Deep shadows gather in the Shinomen forest. Though this tangled woodland lies north of the Great Carpenter Wall and the traditional domain of the Crab Clan, rumors have led a few Crab samurai to mount a dangerous expedition into the depths of the forest, searching for an ancient artifact forged by Hida Osano-wo himself…

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Fantasy Flight Games is proud to announce Trail of Shadows, a new Legend of the Five Rings novella by D.G. Laderoute!

In this 120-page novella, you’ll follow with Hida Sukune on a thrilling expedition into the unexpected horrors of the Shinomen Mori. Then, once you’ve finished the story, there’s still plenty of lore to dive into with a sixteen-page, full-color insert dedicated to the Crab Clan and packed with information on the Kami Hida, the Crab Clan’s wars against the Shadowlands, and their furtive allies, the nezumi.

And if you’re a fan of Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game, you’ll find an extra bonus, since Trail of Shadows comes with two alternate art cards (three copies each) for the game!

Beneath Shadowed Boughs

Hida Sukune, youngest child of the Crab Clan Champion, lacks the strength and fortitude for which his clan is known. With no hope of becoming a great warrior, Sukune has devoted himself to the study of military strategy. Though a trusted advisor and tactician, Sukune constantly confronts his own limitations in a family famed for its martial prowess.

When the ratlike nezumi of the Tattered Ear tribe discover a potent Crab Clan artifact deep in the Shinomen forest, a Crab expedition sets out to recover the relic. Unexpectedly tasked by his father to lead the mission, Sukune must overcome his own doubts as surely as the dangers of the forest—and the dark power that threatens to forever end both the expedition and the Tattered Ear tribe. You’ll discover the outcome of Sukune’s quest in the Trail of Shadows novella!

Devotees of Legend of the Five Rings lore will also find sixteen full-color pages, filled with beautiful art and offering new tidbits of history and backstory for the Crab Clan, the nezumi, and the Shadowlands, as well as the Shinomen Mori and the spirits that dwell within.

Ancestral Power

Trail of Shadows also contains three copies each of two different alternate art Crab cards for Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game!

Hida Sukune (Trail of Shadows, 9) is the protagonist of Trail of Shadows, and accordingly, he is the central focus of one of the cards that comes with this novella. First released in the Crab Clan Pack Defenders of Rokugan, Hida Sukune lets you filter your hand with his Action ability, gaining more options for defense and uncovering the best way to keep the Crab bulwarks as stalwart as ever.

The second card included with this novella is Kikyo (Trail of Shadows, 10), an ancient set of ancestral armor. In addition to buffing the skills of its wearer, Kikyo pairs naturally with Hida Sukune—after you draw a card during a conflict with the attached character, your opponent must discard a random card from their hand.

While Kikyo will be pre-released in Trail of Shadows, it will not be legal for competitive play until it is officially released in a Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game product at a later date.

Recovering the Relic

Whether you’re a Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game player or you’re interested in the unfolding world of Rokugan, Trail of Shadows has plenty to offer between an engaging story, detailed lore, and alternate art cards for the LCG. Discover the truth of what lies in wait within the Shinomen forest!