For those not familiar with L5R (Legend of the Five Rings), it is a CCG based on the clans of a fantasy country of Rokugan. The setting is based on feudal Japan and a smattering of other east Asian cultures.

Players pit their clan samurai, ninjas, shugenja and courtiers against the forces of the other clans. All the clans are looking for honor, power and glory. Players can choose to play one of the nine different clans or the evil of the Shadowlands.

Crab Clan: The Defenders – They guard the walls of the south and protect Rokugan from the evil of the Shadowlands.

Crane Clan: The Artisans – They are the providers of culture in Rokugan. They practice many types of art, including the way of the duelist sword.

Mantis Clan: The Seafarers – The newest of the Great Clans of Rokugan. They struggle to find their place and to become accepted by the other Great Clans.

Phoenix Clan: The Shugenja – These are the scholars and magic users of the realm. They look to unlock the secrets of the universe itself.

Spider Clan: The Unknown – They are a mystery, an enigma. They strike fast and fade back into the shadows of Rokugan.

Unicorn Clan: The Explorers – Rokugan is a protective land. Outsiders are not allowed in. The Unicorn are the only connection to the lands outside Rokugan.

Lion Clan: The Warriors – They are Rokugan’s army and its law.

Scorpion Clan: The Underhand – They use deceit, lies and blackmail to crush their enemies and rivals. Rokugan needs them to do the dirty work the other Clans won’t.

Dragon Clan: The Mystics – They are the monks and mystics of Rokugan. They study the power of the universe to better understand.

The Shadowlands:  The Evil – These are creatures of nightmare! They are the horde in the night:  the undead, the goblins, the trolls and the oni. Beware their evil.

The L5R card game has been around since 1995 and has cultivated a loyal following. Part of its appeal is the storyline of the game. Players can affect what happens in Rokugan through tournaments. Carnage has presented L5R tournaments in the past, but unfortunately the game went through a lull in the mid 2000s. We are pleased to say that Carnage brought back the L5R Swords tournament last year and that this year we are planning on even more L5R events. Rokugan is returning to Carnage!

If you want to check out more about L5R please check out: http://www.l5r.com.

Also check out both Quarterstaff Games in Burlington, VT, and Triple Play in West Lebanon, NH. They have both organized and casual L5R play.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Carnage L5R events. But plan on bringing your sword and your honor if you plan on making your mark in Rokugan!