From Foreward:
Chronicles of the Four Dragons is a rules-light roleplaying game inspired by Japanese fantasy anime. Since there is only so much space, there is no lengthy description of what roleplaying is. We expect you to know the drill.
In order to play this game you need a couple of friends, this document, a few pencils and regular six-sided dice.
The Dragon Empire
CotFD is set into the Dragon Empire, a vast nation based on medieval Japan and China. For many centuries it has been ruled by the Dragon Emperors who are descendants of the Four Elemental Dragons themselves. For a long time the empire prospered but recently things are starting to get out of hand. Barbarians attack the empire from the outside, while corrupt bureaucrats and local warlords attack it from within. But new heroes have arisen. They wield the power of the four elements and fight to restore peace and order in the Empire!