"Easter Eggs" in the L5R CCG

Imperial Edition

• Yasuki Taka is selling moxes (from Magic: the Gathering).
• Shinjo Yasamura bears an uncanny resemblance to a statue of a samurai named Kusunoki Masashige.
• Shiba Katsuda's flambouyant costume was based on historical references, according to artist Mike Raabe.
• The left kanji on Occult Murders is "aku" (evil). Can't remember what the other one is...
• Doji is a somewhat informal / slang term for "blunder" or "mistake." "Dai" means large, so Daidoji... (Apparently, however, these are also legitimate Japanese names.)
• Hida Yakamo: That the Crab Clan Oni was named Hida Yakamo was a mistake. There was talk of renaming the card "Oni no Hida" in Emerald Edition, but the mistake was written into the storyline instead.
• Matsu Imura: It took artist Quinton Hoover two tries at this piece; the first version was rejected as "not Asian enough."
• The kanji in the five Rings are those for their respective elements. Also:

Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 14:02:21 -0700
From: "Ryan S. Dancey" <ryand@organizedplay.com>
Subject: RE: [L5R-CCG] RL people with IC personae as CCG cards...

The first multi-card artwork was the original five rings themselves.
Matt Wilson did not like the artwork originally received (or the art was
delayed and didn't make the deadline, I don't remember which). In a
panic, he went home and over a day or so painted one long painting of
the five rings, which was then broken up into the five "Ring" cards used
in the game.

That original painting now hangs in my office at OrganizedPlay, and has
followed me from FRPG, thorugh WotC to its present place of honor.

• Shiba Tsukune: The art was originally commissed for an item (the Ancestral Sword of the Phoenix, according to Ed Bolme), but the design team liked it so much, it got "promoted" to a personality.
• Hida Tampako: The crab symbol behind Tampako is an actual tsuba (sword hand guard). I've seen it in a book on samurai armor, but don't have the reference. It reappears on the Celestial Sword of the Crab.
• Ginawa: Former story writer John Wick has said that Ginawa is L5R's homage to acclaimed Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. (If your Japanese isn't so hot, try this link for Mifune information.)
• "I have heard, though totally unconfirmed, that the L5R story team was supposed to shorten names before Imperial came out. Daidoji was shortened to Doji, though not all instances were caught. Likewise Horiuchi and Iuchi." - Ed Bolme
• "The art for Bayushi Kachiko was commissioned for 'Scorpion Shugenja B.' When the art came in, the design team changed the card, and resulted in the Seductress we all know and love." - Ed Bolme

Shadowlands

• Garegoso no Bakemono roughly translates as "the Gallegos monster," after artist Randy Gallegos.
• Hida O-Ushi's name was meant to translate roughly as "big bull" (as in bully), but came out closer to "big cow."
• Shosuro Taberu: Artists Heather Bruton and April Lee are friends, so Heather good-naturedly incorporated Lee's Kakita Yoshi into the background art for Taberu. April's reply came in Scorpion Clan Coup.
• The flavour text for the Doom of... events feature "The Prophecies of Uikku" (pronounced "wick-oo"), a self-reference to the man who wrote the flavour text, John Wick.
• The flavour text for the Dark Oracles forms a short poem.
• The flavour text for several reprinted followers describe "The Battle for Kakita Palace, Part ...." Lots of players went looking hard for "The Battle for Kakita Palace, Part III." It doesn't exist.
• Shosuro Taberu: "Taberu" means "to eat" in Japanese.

Emerald Edition

• Doji Hoturi: The artwork was replaced using the Experienced Doji Hoturi art from the Shadowlands set. Apparently, Doug Shuler's original artwork for Hoturi was lost, and the designers thought the original piece was a bit too robotic.

Forbidden Knowledge

• Mirumoto Daini (Experienced), Virtues of Command, and Togashi Mikoto form a triptych (left to right, in that order), which artist Randy Gallegos called something like, "The Lion tames the Dragon."
• Ikoma Ujiaki (Experienced): According to Ryan Dancey, the artist was given instructions that the character should look older, to indicate that time had passed. Somehow, "older" got construed as "ancient."

Anvil of Despair

• Bayushi Kachiko (Experienced) and Togashi Yokuni (Experienced) form a diptych, with Yokuni overlooking Kachiko. Also notice the old koku symbol (upside-down) decorating the wall just underneath Toagshi.
• Mikaru's flavour text was changed when the team received the art. It was originally, "Like the boots?"
• Suzume Mukashino: According to Roger Giner-Sorolla, "'mukashino' is the equivalent of 'Once upon a time' in Japanese, the traditional way to begin telling a story." More to the point, about 8-9 months before Anvil of Despair:

From: D. J. Trindle (djt@lightside.com)
Subject: Re: L5R: Other Clans
Newsgroups: rec.games.trading-cards.misc
Date: 1996/03/21

Dan Grendell (Unicorn Clan Samurai) wrote:

> In the rulebook, it says that there are other, lesser, Clans that are not
> powerful enough to vie for the Emerald Throne. I wonder if we will ever
> see any of them?

