Customer Reviews:
Good, but not great.......2007-07-11
This is the book of monsters for AEGs Legend of the 5 Rings RPG. Note, that while previous L5R books were done in a dual format of D20 and AEG rules, this book is all AEG rules. If you have the D20 Creatures of Rokugan book, you should be able to establish a conversion base with the monsters that are in both books.
While this book does have a lot of creatures in it, the book fails to follow the most fundamental rule of a monster book, "Good Art and Lots of It". The majority of the monsters of this book are not illustrated and those that are, well the art is not that good. When you are dealing with exotic creatures like Oni, the demons of Japanese mythology, you really need pictures to visualize them. Considering all the art available from the L5R card game, the lack of monster pictures here is strange.
The book does have very good sections on the Naga, serpent people, and the Nezumi, rat people. These sections provide everything you need to play these races and takes up about a third of the book. The rest is an alphabetical list of the creatures, monsters and spirits of Rokugan and while they are described in detail, most are lacking illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Background and Setting.......2007-08-08
It's interesting to have a campaign set in the Asian lands of any world. Honor is key above the traditional good and evil. This Rokugan sourcebook excells at giving you a great setting for the adventures. Filled with politics and intrigue, as well as the traditional kill the monsters stuff. It really has something for everyone. Maybe it has too much detail, because it causes me to worry if I will remember everything on the fly. Take notes!
d20 Rokugan: Inspiring, yet lacking..........2004-07-09
Having played D&D since the Basic Set, and having played the L5R RPG when it was still in 1st edition, I was excited by the announcement that L5R was going d20. I wasn't thrilled with the Oriental Adventures book, as the rules were either unclear, or didn't fit well at all with the theme of L5R.
So I picked up Rokugan as soon as I found out about it.
At first glance (in the store), it was really detailed. Each family in each clan has it's own bonus class skills, favored classes, and starting packages (which were a nice touch from the previous versions of L5R RPG). There are individual shugenja schools for each clan/family, full classes for courtier and ninja (courtier is especially useful for Oriental games), probably two dozen prestige classes (most are very good for other games, as well), and a plethora of feats (which included new Clan and Kiho feats).
The background material on Rokugan is also very good, giving a new-samurai's view of the Emerald Empire, up to the time of the Emperor Toturi's death. There are details of the wars, along with a timeline filled with seemingly-innocent historical anecdotes (perfect for helping DMs create adventures).
Unfortunately, the book is not without flaws.
There are issues with the starting packages (some with contradictory equipment, others that simply don't make much sense or use), lingering questions on exactly how shugenja work in certain cases (especially the Isawa), the fact that the samurai ability to "awaken" their swords contradicts much of known L5R material (i.e., only shugenja typically do it), and several other issues.
Individually, these things wouldn't be a problem, but altogether, make the book practically unusable. This in and of itself could likely have been corrected if the designers had created a FAQ and/or errata to explain or correct issues. But they have not, and there is almost certainly no plan to do so for the foreseeable future.
There are smaller things I would alter, like making courtiers somewhat more useful, perhaps, but they are mostly flavor issues rather than game balance, mechanics, or setting issues.
Should you buy this book? Yes, actually. The book is useful, but requires a complete overhaul, especially to make it v3.5 compliant (and no, there is no v3.5 update out for it yet, and there seems no plan to make one). The Complete series may handle a lot of these problems; though I have not read them all, they have incorporated the OA classes, with some or no modifications.
I say buy it, but don't pay full price. Get it used, borrow one from a friend, but don't pay $20 for this thing. The lack of polish and user-friendliness should not be rewarded.
Oriental Excellence.......2003-11-06
I've been playing D&D for a couple of years now, but was just recently exposed to Oriental Adventures and the L5R setting a couple of weeks ago. Wow. What have I been missing?
The Rokugan setting is just amazing, adding tons of depth to the Oriental Adventures setting and just providing a great atmosphere, chock full of politics, rivalries, and Three Kingdoms-esque intrigue. The additional clan-based suplements (Secrets of the Unicorn springs to mind, mainly because after only a few minutes of reading, I gained a ton of insight into my Water-based Unicorn Shugenji), are great, providing a huge amount of background on the cultures and personalities of Rokugan.
If you're a bit tired of Greyhawk and Faerun, now may be a great time to trade your longsword for a katana and your cleric for a shaman. Check Rokugan out -- you'll like it.
An outstanding D20 Conversion.......2002-12-26
AEG never fails to deliver the goods, and in this case they give them to us in spades. Rokugan is an excellant conversion from the classic 'Legend of the 5 Rings' RPG system to the highly successful and popular 'D20' system. While not a stand-alone product it is still very meaty with dozens of feats and several excellant new classes with the 'L5R' flavor.
