Meta Check – Kraków Grand Kotei

Meta Check – Kraków Grand Kotei

This weekend is the FFG European Championships in Poland. Among all the other great FFG games, we have a Grand Kotei for L5R.


This will be the third tournament in the Forebearer’s Echoes meta after Gencon and the Australian Kotei. We’re expecting decent attendance over 100 and probably under 150. So players will be keeping an eye on this event to see if the results from Gencon continue.

Baz and Eoin from Imperial Advisor will be part of the Judging team, so make sure to say hi!


This tournament was tracked on Lotus Pavilion allowing us to easily look at the results and pairings and quickly generate charts. Consider supporting Lotus Pavilion at this Patreon page.


Thursday – Elemental Challenge

For the first day it’s an elemental challenge which is being tracked on Lotus Pavilion here. At the end, 3 players were undefeated, Pablo Casares playing Crane, Akis Chotemis playing Scorpion, and Lukas Vogelgsang. Perhaps a picture of things to come?


Friday – Day1a

The second day is the first qualifier day which is up on Lotus Pavilion at https://thelotuspavilion.com/tournaments/4563/scores

Top Players

  • Jakub Irzyk – Scorpion Hatamoto
  • Konstaninos Paltoglou – Crab Hatamoto
  • Sotirios Konstantelos – Phoenix Hatamoto
  • Oskar Bladh – Unicorn Hatamoto
  • Sergio Sanz Guerrero – Unicorn
  • Neojko – Dragon Hatamoto
  • Vasilis Kirlis – Phoenix
  • Pablo Casares – Crane Hatamoto
  • Terék Milán – Unicorn
  • Jose Luis Saenz – Phoenix Hatamoto
  • Vincent Jolivet – Scorpion
  • Alain Laugier – Crane
  • Erik Baalhuis – Crane

Not qualifying, but Lion Hatamoto is Tom Nys.

Our Hatamoto from Day1A

Saturday – Day 1b

Event is up on Lotus pavilion https://thelotuspavilion.com/tournaments/4565

Top Players

A total of 13 players made the cut:

  • Lukas Vogelgsang – Crane Hatamoto
  • Akis Chotemis – Scorpion Hatamoto
  • Pablo Pintor Espinosa – Crab Hatamoto
  • David Teva Moreno – Phoenix Hatamoto
  • Dimitris Melissinos – Scorpion
  • Gilles Molina – Crane
  • András Faragó – Phoenix
  • Josip Cubela – Crane
  • Daniel Garcia Gomez – Scorpion
  • Nicolas Simonpietri – Crane
  • Norbert Vincze – Scorpion
  • Hendrik Ritter – Phoenix
  • Dimitris Roumeliotis – Lion Hatamoto

That leaves a Unicorn and Dragon who got Hatamoto but didn’t qualify for day 2:

  • Fernando Piqueras – Unicorn Hatamoto
  • Javier Querol – Dragon Hatamoto
Our Hatamoto from Day1B

Sunday Day 2 – Top cut and Proving Grounds

The lotus pavilion link for the top cut is here: https://thelotuspavilion.com/tournaments/4571/bracket

The lotus pavilion link for the proving grounds is here: https://thelotuspavilion.com/tournaments/4574/pairings

Streaming is happening over at http://twitch.tv/daidoji_erik/

There were 26 in the final day, after the top 32 cut we move into top 16.

Top 4: Jakub, Konstantinos, Dimitris, and Akis
Top 2: Akis playing Scorpion versus Konstantinos playing Crab

Overall event

Over the two qualifiers, the proving grounds, and the final cut there were a total of 1397 games played with 147 unique players. The below plot describes those games that happened. Obviously, not everyone in a clan was playing the same deck or had the same skill level, but it may give us some insights.

Crab win the event but have relatively poor numbers! How can this be? Konstantinos played 11 games and lost only 1. His numbers are included in the 161 games which is the overall result for the Crab. It only takes one person with the right deck, the right opponent’s, and just enough luck to go all the way.

Decklists

Decklists are up! All errors were made in transcription, so if you see something you think might be wrong, comment below.

