Ryuutama: Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and Oregon Trail Review

Today we jump into the world of “Ryuutama” created by Astushiro Okada. Welcome to our TTRPG series on All Ages of Geek where we dive into different worlds you can immerse yourself in, and mechanics you can master.

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"Cover of Ryuutama: Natural Fantasy Role Play, featuring a detailed illustration of two adventurers with a dog. The adventurers, one with a blue hat and another with a staff, are surrounded by a decorative border with various fantasy elements. The title 'Ryuutama' is prominently displayed at the top with smaller text 'natural fantasy role play' below it. The names Okada, Sanchez, and Kitkowski are listed at the bottom." — Cover for “Ryuutama” : Natural Fantasy Role Play

Introduction to “Ryuutama“

Ryuutama, a masterpiece developed by Atsuhiro Okada, beckons players into a realm where the ordinary intertwines with the extraordinary. Often described as “Hayao Miyazaki’s Oregon Trail,” this tabletop role-playing game melds the enchanting narratives of Miyazaki’s films with the pioneering spirit of Oregon Trail. At its heart, Ryuutama is a journey of exploration and discovery, emphasizing the wonders of travel over the rigors of combat.

The World of “Ryuutama“

"A detailed illustration from Ryuutama featuring a serene Ryuujin character with wings and antlers, writing with a quill at a desk. The Ryuujin is holding a dragon egg, surrounded by books and a lit candelabra, with a background scroll depicting adventurers on a journey."

Setting and Atmosphere

In the world of Ryuutama, players step into the shoes of humble villagers—bakers, farmers, healers—who abandon their mundane lives to traverse a land brimming with enchantment and mystery. This RPG shuns the typical fantasy tropes of wizards and warriors, instead offering a canvas where minstrels, merchants, hunters, artisans, and nobles take center stage. The game is a celebration of storytelling and exploration, where each journey unfolds with a sense of wonder and heartwarming simplicity.

Mechanisms of Adventure

Ryuutama employs a light yet elegant rules system that uses polyhedral dice, where the unpredictability of the dice roll fuels the narrative. The game master, known as the “Ryuujin,” plays a pivotal role, both nurturing and challenging the players. This half-dragon character remains a subtle presence, guiding the story with spells and abilities while orchestrating the adventures from behind the scenes.

"A dynamic black-and-white illustration showing a lively battle scene from the tabletop RPG Ryuutama. The artwork features a group of adventurers in action: a warrior brandishing a sword, a mage casting a spell with a staff, and other characters using various weapons and tools. They are engaged in combat with fantastical creatures, drawn with expressive detail and whimsical energy. The scene is filled with motion, star-like effects indicating impacts, and speech bubbles adding a playful narrative element."

“Ryuutama” Gameplay and Mechanics

Travel and Experience

Experience in Ryuutama is not gained through the slaying of beasts but through the trials and triumphs of travel. Characters earn their stripes by braving harsh climates, navigating treacherous terrains, and discovering new locales. Each journey is an opportunity for growth, a testament to the resilience and determination of these unlikely heroes.

"A black-and-white illustration from Ryuutama depicting a group of adventurers in a forest. The characters are shown consulting maps, resting, and interacting with their animal companions under a sunny sky, reflecting their journey and camaraderie."

Seasonal Magic

Magic in Ryuutama is intertwined with the seasons, each spell designed to solve problems creatively rather than to dominate foes. This seasonal magic breathes life into the game, infusing each adventure with a touch of the fantastical.

Combat and Collaboration

Combat, when it occurs, is straightforward and engaging, utilizing a console-style “Front/Back Line Battle Mat.” However, the true essence of Ryuutama lies in the collaborative creation of the world. Players actively participate in shaping the towns and landscapes their characters explore, ensuring that everyone has a personal stake in the unfolding narrative.

"A black-and-white Ryuutama character stat sheet showcasing four main attributes: Strength (STR) with a die value of d6 and an icon of a cat lifting a weight, Dexterity (DEX) with a die value of d4 and an icon of a cat with a bird, Intelligence (INT) with a die value of d6 and an icon of a cat reading a book, and Spirit (SPT) with a die value of d8 and an icon of a cat with a crystal."

Fumbles and Bonuses

Even in failure, Ryuutama finds a way to turn setbacks into future advantages. Critical fumbles may hinder a character temporarily, but they also grant a bonus to a future roll, encouraging players to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Creating and Customizing the World of “Ryuutama“

Collaborative World-Building

World-building in Ryuutama is a communal effort. A world creation sheet is passed around, with each player contributing a fact that helps shape the setting. This collaborative process ensures that every player feels invested in the world they are exploring.

