For the Ikko! A Shogun 2 AAR

[Monk]

This will be a story driven AAR that hopes to blend the gameplay of Shogun 2 with a rather basic narrative. I'll be playing as the Ikko-Ikki from the new Ikko-Ikki Clan Pack released by CA, which I highly recommend to campaign enthusiasts. Unlike my last AAR, i have played from the start with the intention to record the events transpiring, therefore, i have maps from all eras that i wish to write about. No more sloppy edits this time!

With that said, please allow me to present:

For The Ikko!
A Shogun 2 AAR.

I. Birth of a Republic

There is little doubt that the Sengoku Period was never about the common man, nor his plight. There may have been many honorable samurai who felt for them, or those who are believed to have ruled their lands wisely, the Lord who could claim to speak (and act) in the name of his people was rare. As battles waged across the isles and blood fueds spiraled into full scale wars between the clans, there was no doubt what the main motivator for many men was: Power. The Ashikaga Shogunate could not hope to contain the boiling cauldron that was the Japanese political system. Many powerful Daimyo believed it was time for a new Shogun, one who could control the clans. Still others believed their opportunities lied elsewhere. Why march upon Kyoto when you can carve out a sizable fiefdom, far from the eyes of the imperial court?

Yet it was not in these far flung provinces or unheard of provinces that the biggest threat to the power of the Shogun, and the very authority of the clans, would rise. Believe it or not it was in the very backyard of the capital, in a manner of speaking.

Japan, lands of the Ikko and their surrounding provinces highlighted
1545

The Ikko-Ikki had begun as an uprising of peasants, buddhist monks, shinto priests and lesser nobles. Men and women, people of all walks of life who found themselves united behind a single purpose and belief: disdain for the terrible violence that now gripped the sundered nation, but more than that, the teachings of Ikko appealed greatly to the downtrodden and the common man. Being told that all are equal in a land hopelessly divided by class and birth is a very powerful message. Having been driven from Omi province nearly seventy years prior to the start of this chronicle, they were for decades largely disorganized and interested in very little except self-sustainment. The teachings of the Ikko were primarily that of non-violence. Even after the violent uprisings in Kaga and Echizen province that expelled the samurai masters of those provinces. Perhaps they saw it a means to an end: Non-aggression without being defenseless. The victory was quite the ecomplishment, for the pair of provinces were effectively ruled by peasants. A first for Japanese history! But there was little indication that the Ikko wished anything but to remain neutral in the conflicts that were raging outside their borders, that is, until 1546

For it was during that time when a new power had risen in central Japan. The Hatano and Takaoka, two minor clans residing to the north west of Kyoto, signed a military alliance with one another. On their own they were of little concern to anyone, but together their alliance was a true force to be reckoned with - having clashed briefly with the powerful Yamana, and even stealing away territory from that famed clan. Led by the Daimyo of the Takaoka clan, Takoaka Yoriyasu, they had set their sights upon the lands of the Ikko-Ikki. Though not a true threat in the normal sense of the word, the Ikko resided upon some of the easiest traversed and extensive trade routes in the north. It was said that Ikko traders had contacts with nearly every major clan of Eastern Honshu, ensuring the collective enjoyed comfortable, if not immense, wealth. It would be the new Alliance's greatest triumph, to conquer the famed Ikko-Ikki...

To say that their first foray into Echizen was a disaster would be overstating it. In fact, not a single bow was notched until the following year simply because there was no fighting! Hatani Hidemichi marched into Echizen with the purpose of claiming the land for the alliance. But the march from Tango castle was long, having to pass through Wakasa on the way. By the time he reached the borders of the ikko lands, word had already reached his foes. Before him lay a host that could easily outnumber his own - the Ikko armed forces were little more than trained peasants, but one look at them as they stood proud on the field, banners caught high on the winds, and you knew they were ready for battle. Letters from the march make Hidemichi's opinion clear on that fact alone.