Konstantinos' Winning Crab Deck
Konstantinos Paltoglou

Shiro Nishiyama
Keeper of Water

Defend the Wall
Illustrious Forge
Manicured Garden
Midnight Revels
Shameful Display

3 Kaiu Envoy
3 Keeper Initiate
1 Mantis Tenkinja
3 Shrewd Yasuki
3 Vanguard Warrior
1 Yasuki Oguri
3 Borderlands Defender
3 Kaiu Shuichi
3 Miya Satoshi
3 Steadfast Witch Hunter
3 Hida Kisada
1 Kuni Yori
2 Favorable Ground
1 Funeral Pyre
1 Heavy Ballista
3 Iron Mine
1 Karada District
1 Kuni Laboratory
1 The Imperial Palace

2 Ornate Fan
3 Cloud the Mind
2 Favored Mount
3 Reprieve
2 Talisman of the Sun
3 Watch Commander
2 Jade Tetsubo
2 Hiruma Skirmisher
3 Iuchi Wayfinder
2 Banzai!
3 Court Games
3 Defend Your Honor
3 Rebuild
2 Spoils of War
3 Fight On
2 The Mountain Does Not Fall
1 Way of the Crab

Akis' second place Scorpion
Akis Chotemis

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

Secret Cache
Abandoning Honor
Upholding Authority
Shameful Display
Midnight Revels

3 Alibi Artist
3 Bayushi Liar
3 Miya Mystic
3 Bayushi Manipulator
3 Blackmail Artist
3 Fawning Diplomat
2 Favored Niece
3 Seppun Truthseeker
3 Shameless Gossip
2 Shosuro Actress
1 Righteous Magistrate
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Favorable Ground
3 Imperial Storehouse
1 Hidden Moon Dojo
1 Imperial Palace

3 Assassination
3 Way of the Scorpion
3 A Fate Worse Than death
3 Court Games
2 Banzai!
2 Soul Beyond Reproach
2 Peasant’s Advice
2 Voice of Honor
2 Noble Sacrifice
3 Backhanded Compliment
2 Goblin Sneak
2 Calling in Favors
1 Cunning Magistrate
3 For Shame!
1 Yogo Kikuyo
2 Censure
1 Duty
3 Mark of Shame
1 Bayushi Collector

Dimitris R - Top 4 - Lion
Dimitris Roumeliotis

Write up found here

Yojin no Shiro
Keeper of Earth

Manicured Gardens
Midnight Revels
Shameful Display
Dishonorable Assault
Entrenched Position

3 Kitsu Spiritcaller
3 Lion’s Pride Brawler
2 Akodo Zentaro
3 Akodo Kaede
3 Keeper Initiate
1 Miya Mystic
1 Implacable Magistrate
2 Venerable Historian
2 Miwaku Kabe Guard
3 Ikoma Ikehata
3 Matsu Berserker
3 Ikoma Prodigy
3 Akodo Toturi
3 Imperial Storehouse
1 The Imperial Palace
1 Ikoma Ujiaki
1 Honored General
2 Favorable Ground

2 Calling in Favors
3 Forged Edict
1 Bayushi Collector
1 Yogo Kikuyo
2 Ageless Crone
2 Goblin Sneak
2 Ikoma Reservist
3 For Shame!
1 Peasant’s advice
2 Way of the Lion
1 Censure
3 Ready for Battle
2 Cloud the Mind
2 Finger of Jade
3 Ornate Fan
1 Assassination
3 Court Games
1 Hand to Hand
2 Strength in Numbers
2 Banzai!

Jakub - Top 4 - Scorpion
Jakub Irzyk

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

3 Bayushi Liar
3 Alibi Artist
3 Bayushi Maniupulator
3 Soshi Illusionist
3 Shosuro Takao
3 Blackmail Artist
1 Fawning Diplomat
3 Favored Niece
3 Shosuro Actress
3 Bayushi Shoju
3 Keeper Initiate
1 The Imperial Palace
1 Hidden Moon Dojo
2 Favorable Ground
2 Imperial Storehouse

3 Backhanded Compliment
3 Forged Edict
3 Way of the Scorpion
1 Duty
2 Calling in Favors
2 Kiei-ko
3 Mark of Shame
1 I Can Swim
1 Ambush
3 Soul Beyond Reproach
2 Noble Sacrifice
1 Voice of Honor
1 Cunning Magistrate
1 Bayushi Collector
1 Adept of Shadows
1 Censure
2 Banzai!
3 Assassination
3 Court Games
3 For Shame!

