Competitive Decks — Legend of the Five Rings

Core Set · tier 1

The Wall Holds

Pure Core Set Crab. Sit behind big defenders, let the opponent crash into Hida Kisada, and punish them for passing.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Keep any hand with a holding. Shrewd Yasuki and Hida Guardian are both blank without one, and Borderlands Fortifications turns a province into something they have to spend real cards on. A hand of three characters and no holding is worse than it looks.

The shape of a game

You are the defender and you should want to be. Let them attack, win the defence by a wide margin with The Mountain Does Not Fall, and let Funeral Pyre convert your casualties into fate. Kisada lands around turn three or four as a seven-military threat they must answer with a card rather than a body.

Rebuild and Charge!

Two cards that were later policed, both legal here at three copies. Rebuild is your answer to holding removal and should be held rather than spent on the first threat — it was restricted in December 2018 for exactly the reason you are about to discover. Charge! puts a character into a conflict after defenders are declared, which turns a losing attack into a won one.

Where it goes wrong

Political conflicts. This deck has almost no political skill, so a Crane or Scorpion opponent will simply attack that way every turn and you cannot contest it. Against them, your provinces are the defence and Kisada is the clock; win before the honour drain matters.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthDefend the Wallstr 4 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

3×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
3×	Hida GuardianCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Shrewd YasukiCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Vanguard WarriorCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Hida TomonatsuCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Intimidating HidaCore Set	3f · 4/2
2×	Vengeful BerserkerCore Set	3f · 3/–
2×	Kaiu ShuichiCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Steadfast Witch HunterCore Set	4f · 4/2
3×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2

Holdings · 8

3×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
3×	Funeral PyreCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Stoic GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1

Attachments · 12

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Watch CommanderCore Set	1f
3×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f

Events · 22

3×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
1×	LevyCore Set	0f
3×	RebuildCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Yasuki Ledger

Crab economy. Yasuki Taka turns every casualty into fate, Stoic Magistrate blanks cheap attackers, and Kuni Ritsuko strips fate off whatever survives.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Yasuki Taka, Iron Mine, or a hand that reaches them. The deck is an economy deck wearing Crab colours and the engine has to be running by turn three.

The shape of a game

Out-resource them. Taka turns every casualty into fate, Iron Mine refuses to let a character die, and Kuni Ritsuko strips fate off whatever survives. By turn five you should have more characters on the board than they can afford to answer, and that is when you start attacking.

Karada District

One copy, and it steals an attachment every turn with no way for them to interact. It was banned later, and an entire category of opposing decks — Crane duelling, Dragon towers, anything built on a weapon — simply stops working while it is out. Play it the turn you draw it.

Where it goes wrong

The deck has no finisher. You can build a commanding board and still fail to convert, because nothing here ends a game quickly. Once you are clearly ahead, commit to breaking provinces rather than accumulating further — and use Censure and Fair Accord to buy the turns while you do.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthDefend the Wallstr 4 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidTears of Amaterasustr 4 · Tears of Amaterasu

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 35

3×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
3×	Hida GuardianCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Kaiu EnvoyCore Set	1f · 1/0
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Kaiu InventorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 2/1
2×	Shrewd YasukiCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Staunch HidaTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/–
3×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Intimidating HidaCore Set	3f · 4/2
3×	Stoic MagistrateFor Honor and Glory	3f · 2/2
2×	Kaiu ShuichiCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Kuni RitsukoMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 4/2
3×	Yasuki TakaFate Has No Secrets	5f · 3/4

Holdings · 5

3×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
1×	Karada DistrictTears of Amaterasu
1×	Miwaku KabeFor Honor and Glory

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Stoic GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1

Attachments · 12

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
3×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f

Events · 22

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Fair AccordFate Has No Secrets	0f
3×	Raise the AlarmFor Honor and Glory	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 58 Tears of Amaterasu 5 The Chrysanthemum Throne 4 For Honor and Glory 7 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Fate Has No Secrets 5 Into the Forbidden City 2

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

Kuni Earthworks

Earth shugenja and the full Elemental province suite. Kuni Yori pumps the team in Earth conflicts; Kuni Laboratory pays honor for raw stats.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

An Earth province live and a shugenja to use it. Kuni Yori is the payoff and Apprentice Earthcaller is how you reach him; a hand with neither is a mulligan.

The shape of a game

Fight on Earth wherever you can. Kuni Yori gives every character you control +1/+1 during Earth conflicts, which turns an even board into a winning one, and Specialized Defenses is free skill while you hold the Earth role. The elemental province row is built so that a defended attack costs them something.

The honour cost

Kuni Laboratory needs honour to operate and Crab start at eleven. This is the deck's real constraint: you can dishonour yourself out of a game your opponent was losing. Count before every activation, and against Scorpion consider leaving the Laboratory switched off entirely.

Where it goes wrong

Losing the Earth ring. A competent opponent notices which ring you keep taking and starts contesting it, at which point half your skill boosts evaporate. Spreading the Darkness handles their best character; Pragmatism handles the attachment that makes it good.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
3×	Hida GuardianCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Third Tower GuardBreath of the Kami	1f · 1/1
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
3×	Kaiu InventorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 2/1
2×	Staunch HidaTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/–
3×	Apprentice EarthcallerTainted Lands	3f · 3/1
3×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Hida AmoroDisciples of the Void	3f · 4/–
3×	Kuni RitsukoMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 4/2
3×	Steadfast Witch HunterCore Set	4f · 4/2
3×	Kuni YoriTainted Lands	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 6

3×	Hiruma OutpostBreath of the Kami
3×	Kuni LaboratoryAll and Nothing

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Nezumi InfiltratorThe Ebb and Flow	1f · 1/1
3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	PragmatismElements Unbound	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
3×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f

Events · 23

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Specialized DefensesElements Unbound	0f
3×	Spreading the DarknessTainted Lands	0f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 43 Tainted Lands 10 Breath of the Kami 7 The Fires Within 1 All and Nothing 6 The Ebb and Flow 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 3 Tears of Amaterasu 2 Disciples of the Void 2 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 Elements Unbound 6

Defenders of Rokugan (Crab clan pack) · tier 4

The Kaiu Wall

The clan pack showpiece. Six unique Kaiu Wall holdings turn your provinces into fortresses, Kaiu Shihobu fetches them, and Kyūden Hida digs for bodies.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Kaiu Shihobu, or any wall holding. Four wall pieces is the number the community settled on — enough to matter, few enough that the dynasty row still shows characters.

The shape of a game

Kyūden Hida digs through your deck for a character every turn, which is what makes a holding-heavy build survivable. Each wall piece makes one province genuinely expensive to break. Hida O-Ushi then grants extra military conflicts off a successful defence, which is how a defensive deck eventually wins rather than merely surviving.

Reading the dynasty row

The commonest mistake is forcing a buy when the row shows two holdings and nothing else. Take the fate, pass the turn, and let the provinces work — an empty turn with a built wall is a fine turn. Rebuild puts a piece back the moment they tear one down.

Where it goes wrong

Speed. Games that reach turn six you tend to win outright; games that end by turn four you lose without having done anything. Against a fast start, prioritise bodies over walls even though the walls are why you built the deck.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Hida11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthDefend the Wallstr 4 · Core Set

FireKuni Wastelandstr 4 · Defenders of Rokugan

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
3×	Purifier ApprenticeDefenders of Rokugan	1f · 1/0
3×	Hida SukuneDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 1/2
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
3×	Shadowlands HunterDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/0
3×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
3×	Hida O-UshiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 3/3
3×	Unyielding SenseiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 4/2
3×	Favorable DealbrokerDefenders of Rokugan	4f · 2/3
3×	Kaiu ShihobuDefenders of Rokugan	5f · 5/3

Holdings · 10

3×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
3×	Hiruma OutpostBreath of the Kami
1×	Kaiu ForgesDefenders of Rokugan
1×	River of the Last StandDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Seventh TowerDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Watchtower of ValorDefenders of Rokugan

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Hiruma SkirmisherInto the Forbidden City	1f · 1/–
3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Reinforced PlateDefenders of Rokugan	1f
3×	Subterranean GuileDefenders of Rokugan	1f
3×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f

Events · 22

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	RebuildCore Set	0f
3×	Siege WarfareDefenders of Rokugan	0f
3×	Stand Your GroundCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
1×	The Strength of the MountainDefenders of Rokugan	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Defenders of Rokugan 37 Core Set 41 Breath of the Kami 4 All and Nothing 1 The Ebb and Flow 1 Into the Forbidden City 3

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Bitter Yakamo

Crab aggro that wants to be the dishonorable one. Hida Yakamo and Daring Challenger get better as your honor drops; Fire role and Fury of the Damned close games fast.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A cheap attacker and a reason to be dishonourable. Blackmail and Fury of the Damned both need you to be the less honourable player, and Daring Challenger improves as you fall.

The shape of a game

Attack every single turn. Hida Yakamo does not bow when he attacks, so he can be the reason you win two conflicts in one turn, and Hida O-Ushi grants the extra military conflict to use him in. Give No Ground and In Defense of Rokugan keep the attacks alive through their answers.

Dropping your own honour

Deliberate, and worth being comfortable with. Half this deck reads better from behind, and the Seeker of Fire role plus Abandoning Honor means the province row is set up to make the fall profitable rather than merely survivable.

Where it goes wrong

Dishonour decks are better at this race than you are. Against Scorpion you want the game over by turn four; if it goes long, they will simply bleed you to zero while you are helping. Warden of the Damned and A Perfect Cut are the fastest cards here — use them to close rather than to trade.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Fire

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthVassal Fieldsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
3×	Hida SugiJustice for Satsume	1f · 2/1
3×	Daring ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/–
3×	Hiruma SignallerFor the Empire	2f · 2/2
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
3×	Yasuki ProcurerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
3×	Hida O-UshiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 3/3
3×	Yasuki HikaruThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 3/2
2×	Frontline EngineerA Champion's Foresight	4f · 4/2
3×	Hida YakamoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/2
2×	Hiruma YoshinoBonds of Blood	4f · 3/3
3×	Fifth Tower WatchFor the Empire	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 6

3×	Heavy BallistaChildren of the Empire
3×	Strategic WeakpointA Champion's Foresight

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Warden of the DamnedJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Sharpened TsuruhashiThe Children of Heaven	0f
3×	Callous AshigaruJustice for Satsume	1f
3×	PragmatismElements Unbound	1f
3×	Honed NodachiChildren of the Empire	2f

Events · 22

3×	A Perfect CutFor the Empire	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Give No GroundFor the Empire	0f
3×	In Defense of RokuganChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Fury of the DamnedBonds of Blood	2f
3×	BlackmailCore Set Scorpion splash	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 22 Children of the Empire 22 The Fires Within 1 Justice for Satsume 9 For the Empire 12 The Emperor's Legion 3 Bonds of Blood 4 A Champion's Foresight 5 Defenders of Rokugan 3 Elements Unbound 3 The Children of Heaven 3

Winter Court 2019 · tier 5

Winter Court Crab

Seeker of Void Crab running the big Core characters behind Shiro Nishiyama, with Charge! and Purity of Spirit for tempo.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

Seeker of Void Crab running the big Core characters behind Shiro Nishiyama, with Akodo Toturi and Hantei Sotorii as neutral bodies the clan otherwise lacks. It is a midrange list in a field full of faster ones, and it got there by being very hard to kill.

How to pilot it

Hold the provinces and let them break themselves on Defend the Wall. Iron Mine and Reprieve mean your characters do not stay dead, which turns every trade in your favour over a long game. Kisada is the threat they must answer; Charge! is how you convert a stalled board into a broken province.

The neutral package

Toturi and Sotorii are doing work Crab cards cannot — political presence and a body that contests court. Purity of Spirit and Clarity of Purpose alongside them show a player expecting to fight over rings rather than simply over provinces.

Note

Karada District and Charge! both appear here and both were banned later. This is a snapshot of November 2019, not a legal deck in the final format.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Void

AirManicured Gardenstr 4 · Core Set

EarthDefend the Wallstr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 29

3×	Kaiu EnvoyCore Set	1f · 1/0
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Shrewd YasukiCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Vanguard WarriorCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Siege CaptainChildren of the Empire	3f · 5/1
3×	Hantei SotoriiFor the Empire	4f · 4/3
3×	Kaiu ShuichiCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Steadfast Witch HunterCore Set	4f · 4/2
3×	Akodo ToturiChildren of the Empire	5f · 6/3
3×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2

Holdings · 11

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
1×	Karada DistrictTears of Amaterasu
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Hiruma SkirmisherInto the Forbidden City	1f · 1/–
2×	Nezumi InfiltratorThe Ebb and Flow	1f · 1/1
1×	Kami UnleashedDisciples of the Void	2f · 1/1

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
3×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f

Events · 22

1×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	Purity of SpiritFor the Empire Phoenix splash	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void Phoenix splash	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 57 Children of the Empire 7 For the Empire 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 Tears of Amaterasu 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 1 Into the Forbidden City 5 The Ebb and Flow 2 Disciples of the Void 3

Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Rally at the Wall

Rally cards flood your provinces with bodies you never paid for. Hida Etsuji doubles province abilities and Hida O-Ushi buys extra military conflicts off successful defense.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Any rally card, or Gallant Quartermaster. Recalled Defenses and Contested Countryside put bodies into play without spending fate, which is what makes the sacrifice plan affordable at all.

The shape of a game

Flood the provinces with free characters, then spend them. Butcher of the Fallen grows with every character that dies — yours included — so trading is not a cost here, it is the engine. Hida Etsuji doubles a province ability, which with this row is worth building a turn around.

Spending your own people

The deck asks you to treat characters as ammunition, which runs against how most Crab decks want to play. Our Foe Does Not Wait and Return From Shadows both reward a board that churns. If you are hoarding characters, you are playing it wrong.

Where it goes wrong

Rally only works while you have provinces left to flip, so once two or three are broken the engine slows badly. Against a fast opponent, defend earlier than instinct suggests — free bodies stop being free when the row is gone.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Hida11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirDriven By Couragestr 4 · Spreading Shadows

EarthCourteous Greetingstr 4 · In Pursuit of Truth

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidShrug Off Despairstr 6 · Rokugan at War

WaterThe Pursuit of Justicestr 4 · Campaigns of Conquest

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

3×	Gallant QuartermasterShoju's Duty	1f · 0/1
3×	Purifier ApprenticeDefenders of Rokugan	1f · 1/0
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
3×	Pious GuardianAs Honor Demands	2f · 3/1
3×	Third Whisker SneakIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 2/1
3×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
3×	Hida O-UshiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 3/3
3×	Kuni PurifierCampaigns of Conquest	3f · 3/3
3×	Butcher of the FallenSpreading Shadows	4f · 6/–
3×	Hida EtsujiAs Honor Demands	4f · 4/2
2×	Kaiu ShihobuDefenders of Rokugan	5f · 5/3

Holdings · 5

3×	Contested CountrysideAs Honor Demands
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set

Dynasty events · 3

3×

Recalled DefensesRokugan at War

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Slovenly ScavengerDefenders of Rokugan	1f · 1/–
3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Field of RuinRokugan at War	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
3×	Sturdy TetsubōCampaigns of Conquest	2f

Events · 23

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Our Foe Does Not WaitRokugan at War	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Return From ShadowsIn Pursuit of Truth	0f
2×	Ceaseless DutyAs Honor Demands	1f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Defenders of Rokugan 12 Core Set 32 In Pursuit of Truth 7 Spreading Shadows 4 As Honor Demands 12 Rokugan at War 10 Campaigns of Conquest 7 Shoju's Duty 3

Temptations Cycle · tier 7

Dire Ambition

The last-era Crab deck. Castle of the Forgotten converts broken provinces into all-military rounds, and Dire characters hit hardest when you refuse to pay them fate.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Do not keep a hand that needs you to spend fate. Damned Hida, Midnight Builder and the Dire characters all want to be empty, and Castle of the Forgotten pays you for broken provinces rather than for buying big.

The shape of a game

Accept losses. Every broken province turns the stronghold on, letting you declare an all-military round, so a province falling is a step in the plan rather than a setback. Repentant Legion and Butcher of the Fallen both get larger as the board thins.

Playing characters empty

This is the habit to build. A Dire character with one fate on it is strictly worse than the same character with none, and paying for them feels like good play right up until the ability does not trigger. Buy wide and empty; Guardians of Rokugan protects the swing turn when it comes.

Where it goes wrong

Over-defending. If you spend the early game keeping every province intact, the stronghold never activates and the deck has no second plan. Let the first two go and make the third one expensive.

