Alessandro Rocchi
In this review we discover RŌNIN, a Mörk Borg–compatible tabletop RPG set in a corrupt Japan during the Edo period.
The game is published in English by Slighty Reckless Games. We thank the publisher for sending us a physical copy of the manual. We invite you to follow Slighty Reckless Games on their official website, Instagram page and Bluesky profile.
If you are interested, you can buy the digital version on the official store for 15£.
RŌNIN Structure and Aesthetics Review
The first thing that strikes RŌNIN is the graphic aspect: crazy, overwhelming and absolutely beautiful.
The manual is a set of colors, crooked writings and illustrations characterized by a monstrous and disturbing style that perfectly reflects the tones of the game.
This feeling also arises from the composition of the text. There are no neat paragraphs, but everything is distributed in an imaginative way. Fortunately, thanks to the titles and the use of bold, reading is still simple and accessible.
In addition , all the illustrations are small works of art. The style remains consistent throughout the manual and each page is specially made to be admired. Obviously, however, you must like this dirty and dark style.
One detail that I really appreciated is the presence of various tables, summaries of regulations and much more so that I could also take advantage of the manual as if it were a screen of the master.
Finally, speaking of data, the manual comes in an elegant 124-page A5 format with a hard cover, also perfect for transport.
At the end of the manual we also find a stocked bestiary of Japanese folklore creatures and demons and an adventure to quickly immerse yourself in the cursed lands.
Kage No Shima Island
RŌNIN is set on the fictional island of Kage No Shima and combines the Japanese Edo period with fantastic and mythological elements.
The dedicated chapter describes the setting in great detail. First of all, it presents the event that unleashed the evil forces, that is, a perpetual eclipse that plunged the world into darkness.
Then we find the description of the various iconic places, such as the Palace of the Shogun, now completely corrupt and in the hands of the forces of evil, or the Dojo of the Seven Swords, where the best masters teach the art of katana.
A drawback is that the manual does not describe so much customs of the period in question, leaving the Game Master (GM) and the group the burden of having to inform themselves or rely on their general knowledge.
We are introduced to the various factions within the island, such as the Shogunate, the Brotherhood of Ronin, the Iron Monks and many others. Each of them is accompanied by its peculiarities, objectives and ideals. In this way, you can make the island of Kage no Shima a lively and pulsating place to set your stories.
A very interesting feature of the setting is the Black Calendar, a series of events that can happen every new day in the game. At the beginning of the campaign you will have to choose a die among d2, d6, d10, d20 and d100; on each new day the GM rolls the die and, if the result is 1, an event will occur. These are varied and range from volcanic eruptions to Yokai becoming more aggressive. There is a limit to this possibility: a maximum of 7 events can happen and the last one will determine the end of the game world and the campaign.
The Unfortunate Protagonists of Kage No Shima
In RŌNIN you play a group of “unfortunates”, each with their own motivations. Some may only aim to survive, others may seek wealth, and still others simply await the end of the world.
There are two ways to create PCs. At the end of the first method we will have a very simple and very fragile character; with the second method, on the other hand, we will generate a PG with a class and more resources. Both ways are very quick and simple, and can be completed in a few minutes. The manual also guides us step by step to make things easier.
There are a total of 10 classes available to choose from and the most interesting, in my opinion, are the Drunken Monk, the Bakuto, the Sumo Fighter and the Sword Saint. But the other classes are also very particular and allow various different styles of play.
In addition to the class, a character possesses 4 Abilities: Swiftness, Spirit, Resilience, and Vigor. Each of these must be generated by rolling 3d6 and, if classes are used, the bonuses given must be added to the result. Based on the final value, we will have a modifier for the related tests.
In the case of classless characters, you will then have to generate the necessary equipment for the adventure. This is done using a convenient table in the manual. Characters with a class will instead have a predefined equipment and will have to choose a Feature from those listed.
RŌNIN Honor System Review
A fundamental concept in RŌNIN is Honor.
It defines the social status of the PG and how they are perceived by others, as well as being a moral shield against corruption. Mechanically, it allows you to get test bonuses, or malus if you act dishonorably.
