• "Succession" only triggers when another character is in a dying state (i.e., at 0 or negative health), regardless of their faction.

• As with all abilities, "Succession" is paused when a character becomes on the brink of death.  Once that state is resolved in either direction, then "Succession" will take place.

• The "Dynasty" only applies when Emperor Xian is the King.

• Multiple Han characters may each choose to take damage for Emperor Xian, one at a time per point of damage.

• Characters who take damage using "Dynasty" do so in place of Emperor Xian, not in addition to him.

• Blood Edict targets all living characters who are not from the Han faction; this includes Wei, Shu, Wu, Hero, and any other characters.

• Highly synergistic with Han characters, providing protection and card advantage.

• "Succession" passively rewards a support-oriented playstyle and sustains the King role.

• "Blood Edict" can generate significant card advantage, especially in non-Han-heavy games.

• "Dynasty" gives your faction an incentive to protect you.

• "Blood Edict" is costly and becomes less effective in games with few or no non-Han characters.

• Relies heavily on factional synergy; Han-heavy setups are crucial for full effectiveness.

• Vulnerable in games where enemies avoid putting other characters into dying states.

• "Dynasty" requires cooperative allies to be useful.

• Han Support Characters:
  Characters from Han like Cao Jie or Huangfu Song can benefit from protecting Emperor Xian with Dynasty while still maintaining hand size and strategic options.

• Enemies with Low Hand Sizes:
  Using Blood Edict when facing characters like Ma Su, Xu Chu, or Zhang Fei often forces them to hand over key cards, limiting their offensive or defensive turns.

• Recovery Synergy:
  Emperor Xian benefits from general healing sources like Peach or allies like Hua Tuo and Cheng Pu to offset the cost of Blood Edict and maintain survivability.

King

• • Emperor Xian is a faction-dependent King who thrives when supported by multiple Han allies. The King version of "Succession" creates a defensive system where loyal Han characters can shield him while gaining card draw, fostering a self-sustaining team dynamic. However, if there are few or no Han Loyalists, he becomes extremely vulnerable, and his abilities become difficult to utilize effectively. To succeed as King, Emperor Xian requires a coordinated and protective team willing to absorb damage on his behalf.

Loyalist

• • As a Loyalist, Emperor Xian provides excellent factional utility by sustaining the Han King through both healing and pressure on non-Han opponents. "Succession" helps keep the King alive indirectly, and "Blood Edict" allows him to gain cards while disrupting enemies, especially Rebels and Spies outside the Han faction. He plays a strong defensive support role, but his effectiveness drops significantly if the King is not Han.

Rebel

• • Emperor Xian is an awkward fit as a Rebel. He gains little from "Succession" since most Rebels are not protecting others, and "Dynasty" is unused. "Blood Edict" can still generate card advantage from non-Han Kings or Loyalists, but the health cost is steep without factional healing support. Without synergy or protection, he is unlikely to thrive in this role.

Spy

• • As a Spy, Emperor Xian lacks the independence and adaptability needed to succeed. His abilities are designed for factional interaction, and without allies or a King to support or undermine strategically, his presence often feels weak. "Succession" may provide incidental healing, but "Blood Edict" risks exposing him without offering enough control. He struggles to survive and influence the game meaningfully from this position.

Emperor Xian is a unique factional character whose power peaks when supported by fellow Han generals. "Dynasty" encourages ally loyalty while "Blood Edict" punishes those outside his court. While vulnerable alone, he thrives in games where Han unity is strong and well-defended. His playstyle rewards coordination and careful health management, making him ideal for strategic team play rather than solo ambition.

Emperor Xian (Liu Xie) was the final emperor of the Han dynasty, ruling in name while warlords like Dong Zhuo and later Cao Cao manipulated him for political legitimacy. His inability to act independently yet remaining central to factional power plays is reflected in "Succession", where others suffer on his behalf. "Blood Edict" evokes the desperate toll of his reign, where he offered what little imperial power he had to sway others. "Dynasty" shows how loyalists would risk their lives to preserve the last shred of Han authority, even as the dynasty crumbled around him. His passive and faction-bound abilities mirror the helpless yet pivotal role he played in one of China’s most turbulent eras.