Stronghold & roleCastle of the Forgotten10h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Earth

AirCycle of Vengeancestr 4 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireBrushfiresstr 4 · Twisted Loyalties

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterBy Onnotangu's Lightstr 4 · A Crimson Offering

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Silent SkirmisherHonor in Flames	0f · 1/–
3×	Gallant QuartermasterShoju's Duty	1f · 0/1
3×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Resourceful Mahō-TsukaiA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/1
3×	Unleashed ExperimentThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 4/3
3×	Yasuki OguriTwisted Loyalties	2f · 1/1
3×	Damned HidaA Crimson Offering	3f · 3/–
3×	Butcher of the FallenSpreading Shadows	4f · 6/–
2×	Hida EtsujiAs Honor Demands	4f · 4/2
3×	Master of JadeHonor in Flames	4f · 3/3
3×	Midnight BuilderPeace at Any Cost	4f · 4/3
3×	Repentant LegionCoils of Power	5f · 9/–

Holdings · 6

3×	Doom ThrowerPeace at Any Cost
3×	Fire and OilAtonement

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Apprentice EngineerAtonement	2f · 2/1
3×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Curse of MisfortuneHonor in Flames	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
3×	Tetsubō of BloodA Crimson Offering	1f
2×	UntaintedThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f
2×	ChikaraTwisted Loyalties	2f

Events · 22

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Battle MeditationCoils of Power	0f
3×	Guardians of RokuganTwisted Loyalties	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
1×	Ceaseless DutyAs Honor Demands	1f
3×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Coils of Power 8 Core Set 24 Honor in Flames 10 Twisted Loyalties 9 Peace at Any Cost 7 A Crimson Offering 9 The Temptation of the Scorpion 5 Spreading Shadows 3 As Honor Demands 3 Atonement 6 Shoju's Duty 3

Core Set · tier 1

The Perfect Gift

Core Crane. Win political conflicts, honor your own courtiers for glory, and use a Scorpion splash to cancel the one event that would have saved them.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Any hand with Voice of Honor. Everything else in this deck exists to keep your honour above theirs so it stays live, and a Crane hand without a cancel is a hand playing a different game.

The shape of a game

Win political conflicts, honour your own courtiers for glory, and hold the cancel. Way of the Crane is there to guarantee the honour condition on the turn it matters rather than to win a conflict. You are not trying to break provinces quickly; you are trying to make every turn they take cost more than it should.

Holding the cancel

Voice of Honor does more work unspent than spent. An opponent who knows you might have it plays a slower, safer turn — that is the card earning its slot even when it never leaves your hand. Spend it on the event that wins them the game, not the first one that annoys you.

Where it goes wrong

Military. Brash Samurai and Kakita Kaezin are the whole of it. Against Lion or Unicorn you cannot contest the fights, so the honour race is your clock and Noble Sacrifice is for the one character that would otherwise break you. Forged Edict is unrestricted at this date and covers the event you cannot afford to let resolve.

Stronghold & roleShizuka Toshi11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirThe Art of Peacestr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Asahina ArtisanCore Set	1f · 0/0
3×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
3×	Brash SamuraiCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Cautious ScoutCore Set	2f · 2/0
2×	Daidoji NerishmaCore Set	2f · 3/1
3×	Doji Gift GiverCore Set	2f · 0/2
3×	Savvy PoliticianCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Doji ChallengerCore Set	3f · 3/3
3×	Kakita AsamiCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Kakita KaezinCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Asahina StorytellerCore Set	4f · 2/4
3×	Doji HotaruCore Set	5f · 3/6

Holdings · 6

3×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Political RivalCore Set

3f · –/3

Attachments · 12

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Duelist TrainingCore Set	1f
3×	Height of FashionCore Set	2f

Events · 25

2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set Scorpion splash	0f
3×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
3×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
3×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Chrysanthemum Court

Imperial Favor Crane. Kakita Yoshi cashes the Favor for three cards, Doji Shizue sticks around while you hold it, and Censure shuts down events for free.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Kakita Yoshi or the pieces that reach him. Doji Shizue sticks around only while you hold the Imperial Favour, which tells you what this deck is about.

The shape of a game

Take the Favour and keep it. Yoshi cashes it for three cards, Censure becomes a free cancel while you hold it, and Curry Favor takes it back when they manage to claim it. This is a card-advantage deck that happens to be political rather than a political deck that draws cards.

Counting glory

The Favour goes to whoever has more total glory among honoured characters at the end of the conflict phase, so track the number rather than guessing. Origami Master moves honour between characters and can swing that count on the last conflict of a turn — it is the card that actually wins the Favour.

Where it goes wrong

Losing the Favour takes three or four cards offline at once. Against Phoenix, who generate glory without trying, assume you will not hold it and play the deck as straight control: Disdainful Remark and Way of the Chrysanthemum still function.

Stronghold & roleShizuka Toshi11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirThe Art of Peacestr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidTears of Amaterasustr 4 · Tears of Amaterasu

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 37

3×	Asahina ArtisanCore Set	1f · 0/0
3×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
2×	Daidoji NerishmaCore Set	2f · 3/1
3×	Doji Gift GiverCore Set	2f · 0/2
3×	Doji ShizueThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 1/2
3×	Savvy PoliticianCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Doji ChallengerCore Set	3f · 3/3
3×	Doji RepresentativeTears of Amaterasu	3f · 1/3
3×	Kakita AsamiCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Silver-Tongued MagistrateMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f · 2/2
3×	Asahina StorytellerCore Set	4f · 2/4
2×	Origami MasterFate Has No Secrets	4f · 1/4
3×	Kakita YoshiInto the Forbidden City	5f · 2/6

Holdings · 3

2×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
1×	Chisei DistrictInto the Forbidden City

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Political RivalCore Set

3f · –/3

Attachments · 12

3×	Pillow BookMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
3×	Seal of the CraneTears of Amaterasu	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Height of FashionCore Set	2f

Events · 25

3×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Curry FavorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set Scorpion splash	0f
3×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
3×	Disdainful RemarkTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Way of the ChrysanthemumThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 53 Into the Forbidden City 8 Tears of Amaterasu 10 The Chrysanthemum Throne 8 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Fate Has No Secrets 2

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

Air and Ash

Asahina shugenja and the Air ring. The Mirror's Gaze steals your opponent's best event, and a Phoenix spell splash turns any single character into a wall.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

An Asahina shugenja and an air province live. Soul Beyond Reproach needs the Air role and the deck is built around the ring rather than around the characters.

The shape of a game

Reactive by design. Tengu Sensei stops an attacker before the conflict is declared, Formal Invitation and Menacing Iron Warrior put bodies in after defenders are chosen, and The Mirror's Gaze copies the event they just resolved. The board you show is not the board they end up fighting.

Magistrate Station

In the province row and later banned. It generates value every turn with no way for them to interact, which is the pattern the ban list watched most closely. Expect it to feel oppressive; that is the point of including it at this date.

Where it goes wrong

Very little military and no fast clock. This becomes an honour win whether you planned one or not, so count both totals from turn one. Ikebana Artisan refusing the unopposed honour cost matters more than it looks in that race.

Stronghold & roleShizuka Toshi11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireMagistrate Stationstr 3 · Elements Unbound

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 38

3×	Asahina ArtisanCore Set	1f · 0/0
3×	Callow DelegateAll and Nothing	1f · 0/1
3×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
3×	Ikebana ArtisanThe Ebb and Flow	2f · 0/2
3×	Sadane StudentThe Fires Within	2f · 1/2
3×	Savvy PoliticianCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Doji ShigeruDisciples of the Void	3f · –/3
3×	Fū Sui DiscipleBreath of the Kami	3f · 1/2
3×	Kakita AsamiCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Asahina StorytellerCore Set	4f · 2/4
3×	Asahina TakakoTainted Lands	4f · –/5
3×	Doji HotaruCore Set	5f · 3/6
2×	Tengu SenseiElements Unbound	5f · 4/2

Holdings · 2

2×

Bonsai GardenTainted Lands

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Menacing Iron WarriorThe Ebb and Flow

3f · 3/1

Attachments · 12

3×	Formal InvitationBreath of the Kami	0f
3×	Seal of the CraneTears of Amaterasu	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	The Mirror's GazeBreath of the Kami	2f

Events · 25

3×	Supernatural StormCore Set Phoenix splash	0f
3×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set Phoenix splash	1f
3×	Game of SadaneAll and Nothing	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
3×	Soul Beyond ReproachThe Ebb and Flow	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 42 Breath of the Kami 10 Tainted Lands 6 Elements Unbound 3 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 10 The Fires Within 3 Disciples of the Void 3 Tears of Amaterasu 3

Masters of the Court (Crane clan pack) · tier 4

Kyūden Kakita

The clan pack showpiece: duels everywhere. Every duel you win honors a character off Kyūden Kakita, and Daidoji Uji plays your whole province row out of hand.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A duelist and a weapon, or Proving Ground. Iaijutsu Master turns any duel into one you have already won, and Proving Ground draws two a turn in a deck that wants to hold cards.

The shape of a game

Every duel you win honours a character off Kyūden Kakita, which raises glory, which wins political conflicts and the Favour. The duels are the engine, not the kill — most of the time you duel to bow a defender or send it home, and the honour gain is the real payment.

Daidoji Uji

Plays your entire province row out of hand, once, for an overwhelming turn. Hold him until that turn actually ends the game rather than using him to stabilise — a stabilising Uji is a wasted Uji, and the deck has other ways to survive.

Where it goes wrong

Duelling into a character you cannot beat. Check their dial options before initiating: a lost duel is a card spent to make your own character worse. Toshimoko was restricted in January 2020 and is the only restricted card here, so there is no room for another.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Kakita11h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Air

AirThe Art of Peacestr 4 · Core Set

EarthVassal Fieldsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMarket of Kaze-no-Kamistr 3 · Masters of the Court

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Ichigenkin SoloistChildren of the Empire	1f · 0/2
1×	Iwasaki PupilMasters of the Court	1f · 1/1
3×	Beloved AdvisorMasters of the Court	2f · 1/3
3×	Courtly ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · –/2
3×	Kakita FavoriteMasters of the Court	2f · 3/1
3×	Kakita YuriMasters of the Court	3f · 0/3
3×	Maker of KeepsakesMasters of the Court	3f · 3/3
3×	Paragon of GraceChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
2×	Asahina TakamoriMasters of the Court	4f · 0/0
3×	Benevolent HostMasters of the Court	4f · 2/2
3×	Kakita ToshimokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/3
3×	Daidoji UjiMasters of the Court	5f · 6/2
1×	Winter Court HostsMasters of the Court	6f · 2/7

Holdings · 6

2×	Distinguished DōjōMasters of the Court
1×	Kakita DōjōChildren of the Empire
3×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Doji FumikiUnderhand of the Emperor	2f · 0/3
3×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3

Attachments · 12

3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Iaijutsu MasterChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	Kakita BladeFor Honor and Glory	1f
3×	Letter from the DaimyōMasters of the Court	1f

Events · 22

2×	GossipMasters of the Court	0f
3×	Insult to InjuryThe Fires Within	0f
3×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
3×	Courteous SchemingMasters of the Court	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Masters of the Court 34 Core Set 16 Children of the Empire 28 Underhand of the Emperor 3 For Honor and Glory 3 The Fires Within 3

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Divided House

Hotaru and Kuwanan cannot both hold the clan, so pick a champion and fight. Military Crane backed by duels, with Forged Edict protecting the swing turn.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Pick a champion. Hotaru and Kuwanan discard each other on sight, so decide early which one this game belongs to and mulligan toward it. Kakita Dōjō or Proving Ground alongside either of them is a comfortable keep; a hand with both siblings and no duelist is not.

The shape of a game

Military Crane, which surprises people. Iron Crane Legion and Toshimoko fight properly, Duel to the Death removes a character outright, and Defend Your Honor cancels using the duelists you already have on the board. You are trading one for one and winning each trade on your terms.

Duel to the Death

The card that separates this deck from the clan pack build. It is removal rather than tempo, and it is worth holding for their best character rather than spending on the first duel available. Issue a Challenge forces the fight when they would rather not have it.

Where it goes wrong

Toshimoko is restricted and unique, so losing him early leaves the deck short of duelists. Kakita Ryoku and Graceful Guardian have to carry those games — they are better at it than they look, but the clock slows considerably.

Stronghold & roleShizuka Toshi11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthFestival of the Departedstr 4 · Bonds of Blood

FireInto the Forbidden Citystr 5 · Justice for Satsume

VoidConflict Between Kinstr 5 · Justice for Satsume

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

3×	Graceful GuardianThe Children of Heaven	1f · 2/0
3×	Ichigenkin SoloistChildren of the Empire	1f · 0/2
3×	Courtly ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · –/2
3×	Kakita FavoriteMasters of the Court	2f · 3/1
3×	Kakita RyokuWarriors of the Wind	3f · 1/3
3×	Paragon of GraceChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
3×	Sententious PoetFor the Empire	3f · 1/3
3×	Doji KuzunobuThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/4
3×	Iron Crane LegionThe Children of Heaven	4f · –/3
3×	Kakita ToshimokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/3
2×	Doji HotaruJustice for Satsume	5f · 3/6
2×	Doji KuwananJustice for Satsume	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 6

3×	Esteemed Tea HouseFor the Empire
2×	Kakita DōjōChildren of the Empire
1×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Young HarrierFate Has No Secrets	1f · 1/1
3×	Arbiter of AuthorityBonds of Blood	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Seal of the CraneTears of Amaterasu	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Iaijutsu MasterChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	Kakita BladeFor Honor and Glory	1f

Events · 22

3×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Issue a ChallengeThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
3×	Duel to the DeathBonds of Blood	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 13 Children of the Empire 28 Bonds of Blood 7 Justice for Satsume 6 The Children of Heaven 9 Masters of the Court 3 For the Empire 6 Warriors of the Wind 3 The Emperor's Legion 3 Fate Has No Secrets 3 For Honor and Glory 3 Tears of Amaterasu 3

Winter Court 2019, Top 16 · tier 5

Yanik Richard - Crane

Crane Hatamoto list. Kyūden Kakita duelling with a Scorpion splash for Mark of Shame and Calling in Favors.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

Kyūden Kakita duelling with a Scorpion splash, in a Winter Court field full of faster decks. The splash is the interesting choice: Mark of Shame, Calling in Favors and Shosuro Miyako handle the things duels cannot, which is the gap in every Crane list.

How to pilot it

Hold Voice of Honor and keep your honour above theirs so it stays live. Duel to bow rather than to kill, and let Toshimoko and the honour engine convert small advantages into board control. Gossip names a card they cannot play for the turn, which is often how the swing turn is protected.

The Scorpion splash

Worth studying if you build Crane yourself. Duelling handles characters that stand and fight; it does nothing about an attachment, a courtier sitting in the back, or an event. Calling in Favors steals rather than discards, which is why it appears in almost every deck that can afford it.

Note

Magistrate Station sits in the province row and Kakita Toshimoko was restricted a few months after this event. The list is a record of what the format allowed that autumn, not a template you could register in 2021.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Kakita11h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Air

AirManicured Gardenstr 4 · Core Set

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireMagistrate Stationstr 3 · Elements Unbound

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

2×	Callow DelegateAll and Nothing	1f · 0/1
3×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
3×	Brash SamuraiCore Set	2f · 2/1
1×	Daidoji NerishmaCore Set	2f · 3/1
3×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Doji ChallengerCore Set	3f · 3/3
3×	Asahina TakamoriMasters of the Court	4f · 0/0
2×	Doji KuzunobuThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/4
2×	Hantei SotoriiFor the Empire	4f · 4/3
1×	Iron Crane LegionThe Children of Heaven	4f · –/3
3×	Kakita ToshimokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/3
2×	Doji KuwananJustice for Satsume	5f · 5/4
3×	Kakita YoshiInto the Forbidden City	5f · 2/6
2×	Tengu SenseiElements Unbound	5f · 4/2

Holdings · 7

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Kakita DōjōChildren of the Empire
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

1×	Meek InformantTears of Amaterasu Scorpion splash	1f · –/1
1×	Young HarrierFate Has No Secrets	1f · 1/1
2×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3
1×	Shosuro MiyakoJustice for Satsume Scorpion splash	3f · 3/2

Attachments · 5

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Mark of ShameAll and Nothing Scorpion splash	2f

Events · 30

1×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	GossipMasters of the Court	0f
3×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
2×	Duel to the DeathBonds of Blood	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
3×	Soul Beyond ReproachThe Ebb and Flow	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Masters of the Court 6 Core Set 40 Elements Unbound 3 Children of the Empire 10 Tainted Lands 1 All and Nothing 5 The Emperor's Legion 2 For the Empire 2 The Children of Heaven 1 Justice for Satsume 3 Into the Forbidden City 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 1 Tears of Amaterasu 1 Fate Has No Secrets 1 For Honor and Glory 3 Bonds of Blood 2 The Ebb and Flow 3

Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Rally to the Court

Seven Fold Palace pays honor for attacking with honored characters. Rally cards keep the provinces stocked and The Wealth of the Crane refills them wholesale.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

An honour effect and a body worth honouring. Seven Fold Palace pays you every time an honoured character attacks, which is a strange thing for a Crane deck to want and the reason this list exists.

