Thematic Decks — Legend of the Five Rings

Core Set · tier 1

The Wall Remembers

Nearly every Crab card in the Core Set, in ones and twos. Seeker of Earth doubles the earth provinces so Defend the Wall and Entrenched Position both hold the line.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

A tournament Crab deck sees maybe fourteen distinct cards. This one runs twenty-three, at two copies each, which changes what a game feels like rather than how strong it is. You will open on a different hand every time and you will draw cards you have never drawn before. Judge it on that, not on its win rate.

The shape of a game

Turns one and two you are buying bodies and finding a holding, because Shrewd Yasuki and Hida Guardian are both dead without one. Turns three to five the opponent starts attacking and this is where the deck lives: you are not trying to stop the attack, you are trying to win the defence by enough that they have spent more than you have. Hida Kisada lands around turn four and becomes a problem they have to answer with a card rather than a character.

The Seeker of Earth decision

The role gives you two earth provinces instead of one, and that is the whole reason the deck is built this way. Defend the Wall and Entrenched Position both punish an attacker who commits, so your province row is genuinely hostile rather than just a stack of hit points. The cost is that you have no void province, so ring selection is one option narrower for you all game.

Where it goes wrong

Two ways. The first is a hand full of cards that need a holding when none has flipped, which is the price of running so many conditional two-drops. The second is an opponent who ignores your provinces and races on honour, because Core Crab has almost no answer to that and no political skill to contest it.

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

AirManicured Gardenstr 4 · Core Set

EarthDefend the Wallstr 4 · Core Set

FireNight Raidstr 4 · Core Set

WaterElemental Furystr 4 · Core Set

EarthEntrenched Positionstr 5 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

2×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
2×	Hida GuardianCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Kaiu EnvoyCore Set	1f · 1/0
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Seeker InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Shrewd YasukiCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Vanguard WarriorCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Hida TomonatsuCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Intimidating HidaCore Set	3f · 4/2
2×	Vengeful BerserkerCore Set	3f · 3/–
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Kaiu ShuichiCore Set	4f · 3/3
2×	Steadfast Witch HunterCore Set	4f · 4/2
2×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2

Holdings · 4

2×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
2×	Funeral PyreCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Watch CommanderCore Set	1f
2×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Contingency PlanCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
1×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
1×	Good OmenCore Set	0f
2×	LevyCore Set	0f
2×	RebuildCore Set	0f
1×	Spies at CourtCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
1×	Fallen in BattleCore Set	1f
1×	OutwitCore Set	1f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Yasuki Ledgers

Every Crab card the Imperial Cycle printed, plus the neutral Imperial cards it leaned on. Keeper of Water for a change of pace, and Karada District stealing an attachment a turn.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle is remembered for the cards that got banned, and this deck runs them: Karada District steals an attachment every turn, Iron Mine saves a character for free. Both were legal for over a year. Playing with them is the only way to understand why the Banned and Restricted list exists.

The shape of a game

Slow on purpose. You spend the first three turns building an engine — Yasuki Taka turning casualties into fate, Iron Mine refusing to let a character die, Karada District quietly stripping their attachments — and you do not expect to break a province until turn five or six. The deck wins by having more resources than the opponent has patience.

Keeper of Water, and why

A conventional Crab deck takes an Air or Earth role. Water is chosen here so Fair Accord and the water effects work, and because it changes which provinces you can run. It is a worse choice competitively and a more interesting one to play: your ring priorities are different from every other Crab deck in the archive.

Where it goes wrong

The engine cards are unique or limited, so a well-timed piece of removal sets you back two turns. And the deck has no finisher — no Kisada turn, no burst — so against an opponent who stabilises, you can build a commanding board and still fail to convert it. Use Levy and Censure to buy the turns, and commit to a province break once you are ahead rather than accumulating further.

Stronghold & roleShiro Nishiyama10h · 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

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 33

2×	Kaiu EnvoyCore Set	1f · 1/0
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Kaiu InventorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 2/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Shrewd YasukiCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Staunch HidaTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/–
2×	Borderlands DefenderCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Crisis BreakerFate Has No Secrets	3f · 3/1
2×	Intimidating HidaCore Set	3f · 4/2
2×	Seppun IshikawaFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
2×	Stoic MagistrateFor Honor and Glory	3f · 2/2
2×	Kaiu ShuichiCore Set	4f · 3/3
2×	Kuni RitsukoMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 4/2
1×	Miya SatoshiMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 2/4
2×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2
2×	Yasuki TakaFate Has No Secrets	5f · 3/4

Holdings · 7

2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
1×	Karada DistrictTears of Amaterasu
1×	Miwaku KabeFor Honor and Glory
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

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

Attachments · 14

2×	Seal of the CrabInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Tattered MissiveInto the Forbidden City	1f
2×	Watch CommanderCore Set	1f
2×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f

Events · 20

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Fair AccordFate Has No Secrets	0f
2×	LevyCore Set	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	Raise the AlarmFor Honor and Glory	0f
1×	Waning HostilitiesFate Has No Secrets	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the ChrysanthemumThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f
1×	Mono no AwareMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 44 Into the Forbidden City 9 Tears of Amaterasu 5 For Honor and Glory 7 The Chrysanthemum Throne 7 Fate Has No Secrets 9 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Kuni Experiments

The whole Elemental Crab suite, including the cards nobody played. Tainted Hero and Marauding Oni hit like trucks and refuse to behave; the five elemental provinces are all here.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Crab magic. The Elemental cycle gave the clan Earth shugenja and a taint subtheme that never became competitive, so almost nobody played these cards. Tainted Hero, Marauding Oni, Kudaka and Yoritomo are all here, and all of them are stronger than their cost suggests in exchange for behaving badly.

The shape of a game

Fight on Earth wherever you can. Kuni Yori lifts every character you control during an earth conflict, which turns an ordinary board into a winning one, and the elemental province row is chosen so that a defended attack hurts. Marauding Oni and Tainted Hero give you real attacking power around turn four, which Core-era Crab simply does not have.

The honour problem

This is the deck's defining tension. Kuni Laboratory costs honour to use, the tainted characters cost honour to keep, and Crab start at eleven. You can dishonour yourself out of the game without an opponent doing anything. Count your honour before every Laboratory activation, and against Scorpion consider not using it at all.

Where it goes wrong

Beyond the honour, the deck is trying to do two things: an Earth-ring skill deck and a taint deck. They share a clan and not much else. If a game is going badly, work out which half your hand supports and play that one.

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

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 · 27

2×	Third Tower GuardBreath of the Kami	1f · 1/1
2×	Hiruma KogoeThe Fires Within	2f · 2/1
1×	Mantis TenkinjaElements Unbound	2f · 1/2
2×	Marauding OniTainted Lands	2f · 4/–
2×	Apprentice EarthcallerTainted Lands	3f · 3/1
2×	Hida AmoroDisciples of the Void	3f · 4/–
2×	Tainted HeroAll and Nothing	3f · 6/–
2×	KudakaBreath of the Kami	4f · 3/4
2×	Kuni RitsukoMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 4/2
2×	Steadfast Witch HunterCore Set	4f · 4/2
2×	Yasuki BrokerElements Unbound	4f · 2/3
2×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2
2×	Kuni YoriTainted Lands	5f · 4/4
2×	YoritomoThe Ebb and Flow	5f · 3/3

Holdings · 13

2×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Funeral PyreCore Set
2×	Hiruma OutpostBreath of the Kami
1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
2×	Kuni LaboratoryAll and Nothing

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Nezumi InfiltratorThe Ebb and Flow	1f · 1/1
1×	Goblin SneakTears of Amaterasu	2f · 1/–
1×	Hiruma AmbusherCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 14

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	PragmatismElements Unbound	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Watch CommanderCore Set	1f
2×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f
2×	Wicked TetsubōThe Fires Within	2f

Events · 22

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	LevyCore Set	0f
2×	Spreading the DarknessTainted Lands	0f
2×	Fight OnThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f
2×	Mono no AwareMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 38 The Fires Within 5 Tainted Lands 9 Breath of the Kami 7 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 7 Elements Unbound 5 Disciples of the Void 2 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Tears of Amaterasu 1

Defenders of Rokugan (Crab clan pack) · tier 4

The Carpenter Wall

All six Kaiu Wall holdings, which the community judged a trap and which is exactly why it belongs here. Kaiu Shihobu and Rebuild fetch the pieces; the Wall is the deck.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

All six Kaiu Wall holdings, which the community tested and concluded were a trap. They are right, and that is precisely why this deck exists — it is the most complete expression of the clan pack anyone printed, and it is genuinely worse for it.

Why it is a trap

Each wall holding makes one province harder to break, which sounds excellent until you count what it costs. A dynasty deck has four visible cards a turn. Every holding you flip is a character you did not flip, and a character is what wins conflicts. Six holdings means turns where the row shows you nothing you can attack with.

How to play it anyway

Kyūden Hida digs through your deck for a character, which is the card that makes the build survivable at all — use it every turn you can afford to. Kaiu Shihobu fetches whichever wall piece the situation wants. When the row flips two holdings and no bodies, take the fate, pass the turn, and let the provinces do the work; forcing a bad buy is worse than doing nothing.

The payoff

A fully built wall is close to unbreakable, and Rebuild puts a piece back the moment they remove one. Games you survive to turn six, you tend to win outright. Games that end by turn four, you lose without having done anything.

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 · 28

2×	Eager ScoutCore Set	0f · 0/0
2×	Kaiu EnvoyCore Set	1f · 1/0
2×	Purifier ApprenticeDefenders of Rokugan	1f · 1/0
2×	Hida SukuneDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 1/2
2×	Hiruma YōjimbōCore Set	2f · 4/3
2×	Moto EvisceratorDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 3/0
2×	Shadowlands HunterDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/0
2×	Hida O-UshiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 3/3
2×	Unyielding SenseiDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 4/2
2×	Favorable DealbrokerDefenders of Rokugan	4f · 2/3
2×	Frontline EngineerA Champion's Foresight	4f · 4/2
2×	Hida KisadaCore Set	5f · 7/2
2×	Kaiu ShihobuDefenders of Rokugan	5f · 5/3
2×	Kaiu Siege ForceDefenders of Rokugan	6f · 7/2

Holdings · 12

2×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
2×	Hiruma OutpostBreath of the Kami
1×	Kaiu ForgesDefenders of Rokugan
2×	Kansen HauntDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Northern Curtain WallDefenders of Rokugan
1×	River of the Last StandDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Seventh TowerDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Third Whisker WarrensDefenders of Rokugan
1×	Watchtower of ValorDefenders of Rokugan

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

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

Attachments · 14

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Reinforced PlateDefenders of Rokugan	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Subterranean GuileDefenders of Rokugan	1f
2×	Watch CommanderCore Set	1f
2×	Jade TetsubōCore Set	2f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f

Events · 23

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Fruitful RespiteDefenders of Rokugan	0f
2×	LevyCore Set	0f
2×	Raise the AlarmFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	RebuildCore Set	0f
2×	Siege WarfareDefenders of Rokugan	0f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	The Mountain Does Not FallCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	DesolationDefenders of Rokugan	2f
2×	The Strength of the MountainDefenders of Rokugan	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Defenders of Rokugan 40 Core Set 35 Breath of the Kami 3 All and Nothing 1 The Ebb and Flow 1 A Champion's Foresight 2 Into the Forbidden City 1 The Chrysanthemum Throne 2 For Honor and Glory 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Damned and the Dutiful

The 2019 Crab in full: duelists, engineers, magistrates and the whole Imperial family. Hantei XXXVIII sits in court demanding the Favor stay yours.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

2019 Crab in full, which is really two clans wearing one mon. The Yasuki and the engineers are building an honourable, magistrate-flavoured deck around the Imperial family; the Damned are characters who get stronger as your honour falls. Both halves are here because both are what the clan was that year.

The decision the deck forces

By turn two you have to choose. If you are holding Hantei XXXVIII and the magistrates, keep your honour high, contest the Imperial Favour and play a controlling game. If you are holding Hida Yakamo, Fury of the Damned and the Warden, drop your honour on purpose and attack. Trying to do both leaves you mid-honour, where neither set of cards works.

Key interactions

Hantei XXXVIII forbids your opponent the Imperial Favour while he is in play, which shuts down a whole category of Crane and Lion decks. On the other side, Yakamo does not bow when he attacks, so he can be the reason you win two conflicts in a turn. Gallant Quartermaster underpins either plan — it is the economy that lets you afford the expensive characters.

Where it goes wrong

Indecision, mostly. The second failure is Keeper of Fire: several cards here are role-locked, so if you swap the role to suit a different plan you will quietly break three or four of them.

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

AirKiku Matsuristr 4 · Children of the Empire

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

2×	Gallant QuartermasterShoju's Duty	1f · 0/1
2×	Hida SugiJustice for Satsume	1f · 2/1
2×	Daring ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/–
2×	Hiruma SignallerFor the Empire	2f · 2/2
2×	Seppun Hidden GuardChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/0
2×	Student of AnatomiesThe Children of Heaven	2f · 1/2
2×	Yasuki ProcurerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
1×	Righteous MagistrateChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/3
2×	Siege CaptainChildren of the Empire	3f · 5/1
2×	Yasuki HatsuShoju's Duty	3f · 1/3
2×	Yasuki HikaruThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 3/2
2×	Frontline EngineerA Champion's Foresight	4f · 4/2
1×	Hantei DaisetsuThe Children of Heaven	4f · 3/4
1×	Hantei SotoriiFor the Empire	4f · 4/3
2×	Hida YakamoChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/2
2×	Hiruma YoshinoBonds of Blood	4f · 3/3
1×	Akodo ToturiChildren of the Empire	5f · 6/3
2×	Fifth Tower WatchFor the Empire	5f · 5/4
1×	Hantei XXXVIIIChildren of the Empire	6f · –/–

Holdings · 7

2×	Heavy BallistaChildren of the Empire
1×	Miya LibraryChildren of the Empire
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire
2×	Strategic WeakpointA Champion's Foresight

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Icon of FavorThe Fires Within Crane splash	0f
2×	Sharpened TsuruhashiThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	Callous AshigaruJustice for Satsume	1f
2×	PragmatismElements Unbound	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Honed NodachiChildren of the Empire	2f

Events · 24

2×	A Perfect CutFor the Empire	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Give No GroundFor the Empire	0f
2×	Smuggling DealChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Stay Your HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Withstand the DarknessA Champion's Foresight	0f
2×	In Defense of RokuganChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Root Out HeresyShoju's Duty	1f
2×	Warm WelcomeChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Fury of the DamnedBonds of Blood	2f
2×	Prayers to EbisuChildren of the Empire	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

2×

Core Set 8 Children of the Empire 37 Justice for Satsume 6 For the Empire 9 The Emperor's Legion 2 Bonds of Blood 4 A Champion's Foresight 6 Shoju's Duty 6 The Children of Heaven 5 Elements Unbound 2 The Fires Within 2

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Common Cause

The Clan War cards the archive had never touched, including the five elemental Temple provinces that grow with each ring you claim. Rally fills the provinces; sacrifice empties them again.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War is the box your collection is least likely to have played, partly because a seventh of it only works in multiplayer. This deck uses the half that does work at two players, including the five elemental Temple provinces that nobody built around.