I've designed about a dozen cards for the Sparrow Clan (the Failed Apprentice who ruins half of the scrolls he's given, the Venerable Samurai who keeps telling stories about the Good Old Days to anyone who'll listen, etc.), but for some reason the rest of the office keeps vetoing them.

-D.J.T.

Crimson & Jade

• Isawa Tomo (Experienced) was modelled on a picture of actor Matt Frewer.
• Iuchi Daiyu (Experienced): According to Ryan Dancey, artist Pamela Shanteau was given instructions that the character should look older, to indicate that time had passed. Somehow, "older" got construed as "ancient."
• Masasue: The mantis was based on Ahab, artist Randy Gallegos's pet mantis, which died around the time he painted it. (This from Randy's notes on Daydream Graphics.)
• According to Rob Bowman, the Brotherhood of Shinsei faction was inspired by the books, The Initiate Brother and Gatherer of Clouds by Sean Russell.
  

Obisidian Edition

• Hida Tsuru finally commented on what Shinjo Hanari said about him in Imperial Edition...

Time of the Void

• ...And Tsuru has a change of heart, described on the flavour text for Shinjo Hanari (Experienced).
• Bayushi Kachiko (Experienced 2): The kanji on the wall surrounding Kachiko make an unflattering comment about story writer John Wick. Matt Wilson, the artist for the piece, did no more art for L5R for years, until Paul Timm asked Wilson to contribute a couple of pieces for Gold Edition. Nobody ever gave an official reason for Matt's departure, but many speculate this piece had something to do with it.
• Doji Shizue is the handle of then-fan Ree Soesbee. Although Ree later went on to join the L5R team as lead writer, she was not associated with the company when Time of the Void was produced, apart from contributing stories to the Imperial Herald. This version of Shizue was older than Ree envisioned her (hence the remarkable reverse aging process in her Experienced version).
• Kitsu Okura: The pattern on the wall behind Okura is also seen on the Ancestral Sword of the Lion.
• Matsu Turi: The flavour text, "Finally, I have a chance to find my own destiny!" is a reference to another card named Matsu Turi: the pre-Imperial Edition promotional version of Matsu Gohei. Matsu Turi was tournament legal as a distinct card for a while.
• Akoyoshi (Experienced): According to artist Liz Danforth, "The model was a (blonde) friend of mine prepping for an SCA fight when I snapped her. I took considerable liberties with the details and colouration of her armor, of course, but she and I were both pretty jazzed with the results!"
• Gaijin Merchant:

From: Ryan S. Dancey (RyanD@frpg.com)
Subject: Re: [L5R] TotV people looking like real life
Newsgroups: rec.games.trading-cards.misc
Date: 1997/09/12

Michael Schilder <schilder.michael@ic.gc.ca> wrote:

>Gaijin Merchant - ?

The Gaijin Merchant is Stan Sord, the 1996 FRPG Salesperson of the Year. Stan used to work for Wargames West distribution, and unknown to him, Wayne Godfrey (owner, WWD) "bought" his likeness on a ToV card.

It was a pretty big shock to Stan when he saw it for the first time at GenCon!

It was a pretty big shock to Wayne when Stan quit to go work for Zocchi Distribution!

Anyway, we love 'em both, and wanted to celebrate the great job Stan did in 1996, and the fantastic job our Distributor of the Year, Wargames West did in '96 as well, so it's a pretty important card to the Design Team.

>Bayushi Kachiko - Well not really, but it would be nice

If you only knew....!

Ryan S. Dancey
Wizards of the Coast Brand Manager
Five Rings Publishing Group

• Oni no Pekkle: Oni no Pekkle was designed by Edward Bolme to honor his ex-wife. It is named after her favorite Japanese animation character.
• Bend Like a Reed: "Came straight out of the Dune movie," said Ed Bolme.

Signed Cards

• Toku (Experienced): Dave Williams, L5R's lead designer for AEG.
• The Ruined Fortress of the Scorpion: John Wick, head writer for The Clan War story line.
• Ikoma Tsanuri (Experienced): Ryan S. Dancey, original designer, founder of FPRG, now head of Organized Play.
• Kage (Experienced 2 Akodo Kage): John Zinser, head of Alderac Entertainment Group, and the man who said, "Let's make a game about samurai."
• Oracle of the Void: D.J. Trindle, original rulebook editor and original FAQ maintainer. D.J.'s original rulings columns in The Imperial Herald were titled, "Oracle of the Void."
• Hida Amoro (Experienced): Rob Vaux, author of Way of the Crab RPG supplement.
• Doji Hoturi (Experienced 2): David Seay, co-credited with "original concept."
• Togashi Yokuni (Experienced 2): Matt Wilson, original art director.
• Mirumoto Hitomi (Experienced 2): Matt Staroscik, part of original design team.
• Asako Togama: Jeff Alexander, then volunteer FAQ maintainer.

Scorpion Clan Coup, Scroll 1

• Political Distraction was April Lee's reply to Heather Bruton's art for Shosuro Taberu.
• Bayushi Yojiro was John Wick's playtest character for the L5R roleplaying game. Yojiro was not a female -- but the art either didn't arrive on time or got mixed with another piece (Bayushi Dozan, according to Paul Jacoby). So it's time to lay the rumour to rest: Yojiro did not escape the subsequent pogrom by cross-dressing!