The shape of a game

Honour a character, attack with it, take the honour, repeat. That turns Crane's usual patience into an actual clock. Rally cards keep the provinces stocked so the aggression is affordable, and Elegant Tessen readies your attacker for a second conflict.

Tsuma

Hands you an honoured character for free, which with this stronghold means a free honour gain the following turn as well. It is the province you most want them to attack into, so place it where an aggressive opponent will reach it early.

Where it goes wrong

Twelve of thirteen influence is committed, so there is no room to adjust the splash without cutting something that matters. And The Wealth of the Crane was banned later — if the deck feels unreasonable in a particular game, that card is usually why.

Stronghold & roleSeven Fold Palace10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirTsumastr 3 · In Pursuit of Truth

EarthPledge of Loyaltystr 3 · Rokugan at War

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

WaterThe Pursuit of Justicestr 4 · Campaigns of Conquest

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

3×	Doji DiplomatAtonement	0f · 0/1
3×	Ichigenkin SoloistChildren of the Empire	1f · 0/2
3×	Asahina AugurIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 0/0
3×	Beloved AdvisorMasters of the Court	2f · 1/3
3×	Daidoji NetsuDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/1
3×	Paragon of GraceChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
3×	Veteran of Toshi RanboCampaigns of Conquest	3f · 3/1
3×	Cunning NegotiatorSpreading Shadows	4f · 1/5
3×	Master of the CourtAs Honor Demands	4f · 1/4
2×	Doji KuwananJustice for Satsume	5f · 5/4
3×	Kakita YoshiRokugan at War	5f · 2/6

Holdings · 8

2×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
3×	Daidoji MarketplaceSpreading Shadows
2×	Esteemed Tea HouseFor the Empire
1×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Local Daimyō's RetainerCampaigns of Conquest	1f · 2/2
3×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3

Attachments · 12

3×	Treasured GiftAtonement	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Daidoji YariAtonement	1f
3×	Elegant TessenSeekers of Wisdom	1f

Events · 22

3×	Forged EdictCore Set Scorpion splash	0f
3×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
1×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
3×	Elegance and GraceAs Honor Demands	2f
3×	The Wealth of the CraneIn Pursuit of Truth	5f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

As Honor Demands 8 Core Set 19 In Pursuit of Truth 7 Rokugan at War 4 Atonement 10 Campaigns of Conquest 7 Children of the Empire 13 Masters of the Court 3 Defenders of Rokugan 3 Spreading Shadows 6 Justice for Satsume 2 For the Empire 2 Seekers of Wisdom 3

Temptations Cycle · tier 7

An Agreeable Arrangement

Late Crane hands the opponent a gift they cannot refuse. Give away a character to take a better one, while Dire courtiers reward you for spending no fate at all.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Doji Diplomat is a strong turn-one play against Unicorn in particular, because turning a province face down before they use it costs them a turn of setup.

The shape of a game

Give things away and be paid more than they were worth. An Agreeable Arrangement hands them a character to take a better one, Diplomatic Gift-Giver makes the trade profitable, and Steward of Law punishes them for the cards they now hold.

When to make a trade

Only when what you receive closes the game faster than what you gave up. The gifts are real — they keep the character. Superior Authority and Setting the Standard turn an even swap into an advantage, so try to hold one before you initiate rather than trading on hope.

Where it goes wrong

An opponent who refuses to engage. Against a deck that ignores your offers and simply attacks, the transactional half is dead weight — lean on Daidoji Yari, the Iron Warriors and Voice of Honor and play it as conventional defensive Crane.

Stronghold & roleSeven Fold Palace10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirThe Way of Peacestr 3 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireBrushfiresstr 4 · Twisted Loyalties

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterBy Onnotangu's Lightstr 4 · A Crimson Offering

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Doji DiplomatAtonement	0f · 0/1
3×	Ichigenkin SoloistChildren of the Empire	1f · 0/2
3×	Arrogant KakitaThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 3/2
3×	Beloved AdvisorMasters of the Court	2f · 1/3
3×	Desperate NegotiatorA Crimson Offering	2f · 0/2
3×	Daidoji Iron WarriorPeace at Any Cost	3f · 3/3
3×	Paragon of GraceChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
3×	Cunning NegotiatorSpreading Shadows	4f · 1/5
3×	Diplomatic Gift-GiverTwisted Loyalties	4f · 3/4
3×	Master of the CourtAs Honor Demands	4f · 1/4
3×	Daidoji UjiHonor in Flames	5f · 6/2

Holdings · 4

1×	Distinguished DōjōMasters of the Court
3×	Fū Sui TempleCoils of Power

Dynasty events · 3

3×

An Agreeable ArrangementThe Temptation of the Scorpion

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 9

3×	Steward of LawCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Arbiter of AuthorityBonds of Blood	2f · 0/2
3×	Talented PerformerThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 10

3×	Tsangusuri WardCoils of Power	0f
1×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
3×	Daidoji YariAtonement	1f
3×	Dutiful AssistantPeace at Any Cost	1f

Events · 21

3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
3×	Disparaging ChallengeA Crimson Offering	1f
3×	Exemplary EtiquetteTwisted Loyalties	1f
3×	Kakita's Final StanceShoju's Duty	1f
1×	Elegance and GraceAs Honor Demands	2f
3×	Superior AuthorityTwisted Loyalties	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

As Honor Demands 5 Core Set 13 Honor in Flames 4 Coils of Power 7 Twisted Loyalties 10 Peace at Any Cost 7 A Crimson Offering 7 Atonement 6 Children of the Empire 6 The Temptation of the Scorpion 9 Masters of the Court 4 Spreading Shadows 3 Bonds of Blood 3 Shoju's Duty 3

Core Set · tier 1

Two Heavens

The seed of the deck that defined 2018. Trade cheaply early with Doomed Shugenja, bank fate, then build one enormous character and copy whatever the opponent brought.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Cheap bodies and nothing expensive. Doomed Shugenja and Togashi Initiate are meant to trade away in the first two turns while you keep your fate; a hand full of five-drops is a hand that loses turn three.

The shape of a game

Bank fate early, spend it all at once. Around turn four you buy one enormous character — Niten Master or Mirumoto Raitsugu — stack Ancestral Daishō and Kitsuki's Method on it, and win every conflict it attends for the rest of the game. Togashi Yokuni copies whatever their best character does, which makes him an answer to whatever the format is doing.

Do not spread your fate

This is the discipline the deck lives on. Three medium characters lose to one huge one, and buying a second threat because you can afford it is how Dragon players lose with this list. One tower, protected properly, beats a board every time.

Where it goes wrong

Assassination. One removal spell undoes an entire turn of investment, so Tranquility and Indomitable Will are not filler — they are the plan surviving contact. Do not spend them protecting a Togashi Initiate.

Stronghold & roleMountain's Anvil Castle11h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Fire

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireRestoration of Balancestr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Doomed ShugenjaCore Set	1f · 3/3
3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Mirumoto ProdigyCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Niten AdeptCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Seeker of EnlightenmentCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Enlightened WarriorCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Kitsuki InvestigatorCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Mirumoto RaitsuguCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Niten MasterCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 7

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Tattooed WandererCore Set	1f · 2/1
3×	Togashi KazueCore Set	3f · 3/3

Attachments · 12

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
3×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 22

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
3×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
3×	Mirumoto's FuryCore Set	1f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set Crab splash	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

Test

The archetype by name. Seal of the Dragon hands the Monk trait to anyone, Niten Master readies off every weapon, and the Fire province row punishes anyone who attacks carelessly.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

The same as Two Heavens, with more patience. Test was the deck the community named and 2018 revolved around, and its opening hands look unimpressive on purpose.

The shape of a game

Trade cheaply, bank fate, invest late. What separates Test from a generic tower deck is the support: Seal of the Dragon hands the Monk trait to a bushi so High Kick and the kihō stay live, and Written in the Stars rearranges what they are about to draw.

Agasha Sumiko

Punishes an opponent for playing cards during a conflict she is in, which reshapes their whole turn rather than stopping any one thing. Against event-heavy decks she is close to a lock, and she is worth protecting ahead of a larger character.

Where it goes wrong

Overextending. If you have three characters and they have four, you are playing the wrong deck — pass, keep the fate, and buy bigger next turn. The commonest mistake is contesting a conflict you do not need because the board looks close.

Stronghold & roleMountain's Anvil Castle11h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Fire

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireRestoration of Balancestr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

FireFeast or Faminestr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

3×	Doomed ShugenjaCore Set	1f · 3/3
3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Togashi MendicantMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f · 1/1
3×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Itinerant PhilosopherFate Has No Secrets	2f · 1/1
3×	Niten AdeptCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Enigmatic MagistrateInto the Forbidden City	3f · 2/2
3×	Mirumoto RaitsuguCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Kitsuki YarumaTears of Amaterasu	4f · 2/4
3×	Niten MasterCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Agasha SumikoThe Chrysanthemum Throne	5f · 4/4
3×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 4

3×	Mountaintop StatuaryThe Chrysanthemum Throne
1×	Secluded TempleCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Tattooed WandererCore Set

1f · 2/1

Attachments · 13

3×	Seal of the DragonMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
3×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
1×	Jade MasterpieceTears of Amaterasu	1f
3×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 24

3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of WaterInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	High KickFor Honor and Glory	1f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
3×	Mirumoto's FuryCore Set	1f
3×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set Crab splash	1f
3×	Written in the StarsMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 54 Into the Forbidden City 8 Meditations on the Ephemeral 9 Fate Has No Secrets 3 Tears of Amaterasu 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 For Honor and Glory 3

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Mantra Cycle

Full Monk. Mantras answer whichever element your opponent declares, Sacred Sanctuary readies a defender for free, and Void Fist sends their best character home.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A Monk, always. Every kihō in the deck needs one participating in the conflict, and a hand of five spells with no bodies is a lost turn you cannot get back.

The shape of a game

Answer whichever element they commit to. The Mantras cover Fire, Earth and Water between them; Void Fist sends their best character home; Hurricane Punch swings a conflict you should have lost. That means holding cards and letting the opponent choose the ground.

Being and Becoming

Rewards the Void role and is the card that makes the elemental row worth running. When you have a genuine choice of ring, take Void even where another looks marginally better — the deck compounds on it in a way it does not on anything else.

Where it goes wrong

Holding the wrong Mantra for the ring being contested is normal rather than bad luck. Judge a hand by how many rings it can answer, not how many cards it holds. Volcanic Troll and Togashi Tadakatsu are your only real bodies at the top end — protect them.

Stronghold & roleMountain's Anvil Castle11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirSacred Sanctuarystr 2 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Togashi MendicantMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f · 1/1
3×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Impulsive NoviceTainted Lands	2f · 2/2
3×	Seeker of EnlightenmentCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Agasha ShunsenElements Unbound	3f · 1/2
3×	Volcanic TrollThe Ebb and Flow	3f · 3/3
3×	Ascetic VisionaryCore Set	4f · 3/4
3×	Master AlchemistThe Fires Within	4f · 3/1
3×	Togashi TadakatsuDisciples of the Void	4f · 4/3
3×	Togashi MitsuAll and Nothing	5f · 4/3

Holdings · 7

1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Mountaintop StatuaryThe Chrysanthemum Throne
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ancient MasterBreath of the Kami	1f · 1/1
3×	Tattooed WandererCore Set	1f · 2/1

Attachments · 10

1×	Centipede TattooThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	Hawk TattooThe Ebb and Flow	1f
3×	Being and BecomingElements Unbound	2f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 24

3×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of EarthElements Unbound	0f
3×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of WaterInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set Phoenix splash	0f
1×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	Void FistAll and Nothing	0f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 36 Breath of the Kami 7 Tainted Lands 4 The Fires Within 4 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 7 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 Elements Unbound 9 Disciples of the Void 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 4 Into the Forbidden City 3

Seekers of Wisdom (Dragon clan pack) · tier 4

High House of Light

The clan pack showpiece. Togashi Mitsu sends a character home every conflict and the stronghold keeps him alive to do it again; every card you play charges Togashi Acolyte.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Togashi Mitsu, or a Tattoo that makes someone else worth protecting. The stronghold exists to keep Mitsu upright and does very little without him, so a hand with three Tattoos and no carrier is worse than it looks — mulligan toward bodies and let the attachments come later.

The shape of a game

Mitsu sends a character home every conflict and High House of Light readies him to do it again, which grinds their board down one character at a time. Meanwhile Togashi Acolyte grows with every card you play and the Tattoos turn ordinary Monks into threats.

Protecting the engine

Mitsu is unique and will be targeted the moment they understand what he does. In Service to My Lord gives you a free stand when they bow him, and Indomitable Will keeps him alive through removal. Hold at least one of the two rather than using them to win a conflict.

Where it goes wrong

Running short of dynasty bodies. Togashi Acolyte and Ancient Master are conflict characters — that is why you can play them as attachments — so a hand that looks full of Monks may have nothing to flip. Count your dynasty deck separately when you mulligan.

Stronghold & roleHigh House of Light11h · 7f · 7inf
Keeper of Void

AirSacred Sanctuarystr 2 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidFuchi Murastr 3 · Seekers of Wisdom

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Kitsuki CounselorChildren of the Empire	1f · 1/1
3×	Taoist AdeptSeekers of Wisdom	1f · 1/1
3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Togashi MendicantMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f · 1/1
3×	Perceptive KitsukiSeekers of Wisdom	2f · 1/2
3×	Austere ExemplarSeekers of Wisdom	3f · 2/3
3×	Togashi GaijutsuSeekers of Wisdom	3f · –/3
3×	Mirumoto MasashigeSeekers of Wisdom	4f · 4/3
3×	Monastery ProtectorSeekers of Wisdom	4f · 3/3
3×	Togashi MitsuSeekers of Wisdom	5f · 4/5
3×	Togashi HoshiSeekers of Wisdom	6f · 5/5

Holdings · 7

1×	Mountaintop StatuaryThe Chrysanthemum Throne
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set
3×	Shintao MonasterySeekers of Wisdom

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ancient MasterBreath of the Kami	1f · 1/1
3×	Togashi AcolyteSeekers of Wisdom	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Vine TattooSeekers of Wisdom	0f
3×	Hawk TattooThe Ebb and Flow	1f
3×	Dragon TattooSeekers of Wisdom	2f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 22

3×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
2×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty Lion splash	0f
3×	Iron Foundations StanceSeekers of Wisdom	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of AirShoju's Duty	0f
1×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
1×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
3×	Wildfire KickSeekers of Wisdom	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Seekers of Wisdom 44 Core Set 18 Breath of the Kami 7 Tainted Lands 1 The Fires Within 1 The Ebb and Flow 4 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 Children of the Empire 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 1 Shoju's Duty 5

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Kitsuki Verdict

Bushi duelling instead of monks. Mirumoto Hitomi duels two characters at once, Two-Heavens Technique rewards double weapons, and a Crane splash adds a duel to anyone.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A duelist and a weapon. Mirumoto Daishō is the payoff and is legal at this deck's date; Two-Heavens Technique rewards carrying two weapons on one body.

The shape of a game

Bushi duelling rather than monks. Mirumoto Hitomi duels two characters at once, Duelist Training lets anyone pick a fight, and Magnificent Triumph converts a won duel into position. You are removing their best character through duels rather than through removal spells.

Deduction first

Read their hand before committing to the big turn, not after. Knowing they hold a cancel changes which conflict you declare and whether you commit the Daishō at all. This is the deck where information is worth more than tempo.

Where it goes wrong

Keeper of Water is load-bearing — several cards here are role-locked, so changing the role to chase a different plan breaks three or four of them quietly. And the deck is slow; if you have not established by turn five you are behind and Insult to Injury will not save it.

