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.