All in all a very solid book and an excellant followup to the Oriental Adventures book (which I also highly recommend if you intend to run L5R using D20 rules)
Something I would like to point out. This book isn't just a new collection of feats and classes and skills. This book presents one of the most dynamic asian fantasy settings roleplayers have ever had the pleasure of gaming in. It is rich in history and culture (and as much as I don't like the most recent history, it's still largely entertaining.)
In short, 2 thumbs up. Way up.
a great supplement to Oriental Adventures.......2002-10-06
In my opinion, this book is great. It has a lot of excellent feats, spells, skills, classes, and information for any Oriental D&D campaign. I recommend it equally as much as Oriental Adventures.
Book Description
Darkness Grows in the Empire...
Naseru, known as "The Anvil," will stop at nothing to sit upon the Throne of Rokugan. When dark forces rise in the City of Night, he must act swiftly. To save his beloved Empire, Naseru must learn to wield the most unlikely weapon of all -- justice.
Customer Reviews:
Magic, Intrigue, Adventure and a fascinating Anti-Hero.......2003-08-02
Although this is part of a series, all the books can stand alone. You need not be intimately familiar with Rokugan, a fantasy world based on Samurai and Asian themes which is the setting of the popular Legend of the Five Rings games, to enjoy this book.
Naseru is one of four siblings vying for the throne of Rokugan. We find him in the ruins of the Imperial City, just after it has been attacked by monsterous hoards from the Shadowlands, and Naseru needs to find another base of operations if he plans to remain in the running as an Imperial Heir. Aside from this setback, he's got the deck stacked against him as far as his chances of becoming Emperor. He is the youngest child of the last Emperor (although already scarred, missing an eye, and looking much older than he is), his skills are as a politician which is about as reviled an occupation as it can be in the modern US, he was fostered by a tyrant who was the enemy of the Empire, and he has the reputation of a villain who is after power and position without any scruples whatsoever. Of course, in the Imperial Courts, where Naseru is at home, nothing is quite as it seems. And even far from the Courts, in the City of Lies, where Naseru goes to build a base, plots, intrigue, courtesans, assassins and mysteries abound.
As if Naseru didn't have enough to cope with, he hears of the hidden Way of Night, an ancient site that is yielding artifacts that could affect the fate of the Empire, and unbeknownst to him, although not unexpected, someone has sworn to avenge themself by taking his life.
Naseru's investigation into the Way of Night brings him into contact with disreputable samurai, monsters, sorcerers, battles and a host of interesting characters and adventures. It also brings him into contact with his own dark past and forces him to decisions about what he truly desires for himself and for the fate of Rokugan.
I am admittedly biased. I like tales with a Japanese setting, and I am familiar with Rokugan and the previous novels set there. But I still require a good story, strong writing and interesting characters to enjoy a book, and this book undoubtedly filled that requirement and more. In fact, I think I'll go and read it again!
The best L5R-novel so far - a "must read".......2003-06-30
Although it's not the easiest transition from short fiction on a website to a full-length novel, Rich Wulf pulled it off in a grand fashion: for what it's worth, in my humble opinion a fantasy book should have depth in the development of the characters, and should use the current events to further the universe's plot ... as well as to reveal more about the universe's past. Wind of Justice delivers on all those points and keeps the reader's attention till the end. If you're a hardcore L5R fan, you'll get answers - and more questions, just the way it should be. Thought Naseru wasn't the easiest Wind to like, maybe this book will change your mind.
Customer Reviews:
A fun sourcebook.......2003-01-08
My only problem with this book is that it seems useable almost exclusively for the Rokugan setting. As the title of the book sort of gives that away, I figure it's only fair to take off only one star for this minor flaw in an otherwise remarkable beastiary.
This opinion rests chiefly on the inclusion of the Taint statistic, which is really only useful in Rokugan. To be fair, it can be removed, and without really altering the balance of the book.
What I particularly appreciate about the book is that they don't assume that every creature that may have an extradimensional origin must be an "outsider," as most other books do. If a creature can be a part of the local ecology, it really can't be considered completely outside the ecology, so it can't really be an outsider. It's nice to see that here.
The illustrations are nice nough, although lacking in detail in some cases. At the very least, they match the monster descriptions, which is more than I can say for some of the Monster Manual descriptions. (I'm looking pointedly at the Grick here)
On the whole, these monsters should at least serve to get the imaginative juices flowing for non-Rokugan DMs, and prove an invaluable resource to those playing Rokugan.
D20 Oriental Adventures Monster book.......2002-09-07
Creatures of Rokugan is a good source book for monster's in an oriental adventures campaing, however it lacks support for the previous d10 system.
The book is a collection of stats and good monsters description, but you wouldn't find any extraordinary source of good roleplaying information.