Scorpion Clan Coup, Scroll 2

• The kanji in Hojatu's Blade was the original name for the item (can't remember what it says, though!).
• Shazaar: Shazaar was artist Cris Dornaus's Naga character in an "in-house" role-playing campaign at AEG. "It was decided she would be the first Naga to awaken... The moment the painting captures is when she's first awakened from this thousand-year sleep and looks out to see the encroaching Shadowlands and it just breaks her heart." - Cris Dornaus

• Heartbeat Drummers: This card got its name from Kodo, a Taiko group that has been called "The Heartbeat of Japan," according to Ed Bolme.

Jade Edition

• Mirumoto Hitomi (Experienced 2): "The Obsidian Hand is just starting to poison her soul, and so she's sort of struggling in between the dark in the light - symbolized by having her half in shadow. Dave Williams suggested having the black claw clutching at the throne and cracking and chipping it -- a forshadowing of the corruption and disintegration to come." - Cris Dornaus

The Hidden Emperor, Episode 1

• Kakita Yoshi (Experienced): The flavour text attributed to Toturi is a paraphrase of a quote by Confucius.
• Rebuilding the Empire: The face in the lower left corner was based on Japanese actor and musician Sanada Hiroyuki (or Hiroyuki Sanada, depending on whether you follow European or Japanese naming conventions; usually "Harry Sanada" in English), according to artist Heather Bruton.

The Hidden Emperor, Episode 2

• Double Agent was inspired by strategy 33 of the 36 Strategies (see also here and here), variously translated as "Scheme with double agents," "Sow discord in the enemy camp," or "Turn the enemy's agents against him."
• Hitomi (Experienced 3 Mirumoto Hitomi): "I was trying to get across, again, that sense of struggle: between the ghostly dragon, the soul of her Clan, and the evil influence of Lord Moon, whose Obsidian Hand has claimed much more of her flesh and soul." (See right and left side of card, respectively - ZF) - Cris Dornaus

The Hidden Emperor, Episode 3

• Mercy Shrouds the Earth: The title was taken from a spell cast by a monk in the movie A Chinese Ghost Story, Part II.

The Hidden Emperor, Episode 4

• Arrows from the Ranks: The effect was directly inspired by a scene in the movie Heaven & Earth, according to Jeff Alexander.
• Malekish was Steve Rutledge's Naga, from the famous non-battle at GenCon 1997 with Nik Olah.

The Hidden Emperor, Episode 5

• Jama Suru: According to John Pope, "jama suru" means to disturb or hinder.
• Matsu Turi (Experienced): "The flavor text for Matsu Turi Experienced comes almost directly from a LARP at a Los Angeles convention. The person playing Turi was being asked about his character's role in various recent battles. The player didn't have a rabidly thorough knowledge of storyline affairs, so, in typical Lion fashion, he began shouting ferocious claims to cover the gaps. The mechanics, I believe, then came from the flavor text." - Jeff Alexander

The Hidden Emperor: The Dark Journey Home

• Matsu Toki was the handle of a fan named Bryan Settle, who loved dark and corrupt decks.
• Contested Holding: The samurai is holding the statue from Jade Works (Imperial Edition).
• Shotai: According to Jon Paulson, "The artwork is loosely based off one of the actors appearing in the movie Chushingura," which adapts the famous Japanese tale of the 47 ronin.
• Tiger Tattoo: From Matt Cavotta's website: "The model for 'Tiger Tattoo' is Matt's friend, Mark. It seemed appropriate to use Mark since he is covered with tattoos and of Japanese descent. Of course, Mark does not have a glowing green eye."

Siege of Sleeping Mountain

• Mirumoto Bujun was the handle of Jim Callahan, a Dragon player and part of the "Honourable Dragon Movement."

Honor Bound

• Hitomi Kagetora is the handle of Joe Keyser of Dark Edge Games, the lead tournament organizer for many of L5R's premiere events (including several GenCon World Championships) and part of the "Honourable Dragon Movement."
• Daidoji Kedamono: According to John Pope, "kedamono" means "beast" or "brute."
• Stars Scatter: The title was taken from a spell cast by a monk in the movie A Chinese Ghost Story, Part II.
• Abresax: His non-Experienced version does not exist in L5R. You can find it in Legend of the Burning Sands' first expansion, Shadow of the Tyrant.