Lukas - Top 8 - Crane
Lukas Vogelgsang

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Midnight Revels
Pilgrimage
Upholding Authority
Shameful Display
Magistrate Station

2 Asahina Artisan
3 Kakita Yoshi
3 Kakita Yori
3 Brash Samurai
3 Courtly Challenger
2 Esteemed Teahouse
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Kakita Dojo
2 Favorable Ground
1 Proving Ground
3 Kakita Kaezin
2 Kakita Asami
3 Kakita Toshimoko
3 Doji Challenger
3 Callow Delegate
3 Daidoji Uji

1 Young Harrier
1 Ancient Master
1 Doji Fumiki
1 Arbiter of Authority
3 Iaijutsu Master
3 Way of the Crane
3 Voice of Honor
3 Policy Debate
3 Game of Sadane
2 Noble Sacrifice
1 Formal Invitation
3 Court Games
1 Assassination
1 Let Go
1 Duel to the Death
3 Warm Welcome
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
1 Gossip
3 Mirumoto’s Daisho
1 Storied Defeat
1 Censure
2 For Shame

Vincent - Top 8 - Scorpion
Vincent Jolivet

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

Secret Cache
Upholding Authority
Shameful Display
Midnight Revels
Abandoning Honor

3 Alibi Artist
3 Bayushi Liar
3 Bayushi Maniupulator
3 Blackmail Artist
2 Soshi Illusionist
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Miya Mystic
3 Favored Niece
3 Fawning Diplomat
3 Reclusive Zokujin
3 Hantai Sotorii
3 Favorable Ground
3 Imperial Storehouse
1 The Imperial Palace
1 Hidden Moon Dojo

3 Mark of Shame
3 Cunning Magistrate
2 Yogo Kikuyo
3 A Fate Worse than Death
3 Assassination
3 Backhanded Compliment
2 Banzai!
2 Calling in Favors
3 Censure
3 Court Games
1 Duty
3 For Shame!
1 I Can Swim
2 Noble Sacrifice
2 Soul Beyond Reproach
2 Voice of Honor
3 Way of the Scorpion

Norbert - Top 8 - Scorpion
Norbert Vincze

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

Secret Cache
Upholding Authority
Abandoning Honor
Shameful Display
Midnight Revels

3 Alibi Artist
3 Bayushi Liar
3 Bayushi Manipulator
3 Blackmail Artist
2 Favored Niece
3 Fawning Diplomat
3 Hantei Sotorii
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Miya Mystic
3 Shameless Gossip
3 Favorable Ground
1 Hidden Moon Dojo
3 Imperial Storehouse
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Seppun Trutheeker

3 A Fate Worse Than Death
2 Assassination
3 Backhanded Compliment
2 Banzai!
2 Calling in Favors
2 Censure
3 Court Games
1 Duty
3 For Shame!
1 I Can Swim
2 Noble Sacrifice
2 Soul Beyond Reproach
2 Voice of Honor
3 Way of the Scorpion
3 Mark of Shame
2 Cunning Magistrate
3 Goblin Sneak
1 Yogo Kikuyo

Oskar - Top 8 - Unicorn
Oskar Bladh

Hisu Mori Toride
Keeper of Water

Border Fortress
Upholding Authority
Khan’s Ordu
Appealing to the Fortunes
Midnight Revels

3 Borrder Ride
2 Child of the Plains
2 Shinjo Kyora
3 Keeper Initiate
2 Master of the Swift Waves
2 Minami Kaze Regulars
3 Moto Chagatai
3 Moto Nergui
3 Moto Youth
3 Shinjo Shono
2 Shinjo Trailblazer
1 Swift Magistrate
2 Utaku Kamoko
3 Utaku Tetsuko
3 Shiotome Encampment
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Winswept Yurt

1 A Legion of One
1 Assassination
3 Banzai!
2 Captive Audience
3 Cavalry Reserves
2 Censure
3 Charge!
2 Defend Your Honor
2 Ready for Battle
3 Spoils of War
3 Strength in Numbers
1 Adorned Barcha
3 Curved Blade
2 Fine Katana
1 Sashimono
2 Talisman of the Sun
1 Goblin Sneak
3 Iuchi Wayfinder
3 Shinjo Ambusher

Josip - Top 16 - Crane
Josip Cubela

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Midnight Revels
Magistrate Station
Shameful Display
Pilgrimage
Upholding Authority

3 Kakita Dojo
1 Daidoji Nerishma
3 Brash Samurai
3 Favorable Grounds
3 Doji Challenger
2 Kakita Yoshi
3 Asashina Takamori
3 Esteemed Tea House
3 Doji Whisperer
3 Daidoji Uji
1 Bonsai Garden
1 The Imperial Palace
2 Kakita Asami
1 Kakita Yuri
3 Callow Delegate

3 Voice of Honor
2 Duelist Training
3 Way of the Crane
1 Daimyos Gunbai
2 Court Games
1 Censure
2 Political Rival
3 For Shame!
3 Ancient Master
1 Kakita Blade
3 Fine Katana
1 Storied Defeat
3 Let go
1 Gossip
1 Above Question
1 Ornate Fan
3 Formal Invitation

