PROLOGUE
While I’m mostly rpg inclined, I like other kinds of games.
In particular I used to be fairly into Miniatures Games. I did Warhammer 40K from Rogue Trader on, original Chainmail, Napoleonics, Franco-Prussian War, ACW, American
Revolution, Necromunda, Man O’ War, Piquet, Heavy Gear, and others. I
should note this: much like board and CCG games, I am terrible at miniatures
game. I enjoy playing them, but my brain doesn’t wrapped around it. So while
enjoyable, they form a minor part of my gaming.
Despite that I wrote and self-published a set of samurai
miniatures rules that I demo’d at various conventions, Ge Koku Jo. (I still have many copies if anyone wants one). GKJ
offered a simple and fast set of ahistorical skirmish rules, based on Brother Against Brother (which I also
worked on). Several handfuls of figures, running around in a disorderly way,
and slowly getting whittled down.
I’ve always prefer mini games without set formations- loose
groupings. WHFB and much of the historical stuff could be fun, but eventually
wore me out. When the French figure line Confrontation first appeared at my
FLGS, we bought it because the awesome figures. Great models, dynamic poses,
and unique designs. Eventually we acquired enough that I started wondering how
to play. Rackham's first English-language rules were bad. They desperately needed
an editor who understood rules. Eventually we got Confrontation 3.0, a solid
set of rules that still needed an editor with a better grasp of English and
technical writing. Then Rackham switched over to plastics, alienated local
stores, gutted the rules, and went bankrupt.
WHAT IS THIS?
So Confrontation 3.5’s my favorite set of mini rules. And I
also love samurai gaming. And I also love the Legend of the Five Rings setting.
I’m running a campaign of that using Action Cards right now. I’ve been thinking
that eventually I might want to do a big set piece battle, which made me pull
this material out. This is a set of scattered notes on how you might adapt
Confrontation to do a L5R skirmish game. It’s more involved than Ge Koku Jo or
Osprey’s Ronin. It perhaps tries too hard to borrow from Clan War's ideas, especially with tactical cards. What’s here is incomplete, but could be played as a generic
samurai version. I wrote this several years ago, but still haven’t played it. I plan to fix that this year. Everything here is rough, rough, rough- but feedback's welcomed. I'm posting this for the incredibly tiny population for whom this might be interesting and/or useful.
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
|
MOV
|
INI
|
AT/ST
|
DF/RS
|
AIM
|
COU
|
DIS
|
Cost
|
|
|
Ashigaru
|
10
|
3
|
3/3
|
2/6
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
12
|
|
Ashigaru Archers
|
10
|
2
|
2/2
|
2/5
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
13
|
|
Sohei
|
10
|
3
|
3/5
|
4/7
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
20
|
|
Sohei Archers
|
10
|
3
|
3/3
|
3/6
|
3
|
5
|
4
|
23
|
|
Young Samurai
|
10
|
3
|
5/8
|
5/9
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
28
|
|
Samurai
|
10
|
4
|
6/8
|
6/9
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
35
|
|
Veteran Samurai
|
10
|
5
|
6/9
|
6/10
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
44
|
|
Samurai Cavalry
|
20
|
4
|
6/8
|
6/9
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
60
|
|
Ronin
|
10
|
4
|
6/8
|
5/7
|
-
|
6
|
4
|
26
|
|
Gunso
|
10
|
4
|
6/8
|
6/9
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
42
|
|
Shugenja
|
10
|
3
|
3/4
|
4/5
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
28
|
|
Monk
|
10
|
4
|
4/5
|
6/4
|
-
|
6
|
4
|
32
|
|
Signaler
|
10
|
2
|
2/3
|
3/5
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
21
|
|
Scout
|
10
|
3
|
3/3
|
3/4
|
3
|
5
|
4
|
21
|
|
Ninja/Saboteur
|
10
|
5
|
5/4
|
6/3
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
34
|
|
Yojimbo
|
10
|
5
|
6/7
|
6/7
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
40
|
UNIT DETAILS
- Ashigaru: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod.
- Ashigaru Archers: Bow 15/30/45 ST3
- Sohei: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. Fanaticism.
- Sohei Archers: Bow 20/40/60 ST4. Fanaticism.
- Young Samurai: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. Master Strike/0, Fanaticism
- Samurai: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. Can have bow if sword armed for +8 points. Aim 4 Bow 20/40/60 ST 6. Master Strike/0; Bravery, Fanaticism, War Fury.
