They show number of armies for each side. One banner is one full army. On the banners you can see (from top): 1. Faction (sandy - Toturi, seablue - Hantei, blue - neutral, brown - Shadowlands) 2. Clan 3. Name (based on name of the Home Province) 4. Status (green - fresh, yellow - damaged, red - shattered) Dots on banner marks which half of the army it is. "I" marks it is Imperial Army. "S" marks it is special army. "2x" marks it is double sized army.
They also see moves and battles. Green are moves through friendly territory; yellow are early battles and moves through neutral territory; red are fierce battles and moves through enemy territory; blue are captured places and retreats. Dashed line strategical means split of army.
I hope it would be an useful tool for any war discussions. I have moved it because access is easier here.
In all forms of strategy, it is necessary to maintain the combat stance in everyday life and to make your everyday stance your combat stance. - Musashi Miyamoto, Book of the Five Rings, Book of Water, ch.2
The task bestowed upon the Dragon Clan by the first Emperor was to watch the Empire, and it is a task they embraced without question. - Legend of the Five Rings 4th edition Rulebook, p.60