ePub A Unique Flight by Michael Nelmes in History

Description

Ronin is a set of skirmish wargame rules set in late 16th century feudal Japan. Players build small warbands of models and battle each other as well as non-player factions in duels and skirmishes. Ronin is historically accurate; but also pays tribute to the films of Akira Kurosawa such as Seven Samurai and Yojimbo.Despite the enduring popularity of this period; there are very few widely available historical samurai skirmish wargames rules sets. Figures for the period are increasingly available; particularly from Perry Miniatures (very high quality 28mm metal); Wargames Factory (plastic 28mm box sets) and Zvezda (1/72 plastic). Ronin seeks to fill this void with an enjoyable system that is easy and cheap to take up. Gameplay is based upon a d6 system that forces players to make tactical decisions about attack and defence; simulating the cut and thrust of hand-to-hand combat.There are numerous player factions; from Samurai and Ashigaru; the professional soldiers of the period; to Buddhist warrior monks; martial arts schools; and bandits.There are also swords for hire such as Ronin and ninja that players can hire to augment their warband.Players design their warband using a points system; and assign each model weapons; armour and martial skills. Weapons include the yari (pike/spear); naginata (pole arm); yumi (bow); arquebus and of course the katana and its variants. Specialist skills allow a model to undertake various special actions (for example; arrow-cutter provides additional defence against bow fire) or increases the proficiency of the model with a specific weapon.As well as straight warband-on-warband battles; there are specific scenarios; some of them linked to provide a loose narrative. Gameplay is based upon a d6 system that forces players to make tactical decisions about attack and defence; simulating the cut and thrust of hand-to-hand combat. One scenario features the warband defending a notable person from attack by ninjas; another the defence of a village against bandits. There are also campaign rules that allow for the development of a warband in terms of gaining new skills and equipment and planning on-going battles against other players. Finally; very simple guidelines for running a tournament are included.