- Veteran Samurai: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. Can have bow if sword armed for +8 points. Aim 4 Bow 20/40/60 ST 6. Master Strike/1; Bravery, Fanaticism, War Fury.
- Samurai Cavalry: profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. Can have bow if sword armed for +8 points. Aim 4 Bow 20/40/60 ST 6. Bravery, Fanaticism, Master Strike/0, War Horse. Charging Strength is +3.
- Ronin: Profile based on sword. Yari: +1 INI -1 ST; Naginata: -1 INI and +1 ST mod. War Fury, Brutal.
- Gunso (Sgt): Leadership 10, Master Strike/0; Bravery, Fine Blade
- Shugenja: Warrior Mage, Initiate, Cure/5. Power/Potential 2/2. Choice of one elemental path.
- Monk: Consciousness, Dodge, Ambidextrous. Choice of Kiho to Equip. Kihos use DIS check to activate. One Kiho per Monk.
- Signaler: Command group, Fanaticism
- Scout: Harassment, Scout. Bow 10/20/30 ST3.
- Ninja: Scout, Assassin, Dodge, Disengagement/6. Allows use of Ninja tactical cards. Pursuit moves made by the Ninja may use full movement if movement takes them away from targets.
- Yojimbo: Bravery, Consciousness, Counter-Attack, Duelist/1, Master Strike/0. A Yojimbo may intervene and accept a duel for another model within 10cm. If the Yojimbo loses the duel, both he and the original target are dishonored.
UNIT CLASSIFICATIONS
Confrontation has a system for classifying units, but that
doesn't come much into play-- there's no restrictions with the exception of #
of models and characters per 100. For the purposes of this system we'll break
things down into two sets of indicators: type and class. Type has three
categories: regular troops, elite models, and named characters. In reverse
order, named characters are obvious- they can be challenged and issue
challenges. Elite models include Yojimbo, Ninja, Monk, Shugenja, and Gunso;
they are also one model per card. These models may be challenged, but may not
issue challenges. Everything else is considered regular and may not be
challenged or issue challenges. They are up to three figures per card. Unless
otherwise noted, Clan Specialty units are regular.
The class breakdown only affects Named Characters and
Elites: Bushi or Non-Bushi. This is for determining the effects of declining a
challenge. Unless otherwise noted or affected by a tactical card, a challenge
by a member of one class may be declined by a member of the other class without
dishonor. The only requirement in this case is that the declining unit fall
back.
CLANS
For this we're only considering the seven major clans
(leaving aside Unaligned, Toturi's Army, Yoritomo's Alliance, and the Naga for
the moment). Shadowlands will be dealt with separately. To keep things simple
to start, each clan has five named characters as well as five specialty unit
types. This is still a skirmish game, so players can pick and choose what they
want, with the usual restrictions on number of models and characters per 100
points.
Crab
Personalities
Hida Kisada, giant warrior leader
Hida Yakomo, general and weapon breaker
Kuni Yori, shugenja-- Witch Hunter
Hiruma Kage-- scout and duelist
Hida O-Ushi--force duelist
Units
Kaiu Sappers
Witch Hunters-- anti Shadowlands and anti-Shugenja
Crab Berserkers
Hiruma Scouts-- fleet of foot
The Dammed-- tainted warriors (possessed)
Crane
Personalities
Doji Hoturi, commander and duelist
Daidoji Uji, hero and skirmisher
Kakita Toshimoko, master duelist and Emerald Champion
Asahina Tomo, shugenja
Doji Yosai, hero
Units
Daidoji Iron Legion- harriers and scouts
Kenshinzen-- iaijutsu students
Empress Guard-- heavy elite
Doji's Fan-- cavalry
Elite Archers
Dragon
Personalities
Mirumoto Hitomi-- warleader
Mirumoto Daini-- cavalry
Mirumoto Taki-- two weapon duelist
Togashi Mitsu-- tattooed monk
Agasha Tamori, shugenja
Units
Ize Zumi-- monks
Dragons Talons-- shock troops
Agasha Engineers
Dragon Scales-- heavy Infantry (no-dachi)
Mountaineers
Lion
Personalities
Akodo Kage-- sensei warrior
Matsu Tsuko-- Clan Champion
Ikoma Uijkai-- tactical master
Kitsu Tojo-- shugenja
Matsu Toshiro-- fear-causing
Units
Deathseekers- fear-causing
Imperial Sentinels-- anti-Scout
Lion's Pride-- heavy warriors
Ikoma Pikemen- anti-cav
Akodo Wardens-- tactical masters
Phoenix
Personalities
Isawa Takada, master of fire
Isawa Tomo, master of water
Isawa Kaede, mistress of Void
Shiba Tsukune, duelist
Shiba Ujimitsu, clan champion and soul of the Phoenix
Units
Void Guard, light and courageous infantry, bonus from
Shugenja
Hurricane Initiates, archers