Stronghold & roleShiro Kitsuki10h · 7f · 11inf
Keeper of Water

AirSacred Sanctuarystr 2 · Breath of the Kami

EarthScene of the Crimestr 4 · For the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Kitsuki CounselorChildren of the Empire	1f · 1/1
3×	Taoist AdeptSeekers of Wisdom	1f · 1/1
3×	Mirumoto ProdigyCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Prudent ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
3×	Kitsuki ShomonUnderhand of the Emperor	3f · 3/3
3×	Kitsuki YuikimiBonds of Blood	3f · 3/3
3×	Trusted AdvisorJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/3
3×	Magistrate of ReasonFor the Empire	4f · 2/4
3×	Mirumoto HitomiChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/2
3×	Mirumoto MasashigeSeekers of Wisdom	4f · 4/3
3×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 7

3×	Court of JusticeJustice for Satsume
3×	Mirumoto DōjōChildren of the Empire
1×	Secluded TempleCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Niten PupilBonds of Blood

2f · 2/2

Attachments · 15

3×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
3×	Duelist TrainingCore Set Crane splash	1f
3×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
3×	Two-Heavens TechniqueBonds of Blood	1f
3×	Mirumoto DaishōChildren of the Empire	2f

Events · 22

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Insult to InjuryThe Fires Within Crane splash	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Magnificent TriumphChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	DeductionA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

A Champion's Foresight 4 Core Set 30 For the Empire 4 Breath of the Kami 1 Children of the Empire 21 Seekers of Wisdom 6 Underhand of the Emperor 3 Bonds of Blood 9 Justice for Satsume 6 The Fires Within 3

Winter Court 2019, Top 32 · tier 5

Arash Afghahi - Dragon

The 'Clone' Dragon deck with a Crab splash. Twenty-three attachments build one enormous character; Void Fist and Let Go clear the way.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

The list the community called Clone: twenty-three attachments building one enormous character, with a Crab splash for Reprieve and Finger of Jade to keep it alive. In a Winter Court field of faster decks, it won by being impossible to remove.

How to pilot it

Trade cheaply for two turns, bank the fate, then commit everything to one body. Void Fist and Let Go clear the way, Seal of the Dragon hands the Monk trait to whoever is carrying the attachments, and Hawk Tattoo makes the carrier unblockable in practice.

Why the splash

Reprieve and Finger of Jade are not optional here and the deck spends real influence on them. A tower deck with no protection loses to a single Assassination, and every competitive Dragon list of the era paid this tax in one form or another.

Note

Seeker of Air rather than the Fire role most Dragon decks took, which changes the province row and the ring priorities. Worth studying as a deliberate deviation rather than assuming it was arbitrary.

Stronghold & roleMountain's Anvil Castle11h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Air

AirManicured Gardenstr 4 · Core Set

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireRestoration of Balancestr 3 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

AirSacred Sanctuarystr 2 · Breath of the Kami

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Doomed ShugenjaCore Set	1f · 3/3
3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Kitsuki InvestigatorCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Kitsuki YuikimiBonds of Blood	3f · 3/3
3×	Mirumoto RaitsuguCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Tranquil PhilosopherChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/2
2×	Master AlchemistThe Fires Within	4f · 3/1
3×	Niten MasterCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Togashi MitsuAll and Nothing	5f · 4/3
3×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 7

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Tattooed WandererCore Set

1f · 2/1

Attachments · 23

3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
3×	Seal of the DragonMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
3×	Sharpened TsuruhashiThe Children of Heaven Crab splash	0f
1×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
3×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
3×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Hawk TattooThe Ebb and Flow	1f
3×	ReprieveCore Set Crab splash	1f

Events · 14

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Void FistAll and Nothing	0f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 58 Breath of the Kami 4 Tainted Lands 1 Bonds of Blood 2 Children of the Empire 2 The Fires Within 2 All and Nothing 6 The Chrysanthemum Throne 1 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 The Children of Heaven 3 Tears of Amaterasu 3 The Ebb and Flow 2

Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Scene of the Crime

Kitsuki investigation. Read your opponent's hand, then play around exactly what you saw. Iron Mountain Castle lets every Dragon carry a second restricted attachment.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Any Kitsuki. Reading their hand matters more here than a fast board, and the deck has no early aggression to speak of — Court of Justice and a magistrate is a far better keep than two large characters you cannot pay for until turn four.

The shape of a game

Look at what they are holding, then play around exactly that. Iron Mountain Castle lets each character carry a second restricted attachment, so Asceticism and Ancestral Daishō sit on the same body — that is the only way this deck produces a genuinely large character.

Army of the Rising Wave

Dumps fate onto every unclaimed ring at once, which in a patient deck turns a quiet turn into a resource swing. It rewards you for the turns you were going to spend developing anyway, and it pairs with Cycle of Rebirth to keep the board recovering.

Where it goes wrong

Slowness. The deck wins the long game and loses the short one, so use Ceaseless Duty and the Earth-role tools to survive to the turn where perfect information decides it. Against a fast military draw you should be defending from turn one.

Stronghold & roleIron Mountain Castle10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirDriven By Couragestr 4 · Spreading Shadows

EarthScene of the Crimestr 4 · For the Empire

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

WaterSharing Shinsei's Wisdomstr 4 · Rokugan at War

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Kitsuki CounselorChildren of the Empire	1f · 1/1
3×	Shrewd InvestigatorIn Pursuit of Truth	1f · 0/1
3×	Kitsuki ChiariIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 1/2
3×	Stoic RivalCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/1
3×	TruthseekerThe Children of Heaven	2f · 1/3
3×	Agasha HiyoriDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 2/2
3×	Traveling PhilosopherSpreading Shadows	3f · 2/3
3×	Trusted AdvisorJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/3
3×	Agasha SumikoAtonement	4f · 4/4
3×	Magistrate of ReasonFor the Empire	4f · 2/4
3×	Army of the Rising WaveA Champion's Foresight	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 4

1×	Court of JusticeJustice for Satsume
3×	Hidden Mountain PassCampaigns of Conquest

Dynasty events · 3

3×

Cycle of RebirthRokugan at War

Conflict deck 40

Attachments · 15

3×	Educated HeiminRokugan at War	0f
3×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
3×	AsceticismCampaigns of Conquest	1f
3×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 25

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Rising Stars KataThe Children of Heaven	0f
3×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set Scorpion splash	1f
3×	DeductionA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	In Search of SelfAtonement	1f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Atonement 8 Core Set 26 For the Empire 4 Rokugan at War 7 Spreading Shadows 4 As Honor Demands 1 In Pursuit of Truth 6 Children of the Empire 3 Campaigns of Conquest 9 The Children of Heaven 6 Justice for Satsume 4 Defenders of Rokugan 3 A Champion's Foresight 6

Temptations Cycle · tier 7

Ki Alignment

The final card pool at full extension. Ki Alignment digs for the next kiho, each one charging the next, until the conflict resolves entirely on your terms.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A Monk, then Ki Alignment. The engine needs one body before it does anything at all, and the deck folds without a Monk on the board.

The shape of a game

Ki Alignment digs for the next kihō, which chains them together until the conflict resolves entirely on your terms. Around it, Perfect Land Believer and Militant Faithful are peasants who have rejected the clan's teachings, which is a strange and effective bottom end for a Dragon curve.

Mushin no Shin

Protects the character holding the chain together, and the chain is the deck. Spending it to save a body you do not need is the commonest way to lose a game you were winning — hold it for the turn the kihō start landing.

Where it goes wrong

Ki Alignment was banned later and it shows: if a game feels one-sided in your favour, this is usually the reason. The flip side is that without it the deck is ordinary, so mulligan hands that cannot reach it.

Stronghold & roleHigh House of Light11h · 7f · 7inf
Keeper of Void

AirCycle of Vengeancestr 4 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireSeeking Enlightenmentstr 5 · A Crimson Offering

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterBy Onnotangu's Lightstr 4 · A Crimson Offering

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Perfect Land BelieverHonor in Flames	1f · 1/0
3×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Keen WarriorTwisted Loyalties	2f · 2/1
3×	Togashi KazueA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/2
3×	Austere ExemplarSeekers of Wisdom	3f · 2/3
3×	Solitary HeroThe Temptation of the Scorpion	3f · 3/1
3×	Togashi GaijutsuSeekers of Wisdom	3f · –/3
3×	Traveling PhilosopherSpreading Shadows	3f · 2/3
3×	Furtive SympathizerPeace at Any Cost	4f · 3/3
3×	Militant FaithfulCoils of Power	5f · 5/5
3×	Togashi MitsuSeekers of Wisdom	5f · 4/5

Holdings · 7

3×	Adorned TemplePeace at Any Cost
1×	Overlooked CommunityTwisted Loyalties
3×	Shintao MonasterySeekers of Wisdom

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Promising YouthThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 2/2
3×	Togashi AcolyteSeekers of Wisdom	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Belief in the Little TeacherPeace at Any Cost	0f
3×	Vine TattooSeekers of Wisdom	0f
3×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 25

3×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
3×	Iron Foundations StanceSeekers of Wisdom	0f
3×	Ki AlignmentA Crimson Offering	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set	0f
3×	Mantra of EarthElements Unbound	0f
3×	Mushin no ShinThe Temptation of the Scorpion	0f
1×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
3×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
3×	Wildfire KickSeekers of Wisdom	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Seekers of Wisdom 25 Core Set 14 A Crimson Offering 8 Honor in Flames 4 Coils of Power 4 Peace at Any Cost 10 Twisted Loyalties 4 The Temptation of the Scorpion 9 Spreading Shadows 3 Breath of the Kami 3 Elements Unbound 3

Core Set · tier 1

The Right Hand

Core Lion swarm. Cheap bushi flood the board, Honored General makes every one of them bigger, and Way of the Lion doubles whoever matters most.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Two one-drops beat one three-drop. Lion decks live or die on whether the board is wide by the end of turn two, and Obstinate Recruit plus Matsu Berserker is a better keep than Ikoma Eiji alone.

The shape of a game

Flood the board and buff it collectively. Honored General lifts every Lion, Way of the Lion doubles whoever matters, and For Greater Glory rewards you for having more characters in the conflict — a condition you meet by default. Attack until something breaks.

The second win condition

Ikoma Prodigy and Venerable Historian gain honour for doing what the deck was doing anyway. Track both totals from turn one, because a fair number of Lion games end with a player who was never going to break the fifth province and knew it by turn four.

Where it goes wrong

Mass bow effects and board wipes hurt this deck more than any other, because your characters are individually unimpressive and the crowd is what wins conflicts. Hold Ready for Battle for that turn rather than spending it to win a marginal fight.

Stronghold & roleYōjin no Shiro12h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterThe Art of Warstr 3 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 39

3×	Obstinate RecruitCore Set	0f · 2/0
3×	Ikoma ProdigyCore Set	1f · 0/2
3×	Matsu BerserkerCore Set	1f · 3/–
3×	Steadfast SamuraiCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Akodo GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	DeathseekerCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Venerable HistorianCore Set	2f · –/1
3×	Kitsu SpiritcallerCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Matsu BeionaCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
3×	Ikoma EijiCore Set	4f · 1/3
3×	Akodo ToturiCore Set	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 1

1×

Staging GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Guidance of the AncestorsCore Set	1f
3×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
3×	SashimonoCore Set	2f

Events · 23

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Stand Your GroundCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	For Greater GloryCore Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
3×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Emperor's Peace

Imperial Favor Lion. Ikoma Ujiaki turns the Favor into total information, Implacable Magistrate blanks unhonored defenders, and Akodo Toshiro walls off a province.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Something that contests the Imperial Favour early — Ikoma Ujiaki above all, since he turns it into total information about their hand. A hand of pure military is playable but throws away what separates this deck from the Core list; Hito District or a courtier alongside the bodies is the keep you want.

The shape of a game

Take the Favour and make it hurt. While you hold it, Censure is a free cancel and Ujiaki reads their hand, so their turns get worse without you spending anything. This is a slower Lion deck than the swarm: you are grinding rather than racing.

Implacable Magistrate

Blanks an unhonoured attacker's text, which against most clans turns their best character into a body with numbers. Combined with Akodo Toshiro walling a province and Hito District shutting off political attacks, the deck says no to a great deal for very little.

Where it goes wrong

Count their glory before committing to a conflict you only want for the Favour. And a slow Lion deck loses to a fast one, so if you are behind by turn three, use Test of Courage and Kamayari to stay level rather than saving them.

Stronghold & roleYōjin no Shiro12h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterThe Art of Warstr 3 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 38

3×	Obstinate RecruitCore Set	0f · 2/0
3×	Ikoma ProdigyCore Set	1f · 0/2
3×	Matsu BerserkerCore Set	1f · 3/–
3×	Akodo GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Akodo ToshiroThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 2/1
3×	Gifted TacticianTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/1
2×	Venerable HistorianCore Set	2f · –/1
3×	Implacable MagistrateThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 2/2
3×	Kitsu SpiritcallerCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Matsu BeionaCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
3×	Ikoma UjiakiFor Honor and Glory	5f · 3/5

Holdings · 2

1×	Hito DistrictTears of Amaterasu
1×	Staging GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

3×	Guidance of the AncestorsCore Set	1f
3×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
3×	KamayariFor Honor and Glory	2f
2×	SashimonoCore Set	2f

Events · 23

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	For Greater GloryCore Set	1f
3×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f
3×	Test of CourageInto the Forbidden City	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 65 Into the Forbidden City 6 Tears of Amaterasu 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 For Honor and Glory 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

Sacrifice and Press

The fort deck. Win a military conflict by five, sacrifice a character to the stronghold, and declare another. The provinces are chosen to punish an attacker because this deck does not intend to defend at all.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Bodies, and more of them than feels necessary. The fort needs you to win a military conflict by five, and five is a lot to find with two characters — Tactician's Apprentice and Akodo Gunsō together are a better opening than one expensive character.

The shape of a game

Win big, sacrifice a character to the stronghold, declare another conflict. The province row is chosen to punish an attacker because this deck does not intend to defend at all, and the Crab splash gives you Reprieve to keep a key body alive through the trades.

Counting before you sacrifice

The commonest mistake is triggering the fort with the last character you could have attacked with. A second conflict you cannot win is worse than not declaring one. Ikoma Ikehata moves bodies to where they are needed, which is often what makes the second conflict viable.

Where it goes wrong

Keeper of Fire here, not Air — check the role before swapping cards in, because several are role-locked. And the deck is entirely offence: if they stabilise and start attacking back, you have very little to say about it.

Stronghold & roleHisu Mori Toride11h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Fire

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 39

3×	Tactician's ApprenticeAll and Nothing	1f · 1/0
3×	Akodo GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Gifted TacticianTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/1
3×	Ikoma TsanuriDisciples of the Void	2f · 2/1
3×	Ikoma IkehataThe Fires Within	3f · 1/2
3×	Implacable MagistrateThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 2/2
3×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Beastmaster MatriarchMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 3/2
3×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
3×	Kitsu WarriorElements Unbound	4f · 2/2
3×	Matsu MitsukoAll and Nothing	4f · 4/2
3×	Akodo ToturiCore Set	5f · 6/3
3×	Matsu Seventh LegionBreath of the Kami	5f · 7/–

Holdings · 1

1×

Staging GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ikoma ReservistTainted Lands	1f · 1/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Heroic ResolveThe Ebb and Flow	1f
3×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
3×	ReprieveCore Set Crab splash	1f
3×	SashimonoCore Set	2f

Events · 22

3×	A Legion of OneMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Even the OddsBreath of the Kami	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
1×	Stand Your GroundCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Breath of the Kami 8 Core Set 42 The Fires Within 4 Tainted Lands 4 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 4 Tears of Amaterasu 3 Disciples of the Void 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 3 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Elements Unbound 3

The Emperor's Legion (Lion clan pack) · tier 4

Kyūden Ikoma

The clan pack showpiece. Kyūden Ikoma turns a failed attack into a stolen character, and Hall of Victories pays honor to whoever wins — which, with this much military skill, is usually you.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Ashigaru Levy or Matsu Gohei. You want the row wide before Hall of Victories comes online, because the honour engine only pays while you are winning conflicts.

The shape of a game

Cheap bodies that multiply, then Hall of Victories paying honour to whoever wins any conflict — which with this much military skill is nearly always you. The honour accumulates while you are doing what you wanted to do anyway, which is the best kind of second win condition.

Kyūden Ikoma itself

Turns a failed attack into a stolen character, which changes how you should feel about attacking into a defended province. Sometimes the correct play is to declare an attack you expect to lose, because a conflict that hands you a body was not wasted.

