In this influential indie multiplayer RPG, play as one of a group of secretive ronin hired to seek out and kill the dreaded Mountain Witch of Mt. Fuji. Guided by a Dark Fate, each ronin explores the mountain and moves closer to their goal all while keeping an eye on their fellow travelers as the game uses a unique “Trust points” system to shape the course of the adventure.

The Mountain Witch is a self-contained role-playing game in which players take on the role of ronin in mythical, feudal Japan. Outcast and unemployed, these samurai accept a deal that no one else would take—to assault and kill the dreaded O-Yanma, the Mountain Witch of Mt Fuji. But haunted by the past and by dark fortune, these characters very quickly find themselves trapped in desperate circumstances. Originally written for the Game Chef RPG design contest in April 2004 held at The Forge website, The Mountain Witch has become a landmark in the world of indie RPGs. This revised edition provides streamlined play advice and explanations for a smoother gameplay experience.

As an RPG, The Mountain Witch implements a “play to discover your character” approach which encourages character development during gameplay sessions. To guide the narrative, each character is assigned a secret “Dark Fate,” which creates an ulterior motive for the ronin, and a Zodiac sign for character inspiration. The ronin can expend “Trust points” to either help or betray other characters in future Conflicts.

Led by a Game Master, players develop their characters, journey through the lowlands and mountain terrain of Mt. Fuji, battle minions of the Mountain Witch, and guard their own secrets. The ultimate drama of the game comes not from battling the Mountain Witch and his minions but from the mounting tension between characters which grows during this journey. In the closing acts of the game, players reveal the Dark Fates which have been guiding their course throughout the quest, corner the Mountain Witch, and feel the consequences of their characters’ choices.