Ambition's Debt

• The set's title is from Shakespeare's Julius Caeser, Act 3, Scene 1: Brutus's first words after Caesar's death are:
  "People and senators, be not affrighted;
  Fly not; stand stiff: ambition's debt is paid."
• Olyah's name was based on long-time Naga player Nik Olah. Nik and Steven Rutledge gained fame as two Naga players who refused to fight at the Day of Thunder (GenCon 1997). Nik skirmished into the final 32 and was the highest finishing Naga player in the tournament.
• Yoritomo Furikae, with his bandage and flavour text, was inspired by an incident during the first global storyline tournament, The Storming of Morikage Castle. Scott Hadsall wrote, "The incident happened at A to Z Comics in Warrensburg, Missouri at my tournament. Brian Floyd slipped and fell on a patch of ice on the ground, and cracked himself open. The ambulance came, and took him away to the hospital in Warrensburg. We were still waiting on a couple people to show up, and were going to begin round one, when Brian walks in the door, courtesy of an uncle of his that lived nearby. He had staples in his head (yes, staples, not stitches) and was still clutching his deckbox. He asked if he could still play, and we signed him up, and re-paired. He went on to take 2nd place with his METH deck, losing to Crane in the final round to if I recall, Donald Broadus."
• The chysanthemum in Yoritomo Sensei was acknowledgement of a gift of chysanthemums sent to Ree Soesbee from several members of a Mantis clan mailing list.
• Yasuki Nokatsu (Experienced): Compare the size of his tattoo to the one he had in the Shadowlands set...
• Isawa Mitori: According to former Wizards of the Coast staffer Mike Leisik, the art for Mitori "is based off a picture of Paul Timm (former WotC Creative Director for L5R)."
• Guardian of the Rift: You can see the front of this image on a card in Legend of the Burning Sands: The Awakening set on a card titled... Guardian of the Rift!

Fire & Shadow

• Bayushi Aramoro (Experienced 2) and Bayushi Aramasu (Experienced 2) form a diptych.
• Bayushi Muraisan was based on Bayushi Murai, the handle for Scorpion fan Steve Muray.
• Roger Giner-Sorolla speculates that the art for Mirumoto Yuyake was inspired by the manga Lone Wolf and Cub. Jon Paulson confirms that artist Anthony Grabski is a fan of the series.
• Miya's Sasumata: According to artist Talon Dunning, this item is meant to form a diptych with his Naginata artwork (from The Spirit Wars and Gold Edition), although the two were not painted at the same time.
• Hida Rohiteki (Experienced): "If you look in the helment she has slung over her shulder, you'll see that a goblin's head is still in it." - Cris Dornaus

Heroes of Rokugan

• Rezan: Not an Easter egg, but this is as good a place as any to show how Ken Meyer, Jr. developed the painting.
• One Virtue and Seventy Faults and the related story in the book is a retelling of a real Japanese legend, similar to the Greek Pandora myth, according to Ree Soesbee.
• Someisa's name is taken from the word 'somei', meaning 'wise,' according to Ree Soesbee.

Soul of the Empire

• Yaro: The flavor text for Yaro, according to Jon Paulson, was based on a Toturi's Army / Ninja challenge match from War in the Heavens. Jon goes on to say Yaro was ashigaru because Paulson uses ashigaru decks. "I was the only person to challenge the Ninja thus the lone defender quote." Yaro also means "bastard," Jon writes.
     That said, Chris Burns writes, "Jon Paulson was the second TA player to challenge Ninja. I was the first... challenging ninja (and if they didn't show up, Shadowlands) on the first day. In fact, as I recall I was the first challenge of that particular GenCon. I did go on to win my challenge. Also Yaro (or Rakki Yaro) has been my handle since I first saw it in Way of the Crab, and I've yet to see anyone else use it. I didn't know about Jon's contribution/challenge until later on .. so I currently like to think we both inspired the card. Not that I'm trying to bitch or complain ... but I figured I'd like to set the record straight (or at least as straight as I see it)."
• Political Favors, according to Jon Paulson, was a thanks to the members of the Wolf Legion for the giant Toturi's Army banner that was sent to Ree, which still hangs in her office. (This is also mentioned in the Way of the Wolf book).
• Toritaka Mariko's "lighthouse" is a Korean war helm, according to artist Dennis Calero.
• Moto Gaheris: You won't find his non-Experienced version unless you look at L5R's sister game, Legend of the Burning Sands, where he appeared in the first set, Shadow of the Tyrant.
• Fully Armed: According to Jon Paulson, the weapons in the background "are taken from Dark Horse [Comics] Blade of the Immortal series, carried / owned by the character Manji."
• Magistrate's Blade: According to artist Talon Dunning, the monkey in the background is found only in northern Japan.
• Dairya (Experienced 3) and The Grey Crane (Experienced 3 Kakita Toshimoko) are shown fighting back to back; the outline for each can be seen in the other's card.
• Togashi Mitsu (Experienced 2): Mitsu sports a different variety of tattoos than his earlier versions. Also note the Snake Clan Mon in the background on a battle standard.

Signed cards

• Toku (Experienced 3): Dave Williams, lead designer for AEG
• Daidoji Rekai (Experienced 2): Ree Soesbee, lead story writer for second story line.
• Naka Kuro (Experienced): Jeff Alexander, then volunteer FAQ keeper.
• Bayushi Goshiu (Experienced 3): Andy Heckt, then Fan Club Coordinator for Wizards of the Coast.
• Mat'tck: Mindy "Mouse" Sherwood-Lewis, first FRPG employee, mostly Wizards of the Coast tournament organizer, now with Organized Play.
• Ide Tadaji (Experienced): Paul Allen Timm, art director for Wizards of the Coast.
• Moto Gaheris: Erik Yaple, AEG's design assistant.
• Dragon of Fire (Experienced): Edward Bolme, former Brand Manager for Wizards of the Coast. Ed got this nickname at WotC for leading the banzai cheers.
• Otomo Sensei: Luke Peterschmidt, former Brand Manager for Wizards of the Coast.
• Restoring the Age of Myth: Jessica Beaven, former L5R editor for Wizards of the Coast.

