The Mountain Witch
In this influential indie multiplayer RPG, play as one of a group of secretive ronin hired to seek out and kill the dreaded Mountain Witch of Mt. Fuji. Guided by a Dark Fate, each ronin explores the mountain and moves closer to their goal all while keeping an eye on their fellow travelers as the game uses a unique “Trust points” system to shape the course of the adventure.
Description
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In The Mountain Witch, players take on the role of ronin in mythical, feudal Japan. Outcast and unemployed, these samurai accept a deal that no one else would take—to assault and kill the dreaded O-Yanma, the Mountain Witch of Mt Fuji. But haunted by the past and by dark fortune, these characters very quickly find themselves trapped in desperate circumstances.
The Mountain Witch implements a “play to discover your character” approach which encourages character development during gameplay sessions. To guide the narrative, each character is assigned a secret “Dark Fate,” which creates an ulterior motive for the ronin, and a Zodiac sign for character inspiration. The ronin can expend “Trust points” to either help or betray other characters in future Conflicts. Led by a Game Master, players develop their characters, journey through the lowlands and mountain terrain of Mt. Fuji, battle minions of the Mountain Witch, and guard their own secrets. The ultimate drama of the game comes not from battling the Mountain Witch and his minions but from the mounting tension between characters which grows during this journey. In the closing acts of the game, players reveal the Dark Fates which have been guiding their course throughout the quest, corner the Mountain Witch, and feel the consequences of their characters’ choices.
Originally written for the Game Chef RPG design contest in April 2004 held at The Forge website, The Mountain Witch has become a landmark in the world of indie RPGs. This revised edition provides streamlined play advice and explanations for a smoother gameplay experience.
Funded by BackerKit.
An Art & System: Games for Expanded Play Series Game from Central Michigan University Press.
Specifications
Components
- 8.5 x 5.5″ hardcover format, 172 pages
- New play advice, techniques, and streamlined rules language for revised edition
- Appendices full of world-building material
- Instructions for playing a shortened version
- Players drive the direction of the story
- “Trust points” mechanic allows players to help or betray their fellow ronin
- Gameplay proceeds in Kishōtenketsu four-act storytelling structure
- Companion game box
- 18 gameplay cards
- 12 d6 dice
- 150 punchboard game tokens
Credits
Designer: Timothy Kleinert first began role-playing when he was only seven years old, playing a “kiddie” version of Dungeons & Dragons with a (Thundercats inspired) warrior named Liono. Today, beyond his game design and publishing experience with the influential RPG The Mountain Witch, he is a loving husband and father, living in Chicago as part of an intentional community. As a member of that organization, he performs a variety of tasks to help support those around him.
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