Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!




| | | | |


Dragon News Archive 2003 2nd Quarter


June 1, 2003

Calen Rescinds Offer to Currupt Tsuge!

In a turnaround, Kakita Calen has withdrawn his bounty to currupt Mirumoto Tsuge.
His reasons (posted at Dragon Clan Chat) were as follows:

Posted: Sat May 31, 2003 5:44 am    Post subject: Withdrawal of Bounty
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm sorry, but in light of this latest fiction, I am withdrawing my bounty to taint
Mirumoto Tsuge. Rich Wulf neatly eliminated all the reasons I wanted to taint
him.

On the other hand, the bounty to send Tsuge to the Imperial Court keeps on increasing.

Look at these dditional bounties at Dragon Clan Chat:

Hitomi Kinrei (Dragon Clan Troublemaker) has offered this bounty:

"To that person who wins a Kotei with a pure or a Tainted deck, sending
  Mirumoto Tsuge to the Imperial Court, I will send following:

* in order to reward the spirit of a samurai, a copy of the 'The Book of Five Rings'
   by the seventeenth-century Japanese samurai Miyamoto Musashi
* to acknowledge the wisdom of a great general, a copy of the 2500 years old
   classic 'Art of War' by the Chinese military mastermind Sun Tzu
   (Probably paperback issues, I am afraid - one is but a humble starving student.)"

Hitomi Youken (Dragon Clan Mule) has offered:

"a copy of the Hagakure so that others can finally understand why Tsuge made the
choice he did at GCUK2002 and a book of haiku (haven't chosen exactly which
one yet) as we all know that Tsuge is not only the finest duellist in the empire but
also the finest poet."

Togashi Kabara (Dragon Clan Tattood Samurai - Monk) said:

"I will add my fealty to the winner, and my services as a translater (sorry, only english
 and latin right now, but soon japanese, italian french and maybe russian.)"

Mirumoto Tachiyama has offered:

"I would also like to add to the tsuge bounty. I will add $100 in cash, and a selection
 of foils. I don't have my collection here with me right now. But I will put together a
 list and the winner could select 10 foils from my collection."

Tsuge is the most popular Dragon General since Junnosuke!


May 31, 2003

Dark Oracle of Fire Finale - One Redeemed, Two Lost

In Dark Oracle of Fire, part 3, the identity of the Phoenix who invited Agasha Tamori
to attack Dragon lands is finally revealed; however it's not who we suspected!

One in the Dragon Clan is redeemed, but two are lost. Responsibilities take precedence
over personal feelings but there's hope of true friendship... and perhaps more. So click
on the link and read the conclusion to the "Dark Oracle of Fire".

It's sobering to note that the root cause of all the chaos and destruction was based on
good intentions and hubris. Maybe it is true that the road to damnation starts with good
intentions....   On the other hand, it can argued that it was an inevitable event due to the
workings of Fate.

Which brings up the age old question of choice - is destiny preordained or is it chosen
by our actions?  There was a Greek proverb which said that personality affects destiny.
True... or not?

Deep thoughts for a Saturday morning. Must have been the extra sugar in the coffee or
the jelly filled doughnuts....

Responsibilities overshadow personal feelings but there's hope of true friendship...
and perhaps more. So click the link and read the conclusion to "Dark Oracle of Fire".

Last week's Rumours was not correct, but the title says it all - it was just a rumour :)

 

Collectors Guide to L5R Cards

It's been in the planning stages for months,  but the initial Collector's Guide to L5R has
finally been posted. The original card layout had easily differentiated border patterns on
each base and expansion set. Then someone in the art department forgot the word "easy"
---> it became extremely difficult to tell the difference between some card sets during
Pearl Edition. This no doubt influenced the change to the current format of black borders
with letters identifying the set.


May 25, 2003

Alderac Updates Kotei 2003 Story Prizes

Since some clans have had most of tyheir characters picked, Alderac has added
new personalities to be picked. The most significant to the Dragon is "Mr. T"
himself, Mirumoto Tsuge. Also new to the list is Mirumoto Zenko, though he
doesn't have the following that Tsuge does. The story prizes are at Alderac.

For newer players, the L5R Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was updated on
May 21, 2003.