The shape of a game

Slower than any other Crab deck here, and deliberately back-loaded. The Temples are weak on turn one and formidable by turn four, so the opening is about surviving rather than contesting. Rally cards fill your provinces for free, which is what makes the sacrifice plan affordable later.

Key interactions

Butcher of the Fallen grows with every character that dies, yours included, so trading is not a cost here — it is the engine. Common Cause readies a character by sacrificing another, which converts a body you were going to lose into a second conflict. Hida Etsuji doubles a province ability, which with a Temple row is worth building a turn around.

Where it goes wrong

An opponent who understands what the Temples do will attack them early, while they are still weak, and you have no way to speed them up. If you see a fast military draw, spend your early turns defending rather than developing.

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

AirTemple of Jikojustr 4 · Clan War

EarthSlaughtered Villagestr 5 · Clan War

FireTemple of the Thundersstr 4 · Clan War

VoidTemple of Shinsei's Wisdomstr 4 · Clan War

WaterTemple of Daikokustr 4 · Clan War

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 28

2×	Hida SecretkeeperClan War	1f · 1/1
2×	Shika MatchmakerClan War	1f · 1/1
2×	Cunning ConfidantClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Insightful GatekeeperClan War	2f · 2/1
2×	One of the ForgottenClan War	2f · 4/0
2×	Pious GuardianAs Honor Demands	2f · 3/1
2×	Sake House SmugglerClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Third Whisker SneakIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 2/1
2×	Kuni PurifierCampaigns of Conquest	3f · 3/3
2×	Kuni SilencerClan War	3f · 4/2
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	Butcher of the FallenSpreading Shadows	4f · 6/–
2×	Hida EtsujiAs Honor Demands	4f · 4/2
2×	Mercenary CompanyCampaigns of Conquest	4f · 7/–

Holdings · 7

2×	Contested CountrysideAs Honor Demands
1×	Favorable GroundCore Set
1×	Funeral PyreCore Set
1×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
2×	Roadside InnClan War

Dynasty events · 5

1×	Lost PapersIn Pursuit of Truth	0f
2×	Recalled DefensesRokugan at War	1f
2×	Sudden TempestAtonement	1f

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Slovenly ScavengerDefenders of Rokugan	1f · 1/–
2×	Apprentice EngineerAtonement	2f · 2/1

Attachments · 10

2×	Kobo Ichi-Kai JujutsuClan War	0f
2×	Field of RuinRokugan at War	1f
2×	Inventive ButtressingAtonement	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Sturdy TetsubōCampaigns of Conquest	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Common CauseClan War	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	LevyCore Set	0f
2×	Our Foe Does Not WaitRokugan at War	0f
2×	Return From ShadowsIn Pursuit of Truth	0f
2×	Siege WarfareDefenders of Rokugan	0f
2×	Ceaseless DutyAs Honor Demands	1f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Fulfill Your DutyClan War	2f
2×	The Crashing WaveClan War	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Defenders of Rokugan 5 Core Set 12 Clan War 36 In Pursuit of Truth 5 As Honor Demands 8 Campaigns of Conquest 6 Spreading Shadows 2 Rokugan at War 6 Atonement 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 1

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

Under Fu Leng's Shadow

The final release, which the archive had never touched. Corrupted characters enter play tainted, Jade Talisman and Jade Strike push back against it, and Lurking Affliction spreads it to theirs.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The last release, and the one the archive never touched until now. It puts the Shadowlands inside the clan that exists to keep it out — Crab characters entering play already tainted. As a piece of design it is the payoff to four years of storytelling.

How corruption works in play

A Corrupted character enters play tainted, which makes it stronger and costs you something ongoing. The deck is built to manage that rather than avoid it: Master of Jade and Untainted clean up when the accumulation gets dangerous, and Jade Talisman keeps a key character usable. Lurking Affliction and Unveiled Corruption push the same problem onto your opponent, who will have no tools for it.

The stronghold

Castle of the Forgotten pays you for broken provinces rather than for holding them, which inverts everything the clan normally does. Losing a province is not a setback here; it is how you turn the deck on. Play the early game accordingly and do not over-defend.

An honest caveat

This is the least tested deck in either archive. The set landed as organised play was ending and I found no contemporaneous discussion of it at all, so the card choices come from reading the cards rather than from anyone's experience. Expect to want changes after a few games.

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 · 24

2×	Silent SkirmisherHonor in Flames	0f · 1/–
2×	Exiled GuardianUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/1
2×	Fearless SailorUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/1
2×	Resourceful Mahō-TsukaiA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/1
2×	Unleashed ExperimentThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 4/3
2×	Yasuki OguriTwisted Loyalties	2f · 1/1
2×	Damned HidaA Crimson Offering	3f · 3/–
2×	Hida BackbreakerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	3f · 3/2
2×	Master of JadeHonor in Flames	4f · 3/3
2×	Midnight BuilderPeace at Any Cost	4f · 4/3
2×	Oni TyrantUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	4f · 4/–
2×	Repentant LegionCoils of Power	5f · 9/–

Holdings · 16

2×	Audience ChamberUnder Fu Leng's Shadow
2×	Borderlands FortificationsCore Set
2×	Doom ThrowerPeace at Any Cost
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Fire and OilAtonement
2×	Funeral PyreCore Set
1×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Iron MineMeditations on the Ephemeral
1×	Third TowerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 2

2×

Apprentice EngineerAtonement

2f · 2/1

Attachments · 14

2×	Jade TalismanUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Curse of MisfortuneHonor in Flames	1f
2×	Jade-Inlaid KatanaUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	ReprieveCore Set	1f
2×	Tetsubō of BloodA Crimson Offering	1f
2×	UntaintedThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f
2×	ChikaraTwisted Loyalties	2f

Events · 24

2×	At Any CostPeace at Any Cost	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Battle MeditationCoils of Power	0f
2×	DefianceUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Exposed SecretsUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Guardians of RokuganTwisted Loyalties	0f
2×	Lurking AfflictionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Way of the WarriorUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Accursed SummoningUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Jade StrikeUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Way of the CrabCore Set	1f
2×	Unveiled CorruptionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Coils of Power 6 Core Set 14 Honor in Flames 7 Twisted Loyalties 7 Peace at Any Cost 7 A Crimson Offering 7 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 29 The Temptation of the Scorpion 4 Atonement 4 Meditations on the Ephemeral 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Perfect Court

Every Crane card in the Core Set, in ones and twos. Guest of Honor sits in court forbidding events entirely, which no later deck could legally do.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Core Crane at full width, and it contains a card no later deck could legally run. Guest of Honor sits in court and forbids events outright while she is unopposed — she was banned in January 2020, and in an October 2017 pool she is simply legal. The deck exists partly so you can see what that felt like.

The shape of a game

You are not racing. The first three turns are about getting political bodies down and keeping your honour above theirs, because half your good cards check that condition. Voice of Honor is held, never spent early: an opponent who knows you have it plays a slower, worse turn, and that is worth more than the card it eventually cancels.

Seeker of Air, and what it costs

Two air provinces instead of one. The Art of Peace and Fertile Fields both punish an attacker who overcommits politically, which is where most opponents will come at Crane. You give up a void province for it, so your ring choices are narrower — notice that before you build a turn around claiming Void.

Where it goes wrong

Military. This deck has Brash Samurai, Kakita Kaezin and very little else, so a Lion or Unicorn opponent can simply attack military every turn and dare you to defend. Against those decks your provinces are your defence and the honour race is your clock; trying to win the fights is how you lose.

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

AirThe Art of Peacestr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

2×	Asahina ArtisanCore Set	1f · 0/0
2×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Brash SamuraiCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Cautious ScoutCore Set	2f · 2/0
2×	Daidoji NerishmaCore Set	2f · 3/1
2×	Doji Gift GiverCore Set	2f · 0/2
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Savvy PoliticianCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Seeker InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Doji ChallengerCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Kakita AsamiCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Kakita KaezinCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Asahina StorytellerCore Set	4f · 2/4
2×	Guest of HonorCore Set	4f · 1/4
2×	Doji HotaruCore Set	5f · 3/6

Holdings · 4

2×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Steward of LawCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Duelist TrainingCore Set	1f
2×	Height of FashionCore Set	2f

Events · 24

1×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Contingency PlanCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
1×	Good OmenCore Set	0f
2×	Spies at CourtCore Set	0f
2×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
2×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
1×	Fallen in BattleCore Set	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
1×	RoutCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Chrysanthemum Season

The Imperial Cycle Crane, whole. Origami Master moves honor around the board, Pillow Book plays off the top of your deck, and the Imperial neutrals fill out the court.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle made the Imperial Favour a real resource rather than a tiebreaker, and this deck is built to hold it. Kakita Yoshi turns the Favour into three cards, Censure becomes a free cancel while you hold it, and Curry Favor takes it back when they manage to claim it.

The shape of a game

Glory first, then the Favour, then everything else. You want the Favour by the end of turn two and you want to keep it for the rest of the game. Once it is yours, every conflict your opponent declares is made worse by a card they cannot see: Censure sits in your hand costing nothing.

Counting glory

The Favour goes to whoever has more total glory among honoured characters at the end of the conflict phase, so this is a number you should track rather than guess. Doji Shizue sticks around only while you hold it. Origami Master moves honour between characters, which can swing the count on the last conflict of a turn — that is the card that wins the Favour, not the courtiers.

Where it goes wrong

Losing the Favour at the wrong moment takes three or four cards offline at once. Against Phoenix, who generate glory effortlessly, assume you will not hold it and play the deck as an ordinary control list instead.

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

AirFertile Fieldsstr 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 · 31

2×	Doji WhispererCore Set	1f · 0/3
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Doji ShizueThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 1/2
2×	Kabuki HeroFor Honor and Glory	2f · 0/2
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Savvy PoliticianCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Doji ChallengerCore Set	3f · 3/3
2×	Doji RepresentativeTears of Amaterasu	3f · 1/3
2×	Kakita AsamiCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Seppun IshikawaFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
2×	Silver-Tongued MagistrateMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f · 2/2
2×	Asahina StorytellerCore Set	4f · 2/4
1×	Miya SatoshiMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 2/4
2×	Origami MasterFate Has No Secrets	4f · 1/4
2×	Kakita YoshiInto the Forbidden City	5f · 2/6

Holdings · 9

2×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
1×	Chisei DistrictInto the Forbidden City
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	Miwaku KabeFor Honor and Glory
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Young HarrierFate Has No Secrets	1f · 1/1
2×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3

Attachments · 14

2×	Pillow BookMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
2×	Seal of the CraneTears of Amaterasu	0f
2×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
2×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Kakita BladeFor Honor and Glory	1f
2×	Tattered MissiveInto the Forbidden City	1f
2×	Height of FashionCore Set	2f

Events · 22

2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Curry FavorThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
2×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Disdainful RemarkTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Waning HostilitiesFate Has No Secrets	1f
2×	Way of the ChrysanthemumThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 43 Into the Forbidden City 8 Tears of Amaterasu 9 For Honor and Glory 7 The Chrysanthemum Throne 7 Fate Has No Secrets 8 Meditations on the Ephemeral 5

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Mirror's Gaze

Asahina air magic across the whole Elemental cycle. Tengu Sensei stops an attacker before it declares, and Ikebana Artisan refuses to pay the honor for going unopposed.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Asahina air magic, which is the least played thing Crane ever got. Tengu Sensei stops a character before the attack is even declared; Ikebana Artisan refuses to pay the honour cost of going unopposed; The Mirror's Gaze copies the event your opponent just resolved. None of it made tournament decks, and all of it is strange and good.

The shape of a game

Defensive and reactive. You are letting the opponent act first on purpose, because most of your best cards are responses. Formal Invitation and Guardian Kami put bodies into a conflict after defenders are chosen, so the board you show is not the board they are fighting.

The air-ring engine

Keeper of Air is not cosmetic here. Soul Beyond Reproach needs the role, the province row is built to make air conflicts attractive, and Game of Sadane turns a political win into an honour swing. When you have the choice, contest Air even when another ring looks marginally better — the deck compounds on it.

Where it goes wrong

Almost no military skill and no way to break a province quickly. This is an honour-win deck whether you planned it or not, so count the honour totals from turn one and use Noble Sacrifice on the one character that would otherwise break you.

Stronghold & roleShizuka Toshi11h · 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

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

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

Holdings · 10

2×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
2×	Bonsai GardenTainted Lands
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

2×	Guardian KamiDisciples of the Void	2f · 1/1
2×	Menacing Iron WarriorThe Ebb and Flow	3f · 3/1
2×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3

Attachments · 10

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

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Breach of EtiquetteThe Fires Within	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Insult to InjuryThe Fires Within	0f
2×	The Perfect GiftCore Set	0f
2×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Game of SadaneAll and Nothing	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	Soul Beyond ReproachThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 44 Breath of the Kami 9 Tainted Lands 5 The Fires Within 7 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 7 Disciples of the Void 4 Elements Unbound 2 Tears of Amaterasu 2

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

Masters of the Court

The entire clan pack in one deck. Winter Court Hosts, Iwasaki Pupil choking the draw phase, Festival for the Fortunes honoring the whole board, and Daimyō's Gunbai duelling from your hand.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Twenty-one of the clan pack's twenty-two usable cards — the highest coverage of any deck in either archive. The remaining six cards in that box are printed for other clans and are dynasty cards, so they can never legally appear in a Crane deck. Twenty-two is the ceiling, not twenty-eight.

The shape of a game

Duel, honour, repeat. Kyūden Kakita honours a character every time you win a duel, honoured characters carry glory, glory wins the Favour and the honour race. The duels are not there to kill anything — most of the time you duel to bow a defender or send it home, and the honour gain is the real payment.

Daimyō's Gunbai and Daidoji Uji

The two cards worth building a turn around. The Gunbai lets you duel straight from hand without committing a duelist to the conflict first. Uji plays your entire province row out of hand, which once per game turns a normal board into an overwhelming one — hold it until the turn where that actually ends the game.

Where it goes wrong

Duelling into a character you cannot beat. Check their honour dial options before you initiate: a duel you lose is a card spent to make your own character worse. And keep Proving Ground in play — two cards a turn is what lets a deck this expensive function.

