From: "Ram<F3>n Pe<F1>a" <rpena@seker.es>
Date: Tue, 07 Jul 1998 15:52:43 +0200
To: l5rstory@frpg.com
Subject: A blast from the past!!
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Yesterday I found this in an old issue of Conjure magazine. As I've
never seen any other reference to Tsau-Ting wizards and such in this
list, I assume this will be as new to most of you as it was for me!
Perhaps now this document will be at last duly filed and stored by the
learned Lion historians... :)

Kasuga Sukebe

Legend of the Five Rings: A collectable card game from Alderac
Entertainment Group and Isomedia.

Story by Dave Williams and Ryan S. Dancey

   Imagine a land of mystic power. An Empire which has lasted for
thousands of years, watched over by a strong Imperial Dynasty and a
handful of stalwart Clans tracing their lineage to the dawn of recorded
history. For five millennia the Empire has grown and prospered.

   Disaster has struck the Empire, a pestilence which has devastated the
land and taken not only the lives of thousands of commoners, but also
the entire Imperial family, save for the Emperor himself. He lies in
state inside the Palace, wracked by fever and delirium as his vitality
wanes. The most powerful healers in the land have failed to cure him.
His end is near.

   Across the Empire, the once unified Clans have begun to split into
factions, each seeking an advantage over the others. Ancient weapons
emerge from ancestral shrines. Sorceries thought long forgotten are
rediscovered. Pacts are made between powerful Samurai warriors and
Tsau-Ting wizards. The Empire will need a strong, dynamic leader to
found a new Dynasty. Each Clan has prospective claimants to the Emerald
Throne, but no Clan has enough advantage to seize the throne outright.

   It is into this maelstrom of intrigue that the players in Legend of
the Five Rings are thrust. Each Player represents one potential claimant
to the Emerald Throne, though before any Clan can found a new Dynasty
battles must de fought, alliances forged, and the peoples of the Empire
enlisted in this great cause.

   Each player assumes the role of a head of a family affiliated with
one of these Clans. Each Clan has its strengths and weaknesses, and each
is ultimately capable of founding the new Imperial Dynasty.

   From Clan Phoenix come Characters strong in wizardry. Known as
Tsau-Ting, these masters if the Elements are able to bring forth awesome
displays of force capable of overcoming almost any opposition. Clan
Phoenix alone has produced those individuals recognized throughout the
Empire as Masters of the Elements. Those potent wizards may prove the
difference in the coming struggle for supremacy.

   Recognized as the fiercest warriors in the Empire, the awesome
fighting forces of Clan Crab are rarely deferred from achieving any
military objective their commanders order them to take. Though none of
the other Clans have definite proof, it is widely believed that Clan
Crab has entered into dark pacts with vile extra dimensional forces from
the shadowlands. Clan Crab has shown little respect for the Honorable
traditions that bind the rest of the Empire. Together with their martial
prowess, these newfound powers may turn the tide in their favor.

   The members of Clan Crane stand diametrically opposed to this stain
on the Honor of the Empire. Clan Crane intends to use their economic and
political resources to gain the Emerald Throne. While no Clan fears the
military might of Clan Crane, all respect the subtle intrigues a Clan
with such vast wealth and heritage may bring to any conflict.

   Neither masters of magic, nor economic power sustains Clan Lion.
Instead, their ferocious devotion to the Arts of War, and the fearsome
persistence of their forces in the face of even the most adverse
conditions is legend.

   Second only to their might in battle is the total commitment Clan
Lion owes to the rigorous code of Honor each member accepts when being
inducted into the Clan. When onlookers view their flowing manes behind
them as they charge into battle, few indeed are those who do not marvel
at the awesome display.

   The warriors of Clan Unicorn fight from incredibly well trained
mounts, and are recognized across the Empire as master horsemen. This
advantage provides flexibility and mobility to their forces when Clan
Unicorn takes to the field of battle. Wizardry is also at work in the
members of Clan Unicorn, augmenting the immense wealth of their Clan
through judicious use of their elemental powers. Clan Unicorn Tsau-Ting
wizards usually dominate any combat in which they participate.

   Like the mystical creatures who serve as their clan totems, the
members of Clan Dragon demonstrate a command of battle, of magic and of
intrigue as well. Of all the Clans, the Dragon is the most mysterious,
engaging in secret rituals and hoarding their wealth in unseen vaults
deep beneath the earth. All Dragon warriors shave their heads and adorn
their bodies with detailed tattoos retelling the spectacular tales of
their heroics. Like the armored hides of their totem, Clan Dragon has no
discenerable weaknesses.

   Clan Dragon presents no disadvantages for other Clans to exploit.

   Players in Legend of the Five Rings construct decks featuring
Personalities from many Clans, plus items, weapons, spells, and special
effects. During play, each potential Emperor must work to improve their
fief to increase the amount of resources available to bring new cards
into play, plus construct offensive and defensive Armies capable of
projecting the force necessary to emerge victorious. However, in the
world of Legend of the Five Rings, Honor is a force more powerful than
steel, and it is possible to ascend to the Emerald Throne by marshaling
overwhelming political and popular support alone.

   Legend of the Five Rings is not only an exciting, fast paced gaming
experience, it is also a showcase for some of the most stunning original
fantasy artwork ever produced.

   The confirmed artist list for Legend of the Five Rings is filled with
names both familiar and new, talent like: (insert list of artists here)=85
[sic]

   All the artists on the project are committed to presenting the kind
of visual graphic effects which will make each and every card in the
series a treasured collectable. Furthermore, each card has been designed
with ease of game play in mind. Text is easy to read, all graphic game
elements are simple and elegant, and the presentation of each card type
makes it easy to sort, match and use all the cards at a glance.

   The game is scheduled to be released in mid September, and all the
major distributors are already planning their preorder quantities. For
ordering information, contact AEG at (909) 390-5444. Or write to L5R
Information, c/o Alderac Entertainment Group, 4045 Guasti Road, Suite
213, Ontario, CA 91761.

   The Limited Edition of Legend of the Five Rings will be printed with
a distinctive symbol which will not appear on any future production run.

   Legend of the Five Rings will feature cards in three rarity levels,
common, uncommon and rare. They will be packaged in decks of 60 cards,
and booster packs of 15 cards each. The Suggested Retail Price for decks
is $7.95, and the SRP fir the boosters is $2.45. An entire range of
support products is planned for Legend of the Five Rings, including
colorful deck boxes, T-Shirts, Posters, s Pocket Player=92s Guide, with
many other product announcements to follow!

   This fall, the struggle for the Imperial Throne will be fought at
your local card or hobby store!


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