Dragon Clan Bounties

Pure Bounty

On Deathseeker, Togashi Niru has offered subscriptions to The Imperial Herald
to people in Canada. and the U.S. who send Dragon personalities to the Imperial
Court. If you already are a member of the Imperial Assembly, then his offer is
changed to four promotional copies of "Make a Wish". This is a $20.00 U.S.
value as AEG gives one "Make a Wish" card for each $5.00 donation to that
charity.

Corrupt Bounty

On Dragon Strategy Chat, Kakita Calen (formerly known as Mirumoto Calen before
he chose to become a Kakita) wants the players to corrupt Mirumoto Tsuge so that
he joins Daigotsu's Court.

The bounty offered is:
Mirumoto Tsuge, Kokujin Exp2, Kokujin's Daisho, Togashi Satsu, Togashi Matsuo,
Mirumoto Rosanjin, Tamori Chieko, Hoshi Wayan Exp2, Hitomi Hogai, Hitomi Akuai
exp, Foil Celestial Sword of the Dragon, Welcome Home. This is worth approximately
$30.00 U.S.

Why Calen? Why the spitefulness? You claim in your own words(1) that you left the
Dragon because of corruption but now you actively seek to destroy one of your
former comrades. Yes, the path of each Dragon is individualistic but your actions
as a samurai speak volumes.

Do you think that the Kakita will ever really trust you after knowing how you left?
How many generations will it take until the Phoenix truly accept the Agasha. Even
now some Agasha feel restricted in voicing their opinions to the Isawa for concern
that they are "not Phoenix enough."

Crane courtiers didn't get their reputation by being clumsy with words, they were
renowned for subtlety and elegance. Yet by the same token they were also feared
by the other clans, for under that velvet voice there lies razor sharp barbs of insults
and contempt.

In other words, let's speak more plainly as befits a former Dragon. The Kakita say
to you that they understand your decision to change clans, that they "feel your pain".
"Come join us, and forget about the past." Beautiful blue kimonos, delicious sushi,
koku in you pocket. Anything a guest could desire. Why, they even let you have
their name.

But what do they tell their kin when you're not present? How do you know what
they're not insulting you behind your back, despising you for being a traitor,
laughing at you for allowing yourself to be a tool for them? "A fool who allows
himself to be used deserves no respect!" (- famous Crane poet). But then again, you
could be right and I could be wrong.

How to tell which is right and which is wrong? The answer is for you to decide.
Each must walk their own path. I remain a Mirumoto and am loyal to the Dragon.
And where does Calen's loyalty lie? With the Kakita daimyo? If memory serves me
correctly, you have most recently sworn fealty to the Crane, isn't that so? The very
same Crane who swore to Emperor Toturi that they would defend the Empire
from the Shadowlands?  

Yet it seems to be... let's say.... interesting that you place a rather large bounty to
currupt one of the Empire's best swordsman, thus helping Daigotsu and the
Shadowlands...  "I wonder what would happen if your current daimyo or the Shogun
found out about your plans.... oh, sorry about that... just thinking out loud...
forgive me.... "

( Comments were made "in character". Any rumours that a Scorpion courtier was
involved in return for a future favor is ridiculous and should be dismissed
immediately ;)


notes:
         (1) "As a samurai of the empire it is your duty to protect us from the minions
of Fu Leng, not to ally with them to destroy our own people. My family has fallen
from honor. Do not speak to me of loyalty." The Story of Mirumoto Calen Part 8,
by Mirumoto Calen, The Official Home of the Crane, Fiction Forum, 01/29/03.


May 19, 2003

Dark Oracle of Fire, Part 2

Alderac has posted Dark Oracle of Fire, part 2 up on it's site. Who is the Phoenix conspirator?
See Rumours for an educated / wild guess.


May 14, 2003

Kotei Season Results

Alderac has posted the 2003 Kotei season on their storyline results page.

Cranes Drooling Over Spanish Artist

Marta Mora was brought to the attention of the L5R web community by Akodo Jed on the
Crane Clan discussion group. She definately has the talent to challenge our views on how
we think about established personalities.