Some of this monsters will add some spice to your current d20 campaing, but is up to you if you want your adventurers to find a ghostly corrupted samurai in their next dungeon.
Product Description
Boxed Game for 2 players
Product Description
Roleplaying adventure in Bushido Series.
Product Description
Without honor, there is no victory. Without fear, there is no defeat." Without question the most powerful military force in the Empire, the Lion are often looked upon as little more than simple soldiers by the other clans of Rokugan. Beneath this veneer of simplicity, the Lion are a clan with surprising secrets. From the rituals of the Kitsu sodan-senzo to the complex battle tactics of the Akodo to the hidden kenjutsu styles of the Matsu, this book examines that which the Lion hide from their enemies. (96 page soft bound) Updates the Lion Clan to the Gold Edition timeline. Compatible with both the traditional Alderac game system and the popular d20 system. New spells, schools, advantages, and other mechanical options for Lion characters.
Product Description
For centuries, the Brotherhood of Shinsei has sought to understand the secrets of the Tao. Isolated from society by their sacred vows, they have hidden the greatest secret of all: it is time for Shinsei to return to Rokugan and guide the steps of man. The path of wisdom lies within. Eleventh in the Way of the Clans series, The Way of Shinsei introduces the monk class to Rokugan, including new skills, abilities, and new ancestors New Character Rules for monks, new orders, beliefs, and treatises on playing a monk in a samurai campaign Information on the rise of Shinseism in the Emerald Empire, and a new look at Rokugan's history New Skills, Techniques, Advantages and Disadvantages The long-awaited kiho rules And more!
Book Description
The remarkable story of the Renaissance's preeminent financiers. "A swift and brilliant synthesis of finance, politics, and history."—Ben Sisario, New York Times Book Review
Their name is a byword for immense wealth and power, but before their renown as art patrons and noblemen the Medicis built their fortune on banking—specifically, on lending money at interest. Banking in the fifteenth century, even at the height of the Renaissance, meant running afoul of the Catholic Church's prohibition against usury. It required more than merely financial skills to make a profit, and the legendary Medicis—most famously Cosimo and Lorenzo ("the Magnificent")—were masterly in wielding the political, diplomatic, military, and even metaphysical tools that were needed to maintain their family's position.
In this brisk and witty narrative, Tim Parks uncovers the intrigues, dodges, and moral qualities that gave the Medicis their edge. Vividly evoking the richness of the Florentine Renaissance and the Medicis' glittering circle, replete with artists, popes, and kings, Medici Money is a brilliant look into the origins of modern banking and its troubled relationship with art and religion. 14 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
The Birth of Renaissance.......2007-09-05
It is a very well-written book. Tim Parks has a golden pen, from which words flow easily and beautifully. The superb language makes it quite easy to follow the history of the Florentine Bank of Medici from 1397 to 1494.
And the history is thrilling. Medici is the most powerful family in Florence, one of the first modern states, with investment banks, international trading and a parliament. Parks focuses his analysis on the business and politics of Florence, and in particular on the different patriarchs of the Medici family.
The 15th century Florence was a keystone in the Renaissance, and the Medicis played an important role in the development. They were sponsors of new art and new architecture, at the same time translating the works of Aristotle and Plato to Latin. Some of the Medicis were important in defining the powers of the state and that of the church.
Parks story would be even easier to follow if the book had paid more attention to the chronology. I also missed a better bibliography. But in all: well worth the read.
Medici Lite.......2007-03-28
Entertaining, light-hearted summary of the Medici family fortunes at their height in Florence, in a most non-academic style. Definitely for anyone interested in the Renaissance and especially art patronage who doesn't want to plough through a heavy piece of work of the era. Also thought the book provided hints of other aspects of Florence and its personalities to explore, especially about business entrepreneurs turning their fortunes into art collections.
Informative book that also makes for a good read.......2006-07-26
Parks' book encompasses the lives of the five heads of the Medici family, and simultaneously through the history of the city of Florence. Through the eyes of the city of Florence, we see Italy, and through slightly foggier lenses, all of Europe.
Parks clearly has a deep love and respect for the more medieval (as opposed to Renaissance) parts of his tale. If you are expecting a hagiographical account of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his great contributions to art, architecture and learning, this isn't the right book.
I picked this book up because I had an interest in the economic side of the Renaissance. For me, one of the more fun sides of history is following the dollars and cents to find an alternative rationale behind the traditional story. And in the first half of this book, Parks provides the goods.
Without talking down to the reader, he makes VERY complicated financial transactions seem simple enough that with a little extra care and attention, they are not only able to be followed, but able to be understood. The multiple types of profitable banking transations are complicated enough for a non-finance major, but when added to the necessity of covering their tracks to avoid falling afoul of Florentine law, Church law, the laws of England, Germany (and even Poland!), personal ethics and morals, and even the taxman, it is amazing that I finished the book, nonetheless enjoyed it and remember it.
