Description: Good Condition. Gary Gygax’s “Oriental Adventures” for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D), released in 1985, is one of the most unique and ambitious attempts to bring elements of Asian mythology and culture into the established framework of D&D. As a departure from the traditional Eurocentric fantasy, this sourcebook introduced a new way to play the game, complete with new character classes, monsters, and systems inspired by Eastern philosophy, martial arts, and mythology. “Oriental Adventures” moves away from the typical Western medieval fantasy and instead introduces a setting inspired by historical East Asian cultures, primarily focusing on Japan and China. While marketed as part of the Forgotten Realms universe, it feels distinct from the usual Realms content, as its themes of honor, hierarchy, and martial prowess differ from the standard sword-and-sorcery approach. The book draws heavily from samurai, ninja, and wuxia traditions, offering players the chance to explore a world of mystical martial arts, courtly intrigue, and Eastern spiritualism. This unique cultural flavour is one of the book’s biggest strengths, as it brings a refreshing thematic diversity to AD&D campaigns. One of the highlights of “Oriental Adventures” is the introduction of new character classes that reflect Eastern archetypes. Players can now become Samurai, Ninja, Sohei (warrior monks), and Shukenja (spiritual priests). These classes are well-integrated into the existing AD&D framework, yet offer different playstyles, particularly with the addition of new abilities tied to martial prowess, honor, and spiritual strength. The book also introduces Kensai—a master of weapons—who eschews armor in favor of perfecting their fighting technique. This class, with its focus on precision and skill, brought an exciting challenge for players looking for something beyond the typical warrior archetypes. In addition to classes, “Oriental Adventures” expands upon races, adding new options like Korobokuru (dwarflike forest dwellers) and Spirit Folk (humans with a deep connection to nature spirits). These races come with their own lore, adding an exotic flair to the campaign. The most innovative addition is the comprehensive martial arts system, which adds depth to combat in a way previously unseen in AD&D. This system allows characters to learn various martial arts styles, each with its own set of maneuvers and special abilities. “Oriental Adventures” delves into Eastern mysticism by introducing new spells and magic systems based on ki and spiritual energy, which reflects the importance of balance and harmony in Eastern philosophy. Magic is tied more to natural forces and internal power than to external deities or arcane tomes, offering a distinct approach to spellcasting. Religion plays a large role in the book, with spiritual classes like the Shukenja and Wu-Jen (mages with a connection to the elements) being closely tied to the cosmology and belief systems of this setting. The emphasis on honour, spirituality, and karma adds a moral dimension to the game that is less pronounced in traditional AD&D. The artwork in “Oriental Adventures” is a mix of evocative illustrations and functional maps, typical of 1980s TSR products. The illustrations add to the book’s distinct atmosphere, helping to capture the martial and spiritual tone of the content. The maps are well done, particularly in providing a sense of geography and scale for campaign settings based on East Asian environments. Gary Gygax’s “Oriental Adventures” remains a landmark supplement in the AD&D system. Its ambitious attempt to integrate elements of Eastern culture into the D&D framework is both its strength and its challenge. The unique character classes, martial arts system, and thematic focus on honor and spirituality offer a fresh take on the game. However, the book’s cultural portrayal, while well-meaning, falls short of modern standards of inclusivity and nuance. For those looking to add Eastern-inspired elements to their campaigns, “Oriental Adventures” provides a rich foundation, though it requires thoughtful adaptation to avoid oversimplification and stereotyping. Despite its flaws, it remains an important piece of D&D history and a fascinating departure from traditional fantasy settings.
Price: 50 CAD
Location: Toronto, Ontario
End Time: 2024-10-11T14:20:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A CAD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Brand: TSR
Year: 1985
Age Level: 8-11 Years, 12-16 Years, 17 Years & Up
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Character Family: Dungeons & Dragons
