GOLD ARC - STORYLINE RESULTS

Season of the Unicorn
Story Results

Open war has erupted between the Crab and Crane as they battle to see which clan truly deserves to possess the Yasuki name. The Unicorn have been allies of both clans in the past, and now stand in indecision, helping neither. If the Crab win, their Shinjo allies will arrive in force to help turn the tide. If the Crane win, their allies in the court convince the Ide to turn the Unicorn's attention away from the conflict.

RESULT: Not so much a result as a lack of one. The Crane won, so the Unicorn did not interfere in the war.

Though they are neighbors, the Unicorn have had only rare dealings with the Clan of the Dragon. The Clan of the Phoenix have been allies in the past, but they seem much changed of late. More distant. More arrogant. The Unicorn and their allies in the Ox are watching these two clans carefully. The stronger of these two groups could prove a welcome ally... or a worthy foe.

RESULT: Phoenix won, gaining the Ox as an ally. Result: Flavor text on Taijikku.

In Ryoko Owari, the Scorpion's presence has weakened. As the masked warriors of the Bayushi family scour their provinces to search for the killer of the Emperor, their military presence in the City of Lies is greatly diminished. Ryoko Owari is a rich city, second only to the capitol itself. With speed and cunning, the Unicorn could snatch Ryoko Owari from the clutches of the Scorpion... but they must defeat the Scorpion first.

RESULT: Unicorn won, taking over Ryoko Owari. See flavor text on Make Them Pay, plus various references in RPG and CCG to Unicorn ruling Ryoko Owari.

On the fields near the Kitsu Tombs, the Lion face a strange new threat. The monstrous Tsuno, beasts from the Shadowlands unlike any seen before. Unicorn scouts skirt the edge of the battle, but have not yet involved themselves in the conflict until more can be learned about this new foe. If the Lion demonstrate greater valor than their Shadowlands foes, the Unicorn and Lion together will discover the true nature of these Tsuno. If the Shadowlands defeat the Lion, however, the clever spies of the Unicorn will press their advantage and steal away a few of the Kitsu's secrets.

RESULT: Lion won. See results in Friday Fiction: “Lifeless, Part 2” where the Moto gods reveal the Tsuno’s true nature to Kitsu Hisashi.

Toturi Tsudao, leader of the Emerald Legion and daughter of Toturi, stands beside the Lion against the armies of the Tsuno. The clan with the greatest representation in the tournaments will see one of their number promoted to general of the Imperial Legions for assisting Tsudao in her time of need.

RESULT: Crane won, resulting in Doji Jotaro personality card.

Hantei Naseru has agreed to end the Crane and Lion's long feud over Violence Behind Courtliness City. The Clan with more wins - Lion or Crane - gains control of the city.

RESULT: Crane won. See flavor text on Naseru’s Strength.

The Dragon and Phoenix both consider themselves masters of magic, and of late they have become bitter enemies as well. As son of the Emperor and a shugenja, the favor of Toturi Sezaru would do much to support either clan's claim. Whichever clan, Dragon or Phoenix, has a larger number of wins gains the Wolf's favor.

RESULT: Phoenix won; results forthcoming.

In the lands of the Crab, an army of oni the likes of which have not been seen in two decades suddenly besieges the Hiruma. A scout force of Crabs and Ratlings are sent south to investigate. If the Crabs and Ratlings can defeat the Shadowlands, they can defuse this new threat before it grows worse. If the Shadowlands Horde succeeds... pray that the Horde does not succeed.

RESULT: Crab won. See results on Rekai’s Harriers flavor text, the Friday Fiction “Excellence,” and supplements for the RPG.

And as for the clan of the Scorpion? Their victory lies in the failure of their enemies. The clan with the least representation in the tournaments will find themselves at the mercy of the Scorpion... if such can be called "mercy."

RESULT: Phoenix “won.” See results on flavor text for “Enlightenment” and “A New Path.”

