"March, 1997"

That's the most frequent answer given out to the people who call the AEG offices While we'd love to give you a full look at the project, we're only able to give you some sneak peeks at what the L5R role-playing game is going to look like Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, and some answers cryptic and otherwise.

What will it look like?

The L5R RPG will be a huge black and white book with color plates. All the interior art is being done by L5R artist Brian Snoddy. The game will be produced by AEG under license from the Five Rings Publishing Group.

What are the first releases?

The very first release, of course, is the basic book The second release, the GA's Pack will follow immediately on the heels of the hardbound. It will contain a GM screen along with some optional rules, advanced rules for mass combat and an introductory adventure that springs the players into the first campaign boxed set, Distant Thunder. Also, The Way of the Dragon is scheduled for release just after the GM's Pack It will be the first Clan sourcebook, detailing the history of the Clan, advanced character generation rules and Clan secrets.

Will I be able to play characters from tbe card game?

While we will be providing stats for the most important characters (Hitomi Toturi Kachiko, etc), players are encouraged to create their own characters.

Will you be using a Skill or Level system?

Both. Kind of. Samurai characters (characters who are born into samurai families) will have the opportunity to join bushi and shugenja schools. Each school will be different, providing the characters with skills and abilities that are unique from their compatriots. For instance, a samurai who joins the Kakita bushi school will have a great deal of speed and agility, while a samurai who joins the Hida school will rely on his strength and stamina. In order to advance in the school, a bushi must bring the school prestige, thus proving his devotion to his teacher. Those who do will be taught the more advanced techniques of the school's style.

How does the system work?

A player chooses his character's Clan, Farmily and Profession (bushi, shugenja, monk, etc) and joins a school. He gains skills from his Clan, Family and School. Once he's graduated from his school the young bushi/shugenja/monk is ready to go out into Rokugan and thwart the evil machinations of Scorpions, ninjas and Kolat Masters.

Yeah, yeah, what does the game system look like?

Well, we don't want to say too much about that yet. We can tell you that the Five Rings will be very important and so will Traits like Honor, Glory and Family Rank. We will be using ten-sided dice and a Target Number system, but there are a whole lot of unique things we're throwing in. The iaijutsu duels will be fast and deadly (and will feel a whole lot like they do in the card game), and magic will focus on manipulating and mastering the Five Rings.

Do I have to play a samurai from the (Clans or can I play a ninja, Kolat or a ronin?

You can play a ronin, but nobody gets to play a Kolat. If you knew how nasty these guys are, you wouldn't want to play a Kolat). As for ninja ... well, let's just say that if someone's playing a ninja in your game, you'll never know until it's too late.

What's that release date again?

March of 1997. By hook or by crook, we will not be late. So keep your eyes out for it and ask your game store owner for it by name. See you then!

How do I get on the playtest team?

Glad you asked. Just send us an SASE along with a short essay explaining why you should be put on the playtest team. If you've playtested for other companies, tell us. Tell us what games you play regularly and how many people you could get together for your team. Send it to the AEG offices c/o "Playtest info. and we'll do the rest.

This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com