Pablo Pintor - Top 16 - Crab
Pablo Pintor Espinosa

Shiro Nishiyama
Keeper of Water

Midnight Revels
Upholding Authority
Meditations on the Tao
Manicured Gardens
Gateway to Meido

3 Hida Kisada
1 Eager Scout
3 Keeper Initiate
2 Hida Guardian
2 Steadfast Witch Hunter
1 Hiruma Signaller
3 Yasuki Broker
3 Vanguard Warrior
3 Miya Satoshi
1 Miya Mystic
2 Hida Yakamo
3 Kaiu Envoy
2 Yasuki Taka
3 Favorable Ground
3 Iron Mine
1 Karada District
3 Funeral Pyre
1 Kaui Laboratory

2 Prayers to Ebisu
3 Defend Your Honor
3 Banzai!
3 Way of the Crab
2 Assassination
2 Court Games
3 Fight On
3 In defence of Rokugan
3 Rebuild
2 Jade Tetsubo
1 Adorned Barcha
3 Watch Commander
3 Talisman of the Sun
3 Iuchi Wayfinder
1 Shinjo Ambusher
3 Nezumi Infiltrator

Jose - Top 16 - Phoenix
Jose Luis Saenz

Kyuden Isawa
Keeper of Air

Kuroi Mori
Manicured Garden
Meditations on the Tao
Midnight Revels
Upholding Authority

3 Ethereal Dreamer
3 Fire Tensai Initiate
3 Solemn Scholar
1 Adept of the Waves
1 Asako Tsuki
2 Isawa Uona
3 Keeper Initiate
1 Kaito Nobukai
2 Fire Elemental Guard
1 Isawa Atsuko
1 Isawa Ujina
3 Miya Satoshi
1 Asako Azunami
2 Isawa Kaede
2 Shiba Tsukune
3 Fushicho
3 Ancestral Shrine
3 Forgotten Library
1 Kanjo District
1 The Imperial Palace

3 Cloud the Mind
3 Shrine Maiden
2 Seeker of Knowledge
2 Banzai!
3 Censure
3 Court Games
3 Supernatural Storm
3 Against the Waves
3 Charge!
2 Clarity of Purpose
3 My Ancestor’s Strength
2 Strength in Numbers
3 Walking the Way
2 Display of Power
3 Forebearer’s Echoes

András - Top 16 - Phoenix
András Faragó

Isawa Mori Seido
Keeper of Air

Rally to the Cause
Shameful Display
Sanpuku Seido
Upholding Authority
Manicured Garden

3 Shiba Tsukune
2 Asako Azunami
2 Isawa Atsuko
3 Hantei Sotorii
3 Serene Warrior
3 Fushicho
2 Haughty Magistrate
3 Adept of the Waves
3 Valiant Oathkeeper
2 Ethereal Dreamer
2 Solemn Scholar
3 Forgotten Library
2 Favorable Ground
1 Kanjo District
3 Keeper Initiate

3 Young Harrier
3 Soul Beyond Reproach
1 Admit Defeat
1 Voice of Honor
3 Censure
3 Banzai!
3 Charge!
3 Court Games
3 Purity of Spirit
3 Against the Waves
3 Clarity of Purpose
3 Cloud the Mind
2 Feral Ningyo
2 Ornate Fan
1 Rout
1 Display of Power
1 Subdue the Spirits
1 Ofushikai

Erik - Top 16 - Crane
Erik Baalhuis

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Manicured Garden
Entrench Position
Magistrate Station
Pilgrimage
Shameful Display

3 Asahina Takamori
3 Brash Samurai
2 Callow Delegate
1 Daidoji Nerishma
3 Daidoji Uji
3 Doji Challenger
3 Doji Whisperer
1 Kakita Asami
3 Kakita Kaezin
1 Kakita Ryoku
3 Kakita Toshimoko
3 Kakita Yoshi
2 Tengu Sensei
2 Esteemed Tea House
3 Favorable Ground
3 Kakita Dojo
1 The Imperial Palace

3 Banzai!
2 Court Games
3 For Shame!
1 Gossip
3 Let Go
3 Policy Debate
3 Voice of Honor
3 Way of the Crane
3 A New Name
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
3 Duelist Training
3 Fine Katana
2 Formal Invitation
1 Kakita Blade
2 Ornate Fan
3 Ancient Master
1 Political Rival

Dimitris M - Top 16 - Scorpion
Dimitris Melissinos

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

Secret Cache
Upholding Authority
Shameful Display
Midnight Revels
Abandoning Honor