Season of the Shadowlands
Story Results

The war that escalates between Crab and Crane has drawn the notice of darker forces. Though the Crab maintain their vigil upon the Wall, their focus is split. Likewise, the Crane do not realize the dangers that lie in the shadows of the Crab provinces. The Shadowlands Horde shall strike at the weaker of these two clans, burning one of their great palaces to the ground.

RESULT: Crane won, and as a result Kaiu Shiro was destroyed. See results in Friday Fiction “Brotherhood” as well as Secrets of the Crab for the RPG.

The enlightened prophets of the Dragon hold the secrets of the future, while the Scorpion have mastered the shadowed secrets of the past. The Lord of the Shadowlands finds the alliance between these two clans distasteful, and seeks to drive a wedge between the two. The clan who with better performance, Scorpion and Dragon, shall be gifted with a terrible revelation about their erstwhile ally. Despite its Tainted source this secret will raise questions too terrible to be ignored. Knowledge is power. This secret, if used, will bring great power to the clan that wields it.

RESULT: Dragon won, and learned of the existence of the Shadowed Tower. See results in Friday Fiction “Master of Secrets” and “Unfinished Business, Part Two.”

When Fu Leng was defeated, it is said, the Twelve Black Scrolls were destroyed. Their foul magic plagues Rokugan no more. However, Moto Chagatai's spies have intercepted information indicating that the Phoenix may have preserved one of the Scrolls for study. Chagatai knows the danger of this magic, and is too wise to allow the scroll to be used directly. His shugenja yet believe that the scroll would be a valuable object of study, and that much could be learned of Isawa's original pure blood magics now that Fu Leng's soul no longer inhabits the Scrolls. If the Unicorn triumphs over the Phoenix, the Iuchi shall appropriate this Black Scroll for their own study. If the Phoenix triumph, they will continue to protect this dangerous artifact.

RESULT: Phoenix won. See Results in the Phoenix Clan Letter for Imperial Herald Vol. 2 #5 and Secrets of the Phoenix for the RPG.

In the Seikitsu Mountains near the lands of the Unicorn, the Horde and Lion clash. The Tsuno have discovered a blade that can only be the sword of Akodo himself. His tomb cannot be far behind. The Lion will not allow their enemies to desecrate the resting place of their Kami founder. The Tsuno have sworn they will find Akodo's remains, and return them to their Dark Lord. The faction with a stronger performance, Shadowlands or Lion, will find Akodo's Grave first.

RESULT: Shadowlands won. See results in Friday Fiction “Honor’s Grave,” the Lion Clan Letter for Imperial Herald Vol. 2 #6 and the card Akodo’s No-Dachi.

Akodo Kaneka has begun his quest for the throne, but he has determined to earn it through strength of will, not the support of sycophants. Only the strong are allowed to join his elite command staff; the clan with the greatest representation will find a place high among his counsel.

RESULT: Crane was highest ranking clan (Shadowlands placed higher but is a faction, not a clan). Doji Midoru joined Akodo Kaneka. See Friday Fiction “A Matter of Loyalty.”

Miya Gensaiken, a corrupted shape-shifter, watches Toturi Sezaru in anonymity, waiting for a chance to corrupt the Wolf. If the number of corrupted decks supporting Sezaru exceeds the amount of uncorrupted decks, Gensaiken will find the opportunity he needs to steer the Wolf down the path of destruction. (For the purposes of this tournament, four or more cards is considered a corrupted deck.)

RESULT: Gensaiken did not receive the opportunity he desired. Thus, nothing happened.

The Dark Oracle of Water watches over the great armies of the Unicorn and Lion; one clan prepares to defend the Empire; the other prepares to shake it to its foundation. The Dark Oracle has not yet decided who he favors in the battle to come... but the clan who succeeds shall receive the Oracle's gift to do with as they will.

RESULT: Matsu Turi was revealed to be Oracle of Water and made a bargain with the Lion. See results in the Lion Clan Letter for Imperial Herald Vol. 2 #6.