Firestorm, magical infantry
Avalanche Guard, heavy infantry
Tsunami Legion, magically sped infantry
Scorpion
Personalities
Bayushi Tangen, Duelist
Bayushi Togai, General
Soshi Bantaro, Shugenja
Bayushi Aramoro, Ninja Warrior
Bayushi Tomaru, Hero
Units
Bayushi House Guard
Shoshoro Spies (Ninja scouts)
Black Cabal-- relatively fearless
Scorpion's Strike (Specialty spearmen)
Bayushi Ambushers (archers, smoke casters)
Unicorn
Personalties
Otaku Kamoko, Battle Maiden
Iuchi Karasu, shugenja and duelist
Iuchi Dairya, master of deflection
Otaku Baiken, Gunso and Infantry master
Shinjo Yasoma, terrain master
Units
Battlemaidens, elite light mounted samurai
Moto Fanatics, berserkers
Striders, mounted scouts
Otaku Archers, footbraced archers
Shinjo's Thunder, heavy cavalry
DUELING
Character models (including Gunso and Shugenja) may
challenge another character to a duel. If challenging within the same class--
i.e. Samurai types vs. Samurai or Shugenja vs. Shugenja-- then the targeted
model may decline, but will be dishonored. Dishonored models suffer a minus -1
penalty, as if having taken a Light Wound. They must also immediately fall back
a full move away from the personality who issued the challenge. If the model
who declined has the Leadership ability, they may no longer use it for the rest
of the battle. If a model is challenged outside of their class-- i.e. Samurai
vs. Shugenja or Monk, etc, then the target may decline without being
dishonored, but must fall back their standard move away from the challenger.
A duel challenge may be issued on a model's activation, and
may be issued to a legal target within 20cm. The challenger may make a normal
move before challenging, but cannot cast spells, fire, charge or run before
issuing a challenge. The target must be within the challenger's line of sight.
If the duel is declined, the challenger may make a standard move (not run) but
may not charge or engage a model.
Dueling is a contest of INI between two models (Shugenja's
operate a little differently and I'll come to that). The challenged model has
the first choice of Focus or Strike. If the challenged model focuses, then he
may add an additional die to his roll in the contest. The challenger then has
the option to focus or strike. This continues, until either one model chooses
to strike or each model has focused the maximum of three times. Both duelists
roll one die + INI + one additional die for each Focus action they took. Any
dice which come up ones are ignored and not added in. The results are compared
and the winner is the duelist with the highest result. The loser takes a wound
with ST equal to twice the difference of the rolls. The minimum wound which may
be dealt is a Light Wound. In the case of a tie, both combatants take a wound
equal to the average ST of the two combatants. The loser of a duel must fall
back a distance equal to their move and make a DIS or be routed. If the loser
had not yet activated this turn, they may attempt to rally on their action, but
that is the only action they may take. In the case of a tie, both parties are
considered losers.
Shugenja may duel using their INI or their POW. If a
shugenja has unspent mana, he may spend mana to raise his POW for purposes of a
duel, at a rate of one for +1. At most he can double his POW. In the case of a
tie use the Shugenja's temp POW to determine damage.
If a personality wins a duel against a target of either
greater point cost or no more than 10% lower, he gains a +1 to his next Attack
and Defense roll.
Certain traits assist in a duel. If a character has the
Fencer or Fine Blade ability he may add plus one to the final results of a
duel. The new ability Duelist/X allows a play to add a bonus to his dueling
test equal to X. Additional, a duelist may reroll one of his dice in a duel.
TACTICAL CARDS
Certain personalities have the ability Tactician/X. This
allows that model to purchase special tactical advantages before the game
begins. The most tactical cards a Tactician may have is equal to X. There are
three types of tactical cards: Action, Reaction, and Terrain. Terrain cards are
played at the start of the game-- only one terrain may be in effect on a
battlefield. Terrain cards represent a leader's ability to control where and
when a battle is being fought. If more than one commander attempts to play a
terrain card, the winner of a DIS (plus their Tactician value) contest may play
theirs and the opponent's is discarded.