Where it goes wrong

Embrace Death and Honor in Battle both cost you something real and it is easy to spend into a board you cannot defend. The honour clock is usually faster than the province clock here — count it before committing to a fifth-province push.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Ikoma13h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirKenson no Gakkastr 5 · The Emperor's Legion

EarthVassal Fieldsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Ashigaru LevyThe Emperor's Legion	0f · 1/–
3×	Ikoma OratorChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/1
3×	Matsu GoheiThe Emperor's Legion	2f · 3/1
3×	Samurai of IntegrityThe Emperor's Legion	2f · 3/3
3×	Akodo MakotoMasters of the Court	3f · 4/1
3×	Ardent OmoidasuThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 2/3
3×	Kitsu MotsoThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 3/3
3×	Akodo MotivatorThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 5/2
3×	Voice of the AncestorsThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/3
3×	Matsu TsukoThe Emperor's Legion	5f · 5/4
3×	Champions of YomiThe Emperor's Legion	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 7

3×	Hall of VictoriesThe Emperor's Legion
2×	Staging GroundCore Set
2×	Tactician's CampChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Tactical IngenuityThe Emperor's Legion	0f
3×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
3×	Total WarfareThe Emperor's Legion	2f

Events · 22

3×	Embrace DeathThe Emperor's Legion	0f
3×	Honor in BattleThe Emperor's Legion	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	Prepare for WarThe Emperor's Legion	1f
2×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f
2×	Right Hand of the EmperorThe Emperor's Legion	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

The Emperor's Legion 49 Core Set 23 Children of the Empire 9 Masters of the Court 3 A Champion's Foresight 3

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Empty Hand

Lion built to run out of cards on purpose. Matsu Swiftspear, Hero of Three Trees and Unified Company all reward having fewer cards in hand than your opponent.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A hand you are happy to empty. Six characters here improve while you hold fewer cards than your opponent, so a hand of cheap plays is better than a hand of good ones.

The shape of a game

Play everything out. Matsu Swiftspear, Hero of Three Trees and Unified Company all pay you for having nothing left, and Sharpen the Mind refills at exactly the point the payoffs have triggered. Holding a trick in reserve costs more than the trick is worth.

The condition is relative

It compares your hand to theirs, not to zero. A Phoenix opponent drawing three a turn keeps your characters switched on without you doing anything; a Crab opponent who also empties out switches them off. Look across the table before deciding whether to dump or hold.

Where it goes wrong

Running genuinely out against a deck that has not. Forebearer's Echoes is absent here, so Sharpen the Mind and Command Respect are your only refills — do not spend them early to win a conflict you were already winning.

Stronghold & roleYōjin no Shiro12h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthFestival of the Departedstr 4 · Bonds of Blood

FireInto the Forbidden Citystr 5 · Justice for Satsume

VoidRaging Battlegroundstr 4 · All and Nothing

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 35

3×	Quarrelsome YouthA Champion's Foresight	1f · 1/1
3×	Honorable ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/1
3×	Matsu SwiftspearJustice for Satsume	2f · 2/2
3×	Steward of the Rich FrogJustice for Satsume	2f · 1/3
3×	Akodo ZentarōFor the Empire	3f · 3/1
3×	Hero of Three TreesShoju's Duty	3f · 3/2
3×	Matsu AgetokiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 4/2
3×	Student of WarChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/2
2×	Akodo KaedeBonds of Blood	4f · 3/4
3×	Matsu TsukoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/3
3×	Persuasive CounselorShoju's Duty	4f · 3/4
3×	Unified CompanyA Champion's Foresight	5f · 6/2

Holdings · 5

2×	Staging GroundCore Set
3×	Tactician's CampChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 12

3×	Sharpen the MindJustice for Satsume	0f
3×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	True Strike KenjutsuChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	Blade of 10,000 BattlesFor the Empire	2f

Events · 22

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Command RespectFor the Empire	0f
3×	Hand to HandChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	Glorious VictoryChildren of the Empire	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 21 Children of the Empire 22 Bonds of Blood 3 Justice for Satsume 10 All and Nothing 1 A Champion's Foresight 9 Shoju's Duty 9 For the Empire 9 Defenders of Rokugan 3

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

The Battlefield

Battlefield attachments turn your provinces into staging posts. Master Tactician plays off the top of your deck while one is in play, and Logistics moves them where they are needed.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A battlefield attachment. Master Tactician plays cards off the top of your deck while one is out, which is the closest Lion get to card advantage.

The shape of a game

Positional rather than wide. Prepared Ambush hides a character at a province until they commit, Logistics moves them where they are needed, and Makeshift War Camp turns a province into somewhere worth fighting over. Hayaken no Shiro wants you attacking constantly, so the deck looks nothing like the swarm and plays nothing like it either — you are choosing where the game happens rather than simply outnumbering them there.

All Out Assault, both ways

Forcing everyone to attack suits the deck with more bodies, which should be you — but it forces you too. Look at your own province row before playing it and ask whether you can take what comes back.

Where it goes wrong

Battlefields are attachments on provinces, so both province-flipping and attachment removal hit them. Do not build a whole turn on one surviving, and remember a passive turn with this stronghold is a wasted one.

Stronghold & roleHayaken no Shiro12h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirDriven By Couragestr 4 · Spreading Shadows

EarthNinkatoshistr 4 · Rokugan at War

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

EarthSpectral Visitationstr 4 · Spreading Shadows

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Chronicler of ConquestsSpreading Shadows	1f · 0/2
3×	Righteous AkodoClan War	1f · 2/0
3×	Battle AspirantClan War	2f · 3/0
3×	Fearless SkirmisherAs Honor Demands	2f · 3/1
3×	Ikoma TsanuriCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/1
3×	Bushidō AdherentClan War	3f · 4/2
3×	Righteous SamuraiAtonement	3f · 4/2
3×	Akodo Reserve CompanyRokugan at War	4f · 5/1
3×	Master TacticianIn Pursuit of Truth	5f · 5/5
3×	Matsu TsukoThe Emperor's Legion	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

3×	Exposed CourtyardAtonement
2×	Hall of VictoriesThe Emperor's Legion
2×	Staging GroundCore Set
3×	Tactician's CampChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

3×	Prepared AmbushRokugan at War	0f
3×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	Makeshift War CampIn Pursuit of Truth	1f
2×	Total WarfareThe Emperor's Legion	2f

Events · 23

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Called to WarClan War	0f
3×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	LogisticsSpreading Shadows	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	All Out AssaultClan War	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Campaigns of Conquest 4 Core Set 20 Rokugan at War 7 Spreading Shadows 8 As Honor Demands 4 Atonement 7 Clan War 15 In Pursuit of Truth 6 The Emperor's Legion 7 Children of the Empire 3 A Champion's Foresight 3 Shoju's Duty 3

Temptations Cycle & Under Fu Leng's Shadow · tier 7

Peerless Discipline

The last Lion deck. Commander of the Legions lifts the whole army, Peerless Discipline makes everything a Bushi, and Akodo Mastermind recycles your tactics out of the discard pile.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Commander of the Legions if you can afford her, since she lifts the whole army. Failing that, anything that makes the board wide by turn three — this deck defends poorly.

The shape of a game

Peerless Discipline makes everything a Bushi, which switches on every tribal effect at once. Akodo Mastermind then recycles your tactics out of the discard pile, so the same trick works twice in a game, and Field Tactician arrives on someone else's fate.

Holding the swings

Under Amaterasu's Gaze and Battlefield Orders are swing cards rather than value cards. Spending them to win a conflict you were winning anyway is the commonest way to lose this deck — they are there for the turn the game is decided.

Where it goes wrong

Top-heavy and slower than Lion decks usually are. If the board is not wide by turn three you will be defending, which this list does badly. Buy Commander of the Legions early even at full price for exactly that reason.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Ikoma13h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirCycle of Vengeancestr 4 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireBrushfiresstr 4 · Twisted Loyalties

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterThe Roar of the Lionessstr None · Honor in Flames

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 29

2×	Chronicler of ConquestsSpreading Shadows	1f · 0/2
3×	Conduit of HeroesCoils of Power	2f · 3/1
3×	Field TacticianUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/1
3×	Revered IkomaTwisted Loyalties	2f · 1/2
3×	Akodo MastermindUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	3f · 3/2
3×	Lion's Pride ParagonA Crimson Offering	3f · 3/1
3×	Righteous SamuraiAtonement	3f · 4/2
3×	Commander of the LegionsHonor in Flames	4f · 4/2
3×	Ikoma UjiakiPeace at Any Cost	5f · 3/5
3×	Master TacticianIn Pursuit of Truth	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 11

3×	Forward GarrisonA Crimson Offering
3×	Hall of VictoriesThe Emperor's Legion
2×	Staging GroundCore Set
3×	Tactician's CampChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Prepared AmbushRokugan at War	0f
3×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
3×	Under Amaterasu's GazeHonor in Flames	1f

Events · 25

1×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Prove Your SkillUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
3×	Battlefield OrdersCoils of Power	1f
3×	Directing the BattleUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
3×	Peerless DisciplineUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

The Emperor's Legion 4 Core Set 19 Honor in Flames 8 Coils of Power 7 Twisted Loyalties 4 Peace at Any Cost 4 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 15 A Crimson Offering 6 Atonement 3 In Pursuit of Truth 3 Children of the Empire 3 Spreading Shadows 2 A Champion's Foresight 3 Rokugan at War 3 Shoju's Duty 3

Core Set · tier 1

The Elemental Council

Core Phoenix. Win rings rather than provinces, stack glory on Isawa Mori Seidō, and let Display of Power turn your opponent's unopposed attack against them.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A cheap body and Seeker of Knowledge. This deck wants cards rather than tempo, and a hand of expensive characters with no draw is the one that loses — Forgotten Library alongside anything is a comfortable keep.

The shape of a game

Win rings rather than provinces. Stack glory on Isawa Mori Seidō, hold the board with Pacifism and Grasp of Earth for a fate each, and let Display of Power turn their unopposed attack against them. You will break very few provinces and that is not a failure state.

Deciding how the game ends

By turn four you should know whether this is an honour win or an exhaustion win, because the deck plays differently for each. Against a fast clan you are racing on honour; against another control deck you are outlasting them, and Know the World becomes the most important card in the deck.

Where it goes wrong

Being rushed before the engine assembles. Core Phoenix has cheap bodies but nothing that punishes an aggressive turn-two board, so against Lion or Unicorn dig for answers early rather than building toward the late game you would prefer.

Stronghold & roleIsawa Mori Seidō11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidKuroi Moristr 4 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 39

3×	Naive StudentCore Set	1f · –/2
3×	Shiba PeacemakerCore Set	1f · 4/1
3×	Solemn ScholarCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Adept of the WavesCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Asako DiplomatCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Meddling MediatorCore Set	2f · 0/3
3×	Isawa MasahiroCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Radiant OratorCore Set	3f · 1/2
3×	Serene WarriorCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Shiba YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Fearsome MysticCore Set	4f · 2/4
3×	Isawa AtsukoCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Shiba TsukuneCore Set	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 1

1×

Forgotten LibraryCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ishiken InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Magnificent KimonoCore Set	0f
3×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
3×	PacifismCore Set	2f

Events · 25

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
3×	Know the WorldCore Set	1f
3×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Ephemeral

Void Phoenix. Isawa Kaede attacks the Void ring wherever she goes, Master of Gisei Toshi shuts off non-Spell events, and Consumed by Five Fires empties the opposing board.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Asako Tsuki or Isawa Kaede. Both make the Void ring do work for you, and the deck is steering which ring the game is about rather than simply contesting rings.

The shape of a game

Kaede attacks Void wherever she goes. Master Of Gisei Toshi then shuts off non-Spell events entirely, which against most clans is most of their tricks, and Consumed by Five Fires empties their board the turn they overcommit.

Master Of Gisei Toshi

She warps the game so completely that opponents will spend removal on her, and that is a fine outcome — every card aimed at her is one not aimed at your board. She was banned in January 2020 and playing her explains why in about two turns.

Where it goes wrong

Embrace the Void is restricted at this date, so it is your one restricted card and there is no room for another. Kanjo District is a single copy — do not build a turn around drawing it.

Stronghold & roleIsawa Mori Seidō11h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Void

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidKuroi Moristr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

3×	Naive StudentCore Set	1f · –/2
3×	Solemn ScholarCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Adept of the WavesCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Asako TsukiMeditations on the Ephemeral	2f · 1/2
3×	Haughty MagistrateThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 2/2
3×	Henshin DiscipleFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
3×	Radiant OratorCore Set	3f · 1/2
3×	Shiba YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Master Of Gisei ToshiFate Has No Secrets	4f · 2/4
3×	Prodigy of the WavesInto the Forbidden City	4f · 3/3
3×	Isawa KaedeTears of Amaterasu	5f · 3/4
3×	Shiba TsukuneCore Set	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 4

3×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
1×	Kanjo DistrictMeditations on the Ephemeral

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ishiken InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Embrace the VoidTears of Amaterasu	0f
3×	Seal of the PhoenixThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f

Events · 25

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Benten's TouchInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
2×	Know the WorldCore Set	1f
3×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
2×	Consumed by Five FiresFate Has No Secrets	5f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 54 Into the Forbidden City 9 Meditations on the Ephemeral 4 Fate Has No Secrets 8 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 Tears of Amaterasu 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Turning Wheel

Ring manipulation at full tilt. All and Nothing rewrites what the Void ring does, Asako Azunami rewrites Water, and Wholeness of the World stops you ever giving a ring back.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Any Ishiken. The ring manipulation needs a body to hang on, and a hand of pure events does nothing until turn three. Ethereal Dreamer or Fire Tensai Initiate alongside a Forgotten Library is the shape you want — cheap, and drawing toward the engine rather than being the engine.

The shape of a game

Ring manipulation at full tilt. All and Nothing rewrites what the Void ring does, Asako Azunami rewrites Water, and Wholeness of the World means you never hand a ring back. You are deciding what winning a conflict is worth before the conflict happens.

Sanpuku Seidō

Makes glory the only thing that counts at that province, which in a deck this glory-heavy turns one province into a wall. Place it where an aggressive opponent will reach it early rather than hiding it at the back.

Where it goes wrong

Ring manipulation needs a board to matter. If you fall behind on characters, All and Nothing is an expensive way to lose a conflict you were already losing — defend properly in the first two turns and treat the engine as a mid-game payoff rather than an opening.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Isawa11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthTeachings of the Elementsstr 5 · Tainted Lands

FireSanpuku Seidōstr 1 · Disciples of the Void

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Ethereal DreamerAll and Nothing	1f · 1/1
3×	Fire Tensai InitiateDisciples of the Void	1f · 0/0
3×	Solemn ScholarCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Adept of the WavesCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Isawa UonaBreath of the Kami	2f · 2/–
3×	Reader of OmensElements Unbound	2f · 2/0
3×	Inquisitive IshikaDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
3×	Chikai Order ProtectorThe Fires Within	4f · 4/3
3×	Isawa AtsukoCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Asako AzunamiThe Ebb and Flow	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 10

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Secluded ShrineDisciples of the Void

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 12

3×	Ishiken InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set	2f · 0/2
3×	Feral NingyoTainted Lands	3f · 3/2
3×	Roving MichibikuElements Unbound	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 7

3×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
3×	Katana of FireDisciples of the Void	1f
1×	ReprieveCore Set Crab splash	1f

Events · 21

3×	All and NothingAll and Nothing	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	The Path of ManDisciples of the Void	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Wholeness of the WorldDisciples of the Void	0f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 20 Core Set 39 Tainted Lands 4 Breath of the Kami 4 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 4 Elements Unbound 6 The Fires Within 3

Disciples of the Void (Phoenix clan pack) · tier 4

Kyūden Isawa

The clan pack showpiece. Kyūden Isawa recycles a Spell from your discard every turn, Fire Elemental Guard grows with each one cast, and Fushichō returns from death.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Fire Tensai Initiate and something worth recycling. The stronghold returns a Spell from your discard every turn, which means the deck plays three or four good Spells repeatedly rather than drawing new ones.

The shape of a game

Cast early and often — a Spell in your discard is not lost, it is stored. Fire Elemental Guard grows with each one, Katana of Fire and Favor of the Kami both want Spells in the pile, and Fushichō comes back from death on her own.

Isawa Tadaka

Stops them replaying events from their discard pile unless they hold the Earth ring, which against decks built on repeated events is close to a lock. He was banned later; expect the Earth ring to become the most contested one on the table while he is out.

