Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Winter's Embrace (Angol nyelvű)

A Cordial Invitation

Winter’s Embrace is a perfect companion to the Courts of Stone sourcebook, where games of diplomacy, romance, and intrigue take center stage. This adventure takes you and your fellow samurai to the beautiful grounds of Kyūden Doji, where you are introduced to the hazards of court politics. Here, you are surrounded by the political power players of the Emerald Empire—diplomats, artisans, shugenja, bushi, magistrates, and daimyō fill the lavish halls. Certain samurai have been selected to attend based on their skills and positions, while monks also serve as counselors in difficult matters of state.

But somehow, a few select members of the Mantis Clan are also present. This is unusual, not only because Minor Clans are not typically given the honor of participating in events so close to the Emperor, but the Mantis in particular are seen by many as mere pirates with flippant disregard for social grace. It is well known, however, that their leader seeks recognition from the Emperor, perhaps even an ascension to Great Clan status. Yet a strained relationship with the Crane Clan, the true masters of the court, makes such desires seem foolhardy.

But now their chance may have finally arrived, and Kakita Ryoku wants you to ensure that does not happen. As the course of history may be decided over just a few days, the race is on for you to determine truth from rumor of the Mantis Clan’s motives, and potentially upset their plans before it is too late and you become trapped in the competing political schemes of the Crane and Mantis Clans. The reputations of both factions are at stake, and your decisions can shape the future of the Emerald Empire. As the plots begin to unravel around you, the more you will find that a whispered word can kill as easily as a sword. Can you survive the poisonous lies and shadow politics of the Rokugani elite? 

Storms Roll Ashore

In addition to the adventure itself, Winter’s Embrace also includes a beautifully illustrated double-sided map that depicts the Lands of the Crane and the Islands of the Mantis, as well as the Esteemed Palaces of the Crane Clan, Kyūden Doji. On this grand estate, each guesthouse is built with a particular Great Clan in mind. The Unicorn have large stables, the Crab can  quickly turn their accommodations into a small fortress in case of an attack, and the Phoenix enjoy several dozen shrines. And throughout the palace run the labyrinthine halls that provide the shadows to shelter all manner of dark deeds.

As you navigate the twisting schemes of the court, Winter’s Embrace helps you track each of the non-player characters you encounter with more than fifty tokens. Among the power players in this adventure, you may come across the renowned Ashina Takako and Kakita Ryoku of the Crane Clan, as well as Mantis Clan’s charming leader, Lord Yoritomo. As the plot thickens, these identifying tokens can prove invaluable in helping you remember who is a friend, who is a foe, and the location of each character at a glance. In the courts of the Emerald Empire, a single misplaced word can mean dishonor or death. You must take care to keep your eyes open and your weapon ready.

Open the Gates

The Winter Court is about to commence! Now that you have secured your invitation, will you be able to safeguard your clan’s status in the eyes of the Emperor, or will your lack of tact lead to your clan’s downfall? Discover the truth, choose your side, and determine the course of the future!