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 · 28

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

Holdings · 12

3×	Distinguished DōjōMasters of the Court
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Kakita DōjōChildren of the Empire
3×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 3

2×	Political RivalCore Set	3f · –/3
1×	Shinjo HarukoMasters of the Court Unicorn splash	3f · 3/2

Attachments · 15

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Political SanctionMasters of the Court	0f
2×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
2×	Duelist TrainingCore Set	1f
2×	Iaijutsu MasterChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Kakita BladeFor Honor and Glory	1f
2×	Letter from the DaimyōMasters of the Court	1f
1×	Daimyō's GunbaiMasters of the Court

Events · 22

2×	GossipMasters of the Court	0f
2×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	RetreatMasters of the Court	1f
2×	The Spear Rushes ForthMasters of the Court	1f
2×	Courteous SchemingMasters of the Court	2f
2×	Festival for the FortunesMasters of the Court	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Masters of the Court 39 Core Set 26 Children of the Empire 20 For Honor and Glory 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

Two Champions

Hotaru and Kuwanan both in the deck, discarding each other on sight, alongside the whole 2019 Crane roster and the Imperial family they were fighting over.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Hotaru and Kuwanan in the same deck, discarding each other on sight. Competitively you pick one. Here you run both, because the 2019 Crane story is two siblings contesting a clan and the cards say so in their rules text. The deck is the argument rendered as a list.

The shape of a game

Duels and removal. Duel to the Death removes a character outright, Issue a Challenge forces one, and Kakita Toshimoko duels the moment he arrives. You are trading one for one but winning each trade on your terms, then closing with the honour the duels generate.

The sibling problem

Drawing both champions is a real cost and you should expect it. Kakita's Final Stance gives the loser something to do — sacrifice the one you do not need to win a duel you must not lose. Deciding early which sibling this game belongs to matters more than which one you drew first.

Where it goes wrong

Toshimoko was restricted in January 2020 and he is the only restricted card here, so there is no room to add another. If you swap cards in, check the restricted list for the deck's date before you do.

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 · 30

2×	Graceful GuardianThe Children of Heaven	1f · 2/0
2×	Ichigenkin SoloistChildren of the Empire	1f · 0/2
2×	Court MusicianA Champion's Foresight	2f · 0/3
2×	Courtly ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · –/2
2×	Kakita FavoriteMasters of the Court	2f · 3/1
2×	Daidoji KageyuA Champion's Foresight	3f · 2/2
2×	Kakita RyokuWarriors of the Wind	3f · 1/3
2×	Paragon of GraceChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
2×	Sententious PoetFor the Empire	3f · 1/3
2×	Doji KuzunobuThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/4
1×	Hantei DaisetsuThe Children of Heaven	4f · 3/4
1×	Hantei SotoriiFor the Empire	4f · 4/3
2×	Iron Crane LegionThe Children of Heaven	4f · –/3
2×	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 · 10

2×	Esteemed Tea HouseFor the Empire
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Kakita DōjōChildren of the Empire
1×	Miya LibraryChildren of the Empire
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 13

2×	Formal InvitationBreath of the Kami	0f
2×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
2×	Iaijutsu MasterChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Justicar's ApproachJustice for Satsume Dragon splash	1f
2×	Kakita BladeFor Honor and Glory	1f
2×	Height of FashionCore Set	2f
1×	ShukujoA Champion's Foresight	2f

Events · 23

2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Issue a ChallengeThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	Moment of Perfect BeautyFor the Empire	0f
3×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
1×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Duel to the DeathBonds of Blood	1f
2×	Kakita's Final StanceShoju's Duty	1f
2×	OverhearThe Children of Heaven	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 14 Children of the Empire 25 Bonds of Blood 5 Justice for Satsume 8 The Children of Heaven 9 Masters of the Court 2 For the Empire 7 Warriors of the Wind 2 The Emperor's Legion 2 A Champion's Foresight 5 Fate Has No Secrets 2 For Honor and Glory 2 Shoju's Duty 2 Breath of the Kami 2

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

A Game of Letters

The Clan War Crane the archive never used. Negotiation Table trades cards across the table, Dazzling Duelist picks a fight on arrival, and Return the Offense keeps your duelist standing.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War Crane, which almost nobody played, built on cards that look like drawbacks. Negotiation Table lets your opponent pick benefits and then gives you each one they picked. Masterpiece Painter reveals the top of both decks. The set is about transactions, and these are the ones that survive at two players.

The shape of a game

Seven Fold Palace rewards honoured characters attacking, which is a strange thing for a Crane deck to want. You are not sitting back here: honour a character, attack with it, take the honour, repeat. That turns Crane's usual patience into a clock.

Reading the trades

Cards like Negotiation Table and Treasured Gift are symmetrical, and a symmetrical card is good when you are already ahead and bad when you are behind. Play them on the turn you have the better board, not the turn you are hoping to catch up.

Where it goes wrong

The deck is wide and slow to assemble. Return the Offense keeps a duelist standing when it should not be, and it is often the difference between a lost turn and a won one — hold it rather than spending it on the first duel you lose.

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

AirModel of Courtesystr 4 · Clan War

EarthPledge of Loyaltystr 3 · Rokugan at War

FireTsumastr 3 · In Pursuit of Truth

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

WaterThe Pursuit of Justicestr 4 · Campaigns of Conquest

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 26

3×	Doji DiplomatAtonement	0f · 0/1
2×	Chancellor's AideClan War	1f · 1/1
2×	Asahina AugurIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 0/0
3×	Beloved AdvisorMasters of the Court	2f · 1/3
2×	Daidoji HarrierShoju's Duty	2f · 2/1
2×	Daidoji NetsuDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/1
2×	Dazzling DuelistClan War	2f · 2/2
2×	Masterpiece PainterClan War	3f · 2/4
2×	Veteran of Toshi RanboCampaigns of Conquest	3f · 3/1
2×	Cunning NegotiatorSpreading Shadows	4f · 1/5
2×	Master of the CourtAs Honor Demands	4f · 1/4
2×	Kakita YoshiRokugan at War	5f · 2/6

Holdings · 14

3×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
2×	Daidoji MarketplaceSpreading Shadows
2×	Esteemed Tea HouseFor the Empire
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Negotiation TableClan War

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 7

2×	Treasured GiftAtonement	0f
3×	Above QuestionCore Set	1f
2×	Daidoji YariAtonement	1f

Events · 29

2×	A Game of LettersClan War	0f
2×	Captivating StoryRokugan at War	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	Storied DefeatChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
2×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Cultured FacadeClan War	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	Return the OffenseClan War	1f
2×	Elegance and GraceAs Honor Demands	2f
2×	Favorable AllianceClan War

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

As Honor Demands 5 Core Set 25 Clan War 19 Rokugan at War 5 In Pursuit of Truth 3 Atonement 8 Campaigns of Conquest 5 Masters of the Court 3 Defenders of Rokugan 2 Spreading Shadows 4 Shoju's Duty 2 For the Empire 2 Children of the Empire 4

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

An Agreeable Arrangement

The last Crane cards printed. Daidoji Strategist and Iron Warrior Vanguard from the final release, Dire courtiers rewarded for spending nothing, and gifts your opponent cannot refuse.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The last Crane cards printed, and the strangest. An Agreeable Arrangement hands your opponent a character in exchange for a better one. Diplomatic Gift-Giver makes the trade profitable. The whole set is about giving things away and being paid more than they were worth.

The shape of a game

Slower than it looks, because several of the payoffs are Dire — they work only while the character holds no fate. That means buying characters empty on purpose, which feels wrong for a clan that normally invests heavily. Resist paying for Desperate Negotiator and Arrogant Kakita even when the fate is spare.

Making the gifts pay

Only make a trade when what you receive closes the game faster than what you gave up. The gifts are real: the opponent keeps the character. Setting the Standard and Superior Authority are the cards that turn a trade into an advantage rather than an even swap, so try to hold one when you initiate.

Where it goes wrong

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

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 · 22

2×	Doji DiplomatAtonement	0f · 0/1
2×	Arrogant KakitaThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 3/2
2×	Beloved AdvisorMasters of the Court	2f · 1/3
2×	Desperate NegotiatorA Crimson Offering	2f · 0/2
2×	Iron Warrior VanguardUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/0
2×	Daidoji Iron WarriorPeace at Any Cost	3f · 3/3
2×	Cunning NegotiatorSpreading Shadows	4f · 1/5
2×	Daidoji StrategistUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	4f · 4/3
2×	Diplomatic Gift-GiverTwisted Loyalties	4f · 3/4
2×	Master of the CourtAs Honor Demands	4f · 1/4
2×	Daidoji UjiHonor in Flames	5f · 6/2

Holdings · 16

3×	Artisan AcademyCore Set
1×	Chisei DistrictInto the Forbidden City
3×	Distinguished DōjōMasters of the Court
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Fū Sui TempleCoils of Power
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Dynasty events · 2

2×

An Agreeable ArrangementThe Temptation of the Scorpion

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Arbiter of AuthorityBonds of Blood	2f · 0/2
2×	Talented PerformerThe Temptation of the Scorpion	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 10

2×	Tsangusuri WardCoils of Power	0f
2×	Curse of MisfortuneHonor in Flames	1f
2×	Daidoji YariAtonement	1f
2×	Dutiful AssistantPeace at Any Cost	1f
2×	Setting the StandardPeace at Any Cost	1f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Preeminent DecreeUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	ResourcefulnessUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Try Again TomorrowChildren of the Empire	0f
3×	Voice of HonorCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the CraneCore Set	0f
1×	Admit DefeatCore Set	1f
2×	Disparaging ChallengeA Crimson Offering	1f
2×	Exemplary EtiquetteTwisted Loyalties	1f
2×	Noble SacrificeCore Set	1f
2×	Elegance and GraceAs Honor Demands	2f
2×	Masashigi's SacrificeUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f
2×	Superior AuthorityTwisted Loyalties	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

As Honor Demands 5 Core Set 20 Honor in Flames 5 Coils of Power 6 Twisted Loyalties 7 Peace at Any Cost 7 A Crimson Offering 5 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 10 Atonement 4 The Temptation of the Scorpion 6 Spreading Shadows 2 Masters of the Court 5 Into the Forbidden City 1 Bonds of Blood 2 Children of the Empire 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Mountain's Anvil

Every Dragon card in the Core Set. Ascetic Visionary and Seeker of Enlightenment both feed on fate left on unclaimed rings, a subtheme the tournament decks quietly dropped.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Core Dragon includes a subtheme that every competitive list dropped within months: characters that feed on fate left sitting on unclaimed rings. Ascetic Visionary and Seeker of Enlightenment both do it, and Keeper of Void is chosen to support them. It is the road the clan did not take.

The shape of a game

Trade cheaply, bank fate, then spend it all at once. Doomed Shugenja and Togashi Initiate exist to die profitably in the first two turns while you keep your fate. Around turn four you buy one enormous character — Niten Master or Mirumoto Raitsugu — and from then on you win every conflict it attends.

Leaving rings unclaimed

This runs against instinct. Normally you claim a ring because it is there; here, fate left on a ring is fuel for two of your characters, so passing on a marginal conflict is a real play rather than a concession. Look at what is sitting on the rings before you decide which to contest.

Where it goes wrong

One enormous character is one Assassination away from a lost game. Tranquility and Indomitable Will are not filler — they are what keeps the plan alive through the turn your opponent reaches for removal. Do not spend them defending a Togashi Initiate.

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

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireRestoration of Balancestr 3 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

2×	Doomed ShugenjaCore Set	1f · 3/3
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Togashi InitiateCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Mirumoto ProdigyCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Niten AdeptCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Seeker of EnlightenmentCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Enlightened WarriorCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Kitsuki InvestigatorCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Mirumoto RaitsuguCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Ascetic VisionaryCore Set	4f · 3/4
2×	Niten MasterCore Set	4f · 3/3
2×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 6

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 14

2×	Daimyō's FavorCore Set	0f
2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 22

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	Fallen in BattleCore Set	1f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Mirumoto's FuryCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Enigmatic Path

The Imperial Cycle Dragon in full, including the Stone of Sorrows locking rings away and Mountaintop Statuary climbing onto your stronghold province.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle gave Dragon its strangest cards and nobody built with them. The Stone of Sorrows locks a ring away where neither player can use it. Mountaintop Statuary sits on your stronghold province. Agasha Sumiko punishes an opponent for playing during a conflict she is in.

The shape of a game

Slower than the Core deck, and more controlling. You are not racing to a tower here so much as making the game awkward: rings disappear, events cost more, and Written in the Stars rearranges what they are about to draw. The win usually arrives late and by attrition.

Seeker of Void

Two void provinces, which is why Massing at Twilight is in the row — characters there count military and political combined, so a defended conflict at that province is genuinely hard to plan against. The Stone of Sorrows plus a void-heavy row means you are often fighting over a ring your opponent did not want.

Where it goes wrong

The deck has no burst. If you fall behind on board you will not catch up in one turn, so use Censure and Pit Trap early to stay level rather than saving them for a spectacular moment that never comes.

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

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthPublic Forumstr 3 · Into the Forbidden City

FireRestoration of Balancestr 3 · Core Set

VoidMassing at Twilightstr 8 · Fate Has No Secrets

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

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

Holdings · 10

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	Miwaku KabeFor Honor and Glory
2×	Mountaintop StatuaryThe Chrysanthemum Throne
2×	Secluded TempleCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 2

2×

Tattooed WandererCore Set

1f · 2/1

Attachments · 18

2×	Centipede TattooThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Seal of the DragonMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
2×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
2×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Jade MasterpieceTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Kitsuki's MethodCore Set	1f
2×	The Stone of SorrowsFate Has No Secrets	2f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne Crab splash	3f

Events · 20

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Mantra of WaterInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	High KickFor Honor and Glory	1f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Written in the StarsMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 46 Into the Forbidden City 7 Fate Has No Secrets 7 Meditations on the Ephemeral 7 Tears of Amaterasu 6 The Chrysanthemum Throne 9 For Honor and Glory 5

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Five Mantras

All the Mantras the cycle printed plus the Monks that carry them. Volcanic Troll and Togashi Tadakatsu are here too, cards no competitive list ever wanted.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Every Mantra the Elemental cycle printed, plus the Monks needed to carry them, plus Volcanic Troll and Togashi Tadakatsu — two cards no competitive list ever wanted. The Mantras are conditional and situational by design, and running all of them at once is the only way to see the pattern they form.

The shape of a game

You are answering whichever element your opponent commits to. Mantra of Fire, Earth and Water cover three of the five rings between them, and Hurricane Punch swings a conflict you should have lost. That means holding cards rather than playing them, and letting the opponent choose the ground.

The Monk requirement

Every kihō needs a Monk participating in the conflict. That is the constraint the whole deck bends around, and it is why a hand of five kihō and no bodies is a lost turn. Mulligan for characters, not for spells, and keep Togashi Mendicant alive even when trading it looks profitable.

Where it goes wrong

Drawing the wrong Mantra for the ring being contested is normal, not bad luck — the deck plays several games at once and only one of them is live in any given conflict. Judge a hand by how many rings it can answer, not by how many cards it holds.