Where it goes wrong

Hoarding. The instinct to save a Spell for the perfect moment is wrong in a deck that recurs them — casting it now and again next turn is usually better than casting it once, later.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Isawa11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthTeachings of the Elementsstr 5 · Tainted Lands

FireSanpuku Seidōstr 1 · Disciples of the Void

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Ethereal DreamerAll and Nothing	1f · 1/1
3×	Fire Tensai InitiateDisciples of the Void	1f · 0/0
3×	Pacifist PhilosopherDisciples of the Void	2f · –/1
3×	Shiba TetsuDisciples of the Void	2f · 2/1
3×	Inquisitive IshikaDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
3×	Fire Elemental GuardDisciples of the Void	4f · 4/2
3×	Isawa AtsukoCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Kaito Temple ProtectorDisciples of the Void	4f · 3/3
3×	Isawa TadakaDisciples of the Void	5f · 5/3
3×	FushichōDisciples of the Void	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 10

3×	Bustling AcademyAll and Nothing
1×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
3×	Secluded ShrineDisciples of the Void

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set	2f · 0/2
3×	Kaito KosoriDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 8

3×	Favor of the KamiDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
3×	Katana of FireDisciples of the Void	1f

Events · 26

2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	The Path of ManDisciples of the Void	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Wholeness of the WorldDisciples of the Void	0f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
3×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
3×	Karmic TwistDisciples of the Void	1f
3×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 50 Core Set 27 Tainted Lands 1 Breath of the Kami 1 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 1

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Inquisition

Elemental Masters in force. Isawa Ujina removes fateless characters from the game entirely, and Invoke the Divine casts three Spells at once for free.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A Tensai and Ancestral Shrine. The Masters are expensive and the Shrine is what pays for them; a hand of five-drops with no economy should go back.

The shape of a game

Top-heavy and deliberate. You need cheap bodies to reach turn four or five, when Isawa Ujina starts removing fateless characters from the game entirely and Invoke the Divine casts three Spells at once for free. Before that you are surviving.

Severed from the Stream

Handles the character that would otherwise win them the game, and it is the answer the deck is short of elsewhere. Hold it for their best rather than their most convenient — this list has plenty of ways to win a marginal conflict and only one to remove a problem.

Where it goes wrong

Starry Heaven Sanctuary is a single copy and refunds what the fate phase takes, which in a deck this expensive is the difference between casting a Master and watching it sit in your provinces. Play it the turn you draw it.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Isawa11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirHenshin Mysteriesstr 5 · A Champion's Foresight

EarthVassal Fieldsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 35

3×	Asako TakahiroA Champion's Foresight	2f · 1/1
3×	Fire Tensai AcolyteChildren of the Empire	2f · 3/2
3×	Sincere ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 1/2
3×	Student of EsotericaShoju's Duty	2f · 1/1
3×	Acolyte of KoyaneJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/3
3×	Righteous DelegateThe Children of Heaven	3f · 2/3
3×	Sage of Gisei ToshiChildren of the Empire	3f · 1/3
3×	Asako TogamaSeekers of Wisdom	4f · 2/5
2×	Inferno Guard InvokerShoju's Duty	4f · 3/2
3×	Isawa HeikoJustice for Satsume	4f · 0/5
3×	Isawa TsukeThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/3
3×	Isawa UjinaChildren of the Empire	4f · 2/4

Holdings · 5

3×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
1×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
1×	Starry Heaven SanctuaryThe Children of Heaven

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set

2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Erudite PrestigeA Champion's Foresight	0f
3×	Favor of the KamiDisciples of the Void	0f
3×	Stride the WavesJustice for Satsume	2f

Events · 28

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
3×	Cloak of NightShoju's Duty	1f
3×	Gift of AmaterasuChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	Severed from the StreamChildren of the Empire	1f
3×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
3×	Subdue the SpiritsChildren of the Empire	2f
2×	Invoke the DivineThe Children of Heaven	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 7 Core Set 16 A Champion's Foresight 7 Children of the Empire 28 Shoju's Duty 8 Justice for Satsume 9 The Children of Heaven 6 The Emperor's Legion 3 Seekers of Wisdom 3

Winter Court 2019, 1st place · tier 5

Jose Luis Saenz - Shogun - Phoenix

The deck that won Worlds 2019. Void-role Phoenix leaning on ring manipulation and card advantage, with Display of Power as the finisher.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

The deck that won Worlds 2019, built to never be in a hurry. Cheap Solemn Scholar and Ethereal Dreamer bodies hold the board, Forgotten Library and Kanjo District generate card advantage, and exactly one Display of Power sits in the list as the finisher.

How to pilot it

Bid one on turn one. Put them under dishonour pressure early, hold ground rather than attacking, and grind toward the late turns where the accumulated cards decide it. Display of Power is not a combo piece — it is the card you draw into once the board has already tilted.

The Scorpion splash

Policy Debate and Censure protect the courtiers the deck depends on. Phoenix win by holding a board rather than rebuilding one, so a splash that stops a single removal spell is worth more here than extra threats would be.

Note

Isawa Tadaka and Policy Debate were both later policed, and Kanjo District was banned outright in January 2021. What won Worlds in November 2019 would be illegal a year later, which is worth remembering when comparing it to the other decks here.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Isawa11h · 7f · 10inf
Seeker of Void

AirManicured Gardenstr 4 · Core Set

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidKuroi Moristr 4 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 27

3×	Ethereal DreamerAll and Nothing	1f · 1/1
3×	Solemn ScholarCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Adept of the WavesCore Set	2f · 2/2
1×	Asako TsukiMeditations on the Ephemeral	2f · 1/2
3×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Acolyte of KoyaneJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/3
3×	Shiba YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/2
3×	Isawa UjinaChildren of the Empire	4f · 2/4
3×	Prodigy of the WavesInto the Forbidden City	4f · 3/3
2×	Hantei XXXVIIIChildren of the Empire	6f · –/–

Holdings · 13

2×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	Kanjo DistrictMeditations on the Ephemeral
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Ancient MasterBreath of the Kami Dragon splash	1f · 1/1
3×	Isawa TadakaBonds of Blood	5f · 5/3

Attachments · 10

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
3×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
3×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	PacifismCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
3×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
1×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 4 Core Set 51 Tainted Lands 1 All and Nothing 3 Meditations on the Ephemeral 2 Justice for Satsume 3 Children of the Empire 7 Into the Forbidden City 6 The Chrysanthemum Throne 1 Breath of the Kami 3 Bonds of Blood 3 For Honor and Glory 3

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

The Unclaimed Ring

Phoenix rewarded for passing. Asako Lawmaster and Mediator of Hostilities profit whenever a conflict goes undeclared, while Endless Archives banks the cards you did not need.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Asako Lawmaster or Mediator of Hostilities. Both profit from conflicts that never happen, and the deck does not function until at least one of them is down.

The shape of a game

Pass on purpose. It feels like conceding and it is not — a declined conflict draws a card or gains honour, and Endless Archives banks what you did not need. Count what the pass earns before declaring out of habit, because a marginal conflict actively costs you here.

The province row

Kakudaira and Retire to the Brotherhood are unusual enough to be worth reading before the first conflict rather than during it. Hallowed Ground punishes them differently depending on which ring they hold, so watch their claimed rings rather than your own.

Where it goes wrong

An opponent who also passes. The deck needs them attacking to profit, so against another control list you have to become the aggressor — which this deck does badly. Garanto Guardian resolving a ring off a successful defence is usually the fastest way out.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Isawa11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirKakudairastr 5 · Rokugan at War

EarthCourteous Greetingstr 4 · In Pursuit of Truth

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidFury of the Kamistr 5 · Clan War

WaterRetire to the Brotherhoodstr 4 · Spreading Shadows

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Expert InterpreterClan War	1f · 0/2
3×	Inspired VisionarySpreading Shadows	1f · 1/1
3×	Mediator of HostilitiesClan War	2f · 1/2
3×	Shiba PureheartAtonement	2f · 2/1
3×	Asako LawmasterAs Honor Demands	3f · 2/4
3×	Serene SeerClan War	3f · 3/3
3×	Student of the TaoIn Pursuit of Truth	3f · 1/2
3×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
3×	Garanto GuardianRokugan at War	4f · 4/3
3×	Isawa TsukeCampaigns of Conquest	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

2×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
3×	Endless ArchivesAs Honor Demands
2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
3×	Hallowed GroundClan War

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set

2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Kyofuki's HammerCampaigns of Conquest	0f
3×	StudiousIn Pursuit of Truth	0f
3×	Peacemaker's BladeClan War	1f

Events · 28

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Trick of the LightClan War	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
3×	Magistrate's InterventionAtonement	1f
3×	Appeal to SympathyClan War	2f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
3×	Ramparts of StoneClan War	2f
3×	Study the Natural WorldIn Pursuit of Truth	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 4 Core Set 16 Rokugan at War 4 Spreading Shadows 4 Clan War 28 As Honor Demands 7 In Pursuit of Truth 10 Atonement 6 Campaigns of Conquest 6 Children of the Empire 2

Temptations Cycle & Under Fu Leng's Shadow · tier 7

Twin Soul Temple

The last Phoenix deck. Twin Soul Temple rewrites an element symbol on any card in play, so every ring effect and every element-locked card bends to whatever you need.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Keep element-locked cards in hand rather than casting everything as it arrives. The stronghold rewrites an element symbol on any card in play, and it only matters if you have something to unlock.

The shape of a game

Bend the board to fit. Twin Soul Temple and Elemental Inversion between them let you win a conflict on a ring your opponent chose specifically because you could not use it. Isawa Skycaller plays characters out of your provinces and Void Wielder arrives on shared fate, so your board is larger than your fate total suggests.

Holding the answers

Cleanse the Empire and Whispers of Power are answers rather than threats, and spending them early is the commonest mistake. If a game is running away from you, it is usually because the answers were cast before the problems arrived.

Where it goes wrong

The deck is slower than Phoenix decks usually are and it has no burst. Against aggression, Guardian Dōjō and Ancestral Shrine are how you survive to the turn the stronghold starts mattering.

Stronghold & roleTwin Soul Temple12h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Void

AirCycle of Vengeancestr 4 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireBrushfiresstr 4 · Twisted Loyalties

VoidOfferings to the Kamistr 4 · Coils of Power

WaterBy Onnotangu's Lightstr 4 · A Crimson Offering

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 29

3×	Inquisitorial InitiatePeace at Any Cost	1f · 0/2
3×	Kaito MaiA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/2
3×	Void WielderUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 1/2
3×	Young PhilosopherThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · –/4
3×	Asako MaezawaTwisted Loyalties	3f · 2/3
3×	Serene SeerClan War	3f · 3/3
3×	Student of the TaoIn Pursuit of Truth	3f · 1/2
3×	Isawa SkycallerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	4f · 3/5
3×	Steward of Cryptic LoreHonor in Flames	4f · 3/3
2×	Kami of Ancient WisdomCoils of Power	5f · 2/6

Holdings · 11

3×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
2×	Endless ArchivesAs Honor Demands
3×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
3×	Guardian DōjōHonor in Flames

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

3×

Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set

2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	In HarmonyA Crimson Offering	0f
3×	Spell ScrollUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
3×	Blessed By FukurokujinThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f

Events · 28

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Elemental InversionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
3×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
3×	Trick of the LightClan War	0f
3×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
3×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
3×	Whispers of PowerThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
2×	Cleanse the EmpirePeace at Any Cost	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Under Fu Leng's Shadow 13 Core Set 18 Coils of Power 4 Twisted Loyalties 4 Honor in Flames 7 A Crimson Offering 7 Peace at Any Cost 5 The Temptation of the Scorpion 9 Clan War 6 In Pursuit of Truth 3 Children of the Empire 3 As Honor Demands 2 Disciples of the Void 3 Into the Forbidden City 3

Core Set · tier 1

The Whisper

Core Scorpion dishonour. Way of the Scorpion marks a character, everything else punishes it, and City of the Open Hand keeps you afloat while your opponent sinks.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Bayushi Manipulator above everything. He drops your own honour while drawing a card, which is the deck's opening move rather than a cost — a hand without a way to start falling is a hand playing the wrong game.

The shape of a game

Mark a character with Way of the Scorpion, then let everything else punish it. Dishonoured characters have less skill, cost honour when they die, and become legal targets for I Can Swim. You are not killing their board, you are making it expensive to own.

Forged Edict at three

Neither restricted nor banned at this date, so you can hold one up every turn. It was restricted in May 2018 and banned in January 2021, and a full set is the clearest demonstration of why. Expect opponents to play as though every event might be cancelled, which is itself most of the value.

Where it goes wrong

You lose straight fights, so the honour drain has to finish before their provinces do. Against Lion or Unicorn that means winning by turn five — spend Assassination and Blackmail on their best character rather than the most convenient one.

Stronghold & roleCity of the Open Hand10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirSecret Cachestr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireNight Raidstr 4 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
3×	Bayushi ManipulatorCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Sinister SoshiCore Set	1f · –/–
3×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Soshi IllusionistCore Set	2f · 1/3
3×	Yogo OutcastCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Young RumormongerCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Shosuro ActressCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Bayushi YunakoCore Set	4f · 4/2
3×	Yogo HiroueCore Set	4f · 0/4
3×	Bayushi ShojuCore Set	5f · 3/7

Holdings · 4

3×	City of LiesCore Set
1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Unassuming YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/1

Attachments · 6

3×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
3×	Fiery MadnessCore Set	1f

Events · 28

3×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
3×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
3×	Spies at CourtCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	I Can SwimCore Set	2f
2×	BlackmailCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Imperial Whisper

Bayushi Kachiko in court. Fawning Diplomat hands you the Imperial Favor on the way out, and Misinformation punishes an opponent who bids low to stop you.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A courtier and a way to bid low. The deck taxes their honour from several directions at once and needs at least two of them running by turn three.

The shape of a game

Take their options away one at a time. Fawning Diplomat hands you the Imperial Favour on the way out, Illustrious Plagiarist steals the event they just used, and Misinformation punishes an opponent who bids low to stop you. You are not building anything; you are subtracting.

Backhanded Compliment

The closer, and worth internalising: once you know it exists, their effective starting honour is three lower than the number on their stronghold. Nothing but a cancel answers it. Hold it for the swing that ends the game rather than spending it to stay ahead.

Where it goes wrong

Only one restricted card is legal at this date and the deck is full of candidates, so check the list before swapping anything in. And the plan is slow — a fast military draw finishes before the drain matters.

Stronghold & roleCity of the Open Hand10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirSecret Cachestr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireNight Raidstr 4 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
3×	Bayushi ManipulatorCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Sake House ConfidantMeditations on the Ephemeral	2f · 1/1
3×	Young RumormongerCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Bayushi YojiroFor Honor and Glory	3f · 3/1
3×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Fawning DiplomatThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 1/3
3×	Illustrious PlagiaristMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 1/3
3×	Bayushi ShojuCore Set	5f · 3/7

Holdings · 10

3×	Back-Alley HideawayInto the Forbidden City
3×	City of LiesCore Set
1×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 11

3×	Meek InformantTears of Amaterasu	1f · –/1
3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Unassuming YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/1
3×	Bayushi KachikoInto the Forbidden City	5f · 3/6

Attachments · 6

3×	Seal of the ScorpionFor Honor and Glory	0f
3×	Court MaskCore Set	1f

Events · 23

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
1×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	MisinformationInto the Forbidden City	1f
2×	Smoke and MirrorsTears of Amaterasu	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 54 Into the Forbidden City 10 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 For Honor and Glory 6 Tears of Amaterasu 5

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Shadowed Court

Soshi air magic and shadows. Maze of Illusion turns your honor bid into a weapon, and Soshi Shiori bleeds an honor from every conflict you win.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Something that uses your honour bid. Web of Lies takes its strength from the bid and Maze of Illusion pays you for bidding low, so a hand that ignores the dial is a hand playing half the deck.

The shape of a game

Air magic and misdirection rather than a straight drain. Soshi Shiori bleeds an honour every conflict you win, Deceptive Offer rewrites what they thought they were attacking, and Reclusive Zokujin goes untouchable during Earth conflicts.

Your bid does two jobs

A high bid draws cards and powers Web of Lies; a low bid powers Maze of Illusion and protects your honour. You cannot have both in one turn, so decide before setting the dial which of the two this turn is for. That decision is the deck.

Where it goes wrong

Hidden Moon Dōjō is a single copy and the shadow package leans on it — do not plan a turn around drawing it. And the deck is wide rather than deep: if you need one specific answer, you will usually not have it.

Stronghold & roleCity of the Open Hand10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterWeb of Liesstr None · Elements Unbound

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
3×	Bayushi ManipulatorCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Court NoviceTainted Lands	1f · 1/1
3×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Soshi ShadowshaperBreath of the Kami	2f · 1/2
3×	Yogo OutcastCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Heartless IntimidatorBreath of the Kami	3f · 1/3
3×	Reclusive ZokujinElements Unbound	3f · 3/1
3×	Disguised ProtectorThe Ebb and Flow	4f · 3/3
3×	Illustrious PlagiaristMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 1/3
3×	Soshi ShioriThe Fires Within	5f · 2/5

Holdings · 7

3×	City of LiesCore Set
1×	Hidden Moon DōjōThe Ebb and Flow
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 8

3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Shosuro SadakoAll and Nothing	2f · 1/1
3×	Yogo KikuyoDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 8

3×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
2×	Tainted KokuTainted Lands	1f
3×	Mark of ShameAll and Nothing	2f

Events · 24

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	Deceptive OfferThe Ebb and Flow	0f
3×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
1×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	Maze of IllusionBreath of the Kami	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 41 Elements Unbound 4 Tainted Lands 6 The Fires Within 4 All and Nothing 6 Breath of the Kami 10 The Ebb and Flow 7 Meditations on the Ephemeral 3 The Chrysanthemum Throne 3 Disciples of the Void 3

Underhand of the Emperor (Scorpion clan pack) · tier 4

Kyūden Bayushi

The clan pack showpiece. Being at six honor or lower switches this deck on: Kyūden Bayushi readies your dishonoured characters and Alibi Artist digs for exactly what you need.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Alibi Artist, but only if you can get dishonourable quickly. He digs for exactly what you need and does nothing while you are the more honourable player.