With not enough supplies to continue on and capture the province, as well as facing a numerically superior force.. and looking at an early chill of autumn nipping at his heals, Hidemichi retired from the field and marched back to Tango castle to gather the rest of the Alliance. It would take much more than the Hatano clan to overcome this obstacle. Unfortunately for him, Suzuki Sadayu, commander of the Ikko-Ikki force sent to halt Hidemichi's advance, was not so easily deterred. Sadayu launched a quick strike into Wakasa province, even as the alliance forces were in general retreat. The speed of the Ikko advance caught the defenders off guard, and Sadayu was able to bypass nearly all opposition and secured the provincial capital. Hidemichi, having been completely outflanked on his march, found Wakasa castle in the hands of the Ikko upon his arrival - embarrased, the Hatano general continued his retreat to Tango.

As winter approached and still no major fighting had taken place, the Takaoka Alliance was looking weaker by the day. Though they'd won great fame in their battles against the Yamana, mere peasants had not only deterred an invasion of Echizen province, but also managed to mount an effective counter-attack. But the Takaoka were not so easily demoralized, and as the cold winter tightened its icy grip on the land, they used the opportunity to build their forces near Miyazu in Tango province. There they gathered all their power in one great army, ready to march. Takaoka Yorimasu devised a plot to force the Ikko from Wakasa, and use the coming winters as a shield. He'd set out in late August, just as Autumn was on the cusp of dawning, win a glorious victory over the Ikko and winter in peace while he brought up additional forces. It's quite a shame that he never got to insitute his plan, for in the following spring while Yorimasu was still busy gathering his army, Sadayu entered Tango province almost unchallenged and attacked the encampments at Miyazu.

Battle of Miyazu
April, 1547
Beligerents: Ikko-Ikki vs Hatano, Takaoka clans (Takaoka Alliance)
Commanders: Suzuki Sadayu | Takaoka Yorimasu, Hatano Hidemichi

The encampments at Miyazu were in the shadows of a great mountain range, the foothills of which the Ikko had used to their great advantage as they advanced through the province. Moving through the trees and using the hills to disguise movement, Sadayu had approached within a three miles of the camps before anyone had known otherwise. Yet another great embarrassment heaped upon the alliance by the humble commander of peasants. Alliance forces were scrambling to get organized when Sadayu's banners went up on a nearby hill-top, and their response was confused and lumbering. A terrible rainstorm had taken to the skies, making visibility and coordination near impossible. The result was the Hatano moving out while the Takaoka were still trying to gather up their forces.



The Ikko in contrast suffered none of the disunity or disorganization that their foes did. As the Hatano advanced upon the Ikko positions unsupported, they came under heavy, concentrated fire from concealed archers. The shooters? Samurai of all things, ronin sympathetic to the Ikko plight had answered the call of defense less than a year ago in Echizen. Hidemichi had suffered enough embarrassments from these "peasants." First the determent from Echizen, then being outflanked on the march to Wakasa.. and now, mere ronin were firing on his men? If he had kept his head, he would have seen the Ikko position was a powerful one and awaited his allies. But he didn't. Mind blotted with anger and rage, he threw his forces at the hill...



The banners held high against the thundering sky, armor soaked through with rain, and a heavy warcry on the wind the Ikko charged down to meet the Hatano. Though they were technically far outnumbered by their enemies, surviving reports that reference the Ikko are filled with exageration and myth. Some dare make the claim that they had archers climbing to the top of the trees to get shots over the huge host! In reality the Ikko had used a combination of stealth, trickery and guile to obtain a very favorable position on the battlefield...





