Character Creation
Character creation follows the basic rules outlined in the Fourth Edition Legend of the Five Rings core book. The mechanics in the Book of Fire are allowed with only a few modifications or Restricted items.
The Tamori Family and Shugenja School in the Dragon section are renamed to "Agasha". Additionally, while the Family bonus remains the same, the School bonus becomes Intelligence, and the School has an Affinity for Fire and a Deficiency for Water. They recieve Sense, Commune, Summon, 3 Fire, 2 Earth, and 1 Air for their spells. Apart from that, the School remains the same (Technique, Outfit, etc).
The Togashi Tattooed Order School is Restricted. The Hoshi and Hitomi families are active in this setting, but will be dealt with as being mechanically identical to Togashi.
The Kitsune are not a Mantis Clan family.
The Shosuro Infiltrator School is Restricted.
The following Advantages are Restricted: Allies, Blackmail, Blissful Betrothal, Dark Paragon, Darling of the Court, Different School, Forbidden Knowledge, Friend of the Brotherhood, Gentry, Great Destiny, Higher Purpose, Inheritance, Inner Gift, Ishiken, Multiple Schools, Sacred Weapon, Sacrosanct, Servent, and Touch of the Spirit Realm.
The Different School Advantage carries with it (for no additional points) an Obligation to the Clan of the School taken by the character.
The Kharmic Tie Advantage may only be taken for another PC; selecting an NPC requires express permission from the Campaign Admin.
The following Disadvantages are Restricted: Bad Fortune, Bitter Betrothal, Consumed, Cursed by the Realm, Dark Fate, Dependant, Forced Retirement, Hostage, Jealousy, Lord Moon's Curse, and Sworn Enemy.
PCs may take Obligation at character creation, but must select an entire Clan or faction that can call in the favor that is owed.
Additionally, no Advantage or Disadvantage may be taken multiple times unless it specifically has ranks.
Different school is now added to the restricted list as a result of the recent conflicts between clans. If your pc already had it prior to Gencon 2011 you are fine. After that, the clans are looking closer at who they trained...
All mechanics in the Book of Water are Restricted. This does include ronin and Minor Clans, as well as Imperial samurai and monks - the games focus is on Clan samurai from the Great Clans, and some minor effort at least will be asked from players for these extra options.
From Enemies of the Empire:
The "Inheritance - Trained Falcon" and "Shadowed Heart" Advantages are allowed as written, but any other mechanics are Restricted.
From Emerald Empire:
The following schools are open for play:
Shinjo Bushi, Doji Magistrate, Soshi Magistrate, Mirumoo Taoist Swordsman
All other mechanics in Emerald Empire are Restricted, and will only be allowed with Campaign Admin approval and an accompanying cert.
From Great Clans:
The following schools are open for play:
Kakita Artisan Basic School, Mantis Brawler Basic School, Yoritomo Shugenja Basic School, Yogo Wardmaster Basic School, Moto Vindicator Basic School.
The Heartless Advantage is open to play without restriction.
The following mechanics are available to play with minimal restriction followng normal campaign guidelines:
Kaiu Engineer Basic School (much of it requires Crafting certs, particularly at the higher levels) Matsu Beastmaster (the cert will include the campaign's stats for warcats, and the fact that the animals are simply not appropriate to a significant number of situations needs addressed)
The following mechanics from "the Great Clans" are available with restriction, following the normal campaign guidelines:
Kuni Witch-Hunter Basic School (the Rank One Technique needs modification, and the cert for the School will include the change) Daidoji Scout (the cert for the School will include modifications to the Rural Trap rules)
Tsuruchi Bounty Hunter Basic School (will require modification to the higher-level Techniques)
Void Versatility Advantage (is already Restricted by requiring another Restricted Advantage)
Meishodo Shugenja Basic School (the Technique will use the Crafting Rules, and be modified slightly otherwise)
The Advanced Schools, Alternate Paths, and Kata follow the same guidelines as established for the campaign's Restricted items.
As there are no mechanics for the Vassal Families, there are no campaign restrictions in place for them. It is suggested that players be aware of the timeline and research the foundation of any vassal family they are interested in before using this as inspiration for their character's background.
Banned Items All Spider clan schools and paths
the Kenku swordsman school (EoE)
Ikoma Lion's Shadow school (EE)
The "Enlightened Madness" Disadvantage, (GC)
"Asako Henshin" Basic School (GC)
"Shosuro Actor" Basic School (GC)
(The Disadvantage may see play in NPCs, but neither of these Schools will be utilized even for NPCs.)
Ancestors will remain unused in the campaign, as will the Heritage Tables.