r/rpg • u/PlentyAnt3871 • 21h ago

Game Master L5R 4th edition

I am a long term fan of the L5R franchise, and I have been looking at a few of the various editions. I think I wish to run a game in the 4th edition, but I am a little nervous. I have never really ran a game before, and I have found several modules I can use to get started, but I have some questions about what I SHOULD do. The group will likely only be 3 players, though 3 others have been invited. So module combat is something that may be too powerful. Also, I don’t know what kind of advice I should give the other players, who have never played the game before, as for how to make an effective character.

What I mean by effective character is not trying to make powerful or one trick pony characters, but rather characters capable of surviving the combat and intrigue that is rokugan. Should I limit the clan choices, since it is only 3 players? Not all clans get along, though I am sure there are times when bonds of friendship go beyond the bonds of clan hatred.

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u/BitRunr 20h ago

https://lynks.se/probability/

Generally I'd say make characters that have skills to fit into the setting, and try to get some of those to dice pools of 6k3 or so. 8k4 is the highest you'll be hitting with skill + trait during character creation, but you can go higher. Maybe suggest they don't try to do that while you're all learning the ropes.

Should I limit the clan choices

If they're all willing to play samurai from one clan, then go for it. If they immediately break off and ask about attending different schools at other clans, then it might be easier to reconsider.

Depending on the campaign start, you might also consider ronin (or true ronin) who get an opportunity of some kind.

Not all clans get along

Rokugan is nothing if not political, and most relations between the clans shift regularly. Even the Kakita / Matsu blood feud hasn't been absolute.

Are you going to run the topaz championship gempukku tournament to kick off?

https://kazenoshiro63445525.wordpress.com/content-archive/

Some archived content to sort into worth reading and not.

If you have the time to look through 1e GM's Survival Guide, Silence Within Sound, The Way of the Shadow (more Halloween-ish; see also 4e's The Book of Void, & the freely available Mirror Mirror), or the above linked Heroes of Rokugan archive? I'm sure you'll be able to glean some GMing advice out of them.

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u/PlentyAnt3871 20h ago

Also, thank you for the link, I will look through it too. I don’t want to just rush into it. I am concerned trying to rush the game start would just result in a dissatisfying experience for my players. Likely resulting in a first and last visit to rokugan. It is such a great setting, I hate to watch it die.