The shape of a game

Get to six honour or lower on purpose and stay there. Kyūden Bayushi readies your dishonoured characters, which converts the drawback the deck inflicts on itself into an engine, and Bayushi's Whisperers then name a card they cannot play this turn.

The floor

There is a limit to how far you can fall and a dishonour opponent is happy to race you to it. Duty saves you once and is a single copy. Against Scorpion mirrors and Crane honour decks, work out early whether you can afford to keep dropping.

Where it goes wrong

Almost every card in the pack is conditional, so a hand drawn while you are still at nine honour does very little. If the drop stalls, Stolen Breath and Make an Opening are how you force the issue.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Bayushi9h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Air

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthVassal Fieldsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidBrother’s Gift Dōjōstr 4 · Underhand of the Emperor

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 27

3×	Alibi ArtistUnderhand of the Emperor	1f · –/2
3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
3×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Shosuro TakaoUnderhand of the Emperor	2f · 3/1
3×	Insolent RivalUnderhand of the Emperor	3f · 2/1
3×	Soshi AoiUnderhand of the Emperor	3f · 2/3
3×	Bayushi AramoroUnderhand of the Emperor	4f · 5/2
3×	Ignoble EnforcersUnderhand of the Emperor	5f · 4/4
3×	Bayushi's WhisperersUnderhand of the Emperor	6f · 3/6

Holdings · 13

3×	Back-Alley HideawayInto the Forbidden City
3×	City of LiesCore Set
3×	Court of DeceptionUnderhand of the Emperor
1×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 11

3×	Opium WastrelUnderhand of the Emperor	1f · 1/1
3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Bayushi CollectorUnderhand of the Emperor	2f · 1/2
2×	Shosuro SadakoAll and Nothing	2f · 1/1

Attachments · 6

3×	Liar's MaskUnderhand of the Emperor	1f
3×	Stolen BreathUnderhand of the Emperor	2f

Events · 23

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
1×	DutyUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
3×	From the ShadowsUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
1×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
3×	Make an OpeningUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	Stolen SecretsUnderhand of the Emperor	1f
2×	BlackmailCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Underhand of the Emperor 47 Core Set 31 Children of the Empire 4 Into the Forbidden City 3 All and Nothing 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Poisoned Cup

Shosuro Hametsu fetches a Poison every turn and Kirei-ko bows anything that dares to trigger an ability. Unspoken Etiquette dishonours a whole board at once.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Shosuro Hametsu. He fetches a Poison every turn, which turns a card type nobody built around into a recurring engine. Failing him, Emissary of Lies or Social Puppeteer with a Softskin in hand is a fine start — you want a body and something to attach to it, not two Poisons and nothing to carry them.

The shape of a game

Attrition through attachments. Softskin and Infiltrator's Tools make a character worse permanently rather than for a conflict, and Bayushi Shoju forbids them the Imperial Favour outright — he was restricted for exactly that.

Kirei-ko unspent

She does more work in your hand than on the board. An opponent who suspects she is there triggers fewer abilities, which is worth more than the one character you would eventually bow. Unspoken Etiquette works the same way, at a larger scale.

Where it goes wrong

Poisons are attachments, so attachment removal blanks several turns of work at once. Against Dragon especially, expect Let Go and plan to have a second Poison rather than one heavily stacked character. Castigated and Miyako's Undertaking are the cards that let you keep pressure on while you rebuild, and Shosuro Ibuki is usually the body worth protecting.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Bayushi9h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Air

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthEffective Deceptionstr 4 · Justice for Satsume

FireInto the Forbidden Citystr 5 · Justice for Satsume

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Palace GuardA Champion's Foresight	1f · 2/0
3×	Chrysanthemum StewardShoju's Duty	2f · 1/2
3×	Loyal ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 1/3
3×	Midnight ProwlerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/1
3×	Attendant to the EmperorChildren of the Empire	3f · 1/5
3×	Bayushi DairuMasters of the Court	3f · 2/2
3×	Emissary of LiesThe Children of Heaven	3f · 2/3
3×	Social PuppeteerChildren of the Empire	3f · 1/3
3×	Shosuro HametsuChildren of the Empire	4f · 2/3
3×	Shosuro IbukiJustice for Satsume	4f · 4/3
3×	Bayushi ShojuShoju's Duty	5f · –/7

Holdings · 7

2×	City of LiesCore Set
3×	Licensed QuarterThe Children of Heaven
2×	Petal Village EstateA Champion's Foresight

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Shosuro MiyakoJustice for Satsume	3f · 3/2

Attachments · 9

3×	CastigatedShoju's Duty	0f
3×	Infiltrator's ToolsChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	SoftskinBonds of Blood	2f

Events · 26

3×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	False LoyaltiesFor the Empire	1f
3×	Kirei-koChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Miyako's UndertakingChildren of the Empire	2f
3×	Unspoken EtiquetteThe Children of Heaven	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Underhand of the Emperor 1 Core Set 21 Justice for Satsume 7 Children of the Empire 26 A Champion's Foresight 5 Shoju's Duty 9 The Children of Heaven 9 Masters of the Court 3 Bonds of Blood 3 For the Empire 3

Winter Court 2019 · tier 5

Zachary Lowe - Scorpion

Kyūden Bayushi dishonour. Thirty-two events, almost no attachments - the deck wins by stripping the opponent's honour and options rather than by fighting.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

Kyūden Bayushi dishonour with a Crane splash, in a Winter Court field where the Phoenix control deck won. Soul Beyond Reproach and Noble Sacrifice are the splash, and they protect a plan that otherwise folds to a single well-timed removal spell.

How to pilot it

Fall early and deliberately, then use the stronghold to ready dishonoured characters and keep attacking. Backhanded Compliment and Mark of Shame carry the honour drain; Forged Edict protects the turn it matters. Duty is the single copy that stops you falling too far.

The splash choice

Crane rather than the more obvious options, because the deck's weakness is losing its key body rather than losing a conflict. Worth studying if you build dishonour yourself — the splash answers the failure mode rather than adding to the plan.

Note

Forged Edict was already restricted when this was played and was banned in January 2021. Dishonour as a strategy was policed harder than any other over the game's life, and this deck sits near the end of the period when it was genuinely viable.

Stronghold & roleKyūden Bayushi9h · 7f · 9inf
Keeper of Air

AirSecret Cachestr 4 · Core Set

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireNight Raidstr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

3×	Alibi ArtistUnderhand of the Emperor	1f · –/2
3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
2×	Court NoviceTainted Lands	1f · 1/1
3×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Seppun TruthseekerUnderhand of the Emperor	2f · 2/2
3×	Bayushi DairuMasters of the Court	3f · 2/2
3×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Bayushi AramoroUnderhand of the Emperor	4f · 5/2
3×	Shosuro IbukiJustice for Satsume	4f · 4/3

Holdings · 8

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
1×	Hidden Moon DōjōThe Ebb and Flow
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Goblin SneakTears of Amaterasu	2f · 1/–
2×	Shosuro SadakoAll and Nothing	2f · 1/1
1×	Shosuro MiyakoJustice for Satsume	3f · 3/2

Attachments · 2

2×

Mark of ShameAll and Nothing

Events · 32

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
3×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
3×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
1×	DutyUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
3×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
3×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
2×	Stay Your HandChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	Noble SacrificeCore Set Crane splash	1f
3×	Soul Beyond ReproachThe Ebb and Flow Crane splash	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Underhand of the Emperor 11 Core Set 45 Children of the Empire 3 Tainted Lands 3 Masters of the Court 3 Justice for Satsume 4 The Ebb and Flow 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 4 All and Nothing 4 Tears of Amaterasu 3 Into the Forbidden City 3

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Seven Stings Keep

The stronghold dictates how many defenders your opponent must commit, then Governor's Spy turns their provinces face down and rearranges them.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Anything cheap. The stronghold makes them commit defenders before they know what they are defending against, and that works better the more options you are holding — Beautiful Entertainer and Shepherd of Visages are better keeps here than Bayushi Kachiko.

The shape of a game

You announce a number of attackers. They choose defenders knowing only that number — not the ring, not the conflict type, not the province — and then you choose all of it. Plan the conflict before you declare the number rather than after.

Governor's Spy

Turns their provinces face down and lets you look, which against an unbroken row is close to complete information. Use it before a big attack. Master Whisperer making them discard and redraw three pairs with it to empty a hand they were saving.

Where it goes wrong

The stronghold rewards knowing your own deck cold, so the first few games will be worse than the deck is. Imbued With Shadows and Paralyzing Delicacy are the cards that punish a wrong guess on their part, and Compelling Testimony converts a political conflict you should have lost. It rarely saw competitive play, which I think was a mistake rather than a verdict.

Stronghold & roleSeven Stings Keep10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirShadowed Alleywaystr 4 · Clan War

EarthCourteous Greetingstr 4 · In Pursuit of Truth

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

WaterSilent Ones Monasterystr 5 · In Pursuit of Truth

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 27

3×	Beautiful EntertainerAs Honor Demands	1f · 0/1
3×	Shepherd of VisagesClan War	1f · 1/1
3×	Shadow StalkerCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/0
3×	Shosuro ActorClan War	2f · 0/0
3×	Vice ProprietorClan War	2f · 1/2
3×	Governor's SpyRokugan at War	3f · 1/4
3×	Master WhispererClan War	3f · 2/3
3×	Thunder Guard EliteSpreading Shadows	4f · 4/2
3×	Bayushi KachikoAtonement	5f · 3/6

Holdings · 10

3×	Acclaimed Geisha HouseClan War
3×	City of LiesCore Set
1×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Open WindowCampaigns of Conquest

Dynasty events · 3

3×

Dispatch to NowhereSpreading Shadows

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 9

3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Shosuro SadakoAll and Nothing	2f · 1/1
3×	Soshi DivinerAs Honor Demands	2f · 1/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Compromised SecretsAtonement	0f
3×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
3×	SoftskinBonds of Blood	2f

Events · 22

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Imbued With ShadowsClan War	0f
3×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	Paralyzing DelicacyRokugan at War	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	Compelling TestimonyClan War	1f
3×	ForgeryCampaigns of Conquest	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Spreading Shadows 7 Core Set 22 Clan War 22 In Pursuit of Truth 2 As Honor Demands 7 Atonement 7 Campaigns of Conquest 9 Rokugan at War 5 All and Nothing 3 Bonds of Blood 3

Temptations Cycle & Under Fu Leng's Shadow · tier 7

Shiro Yogo

The last Scorpion deck. Loyal Oathbreaker declares you the less honourable player no matter the score, switching on every card that needed it, and Dire characters reward spending nothing.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Loyal Oathbreaker. He simply declares you the less honourable player regardless of the actual score, which switches on an entire deck of conditional cards without you having to fall at all.

The shape of a game

Buy characters empty and accept they will leave. Several here want no fate on them, and paying for them feels like good play right up until the ability does not trigger. Disciple of Deception and Shosuro Deceiver both reward the habit.

Spending the expensive cards

Seize the Mind and Shape the Flesh are costly and tempting. Casting them because the fate is spare is how you lose two turns later when the combination turn arrives and you cannot pay for it. Final Whisper is the fallback when it never does.

Where it goes wrong

Slower than any other Scorpion list here and reliant on a specific pairing landing. If it has not by turn six, fall back on the ordinary dishonour plan rather than holding out for the perfect turn.

Stronghold & roleShiro Yogo10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Air

AirThe Scorpion Clan Coupstr 5 · Twisted Loyalties

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireUnbridled Ambitionstr 3 · Atonement

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterBy Onnotangu's Lightstr 4 · A Crimson Offering

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 27

3×	Sinister PeacekeeperTwisted Loyalties	1f · 0/2
3×	Disciple of DeceptionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 1/2
3×	Underhanded SamuraiPeace at Any Cost	2f · 2/1
3×	Yogo ParamourA Crimson Offering	2f · 1/3
3×	Loyal OathbreakerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	3f · 1/3
3×	Shoju's DivinerHonor in Flames	3f · 3/3
3×	Silent EnforcerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	3f · 3/2
3×	Shosuro DeceiverCoils of Power	4f · 2/4
3×	Yogo JunzoThe Temptation of the Scorpion	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

3×	City of LiesCore Set
3×	Licensed QuarterThe Children of Heaven
1×	Open WindowCampaigns of Conquest
3×	Shadowed VillageA Crimson Offering

Dynasty events · 3

3×

Display of LoyaltyCoils of Power

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 8

3×	Messenger of MiseryHonor in Flames	1f · 0/1
3×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Shosuro SadakoAll and Nothing	2f · 1/1

Attachments · 9

3×	Compromised SecretsAtonement	0f
3×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
3×	Shape the FleshHonor in Flames	1f

Events · 23

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Final WhisperCoils of Power	0f
1×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	Paralyzing DelicacyRokugan at War	0f
3×	Soshi's MemoryUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
3×	SubterfugePeace at Any Cost	0f
3×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
3×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
3×	Seize the MindA Crimson Offering	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Under Fu Leng's Shadow 13 Core Set 19 Twisted Loyalties 4 Atonement 4 Coils of Power 10 Peace at Any Cost 7 A Crimson Offering 10 Honor in Flames 9 The Temptation of the Scorpion 3 The Children of Heaven 3 Campaigns of Conquest 1 All and Nothing 2 Rokugan at War 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Golden Plains

Core Unicorn. Attack with the minimum, then move reinforcements in once defenders are committed. Captive Audience turns a political conflict military at the worst possible moment.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Cheap attackers and Favored Mount. Every Unicorn card is better on the attack, and a hand that cannot declare a conflict on turn one has already surrendered the only advantage the deck has.

The shape of a game

Attack from turn one and do not stop. Utaku Infantry grows with each Cavalry beside it, so width matters as much as speed, and Breakthrough converts a won conflict into a broken province more often than the numbers suggest.

Way of the Unicorn

Stranger and better than its reputation. It refuses to hand back the first player token, so you keep the initiative for another full turn — worth more here than in any other deck, because your cards reward acting first and theirs reward reacting.

Where it goes wrong

No in-clan cancel. Voice of Honor and Censure will answer your biggest turn and you have nothing to say about it, so build toward two good turns rather than one spectacular one. Spyglass is legal at this date and was banned later; expect it to feel that way.

Stronghold & roleGolden Plains Outpost10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterEndless Plainsstr 2 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 39

3×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
3×	Utaku InfantryCore Set	1f · 0/0
3×	Aggressive MotoCore Set	2f · 3/0
3×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Meishōdō WielderCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Shinjo OutriderCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Giver of GiftsCore Set	3f · 2/3
3×	Ide TraderCore Set	3f · 1/3
3×	Utaku YuminoCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Warrior PoetCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Moto HordeCore Set	4f · 6/–
3×	Shinjo TatsuoCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Shinjo AltansarnaiCore Set	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 1

1×

Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Ide MessengerCore Set	2f · 1/2

Attachments · 10

3×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
1×	Honored BladeCore Set Lion splash	1f
3×	SpyglassCore Set	1f
3×	Born in WarCore Set	2f

Events · 24

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
3×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
3×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Long Road

Unicorn with the Imperial Favor as ammunition. Ride Them Down flattens a province to strength one, and Child of the Plains steals the first action of the conflict.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Ride Them Down, or the board that makes it lethal — Moto Youth and Border Rider together are a better keep than one expensive character, because the card flattens a province to strength one and you need bodies to exploit it.

The shape of a game

Faster and meaner than the Core list because of that one card. Set the attack up first and play Ride Them Down second — it is a finisher, not an opener, and spending it early converts a game-winning card into a marginal one.

Child of the Plains

Steals the first action of the conflict, which in a clan built on acting first is worth more than her stats suggest. Against decks that rely on a single reaction — Crane duelling, Phoenix ring tricks — taking the first action often means their answer never resolves at all.