In the deep Shadowlands, a strike-force of Crab and Ratling have discovered a threat unlike any that has been seen in recent memory. If these combined factions can defeat the Shadowlands, they will escape to bring news of this threat to Rokugan. If the Shadowlands triumph, there will be no escape.

RESULT: Shadowlands won, and thus Daigotsu’s plans were not revealed until the Friday Fiction “Prelude to Darkness, Part Six.”

The Dragon and Phoenix continue their struggle in the northern lands. The clan with a stronger performance will gain the aid of a previously neutral Minor Clan.

RESULT: Dragon won, leading Toturi Sezaru, ally of the Dragon, to place his headquarters in Kyuden Tonbo. The Dragonfly, who had removed themselves from the war, rejoined as his allies. See flavor text for “Perfect Attunement.”

The power of the Scorpion Clan dominates the court, a domain once ruled by the Crane. However, the Crane are not to be underestimated. The clan with a greater amount of success between these two will arrange a marriage for one of the Four Winds.

RESULT: Crane won; results forthcoming.

The clan with the least representation in the tournaments will hear the siren song of the Shadowlands... as one of their family daimyo is drawn into the darkness.

RESULT: Crab “won,” causing Hida Kuroda to become Kyofu. See the card, “Kyofu.”

Secrets of the Crane
Robbed of their rightful claim over the Yasuki lands, Crane Champion Doji Kurohito has turned to the Phoenix Clan, a clan founded by his own wife's legendary father, to seek aid in their struggle against the claims of the Crab Clan and the armies of Akodo Kaneka. Phoenix Champion Shiba Aikune sees the advantages of such an alliance, but only to his own ends. The winner, between Phoenix and Crane, shall form an alliance with the other to their greater benefit, and will put the troops of their ally to use against their enemies.

RESULT: The Crane won, allying with the Phoenix. This alliance was first alluded to in the Friday Fiction “Excellence” and has later appeared in numerous fictions and flavor text.

The Clan of the Unicorn stands beside Akodo Kaneka, attacking the Crane's interests in the Yasuki lands. The Scorpion undermine the Crane's political influence in the courts. Both are powerful enemies, but neither of these clans have any great love for the other. No one knows this better than the skilled courtiers of the Crane, who have already put plans into motion to turn the Scorpion against the Unicorn. Whoever wins between Unicorn and Scorpion will be the first to strike, seizing a city ruled by the other.

RESULT: The Scorpion won, usurping control of Ryoko Owari from the Unicorn, who had previously taken it over. See flavor text on “House of the Red Lotus” and Secrets of the Scorpion for the RPG.

The Dragon Clan stand against the Phoenix, potential allies of the Dragon. The Lion have never been great allies of the Crane, and are now looked upon with angry disfavor by Shiba Aikune. The Crane will prove their loyalty by using their political leverage to dishonor and dueling one of Aikune's enemies. The clan with the poorer performance - Dragon and Lion - watch as one of their most famous generals meets his death on Kakita steel.

RESULT: Dragon lost, causing the death of Mirumoto Ukira in the Friday Fiction, “Excellence.”

Though the Crab and Crane are bitter enemies, the Daidoji recognize that the Shadowlands are the Empire's true foe. As the Horde extends its grasp across the Kaiu Wall, Lord Kurohito dispatches a legion of Iron Cranes to assist the Crab defending Hiruma Castle. If the Crab attain more wins than the Shadowlands, the Daidoji arrive in time to bolster their forces. If the Shadowlands win, then the great castle of the Crab will fall to darkness again...

RESULT: Crab won, reaffirming the earlier Secrets of the Unicorn prize and ensuring Hiruma Castle’s safety in this story arc. See results on Rekai’s Harriers flavor text, the Friday Fiction “Excellence,” and supplements for the RPG.