3 Bayushi Liar
3 Alibi Artist
3 Bayushi Maniupulator
2 Sinister Soshi
3 Soshi Illusionist
2 Miya Mystic
3 Blackmail Artist
3 Shosuro Miyako
2 Favored Niece
1 Shosuro Actress
2 Loyal Challenger
2 Shameless Gossip
3 Shosuro Takao
1 The Imperial Palace
1 Hidden Moon Dojo
3 Imperial Storehouse
3 Favorable Ground

2 Hiruma Skirmisher
2 Goblin Sneak
2 Cunning Magistrate
1 Yogo Kikuyo
1 Bayushi Collector
3 Watch Commander
3 Mark of Shame
2 Cloud the Mind
3 Assassination
3 Court Games
3 For Shame!
2 Banzai!
1 Peasant’s Advice
1 Duty
2 Calling in Favors
3 Way of the Scorpion
3 Backhanded Compliment
3 Forged Edict
1 Censure

Terék - Top 16 - Unicorn
Terék Milán

Hisu Mori Toride
Keeper of Water

Rally to the Cause
Border Fortress
Upholding Authority
Khan’s Ordu
Appealing to the Fortunes

2 Iuchi Daiyu
2 Young Warrior
2 Shinjo Kyora
2 Minami Kaze Regulars
3 Border Rider
3 Moto Youth
3 Moto Chagatai
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Windswept Yurt
3 Moto Nergui
3 Shiotome Encampment
3 Shinjo Shono
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Utaku Tetsuko
2 Child of the Plains
2 Miya Mystic

2 A Legion of One
2 Ready for Battle
3 Strength in Numbers
1 Defend Your Honor
3 Shinjo Ambusher
3 Iuchi Wayfinder
2 Goblin Sneak
2 Censure
2 Fine Katana
2 Adorned Barcha
1 Challenge on the Fields
3 Spoils of War
1 Assassination
3 Curved Blae
3 Banzai!
3 Cavalry Reserves
3 Charge!
2 Captive Audience
2 Talisman of the Sun

David - Top 16 - Phoenix
David Teva Morena

Kyuden Isawa
Keeper of Air

Kuroi Mori
Manicured Garden
Meditationsn on the Tao
Midnight Revels
Upholding Authority

3 Ethereal Dreamer
2 Fire Tensai Initiate
3 Solemn Scholar
2 Adept of the Waves
1 Asako Tsuki
3 Isawa Uona
3 Keeper Initiate
2 Isawa Atsuko
3 Miya Satoshi
1 Asako Azunami
3 Isawa Kaede
2 Shiba Tsukune
3 Fushicho
3 Ancestral Shrine
3 Forgotten Library
1 Kanjo District
1 The Imperial Palace
1 Fire Elemental Guard

3 Cloud the Mind
3 Shrine Maiden
2 Seeker of Knowledge
1 Isawa Tadaka
2 Banzai!
3 Censure
2 Court Games
3 Supernatural Storm
3 Against the Waves
3 Charge!
2 Clarity of Purpose
3 My Ancestor’s Strength
2 Strength in Numbers
3 Walking the Way
2 Display of Power
3 Forebearer’s Echoes

Hendrik - Top 32 - Phoenix
Hendrik Ritter

Kyuden Isawa
Keeper of Air

Kuroi Mori
Manicured Garden
Meditations on the Tao
Midnight Revels
Upholding Authority

3 Ethereal Dreamer
3 Solemn Scholar
2 Adept of the Waves
2 Isawa Uona
3 Keeper Initiate
2 Isawa Ujina
3 Miya Satoshi
3 Prodigy of the Waves
2 Akodo Toturi
2 Asako Azunami
2 Isawa Kaede
2 Shiba Tsukune
3 Fushicho
3 Ancestral Shrine
3 Forgotten Library
1 Kanjo District
1 The Imperial Palace

2 Cloud the Mind
3 Shrine Maiden
2 Assassination
2 Banzai!
2 Censure
3 Court Games
2 Ready for Battle
3 Supernatural Storm
3 Against the Waves
3 Charge!
2 Clarity of Purpose
2 My Ancestor’s Strength
2 Strength in Numbers
3 Walking the Way
3 Display of Power
3 Forebearer’s Echoes

Gilles - Top 32 - Crane
Gilles Molina

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Midnight Revels
Shameful Display
Pilgrimage
Upholding Authority
Magistrate Station