Action cards are played when a leader activates and affect
listed unit or units for that turn only. Some affects require a DIS+Tactician
test to activate. If this roll is failed, discard the card without effect. A
leader may not be engaged when activating a tactical card and may not charge on
the same round. Reaction cards interrupt and affect specific events. They may
not be used if the leader is engaged in combat. All reaction cards require a
DIS+Tactician test to activate.
Brainstorming for Tactical Cards
- Fog- first turn no ranged attacks?
- Traps
- Treacherous Terrain—slowing units for a turn
- Cover
- Canceling other cards
- Temporarily granting a particular ability-- up tosix versions of this would give 20 cards.
- Temporary increase in range
- Cancel duel
- Cancel duel refusal
- Reserve Movement--bonus move if at least X distance away from enemy unit
- Negate Ability
- Honor's Virtue-- rehonor a dishonored personality
- Strategic Mastery-- use when you've lost initiative, choose the first melee to be resolved
- Rally early
Tactical Cards for Clans
Crab:
Increasing bonus for a charge (as Amok Slayers)
Negate Item for a turn
Anti-Shadowlands
Banzai Charge if multiple foes engage and kill a foe, all
may make pursuit moves
Crane:
Just in Time Item
Increased effect for successful duel
Coordinated Fire
Healing
Dragon:
Increase duel challenge range
Kharmic Strike-- duel is a tie
Assign Nemesis
Peasant Inspiration-- bonus for Ashigaru
Lion:
Increasing Force required for a charge penalty
No Mercy- model which fails fear test when beihng charged
must remain in place
Martyr-- spot a dead model to give other models within range
a bonus
Price of caution target a model and reduce Courage for a
turn
Phoenix:
Enhance spell as if X amount of additional mana was expended
Reduce Spell Difficulty
Beyond Your mastery-- after shugenja casts a spell, must
make a test or not be able to cast same spell for rest of game
Increase Spell Frequency
Scorpion:
Force Reserve
Blackmail-- cause a dishonor penalty
Strategic Retreat
Distraction in duel
Unicorn:
Fleet of Foot non-cav gain temp move bonus
Fatigue (terrain card) first turn penalty
Keep ST/Charge bonus for pursuit
Countercharge
OK, forty listed above-- assuming four per clan, plus twelve
generic. Since ability grant is open ended, can cut a few of these out of here.
ITEMS
Should again be a pool of general items for them to pick
from. Also each clan would have like three items specific to them. In the case
of the Dragon, these would include tattoos. Need to balance out having more
items with a reduction elsewhere-- perhaps in the tactical cards or access to
generic items.
Ideas for generic items: Mempo of Fear, Armor of Various
Types-- in most cases granting abilities, Ancestral Swords-- as Fine Weapon
plus some. Items for tackling Shadowlands (Crystal Katana, Jade Bow). One shot
ranged attacks (ala Shuriken of serpents). Various Clan bits-- Jade Stones for
Crab, Nageteppo for Scorpion, etc.
GENERAL BRAINSTORMING NOTES
Basic set of common units:
Gunso (basic guy, leadership). Perhaps for each clan, they
would have a special ability related to their clan. Crane might have Duelist,
Crab might have hard boiled, Lion might have War Fury, Phoenix might have an
Aim bonus; Scorpion might have Ninja, Unicorn would be on Horseback and Dragon
would have Consciousness. For the moment we’ll leave out: Shadowlands, Toturi’s
Army, Naga, and
Each has a basic profile. That profile assumes a sword.
Modifers based on the other types of weapons: Yari or Naginata (IN+, ST-, +vCav
or IN-, ST+). No-Dachi can be bought as an item for a character. Samurai can be
bowmen if the player pays a # of extra points?
Each clan then has a half-dozen characters, at least two
shugenja, one misc, and three warriors (in rising levels of cost).
A few unaligned type characters as well (mercenary).
Each should also have four special units.
Tactician cards are prepurchased effects. There should be
like 8-12 basic ones, and maybe 4-6 per clan.
OTHER MATERIALS TO
DEVELOP
*Clan Personalities
*Clan Specialty Units
*Minor Variation Clan Figures (Gunso, etc)
*Shadowlands Models List
-Oni (minor, standard, major)
-Goblins and Ogres
-Skeletons
-Necromancer and Maho Personalties
-Named Oni Monsters
-Tainted Magic
*Basic spells in the five elements-- should be in part
adaptable from the Confrontation spell list.
*Tactician Cards-- basic and for the various clans
*Details on items.