And it became clear that as the lines collided, though these may be peasants, they fought far harder than anyone could ever expect. Outnumbered at least two to one, Ikko divisions repulsed every attempt made by first the Hatano, and later the Takoaka, to climb the hill. The Ikko won small victory after small victory in the foothills of Miyazu, and each won sent morale soaring. Finally, the Alliance's line shuddered and snapped in half as the Ikko managed a break through. In a panic Takao Yorimasu himself charged his bodyguards forward in an attempt to close the breach. He was dragged from his horse and disappeared amidst a sea of orange banners...

Opposition crumbled once the leader of the alliance was dead and a route ensued. Tango province fell the next day as the battle weary veterans of Miyazu marched into the provincial capital, but the victory only caused new problems to rise. With the Alliance shattered and their lands now under firm control of the Ikko, the weary commander began to realize an obvious truth.

The Ikko now directly controlled a number of provinces in north-central Japan, good farmland and even better trade routes. While Suzuki Sadayu had battled for his people's survival in the north, new powers were rising beyond the Ikko borders. The Hattori in the south, Uesugi in the East and Yamana in the west. None cared much for the Ikko beliefs and way of life, and all would have loved to have added their lands to their own growing list of conquest. When he returned to Echizen, Sadayu called together the two most powerful men who he knew he could trust. Shonyo, head Monk and leader of the Ikko religious sect and his top advisor, Shimozuma Jutsurai.

What was actually said within the meeting of those men is not known, but we do know the result. After weeks of continued meetings, they at last emerged and set about the institution of a new form of government. The three men used their combined military, economic, and spiritual influence within the lands of the Ikko to bring together all of the cities and towns beneath one central authority. The Ikko Republic, as it would later be known, was formed as a result of their efforts. The people of Echizen and Kaga provinces had largely been forced to govern themselves ever since declaring independance, but after the Ikko's sudden emergence from their citadels, training of the populace and organization of the counter attack against the Alliance - there was little in the way of resistance to their continued support. Partly due to just who was in charge of the new collective government: Shonyo, the same man who sheperded the populace's souls would now protect them from mortal enemies as well.

With the power of the clans growing, his and the rest of the new council's power would be put to the test...

[Populus Romanus]

Awesome! The Hattori are going to be one tough nut to crack. Luckily the Asai and Hatano are a buffer, but they box you in to the west and south! Interestingly enough, though, it looks like you won't be dealing with your usual Takeda powerhouse. Also, what is going on with the Shimazu?

[Monk]

Awesome! The Hattori are going to be one tough nut to crack. Luckily the Asai and Hatano are a buffer, but they box you in to the west and south! Interestingly enough, though, it looks like you won't be dealing with your usual Takeda powerhouse. Also, what is going on with the Shimazu?

Glad you enjoyed part one.

This game has been a wild ride thus far, seriously. How is it that every time i sit down and do a play through, crazy stuff happens? The Shimazu situation is just one example. So long as I don't botch up the presentation I think anyone who reads this will be in for a real treat.

Next post from me in this thread will be part two, expect it in a day or so.

[A Nerd]

That was a great read! I look forward to the next installment, and perhaps a download of the new DLC! :D

[Monk]

II. Forged in the Fire.

Assuming the direct responsibilities of administration of the provinces was not a task the Ikko had originally planned, nor wanted. But in the wake of the great victories won in Tango province and the might of foreign powers becoming ever stronger, Shonyo - leader of the ikko sect - had to face the cruel reality. Without strong central leadership, the sacrifices made in the war against the Takaoka alliance would be in vain, and soon, Echizen would lie beneathh the rule of one of the many petty warlords who surrounded him.

But his own desire, and by his own admission, ability to lead a new administrative body was perhaps suspect. He was also worried that the new Ikko Republic, as many among the common folk had taken to calling it, would be seen as nothnig but a glorified clan. No different than the other powerful entities who were even now locked in a vicious struggle for survival. It was due to these apprehensions that he empowered Shimozuma Jutsurai, his number one advisor, as the head of the economic and administrative duties that came with ruling multiple provinces. Shonyo would continue in his duty as the head of the Ikko sect and spread the truth of the religion to the rest of the Isles, only one question remained: Who would lead the armies? The people spoke loudly in their desires, they wanted the same man who had driven the Hatano from Echizen to continue to lead their armies. Suzuki Sadayu was empowered as the leader of all Ikko armed forces and militia. Together, these three men represented the power of the Ikko, and formed a council that would steer direction the republic, for good or ill.

