Here it is, the long-awaited return of the Art of War column. I was glad to be allowed to bring back this wonderful column; I hope it will expand the minds of players out there. I also thought it might be cool for you, the players, to send in your combos and maybe be lucky enough to have your combo put in our column.

Many of the philosophies of the combat system in L5R were derived from Sun Tzu's 2000 year old book, 7he Art of War. Sun Tzu always emphasized that one of a generals most important virtues was adaptability. The Art of War is dedicated to honing your ability to bring multiple elements together to make a devastating effect. In other words, Master Sun was a card combo monster.

The Shadow Stronghold of the Scorpion and the Obsidian Mirror

With this you can quickly deplete an opponent's hand. This would allow you total, advantage in duels and in battle. Having no hand it is like having no options with which to work. Simply attach the mirror to a personality and away you go. I would recommend that you run with one fantastic gardens to counter the honor loss.

Doom of the Dark Lord, New Years Celebration, Test of Honor, and Kolat Whisperer

With these four cards you should be able to run your opponent out cards rather quickly and let Doom of the Dark Lord destroy their provinces. This is especially effective against those card-hungry Crane players who likes drawing cards with the favor. Also it will eliminate some of those pesky personalities.

The 12th Black Scroll, Sneak Attack, and a personality with Cavalry

When I first saw the 12th Black Scroll, I immediately thought of how cool it would be to play it in a Unicorn deck with lots of cavalry. Here's why. Imagine sending your 12th Black Scroll into the province with the most defenders every single time. If the opponent sends no one to block they lose provinces. Either way you win. Use Sneak Attack to make sure they don't send it home.

Dark Lord's Favor and Arrows from the Woods

Listen up, Junzo players. Here's a way of defending or attacking a province and taking out the biggest opposing personality. Simply Dark Lord's Favor any cards force to zero and with your next action shoot it down. Fast, easy and fun to do.

Troops from the Woods, and Stand Against the Wave

With this two card combo you can to not only take a province, but destroy a personality, early in the game. Simply attack, and play Troops from the Woods, anach a follower from your hand, then with your next action play the Stand Against the Waves.

The Toku-Ambush Combo

Here is an oldie but a goodie. Have Toku Ambush the biggest force bowed personality in play. Sure they both die, but then, its only Toku.

Oni No PekkleGift of Fealty, Kolat Master, Night Medallion, and Dragon Pearl

If you ever wanted a way to earn massive amounts of honor with your Scorpion deck here's how. First, give your Oni no Pekkle to your opponent with Gift of Fealty. Kolat Master it back, which gives it the Kolat trail. Then attach Night Medallion, Dragon Pearl the Night Medallion, and you have a Oni no Pekkle producing five honor a turn. With a few shape shifters in play, the game will be over in seconds.

The 6 Card Combo of the Month:

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you want to take a province, not kill your personality, and still have cards in your hand? Well this combo will allow you to do that and so much more.

Here's the combo. Attack with any personality of a least 4 force. Play Sneak Attack, Deadly Ground, give your opponent the opportunity to pass, then play Samurai's Fury, Wedge, and Feign Death. Then drop the Ring of Void. This will allow you to accomplish all three things mentioned above and still come out looking really cool. If they defend against the personality then you let it die, Feign Death, and then play Duty to the Clan and bring in your really awesome personality just waiting in your province.

Now here's your chance to get your combo in this column. Please send suggestions to:

Alderac Entertainment Group
Attn: Imperial Herald - Frank
4045 Guasti Road #212
Ontario CA 91761-1531

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