From the publisher:
The Riddle of Steel involves elements of fantasy familiar to most gamers - magic, swordplay, intrigue, war and adventure. What makes the game special - and unusual - is its approach to these "traditional" elements". Roleplaying games have always seemed to seek some form of balance in play, found in characters with "levels", "classes", and extremely limited choices in sorcery and combat. Things are different here. Magic is deadly and powerful - Even the weakest sorceror is a deadly threat. The world that Riddle of Steel brings to you is more real, more dangerous and more exciting, than perhaps what you'll find in any other RPG... at least, we'd like to think so. You'll have to play it to be sure.