The Spirit Wars

• Three-Stone River: Jordan ("Upeer") Murari writes: "In 1998, I was in an L5R RPG campaign, playing a very proud Crane Samurai. We had a rather proud Lion in our group that was giving me something a hard time about my character and ancestry (none other than Vaughn Derderian) -- not enough to provoke me actually, but enough to require a recitation of my lineage. Well I go on for a couple minutes and near the end there I toss in how my Grandfather fought at the battle of 3 Stone River, where the Lion learned defeat. I got quite the ribbing for the name of the battle. Pretty much my group thought it was the silliest name for a battle they had EVER heard of and gave me a hard time for it.
  "We all go to Origins that year. There is an L5R RPG Seminar with Ree Soesbee, who is in the midst of putting the final touches on Way of the Lion for the RPG. During this EMPTY (two people) seminar I ask her if there is some way to include this battle in the book. She says that she'll see what she can do. Well a few months later the book comes out and there is the battle. Needless to say I rubbed it in the face of my entire playgroup. And since then they even made a card out of it."
• Bitter: As can be seen on Talon Dunning's web page, this colours on this piece were digitally manipulated after the fact to make the colours match established clan colours.
• Honorable: Again from Talon Dunning's web page, see how the costume colours were changed after the fact.
• Kakita Kaiten (Experienced) and Mirumoto Uso (Experienced) form a diptych. The art was originally released as special ButtonMen at the Y2K party.
• New Kimono: According to artist April Lee, "New Kimono was digitally changed from purple colors to oranges," because "Phoenix Clan colors were erroneously listed as mauve/purple/silver in the Artists Guide [from Fire & Shadow through to The Spirit Wars]. Some artists paid attention to this and others didn't."

