I was fortunate enough to be able to help fund the Kickstarter campaign for this book. It has exceeded my expectations.

The basic premise is a variant of FATE set in Japan. The book builds on the system introduced in John Wick's Houses of the Blooded and Blood and Honor. AWOD is virtually identical to B&H, but the focus of the setting changes from Sengoku-era warring samurai clans to the later Meiji era. The players can come from any place on the social spectrum, from the lowliest criminal to a member of the Imperial Family.

Character creation is quick, with each player also doing double duty and adding various features to the city that will serve as the stage for the drama. Players have a lot of options for their characters and their choice of city features can greatly empower even a two-bit gambler to rise to prominence.

There is a magic system, but it's optional. This way you can use the system to play a straight historical or chanbara-type game. While the rules are simple there are several optional systems that add depth without complexity.

This book is gorgeous. It's filled with period art from the Japanese masters that will make you weep.

All in all, a great book. An hour's worth of reading gets you ready to run a game. Pick it up today.