Lotus Clan

Description
Lotus clan has the ability to play any mandate that they like which offers them great flexibility and a lot of political leverage towards alliances.

Furthermore, as they effectively replace the mandate tile that they are playing face-down with the mandate of their choice, they can also remove or add mandates to the game.

Strategy
BoardGameGeek user Estoyldian offers the following advice for playing Lotus clan
 * Dictate the Flow is extremely influential and affects the entire table. This makes Lotus not only a valuable ally but someone that other players will want to stay on relatively good terms with.


 * Lotus is tied for the highest seasonal income in the game and is more suited than any other clan to make the best use of those coins.


 * Lotus' Start Province is considered the worse location of the game. It is the dead-locked province, so building strongholds are necessary.
 * Lotus' strategy is more malleable than any other clan's. Not only do they not have to conform to the current game state, but they can radically change the current flow of the game (hence 'Dictate the Flow') by going in a completely different direction with their mandate selection.


 * There isn't really a defined long-term strategy when playing with Lotus. Figuring out what mandate presents the most bonus to you, keeps your opponent from gaining much, and which mandate to bury is the most basic framework of a Lotus turn.


 * Playing without allies is viable with any clan, but is particularly strong with Lotus. In the Lone Lotus strategy, you don't need an ally to play a particular mandate, and regardless of what anyone else plays you can exert your influence. A Lone Lotus player also doesn't have to worry about the effects of betrayal or table politics. In a 5p setup, you can play two alliances against each other rather easily.
 * While it might seem appealing to ally with a higher Honor clan in the Spring, such alliance benefits Koi or Sun Clan far more than Lotus Clan. Partnering with a right-hand neighbor is typically a disadvantage as you get the worst position when an allied mandate is played, and your ability - if not playing a Betray mandate - helps the higher Honor clan more than it helps you.