The trinity proved incredibly efficient, though they were three men from completely different walks of life, they were united in their intention to defend their ever growing state. The Ikko Republic stood as a bastion of peace amongst a war torn country. Jutsurai proved to be a wise administrator, and beneath his watchful eye harvests were more bountfil than ever. Trade agreements were signed and the economy boomed. Yet beyond the borders of the republic, the worst of the Sengoku Jidai was playing out. In the center of Japan, the Hattori and the Tokugawa were waging a full scale war for control. Sparked by the aggressive expansion of the Hattori, Tokugawa Ieyasu, vassal to the mighty Imagawa had launched a lightning fast campaign against the weak west of the Hattori, utterly destroying the Hattori western guard at the battle of Mino Fields in 1549.

The Hattori Daimyo rallied his men and marched, but was ultimately defeated once more at the Battle of Anotsu in southern Japan, causing his entire western flank to fold. Ieyasu pressed the Hatori hard, but was stopped short of going further by the entrance of the Asai into the war on the side of the Hattori. The war was particularly bloody, seeing two of Japan's largest battles of the Sengoku (to that point) all within a year of one another. Trade over the central part of Honshu completely broke down due to the heavy fighting, and refugees began to stream northward, spurred by tales of a better life in the Ikko. Unfortunately.. the tales of wealth and prosperity were not only known to the commons. As the war began to escalate, Asai Hisamasa began to turn his eyes northward. Not as well wealthy or able to absorb losses as his Hattori allies, he was quickly running out of money as the campaigns grew bolder, and the battles grew larger. When the Hattori won a victory at the Second Battle of Anotsu in 1550, he used this as the perfect chance to launch a campaign against the Ikko.

He had hoped it would be a swift campaign. Sweeping into Echizen from Omi and winning a decicive victory that'd reward him the riches he so desperately needed. Unfortunately for him, elements sympathetic to the Ikko still survived in Omi province. Ever since the movement had been driven north, they'd continued to feed information to the Ikko Council when they could. When Hisamasa left Otsu castle in late summer of 1551, it wasn't long before Shonyo himself learned of their intent. Suzuki Sadayu was dispatched to the border with a force totaling 2200, comprised primarily of ashigaru. He was ordered to wait for the Asai to cross the border and engage them, to avoid appearing antagonistic. But as the Asai drew closer, spy reports indicated they had a distinct advantage over the Ikko in terms of numbers. Modern estimates put the Asai army at around 3500 men...

Sadayu couldn't simply wait for a reason, on the 6th of September he crossed the border into Asai territory and laid an ambush along the roads. His actions on that day would have far reaching consequences...

The Battle of Omi
September, 1551
Beligerents: Ikko Republic vs Clan Asai
Commanders: Suzuki Sadayu | Asai Hisamasa

The Asai marched northward through a natural valley, where the foothills of the mountains met a nearby forest. Hisamasa had opted to take a less traveled path in the hops of slipping into Echizen undetected. Had he stayed on the main roads, perhaps he would have bypassed the Ikko entirely.



Unfortunately for he and his men, he walked right into the Ikko ambush. Hidden behind a high cresting hill, a detachment of Ikko ashigaru, supported by archers and monks, laid in wait. Hisamasa was still convinced he had the element of surprise on his side - scouting was neglected in favor of marching quicker. He was in his own territory afterall..



It wasn't until the warcry of the Ikko rose above the trees, and bright orange banners were caught in the wind that Hisamasa finally saw what was happenening, but by then, it was far too late.



