Edo's Prisoners

The game is set during the middle of the Edo period, some time after Tokugawa Iemitsu has instituted the Sankin Kotai. This policy of Alternate Attendance meant that Japan’s feudal lords, the Daimyos, were required to split their time between their home domains and the capital. Their families were required to remain in Edo where they could easily be arrested or executed should the Daimyo attempt to rebel against the Shogunate.

Players will each be a close family member of a mid-level Daimyo living in Edo as one of these political prisoners ensuring their family’s loyalty. Play revolves around a story-centric PvP experience, characters will be in conflict but players should not be. It may be helpful to think of this game less like an adventure simulator and more like a soap opera generator. Courtly intrigue and interpersonal drama are the order of the day. Violence is extremely deadly in this game and it is recommended you use it as a last resort.

Players are encouraged to take big swings, prioritizing drama and their characters' emotional life over cautious strategic play. Two key philosophies, borrowed from Nordic LARP, that will serve you well, especially when used together are Play to Lose and Play to Lift.

The Game Master is encouraged to let the players’ stories drive the narrative as much as possible. Your job is not to bring the story so much as it is to stir the pot and keep it moving.

Also, there’s poetry. No really, you write poems in this game. Not just your character, you.

Note: this game is still a prototype/beta version.