Before starting this review, I want to thank Isola Illyon Edizioni for providing us with a copy of the Libro dell’Inverno, a supplement for the Ryuutama sandbox campaign titled Il Nido dei Draghi. It is one of the expansion compendiums based on the seasons and introduces both setting and mechanical elements.

If you are interested in purchasing, you can find this manual in physical copy (including PDF) on the official store at the price of 20 euros.

Please note, however, that to effectively use this manual, the Ryuutama core rulebook and the Il Nido dei Draghi campaign are required.

Ryuutama‘s Libro dell’Inverno Aesthetics Review

The dimensions of this manual are very different from those of the other manuals of this editorial line. In fact, it is a B6 format, the one typically used for manga. Its 100 pages are protected by a soft cover and a dust jacket. These differences can make it difficult to place the manuals next to each other in your library, but the small size helps to find alternative solutions. Furthermore, the practicality and ease of use are undeniable, although the font chosen is consequently smaller. The single-column layout is almost mandatory and certainly helps readability.

As you can see from the illustrations included in this review, the graphic layout and artistic style of the Libro dell’Inverno are the same as the other Ryuutama manuals. Bright colors and a style fully comparable to oriental aesthetics convey dreamy tones and emotions. The artistic delicacy perfectly accompanies the proposed themes, confirming how this aspect is appropriate for the entire editorial line.

An Expansion of the Game World

The first part of the manual aims to expand the game setting. In particular, the author Daniele Leotta focuses on one of the five peoples of Il Nido dei Draghi, the Silut, and on their region, Sil.

The region takes its name from a god who, after wicked acts, collapsed in the sea and began to dream. The manifestations of this process generate ghosts and presences, which represent a key element of these territories. Some are benevolent, others degenerate into a dark form, but all can communicate with some of the most iconic local figures: the shamans. They wear special masks and are the only ones who can visit the sacred islands. The latter are drifting icebergs that, in their inevitable melting, represent the slow process of returning to the god of the deep.

The first nine humans, generated directly by the spirits, represent the founders of the current nine tribes. There is also a tenth, secret and mysterious, from which the incomplete, or demons, originated. Based on their vocations, the first nine spread across these lands. Thus three peoples of the sea, three of the earth, and three of the sky were born. Each of them is characterized by its own traditions and specializations, as well as having a specific role in the ecosystem of these lands.

About this frozen territory, in the manual we can find various sacred places for its people. These are places with a strong spiritual or practical value for those who populate Sil. In particular, I appreciated a dark abyss, kilometers wide and apparently bottomless, in which it is said demons dwell.

Review of the New Mechanical Options of Ryuutama‘s Libro dell’Inverno

The most significant introduction is certainly the possibility of playing a Shaman, one of the spiritual guides of the Silut able to get in touch with ghosts. Exploring these territories with this character in the party is certainly much simpler and more immersive. Its specialties are strongly linked to local traditions. They include asking for help from spirits, manifesting guardian beasts, predicting the weather and more. However, I also found the options to adapt this class to other territories very interesting. In this way its peculiarities can coherently find space even in totally different territories.

Ritual masks and shamanic armors are then introduced, which mechanically justify the usefulness of elements so representative of this territory. We also find other new items, useful for any character who ventures this far. The art of healing passes for example through the use of Divination Stones, described in detail both in terms of lore and how they work. There are various types, each linked to specific places and uses. The same precision is also used to introduce new medicinal herbs.

Moving around these lands is certainly not easy and for this reason the manual also offers us new means of transport and new categories of themed animals. In order not to get lost in the snow and ice, I strongly recommend purchasing a sled pulled by animals trained to survive this climate.

In addition to the elements just discussed in this review, the Libro dell’Inverno introduces a new option that can be used in any Ryuutama adventure. I am referring to Nightmare Magic which, in contrast to the cycle of seasons so dear to this narrative universe, represents stasis. The spells that are part of it are not exactly “evil”, but often bring pain and confusion. Some examples are Weeping, Stagnation and Void.

The Narrator Wants Their Part Too

In this TTRPG, the narrator also manages a character within the story. In this specific case, the manual introduces the White Ryuujin, a new option linked to the spirit world rather than the seasons. This addition can also be used without problems in other Ryuutama campaigns.

The same can be said for the creatures proposed at the end of the manual. In fact, we find more than 10 new monsters, belonging mainly to the Spectral Beast, Demon and Undead categories. I really appreciated a demonic presence capable of corrupting the minds of travelers and leading them to remote places. If the unfortunate ones were to perish, they could become undead with the task of eternally watching over mountain passes.

The last content of the manual is the adventure L’Iniziazione di Kiju, ideal to play to introduce the themes of Il Nido dei Draghi campaign and, specifically, to try out in session the material proposed by the Libro dell’Inverno. The plot is designed to be played by a Ryuujin and four characters, all of level 3. As usual I will not give any spoilers so as not to take away the pleasure of playing it, but I can tell you that the narrative revolves around the initiation journey of a young shaman and her bond with the people and spirits of these territories. The story is simple but fascinating and the manual offers everything necessary to guide even the least experienced storytellers.

Conclusions of the Review of Ryuutama‘s Libro dell’Inverno

To conclude this review, I can say that I am very satisfied with the content that the Libro dell’Inverno adds to the Ryuutama roleplaying game. The versatility of the manual also makes it suitable for campaigns other than Il Nido dei Draghi, but in this context it shines in a particular way.

The new format is particular but convenient, if you accept the fact that in your library it does not easily match the rest of the editorial line. In any case it will surely find a way to shine next to the other thematic manuals for this campaign. Artistically speaking, however, the coherence is impeccable.

If you love cold climates, the charm of spirits and the reverence of those who can communicate with them, don’t miss this manual for Ryuutama!

If you enjoyed this review of the Libro dell’Inverno, stay tuned for more Ryuutama RPG supplements!