Roles and Diaries

Players can assume specific roles such as Leader, Mapper, Quartermaster, and Diary-Keeper. Keeping a diary of a character’s thoughts and experiences not only enriches the story but also earns the player experience points, blending narrative depth with gameplay mechanics.

"A vibrant, colorful illustration featuring a gathering of dragons around a central, intricate structure. The scene includes red, blue, green, and black dragons, each representing different elements. At the top, an ancient tree grows, symbolizing life and wisdom, while an ornate hourglass with golden phoenixes sits at the bottom, depicting the passage of time and rebirth. The background showcases a serene landscape, blending seamlessly with the fantasy elements, creating a harmonious and enchanting tableau."

The Ryuujin’s Role

Dual Role of the GM

The Ryuujin, or game master, embodies a unique dual role. As both the scenario writer and the offscreen guide, the Ryuujin crafts the challenges players face while also offering subtle support. This duality creates a rich, dynamic storytelling environment.

Types of Ryuujin

Ryuutama offers four types of Ryuujin, each guiding the story towards different thematic focuses:

Green Dragon: Classical adventure, journeys, and new experiences.
Blue Dragon: Friendship, love, and human drama.
Red Dragon: Competition, war, and monster hunting.
Black Dragon: Suspense, conspiracy, and tragedy.

"A black-and-white diagram of a battlefield map used in the Ryuutama tabletop RPG. The map is oval-shaped and divided into various areas: Companion Back Area, Front Area, Enemy Back Area, and an Initiative track at the bottom. The front areas are separated by a jagged line, indicating the division between the companions and enemies. There are object slots numbered 1 to 5 on both sides of the map, which likely represent different elements or items used during the game."

Personal Experience with “Ryuutama“

Engaging with Ryuutama is akin to stepping into a world where every journey is filled with wonder and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The first foray into this enchanting RPG was nothing short of magical. There was a particular adventure where a humble baker, a diligent farmer, and a kind-hearted healer embarked on a quest to find a rare medicinal herb. The journey was fraught with unexpected weather changes, each roll of the dice adding a new twist to the tale. The collaborative world-building session prior to the adventure was a revelation, with each player contributing unique elements that enriched the world.

The moment that stands out the most is when the party faced a perilous mountain pass during a snowstorm. The dice rolls were unkind, leading to a critical fumble that left the healer with a twisted ankle. Instead of derailing the adventure, this setback became a poignant moment of camaraderie as the baker and the farmer rallied to support their friend. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching their destination, herb in hand, was sweet and rewarding, proof to the game’s ability to blend light-hearted adventures with profound storytelling.

Thematic Depth and Emotional Resonance with “Ryuutama“

Ryuutama excels in weaving thematic richness and emotional depth into its gameplay. It tackles themes such as wanderlust, community, and personal growth, turning each adventure into a journey of self-discovery. The collaborative storytelling ensures that every player is deeply invested in the narrative, creating a shared experience that resonates long after the game session ends.

"A black-and-white illustration of a serene and composed character with dragon wings, holding a book. Behind them, a majestic dragon hovers with outstretched wings. The character is dressed in elaborate, medieval-inspired robes, adorned with intricate patterns and a cross. The image conveys a sense of fantasy and mysticism, emphasizing the close bond between the character and the dragon."

"A detailed black-and-white illustration featuring two travelers and a dog. The male traveler is tall, wearing a hat and carrying a large backpack filled with supplies and plants. The female traveler, shorter in stature, holds a staff and is dressed warmly with a hood. The loyal dog, standing beside them, wears a scarf and appears ready for the journey. The image exudes a sense of adventure and camaraderie."

Is “Ryuutama” the TTRPG for You?

Ryuutama is an ideal choice for those seeking a TTRPG that prioritizes narrative and exploration over combat. It offers a heartwarming, collaborative experience that is both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for seasoned role-players. The blend of simple mechanics, rich storytelling, and communal world-building makes Ryuutama a standout in the world of tabletop RPGs.

"A detailed black-and-white illustration of a group of adventurers playing a tabletop role-playing game. The adventurers, including a variety of characters like a bard with a lute, a wizard, and a knight, are gathered around a table filled with game books, character sheets, and dice. A large dragon hovers in the background, and a dog sits near the table, interacting with one of the characters. The scene captures the lively and imaginative atmosphere of a fantasy RPG session."

Play “Ryuutama“

Get ready to embark on your own journey in the world of Ryuutama. More information can be found on the Ryuutama page.

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Bailey Harris

Bailey, born in 1988, is a passionate and analytical writer specializing in TTRPGs, MMORPGs, and Light Novels. Known for descriptive and meticulously detailed reviews, Bailey's work serves as a valuable resource for research. His love for geography shines through in vivid descriptions of maps and locations. Bailey's articles immerse readers in the intricate worlds of games and novels.