Well, here it is the big announcement for today: the next clan pack, Scorpion.

https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2018/5/30/underhand-of-the-emperor/

Release October 2018

First of all, it seems that the spoiler art was Aramoro, so now I’m wondering who’s that Phoenix in the same picture. (Edit: turns out is not a Phoenix, it’s Yojiro.)

New Stronghold and all that, worth notice that the influence value is 9 with this stronghold, and honor is also 9, which helps triggering its ability.

Also, a unique that’s not really a unique character, as it seems is more like a organization or group of people, Bayushi’s Whisperers.

Akodo Kage appears as the first card that can alter duel results via reaction. No Kolat trait, sorry guys. Good to stop the “Bid 5 every turn” strategy.

New cards from Twitch:

Let’s all give a round of applause to FFG, who thought it was a smart choice to give one of the strongest clans the next clan pack *facepalm*

Somewhere, off in the barren plains of Rokugan, a unicorn sheds a single tear.

The stronghold is fully revealed in the article. It starts with 9 honor.

2 minutes ago, Malakizedek said:

Let’s all give a round of applause to FFG, who thought it was a smart choice to give one of the strongest clans the next clan pack *facepalm*

Somewhere, off in the barren plains of Rokugan, a unicorn sheds a single tear.

This decision was probably already made a long time ago.

I suspect the clan packs are linked to the novellas, and thus they cannot change the release order.

I love that FFG decided to produce this game. I’m always eager to view the new release of cards, the exceptional art on those cards, and the thoughtful interactions among those cards. FFG have undertaken a massive plunge into the wonderful world of Rokugan and its intricate history. I try to squeeze in as many minutes as I can to play this game, whenever possible. Nothing but childish excitement for me with this card game.

However;

The release of this pack is so wrong in so many ways. This pack will not better the gaming experience for the great majority of players, imo. This is just going to add fuel to the fire, imo. ?

Novella announcement also made separately, the other person in the pic isn't phoenix, but Yojiro. Apparently he's getting an alt/full art card with the novella.

The pack looks great! I know there is going to be a lot of hate for the Scorpion but if you really think they will dominate everything just throw in some counters. Build a Lion deck and mulligan for Kage. See how the Scorpion dominate when drawing only one card for the first 3-4 turns

Just now, Eisenmerc said:

The pack looks great! I know there is going to be a lot of hate for the Scorpion but if you really think they will dominate everything just throw in some counters. Build a Lion deck and mulligan for Kage. See how the Scorpion dominate when drawing only one card for the first 3-4 turns

Completely because their cards are better than yours?

1 minute ago, Eisenmerc said:

The pack looks great! I know there is going to be a lot of hate for the Scorpion but if you really think they will dominate everything just throw in some counters. Build a Lion deck and mulligan for Kage. See how the Scorpion dominate when drawing only one card for the first 3-4 turns

You mean exactly like that new article on The Imperial Advisor recommends?

Yes ! Guessed it right !

So thrilled to try out the Shinobi Deck. Can't wait to see more of the spoiled cards. Altough «Support of the Scorpion» might be played a lot more than the Phoenix one.

I hope to see the Shadow Brands (Covert?)

1 minute ago, Eisenmerc said:

The pack looks great! I know there is going to be a lot of hate for the Scorpion but if you really think they will dominate everything just throw in some counters. Build a Lion deck and mulligan for Kage. See how the Scorpion dominate when drawing only one card for the first 3-4 turns

Indeed, just like Pheonix pack had counters in it, I'm sure this one will have some too !

I think Kage is a wonderful designed card and am interested to see how he will help change the current "Bid 5 always" meta in my environment.

Too bad we don't have any Lion players

Just now, Kaito Kikaze said:

You  mean exactly like that new article on The Imperial  Advisor recommends   ?     

I would argue that Lion are usually more focused on Dynasty Deck and that Kage is a really nice addition to strangle your opponent's shenanigans. It can crush Kyuden Isawa decks and «drop-bears» focusing on conflict characters to win conflicts.

Dishonor decks might be better suited to deal with Kage, but Lion are well suited against Dishonor decks.

Uh, what?

On the bright side at least you'll see more variety in the Scorpion decks you face. I have to imagine everything was already in the works well in advance because yeah this is exactly the clan pack people didn't want to see next. These clan packs really should have all come out back to back and not been split up between cycles. It would make this sort of lopsidedness less pronounced. It's coming after the next 6 in 6 cycle so we could be sitting in a completely different meta at that point. So who knows. The Scorpions will need the bump at that point maybe. I'm excited to read the Scorpion novella.

10 minutes ago, Soshi Saibankan said:

Indeed, just like Pheonix pack had counters in it, I'm sure this one will have some too !

"Counters" lol

5 minutes ago, Duciris said:

Uh, what?

Where is this from? Did I miss something on the announcement page?

2 minutes ago, phillos said:

These clan packs really should have all come out back to back and not been split up between cycles. It would make this sort of thing lopsidedness less pronounced.

That is literally what every Netrunner player learned with its deluxe expansions - each overpowered 2 factions at a time (1 Runner, 1 Corp). Then, eight months later (2 for deluxe, 6 for packs) they'd overpower 2 more. After 4 cycles, the final Corp finally got its boost.

How, HOW, was that lesson not learned by anyone with authority at FFG?

1 minute ago, Kakita Shiro said:

Where is this from? Did I miss something on the announcement page?

The novella announcement page. https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2018/5/30/whispers-of-shadow-and-steel/

From Facebook:

Quote

Concerned player: Scorpion is too strong and their sh is basically a free air ring!

FFG: Hold my beer.

Yeah I was also not happy about it in Netrunner (or AGOT for that matter). I'd rather these "Big Boxes" be structured around a theme or story. If they must be faction based then you really need to close the loop sooner rather than later. If it is your favorite faction though it certainly is excited to get a spotlight shined down on you.

2 minutes ago, Duciris said:

The novella announcement page. https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2018/5/30/whispers-of-shadow-and-steel/

Two products in one day? Big day.

2 minutes ago, Kakita Shiro said:

Two products in one day? Big day.

That's how they did Phoenix, too.

The novella is written by Mari Murdock. She wrote the other Yojiro centric stories as well, and I thought those here pretty entertaining. Should be good. Also it takes place in the City of Lies. Always a fun setting.

22 hours ago, Coyote Walks said:

Not to throw logs on a fire per se, but you'll be able to ask questions in an hour...

1 minute ago, Duciris said:

Not to throw logs on a fire per se, but you'll be able to ask questions in an hour...

Answers will probably be as useless as those from last week reddit AMA, so yeah... ?