Gold Edition

• The Emperor's Left Hand and The Emperor's Right Hand form a diptych.
• Test of the Emerald Champion and Test of the Jade Champion form a diptych.
• Bayushi Kaukatsu is the handle of the late Jonah Medeiros, who ran a "ScorpionClan" mailing list and contributed to the Unexpected Allies RPG sourcebook (see also here).
• Shiba Yoma's name was the result of a regional story tournament in 2000 (Region 6: KS, MO, IA), which was won by Adam Diephouse.
• Iaijutsu Challenge, Iaijutsu Duel, and Kharmic Strike show a three part action sequence.
• Kabuki Theatre Troup: The dialogue between Naseru and Sezaru that starts here continues on the reprints of this card in every single expansion through the Gold storyline from A Perfect Cut to Winds of Change.
• Armory: Artist Talon Dunning worked in some of the weapons for which he had already painted cards (Naginata, Sodegarami).
• According to Jon Paulson, "The original art work for [the Gold Edition versions of] Kakita Atoshi, Kakita Noritoshi, Shame all were 'bleached.' They were originally done in differant colours, and the clothing colors were changed via computer alteration to blue crane colors.
     "Kakita Atoshi wore Imperial Green robes prior to his conversion, and Kakita Noritoshi and Shame both originally depicted lion samurai (according to Anthony much of his pun for Shame is lost in the change)  Noritoshi carries a No-Dachi, a very unlikely weapon for a Kakita Crane duelist, perhaps adding a bit of unintentional humor to the piece or implying Noritoshi's great skill."
• Hiruma Tatsuya: According to former Wizards of the Coast staffer Mike Leisik, the art "is based off a picture of me. The original colors for the art were more Scorpion-esque but were changed digitally to fit Crab."
• Ring of the Void: The void symbol is barely visible in the stars.
• The five Oracle items (Candle, Drum, mantle, etc) all show the current Oracles using them, according to Paul Timm.
• Occult Murders: "There's a tattoo/sigil hidden in Occult Murders, Diamond Mine, and Test of Might. Once in the blood smears on the wall, and twice on the inner wrist." - Paul Timm
• "Gold edition cards were storyboarded out according to the major plot arcs and much of the dialouge continues from card to card. The set begins with When Darkness Draws Near and ends with Tides of Battle." - Paul Timm
• Ambush: "Ambush and Gambling House are tied together. The ronin in Gambling House is meeting with Sezaru. Afterwards, he and his men are about to jump some Crab samurai. Sounds nasty, right? But read the flavor text on Ambush again." - Paul Timm
• Block Supply Lines: "Block Supply Lines shows Mantis archers after they've switched sides in the Crab Crane War. This ties into the whole Aramasu debacle: Costly Alliance, Secrets on the Wind, Honorable Seppuku, I Believed in You, and Political Dissent. It's not coincidence that it's a Scorpion shugenja on Secrets on the Wind. So who's responsible? The Yasuki who sought out the Mantis change of sides from Crab to Crane? The Mantis for reverting to their mercenary roots? Or the Scorpion for quite possibly masterminding the whole affair." - Paul Timm
• Forgotten Tomb: "Forgotten Tomb has the design from the Tomb of Iuchiban box set engraved on it..." - Paul Timm
• False Alliance: "False Alliance is due to a Fox player at a Seattle Kotei. All those who were eliminated played a second side tourney. The winner was able to request a minor story point. Well, the winner was a Fox player (Fred Wan, playing against Tyler Running Deer for Crane - ZF) and he stood on his chair and loudly proclaimed that the Fox were no longer under the 'yoke' of the Crane. That they were to leave Fox lands and allow the Kitsune to determine their own path. Then there was that terrible Kumo attack during Spirit Wars." - Paul Timm
• Flattery: The weaver artisan is Asahina Sekawa, notes Paul Timm.
• He's Mine: This card "has a little Romeo and Juliet action going on," notes Paul Timm.
• Lies, Lies, Lies...: "Lies, Lies, Lies and Suspicions were meant to be a set up. There's a single white chrysanthemum in Lies... and Utagu is found with a white chrysanthemum on his dead body. In the old L5R rpg, this blossom was a calling card of the ninja. It was meant to frame Sezaru as working with the ninja and possibly being involved in maho. Of course, it was neither. Naseru set him up." - Paul Timm
• Meditation: "The little girl is Tsudao's courier/page. She's also in Golden Obi and a few other places. Tsudao rescued her from Famine." - Paul Timm
• Nemesis: "And we wonder why the Dragon Daiymo isn't seen after this dishonor in his court..." - Paul Timm
• Ninja Thief: "The Dragon's Claw Katana is what the Ninja Thief stole." - Paul Timm
• Overconfidence: "Overconfidence was part of a large card arc about a specific battle in the Dragon/Phoenix war. Others included Street to Street, Empty Victory, Salt the Earth, and several more." - Paul Timm
• Bayushi Sunetra: "That's not face paint. It's an eggshell thin porcelain mask. The control she must exert so that it doesn't crack is part of her whole schtick." - Paul Timm
• To the Last Man: "To the Last Man is supposed to be Toku's daughter. During the Spirit Wars, the Monkey Clan was decimated. In the early Shadowlands attacks of Gold, they were wiped out. Only Toku and his daughter were left hence the play on the title of the card. Of course, that's only the way it was designed." - Paul Timm
• White Shore Plain: "The art and flavor text of White Shore Plains is due to the L5R larp at GenCon 2000. The marriage was brokered to save Nayaru's honor after a fateful accusation brought about a duel challenge. I believe the Empress Kaede herself suggested the soothing measure. Of course, Frank Chafe's portrayal of Seppun Kossori painted a very stark picture of what domestic bliss would be like for the couple. <shudder>" - Paul Timm
• Chysanthemum Festival: "I wanted to do all the "flower" cards as babe cards." - Paul Timm
• Imperial Ambassadorship: "Imperial Ambassadorship goes all the way back to Ambition's Debt and again in Spirit Wars. The composition of these pieces and who's in each was key to setting it all up. And yes, it was really set up that far in advance. Toturi kneels, and then it's Naseru who's kneeling to accept the Hantei name, and then Naseru is bestowing a challenge on someone that was to be revealed later." - Paul Timm
• Facing your Devils: "The GenCon 2000 tournament winner's actions already on the card." - Paul Timm
• Barbican: "Barricades is meant to be the flip side of the same gates as Barbican." - Paul Timm
• Famous Poet: "The bereaved mother in Famous Poet is the Master of the Tea Ceremony." - Paul Timm
• Oracle of Water: "The Oracle of Water is the twin sister to Isawa Sayuri." - Paul Timm
• Goblin Madcaps: "Goblin Madcaps was supposed to show that Kokujin was alive and "well" in the Shadowlands." - Paul Timm
• Umi Amaterasu: "In the middle of all these wars, death, dismemberment and so on, I wanted the occasional reminder of peace and beauty (Regions of Rokugan is another one). Plus the tie of Amaterasu and Tsudao has a bit of beauty in it inherently." - Paul Timm
• Doji Tanitsu: "Notice that his fan is closed and it's end pieces are made of steel. Definately a blunt weapon thing going on. It's hard to tell on the card, but he's got a scar on his chin. Tanitsu was meant to be one of the Scorpion infants who was raised by the Crane when the Burning Sands story started. His parents died early on and he was never 'reclaimed.'" - Paul Timm
• Satoshi: "Satoshi is based off of a WotC employee: Shawn, also known as 'Red.'" - Paul Timm Shosuro Aroru: According to Esko Gardner, "Shosuro Aroru was named by Henri Huhtanen of Finland, who won the GenCon UK midnight madness tournament in 2000 with a, then popular, scorpion-rat deck."