Each of the Winds has embarked upon their quest for the throne, but the Crane have still not decided which to support. With Doji Tanitsu's help, they are in the unique position of having the ear of every Wind, potentially even that of their apparent enemy, Akodo Kaneka. Whichever Wind is used the most frequently when playing Crane decks will gain the favor of the Crane, and will grant them a gift in return.

RESULT: Tsudao won, and was granted a Kakita Blade. See flavor text on “Kakita Munemori.” As this win coincided with another Season of the Crane result, Tsudao also forged a much closer alliance with the Crane than otherwise would have occurred.

The remains of Yoritomo Aramasu lie in Otosan Uchi, salvaged from Scorpion blasphemy and protected by the Mantis' former Crane allies. The Crane seek to renew their alliance with the Mantis by returning the remains of their Champion, but the Scorpion will not rest until his ashes have been strewn over Traitor's Grove. If the Crane can overcome the Scorpion, then they shall win back the Mantis Clan's favor. If not, Aramasu's ashes will be stolen by the Bayushi assassins who slew him.

RESULT: Crane won. See results in Friday Fiction “Ashes and Steel.”

The Brotherhood no longer participates in the wars of the Empire, but the monks who follow the Tao have not spent their time in idleness. A monk will soon discover a clue that may lead to the lost half of the Tao, thought destroyed long ago. This monk will belong to the clan who wins the most enlightenment victories.

RESULT: Results unknown. Enlightenment victories were not reported by TO’s.

Though the Crane strive for political power, they must first contend with Hantei Naseru - the sinister mastermind of Otosan Uchi. The clan who reports the most wins using Hantei Naseru as their Wind will gain the Anvil's favor, and be offered a position of great power in Otosan Uchi.

RESULT: Scorpion won. Results can be seen in Naseru’s alliance with Bayushi Kaukatsu in the novel, Wind of Justice.

Meanwhile, the Crane have not given up on their efforts to sway the ear of Toturi Tsudao, the leader of the Imperial Legions. If the Crane win more victories supporting Toturi Tsudao than any other, the Sword will agree to accept a Kakita blade.

RESULT: Tsudao won, and was granted a Kakita Blade. See flavor text on “Kakita Munemori.” As this win coincided with another Season of the Crane result, Tsudao also forged a much closer alliance with the Crane than otherwise would have occurred.

And as for the clan with the least representation in this tournament... All Clans have a Nightmare, a demon that represents the foulest vices imaginable. The daimyo of this clan will face his clan's Onisu, and fall before it. If the Shadowlands Horde should have the least representation, the Lord of the Shadowlands will face his own nightmare...

RESULT: Mantis “won” this price; results forthcoming.

Season of the Lion
Story Results

The citizens of the Empire cry out for protection from the chaos that surrounds them. Who is strong enough to answer the call? Who will reap the rewards of nobility? If the Lion succeed in taking control of the City of the Rich Frog, they will gain the wealth of a prestigious holding as well as the loyalty of the Kaeru family. Should one of their enemies win, then that clan will gain a foothold in the lands of the Lion.

RESULT: The Lion succeeded. See results in the card “Ikoma Tomaru,” a character who had previously appeared as Kaeru Tomaru in fictions and the RPG.

Season of the Mantis
Story Results

The Mantis are a clan divided. Their lord Aramasu is dead, his assassin unknown and his position assumed by a young and untested woman whom many in the Empire regard as little more than a pirate. But there is a faction within the clan devoted to exposing Kitao’s treachery and restoring the proper order to the clan. Old allies and enemies will be radically altered, and new alliances and conflicts will be born. Who will stand to reap the benefit of this upheaval? The faction that achieves the most victories in the Season of the Mantis will gain the gratitude of the clan and be spared the ravages of Kaneka’s brutal trade blockade. If the Mantis win, they will seize control of their own destiny and gain new allies in the Ichiro family, perhaps even adding them as loyal members of the true Mantis leaders.

RESULT: The Crane won. Results forthcoming.