Bayushi Murai Finally Takes Credit For His Kotei Win in New Jersey

Yogo Sothotho's Subterranean Scroll Cave was updated today with his views on the event.
As a result of his win, Bayushi Kwanchi was given the honor of appearing before the
Imperial Court. Murai, like all loyal Scorpions, sacrificed his honor for the win by using
a Crane deck.

GenCon Story Prize 2003

"Akodo Kaneka, Hantei Naseru, Toturi Tsudao, Toturi Sezaru.
One Wind will become the Emperor.
One Wind will become the Voice of the Emperor.
One Wind will join the winning clan.
One Wind will die. "


See Alderac's promotional advertising for more information.


May 6, 2003

Bayushi Murai Wins Region 7 Kotei by Playing Crane

Using a pure Crane deck, Bayushi Murai (Stephen Muray) surprised the field (and himself)
by winning the 2003 Region 7 New Jersey Kotei on Saturday May 3rd. Why play a Crane?
(other than to get into those powder blue kimonos :) His explanation?

"Looking at the environment objectively, I decided that Crane and Phoenix had the
best chances of winning a Kotei with a pure deck. I realized that there would be a
bit of an uproar if I won as Crane, but honestly, I didn't expect to do well at all.
Most of my experience is playing Scorpion, and I had a slightly... er... confused...
deck. But I had to do my best to send Kwanchai to the Imperial Court. To do less
would be acting disloyal to my clan. I did what I had to do - I sacrificed my honor,
and played the Crane deck."

As tournament prize, he picked Bayushi Kwanchai to appear in the Imperial Court at the
request of Daidoji Hachi.

Here's his decklist:

Deck Name: Resist
Stronghold: Kosaten Shiro
Wind: Empress Toturi II, Toturi Tsudao

Dynasty:
Asahina Kimita x3
Daidoji Rekai XP2 x1
Doji Akiko x1
Doji Kurohito x3
Doji Nagori x3
Doji Reju XP2 x1
Doji Yasuyo x3
Kakita Rensai x1
Konetsu x1
Yasuki Hachi x3
Yasuki Hachi XP x1
Ki-Rin x1
Crane Tradesman x1
Gifts and Favors x1
Hiruma Dojo x3
Marketplace x3
Poorly Placed Garden x2
Sanctified Temple x3
Shrine of the Sun x2
Silk Works x3
Boastful Proclamation x1
Imperial Gift x1
Suspicions x1
Welcome Home x1
Campsite x3

Fate:
Avoid Fate x3
Block Supply Lines x3
Come One at a Time x2
Deeds, Not Words x3
Entrapping Terrain x2
Flattery x3
Iaijutsu Art x3
Iaijutsu Challenge x3
In Search of the Future x2
Overwhelmed x2
Poisoned Weapon x3
Shame x3
To Do What We Must x3
The Wind's Truth x2
Secrets on the Wind x2
Bitter x1
Celestial Sword of the Crane x1
Honorable x1
Judgment x1
Ring of Earth x1
Ring of the Void x1


May 4, 2003

Dragon Wins Australian Kotei

Glen Marks won the Australian Kotei using a pure Dragon deck and has chosen a Kitsuki
courtier (Kitsuki Tadashi) to join the Imperial Court.

Bayushi Ryofune has started a database to track the 2003 Kotei winners by region.


May 2, 2003

Ikoma Andy Retires!

After several years of running "The Shadowlands Refuge of the Lion Clan" and later
"Deathseeker.com", Ikoma Andy retired on April 28 and has officially handed his
site over to new caretakers.

Congratulations Andy on the amazing job you did on your site and for L5R.

Deathseeker's "Gang of Five"

1) Yasuki Aaron (Asakura Soteki) - founder of Legendary Search
2) Akodo Nakama (Jed Carleton) - owner of Shizo sano Ken Hayai and Swift Sword Forums
3) Hitomi Ikazuchi - owner of L5R info and Citadel of the Golden Dragon
4) Doji Subeta - administrator of Legendary Search and South Empire
5) Yoritomo-O-Kamaryu - owner South Empire.net and moderator of Swift Sword Forums


To the new management - please take care of the legacy that Andy has entrusted to you.

Those of you who are familiar with the early history of Magic: The Gathering probably
remenber Frank Kusomoto. His founded www.thedojo.com, THE Premier site for M:tG
information up to the "Combo Winter" of Urza's Saga block.