A Perfect Cut

• Bayushi Tasagore is the handle of Scorpion player Scott Hebert. According to Paul Jacoby, "At Gen Con 2001, Scott, who was a playtester at that time, and had seen the artwork before the set's release in September, had come to GenCon with a Tasogare costume that looked exactly the same as the card."
• Isawa Hochiu (Experienced): His anti-Shadowlands ability may reflect Justin Walsh's win at the Battle of Oblivion's Gate at GenCon 2000.
• A Desperate Act: According to artist Michael Kaluta, this card and the promo card Not Another Step form a three part sequence. Not sure what's happened to the third piece, though.
• Daidoji Megumi: This art was supposed to be for an Experienced version of the character, according to Paul "Prof." Herbert. An earlier painting of the character was commissioned for Gold Edition, but not used.
• Crane Tradesman: According to artist Eric Ren, "Crane Tradesman is me. I ended up posing for it while my wife took a photo of me in a fan. Since I don't own the clothing item, I was actually posed in something from my wife's wardrobe. The embarassing photo has been safely disposed of :). I've posed for other pieces, but in this one, I used my own face (but not my hairstyle) in the final illustration."

An Oni's Fury

• The Jaws of Victory and The Jaws of Defeat form a diptych.
• Carpenter Wall Falls and Taking the Wall form a diptych.
• Brightest Winter and Darkest Winter form a diptych.
• Kuni Kiyoshi and Sanshu Denki form a diptych.
• Shinjo Huang and Using the Land form a diptych.
• Toturi Miyako: Former Wizards of the Coast staffer Mike Leisik, explains, "Shortly after coming to work for WotC, I earned the nickname 'Toku,' probably because of the 4000+ Toku cards I've collected over the years. According to Paul Timm (former L5R Creative Director), the decision to make Toku's heir, Toturi Miyako, female was due to the fact that I, 'Toku' have a daughter, Kaylee."

Dark Allies

• Tsuruchi Hiro and Tsuruchi Nubomoto form a diptych, with Hiro on the left.
• Restless Zukojin and Deep Earth Sanctum form a diptych.
• The same sword appears on the art for Te'tik'kir (Experienced) and Omen.
• Hida Shara is the handle of Charlotte Ashley, winning Crab player at the GenCon 2001 Challenge booth involved in the "Friendly Traveller Village" event.
• Doji Kazo is the handle of Tyler Running Deer, top Crane player at the GenCon 2001 Challenge booth involved in the "Friendly Traveller Village" event.
• Koan, according to Jon Paulson, was inspired by "Ookami" Leon Phillips, "hence the funky kiho and spell restrictions. (he does play some funky decks). The card was originally submitted with a different title and had the 'Master of Mujina' trait, though this was apparently dropped. The mechanics are still pure Leon funk."
• Shiba Itami: Sneaky artist Drew Baker writes this Itami was commissioned for an item card, but "I planned all along to do a piece for it they'd have to make a character."

Broken Blades

• Bayushi Yaro is the handle of fan Chris Burns, webmaster of Pinchers and Tail. When he posted the preview card on his website, he wrote: "Um ... it's me! I bow to the Fortunes of Design and Story for this most humbling gift."
• Mirumoto Shokan is the handle of Rob Bowman, who is now AEG's European representative.
• Armor of the Mountain and Yoritomo Soestuko form a diptych.
• Dark Oracle of Air (Experienced) and Katsu form a diptych.
• Berserker Rage and We Will Have Revenge form a diptych.
• Iron Defenders and Shinjo Inoue form a diptych.
• Contrary to what you might think, Hida Reiha (Experienced) and Hida Tokichiro were not painted as a diptych. The common use of the stone wall was simply a device to save time, according to Anthony Grabski.
• Tamori Shukuen was commissioned as art for a Phoenix Personality, according to Heather Bruton. This may be because he was the result of the New England regional storyline tournament by Jared Devlin-Scherer, who suggested "Agasha Shukuen."
• Akodo Yobi was named by Ash Thomason, winner of the California/Nevada regional storyline tournament in 2000.
• Moto Kubulai was proposed by Adrian Dion, winner of the Ontario/Quebec regional storyline tournament in 2000. The name was that of a historical Mongol ruler.
• Al Gharet named Yogo Hatsumi from his regional storyline tournament win in Pennsylvania.
• Isawa Yoriko was named by Eric Newman, who won the Deep South regional storyline tournament.
• The Importunate Vu: "Importunate" is not a typo, it's really a word, meaning "troublesomely urgent," or "overly persistent in request or demand." The card was the result of a regional storyline tournament in 2000 (region 4), and was named for (and designed by) Vu Nguyen, who placed second at the Battle of Oblivion's Gate world championships at GenCon 2000 -- although the tournament itself was won by James Fox. Matt Kreideweis writes:

"The card "The Importunate Vu" out of BB is actually a card designed by one of my friends, Vu (of course), as the result of a tournament he won before the lisence switch to WotC. He finally gets his card in BB as a result of "the burning sands" region during one of the regional tournaments. The guy who won the region actually knew Vu, because he was the one Vu had to beat in order to get his card.
"He originally named the card something to the effect of "The amazing stupendous fragile beefy and always important Vu", but it obviously had to be shortened to fit on a card. Supposedly, he wanted it to be a goblin poet (just his style), and from that report on the regional tourney it became a goblin courtier, assuming AEG prints it that way."