Where it goes wrong

The Imperial neutrals here are slower than the clan wants. If your opening hand is all court cards, mulligan it. Windswept Yurt and Gaijin Customs are the cards that keep a slow draw playable, and Seal of the Unicorn is how you win a conflict you had no business contesting.

Stronghold & roleGolden Plains Outpost10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterEndless Plainsstr 2 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 39

3×	Child of the PlainsInto the Forbidden City	1f · 1/0
3×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
3×	Utaku MediatorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	1f · 0/1
3×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Shinjo OutriderCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Shinjo ScoutMeditations on the Ephemeral	2f · 2/1
3×	Swift MagistrateTears of Amaterasu	3f · 2/2
3×	War Dog MasterInto the Forbidden City	3f · 2/–
3×	Warrior PoetCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Ide TadajiFor Honor and Glory	4f · 1/4
3×	Shinjo TatsuoCore Set	4f · 3/3
3×	Moto JuroFate Has No Secrets	5f · 5/2
3×	Shinjo AltansarnaiCore Set	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 1

1×

Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Ide MessengerCore Set	2f · 1/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Seal of the UnicornMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
3×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
3×	SpyglassCore Set	1f

Events · 25

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
3×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Gaijin CustomsThe Chrysanthemum Throne	1f
3×	Ride Them DownFate Has No Secrets	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 55 Into the Forbidden City 7 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Tears of Amaterasu 4 For Honor and Glory 3 Fate Has No Secrets 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Cascade

Win a military conflict while outnumbering your opponent and the fort hands you another one immediately. It cascades: two triggers in a turn is three broken provinces.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Bodies, and specifically more bodies than they have. The fort needs you to win a military conflict while outnumbering them, and that is a counting problem before it is a skill problem.

The shape of a game

Win a military conflict while outnumbering them and the stronghold hands you another immediately. It cascades — two triggers in a turn is three broken provinces. Everything else exists to make sure you outnumber them at the moment it resolves.

Finding the extra body

Battle Maiden Recruit costs nothing and Sneaky Shinjo arrives free when you pass, which is how you get the count you need. Passing costs you a conflict, so only do it when the conflict was bad anyway. Captive Audience flips a conflict to military for one honour when the type is wrong.

Where it goes wrong

If you cannot win military with more characters, you are left with a weak political attack and nothing. Against a deck that trades efficiently, hold Cavalry Reserves for the turn the count is one short rather than spending it to win a conflict outright.

Stronghold & roleHisu Mori Toride11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirBorder Fortressstr 4 · Tainted Lands

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

3×	Battle Maiden RecruitThe Fires Within	0f · 0/0
3×	Child of the PlainsInto the Forbidden City	1f · 1/0
3×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
3×	Sneaky ShinjoTainted Lands	1f · 1/1
3×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Shinjo OutriderCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Master of the Swift WavesThe Ebb and Flow	3f · 3/2
3×	Moto NergüiDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
3×	Iuchi ShahaiAll and Nothing	4f · 2/4
3×	Moto HordeCore Set	4f · 6/–
3×	Shinjo ShonoBreath of the Kami	4f · 4/3
3×	Minami Kaze RegularsElements Unbound	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 4

3×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
1×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Shiksha ScoutThe Fires Within	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
3×	Force of the RiverThe Ebb and Flow	1f
3×	Invocation of AshThe Fires Within	1f

Events · 25

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
3×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
3×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
3×	Press of BattleTainted Lands	0f
1×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Elements Unbound 4 Core Set 41 Tainted Lands 8 The Fires Within 10 All and Nothing 4 The Ebb and Flow 7 Into the Forbidden City 3 Disciples of the Void 3 Breath of the Kami 6 Tears of Amaterasu 1

Warriors of the Wind (Unicorn clan pack) · tier 4

Shiro Shinjo

The clan pack showpiece. Shiro Shinjo pays you fate for your opponent's faceup provinces, Moto Chagatai refuses to bow after breaking one, and Aranat arrives to end things.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Saadiyah al-Mozedu or a cheap body. The stronghold pays you fate for their faceup provinces, so turning provinces face down is worth real money rather than just information.

The shape of a game

The economy comes online around turn three; before that you are vulnerable and should be trading rather than developing. Once it is running, Moto Chagatai refuses to bow after breaking a province and becomes the carrier everything else is built to support.

Building the tower

Ring of Binding and the meishōdō attachments want a single carrier. Spreading them across three bodies produces three mediocre characters instead of one that ends games — pick a carrier early and commit. Utaku Battle Steed on Chagatai is usually the right stack.

Where it goes wrong

The stronghold is weak in the opening turns, which is exactly when Unicorn normally want to be strong. Survive turns one and two rather than trying to win them, and do not buy Aranat until you can protect the board that follows.

Stronghold & roleShiro Shinjo10h · 6f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUntamed Steppestr 6 · Bonds of Blood

FireKhan's Ordustr 4 · Warriors of the Wind

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 35

3×	Wild StallionWarriors of the Wind	1f · 1/0
3×	Shinjo GunsōJustice for Satsume	2f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo TrailblazerWarriors of the Wind	2f · 2/1
3×	Young WarriorWarriors of the Wind	2f · 3/3
3×	Iuchi FarseerWarriors of the Wind	3f · 2/3
3×	Saadiyah al-MozeduWarriors of the Wind	3f · 0/3
3×	Shiotome HeroineChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/1
3×	Utaku TetsukoUnderhand of the Emperor	3f · 3/1
3×	Iuchi DaiyuWarriors of the Wind	4f · 3/3
3×	Utaku KamokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 3/3
3×	Moto ChagataiWarriors of the Wind	5f · 6/3
2×	AranatWarriors of the Wind	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 5

3×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Visiting AdvisorWarriors of the Wind	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Curved BladeWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Ring of BindingWarriors of the Wind	1f
3×	Utaku Battle SteedWarriors of the Wind	1f

Events · 25

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
3×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Speak to the HeartWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 43 Core Set 23 Bonds of Blood 1 Breath of the Kami 4 All and Nothing 1 The Ebb and Flow 1 Justice for Satsume 5 Underhand of the Emperor 3 Children of the Empire 6

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Battle Maidens

Utaku battle maidens and duels. Honest Challenger and Ide Negotiator both reward a low honor bid, which is where this deck wants to live anyway.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

Utaku Kamoko, or a reason to bid low. Honest Challenger and Ide Negotiator both reward a low dial, which is where this deck wants to live anyway.

The shape of a game

Attack wide, duel when it is free. Utaku Rumaru raises the glory of everyone honoured, Challenge on the Fields picks fights you have already won, and Outflank and Ujik Tactics both assume you are the aggressor. This is not a defensive deck under any circumstances.

Ide Ryōma

Trades places with an enemy character — removal disguised as movement. It pulls their best defender out of the conflict and puts yours in, which is often worth more than killing anything. Look for it before committing to a hard attack.

Where it goes wrong

Bidding low costs cards, so make sure the payoffs are actually on the board before committing to the dial. And duels are borrowed from Crane: Challenge on the Fields is good when you are ahead and poor when you are not.

Stronghold & roleShiro Shinjo10h · 6f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

EarthUntamed Steppestr 6 · Bonds of Blood

FireIllustrious Forgestr 4 · Children of the Empire

VoidTemple of the Dragonsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

WaterMidnight Revelsstr 4 · Children of the Empire

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 35

3×	Golden Plains RaiderShoju's Duty	1f · 2/0
3×	Outskirts SentryChildren of the Empire	1f · 2/–
3×	Honest ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
3×	Shinjo YasamuraDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/0
3×	Young WarriorWarriors of the Wind	2f · 3/3
3×	Ide NegotiatorChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
3×	Ide RyōmaThe Children of Heaven	3f · 0/4
3×	Moto OutriderShoju's Duty	3f · 3/2
3×	Shiotome HeroineChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/1
3×	Shinjo KyōraFor the Empire	4f · 4/2
3×	Utaku KamokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 3/3
2×	Utaku RumaruBonds of Blood	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 5

2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
3×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo AmbusherChildren of the Empire	1f · 2/0

Attachments · 8

3×	Curved BladeWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Natural NegotiatorThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	Jewel of the KhamasinChildren of the Empire	2f

Events · 26

3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Challenge on the FieldsChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	OutflankA Champion's Foresight	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Ujik TacticsJustice for Satsume	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 10 Core Set 18 Bonds of Blood 3 Children of the Empire 27 Shoju's Duty 6 Defenders of Rokugan 3 The Children of Heaven 6 For the Empire 3 Justice for Satsume 6 Breath of the Kami 2 A Champion's Foresight 3

Winter Court 2019, Top 8 · tier 5

Aaron Frede - Unicorn

Hisu Mori Toride swarm. Cheap cavalry attack wide, then Cavalry Reserves and Charge! refill the board mid-conflict.

Tournament list, recorded by Imperial Advisor, Winter Court 2019

How to play this deck

What this player was doing

Hisu Mori Toride cascade in a Winter Court Top 8, with a Crab splash for Assassination and A Perfect Cut. Keeper of Earth rather than the usual Water role, which changes the province row and gives Entrenched Position as a defensive option most Unicorn lists do not have.

How to pilot it

Count characters before declaring. The fort needs you to outnumber them at resolution, so Cavalry Reserves and Shinjo Ambusher are held for the turn the count is short. Charge! puts a body in after defenders are chosen, which is frequently what makes the cascade trigger.

The splash

Assassination and A Perfect Cut answer the character the cascade cannot get past. Unicorn have no removal of their own, and a deck built on winning by a margin is vulnerable to a single large defender — this is the tax every competitive Unicorn list paid.

Note

Charge! and Unfulfilled Duty were both policed after this event, and the Keeper of Earth role was an unusual choice at the time — most cascade lists took Water. Read it as one player's answer to the November 2019 field rather than as a legal deck today.

Stronghold & roleHisu Mori Toride11h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Earth

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthEntrenched Positionstr 5 · Core Set

FireKhan's Ordustr 4 · Warriors of the Wind

VoidAppealing to the Fortunesstr 3 · All and Nothing

WaterEndless Plainsstr 2 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

3×	Child of the PlainsInto the Forbidden City	1f · 1/0
3×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
3×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
3×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo GunsōJustice for Satsume	2f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo TrailblazerWarriors of the Wind	2f · 2/1
3×	Moto NergüiDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
3×	Utaku TetsukoUnderhand of the Emperor	3f · 3/1
3×	Minami Kaze RegularsElements Unbound	5f · 6/3
3×	Moto ChagataiWarriors of the Wind	5f · 6/3
3×	Shinjo AltansarnaiCore Set	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 7

1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
3×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 7

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo AmbusherChildren of the Empire	1f · 2/0
1×	Shinomen WayfindersWarriors of the Wind	4f · 3/1

Attachments · 5

2×	Curved BladeWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f

Events · 28

2×	A Perfect CutFor the Empire	0f
2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
3×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
3×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Strength in NumbersCore Set Lion splash	1f
3×	Unfulfilled DutyBonds of Blood	2f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Elements Unbound 4 Core Set 42 All and Nothing 1 Breath of the Kami 4 Warriors of the Wind 13 Into the Forbidden City 3 Justice for Satsume 3 Disciples of the Void 3 Underhand of the Emperor 3 Tears of Amaterasu 3 Children of the Empire 3 For the Empire 2 Bonds of Blood 3

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

The White Horde

Rally and movement. Twilight Rider and Scholar of Old Rempet fill provinces for free, Moto Stables pumps anything that moves, and Never Yield locks your attackers in place.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A rally card. Twilight Rider and Scholar of Old Rempet put bodies into your provinces without spending fate, which is what makes a wide board affordable this late in the game's life.

The shape of a game

Fill the provinces for free, then move everything where it hurts. Moto Stables pumps anything that moves, Way of the Open Hand drags a defender off the province entirely, and Flank the Enemy rewards a board that is already wide.

The drawback cards

Several of these look worse than they are. Endless Plains Skirmisher contributing to their side still counts as your character for everything else, which sets up Never Yield. Read them twice before dismissing them — Clan War rewards it.

Where it goes wrong

Rally only helps while you have provinces left to flip, so the deck suffers badly once two or three are broken. Against a fast opponent, defend earlier than instinct says: the free bodies stop being free when the row is gone.

Stronghold & roleShiro Shinjo10h · 6f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirDriven By Couragestr 4 · Spreading Shadows

EarthCourteous Greetingstr 4 · In Pursuit of Truth

FireWind's Pathstr 5 · Spreading Shadows

VoidBreaking Instr 5 · Campaigns of Conquest

FireHonor's Rewardstr 5 · As Honor Demands

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Altansarnai's VanguardClan War	1f · 2/0
3×	Merchant of CuriositiesClan War	1f · 1/1
3×	Scholar of Old RempetIn Pursuit of Truth	1f · 1/0
3×	Endless Plains SkirmisherClan War	2f · 3/0
3×	Way Station TraderClan War	2f · 1/2
3×	Forthright IdeClan War	3f · 1/3
3×	Moto OutriderShoju's Duty	3f · 3/2
3×	Twilight RiderSpreading Shadows	3f · 3/1
3×	White Horde VanguardRokugan at War	4f · 5/2
3×	Shinjo AltansarnaiAs Honor Demands	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

3×	Moto StablesSpreading Shadows
3×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume
2×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Countryside TraderRokugan at War	2f · 1/2

Attachments · 9

3×	Hunting FalconIn Pursuit of Truth	0f
3×	Expert BarteringClan War	1f
3×	Steed of the SteppesCampaigns of Conquest	1f

Events · 25

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Never YieldSpreading Shadows	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	Way of the Open HandClan War	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Flank the EnemyAtonement	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 4 Core Set 17 Spreading Shadows 11 Campaigns of Conquest 4 In Pursuit of Truth 7 As Honor Demands 4 Clan War 21 Rokugan at War 6 Breath of the Kami 3 Justice for Satsume 2 Tears of Amaterasu 2 Shoju's Duty 3 Atonement 3

Temptations Cycle & Under Fu Leng's Shadow · tier 7

The Western Wind

The last Unicorn deck. Iuchi Soulweaver counts as participating in every conflict while it holds no fate, and The Western Wind empties your deck's cavalry into a single province.

How to play this deck

Mulligan

A hand you can play without spending fate. Dire rewards empty characters and Iuchi Soulweaver counts as participating in every conflict while it holds none.

The shape of a game

Buy empty, on purpose, and accept the characters will leave. That is the trade the final cycle is built on and it suits Unicorn better than any other clan, because you were attacking with everything anyway. Khanbulak Benefactor is the economy the clan spent four years without.

The Western Wind

Empties your cavalry into a single province and is a genuine finisher rather than a value play. Set it up — board wide, province already weakened — because it ends the game on the turn it works and does very little on the turn it does not.

Where it goes wrong

Paying for Soulweaver actively makes it worse, which is a mistake that feels like good play. If in doubt, buy one more character empty rather than one fewer with fate on it.

Stronghold & roleGolden Plains Outpost10h · 7f · 10inf
Keeper of Water

AirCycle of Vengeancestr 4 · Honor in Flames

EarthDeserted Shrinestr 4 · Coils of Power

FireBrushfiresstr 4 · Twisted Loyalties

VoidLord's Ascendancystr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

WaterGolden Plainsstr 4 · Peace at Any Cost

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Iuchi SoulweaverThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f · 1/1
3×	Open Field SkirmisherCoils of Power	1f · 2/0
3×	Moto ConquerorPeace at Any Cost	2f · 4/–
3×	Reckless AvengerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/2
3×	Seasoned PatrollerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 3/1
3×	Nimble NoyanHonor in Flames	3f · 4/1
3×	Iuchi ShahaiA Crimson Offering	4f · 2/4
3×	Khanbulak BenefactorTwisted Loyalties	4f · 2/4
3×	Moto BeastmasterUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	4f · 4/1
3×	Higashi Kaze CompanyCoils of Power	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 10

3×	Moto StablesSpreading Shadows
3×	Reserve TentsHonor in Flames
2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

3×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
3×	Shinjo AmbusherChildren of the Empire	1f · 2/0

Attachments · 9

3×	Command the TributaryA Crimson Offering	0f
3×	Scarlet SabreUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
3×	DaikyūUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f

Events · 25

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Never YieldSpreading Shadows	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set Lion splash	0f
3×	Ride OnPeace at Any Cost	0f
3×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
3×	The Western WindThe Temptation of the Scorpion	0f
3×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
3×	Charge!Core Set	1f
3×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 18 Peace at Any Cost 8 Coils of Power 7 Twisted Loyalties 4 Honor in Flames 7 The Temptation of the Scorpion 6 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 15 A Crimson Offering 6 Spreading Shadows 6 Breath of the Kami 2 Justice for Satsume 2 Children of the Empire 3 Warriors of the Wind 3