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 · 32

2×	Togashi MendicantMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f · 1/1
2×	Agasha SwordsmithCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Awakened TsukumogamiElements Unbound	2f · 1/1
2×	Impulsive NoviceTainted Lands	2f · 2/2
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Marauding OniTainted Lands	2f · 4/–
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Seeker of EnlightenmentCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Agasha ShunsenElements Unbound	3f · 1/2
2×	Volcanic TrollThe Ebb and Flow	3f · 3/3
2×	Ascetic VisionaryCore Set	4f · 3/4
2×	KudakaBreath of the Kami	4f · 3/4
2×	Master AlchemistThe Fires Within	4f · 3/1
2×	Togashi TadakatsuDisciples of the Void	4f · 4/3
2×	Togashi MitsuAll and Nothing	5f · 4/3
2×	Togashi YokuniCore Set	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 8

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Secluded TempleCore Set
1×	The Wrath of the KamiThe Fires Within

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 10

3×	Hawk TattooThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	SmokeThe Fires Within	1f
3×	Being and BecomingElements Unbound	2f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Mantra of EarthElements Unbound	0f
2×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
2×	Mantra of WaterInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set Phoenix splash	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	Void FistAll and Nothing	0f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Written in the StarsMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f
2×	Mono no AwareMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 37 Breath of the Kami 7 Tainted Lands 5 The Fires Within 6 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 6 Elements Unbound 9 Disciples of the Void 2 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6 Into the Forbidden City 2

Seekers of Wisdom (Dragon clan pack) · tier 4

Seekers of Wisdom

The whole Dragon clan pack. Every Tattoo, the kihō that need Monks, Togashi Hoshi detaching attachments and turning them into characters, and Niten returning to your hand each conflict.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Nineteen of the clan pack's twenty-two usable cards: every Tattoo, the kihō that need Monks, and An Ocean in a Drop, which almost nobody played. The pack was Dragon's attempt to make the monk half of the clan work, and this is that attempt at full strength.

The shape of a game

High House of Light readies Togashi Mitsu so he can send a character home every single conflict, which is the engine. Around it, the Tattoos turn ordinary Monks into threats and Niten returns to your hand each conflict rather than being spent. You are grinding their board down one character per conflict.

Togashi Hoshi

Worth understanding before you buy him. He detaches an attachment and turns it into a character, which in a deck full of Tattoos means converting a buff into a body at the moment you need one more attacker. He is expensive; do not buy him on turn two just because you can afford it.

Where it goes wrong

Mitsu is unique and will be targeted. Indomitable Will keeps him upright for the turn that matters. And remember that Togashi Acolyte and Ancient Master are conflict characters — if you find yourself short of dynasty bodies, that is why.

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 · 28

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

Holdings · 12

3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set
3×	Shintao MonasterySeekers of Wisdom

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

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

Attachments · 15

2×	Vine TattooSeekers of Wisdom	0f
2×	An Ocean in a DropSeekers of Wisdom	1f
2×	Elegant TessenSeekers of Wisdom	1f
2×	Hawk TattooThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	NitenSeekers of Wisdom	1f
3×	Dragon TattooSeekers of Wisdom	2f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 20

2×	Hurricane PunchBreath of the Kami	0f
2×	Iron Foundations StanceSeekers of Wisdom	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Mantra of AirShoju's Duty	0f
2×	Mantra of FireCore Set	0f
2×	Rising Stars KataThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	DeductionA Champion's Foresight	1f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Wildfire KickSeekers of Wisdom	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Seekers of Wisdom 41 Core Set 28 Breath of the Kami 5 Tainted Lands 1 The Fires Within 1 The Ebb and Flow 3 Meditations on the Ephemeral 2 Shoju's Duty 2 The Children of Heaven 2 A Champion's Foresight 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Kitsuki Method

The 2019 Dragon: duelling Mirumoto, investigating Kitsuki, and Army of the Rising Wave dumping fate onto every unclaimed ring at once.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The 2019 Dragon in full, which means duelling Mirumoto and investigating Kitsuki in one deck rather than choosing. Shiro Kitsuki and the Court of Justice support the magistrate half; Mirumoto Daishō and Two-Heavens Technique support the other.

The shape of a game

Information first. The Kitsuki cards show you your opponent's hand, and the deck is built to act on what you see rather than on what you guess. Deduction before committing to a big turn, not after — knowing they hold a cancel changes which conflict you declare.

Army of the Rising Wave

The one card here that does something no other Dragon deck does: it dumps fate onto every unclaimed ring at once. In a deck that already rewards patience, that turns a quiet turn into a resource swing. Combine it with Karmic Balance and Greater Understanding, which are the cards that make the wide build function.

Where it goes wrong

Keeper of Water is load-bearing — several cards here are role-locked, so swapping the role to chase a different plan will quietly break three or four of them. And the deck is slower than it looks; if you have not established by turn five, you are behind.

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 · 28

2×	Kitsuki CounselorChildren of the Empire	1f · 1/1
2×	Togashi YoshiThe Children of Heaven	1f · 1/1
2×	Hitsu-do DiscipleShoju's Duty	2f · 2/1
2×	Prudent ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
2×	TruthseekerThe Children of Heaven	2f · 1/3
2×	Agasha HiyoriDefenders of Rokugan	3f · 2/2
2×	Kitsuki YuikimiBonds of Blood	3f · 3/3
2×	Tranquil PhilosopherChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/2
2×	Trusted AdvisorJustice for Satsume	3f · 2/3
2×	Hantei SotoriiFor the Empire	4f · 4/3
2×	Magistrate of ReasonFor the Empire	4f · 2/4
2×	Mirumoto HitomiChildren of the Empire	4f · 4/2
2×	Togashi IchiShoju's Duty	4f · 4/2
2×	Army of the Rising WaveA Champion's Foresight	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 12

3×	Court of JusticeJustice for Satsume
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Mirumoto DōjōChildren of the Empire
3×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 2

2×

Niten PupilBonds of Blood

2f · 2/2

Attachments · 16

2×	Sharpen the MindJustice for Satsume Lion splash	0f
2×	Duelist TrainingCore Set Crane splash	1f
2×	Justicar's ApproachJustice for Satsume	1f
3×	Two-Heavens TechniqueBonds of Blood	1f
3×	Mirumoto DaishōChildren of the Empire	2f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f
2×	Greater UnderstandingFor the Empire	4f

Events · 22

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Magnificent TriumphChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Rising Stars KataThe Children of Heaven	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	DeductionA Champion's Foresight	1f
2×	Fallen in BattleCore Set	1f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Karmic BalanceChildren of the Empire	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

A Champion's Foresight 5 Core Set 20 For the Empire 7 Breath of the Kami 1 Children of the Empire 26 Bonds of Blood 7 Justice for Satsume 9 The Children of Heaven 6 Defenders of Rokugan 2 Shoju's Duty 4

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Karmic Teachings

The Clan War Dragon the archive never touched. Every card cares which ring you have claimed, and Karmic Teachings hands your rings back when the province breaks.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War Dragon, a set the archive had never touched. Nearly every card cares which ring you have claimed, which makes ring selection a deckbuilding constraint rather than a turn-by-turn decision.

The shape of a game

Claim deliberately. Alchemical Laboratory works while you hold Fire; other cards want Earth or Void. That means contesting the ring your cards name even when another looks marginally better in the moment, because the compounding is where the deck's power lives. Karmic Teachings hands your rings back when the province breaks, which softens the cost of losing one.

Iron Mountain Castle

The stronghold lets each character carry a second restricted attachment, so Asceticism and Ancestral Daishō can sit on the same body. That is the only way this deck produces a genuinely large character, and it is worth building a turn around.

Where it goes wrong

Ring-dependent effects are dead when you cannot claim the ring you need, and a competent opponent will notice which rings you keep taking. Have a plan for the turn they deny you Fire — usually that means defending rather than attacking.

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

AirDriven By Couragestr 4 · Spreading Shadows

EarthCourteous Greetingstr 4 · In Pursuit of Truth

FireKarmic Teachingsstr 3 · Clan War

VoidWeight of Dutystr 4 · Atonement

WaterSharing Shinsei's Wisdomstr 4 · Rokugan at War

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 24

2×	Inventive MirumotoClan War	1f · 1/1
2×	Shrewd InvestigatorIn Pursuit of Truth	1f · 0/1
2×	Agasha ProdigyClan War	2f · 2/1
2×	Ascetic of the North WallClan War	2f · 2/2
2×	Cunning ConfidantClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Insightful GatekeeperClan War	2f · 2/1
2×	Kitsuki ChiariIn Pursuit of Truth	2f · 1/2
2×	Stoic RivalCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/1
2×	Mindful WarriorClan War	3f · 3/2
2×	Traveling PhilosopherSpreading Shadows	3f · 2/3
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	Agasha SumikoAtonement	4f · 4/4

Holdings · 14

2×	Alchemical LaboratoryClan War
3×	Court of JusticeJustice for Satsume
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
3×	Hidden Mountain PassCampaigns of Conquest
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set

Dynasty events · 2

2×

Cycle of RebirthRokugan at War

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 2

2×

Serene Ise ZumiRokugan at War

3f · 2/2

Attachments · 16

3×	Educated HeiminRokugan at War	0f
3×	Inscribed TantōClan War	0f
2×	Ancestral DaishōCore Set	1f
3×	AsceticismCampaigns of Conquest	1f
3×	Contemplative WisdomClan War	2f
2×	Way of the DragonCore Set	2f

Events · 22

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	Unquestioned HeritageClan War	0f
2×	DeductionA Champion's Foresight	1f
2×	In Search of SelfAtonement	1f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
2×	Impossible KōanClan War	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Atonement 6 Core Set 21 Clan War 31 Rokugan at War 8 Spreading Shadows 3 In Pursuit of Truth 5 Campaigns of Conquest 8 Justice for Satsume 3 A Champion's Foresight 2

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

Empty Thought

The heretical Dragon of the final year. Perfect Land Believer and Militant Faithful are peasants who reject the clan entirely, and Revered Bonshō rewrites the fate phase.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The most heretical thing FFG printed for the clan. Perfect Land Believer and Militant Faithful are peasants who have rejected Dragon teaching entirely, and the deck is built around them rather than around the monks who would normally be the point.

The shape of a game

Revered Bonshō rewrites the fate phase, which changes the rhythm of every turn — characters you expected to leave stay, and your fate goes further than it should. Around that, Teacher of Empty Thought and Togashi Dreamer play a stranger, more reactive game than any earlier Dragon deck.

Ki Alignment

It digs for the next kihō, which chains them together and can resolve a whole conflict on your terms. It was banned later, and playing with it tells you why. If a game feels one-sided in your favour, this is usually the reason.

Where it goes wrong

This is the least conventional deck in the Dragon set and it will lose games while you learn what it does. The commonest mistake is playing it like a tower deck — it is not one. You are not building a character; you are accumulating small advantages and cashing them in the late turns.

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 · 23

2×	Perfect Land BelieverHonor in Flames	1f · 1/0
3×	Discerning YorikiUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 1/2
2×	Keen WarriorTwisted Loyalties	2f · 2/1
2×	Togashi DreamerUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f · 2/2
2×	Togashi KazueA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/2
2×	Austere ExemplarSeekers of Wisdom	3f · 2/3
2×	Solitary HeroThe Temptation of the Scorpion	3f · 3/1
2×	Teacher of Empty ThoughtUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	3f · 3/2
2×	Furtive SympathizerPeace at Any Cost	4f · 3/3
2×	Militant FaithfulCoils of Power	5f · 5/5
2×	Togashi MitsuSeekers of Wisdom	5f · 4/5

Holdings · 17

3×	Adorned TemplePeace at Any Cost
3×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Overlooked CommunityTwisted Loyalties
3×	Revered BonshōUnder Fu Leng's Shadow
3×	Secluded TempleCore Set
3×	Shintao MonasterySeekers of Wisdom

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 10

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

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
3×	Centered BreathUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Guardians of RokuganTwisted Loyalties Crab splash	0f
2×	Iron Foundations StanceSeekers of Wisdom	0f
2×	Ki AlignmentA Crimson Offering	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set	0f
2×	Mushin no ShinThe Temptation of the Scorpion	0f
2×	TranquilityCore Set	0f
2×	Indomitable WillCore Set	1f
3×	Swell of SeafoamUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Wildfire KickSeekers of Wisdom	1f
2×	Betrayal of TruthCoils of Power	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Seekers of Wisdom 16 Core Set 17 A Crimson Offering 6 Coils of Power 5 Honor in Flames 3 Peace at Any Cost 9 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 16 Twisted Loyalties 9 The Temptation of the Scorpion 6

Core Set · tier 1

The Akodo War College

Every Lion card in the Core Set. Ikoma Prodigy and Venerable Historian chase the honor victory the clan was built for and never quite reached.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Lion were built with two win conditions and the competitive game only ever used one. Ikoma Prodigy and Venerable Historian chase the honour victory; the rest of the deck swings swords. Running both together is how the clan was designed to be played, and it is not how anyone played it.

The shape of a game

Two one-drops beat one three-drop. The board needs to be wide by the end of turn two, because every card that makes Lion good scales with how many characters you have. Honored General lifts the whole team, For Greater Glory rewards outnumbering them, and Strength in Numbers is exactly what it sounds like.

Taking the honour win seriously

Track both honour totals from turn one. A surprising number of Lion games end with a player who was never going to break the fifth province — Ikoma Prodigy gains honour for attacking, Venerable Historian for winning, and the numbers add up faster than they feel like they should. Notice when that race is winnable and stop attacking provinces.

Where it goes wrong

A board wipe or a mass bow hurts this deck more than any other in the archive, because your characters are individually unimpressive and it is the crowd that wins conflicts. Hold Ready for Battle for that turn rather than spending it to win a marginal conflict.

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

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterThe Art of Warstr 3 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

2×	Obstinate RecruitCore Set	0f · 2/0
2×	Ikoma ProdigyCore Set	1f · 0/2
2×	Matsu BerserkerCore Set	1f · 3/–
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Steadfast SamuraiCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Akodo GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	DeathseekerCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Venerable HistorianCore Set	2f · –/1
2×	Kitsu SpiritcallerCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Matsu BeionaCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
2×	Ikoma EijiCore Set	4f · 1/3
2×	Akodo ToturiCore Set	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 4

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Staging GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Guidance of the AncestorsCore Set	1f
2×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
2×	SashimonoCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Contingency PlanCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Stand Your GroundCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	Fallen in BattleCore Set	1f
2×	For Greater GloryCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Right Hand of the Emperor

The Imperial Cycle Lion complete, with Hito District walling off political attacks and Ageless Crone taxing every event your opponent plays.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle Lion complete, including the cards that never made a competitive list. Ageless Crone taxes every event your opponent plays. Hito District walls off political attacks entirely. Miwaku Kabe Guard and Beastmaster Matriarch scale off things a normal Lion deck ignores.

The shape of a game

Take the Imperial Favour and make it hurt. Ikoma Ujiaki turns it into total information about their hand, and while you hold it Censure is a free cancel. This is a slower Lion deck than the swarm — you are grinding rather than racing, and the Favour is the engine.

