Timeline
Earlier I have written quite a bit about the timeline of L5R, I'll try to avoid repeating my qualms about the the history after 1st edition.
The timeline presented in the book is very brief. They do not dwell on it. Since I have read a lot about the setting in previous editions this is fine with me. Though I suspect that a player new to L5R would want much more details about the history of the empire.
Setting
The setting is presented very nicely. With enough details to make it playable for new players. They introduce most of the cultural aspect in a very satisfying way. A good piece of work.
System
At a glance the system is identical to that of the previous edition, but when one look closer there are a lot of small improvements and changes. Recognizing a person based on glory and gauging a persons honor was always very difficult in 3rd edition. Now there is a much better system using a regular skill roll for each of them. Duels have been made simpler, with fewer rolls. I'm not certain that this is an improvement, but it is at least much less confusing.
With out being extremely familiar with all the school technique I believe that the essence of them has been kept. The biggest change to a single school that I noticed is that Kakita now has to learn Kenjutsu, as they can no longer substitute it with Iaijutsu. Aside from this the techniques are much better explained, and in many case less complicated. Which is good.
Some other changes are
- Kata can be activated in combat.
- Void is more expensive to buy than other stats.
- Shugenja can now attempt to convince the spirits to let him cast a spell that he does not know the proper prayer for.
- Clearly states that shugenja and courtier can be combined. Also that bushi and courtier can be combined.
- More combat stands with more flexibility.