Ikko forces came streaming from the trees in perfect timing, slamming into the side of the marching column before the Asai could redeploy.



The Asai daimyo tried desperately to organize and put his men into some semblance of formation. But just as his efforts seemed to be paying off - the second wave appeared from behind the battle line. The entire Asai force was now trapped in a deadly vice.





The chaos of the melee prevailed as the Asai found themselves fighting in every direction. Trying desperately to hold onto their positions wherever they might've been. Surviving reports from the fields at Omi paint the picture of a battle that quickly became disjointed. The Asai were forced into tight formations, isolated from one another and completely picked apart. Somewhere in the battle, the Asai front guard had managed a break through - with Hisamasa at its head they pushed through the grip of the ambush and turned to see their comrades being completely decimated. The Asai Daimyo chose to quit the field with what little forces he had left instead of turning to fight, effectively dooming nearly 3/4 of his army to their fate.

Despite having the advantage of surprise and completely surrounding the marching column, the Ikko suffered greatly at Omi. Many veterans who had survived the campaigns against the Takaoka were left dead or dying after the ambush - but the victory was worth the price in Sadayu's eyes. His aggressive actions prior to the battle, however, would have a number of consequences. The Asai pleaded with their allies, the Hattori, for aid against "the aggressive actions" of the Ikko-Ikki. In public, the Hattori flatly denied the request for aid. However, the result of the coming battle, combined with half-truths spoken by Hisamasa and his aids would be more than enough fuel for the Hattori at a later date... As Sadayu pushed deeper into Asai territory, the Hattori cut all ties with the republic, closing their borders to trade.

Battle of Tsuruga
December, 1551
Beligerents: Ikko Republic vs Clan Asai
Commanders: Suzuki Sadayu | Asai Hisamasa

Sadayu however continued to press the Asai, culminating in a second battle outside of Tsuruga. Though his men had been battered at Omi, he had directly recieved a number of reinforcements in the following weeks. Because of this, while the Asai had barely a quarter of the men they did at Omi, Sadayu's force was stronger than ever.



Hisamasa was undeterred. The Ikko were now in a position to directly threaten his capitol at Otsu, and if he couldn't stop them here, then his days were numbered. Little did he know, those within the population who were sick of the Asai's war with the Tokugawa had begun demonstrations in Otsu. A riot broke out and civil order was breaking down. Even if he could win here at Tsuruga, he'd be in for a shock when he returned to the castle.





The battle was joined, but was short lived. Sadayu entrusted the most seasoned of his troops with holding the main line against the Asai vanguard, the same men who had managed to break through the ambush just two months before. All the while the flanks would wrap around the sides to catch the Asai in a vice. It worked, largely due to the Asai's own desperation. Hisamasa threw his men at the Ikko, determined to break through, working against his own efforts. He never saw the flank attempt coming.



He and his men paid for it with their lives. Reports of Tsuruga are sketchy and few and far between, but those that have survived claim that barely a hundred men loyal to the Asai banner managed to survive the battle, so complete was their defeat. Hisamasa himself was slain in personal combat with Sadayu, trying in vain to break through the Ikko line. His death would matter little in the grand scheme of strategy, except to add another name to the list of daimyo Sadayu had defeated. By the battle's end, he was a living legend, and his men heaped great praise upon him.

The Ikko-Ikki marched into Otsu in January of 1552, restoring order and being greeted as those who would bring peace back to Omi. They had even won great respect from Tokugawa Ieyasu, who sent Sadayu a letter of gratitude and friendship, congratulating him on his conquests. Now the Tokugawa were free to redouble their efforts in the south against the Hattori, which they did the following season. Ieyasu struck back and annihilated the Hattori at the Third Battle of Anotsu. The Ikko were strong, and now had a strong friend - but with such power comes the eyes of those who would challenge it...

[Populus Romanus]

Excellent! Tough battles ahead for the Ikko Ikki.