The Crone tax

Ageless Crone makes every event cost more, which does not stop anything but reshapes their turn: they play one card where they wanted two. Against a deck built on cheap events she is close to a lock, and she is worth protecting accordingly.

Where it goes wrong

Nothing here is fast, and Lion decks that are not fast tend to lose to Lion decks that are. If you are on the back foot by turn three, use Test of Courage and Pit Trap to stay level rather than saving them for a better moment.

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

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 · 33

2×	Obstinate RecruitCore Set	0f · 2/0
2×	Ikoma ProdigyCore Set	1f · 0/2
2×	Miwaku Kabe GuardFate Has No Secrets	1f · 1/0
2×	Akodo GunsōCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Akodo ToshiroThe Chrysanthemum Throne	2f · 2/1
3×	Gifted TacticianTears of Amaterasu	2f · 2/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Implacable MagistrateThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 2/2
2×	Kitsu SpiritcallerCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Seppun IshikawaFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
2×	Beastmaster MatriarchMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 3/2
2×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
2×	Miya SatoshiMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 2/4
2×	Akodo ToturiCore Set	5f · 6/3
2×	Ikoma UjiakiFor Honor and Glory	5f · 3/5

Holdings · 7

1×	Hito DistrictTears of Amaterasu
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	Miwaku KabeFor Honor and Glory
2×	Staging GroundCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

2×	Ageless CroneInto the Forbidden City	1f · 0/1
2×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 14

2×	Seal of the LionFate Has No Secrets	0f
2×	Guard DutyThe Chrysanthemum Throne	1f
2×	Guidance of the AncestorsCore Set	1f
2×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
2×	KamayariFor Honor and Glory	2f
2×	SashimonoCore Set	2f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne Crab splash	3f

Events · 20

2×	A Legion of OneMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	For Greater GloryCore Set	1f
2×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f
2×	Test of CourageInto the Forbidden City	1f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 48 Into the Forbidden City 7 Tears of Amaterasu 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 9 For Honor and Glory 7 Fate Has No Secrets 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Ten Orders

The Elemental Lion in full, including Tireless Sōdan Senzo, the card the Imperial Advisor article argued about at length and declined to run.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Elemental Lion in full, including Tireless Sōdan Senzo — the card the Imperial Advisor article argued about at length before declining to run it. Restored Heirloom and My Ancestor's Strength form an ancestor subtheme that nobody built, and this is the deck where it gets a hearing.

The shape of a game

Hisu Mori Toride is the Lion fort, and the plan is unlike anything else the clan does. Win a military conflict by five, 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.

The sacrifice

It is a real cost, and the commonest mistake is triggering the fort with the last character you could have attacked with. Count what you have left before you sacrifice; a second conflict you cannot win is worse than not declaring one. Ikoma Ikehata moves bodies to where they are needed, which often makes the difference.

Where it goes wrong

Keeper of Water, not Fire — check the role before swapping any cards in, because several here are role-locked. And the deck is all offence: if the opponent stabilises and starts attacking back, you have very little to say about it.

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

AirDemonstrating Excellencestr 3 · Breath of the Kami

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidRaging Battlegroundstr 4 · All and Nothing

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

2×	Tactician's ApprenticeAll and Nothing	1f · 1/0
3×	Ikoma TsanuriDisciples of the Void	2f · 2/1
2×	Marauding OniTainted Lands	2f · 4/–
2×	Tireless Sōdan SenzoThe Ebb and Flow	2f · 1/2
2×	Ikoma IkehataThe Fires Within	3f · 1/2
2×	Implacable MagistrateThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 2/2
2×	Kitsu SpiritcallerCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Lion's Pride BrawlerCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Beastmaster MatriarchMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 3/2
2×	Honored GeneralCore Set	4f · 3/1
2×	Kitsu WarriorElements Unbound	4f · 2/2
2×	KudakaBreath of the Kami	4f · 3/4
2×	Matsu MitsukoAll and Nothing	4f · 4/2
2×	Akodo ToturiCore Set	5f · 6/3
3×	Matsu Seventh LegionBreath of the Kami	5f · 7/–

Holdings · 8

2×	Ancestral ArmoryThe Fires Within
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Staging GroundCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 8

2×	Heroic ResolveThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
2×	Restored HeirloomElements Unbound	2f
2×	SashimonoCore Set	2f

Events · 28

2×	A Legion of OneMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Even the OddsBreath of the Kami	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Stand Your GroundCore Set	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set Phoenix splash	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	For Greater GloryCore Set	1f
2×	My Ancestor's StrengthThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Breath of the Kami 9 Core Set 41 All and Nothing 7 Tainted Lands 5 The Fires Within 5 The Ebb and Flow 7 Disciples of the Void 3 Elements Unbound 4 Meditations on the Ephemeral 4 The Chrysanthemum Throne 2

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

The Emperor's Legion

The whole Lion clan pack. Champions of Yomi return from the dead, Ashigaru Levy multiply themselves, and Hall of Victories hands honor to whoever wins any conflict at all.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The whole Lion clan pack, which is about the dead. Champions of Yomi return from the discard pile, Voice of the Ancestors speaks for them, and Embrace Death asks you to lose something in order to gain more. It is the most thematically coherent pack FFG printed for the clan.

The shape of a game

Ashigaru Levy multiply themselves and Akodo Motivator makes them worth multiplying, so the board gets wide quickly and cheaply. Hall of Victories then pays honour to whoever wins any conflict, which in a deck with this much military skill is nearly always you. The honour accumulates while you are doing what you wanted to do anyway.

Kyūden Ikoma

The stronghold turns a failed attack into a stolen character, which changes how you should feel about attacking into a defended province. A conflict you lose is not wasted if it hands you a body — sometimes the correct play is to declare an attack you expect to lose.

Where it goes wrong

Embrace Death and Honor in Battle both cost you something real, and it is easy to spend your way 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 Fire

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 · 30

3×	Ashigaru LevyThe Emperor's Legion	0f · 1/–
2×	Honorable ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/1
2×	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
2×	Akodo MakotoMasters of the Court	3f · 4/1
2×	Ardent OmoidasuThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 2/3
3×	Kitsu MotsoThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 3/3
2×	Student of WarChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/2
2×	Akodo MotivatorThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 5/2
2×	Voice of the AncestorsThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/3
2×	Matsu TsukoThe Emperor's Legion	5f · 5/4
2×	Champions of YomiThe Emperor's Legion	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 10

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 10

2×	Sharpen the MindJustice for Satsume	0f
2×	Tactical IngenuityThe Emperor's Legion	0f
2×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
2×	Honored BladeCore Set	1f
2×	Total WarfareThe Emperor's Legion	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Embrace DeathThe Emperor's Legion	0f
2×	Hand to HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Honor in BattleThe Emperor's Legion	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	Prepare for WarThe Emperor's Legion	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Strength in NumbersCore Set	1f
2×	Glorious VictoryChildren of the Empire	3f
2×	Right Hand of the EmperorThe Emperor's Legion	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

The Emperor's Legion 38 Core Set 27 Children of the Empire 16 Masters of the Court 2 A Champion's Foresight 2 Justice for Satsume 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Empty Hand

Lion built to empty its own hand on purpose. Six different characters here get better when you hold fewer cards than your opponent.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Six characters in this deck get better when you hold fewer cards than your opponent. That is a mechanic Lion received in 2019 and almost nobody built around, because emptying your hand feels like losing. Here it is the plan.

The shape of a game

Play out your hand. Matsu Swiftspear, Hero of Three Trees and Unified Company all pay you for having nothing left, and Sharpen the Mind refills at exactly the moment the payoffs have triggered. The instinct to hold a trick in reserve is wrong in this deck and costs you more than the trick is worth.

Counting their hand, not yours

The condition is relative, so a Phoenix opponent drawing three cards a turn makes your characters live without you doing anything, while a Crab opponent who also empties out can switch them off. Look across the table before you decide whether to dump your hand or hold it.

Where it goes wrong

Running genuinely out of cards against a deck that has not. Forebearer's Echoes and Regal Bearing are your refills, and Proving Ground quietly does more work here than in any other Lion deck — keep it in play.

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 · 32

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

Holdings · 8

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire
2×	Staging GroundCore Set
2×	Tactician's CampChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 8

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

Events · 28

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Command RespectFor the Empire	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Hand to HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Stay Your HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	OverhearThe Children of Heaven	1f
2×	Regal BearingThe Children of Heaven	1f
2×	Forebearer's EchoesBonds of Blood	2f
2×	Glorious VictoryChildren of the Empire	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 20 Children of the Empire 24 Bonds of Blood 5 Justice for Satsume 7 All and Nothing 1 A Champion's Foresight 6 Shoju's Duty 6 For the Empire 8 Defenders of Rokugan 2 The Children of Heaven 8

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

All Out Assault

Battlefields everywhere, plus the Clan War Lion the archive never touched. All Out Assault forces both players to attack every single opportunity.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War Lion, a set the archive never touched, built on battlefields and on a card that forces both players to attack at every opportunity. Ikoma Message Runner and Medium of the Living Soul are cards nobody built around at all.

The shape of a game

Battlefields turn your provinces into staging posts. Prepared Ambush hides a character at a province until they commit; Logistics moves them where they are needed; Master Tactician plays cards off the top of your deck while a battlefield is out. It is a positional game that looks nothing like the swarm.

All Out Assault, both ways

Forcing everyone to attack suits the deck with more bodies, which should be you — but it forces you too. Before you play it, look at your own province row and ask whether you can take what is coming back. Privileged Position limits how hard they can push in return, and the two cards work well in the same turn.

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 Hayaken no Shiro wants you attacking constantly — a passive turn with this stronghold is a wasted one.

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

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 · 28

2×	Chronicler of ConquestsSpreading Shadows	1f · 0/2
2×	Ikoma Message RunnerClan War	1f · 1/1
3×	Righteous AkodoClan War	1f · 2/0
3×	Battle AspirantClan War	2f · 3/0
2×	Fearless SkirmisherAs Honor Demands	2f · 3/1
2×	Ikoma TsanuriCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/1
2×	Insightful GatekeeperClan War	2f · 2/1
2×	Medium of the Living SoulClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Bushidō AdherentClan War	3f · 4/2
2×	Righteous SamuraiAtonement	3f · 4/2
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	Akodo Reserve CompanyRokugan at War	4f · 5/1
2×	Master TacticianIn Pursuit of Truth	5f · 5/5

Holdings · 10

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

Dynasty events · 2

2×

Honored VeteransAs Honor Demands

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 2

2×

Master of the SpearCore Set

3f · 2/2

Attachments · 10

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

Events · 28

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Called to WarClan War	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	LogisticsSpreading Shadows	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	All Out AssaultClan War	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
2×	Privileged PositionClan War	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Campaigns of Conquest 3 Core Set 21 Rokugan at War 6 Spreading Shadows 6 As Honor Demands 5 Atonement 5 Clan War 26 In Pursuit of Truth 5 Children of the Empire 2 The Emperor's Legion 4 A Champion's Foresight 2 Shoju's Duty 2

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

Peerless Discipline

The last Lion cards printed, including Akodo Mastermind recycling tactics out of the discard pile and Field Tactician arriving on someone else's fate.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The last Lion cards printed, most of which never got a competitive outing. Take Up Command, Ancestral Sight and Shori are all from the final year, and Conduit of Heroes and Field Tactician arrive in play on someone else's fate.

The shape of a game

Peerless Discipline makes everything a Bushi, which switches on every tribal effect in the deck at once — that is the card the list is named for and built around. Akodo Mastermind then recycles your tactics out of the discard pile, so the same trick can be used twice in a game.

Holding the swing cards

Ujiaki's Offer and A War on Two Fronts are swings, not value. Spending them to win a conflict you were winning anyway is the commonest way to lose this deck. Shori is limited to one copy and should be treated as a finisher — the turn you play it should be the turn the game ends.

Where it goes wrong

The deck is 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 poorly. Commander of the Legions is worth buying 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 · 27

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 · 13

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

1×	Vengeful OathkeeperCore Set	2f · 2/1
1×	Master of the SpearCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Spiritcaller ProdigyAtonement	3f · 1/3
2×	Ikoma AnakazuWarriors of the Wind	4f · 3/3

Attachments · 8

2×	Ancestral SightCoils of Power	0f
2×	Take Up CommandClan War	0f
1×	Fan of CommandA Champion's Foresight	1f
2×	Under Amaterasu's GazeHonor in Flames	1f
1×	ShoriIn Pursuit of Truth	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	In Service to My LordShoju's Duty	0f
2×	Let GoCore Set Dragon splash	0f
2×	Prove Your SkillUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Ready for BattleCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the LionCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the WarriorUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Battlefield OrdersCoils of Power	1f
2×	Directing the BattleUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Peerless DisciplineUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Ujiaki's OfferPeace at Any Cost	1f
2×	A War on Two FrontsPeace at Any Cost	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

The Emperor's Legion 3 Core Set 17 Honor in Flames 7 Coils of Power 8 Twisted Loyalties 4 Peace at Any Cost 8 A Crimson Offering 6 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 14 Atonement 5 In Pursuit of Truth 4 Children of the Empire 2 The Fires Within 2 A Champion's Foresight 1 Clan War 2 Shoju's Duty 2 Warriors of the Wind 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Isawa Council

Every Phoenix card in the Core Set. Meddling Mediator punishes an opponent for attacking twice, and Shiba Peacemaker simply refuses to attack at all.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Two Core Phoenix cards say more about the clan than any tournament list ever did. Shiba Peacemaker cannot attack at all. Meddling Mediator punishes an opponent for declaring a second conflict. A clan whose best cards refuse to fight is an unusual thing to print, and this deck runs all of them.

The shape of a game

You are not trying to break provinces. Pacifism and Grasp of Earth neutralise their best character for one fate, Isawa Mori Seidō stacks glory, and you win on honour or on their exhaustion. Expect long games in which you break one province, possibly none.

Holding Display of Power

It resolves a ring effect you have already claimed, which in the right board state simply ends a game — a second Fire resolution, or a second Void. It is worth holding for several turns waiting for that state rather than spending it on the first reasonable target. The same is true of Supernatural Storm.

Where it goes wrong

Being rushed before the engine assembles. Core Phoenix has cheap bodies but no way to punish an aggressive turn-two board, so against Lion or Unicorn you should be using Know the World and Good Omen to find 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 · 36

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

Holdings · 4

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Magnificent KimonoCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
2×	PacifismCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Contingency PlanCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Good OmenCore Set	0f
2×	Spies at CourtCore Set	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
2×	Know the WorldCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

Meditations on the Ephemeral

The Imperial Cycle Phoenix entire. Magnificent Lighthouse rearranges the top of an opponent's deck, and Henshin Disciple changes shape with whichever ring is contested.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle Phoenix entire, including two cards that were later banned. Master Of Gisei Toshi shuts off non-Spell events outright; Kanjo District generates value every turn with no way to interact with it. Both were legal for two years and both explain why the ban list exists.