The Fall of Otosan Uchi

• Shinjo Shono (Experienced 2): AEG's Mark Jelfo claimed that this is a self-portrait of artist William O'Connor, but O'Connor himself denies this.
• Chaldera is the result of Jim Chalder's win in Alaska's Regional Storyline Tournament in 2000.
• Hitaka is Jon Palmer's fault, who won a Regional Storyline Tournament in 2000 for Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas.
• Mirumoto Tachiyama is a tribute to Jamie Tachiyama, a blind L5R player.
• Kakita Yariga is the RPG persona of Gary Whittle, a long-time Crane player in the UK, according to Dave Ruddock. "Gary is well known for his fondness for Poisoned Weapons, so the art for Yariga (with the slung daggers) is highly appropriate."
• Daidoji Ekiken and Kakita Yariga form a diptych (seen on the Crane starter box).
• Mirumoto Tachiyama and Hoshi Chuichi form a diptych (seen on the Dragon starter box).
• Yoritomo Yoyonagi and Yoritomo Kililea form a diptych (seen on the Mantis starter box).
• Keen Eye and Imperial Messenger form a diptych (seen on front of booster box display).
• Hida Yagimaki is the handle of fan Bob Yager. Bob writes:

In February of this year, a MAGE member Steve Thum, arranged for AEG to be at our con. As our membership is full of RPGers, LARPers and Card Players, it was decided by Ray Lau to send Shawn Carmen to our MAGECON NORTH on Memorial Day weekend. I got a hold of Ray and we became the Shrine of the Moon story line tournament to counterbalance the Shrine of the Sun Tournament that was is Toronto. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I ordered sword sets, called my local dragon player and asked him to be the Official Host. We had a weekend of L5R. Shawn game-mastered several games and observed the tournament as well as all the other duties a Guest of Honor performs. I decided in March that I was going to have a little soiree' at my house on Sunday night for the Guest of Honor and those of legal age L5R crowd and other assorted guests. Mostly because these people had supported me while I experienced a true test in my life, which ended happily. Shawn still doesn't know what animal a chislic comes from, but he sure likes them. Fun was had by all. Midwest Area Game Enthusiasts runs the Convention using Boy Scouts as our charity. Yes, I was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Star. Anyway, damn, I can ramble on, neh? Shawn Carmen offered to write up your character in the storyline and no guarantee of a card. This was auctioned off at our Charity auction and I outbid everybody in a fit of "What the hell. It's only money!" The fellow I ended up bidding over quit because there was no guarantee of a card. The ironic thing is he is the guy who introduce L5R to our wargaming group. Nate Summerside is the Original Crab in this area. So having won the bid, Shawn directed me to write an outline/backstory on Hida Yagimaki so I did. If you want to read it, email me and I will send it to you. So, that is the story of the card.

• Shoshuro Miyo: Look closely at the background, and you'll see Miyo is surrounded by kimonos of all different clans.

Heaven & Earth

• This expansion's title is also that of a fine samurai film (Ten to Chi to in the original Japanese), released in 1990.
• Hida War Banner: According to artist Chris Appel, the kanji on the banner says, "Victory."
• The Mountain Does Not Move: The title was taken from a line in Akira Kurosawa's film, Kagemusha.
• A Game of Go: The art depicts an illegal position.
• Kakita Chiyeko and Matsu Watako form a diptych (seen on the Lion starter deck box).
• Shiba Gyukudo and Shiba Yobei form a diptych (seen on the Phoenix starter deck box).

Winds of Change

• The Future is Unwritten: Paul Cooper writes, "I submitted 'The Future is Unwritten' about the time Joe Strummer (of The Clash) passed. I took the title from the album sleeve of Combat Rock."
• Yasuki Namika and Hida Sozen form a diptych.
• Ruins of Yotsu Dojo and Untouched Temple form a diptych.
• Chu-rochu and Ik'hrt (Experienced) form a diptych (seen on Ratling starter deck).

Diamond Edition

• Yoritomo Kumiko (Experienced): Her art forms a diptych with Settozai, from Winds of Change (as seen on the Winds of Change Mantis starter deck).

Reign of Blood

• Roger Giner-Sorolla noted, "Jim Pavelec's art on Bloodspeaker Students, from Reign of Blood, is a fairly direct homage to the cover art of Slayer's classic thrash-metal album Reign in Blood."

Promo cards

• The Farther You Fall and The False Hoturi form a diptych. Also note Bayushi Aramoro lurking in the background.
• Seppun Baka roughly means, "Kissing Fool." Ed Bolme writes, "The intent was to have it translate roughly to 'butt kisser,' but the Japanese word 'Baka' means fool, or the butt of a joke. Thus it was a bad translation. And probably a bad idea for a card name in the first place."
• Kuso's name is, unfortunately, an expletive in Japanese. Jeff Alexander, and several other people who were Wizards of the Coast staff at the time, insist the card title went through their normal screens to prevent such a possibility.
• Mirumoto Shiryu is based on French player (now European Deputy Rules Guy) Paul Jacoby. He writes, "[it] is based on my humble self's handle. April did a lot of preliminary sketches for the picture, and based it on various descriptions of Shiryu throughout private discussions and fan fictions about him." The name "Shiryu" was taken from the manga Saint Seiya.
• Designer Wins. Even if you're lucky enough to have seen one, you might not know the people pictured on it are...