During their creation, PCs will randomly determine their Honor by rolling 3d6; values below 10 will be dishonorable while those above 10 are honorable, but there is no minimum or maximum.
This score can be lost or earned based on how characters act in relation to their personal honor code. The latter can be created or selected from one of the 10 presented in the manual (each linked to a class).
A mechanic introduced in RŌNIN and connected to the Honor is that of Seppuku. Each character can commit ritual suicide to gain extra Honor and cleanse themselves of all dishonorable actions. This ritual is divided into two tests to be passed to correctly perform all the procedures and the extreme act. If everything is done correctly, then you can roll 2d6+2 to add to your Honor value.
All this is useful because the Honor of the previous character also influences the PCs created later by the same player. In fact, an honorable score (above 10) will give a +1 bonus in all Abilities during the creation phase. Conversely, a dishonorable score will give them a -1.
RŌNIN Mechanics and Combat Review
The game system is fast, brutal and extremely simple to master.
In fact, each time the characters face a challenge, the players will have to roll a 20-sided die and add the bonus given by the Ability in question. The result must match or exceed a Difficulty Threshold decided by the GM. There is also a table in the manual to understand how to calibrate the challenges.
Combat also retains the same brutal simplicity. A normal combat in RŌNIN is divided into rounds in which the various participants act in order, but the peculiarity is that the enemies do not roll dice. Only PCs test both to attack and to defend themselves. Each action in the manual is associated with the use of an Ability, but players are allowed to use their inventiveness to overcome challenges.
The interesting part comes when the d20 roll returns a 20 or a 1. In the first case you will get a critic who will grant us various bonuses such as more damage or an extra attack after a defense. Otherwise the natural 1 will bring a series of malus such as losing the weapon or taking more damage.
A new mechanic in RŌNIN is deflection (or parry); instead of defending by blocking the blow, we can deflect it to counterattack. This action can only be done once per duel and is very risky because in the event of a fumble we will suffer double the damage and the armor will be destroyed.
In addition, the manual also proposes a series of rules to create epic duels with a blade.
Resurrection, Kami and Magic
Given the high mortality rate, there is the possibility of returning to life. If our PG takes a hit that sends them below zero Hit Points, they will be thrown into Yomi, the realm of the dead, and here they will have to face a demon. In case of victory, the character will come back to life with all the HP, if they do not succeed it will be their end. The possibility of coming back to life is also present after performing Seppuku, but each character can return from the realm of the dead only once in their lifetime.
Another supernatural feature of the game are the Unseen Texts, powerful tools that PCs can use at their peril. In fact, every time you use a text you will have to face a Spirit test and, in case of failure, you will suffer considerable damage. If you succeed, you can use their powers that include healing, dealing damage, teleporting, summoning spirits, and more. The heaviest backlash is if you get a fumble, in fact in this case a Kami Revenge will take place. The effects of this revenge are varied and range from eyes that detach from the orbits (while maintaining sight), the shadow that rebels, a curse and much more.
Blood Rains Over The Crimson Jungle Adventure Review for RŌNIN
Within the manual we find Blood Rains Over The Crimson Jungle, a short adventure suitable for introducing players to the world of RŌNIN.
Characters will be tasked by a spirit to rid a region corrupted and haunted by a demon. As simple as the hook is, it is effective at conveying the tones of the game world. The plot, although simple, perfectly shares the setting’s tones and allows you to immerse yourself in it in a pleasant way.
The structure of the adventure is based on exploring a series of places and then arriving at the final confrontation with the boss. Surely this is effective for new players, but veterans could end it very quickly.
The encounters in the adventure are not balanced. This is intentional, so as to put players in trouble and make them taste the brutality of this roleplaying game.
RŌNIN Review Conclusion
In conclusion, I consider RŌNIN an excellent game that accompanies a simple system to a very inspired world and an exceptional artistic aspect.
Thanks to the graphics and illustrations, you will be catapulted to the island of Kage No Shima and with its simple rules you will be able to experience all its brutality by generating new characters linked to the previous ones from time to time. The system is suitable for novices and veterans. The gaming experience is also satisfying thanks to the optional rules.
I recommend RŌNIN to all those who are passionate about Japanese mythology and who are looking for a brutal but enjoyable experience.