The shape of a game

Void manipulation. Isawa Kaede attacks the Void ring wherever she goes, Henshin Disciple changes shape with whichever ring is contested, and Consumed by Five Fires empties their board when they overcommit. You are steering which ring the game is about, not just contesting it.

Master Of Gisei Toshi

Worth understanding before you play it. While she is out, your opponent's non-Spell events are dead — which against most clans is most of their tricks. She warps the game so completely that opponents will spend removal on her, and that is fine: every card aimed at her is one not aimed at your board.

Where it goes wrong

Embrace the Void is restricted at this deck's date, so it is your one restricted card and there is no room for another. And the engine is fragile — Kanjo District and the Lighthouse are single copies, so do not build a turn on drawing them.

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 · 32

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

Holdings · 8

2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	Kanjo DistrictMeditations on the Ephemeral
2×	Magnificent LighthouseFor Honor and Glory
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

2×	Shrine MaidenFor Honor and Glory	1f · 1/1
2×	Ishiken InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Seeker of KnowledgeCore Set	2f · 0/2

Attachments · 12

2×	Embrace the VoidTears of Amaterasu	0f
2×	Magnificent KimonoCore Set	0f
2×	Seal of the PhoenixThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Finger of JadeTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
2×	Pit TrapThe Chrysanthemum Throne Crab splash	3f

Events · 22

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Benten's TouchInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
2×	Know the WorldCore Set	1f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
2×	Consumed by Five FiresFate Has No Secrets	5f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 46 Into the Forbidden City 8 Tears of Amaterasu 7 The Chrysanthemum Throne 7 Fate Has No Secrets 8 Meditations on the Ephemeral 5 For Honor and Glory 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

All and Nothing

The full Disciples of the Void and Elemental suite. Fushichō rises from the discard pile, Sanpuku Seidō makes glory the only thing that counts, and Taryū-Jiai duels shugenja.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The full Disciples of the Void and Elemental suite at once, which is the deck where Phoenix ring manipulation reaches its final form. All and Nothing rewrites what the Void ring does; Asako Azunami rewrites Water; Wholeness of the World means you never hand a ring back.

The shape of a game

Kyūden Isawa returns a Spell from your discard every turn, so the deck plays the same three or four good Spells repeatedly rather than drawing new ones. Fire Elemental Guard grows with each cast. That means casting early and often — a Spell in your discard is not lost, it is stored.

Sanpuku Seidō

The province makes glory the only thing that counts there, which in a deck this glory-heavy turns one province into a wall. Fushichō returning from the discard pile compounds it. Put Sanpuku Seidō where they are most likely to attack rather than hiding it.

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 losing anyway. Taryū-Jiai duels shugenja specifically and is often the cheapest way to stop their best character.

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
2×	Isawa UonaBreath of the Kami	2f · 2/–
2×	Pacifist PhilosopherDisciples of the Void	2f · –/1
2×	Reader of OmensElements Unbound	2f · 2/0
2×	Shiba TetsuDisciples of the Void	2f · 2/1
2×	Inquisitive IshikaDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
2×	Chikai Order ProtectorThe Fires Within	4f · 4/3
2×	Fire Elemental GuardDisciples of the Void	4f · 4/2
2×	Kaito Temple ProtectorDisciples of the Void	4f · 3/3
2×	KudakaBreath of the Kami	4f · 3/4
2×	Asako AzunamiThe Ebb and Flow	5f · 4/4
2×	Isawa TadakaDisciples of the Void	5f · 5/3
2×	FushichōDisciples of the Void	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 10

2×	Bustling AcademyAll and Nothing
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Secluded ShrineDisciples of the Void

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

2×	Feral NingyoTainted Lands	3f · 3/2
2×	Kaito KosoriDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2
2×	Roving MichibikuElements Unbound	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 6

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

Events · 28

2×	All and NothingAll and Nothing	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Oracle of StoneTainted Lands	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	Taryū-JiaiElements Unbound	0f
2×	The Path of ManDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Wholeness of the WorldDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Karmic TwistDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f
2×	Mono no AwareMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 35 Core Set 19 Tainted Lands 5 Breath of the Kami 5 All and Nothing 10 The Ebb and Flow 3 Elements Unbound 6 The Fires Within 2 Meditations on the Ephemeral 2

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

Kyūden Isawa

The clan pack alone, with only the Core Set behind it. This is the earliest showcase deck in the archive and the smallest pool any of them draws on.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

This is the earliest deck in either archive by card pool. Disciples of the Void landed in April 2018, before the Elemental cycle existed, so this deck draws on the clan pack and the Core Set and nothing else. It shows what Phoenix were before ring manipulation arrived.

The shape of a game

Slower and flatter than the Phoenix you know. Without All and Nothing or the elemental provinces, you are relying on Spells and bodies: cast Katana of Fire, recur it with the stronghold, grow Fire Elemental Guard, and hold the board with Grasp of Earth.

Judging it fairly

Compare it to April 2018, not to the finished game. Measured against the later Phoenix decks in this archive it looks thin, and it is — the tools simply did not exist yet. Measured against what else was legal that spring, it is a strong deck with a genuine engine.

Where it goes wrong

The pool is small, so consistency is the constraint rather than power. Karmic Twist and The Path of Man are your only real reach; use them to convert a good board into a broken province rather than saving them.

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

AirFertile Fieldsstr 4 · Core Set

EarthAncestral Landsstr 5 · Core Set

FireSanpuku Seidōstr 1 · Disciples of the Void

VoidKuroi Moristr 4 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 32

3×	Fire Tensai InitiateDisciples of the Void	1f · 0/0
2×	Solemn ScholarCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Adept of the WavesCore Set	2f · 2/2
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
2×	Radiant OratorCore Set	3f · 1/2
2×	Shiba YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Fire Elemental GuardDisciples of the Void	4f · 4/2
2×	Isawa AtsukoCore Set	4f · 3/3
2×	Kaito Temple ProtectorDisciples of the Void	4f · 3/3
2×	Isawa TadakaDisciples of the Void	5f · 5/3
2×	Shiba TsukuneCore Set	5f · 4/4
2×	FushichōDisciples of the Void	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 8

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Guardian KamiDisciples of the Void	2f · 1/1
2×	Kaito KosoriDisciples of the Void	3f · 2/2

Attachments · 10

2×	Favor of the KamiDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Magnificent KimonoCore Set	0f
2×	Grasp of EarthCore Set	1f
2×	Katana of FireDisciples of the Void	1f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	The Path of ManDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Wholeness of the WorldDisciples of the Void	0f
2×	Against the WavesCore Set	1f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Karmic TwistDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Know the WorldCore Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 40 Core Set 47

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Elemental Masters

Every Elemental Master the 2019 releases printed, plus Starry Heaven Sanctuary paying you back for the fate the fate phase takes away.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Every Elemental Master the 2019 releases printed, in one deck. Individually they are expensive and situational; together they are the closest the clan came to a toolbox that answers everything, at the cost of a curve no competitive deck would accept.

The shape of a game

Top-heavy and deliberate. You need cheap bodies to survive to 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. Ancestral Shrine and Starry Heaven Sanctuary are what pay for the Masters.

Starry Heaven Sanctuary

One copy, and it refunds what the fate phase takes away — in a deck this expensive that is the difference between casting a Master and watching it sit in your provinces. Worth playing the turn you draw it rather than holding for a better moment.

Where it goes wrong

Losing before the Masters land. If your opening hand is all five-drops, mulligan it — this deck does not recover from a slow start, and Purity of Spirit and Earth Becomes Sky will not save a board you never built.

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 · 33

2×	Valiant OathkeeperBonds of Blood	1f · 2/2
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
2×	Righteous DelegateThe Children of Heaven	3f · 2/3
2×	Sage of Gisei ToshiChildren of the Empire	3f · 1/3
2×	Hantei DaisetsuThe Children of Heaven	4f · 3/4
2×	Inferno Guard InvokerShoju's Duty	4f · 3/2
2×	Isawa HeikoJustice for Satsume	4f · 0/5
2×	Isawa TsukeThe Emperor's Legion	4f · 3/3
2×	Isawa UjinaChildren of the Empire	4f · 2/4
2×	Hantei XXXVIIIChildren of the Empire	6f · –/–

Holdings · 7

2×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire
1×	Starry Heaven SanctuaryThe Children of Heaven

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

2×	Isawa EjuDefenders of Rokugan	4f · 1/4
2×	Isawa TadakaBonds of Blood	5f · 5/3

Attachments · 7

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

Events · 29

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Purity of SpiritFor the Empire	0f
2×	Stay Your HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
1×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Cloak of NightShoju's Duty	1f
2×	Gift of AmaterasuChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Severed from the StreamChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Warm WelcomeChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
2×	Subdue the SpiritsChildren of the Empire	2f
2×	Invoke the DivineThe Children of Heaven	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 4 Core Set 12 A Champion's Foresight 7 Children of the Empire 32 Shoju's Duty 7 Justice for Satsume 8 The Children of Heaven 7 The Emperor's Legion 2 Bonds of Blood 4 For the Empire 2 Defenders of Rokugan 2

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Hallowed Ground

The Clan War Phoenix the archive never used, built around passing rather than fighting. Endless Archives and Asako Lawmaster both reward the conflict you decline to declare.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War asked a strange question of Phoenix: what if the clan were rewarded for declining conflicts rather than winning them? Asako Lawmaster and Mediator of Hostilities both pay you for a conflict that never happens, and this deck takes that seriously.

The shape of a game

Pass on purpose. It feels like conceding and it is not — every 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 declaring a marginal conflict actively costs you here.

Hallowed Ground itself

The province punishes an opponent differently depending on which ring they have claimed, which rewards you for watching their ring pool rather than yours. Kakudaira and Retire to the Brotherhood are equally unusual — read all three before the first conflict rather than during it.

Where it goes wrong

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

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 · 28

3×	Expert InterpreterClan War	1f · 0/2
3×	Inspired VisionarySpreading Shadows	1f · 1/1
2×	Shika MatchmakerClan War	1f · 1/1
3×	Mediator of HostilitiesClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	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
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	Garanto GuardianRokugan at War	4f · 4/3
2×	Isawa TsukeCampaigns of Conquest	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

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

Dynasty events · 2

2×

Celebrated RenownCampaigns of Conquest

Conflict deck 40

Attachments · 9

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

Events · 31

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	Trick of the LightClan War	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Magistrate's InterventionAtonement	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
3×	Appeal to SympathyClan War	2f
2×	Ramparts of StoneClan War	2f
2×	Study the Natural WorldIn Pursuit of Truth	2f
2×	Ethereal AlignmentSpreading Shadows	5f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Disciples of the Void 3 Core Set 17 Rokugan at War 3 Spreading Shadows 6 Clan War 30 As Honor Demands 6 In Pursuit of Truth 9 Atonement 4 Campaigns of Conquest 7 Children of the Empire 2

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

Twin Soul Temple

The last Phoenix cards. Twin Soul Temple rewrites an element on any card in play, Isawa Skycaller plays characters out of your provinces, and Void Wielder arrives on shared fate.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The last Phoenix cards printed, including a stronghold that rewrites an element symbol on any card in play. After four years of elemental design, Twin Soul Temple can bend nearly anything in the game — and it arrived as organised play was ending.

The shape of a game

The stronghold only matters if you have element-locked cards to unlock, so keep some in hand rather than casting everything as it arrives. Elemental Inversion does the same at instant speed. Together they let you win a conflict on a ring your opponent chose specifically because you could not use it.

Isawa Skycaller and Void Wielder

Both arrive in unusual ways — Skycaller plays characters out of your provinces, Void Wielder comes down on shared fate. That makes your board larger than your fate total suggests, which is the deck's quiet advantage in a long game.

Where it goes wrong

Heresy! and Cleanse the Empire are answers, not threats, and spending them early is the commonest mistake. Calling the Storm was banned later and will feel like it. If a game is running away from you, it is usually because you cast the answers before the problems arrived.

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 · 28

3×	Inquisitorial InitiatePeace at Any Cost	1f · 0/2
3×	Kaito MaiA Crimson Offering	2f · 2/2
2×	Shiba PureheartAtonement	2f · 2/1
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
2×	Serene SeerClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	Student of the TaoIn Pursuit of Truth	3f · 1/2
2×	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 · 12

2×	Ancestral ShrineChildren of the Empire
2×	Endless ArchivesAs Honor Demands
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Forgotten LibraryCore Set
2×	Guardian DōjōHonor in Flames
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Attachments · 10

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

Events · 30

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Calling the StormCoils of Power	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	DefianceUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Elemental InversionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Heresy!Twisted Loyalties	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set	0f
2×	Trick of the LightClan War	0f
2×	Way of the PhoenixCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the WarriorUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Clarity of PurposeDisciples of the Void	1f
2×	Whispers of PowerThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f
2×	Dance of Chikushō-dōUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f
2×	Display of PowerCore Set	2f
2×	Cleanse the EmpirePeace at Any Cost	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Under Fu Leng's Shadow 16 Core Set 17 Coils of Power 6 Twisted Loyalties 6 Honor in Flames 6 A Crimson Offering 7 Peace at Any Cost 5 The Temptation of the Scorpion 8 Clan War 4 In Pursuit of Truth 4 Atonement 2 Children of the Empire 2 As Honor Demands 2 Disciples of the Void 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Open Hand

Every Scorpion card in the Core Set. Sinister Soshi is a blank body whose whole purpose is shrinking someone else, and Yogo Hiroue drags an unwilling character into court.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Core Scorpion at full width, and two cards here explain the clan better than any tournament list. Sinister Soshi is a blank body whose entire purpose is making someone else smaller. Yogo Hiroue drags an unwilling character into court. Neither wins a conflict; both change what a conflict is about.

The shape of a game

Drop your own honour on turn one and mean it. Bayushi Manipulator does it while drawing you a card, and half the deck reads better from behind. Then mark a character with Way of the Scorpion and let everything else punish it — dishonoured characters have less skill, cost honour when they die, and become legal targets for I Can Swim.

Forged Edict, unrestricted

At this date it is neither restricted nor banned, so you can run three and hold one up every turn. It was restricted in May 2018 and banned in January 2021, and playing with a full set is the clearest possible demonstration of why. Expect it to feel unfair.

Where it goes wrong

You lose straight fights. Against Lion or Unicorn the honour drain is a race you must win by turn five, because they will break provinces faster than you can bleed them. Assassination and Blackmail are for their best character, not their most convenient one.

