, or to rejoin the universe as part of the Celestial Wheel?[/size] [/td]
[/tr]
[/table] Name School / RankDescription / BackgroundInsight:Earth (Stamina / Willpower )
Water (Strength / Perception )
Fire (Agility / Intelligence )
Air (Reflexes / Awareness )
VoidInitiative:TN to be hit:Wounds: Current -Healthy (+0):Nicked (+3):Grazed (+5):Hurt (+10):Injured (+15):Crippled (+20):Down (+40):Out :Skills:Skill (
Emphasis): Rank – Attribute
School Techniques / Spells
Katas / Kihos
Advantages:Disadvantages:HeritageOutfit:Honour: Glory: Status: Taint: XP Spent:
1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
A character's clan is their most defining characteristic because each clan has a well-established and distinct set of philosophies, prejudices, and ideals. Whether a character adheres to the stereotypes of his clan or breaks them, one way or the other they will prove very important to his personality. | 2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Just like a character's clan, a character's family is an especially important defining characteristic. The stereotypes of each clan are broad, but individual families within the clan have much more specific, detailed roles and attitudes that further define the identity of the clan and those who serve it. | 3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
Duty is an essential aspect of every samurai's life, and establishing exactly what manner of duty a character is obligated to perfrom in an important step in breathing life into him or her. Is the character a warrior and soldier, a priest and scholar, or a diplomat and politician? | 4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
Every character should have a rough description in order to give him some sort of life when describing him to others. What is the character's most striking feature? Does his mood come through in his appearance or is he inscrutable? Does he make other feel at ease, or make them uncomfortable? | 5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
Though all samurai are, in theory, solely devoted to fulfilling the wishes of their lord, most have their own foals as well. Some may be simple, such as maintaining the honor of your ancestors, while other may revolve around the recovery of a lost heirloom or the avenging of a slight to your family's honor. | 6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
Characters should have developed background in order to facilitate roleplaying. This question not only includes the individual's identity, but how that person met the character, why they are so close, and other similar questions. | 7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
Strengths are what others see as respectable or admirable in the character, while weaknesses are what he would struggle to hide from others, lest they look down upon him for his failures. What does the character regard as his strengths and weaknesses, and how does this differ from his actual abilities? | 8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
Although all samurai pay homage to the code, most Clans and families revere certain tenets over others. Which does the character consider the most important and which does he consider inconsequential? Do his views differ from those of his Clan? | 9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
Of course all samurai are loyal and devoted servants of the Clan, but that does not mean they do not have their own opinions. Is the character a martial vessel of a pacifistic Clan? Or is he a pacifist in a society of warriors? Does he disagree with the Clan's current enmities and alliances? | 10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
Marriage is very important institution in the Empire of Rokugan. A samurai's spouse is responsible for the managing the estate, and actually wield considerable political power depending upon the size of their holdings. Was the character's marriage arranged, or is he or she still betrothed? Is it someone the samurai actually met, or a complete stranger? Is there a case of true lover that will interfere with the wedding, or will the samurai embrace duty over the wants of the heart? | 11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
Most Clans are negatively predisposed against at least one other Clan, most often as a result of conflicts that have endured for decades or even centuries. Is the character one who readily subscribes to these prejudices or has he developed his own dislikes of other Clans, even allied Clans, based on his own experiences? | 12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
The simplest answer to this question would of course be "The Empress" by very few samurai have the honor to serve the Daughter of Heaven directly, instead serving someone in a long chain of authority that could included the Emerald Champion, The Clan Champions, the family daimyo, the provincial governors, or even the local magistrate. Whom does the character serve immediately, and is that person the one to whom he is the most loyal? | 13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
This could address a wide variety of responses, including material possessions, activities, locations, or almost anything else that could spring to mind. Why does the character revere these things? What significance do they have to his history? | 14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
Since everyone tends to act according to the same protocol and etiquette, minor and inoffensive details of behavior tend to get noticed more frequently. Does the character chew his lip when he is nervous? Perhaps he has a unique greeting that he prefers to use. What does he do with his hands when nothing is going on? | 15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
A true samurai is not supposed to show emotion, but no one is completely disciplined at all times, and everyone demonstrates to some degree of emotion at one point or another. What emotion is the character most likely to display when circumstances arise? What are the things that push him to the edge most easily, and which emotions are the easiest for him to hold in check? | 16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
The actions of a subordinate reflect the honor of his superior and in such cases a superior has considerable amount of leeway in dealing with a subordinate. Is the character the sort to demand the subordinates seppuku over even a minor infraction (something that could get the character into significant trouble very quickly), or will he forgive the behavior and attempt to correct it? | 17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?
Devotion to one's parents is considered proper behavior for any samurai, but devotion can be offered without any real respect between parent and child. Does the character have a proper relationship with his parents or are they estranged? Was the character's upbringing a source of joy or dismay for his parents? Are they still alive, or were they taken from the character at a younger age? | 18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Desire is a sin, but ambition tempered by duty is considered acceptable among most in the samurai caste. Bushi often aspire to become military leaders, for example, while courtiers desire nothing more than to rule over others at influential courts. What is the character's ultimate goal and, perhaps more importantly, how far is she willing to go in order to accomplish it? | 19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Among bushi and courtiers, the levels of religious devotion vary widely. Shugenja are of course religious, but even among their ranks some are more reverent than others. Is the character one to offer frequent prayers and make trips to the temple, or has she dismissed the need for religion and instead embraced the rule of steel in her life? | 20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
This is a very important and intimidating question, but one that should be given consideration. Every samurai lives a few short feet from death, and death is a threat that can rear its head on any day of a samurai’s entire life. What is the character’s destiny? How will he meet his end when the time comes for him to join his ancestors, or to rejoin the universe as part of the Celestial Wheel?[/size] |
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