- The Crane: The Crane Clan epitomizes culture and perfection in all things. They are known
as the Left Hand of the Emperor. They are the near undisputed masters of the court and
they are among the finest duelists in all of the Empire. The Kakita Bushi School is
renowned cross the Empire for producing some of the deadliest duelists in the Empire.
They are among the richest of the Clans with many fertile fields and trade agreements.
The Dragon Clan: The Dragon Clan is the most enigmatic of the clans and they are charged
with observing the Empire with an impartial eye. Members of the Dragon Clan constantly
seek enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the universe. They are also famous for
their tattooed monks who can perform super-human feats of agility and skill.
The Lion: The Lion clan is by far the most militant clan in Rokugan with an army greater in
size than any two other clans put together. They are known as the Right Hand of the
Emperor. Lion samurai epitomize Bushido and hold a deep reverence for their ancestors.
They are military geniuses and it is said that no Akodo trained general has ever lost to a non-
Akodo trained general.
The Mantis Clan: The only clan not born from a fallen Kami. The Mantis are the direct result
of the most ambitious man to ever walk Rokugan, Yoritomo. On the Second Day of Thunder,
Yoritomo and his Mantis stood with the armies of the Great Clans and demanded
recognition for his actions and to be granted Great Clan status, and he got it. The Mantis
Clan is known for being premier sailors and trades and as pirates and thieves as well. The
Mantis Clan is the youngest of the Great Clans and they seek the glory they deserve. The
Mantis Clan is actually composed of three minor clans that all joined together under the
Mantis Banner.
The Pheonix: The Pheonix Clan is a unique clan that is ruled by a Council of the most
powerful Shugenja in Rokugan, known at the Elemental Council. The Pheonix Clan plumbs
the arcane secrets of the world and produces the most powerful and renowned Shugenja in
all of the Empire. The Pheonix are also the only clan in which the family of those decended
from the Kami Shiba swore to defend the human tribe of Isawa with their lives.
The Scorpion: Masters of deception, espionage, assassination and information, the
Scorpion Clans are the most loathed and despised of the Great Clans. The Scorpion Clan
is known as the Underhand of the Empire and they are charged with guarding the Empire
against itself and that which cannot be seen. Only the Scorpion can rival the Crane for
influence in the courts and no other clan knows the darkest secrets of the Empire.
The Unicorn: Eternal wanderers and nomads. The Unicorn left the Empire for 800 years
before returning just over 300 years ago. Known for their powerful cavalry and foreign
influences on their weapons and fighting styles, the Unicorn have recently become one of
the greatest military powers in Rokugan, enough to rival the Lion and Crab now. Lead by
their Khan the Unicorn seek to prove their power to the Empire that would scorn them.
Strike
So now that you have your new samurai all carefully jotted down on your character sheet,
your Game Master is hovering behind his screen and the Mountain Dew is flowing freely,
what do you do? One of the greatest aspects of the Legend of the Five Rings is its freedom
of choice for your style of role-playing and ample opportunity to mix them all together.
Samurai are expected to be masters of the pen and the sword. To over compensate on one
aspect leaves you very vulnerable on the other. If you are the anti-social brute who believes
the business end of the tetsubo (two handed club, studded with metal) solves every
problem then you are going to be in for a shocker the first time you hit court and you are
required to leave all of your weapons and armor at the door. As soon as you attempt to
apply your might-makes-right policy in court you already on your way down. Within minutes
the courtiers have you weighed, measured and found wanting and have already
orchestrated your downfall in any number of unpleasant ways. Before you know it you are
guarding the local daimyos favorite peacock for a couple of seasons or you’ll find yourself
fighting one of the family most celebrated duelists that you had no idea was even in this half
of Rokugan this time of year.
The most enjoyable L5R game in my opinion is the game that mixes all of the elements of
L5R together, honor, politics, glory, combat, duels, intrigue, and duty. However, that does
not stop your group from pursuing one style more than another. If dungeon crawls are your
group’s forte, then look no further than the Kaiu Wall and the catacombs below it and the
Shadowlands beyond it. If courtly intrigue is your thing, then you can run a campaign without
ever leaving the courtrooms and the wild Winter Courts of the Empire.
L5R also challenges many of our most common stereotypes in high fantasy role-playing. In
the world of L5R, you play the role of nobility and the peasantry knows it. How you interact
with those under you who grovel at your feet says a lot about your humility and character. In
the land of Rokugan, your reputation and status mean a lot more than evidence when you
are challenged. One slip of the tongue can find you on your knees performing the three cuts
(seppuku) to wash the stain of dishonor from your family and clan. As a samurai you are
expected to die at any moment for your lord, self-preservation is not seen as a fine trait in
this land.
Much of Rokugan hinges on a delicate balance that is represented in everything from
Politics to Magic to the very land itself. Your ability to advance in Insight Rank (levels) is
based on your ability to advance yourself in a balanced fashion. Simply maxing out your
strength will not get you Insight Ranks because you have gained no insight. Not in yourself,
the universe, or your enemies. But, if you advance all of your stats, and your skills you will
find yourself gaining insight and it will be represented by more powerful techniques, spells,
and abilities.
With its enjoyable mixture of Eastern themes, mystic wonder and exciting dice mechanics,
Legend of the Five Rings stands as an excellent example of a unique and different tabletop
role-playing game. I would encourage anyone interested to give Legend of the Five Rings a
try and dare yourself to enter a world where your honor is more dangerous than your sword.
