Rating: [ 5 / 10.00 ]

Game Info

Title  Way of the Open Hand
Authors  Shawn Carman, Kim Hosmer, Seth Mason, Aaron Medwin, Rich Wulf
Book Type  Background: General
Rank: [ 314 / 788 ]
Genre  Fantasy / Oriental
Setting  Rokugan
Series 

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Game Summary

Martial arts are a way of life in Rokugan. Though the samurai and his art of the sword are the most obvious example of this, many other styles of combat co-exist, many relying on no weapon whatsoever. In countless dojos across the Empire, sensei instruct their students in ancient forms of martial arts. A true master can defeat any foe without use of a sword - but mastery is a long, difficult path.

Way of the Open Hand is the ultimate guide to unarmed combat for the Legend of the Five Rings role-playing game and Rokugan d20. The history of the Brotherhood of Shinsei and their unique master of the martial arts is explored in detail, as well as the secret martial styles of each of the Great Clans. Like much of Rokugan, what is presented here is rooted in real world tradition but given the distinctive, fantastic Rokugani flair.

  • Introduces numerous unarmed fighting styles used by the Great Clans.
  • Details the history and tradition of the Brotherhood of Shinsei.
  • Rokugani fighting styles draw inspiration from real life history, Asian myth, and popular culture to create fresh, exciting, and playable martial arts experience.
  • Though designed specifically for an L5R game, the styles and abilities presented in this book can be adapted to any d20 fantasy setting.

Game Editions

Notes on Editions
There are 2 editions of Way of the Open Hand. Click on an individual title, below, for more information on that edition.

Game Editions

# Title System Publisher Released Stock Status
1 Way of the Open HandLegend of the Five Rings 2AEG 2003 3042 ---
2 Way of the Open Handd20 3AEG 2003 3042 ---

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Rating User Comments
5 / 10NarcisistaDoesn't really detail monks, just adds another sub-system for martial arts. Not terrible. Nothing to write home about either...

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