Ryuutama is a Japanese tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) that stands out for its unique focus on travel, storytelling, and the beauty of everyday life within a fantasy setting. Often described as “Hayao Miyazaki’s Oregon Trail,” Ryuutama emphasizes the journey over the destination, the small moments over epic battles, and the growth of characters through their travels and experiences.
The Heart of Ryuutama: Travel and Storytelling At its core, Ryuutama is about the stories that unfold on the road. Players take on the roles of ordinary people who embark on a journey for various reasons: it could be a rite of passage, a trade expedition, or simply a desire to see the world. The game encourages players to delve into the details of their travels, from the changing weather and seasons to the challenges of securing food and managing supplies.
The Ryuujin: More Than Just a Game Master In Ryuutama, the traditional role of the Game Master (GM) is transformed into the Ryuujin, or “Dragon Person.” The Ryuujin is a guardian figure who watches over the travelers, offering assistance and recording their stories. Each Ryuujin is associated with a specific color and season, which influences the type of stories they nurture. For example, a Green Ryuujin might encourage tales of growth and life, while a Red Ryuujin might favor stories of love and passion.
Mechanics That Foster Creativity and Cooperation Ryuutama’s mechanics are designed to support its themes of travel and narrative. Character creation is straightforward, with classes like Farmers, Merchants, and Hunters, each bringing unique skills to the group. The game’s rules for travel, camping, and weather are robust, encouraging players to think creatively and work together to overcome obstacles.
Combat and Conflict: A Different Approach While Ryuutama includes combat, it’s not the game’s focus. Conflicts often arise from the environment or the journey itself, rather than from battles with monsters. When combat does occur, it’s resolved through simple, intuitive mechanics that keep the story moving.
The World of Ryuutama: A Living, Breathing Fantasy The setting of Ryuutama is a pastoral fantasy world, where dragons and nature spirits abound. The world is alive and ever-changing, with the actions of the players and the whims of the Ryuujin shaping the landscape and its inhabitants.
Art and Aesthetics: A Visual Feast One of the most striking aspects of Ryuutama is its art style. The illustrations are reminiscent of classic Japanese RPGs and anime, full of charm and whimsy. The book itself is a work of art, inviting players to immerse themselves in its pages.
Community and Support: A Game That Grows With You The Ryuutama community is active and welcoming, with resources available for new and experienced players alike. From forums and social media groups to fan-made supplements and adventures, there’s a wealth of support for those looking to dive into the game.
Why Ryuutama Stands Out Ryuutama is a TTRPG that offers something different. It’s a game that celebrates the small moments, the bonds between characters, and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a veteran role-player looking for a change of pace or a newcomer to TTRPGs drawn to its inviting world, Ryuutama offers a refreshing experience that’s as heartwarming as it is engaging.
