Pyramid Review: The Way of the Wolf (for L5R RPG)

Pyramid Review

The Way of the Wolf (for L5R RPG)

Written by Rich Wulf and Shawn Carman

Published by AEG

$19.95; 128 pages

The tenth book in "The Way of the Clans" series follows the formula from previous books down to the last detail. Staring off with a short story, then into numerous little tales about Ronin in Chapter One, to history in Chapter Two, character creation in Chapter Three, NPCs in Chapter Four, Character Templates in Five, and an appendix full of useful stuff. Each chapter is separated by a full page illustration, and AEG's use of sidebars continues unabated.

The good news is that while the format may be standard, Ronin, by their very nature are not. The different tales about Ronin in Chapter One give the GM a good idea of the numerous types of origins Ronin can have. Retired Samurai, Samurai out to test themselves, fallen Samurai, children of fallen Samurai, and farmers who want to be Samurai all move about under the broad title of Ronin.

More important than individual Ronin tales, Chapter Two gives the GM and players specific examples that give more information under different headings. For example, under Dishonored Samurai, the reader learns that it is, in the eyes of Rokugan, a harsher punishment to be denied seppuku and cast out then to be allowed to kill oneself. Outside of more general history, there are employment listings, such as advisors, priests, bandits, and player's favorite, mercenaries. Legends recount different . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: November 3, 2000

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