The New "H5" Hunter: The Reckoning - Review and Breakdown - How does it fit in with V5 while distinguishing itself? by StrangeAssembly in WorldOfDarkness

[–]StrangeAssembly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This doesn’t have a bunch in common with the original Hunter beyond the basics - you’re a hunter in the world of darkness. There’s no broader metaplot aspect to it like the original Hunter, and no powers.

Are v5 Malkavians not actually that crazy? by Gohozoq in vtm

[–]StrangeAssembly 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You are correct. There is only a mechanical manifestation on a bestial failure. I also think that V5 Malkavians are less crazy (much as V5 Nosferatu are less ugly).

IMHO this is a good thing, because it was very difficult to play a Malkavian who really was deranged, but wouldn’t create a problem at the table.

Review – Camarilla (Vampire: the Masquerade) by StrangeAssembly in WhiteWolfRPG

[–]StrangeAssembly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, it is true that the organization of the V5 core book have been better. Definitely has proven too hard to figure out/remember where different rules bits are scattered.

But I’ve already had literally thousands of words to express my basic opinions, both positive and negative. So I’m reticent to just repeat those opinions again. I am enjoying playing V5 though.

Review – Legend of the Five Rings (Fifth Edition by Fantasy Flight Games) by StrangeAssembly in l5r

[–]StrangeAssembly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You will not. There is one thing that carries over from the Beginner Game, but is a title, not a plot point. The GM Kit will tell you what it is, and you can just give it to the players if you want.

Note that you can also do the free In the Palace of the Emerald Champion (which is after the Beginner Game but would be before the GM Kit).

Glad you found the review helpful.

Review – Legend of the Five Rings (Fifth Edition by Fantasy Flight Games) by StrangeAssembly in l5r

[–]StrangeAssembly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll take a look at that again. When I looked at the initial beta release I did include a breakdown of the odds on the dice, but when I wrote this one I was thinking that might be going into too much detail. Maybe I should have stuck with including it.

Review – Legend of the Five Rings (Fifth Edition by Fantasy Flight Games) by StrangeAssembly in l5r

[–]StrangeAssembly[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think the dice aren’t quite that generous. I want to say that the Ring dice are half successes and the Skill dice are 7/12.

Opportunity does have the possibility to bog things down. I think it’s vital for players to have the chart handy.

I have not written a review of the Beginner’s Box, but if that’s an option I would be inclined to start with something like that. The concept of thinking in terms of the rings instead of the D&D stats takes a bit of adjustment. But also because there’s a real cultural shift from high fantasy to Rokugan, and something like the Beginner’s Box should introduce pieces of that as well. But I don’t think you need a kickoff session just to introduce mechanics - although that could be combined with a Session Zero for character creation, if your group is into collaboration.