Sample 1 Core Decks

Sample 1 Core Decks

Single core set decks are relatively basic when it comes down to it. There are a limited number of cards available for the dynasty deck. The conflict deck is heavily influenced by the traits that are in the dynasty side. To an extent, there is an optimal list for each clan (even if we can’t yet see it) and after that, it is just a matter of perfect play and getting lucky with the draw. Although not required, I’ve used the current role for each plan when putting together these decklists.

Updated post Gencon and L5R Honored.

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Understanding Provinces

Understanding Provinces

There are a total of 17 provinces in the game. One for each clan, and 2 neutral provinces for each elemental ring. Each game you are going to be attacking into these provinces, hopefully seeing the fourth province of your opponent as you finally crush their stronghold. Normally, your opponent will have one of each element. If your opponent is using one of the seeker roles, you can expect them to have two of that particular province. Understanding the provinces your opponent might have helps you prepare for what they do have.

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Clan Focus – The Scorpion

Clan Focus – The Scorpion

At the dawn of the Empire, Bayushi, the Scorpion Clan founder, pledged to be the villian for the Emperor. Those acts the honorable Samurai cannot imagine, the Scorpion will. Where the honorable Samurai cannot go, the Scorpion are there. They work in the shadows and deal with the criminal’s of Rokugan, not out of self-interest or weakness, but out of loyalty. The Scorpion know there are certain things that need to be done that are distasteful to other Samurai. They sacrifice their own honor, so they can know of threats to the Empire before anyone else and they can deal with those threats with a subtle blade.

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Clan Focus – The Unicorn

Clan Focus – The Unicorn

The Unicorn are the wanderers and explorers of the Empire. Their mandate from Hantei, was to explore outside of Rokugan, and bring what they learned back to enrich the empire. One of those new ways, is the name magic of Meishōdō which is causing some concern and is the focus of the first storyline tournament. They are the first to have war horses, bred for battle, and devestating on the charge. Rokugani horses up until now, are essentially ponys, and are not used in battle. This is reflected in the game with the host of Cavalry characters that the Unicorn clan have.

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Clan Focus – The Neutral Cards

Clan Focus – The Neutral Cards

Ronin by Jason Engel

Unlike the Clan specific cards, the neutral cards have been slowly drip-fed to us one or two at a time. Understanding the neutral cards is a vital part of succeeding in Legend of the Five Rings. Every deck will be playing at least a few and the first few tournaments will heavily dependent on them. Knowing the options, your opponent has at any particular time, allows you to prepare for all eventualities and estimate your chance of success.

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Clan Focus  – The Phoenix

Clan Focus  – The Phoenix

 Isawa Atsuko by Le Vuong

The Phoenix clan pose somewhat of a mystery to Rokugan. As devoted pacifists, they are an easy target for clans who would seek glory in war, but if roused, their powerful Shugenja and mastery of the elements can devastate even the strongest army. They are a clan of great power and wisdom, but sometimes arrogance and hubris.

Fantasy Flight Games have recently released spoilers of the Phoenix clan cards from the upcoming core set so we have another review of the clan cards. This time veteran Phoenix player Justin Walsh has helped out and given some of his insight for this article.

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Clan Focus – The Crab

Clan Focus – The Crab

The Crab Clan, defenders of the Empire. Although they are famous for their wall and for their heavy armor and Tetsubo’s, the might of the Crab is in their Bushi. A lone Crab Bushi’s first thought when they are attacked by an Oni isn’t one of glory, it is to raise the alarm so that when they inevitably fall the rest of the Crab will be ready. While the Crab are occasionally scorned by the other Clans for their brutishness and lack of manners, it is not due to a lack of culture but instead a determined focus on their duty to protect the empire.

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Clan Focus – The Lion

Clan Focus – The Lion

The Lion clan are famous for their prowess on the battlefield and their uncompromising adherence to the code of Bushido. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen the majority of their cards from the base set and have had an opportunity to play some games with the Lion deck facing up against the previously revealed Crane deck. This has given us some insights into how the Lion clan play and also some of the intricacies of the game overall. Join with me as I go through each of the revealed cards and discuss their implications for the Lion.

The Perfect Turn

The Perfect Turn

We have now seen an almost full set of the Crane Dynasty and Conflict cards. The reality, however, is we still have no real idea how to play this game. I don’t mean the rules, we might be missing a small detail here or there, but we have a decent idea of the rules. I mean actually making decisions during the game, what cards to recruit, how much Fate to spend, where to assign, etc.

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