Koto: Legends Arise
Koto is a edo-japanese inspired fantasy world for DnD 5e. With an oppressive ruling class holding the people in its iron fist, an uprising force of rebels, mercenaries and mystical secrets all over, this world is a wonder to explore.
Meta-Info
Time in Koto
Time in Koto is measured similary to our world. Seconds, days, months and years all remain as their real life counterparts. However, years are counted from the election of the new Tenno, after the civil war. That year was designated year 1 Seireki or 1 S.
The time before the new Tenno is referred to as Mae Seireki, or M.S.
The current year is 84 S.
Playable Races
Koto is a setting that comes with a decent variety of races, but still requires the players to pick from the options that are present within the world.
These include:
- Aasimar (Protector, Scourge, Fallen)
- Dragonborn (Metallic, Chromatic, Gem)
- Dwarves (Mountain, Hill)
- Elves (Half, High, Wood, Drow)
- Goliaths
- Goblins
- Halflings (Stout, Lightfoot)
- Hobgoblins
- Humans
- Tabaxi
- Tieflings (all subraces)
Playable Classes
While Koto allows for a lot of freedom and many things can be done to make a suitable character for any player, there is a base list of avaivable classes.
These classes include:
- Barbarian
- Bard
- Cleric
- Druid
- Fighter
- Monk
- Paladin
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Samurai
- Sorcerer (limited)
- Warlock (limited)
- Wizard (limited)
Note: While all classes listed above are avaivable to play, not all subclass options from all sourcebooks might be allowed. Due to that, please ask the according questions during character creations to make sure the intended build is possible.
Magic in Koto
While Koto itself is a very mystical and spiritual world, magic is still incredibly rare. The arcane, the spiritual, the supernatural are widely feared and real mages are most uncommon. While there might be a few connected to the spiritual world in the temples, having dedicated their entire life to this connection, these connections are small and flimsy and those that manage to draw from them are viewed as transcended beings, often high in their respectives orders ranks. Shamans might be found performing rituals, but more often than not, those are for religious purposes rather than achieving any direct magical effect.
That said, there are a few mages scattered across the world. Most of them however live on the capital island, making use of their arcane gift to gain fame and infamy alike.
Due to this, a party playing in Koto is unlikely to have a great number of spell casting classes. While players are encouraged to embrace all aspects of the world, including magic, more than 1-2 spellcasters would exceed the realistic quota for the setting. Furthermore, players looking to create a magically inclined character will have to put in great effort to work out how their character might have obtained their gift and how they fit into the world. In addition, a player creating such a character must be aware of the social and political consequences their abilities may cause for them and their party.
Character Creation
All player can create their characters on their own. The characters start on level 2. Casters have to be discussed with the group and the DM. The following Stat Arrays can be used:
| 17/12/12/11/10/10 |
| 15/15/14/11/11/10 |
| 15/14/13/12/10/8 |
| 17/15/12/10/8/8 |
The additional Samurai Class and all subclasses can be used, except the "Phoenix Clan" Subclass. Various Homebrew content is available, ask your DM. Your starting equipment is determined by class and backgroud, adittional items are available at DMs discretion. Money is not determined by your background, all characters start with 1d4 x 10 gold.
Faith
Gods
Here you'll find a list of Gods that are believed in by the population of Koto.
Religious Myths
The myths described here are the legends about how the world and the realms came to be.
The Realms
The different planes of existence, called the Realms, are described here.
History
→ Main Article: Koto: Legends Arise/History
Social Classes
→ Main Article: Koto: Legends Arise/Social Classes
Locations
Shihon
Shihon, or the "Capital Island" is located in the middle of Koto.
Fyushin
Fyushin is located northwest of Shihon and is a region of wide grasslands and fields.
Kesseki
The north-west most region of Koto, Kesseki is a land of rural towns and wide, fruitful farmland.
Osawagi
Osawagi, the westmost part of Koto, is a region of wide green land, farms, but at the same time, beautiful cities and fortresses.
Hogo-Sha
Hogo-Sha, the guarding region, is the south-west most region of Koto.
Hisoka
Hisoka, also known as the abandoned region, is the south-west most part of Koto.
Tsugi
Tsugi is the region to the east of the capital island.
Yuga
Yuga, the jungle region, is located in the east of Koto.
Chisai
The region of Chisai is by far the most multi-facetted one of entire Koto.
Suna, the Unforgiving Desert
Suna is the name of the large desert in the very south-east of Koto.
Kazeya Island
Kazeya Island, also known as the island of Shadows, is an uninhabitet island to the north-east of Koto.
People
→ Main Article: Koto: Legends Arise/People
Code of Bushido
→ Main Article: Koto: Legends Arise/Code of Bushido