Legend of the Five Rings: Defenders of Rokugan

Legend of the Five Rings: Defenders of Rokugan

The Crab defend the land of Rokugan at all costs, occasionally even sacrificing their honor for the good of the Emerald Empire. This is a weakness the Lion Clan are all too ready to exploit through Matsu Agetoki (Defenders of Rokugan, 20). A brilliant tactician, Agetoki can change the location of an entire conflict, potentially saving the Lion from a precarious situation and providing vital information for future attacks. With the Crab’s sometimes less than honorable tactics, the Lion can avoid the pitfalls awaiting them at unknown provinces.

As the last line of protection against the dreaded shadowlands, the Crab are known for their stalwart defense during conflicts. However, how can the Crab defend against what they don’t see coming? Famously, the Unicorn’s speed and swiftness surprised the Crab long ago when they re-entered Rokugan. To this day, the Unicorn’s perplexing methods can still confuse the lateral and straightforward Crab. Shinjo Yasamura (Defenders of Rokugan, 22) cannot only evade the Crab’s mightiest warriors with the covert ability,

but those targeted by this ability can’t defend at all during the phase. This can eliminate a major factor in considering where and when to attack your opponent, and can leave the Crab Clan utterly defenseless if used to strike at the right time.

If the Unicorn can outwit the Crab with military tactics, the Scorpion can take advantage of their lack of political prowess. Yogo Asami (Defenders of Rokugan, 21) acts as a stand-in for Bayushi Kachiko at court, just one of many layers of deception the Scorpion excel in. This allows Bayushi Kachiko (Into the Forbidden City, 56) complete protection, unable to be the target of your opponent’s abilities while Asami is on the field. Furthermore, in military conflicts, Asami can lower the skill of even the most-skilled samurai, perhaps denying your opponent a valuable victory through shrewd political manuevering.

Though few would question the Crab’s devotion to their duty, there are certain holes in their philosophy and skills that can be exploited as the Great Clans of Rokugan prepare for war.