In the midst of far, unknown lands, a small, ronin tribe once plotted against a dark throne. Raised in the beliefs that magic and wisdom are stronger than ignorance, the seven of them gathered to prepare a battle plan. The enemy wouldn't see them coming: One doesn't fear what one ignores. One can suspect but never prepare to face reality.

They joined the noble Phoenix Clan for the battle, following the path of the iron-winged bird as they crossed the ocean. Each fighter wore the same suit of armor, to be easily recognized by comrades on the battlefield. May Amaterasu be blessed for this inspiration, for it revealed the size of their army to those of us who saw it. All were loyal to their Clan, dedicated to their cause, and ready to give their lives for the glory of their families and the blessings of their ancestors.

As the Phoenix had the most impressive units, we felt confident of the battle's outcome. These days would see the bravest standing up. Even should they die on the path to victory, no one here would forget the sacrifice of these ronin lives.

The ronin were Stephane Cornier, Bruno Di Napoli, Antoine Blanchard, Raphael Pinard, Matthieu Poupart (National Champion '98), Claude Martin, and Pierre Petitbois. They came from the strange piece of land called France, which I also call my own, and made up the very first French team in L5R history at Gen Con. Since June they had worked together on a single deck.

After four days of battle, many had fallen behind, and the clans could not wash away the blood of the fallen. Stephane had won, undefeated, in the second day of qualification, and Bruno followed his champion with only one game loss. Antoine, following Stephane's example, won the third day's tournament, undefeated. Raphael was the first to qualify on Day 1, and Matthieu, as the French National Champion, automatically qualified on the last day.

After celebrating those victories over valorous opponents with barrels of American-brewed sake, the bravest had to face their fate. On the last day, only Antoine lobbied for the imperial throne. Tired by the fights and their wounds, the others chose to take control of the imperial city's walls. After a harsh struggle, Stephane and Bruno planted the French flag on the north and east walls

(Mark Wooton, the UK champion from Scotland, took the south). Antoine, the last Phoenix in the event, saw the sign from his comrades-in-arms atop the walls and carried on a faith and courage-until he faced the Monk who would teach him the meaning of wisdom. No one but a Monk could have taught that lesson that day. Bret Swanson, in one turn, slay Antoine and, inspired by his own strength and the nobility the clan he had just defeated, reached the prize.

From the walls, the French saw the body of the fallen Antoine shiver he died. But no tears were shed. It was with pride that the seven ronin came and fell, after they faced such noble warriors. All saw that day the bright colors of the flag that many more will carry in 2000, as we expect fifteen French players to come for the great battle. Congratulations to all Gen Cor players! May your ancestors be proud.

After two years of effort, the French association "Daimyo! Imperiaux" (Imperial Daimyos) has led the L5R game to the top. It ran the first French Nationals, gathering 107 players. Within a year, three hundred French tournaments were organized, gathering eight hundred players weekly. In October 1999, the second L5R French Nationals gathered 184 players.

The French team won at Gen Con Belgium, the Luxembourg convention, and most of the side tournaments of Gen Con UK. It also captured two walls at Gen Con US and included a semifinalist.

In March 2000 the Daimyos Imperiaux will organize the first France-only storyline tournament. At Gen Con 2000, more will join us.

I look forward to seeing you all again.

Au revoir mes amis.

This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com