L5R: ‘Underhand of the Emperor’ Preview – The Other Cards
The next Clan Pack for Legend of the Five Rings is focused on Clan Scorpion. However, there are some other cards in the pack that are designed for the non-Scorpion Clans to use against them. This is that preview!
We’ve already gotten a preview of some of the cards coming for Underhand of the Emperor. With it’s focus on Clan Scorpion and all their sneaky Shinobi types running around, it’s going to be a fun addition to the game. But to help keep things interesting and balanced, Fantasy Flight Games is also releasing some cards in the Clan Pack that will help to mitigate Clan Scorpion’s new found abilities.
“…[Underhand of the Emperor] features three copies of one new character for each of the six other clans, as well as several new neutral cards for use in any deck. With this in mind, the Scorpion won’t be the only clan to receive a boost when this new expansion releases in October.”
The Other Cards
First up is Asako Maezawa. His ability allows you to double a target’s base political power until the end of a conflict as long as you have more current glory than your opponent. This is a great counter for Scorpion because most of their characters run low on glory. Asako Maezawa can even target himself to bump up to 6 political power for the conflict!
Utaku Tetsuko’s ability is another direct counter to Scorpion. When attacking, any cards your opponent wishes to play will cost one extra fate! That’s great for cutting down on Scorpion’s ability to whip-out those cheap conflict cards. On top of that, she has the Cavalry keyword and with 3 military strength she fit perfectly in with the rest of Clan Unicorn’s playstyle.
Neutral Cards
The Underhand of the Emperor also features several neutral cards that can fit into any deck. Some might help you emulate Clan Scorpion while others might help you mitigate their power.
Offer Testimony is great to use when you’re in a political conflict. It helps do two things – the first is that it helps you get information about what your opponent has in their hand. By playing this cards you’re forcing your opponent to reveal at least 1 card. Thematically, gathering information is exactly what Scorpion is all about. Next, it also gives you a chance to bow an enemy character from the combat. Now, you’ll have to reveal a higher cost card to do so, but that can also be used to bully or taunt your opponent. Now you know what they have and they know what you’ve allowed them to see.
Peasant’s Advice is another card that will allow you to gather information. Getting to look at a face down province before you have to assault it is invaluable. There are provinces that are designed to be traps against your opponent and getting that intel before hand can save you a lot of headache. On top of that, you’ll get to return a card on that province back to the owners deck. If you’re staring at a high cost character and you DON’T want to see them on the table, send them back in the deck!
Underhand of the Emperor is due out this October and is up for pre-order now.
Underhand of the Emperor $19.95
Underhand of the Emperor contains 78 new cards (three copies of 25 different cards and 1 copy of each of 3 different cards .) Underhand of the Empire expands on classic themes of the Scorpion, giving them new deck building options that encourages them to toe the line between dishonor and defeat. Look for a new Role card, a Philosophy that prevents you from losing the game, and an army of whispers, standing at attention.
Use your enemies tactics against them with the Underhand of the Emperor!
