Courts of the Crane Clan

I'm relatively new to L5R (started with Ivory), but the new Crane stronghold seems a bit underwhelming, especially considering what the Ivory one was pre-errata. I guess it's a PPG that can produce 4 gold instead if you have a personality in play, but considering how a lot of clans got minor/major buffs (Lion, Spider), this seems disappointing. Hopefully we get another great sensei or two though, or another Soken-style card to let us be able to afford to bow the stronghold.

They said they wanted to reinforce the Clane themes with the new set. Crane has always had an honor theme, and there isn't much clearer a way to reinforce that than having a stronghold that produces honor directly. I like it. The ability is situational at best after the errata. Military Crane only cares about pre-Dynasty gold to make followers cheaper. Personally I don't run many expensive ones. I guess it's maybe nice to use a Marketplace for a follower instead of a Bountiful Fields, but whatever.

Now if I have a sensei that removes stronghold abilities I don't care about losing it unless I'm running honor.

Also, Kolat Informant now has previews of all the strongholds with art.

That's true, without a doubt. It just feels a bit underwhelming is all, though I'm hoping I'm just bad at evaluating cards.

I like that our new SH no longer forces you to play all those rather meh honor holdings, that gives you a lot more freedom for deckbuilding.

They are up on IA now as well. I like it!

Am disappointed as I mainly play military. The current SH is more versatile. I liked having the choice of going either military or honor. Now I feel I need to honor run to make use of the SH ability as it does nothing towards a military win. It would just be a blank SH for military, unless a new military themed sensei is released for Crane.

As an old time L5R player (I started in Emerald Edition), the new stronghold is undoubtedly a return to our roots. They only changed one word of the title, else it would be a MRP of The Esteemed House of the Crane. That part pleases me. I do enjoy Crane military, however, and hope that it remains a viable option.

I like it, more thematic. Our top tier deck should be honor.