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

AirSecret Cachestr 4 · Core Set

EarthEntrenched Positionstr 5 · Core Set

FireNight Raidstr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 34

1×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
1×	Bayushi ManipulatorCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Sinister SoshiCore Set	1f · –/–
2×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Soshi IllusionistCore Set	2f · 1/3
2×	Yogo OutcastCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Young RumormongerCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Shosuro ActressCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Shosuro MiyakoCore Set	3f · 3/2
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Bayushi YunakoCore Set	4f · 4/2
2×	Yogo HiroueCore Set	4f · 0/4
2×	Bayushi ShojuCore Set	5f · 3/7

Holdings · 6

2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	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 · 8

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
2×	Fiery MadnessCore Set	1f

Events · 26

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

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Chrysanthemum Web

The Imperial Cycle Scorpion complete. Illustrious Plagiarist steals whatever event your opponent just used, and Back-Alley Hideaway saves your dead courtiers face down.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle Scorpion complete, which means four cards that were later restricted and one that was banned. Cunning Magistrate, A Fate Worse Than Death and Bayushi Kachiko are all here at full count, alongside Back-Alley Hideaway saving your dead courtiers face down.

The shape of a game

Court control. Fawning Diplomat hands you the Imperial Favour on the way out, Illustrious Plagiarist steals whatever event they just used, and Misinformation punishes an opponent who bids low to stop you. You are taking their options away one at a time rather than building anything.

Backhanded Compliment

The closer, and worth internalising: once you know it exists, their effective starting honour is three lower than the number printed on their stronghold. There is no answer to it but a cancel. Hold it until the swing actually 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 — check the list before swapping anything in. And the plan is slow; a fast military draw ends the game 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

FireMeditations on the Taostr 4 · Core Set

VoidPilgrimagestr 5 · Core Set

WaterRally to the Causestr 4 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
2×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
3×	Sake House ConfidantMeditations on the Ephemeral	2f · 1/1
2×	Young RumormongerCore Set	2f · 2/2
3×	Bayushi YojiroFor Honor and Glory	3f · 3/1
2×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
3×	Fawning DiplomatThe Chrysanthemum Throne	3f · 1/3
3×	Seppun IshikawaFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
3×	Illustrious PlagiaristMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 1/3
2×	Miya SatoshiMeditations on the Ephemeral	4f · 2/4
2×	Bayushi ShojuCore Set	5f · 3/7

Holdings · 10

3×	Back-Alley HideawayInto the Forbidden City
2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 8

2×	Meek InformantTears of Amaterasu	1f · –/1
1×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Cunning MagistrateFate Has No Secrets	3f · 2/2
1×	Unassuming YōjimbōCore Set	3f · 3/1
2×	Bayushi KachikoInto the Forbidden City	5f · 3/6

Attachments · 4

2×	Seal of the ScorpionFor Honor and Glory	0f
1×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
1×	Fiery MadnessCore Set	1f

Events · 28

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	MisinformationInto the Forbidden City	1f
2×	Smoke and MirrorsTears of Amaterasu	1f
2×	BlackmailCore Set	3f
2×	A Fate Worse Than DeathFate Has No Secrets	4f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 45 Into the Forbidden City 10 For Honor and Glory 7 The Chrysanthemum Throne 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 8 Fate Has No Secrets 7 Tears of Amaterasu 4

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Shadowed Village

The Elemental Scorpion whole, including Reclusive Zokujin going untouchable in Earth conflicts and Web of Lies, a province whose strength is whatever you bid.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Elemental Scorpion whole, including Reclusive Zokujin going untouchable in Earth conflicts and Tainted Koku, which nobody played. Web of Lies is a province whose strength is whatever you bid, which makes the honour dial part of your defence.

The shape of a game

Air magic and misdirection. Maze of Illusion turns your honour bid into a weapon, Soshi Shiori bleeds an honour every conflict you win, and Deceptive Offer rewrites what they thought they were attacking. It is slower and weirder than the dishonour deck and it kills from further away.

Your bid does double duty

This is the deck's central tension. A high bid draws cards and powers Web of Lies; a low bid powers Maze of Illusion and keeps your honour high. You cannot have both in the same turn, so decide before you set the dial which of the two this turn is for.

Where it goes wrong

Hidden Moon Dōjō is limited to one copy and is the card that makes the shadow package work — 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 · 31

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

Holdings · 9

2×	Back-Alley HideawayInto the Forbidden City
2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
1×	Hidden Moon DōjōThe Ebb and Flow
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

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

Attachments · 8

2×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
2×	InfiltratorThe Fires Within	1f
2×	Tainted KokuTainted Lands	1f
2×	Mark of ShameAll and Nothing	2f

Events · 26

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Deceptive OfferThe Ebb and Flow	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	Maze of IllusionBreath of the Kami	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f
2×	BlackmailCore Set	3f
2×	Mono no AwareMeditations on the Ephemeral	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 35 Elements Unbound 4 Tainted Lands 8 The Fires Within 5 Breath of the Kami 11 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 6 Meditations on the Ephemeral 4 Into the Forbidden City 2 Tears of Amaterasu 1 The Chrysanthemum Throne 2 Disciples of the Void 2

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

Underhand of the Emperor

The entire Scorpion clan pack. Bayushi's Whisperers name a card your opponent cannot play, Ignoble Enforcers buy fate with your own honor, and Duty saves you from dishonour once.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The entire Scorpion clan pack, which is built on a condition most decks try to avoid: being the less honourable player. Alibi Artist digs for exactly what you need, but only from behind. Ignoble Enforcers buy fate with honour you did not want anyway.

The shape of a game

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

The floor

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

Where it goes wrong

Twelve of the deck's influence is spent, so there is no room to adjust the splash. And the pack's cards are conditional almost without exception; a hand drawn while you are still at nine honour does very little.

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

AirSecret Cachestr 4 · Core Set

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

FireAbandoning Honorstr 3 · The Fires Within

VoidBrother’s Gift Dōjōstr 4 · Underhand of the Emperor

WaterSeeking the Truthstr 3 · The Ebb and Flow

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 30

3×	Alibi ArtistUnderhand of the Emperor	1f · –/2
2×	Bayushi LiarCore Set	1f · –/3
2×	Blackmail ArtistCore Set	2f · 1/2
3×	Shosuro TakaoUnderhand of the Emperor	2f · 3/1
2×	Young RumormongerCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Favored NieceCore Set	3f · 2/2
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
2×	Bayushi ShojuCore Set	5f · 3/7
3×	Ignoble EnforcersUnderhand of the Emperor	5f · 4/4
2×	Bayushi's WhisperersUnderhand of the Emperor	6f · 3/6

Holdings · 10

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 7

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

Attachments · 6

2×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
2×	Liar's MaskUnderhand of the Emperor	1f
2×	Stolen BreathUnderhand of the Emperor	2f

Events · 27

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Backhanded ComplimentThe Chrysanthemum Throne	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
1×	DutyUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
2×	From the ShadowsUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
2×	Make an OpeningUnderhand of the Emperor	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	Maze of IllusionBreath of the Kami	1f
2×	Stolen SecretsUnderhand of the Emperor	1f
2×	BlackmailCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Underhand of the Emperor 39 Core Set 37 Tainted Lands 1 The Fires Within 1 The Ebb and Flow 1 Into the Forbidden City 2 All and Nothing 2 The Chrysanthemum Throne 2 Breath of the Kami 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Poisoned Court

Every Poison the 2019 releases printed and the Shosuro who fetch them, alongside Bayushi Shoju forbidding your opponent the Imperial Favor outright.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Every Poison the 2019 releases printed, and the Shosuro who fetch them. Shosuro Hametsu finds one every turn, which turns a card type nobody built around into a recurring engine.

The shape of a game

Attrition through attachments. Softskin and Infiltrator's Tools make a character worse permanently rather than for a conflict, and Kirei-ko bows anything that dares to trigger an ability. Meanwhile Bayushi Shoju forbids them the Imperial Favour outright — he was restricted for exactly this.

Kirei-ko unspent

She is a threat that does more work sitting in your hand than on the board. An opponent who knows she might be there triggers fewer abilities, which is worth more than the one character you would eventually bow. The same logic applies to Unspoken Etiquette, which dishonours a whole board at once.

Where it goes wrong

Poisons are attachments, so attachment removal blanks several turns of work at once. Against Dragon in particular, expect Let Go and plan to have a second Poison rather than a single stacked character.

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 · 30

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

Holdings · 10

2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Licensed QuarterThe Children of Heaven
2×	Petal Village EstateA Champion's Foresight
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

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

Attachments · 7

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

Events · 28

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	By Any MeansA Champion's Foresight	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Forged EdictCore Set	0f
2×	Stay Your HandChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	False LoyaltiesFor the Empire	1f
2×	Kirei-koChildren of the Empire	1f
2×	OverhearThe Children of Heaven	1f
2×	Miyako's UndertakingChildren of the Empire	2f
2×	Unspoken EtiquetteThe Children of Heaven	2f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Underhand of the Emperor 1 Core Set 19 Justice for Satsume 7 Children of the Empire 26 A Champion's Foresight 7 Shoju's Duty 6 The Children of Heaven 8 For the Empire 6 Bonds of Blood 5 Masters of the Court 2

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Master Whisperer

The Clan War Scorpion the archive never used. Vice Proprietor enters play under your opponent's control and works for you anyway; Shosuro Actor becomes whatever is convenient.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War Scorpion, a set the archive never touched, minus the cards that only function in multiplayer. Stoke Insurrection and Cursecatcher are cards nobody built around, and Seven Stings Keep is the most complete expression of the clan's identity that FFG ever printed.

The shape of a game

The stronghold makes your opponent commit defenders before they know what they are defending against. 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.

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 rather than after, and remember Master Whisperer makes them discard and redraw three — the two together can empty a hand they were saving.

Where it goes wrong

Seven Stings Keep rewards knowing your own deck cold, which means the first few games will be worse than the deck is. It also 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 · 28

3×	Beautiful EntertainerAs Honor Demands	1f · 0/1
3×	Shepherd of VisagesClan War	1f · 1/1
2×	Cunning ConfidantClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Shadow StalkerCampaigns of Conquest	2f · 2/0
2×	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
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
3×	Thunder Guard EliteSpreading Shadows	4f · 4/2
2×	Bayushi KachikoAtonement	5f · 3/6

Holdings · 10

2×	Acclaimed Geisha HouseClan War
2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Licensed QuarterThe Children of Heaven
2×	Open WindowCampaigns of Conquest

Dynasty events · 2

2×

Dispatch to NowhereSpreading Shadows

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 7

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

Attachments · 7

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

Events · 26

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	Imbued With ShadowsClan War	0f
2×	Paralyzing DelicacyRokugan at War	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	Compelling TestimonyClan War	1f
2×	Criminal ContactsClan War	1f
2×	ForgeryCampaigns of Conquest	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
2×	Stoke InsurrectionAs Honor Demands	4f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Spreading Shadows 6 Core Set 21 Clan War 28 In Pursuit of Truth 2 As Honor Demands 8 Atonement 5 Rokugan at War 5 Campaigns of Conquest 6 The Children of Heaven 2 All and Nothing 2 Bonds of Blood 2

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

Shiro Yogo

The final Scorpion. Loyal Oathbreaker simply declares you the less honourable player, The Skin of Fu Leng lets you trigger everyone else's fateless characters, and Dire rewards restraint.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The final Scorpion cards, built around a character who simply declares you the less honourable player regardless of the actual score. Loyal Oathbreaker switches on an entire deck of conditional cards without you having to fall at all.

The shape of a game

Dire and deception together. Several characters here want no fate on them, so buy them empty and accept they will leave. The Skin of Fu Leng then lets you trigger every fateless character's ability as though you controlled it — including theirs, which is the turn this deck is built to reach.

Spending the expensive cards

Seize the Mind and Shape the Flesh are costly and tempting. Casting them because the fate is spare is the commonest way to lose the game two turns later, when the Skin turn arrives and you cannot pay for it. Kunshu is a single copy and a finisher.

Where it goes wrong

The deck is slower than any other Scorpion list here and it relies on a specific combination landing. If it has not by turn six, fall back on Final Whisper and 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 · 26

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

Holdings · 12

2×	City of LiesCore Set
2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Licensed QuarterThe Children of Heaven
2×	Open WindowCampaigns of Conquest
2×	Shadowed VillageA Crimson Offering

Dynasty events · 2

2×

Display of LoyaltyCoils of Power

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

3×	Messenger of MiseryHonor in Flames	1f · 0/1
2×	Adept of ShadowsCore Set	2f · 2/2

Attachments · 11

2×	Compromised SecretsAtonement	0f
2×	Court MaskCore Set	1f
3×	Shape the FleshHonor in Flames	1f
2×	KunshuTwisted Loyalties	2f
2×	The Skin of Fu LengThe Temptation of the Scorpion	3f

Events · 24

2×	AssassinationCore Set	0f
2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	DefianceUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Final WhisperCoils of Power	0f
2×	Paralyzing DelicacyRokugan at War	0f
2×	Soshi's MemoryUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	SubterfugePeace at Any Cost	0f
2×	Way of the ScorpionCore Set	0f
2×	Calling in FavorsCore Set	1f
2×	Betrayed VisionUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	2f
2×	Seize the MindA Crimson Offering	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Under Fu Leng's Shadow 14 Core Set 21 Twisted Loyalties 6 Atonement 3 Coils of Power 7 Peace at Any Cost 6 A Crimson Offering 8 Honor in Flames 8 The Temptation of the Scorpion 4 Seekers of Wisdom 2 The Emperor's Legion 2 The Children of Heaven 2 Campaigns of Conquest 2 Rokugan at War 2

Core Set · tier 1

The Ki-Rin's Path

Every Unicorn card in the Core Set. Utaku Infantry grows with each Cavalry beside it, and Way of the Unicorn simply refuses to hand back the first player token.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Core Unicorn, from the era when the clan was comfortably the weakest in the game. It runs Golden Plains Outpost on purpose — a stronghold the Emerald Dojo's primer says went to the binder the moment Hisu Mori Toride arrived, which is a rare thing to say about a core stronghold.

The shape of a game

Attack on turn one and do not stop. Every Unicorn card is better on the attack, and a careful opening turn has already given away the only advantage the deck has. Utaku Infantry grows with each Cavalry beside it, so width matters as much as speed.

Way of the Unicorn

Stranger and better than its reputation. It simply refuses to hand back the first player token, which means you keep the initiative for another full turn — an extra first strike is worth more in this deck than in any other, because your cards reward acting first.

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 was banned later; at this date it is legal and will feel like it.

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

VoidShameful Displaystr 3 · Core Set

WaterEndless Plainsstr 2 · Core Set

Dynasty deck 40

Dynasty characters · 36

2×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
2×	Otomo CourtierCore Set	1f · –/2
2×	Seppun GuardsmanCore Set	1f · 2/–
2×	Utaku InfantryCore Set	1f · 0/0
2×	Aggressive MotoCore Set	2f · 3/0
2×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Keeper InitiateCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Meishōdō WielderCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	2f · 1/1
2×	Shinjo OutriderCore Set	2f · 2/2
2×	Giver of GiftsCore Set	3f · 2/3
2×	Ide TraderCore Set	3f · 1/3
2×	Utaku YuminoCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Wandering RoninCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Warrior PoetCore Set	3f · 2/2
2×	Moto HordeCore Set	4f · 6/–
2×	Shinjo TatsuoCore Set	4f · 3/3
2×	Shinjo AltansarnaiCore Set	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 4

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Fine KatanaCore Set	0f
2×	Ornate FanCore Set	0f
2×	Cloud the MindCore Set	1f
2×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
2×	SpyglassCore Set	1f
2×	Born in WarCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
2×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	For Shame!Core Set	0f
2×	Good OmenCore Set	0f
2×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	OutwitCore Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 87

Imperial Cycle · tier 2

The Sand Road

The Imperial Cycle Unicorn complete, with Talisman of the Sun moving the contested ring on defence and War Dog Master milling your own deck for skill.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Imperial Cycle Unicorn complete, including War Dog Master milling your own deck for skill and Talisman of the Sun moving the contested ring on defence. Neither made a competitive list and both do something no other Unicorn card does.

