Ronin

Set in an age of feuding samurai, wandering swordsmen and fearless warrior monks, Ronin is a skirmish wargame that captures the flavour and excitement of such Akira Kurosawa films as Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. Whether they prefer the loyal samurai retainers of a feudal lord or a horde of desperate bandits, players choose from one of several factions and build forces to battle for dominance and survival in 16th-century Japan. They may also recruit swords-for-hire to supplement their forces – masterless ronin, martial arts masters and secretive ninja will lend their skills to any commander who can afford them. A full points system, incorporating a wide range of equipment and skills, allows for detailed customisation of characters, while scenarios and a campaign system permit them to gain experience and develop over time. The fast-paced rules simulate the cut and thrust of hand-to-hand combat and require the player to make tactical decisions in the middle of a fight, immersing them in an era of war.

• Setting & Theme: 

  Set in the tumultuous feudal Japan of the 16th century, the game captures the atmosphere of classic samurai films. 
• Gameplay: 

  It’s a skirmish game where players control a small warband (buntai) of 5-20 models. 
• Factions: 

  Players can command various forces, including samurai, Ashigaru (foot soldiers), warrior monks, martial arts schools, or bandits. 
• Customisation: 

  A points-based system allows players to design their warbands, assigning equipment and skills to individual models. 
• Dice System: 

  A simple d6 system governs attacks and defenses, creating tactical decisions during hand-to-hand combat. 
• Morale: 

  Units can become “wavering” or “routing” under pressure, affecting their ability to act and potentially leading them to leave the battlefield. 
• Scenarios & Campaigns: 

  The game includes scenarios for different objectives and a campaign system for warband development and ongoing battles.