Season of the Dragon
Story Results

Tamori Shaitung prepares for a final confrontation with her father, the Dark Oracle of Fire. If the Shadowlands wins this conflict, then Agasha Tamori will survive this conflict, spelling dire implications for the Dragon Clan.

RESULT: Dragon won. Results forthcoming in “Dark Oracle of Fire” Friday Fiction.

Lord Hoshi’s return is a good omen for the Dragon Clan, but he also bears a message for one other. The daimyo of the faction with the greatest amount of wins in this tournament will be visited by Lord Hoshi before he returns to the heavens.

RESULT: Crane won. Results forthcoming.

Season of the Crab
Story Results

As the battle against the Shadowlands draws nearer to the lands of the lost Boar Clan, it has drawn the attention of the Oracle of Earth who dwells there. He watches the Crab soldiers and their Unicorn allies with interest. Whichever of these clans has the greater amount of wins in this tournament will be rewarded a gift from the mighty Oracle.

RESULT: Crab won. Results in forthcoming Friday Fiction, “Shinsei’s Last Hope.”

Long ago, the Phoenix and Lion promised to aid the Crab in their war against the Horde, but conflict with the Dragon caused their aid to be delayed. Now that Lion and Phoenix are no longer allies, it would be difficult for the Crab to gain the help of both clans. Whichever clan, Lion or Phoenix, has the greater amount of wins will dispatch troops to aid the Crab.

RESULT: Phoenix won. Results in forthcoming Friday Fiction, “Shinsei’s Last Hope.”

Secrets of the Phoenix
Story Results

The Isawa have recovered one of the dreaded Black Scrolls, an artifact used by Isawa to defeat Fu Leng. Despite that these insidious documents once nearly destroyed the entire Phoenix Clan, the Isawa are keeping the scroll a secret in the fear that it may be the only means possible to destroy the Last Wish. Should the Phoenix have a greater number of wins than the Shadowlands, the Black Scroll will be purified of its Taint. If the Shadowlands has more wins, however, the guardian of the Black Scroll will be tainted.

RESULT: Phoenix won. Results in Secrets of the Phoenix for the L5R RPG.

Shiba Ningen, the Master of the Void, cannot see the future of the conflict with Isawa’s Last Wish. He is concerned that the secrets Void Magic, a secret known only to his clan, might be lost should the Phoenix fall. He has used his incredible power to lock the secrets of Void Magic inside the mind of another. An individual belonging to the faction with the highest number of wins in this tournament shall carry this hidden knowledge.

RESULT: Phoenix won. Results to be seen in forthcoming personality.

Season of the Scorpion
Story Results

The secret order known as the Kuroiban has long protected the Empire from the dark arts of maho. The Shadowed Tower represents everything the Kuroiban despise, an organization fully willing to use black magic to obtain their ends. However, not even the Shadowed Tower know of the Kuroiban's existence.

As both of these groups are Scorpion, it will fall to other factions to determine the Kuroiban's fate. Should the number of Shadowlands wins outnumber Phoenix wins, the Shadowed Tower will expose the Kuroiban's existence, crippling their ability to operate effectively. If the number of Phoenix wins is greater, the Kuroiban will instead gain an ally in the Asako Inquisitors who will gladly protect them from the Shadowed Tower.

RESULT: Shadowlands won. Results forthcoming.

Despite this time of internal strife, the Scorpion are yet masters of the court with Bayushi Kaukatsu as Imperial Chancellor. However, with a Crane as Emerald Champion and another as Jade Champion, they are prepared to make their move and return to their former position of dominance. Should the number of Crane wins be greater than the number of Scorpion wins, the Crane will break the Scorpion Clan's dominance of the court. Should the number of Scorpion wins be greater, they will maintain their superiority for now.

RESULT: Scorpion won. As a result, Crane have not broken the Scorpion’s control of the court despite a Crane Emerald Champion, Jade Champion, and Imperial Advisor.

Week of the Ratling
Results not yet determined.

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