The shape of a game

Faster and meaner than the Core deck because of one card: Ride Them Down flattens a province to strength one, which turns an ordinary attack into a break. Set up the attack first and play it second — it is a finisher, not an opener.

Child of the Plains

Steals the first action of the conflict, which in a clan built on acting first is worth more than its 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.

Where it goes wrong

Talisman of the Sun is a single copy, so do not plan a defensive turn around drawing it. And the Imperial neutrals here are slower than the clan wants; if your opening hand is all court cards, mulligan it.

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 · 33

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

Holdings · 7

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
1×	The Imperial PalaceThe Chrysanthemum Throne
2×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 12

2×	Seal of the UnicornMeditations on the Ephemeral	0f
2×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
2×	Shinjo SaddleFor Honor and Glory	1f
2×	SpyglassCore Set	1f
2×	Talisman of the SunMeditations on the Ephemeral	1f
2×	Born in WarCore Set	2f

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
2×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	CensureInto the Forbidden City	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
2×	Policy DebateFor Honor and Glory	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	Gaijin CustomsThe Chrysanthemum Throne	1f
2×	Ride Them DownFate Has No Secrets	1f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 50 Into the Forbidden City 8 The Chrysanthemum Throne 5 Meditations on the Ephemeral 8 Tears of Amaterasu 4 For Honor and Glory 6 Fate Has No Secrets 6

Elemental Cycle · tier 3

The Wind's Rise

The Elemental Unicorn in full, meishōdō and all. Battle Maiden Recruit costs nothing, Sneaky Shinjo arrives free when you pass, and Iuchi Shahai discounts every talisman.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The Elemental Unicorn in full, meishōdō and all, on the stronghold that dragged the clan from worst to genuinely competitive. Iuchi Shahai discounts every talisman; Force of the River and Invocation of Ash are the forgotten half of that cycle.

The shape of a game

Hisu Mori Toride cascades. Win a military conflict while outnumbering them and you get another military conflict immediately — two triggers in a turn is three broken provinces. Everything else in the deck exists to make sure you outnumber them at the moment the conflict resolves.

The demand the stronghold makes

If you cannot win a military conflict with more characters, you are left with a weak political attack and nothing. Captive Audience is the bridge: it flips a conflict to military for one honour. Battle Maiden Recruit costs nothing and Sneaky Shinjo arrives free when you pass, which is how you find the extra body.

Where it goes wrong

Passing to trigger Sneaky Shinjo costs you a conflict, so only do it when the conflict was bad anyway. And Dispatch is a single copy — treat it as a bonus rather than part of the plan.

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 · 32

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

Holdings · 8

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 6

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

Attachments · 8

2×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
2×	Force of the RiverThe Ebb and Flow	1f
2×	Invocation of AshThe Fires Within	1f
2×	Born in WarCore Set	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
2×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
2×	Press of BattleTainted Lands	0f
2×	Supernatural StormCore Set Phoenix splash	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	DispatchAll and Nothing	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Perfect Land EthosAll and Nothing	2f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Elements Unbound 3 Core Set 43 Tainted Lands 9 The Fires Within 8 All and Nothing 7 The Ebb and Flow 5 Disciples of the Void 2 Breath of the Kami 6 Into the Forbidden City 2 Tears of Amaterasu 2

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

Warriors of the Wind

The whole Unicorn clan pack. Aranat the air spirit, Saadiyah al-Mozedu turning provinces face down, every meishōdō talisman, and Trading on the Sand Road skipping the draw phase entirely.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The whole Unicorn clan pack: Aranat the air spirit, every meishōdō talisman, and Trading on the Sand Road skipping your draw phase for something better. The primer describes Shiro Shinjo as a stronghold of potential rather than results, and this deck is that potential taken seriously.

The shape of a game

Shiro Shinjo pays you fate for their faceup provinces, so Saadiyah al-Mozedu turning provinces face down is worth real money rather than just information. The economy comes online around turn three; before that you are vulnerable and should be trading rather than developing.

Building the talisman tower

Ring of Binding and the meishōdō attachments want a single carrier. Pick one character early and commit — spreading talismans across three bodies produces three mediocre characters instead of one that ends games. Moto Chagatai refuses to bow after breaking a province, which makes him the best carrier in the deck.

Where it goes wrong

The stronghold is weak in the opening turns, which is exactly when Unicorn usually 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

AirBorder Fortressstr 4 · Tainted Lands

EarthUpholding Authoritystr 3 · Tainted Lands

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 · 32

2×	Moto YouthCore Set	1f · 2/0
3×	Wild StallionWarriors of the Wind	1f · 1/0
2×	Border RiderCore Set	2f · 2/1
2×	Miya MysticCore Set	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×	Iuchi DaiyuWarriors of the Wind	4f · 3/3
2×	Shinjo ShonoBreath of the Kami	4f · 4/3
2×	Moto ChagataiWarriors of the Wind	5f · 6/3
2×	Shinjo AltansarnaiCore Set	5f · 5/4
2×	AranatWarriors of the Wind	6f · 6/6

Holdings · 8

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Windswept YurtTears of Amaterasu

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

1×	Iuchi WayfinderCore Set	1f · 1/1
2×	Visiting AdvisorWarriors of the Wind	2f · 0/2
2×	Shinomen WayfindersWarriors of the Wind	4f · 3/1

Attachments · 9

2×	Curved BladeWarriors of the Wind	0f
1×	Favored MountCore Set	1f
2×	Ring of BindingWarriors of the Wind	1f
2×	Utaku Battle SteedWarriors of the Wind	1f
2×	Born in WarCore Set	2f

Events · 26

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	BreakthroughCore Set	0f
2×	Captive AudienceCore Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	I Am ReadyCore Set	0f
2×	Speak to the HeartWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	Trading on the Sand RoadWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Warriors of the WindWarriors of the Wind	2f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 42 Core Set 35 Tainted Lands 2 All and Nothing 1 The Ebb and Flow 1 Breath of the Kami 4 Tears of Amaterasu 2

Children of the Empire & Inheritance Cycle · tier 5

The Utaku Charge

Battle maidens and duels across the 2019 releases, with Utaku Rumaru raising the glory of everyone honoured and Ide Ryōma trading places with an enemy character.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Battle maidens and duels across the 2019 releases, including Keeper of Secret Names and Benevolent Ambassador — wide-build cards a tournament list would cut on sight. Utaku Rumaru raises the glory of everyone honoured, which nobody built around.

The shape of a game

Bid low deliberately. Honest Challenger and Ide Negotiator both reward it, and that is where this deck wants to live anyway. The cost is cards, so make sure the payoffs are actually on the board before you commit to a low dial.

Ide Ryōma

Trades places with an enemy character, which is a removal effect disguised as movement — it pulls their best defender out of a conflict and puts yours in. Combine it with Outflank and Ujik Tactics, which both assume you are attacking, because this is not a defensive deck under any circumstances.

Where it goes wrong

Duels are a Crane speciality and you are borrowing them. Challenge on the Fields is good when you are ahead on the board and poor when you are not. If the game has slowed down, stop duelling and go back to attacking wide.

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 · 32

3×	Golden Plains RaiderShoju's Duty	1f · 2/0
3×	Outskirts SentryChildren of the Empire	1f · 2/–
2×	Benevolent AmbassadorBonds of Blood	2f · 1/2
2×	Honest ChallengerChildren of the Empire	2f · 2/2
2×	Shinjo GunsōJustice for Satsume	2f · 1/1
2×	Shinjo YasamuraDefenders of Rokugan	2f · 2/0
2×	Ide NegotiatorChildren of the Empire	3f · 2/3
2×	Ide RyōmaThe Children of Heaven	3f · 0/4
2×	Moto AriqThe Emperor's Legion	3f · 3/2
2×	Moto OutriderShoju's Duty	3f · 3/2
2×	Shiotome HeroineChildren of the Empire	3f · 3/1
2×	Keeper of Secret NamesA Champion's Foresight	4f · 3/3
2×	Shinjo KyōraFor the Empire	4f · 4/2
2×	Utaku KamokoChildren of the Empire	4f · 3/3
2×	Utaku RumaruBonds of Blood	5f · 4/4

Holdings · 8

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Proving GroundChildren of the Empire
2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 5

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

Attachments · 11

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

Events · 24

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Challenge on the FieldsChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Defend Your HonorChildren of the Empire	0f
2×	OutflankA Champion's Foresight	0f
2×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	Ujik TacticsJustice for Satsume	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	Know the TerrainShoju's Duty	1f
2×	OverhearThe Children of Heaven	1f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 5 Core Set 15 Bonds of Blood 5 Children of the Empire 27 Shoju's Duty 7 Defenders of Rokugan 2 The Children of Heaven 7 For the Empire 5 A Champion's Foresight 4 Justice for Satsume 6 The Emperor's Legion 2 Breath of the Kami 2

Clan War & Dominion Cycle · tier 6

Fields of the Wind

The Clan War Unicorn the archive never used. Endless Plains Skirmisher fights on your opponent's side while you still control it, and Way of the Open Hand drags a defender off the province.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

Clan War Unicorn, the set your collection is least likely to have played, built on cards that read as drawbacks. Endless Plains Skirmisher fights on their side while you still control it. Command By Name and Join the Fray are cards nobody used at all.

The shape of a game

Rally fills your provinces for free — Twilight Rider and Scholar of Old Rempet put bodies down without spending fate, which is what makes a wide board affordable. Moto Stables then pumps anything that moves, and Way of the Open Hand drags a defender off the province entirely.

Reading the drawback cards

Several of these look worse than they are. The Skirmisher contributing to their side still counts as your character for everything else, which sets up Never Yield and Flank the Enemy. Read them twice before dismissing them; the set rewards it.

Where it goes wrong

Rally only helps if you have provinces left to flip, so this deck suffers badly once two or three are broken. Against a fast opponent, defend earlier than instinct says — the free bodies are not free if 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
2×	Insightful GatekeeperClan War	2f · 2/1
2×	Way Station TraderClan War	2f · 1/2
2×	Worldly ShiotomeAtonement	2f · 2/2
2×	Forthright IdeClan War	3f · 1/3
2×	Moto OutriderShoju's Duty	3f · 3/2
2×	Twilight RiderSpreading Shadows	3f · 3/1
2×	Venerable FortunistClan War	3f · 3/3
2×	White Horde VanguardRokugan at War	4f · 5/2
2×	Shinjo AltansarnaiAs Honor Demands	5f · 5/4

Holdings · 10

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

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 6

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

Events · 30

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	Hige's SermonClan War	0f
2×	Never YieldSpreading Shadows	0f
2×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	Way of the Open HandClan War	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	Command By NameAs Honor Demands	1f
2×	Flank the EnemyAtonement	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Seize the DayClan War	1f
2×	Diversionary ManeuverClan War	2f
2×	Join the FrayClan War	2f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Warriors of the Wind 3 Core Set 17 Spreading Shadows 8 Campaigns of Conquest 3 In Pursuit of Truth 6 As Honor Demands 5 Clan War 29 Rokugan at War 4 Atonement 4 Shoju's Duty 2 Breath of the Kami 2 Justice for Satsume 2 Tears of Amaterasu 2

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

The Western Wind

The last Unicorn cards, including Daikyū and Scarlet Sabre from the final release and Shadow Steed, a horse paid for with fate off your own characters.

How to play this deck

What it is trying to prove

The last Unicorn cards printed, including Shadow Steed — a horse paid for with fate taken off your own characters — and Khanbulak Benefactor, the economy engine the clan spent four years without.

The shape of a game

Dire rewards spending nothing, and Iuchi Soulweaver counts as participating in every conflict while it holds no fate. So buy empty, on purpose, and accept the characters will leave. That is the trade the whole final cycle is built on and it suits Unicorn better than any other clan.

The Western Wind itself

It empties your deck's cavalry into a single province, which is a genuine finisher rather than a value play. Set it up: you want the board wide and the province already weakened before you cast it, because it ends the game on the turn it works and does very little on the turn it does not.

Where it goes wrong

Shadow Steed's cost is real — it takes fate from characters you may still need this turn. And 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 · 28

3×	Iuchi SoulweaverThe Temptation of the Scorpion	1f · 1/1
3×	Open Field SkirmisherCoils of Power	1f · 2/0
2×	Iuchi RimeiSeekers of Wisdom	2f · 1/1
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
2×	Iuchi ShahaiA Crimson Offering	4f · 2/4
2×	Khanbulak BenefactorTwisted Loyalties	4f · 2/4
2×	Moto BeastmasterUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	4f · 4/1
2×	Higashi Kaze CompanyCoils of Power	5f · 6/3

Holdings · 12

2×	Favorable GroundCore Set
2×	Imperial StorehouseCore Set
2×	Moto StablesSpreading Shadows
2×	Reserve TentsHonor in Flames
2×	Shiotome EncampmentBreath of the Kami
2×	Wayfarer's CampJustice for Satsume

Conflict deck 40

Conflict characters · 4

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

Attachments · 8

2×	Command the TributaryA Crimson Offering	0f
2×	Scarlet SabreUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	DaikyūUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	1f
2×	Shadow SteedHonor in Flames	1f

Events · 28

2×	Banzai!Core Set	0f
2×	Court GamesCore Set	0f
2×	DefianceUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Never YieldSpreading Shadows	0f
2×	Ride OnPeace at Any Cost	0f
2×	Spoils of WarWarriors of the Wind	0f
2×	The Western WindThe Temptation of the Scorpion	0f
2×	Way of the UnicornCore Set	0f
2×	Way of the WarriorUnder Fu Leng's Shadow	0f
2×	Bonds of BloodA Crimson Offering	1f
2×	Charge!Core Set	1f
2×	OverrunCoils of Power	1f
2×	RoutCore Set	1f
2×	Cavalry ReservesCore Set	3f

Setup

Dynasty

Conflict

Core Set 20 Peace at Any Cost 7 Coils of Power 8 Twisted Loyalties 3 Honor in Flames 8 The Temptation of the Scorpion 5 Under Fu Leng's Shadow 16 A Crimson Offering 6 Seekers of Wisdom 2 Spreading Shadows 4 Breath of the Kami 2 Justice for Satsume 2 Children of the Empire 2 Warriors of the Wind 2