The book is more or less chronological. He concentrates on five Medicis, and the chapters covering the first two, Giovanni and Cosimo, are by far the best. And if you are going to study the Medicis as bankers and politicians, rather than as art patrons, poets, and humanists, this makes sense; but it does mean that the book ends weakly. It does read a bit like "The Rise and Fall of the Medici Family", and he spares little when describing the fall. Much of the blame is placed on Lorenzo's unwillingness to learn the family trade (banking), considering it almost beneath him.
A surprise bonus in this book is the detailed account of Florentine politics during these 100 years. Parks is almost as gifted describing the complicated nature of a republic illegally ruled by an autocratic family as he is a bank illegally profiting from interest bearing loans. He falters slightly when inserting his personal opinions and when unable to refrain from making occasional comparisons to modern politics, but all-in-all, his description of the political situation is just as fascinating (and complicated) as the economic portions.
Brilliant History of the Rise and Decline of the Medici.......2006-06-23
This is mainly a history of the Medici banking enterprise, and it is fascinating to learn just how the bank declined. The problem was the passing of generations of bankers who loved banking. Their successors, unfortunately, were more interested in the social aspects of belonging to the Medici banking family. This lead to their spending more time being friends with royalty and other high potentates than on the bank itself. Consequently, the Medici banking house went into decline that ultimately proved terminal.
The fate of the Medici bank has been repeated over and over in history as there are all too often cases of virtuous and hard working founders whose creations were ultimately wasted away by relatively lazy successors.
In event, this is a great book that sheds new light on a subject that had already been heavily written about.
All In The Family.......2006-05-03
I read this book the same week I watched the fifth season of the Sopranos. The combination was serendipitous. Cosimo Medici has more style and class than Tony Soprano, but in many other ways they are remarkably alike. They're such family guys!
Tim Parks is an excellent writer, a witty and companionable guide to a time and place not nearly as remote from our modern age as we would like to imagine.
Parks successfully and succinctly portrays the Medicis, their contemporaries, their passions, and their flaws. Medici Money has everything: money, power, religion, war, politics, even a little sex.
You'd have to attend a Washington, D.C. power prayer breakfast with a herd of hungover lobbyists, a few calculating Pentagonistas, some self-satisfied lawyers and several jackleg congressmen to find a similarly fascinating and amusing engagement of these themes.
Yes, in many ways we're really not that different from those Florentines of five centuries ago. Sadly, some of the ways in which we are different do us no credit.
The art in the meeting room of the Marriott where these modern notables meet to pray and greet will consist of risible facsimiles of real paintings produced by an assembly-line gallery incorporated in Delaware. The breakfast itself will feature chewy scrambled eggs, unconvincing croissants and mock-designer coffee. Later, they'll go to work in boxy offices in boxy triumphalist buildings, and at night they'll drive their boxy SUVs to their boxy lairs in boxy D.C. suburbs. Their dinners will come out of (you guessed it) boxes.
One of the delights of this book is the author's loving depiction of some of the extraordinary works of painting, tapestry, sculpture, and other art commisioned by the Medicis and their contemporaries and rivals. And aaaah! The food of 15th century Florence! The architecture! The music!
The rich we have with us always. But they're far more tolerable when they choose to display their wealth and power with great works of art instead of Hummers, plasma TVs, and McMansions.
One of the charming sub-themes of Medici Money is that if you're going to hell, you might as well go in style and enjoy the good things of life along the way.
Happily, those of us who not only lack the financial resources to go to hell in fabulous style but can barely afford to indulge our book addictions are able to enjoy a few good things of life, too.
This book is one of them.
Ba-da-bing!
Books:
- Dark Ages: Mage (Vampire: The Dark Ages)
- De la Bourdonnais versus MacDonnell, 1834: The Eighty-five Games Of Their Six Chess Matches, With Excerpts From Additional Games Against Other Opponents
- Divinity Catholic Challenge Catechism Game
- Dragon of the Red Dawn (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
- Elemental Companion (Rolemaster)
- Far-Flung Adventures: Corby Flood (Far-Flung Adventures)
- Five-Minute Whodunits
- Forest of Pressure: Ogawa Shinsuke and Postwar Japanese Documentary (Visible Evidence)
- Gamemastering Secrets Second Edition
- Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit by Knowing Them
Books Index
Books Home
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- St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves: Stories
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General
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Art of the Duel (Legend of the Five Rings)
Legend Of The Five Rings: Roleplaying Game (Legend of the Five Rings)
Emerald Empire: The Legend of the Five Rings Companion (Legend of the Five Rings)
Legend of the Five Rings: The Four Winds, Lotus Edition (Legend of the Five Rings (AEG))
Star Wars Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook, Saga Edition