After Frank retired and transferred www.thedojo.com over to new management, the site
gradually lost its spunk and innovation. The creativity and frantic energy that characterized
Frank's Dojo was lost. Updates became less frequent and the site eventually folded due to
lack of interest by both the writers and the readers. Hopefully the Deathseeker legacy will
continue to thrive under the new "Gang of Five".


April 16, 2003

Kotei Bounties

Alderac has started an EZ-board page for Kotei bounties. You don't need to join EZ-board
to view the messages but you do need to join to post messasges.


Kotei 2003 Story Prize - The Imperial Court


If you are playing a pure or Tainted deck and win at one of the Koteis, you will be allowed
to select one character from the following list to join the Imperial Court. If you are playing
a corrupted deck, you will be invited to choose one character from the following list to be
corrupted and join Daigotsu's court. You need not choose a personality from the clan you
are playing.

Personalities are on a first-come first serve basis. You may wish to choose a secondary
choice in case another Kotei selects the same character.

* Daidoji Rekai (Crane)
* Doji Nagori (Crane)
* Doji Seishiro (Crane)
* Konetsu (Crane)

* Hida Rohiteki (Crab)
* Hiruma Todori (Crab)
* Kuni Kiyoshi (Crab)
* Toritaka Tatsune (Crab)

* Hitomi Vedau (Dragon)
* Kitsuki Tadashi (Dragon)
* Mirumoto Rosanjin (Dragon)
* Mirumoto Zenko (Dragon)

* Akodo Tadenori (Lion)
* Ikoma Tsai (Lion)
* Kitsu Juri (Lion)
* Matsu Satomi (Lion)

* Moshi Mogai (Mantis)
* Tsuruchi Hiro (Mantis)
* Yoritomo Kitao (Mantis)
* Yoritomo Katoa (Mantis)

* Asako Yuya (Phoenix)
* Shiba Itami (Phoenix)
* Shiba Yoma (Phoenix)
* Isawa Nodotai (Phoenix)

* Shosuro Higatsuku (Scorpion)
* Shosuro Miyo (Scorpion)
* Bayushi Kwanchai (Scorpion)
* Bayushi Tai (Scorpion)

* Ide Michisuna (Unicorn)
* Moto Chaozhu (Unicorn)
* Moto Chen (Unicorn)
* Shinjo Osema (Unicorn)

* Zin'tch (Ratling, may not be chosen by corrupted player)


April 9, 2003

L5R Gold Edition Encyclopedia Arrives!

The Gold Edition Encyclopedia went on sale in southeastern Pennsylvania this week.

   Week of the Ratling

There was a Week of the Ratling tournament last Saturday at Brave New Worlds.
Finals were between Brendan Gallagher using Shiro Mirumoto and Eric Loyack
using the Towers of the Yogo. Brendan won, giving the Dragon another win for
the Week of the Ratling.

Heaven and Earth Wallpapers

Alderac has posted Heaven and Earth wallpapers showing the Lion, Shadowlands
and Phoenix artwork from the starter boxes.

Massive Amount of Heaven and Earth Previews

The Ascension of the Mantis has been given a massive amount of card previews by their
"Mysterious Benefactor". Such information has all the signs of Kolat involvement....


April 5, 2003

Dragon Clan letters have been updated. Scans of recent Imperial Herald Covers are also available.

The Dragon Clan News Archives section has been revised with an new index page.

Treachery's Coin, Part IV by Shawn Carman is up at Alderac.

The Heaven & Earth countdown continues. The latest card is Volcanic Fileds.


April 2, 2003

More Heaven & Earth Previews

Another fine card for the Honour runner or for Military.

 

Kokujin has forged himself a miniature Anvil of Despair.

 

revised September 28, 2003

Thank you for visiting my page at Angelfire. Please come back and visit again!

 



| | | | |

 

Legends of the Five Rings CCG is copyright Alderac Entertainment Group and Wizards of the Coast.
Artwork is copyright by various artists who illustrated for Alderac Entertainment Group
or Wizards of the Coast.

Other art work, names, stories and ideas are copyright MountainView. Dragon logo by R. Stier.
Web design by Mirumoto Genji.