The Thousand Years of Gilded War
Following the Welcoming Party, the Unicorns seldom remained neutral in any major battle. The Welcoming Party convinced the Unicorns that allies were needed to ensure survival in a socially hostile setting. Foremost among the Unicorns' allies are the Cranes. In return for guarding Crane borders, the Unicorns receive many favors from the Emperor himself. Many times the Emperor has interceded in a conflict to the Unicorns' benefit.
Unfortunately, the Crab Clan is the only other major ally the Unicorns have managed to court because of their common interest regarding the Shadowlands. The Crabs seldom help the Unicorns directly; the Crab military is perpetually occupied with defending the imperial border. Also, relations sometimes sour when ashigaru from both clans fight over land at the amorphous Unicorn/Crab border region.
The Three Man Alliance can be counted on for support in most matters, but their primary concern in defending against Scorpion attacks limit the aid rendered.
Many Unicorn lorekeepers have observed the historical period imperial historians refer to as "The Thousand Years of Peace" and roll their eyes at the misnomer. Often the realists, the lorekeepers instead refer to the era as "The Thousand Years of Gilded War".