3 Doji Shhizue
3 Kakita Kaezin
1 Kakita Asami
3 Kakita Toshimoko
3 Kakita Dojo
3 Doji Whisperer
3 Asahina Takamori
3 Brash Samurai
3 Doji Challenger
3 Daidjoi Uji
2 Kakita Yoshi
1 Doji Hotaru
1 Kakita Ryoku
1 Miya Mystic
1 Daidoji Nerishma
3 Favorable Ground
1 The Imperial Palace
2 Esteemed Tea House
2 Imperial Storehouse

3 Let Go
3 Voice of Honor
3 Duelist Training
3 Banzai!
3 Fine Katana
3 Policy Ddebate
3 A New Name
1 Assassination
3 For Shame!
2 Ornate Fan
3 Way of the Crane
2 Court Games
1 Gossip
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
1 Formal Invitation
2 Political Rival
1 Ancient Master
1 Doji Fumiki
1 Tattooed Wanderer

Nicolas - Top 32 - Crane
Nicholas Simonpietri

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Shameful Display
Upholding Authority
Midnight Revels
Pilgrimage
Magistrate Station

2 Doji Whisperer
1 Callow Delegate
3 Brash Samurai
1 Daidoji Nerishma
3 Miya Mystic
3 Doji Challenger
3 Kakita Kaezin
1 Kakita Asami
2 Maker of Keepsakes
2 Asahina Takamori
3 Kakita Toshimoko
2 Kakita Yoshi
2 Daidoji Uji
1 Doji Hotaru
3 Esteemed Tea House
3 Kakita Dojo
2 Favorable Ground
2 Proving Grounds
1 The Imperial Palace

3 A New Name
1 Formal Invitation
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
3 Duelist Training
3 Fine Katana
1 Kakita Blade
3 Favored Mount
3 Way of the Crane
2 Court Games
3 Policy Debate
3 Banzai!
3 Voice of Honor
1 Censure
1 Storied Defeat
2 Gossip
1 Admit Defeat
2 Iuichi Wayfinder
1 Shinjo Ambusher
1 Political Rival
2 Gaijin Customs

Neojko - Top 32 - Dragon
Neojko

Mountain’s Anvil Castle
Seeker of Void

Sacred Sanctuary
Pilgrimage
Shameful Display
Restoration of Balance
Upholding Authority

3 Doomed Shugenja
3 Togashi Initiate
3 Agasha Swordsmith
3 Miya Mystic
3 Kitsuki Yuikimi
3 Kitsuki Investigator
3 Mirumoto Raitsugu
3 Tranquil Philosopher
3 Master Alchemist
3 Togashi Mitsu
3 Togashi Yokuni
3 Favorable Ground
3 Imperial Storehouse
1 The Imperial Palace

3 Fine Katana
3 Seal of the Dragon
2 Ornate Fan
1 Ancestral Daisho
1 Hawk Tattoo
3 Finger of Jade
3 Reprieve
3 Cloud the Mind
3 Tattooed Wanderer
2 Hiruma Skirmisher
3 Court Games
2 Banzai!
3 Hurricane Punch
3 Void Fist
3 Let Go
2 Indomitable Will

Alain - Top 32 - Crane
Alain Laugier

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

3 Daidjoi Uji
3 Favorable Terrain
2 Esteemed Tea House
3 Kakita Dojo
1 The Imperial Palace
2 Imperial Storehouse
3 Kakita Toshimoko
3 Kakita Asami
3 Kakita Ryuku
3 Doji Whisperer
3 Daidoji Nerishma
3 Asahina Takamori
3 Brash Samurai
2 Callow Delgate
2 Maker of Keepsakes
3 Kakita Yoshi

3 Way of the Crane
3 Voice of Honor
2 Court Games
3 Political Debate
3 Banzai!
3 For Shame!
1 Gossip
1 Indomitable Will
3 Let Go
3 Fine Katana
2 Duelist Training
2 Formal Invitation
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
2 A New Name
1 Ancient Master
1 Doji Fumiki
2 Formal Invitation
1 Noble Sacrifice
1 Censure
1 Admit Defeat
1 Kakita Blade

Pablo C - Top 32 - Crane
Pablo Casares

Kyuden Kakita
Seeker of Void

Entrenched Position
Manicured Garden
Magistrate Station
Shameful Display
Pilgrimage

3 Doji Whisperer
2 Callow Delegate
3 Brash Samurai
3 Kakita Kaezin
3 Doji Whisperer
1 Kakita Asami
1 Kakita Ryoku
3 Kakita Toshimoko
3 Asahina Takamori
3 Daidoji Uji
2 Kakita Yoshi
1 Tengu Sense
3 Favorable Ground
3 Kakita Dojo
3 Imperial Storehouse
2 Esteemed Tea House
1 The Imperial Palace

