Game of Letters (TCG)

The Game of Letters was an ancient contest, said to have grown alongside the Imperial court as it developed into its modern form. In this game, two participants sent poems back and forth, each a response to the last, often with small accoutrements such as flowers or incense attached. The game was said to end when one party responded with an inferior poem to the previous entry—but since there was no formal arbitration, the end point of the game often grew contentious unless one player admitted defeat. Legend of the Five Rings: Roleplaying Game (Beta), p. 89
== Mechanics ==
Usually, the letters were thirty-one syllables long, using a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern, but other poetic forms might also be featured. The letters were used to threaten, entice, tease, and entrap other distinguished guests of the court. Importantly, none of the letters were sealed, and half of the game came from the fact that contents of the letters were relayed from the couriers to their masters. The identity of the sender remained hidden, but the recipient was known to all the court. This was achieved by the sender leaving the letter in a public space, or having a servant do so. If the recipent chose to respond, they must leave their letter in the open. By virtue of the letter being public knowledge, the letter writer would hear about or read the letter themselves eventually. This continued the game until the sender was discovered or one of the participants conceded. Beyond the contents of the letter, the weight and quality of the paper, the color and scent of the ink, and the nature of any attachments, all combined to send an indirect message to the recipient. Winter's Embrace, p. 12
== External Links ==
* A Game of Letters (Clan War)
Category:Games (TCG)