3 Fine Katana
3 A New Name
2 Duelist Training
2 Ornate Fan
1 Formal Invitation
1 Daimyo’s Gunbai
3 Banzai!
3 Policy Debate
3 For Shame!
2 Court Games
3 Gossip
3 Voice of Honor
3 Way of the Crane
1 Noble Sacrifice
2 Political Rival
1 Tattooed Wanderer
3 Let Go

Sergio - Top 32 - Unicorn
Sergio Sanz

Hisu Mori Toride
Keeper of Water

Appealing to the Fortunes
Upholding Authority
Manicured Gardens
Khan’s Ordu
Endless Plains

3 Shiotome Encampment
3 Windswept Yurt
3 Imperial Storehouse
3 Moto Chagatai
2 Minami Kaze Regulars
2 Shinjo Kyora
2 Shinjo Shono
2 Utaku Kamoko
3 Moto Nergui
3 Utaku Tetsuko
3 Shinjo Trailblazer
3 Border Rider
3 Child of the Plains
3 Moto Youth
2 Battle Maiden Recruit

2 Hand to Hand
1 A Legion of One
3 Strength in Numbers
2 Ready for Battle
3 Iuchi Wayfinder
1 Shinomen Wayfinder
3 Shinjo Ambusher
3 Charge!
2 Defend Your Honor
2 Captive Audience
2 Spoils of War
1 Press the Battle
3 Banzai!
2 Cavalry Reserves
2 Challenge on the Fields
1 Fine Katana
2 Talisman of the Sun
1 Adorned Barcha
3 Curved Blade

Sotirios - Top 32 - Phoenix
Sotirios Koustantelos

Kyuden Isawa
Keeper of Air

Midnight Revels
Kuroi Mori
Meditations on the Tao
Upholding Authority
Manicured Gardens

3 Fushicho
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Ancestral Shrine
3 Forgotten Library
1 Kanjo District
3 Fire Tensai Initiate
2 Isawa Uona
1 Isawa Ujina
2 Fire Elemental Guard
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Ethereal Dreamer
3 Solemn Scholar
1 Asako Tsuki
2 Adept of the Waves
2 Isawa Kaede
1 Isawa Atsuko
1 Asako Azunami
2 Shiba Tsukune

2 Display of Power
3 Shrine Maiden
2 Seeker of Knowledge
3 Forebearer’s Echoes
3 Court Games
3 Against the Waves
2 Strength in Numbers
3 Censure
3 Walking the Way
3 Charge!
1 Benten’s Touch
2 Banzai!
3 My Ancestor’s Strength
3 Supernatural Storm
1 All and Nothing
1 Clarity of Purpose
2 Cloud the Mind

Daniel - Top 32 - Scorpion
Daniel Garcia Gomez

City of the Open Hand
Keeper of Air

Abandoning Honor
Upholding Authority
Secret Cache
Pilgrimage
Midnight Revels

2 Blackmail Artist
2 Bayushi Manipulator
2 Favorable Ground
2 Miya Mystic
2 City of Lies
2 Ignoble Enforcers
3 Fawning Diplomat
2 Favored Niece
3 Alibi Artist
3 Imperial Storehouse
3 Loyal Challenger
1 The Imperial Palace
3 Seppun Truthseeker
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Bayushi Liar
3 Soshi Illusionist
1 Hidden Moon Dojo

3 Backhanded Compliment
3 Display of Power
3 A Fate Worse Than Death
3 Court Games
2 Cunning Magistrate
2 Calling in Favors
2 Meek Informant
3 For Shame!
3 Assassination
1 Duty
3 Way of the Scorpion
1 All and Nothing
1 Goblin Sneak
3 Censure
2 Mark of Shame
1 I Can Swim
1 Contingency Plan
1 Kirei-ko
1 Peasant’s Advice
1 Seeker of Knowledge
1 Bayushi Kachiko

Vasilis - Top 32 - Phoenix
Vasilis Kirlis

Kyuden Isawa
Keeper of Air

Manicured Garden
Entrenched Position
Meditations on the Tao
Kuroi Mori
Midnight Revels

2 Adept of the Waves
1 Asako Azunami
3 Asako Tsuki
3 Ethereal Dreamer
3 Fushicho
1 Isawa Atsuko
2 Isawa Kaede
1 Isawa Ujina
2 Isawa Uona
3 Keeper Initiate
3 Miya Satoshi
3 Naive Student
3 Shiba Tsukune
3 Solemn Scholar
2 Ancestral Shrine
3 Forgotten Library
2 Imperial Storehouse
1 Kanjo District
1 The Imperial Palace

3 Against the Waves
1 All and Nothing
2 Banzai!
3 Censure
3 Charge!
1 Clarity of Purpose
3 Court Games
2 Display of Power
3 Forebearer’s Echoes
3 My Ancestor’s Strength
1 Oracle of Stone
2 Strength in Numbers
3 Supernatural Storm
2 The Path of Man
3 Walking the Way
2 Cloud the Mind
1 Seeker of Knowledge
3 Shrine Maiden

There is a definite trend in these decks. The 6 Phoenix decks, for the most part, are the Forebearer’s Echoes deck leveraging that raw power and efficiency that package has when it gets rolling.

The other two big players in the top cut, of course, were the Crane with 7 and Scorpion with 6 players in the 26 total in day 2. Scorpion players will always play 3 A Fate Worse than Death or 3 Forged Edicts both of which are bad for the Phoenix deck either blanking Fushicho or cancelling Charge/Forebearer’s Echoes. Out of the 6 Phoenix, 3 were knocked out to Scorpion. I talked briefly with Vasilis about his game and for him it was Fawning Diplomat that sealed the game, Vasilis had 3 Censure in hand but never could keep the favor as Norbert kept snatching it back. Scorpion were also packing Kikuyo and Censures adding even more denial to the Phoenix plan.

Crane took a similar tactic with almost all running Voice of Honor, Censure, Gossip, and Policy Debate to pick apart their opponent’s hand. The Shogun, Erik, took out another Phoenix in the top cut with his Crane deck leaving the remaining two defeated by Crab and Unicorn. The Crane’s chances of victory came to an end primarily at the hands of the Scorpion although Dimitris, who defeated two Crane players on his way to top 4 also was splashing Scorpion for Forged Edicts.

In broad strokes, this was an environment shaped by the Phoenix deck. The decks who had the tools to meta for that specific matchup, Scorpion and Crane, thrived. The final winner Konstantinos, of course, wasn’t either and instead was Crab who often rise to the top just when people dismiss them. On his way to victory, he played 3 Phoenix, 4 Scorpion, 2 Crane, and 1 Lion losing only to Jakub’s Scorpion deck. The deck wasn’t a Meido combo deck and instead was closer to the standard build with some twists like Heavy Ballista which is perfect for dealing with Charged or Forebearer’s Echoes characters. The number of attachments (17) may have been a challenge for decks preparing for the Phoenix, Scorpion, Crane meta game which typically is attachment light.

Ultimately, a fantastic victory for the Konstantinos and the Crab and a wonderful insight into the ever shifting nature of the game. The next big event is the US Championships at Nova. Let’s see if the decks from the Krakow event will shift the meta over in the US!


Talking with Konstantios

I asked Konstantios to give some of this thoughts on his victory and how he managed to bring Crab to victory:

Well loads of practice makes perfect!


I had a ton of practice with Basilis and Akis, working on how to beat Charge Bird and still be decent in the other matchups. The idea behind the deck is like our old Crab with Unicorn splash but without Spyglass I relied on card advantage instead, just to be ahead of the cards and force my opponent to bid 1.


For the Phoenix matchup, I added the x1 Heavy Ballista to try and slow down the bird as much as I can. And then, I guess you can say Watch Commander is a Phoenix and Scorpion killer. Favored Mount makes my towers immune to Strength in Numbers effects and forces my Defend Your Honor and Watch Commander in every conflict.


As for the Crane I prayed not to face many during the tournament because it was my low chance matchup. That is why I played x1 Way of the Crab as my 41st card and the only thing I can do against them is try to secure the early game or try to Jade Tetsubo a guy with many things on him.


So Scorpion I just try to keep myself above 4 honor and even my with much less cards and him at 10+ I can win because of Watch Commander he won’t be able to play anything. Some Scorpion were playing x1 magistrate and the fact that they play Crane splash was huge for me, Phoenix splash is much better against Crab. And as you said, I took advantage that everyone wanted to tech for birds and forgot the claws

Konstantinos Paltoglou – Crab clan winner of the Krakow Grand Kotei

If you have any comments or feedback please post them in the comments section below. Check us out on the Imperial Advisor website, podcast, and YouTube channel for more discussion about the L5R LCG.

6 Replies to “Meta Check – Kraków Grand Kotei”

  1. Great write up as always, and was great meeting up with you guys yet at another event.

    For the readers if you wonder what the missing cards from my list are, i ll post them here.

    1 Bayushi Liar
    3 Miya Mystic

    1 Banzai
    2 Soul Beyond Reproach
    2 Peasant’s Advice

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