Making a God of War (Uesugi: Legednary, Domination)

[Maltz]

Munechika: "Lord Kagetora! Looks like that Jinbo have largely spared our tent today! Please tell me what to order from the town."
Kagetora: "Oh Munechika. Thank you so much for your effort. There are still no reinforcement coming for Jinbo Nagazumi."
Munechika: "Don't mention it. Actually I am here to bring you the latest development in Echigo. The Housekeeper asks me to memorize them."

Actually Munechika received rigorous memory training in Rizenji. She is famous for being able to recite the entire "Bishamon scripture" in Hindu. But of course nobody could tell whether she makes mistakes or not.

Kagetora: "Great. Let's talk about the family first. Is the baby born yet?"
Munechika: "Oh yes! The baby was born... eight days ago! Housekeeper Maoko was there to help. Both Madam Yaya and the boy were safe."
Kagetora: "I am a father now! Great!"
Nomi: "Congratulations!"

"Congratulations, Lord Kagetora!"
"Must be a great successor to Nagao clan one day!"
"Can't wait to see the baby!"

Kagetora is showered with his bodyguards' blessings.

Munechika: "Oh, Madam Yaya said she found the name "Ujinari" good for the boy when he turns into an adult."
Nomi: "Uji is the common name for the Sagami Hojo clan..."
Kagetora: "It is all right. Names are not important. We can call him Umachiyo (horse-chiyo) at home!"

Note: Probably for simplicity, the game does not take into account the fact that Japanese at the time do not get their formal names until they turn into an adult. Babies' names usually have the following suffix:

X-maru (X 丸, "X ball", a chubby baby perhaps.)
X-chiyo (X 千代, "X thousand generations", probably hoping the baby to bring long-lasting prosperity to the family.)
X-poshi (X 法師, "X wizard/monk", maybe hoping the child to possess great abilities or blessed by Buddha)

"X" are usually animals or plants of good meanings, such as tiger, crane, pine tree, goodness, or their ranks among siblings.

If Kagetora (who was Tiger-chiyo) names his children following his zodiac year pattern, then Year 1546 was the year of horse, so the boy would be Umachiyo (Horse-chiyo), to be followed by "Goat-chiyo", "Monkey-chiyo", "Chicken-chiyo", "Dog-chiyo", etc. Ape-chiyo (Maeda Toshiie) and Dog-chiyo (Maeda Toshinaga, son of Toshiie) actually existed, although they were not born on the respective zodiac years.

The game also ignores that members of the same clan often share one common character in their names. For example, Echigo's Nagao clan carry "Kage" in their names, and Sagami's Hojo clan carry "Uji" in their names. So Kagetora's boy should be named "Kagenari" (景成, great accomplisment) instead of "Ujinari" (氏成, surname accomplisment). (Kage 景= great/scenary, Uji 氏= surname, which is weird to appear in a given name).

In the future, I will convert all Kagetora's children's names into "Kage-X" just to be historically accurate.

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "Good. Let's talk about Echigo's construction. Anything new?"
Munechika: "We have expanded the Kasugayama Castle into a stronghold. The Sake Den's foundation has been laid, so it will start operating later this year. The irrigation projects are finished. And the Naoetsu Trading Port of Echigo is being upgraded to a Military Port."
Nomi: "Yes. We definitely need a good navy."
Munechika: "Our very first Bune encountered a Jinbo scout ship just outside the Naoetsu Port. But as soon as we approached them, they surrendered."
Kagetora: " Good! So we will build a powerful navy and realize our plan of international trade!"

[Maltz]

(A) Ask about family (Paragon +4) [done]
(B) Ask about Echigo's construction (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Ask about Kagetora's reputation (Renegade +3) <---
(D) Ask about where Nomi takes bath in the past four months (honor -1)

***

Kagetora: "Hm... somehow I am a little curious about how people look at me..."

Munechika: "The clan officers mobilized to spread my lord's heroic victories in the Battle of Nagaoka and Toyama. Those Yari Ashigaru who were saved by my lord in Toyama have been very influential in the towns. By the way, my lord's generosity toward Jinbo has gained Nagao quite a bit of respect, even though what will happen remains to be seen. My lord, you are honored by everyone!"

Kagetora: "Oh yes? I don't think I am that good..."
Munechika: "I am sure the other daimyos respect Lord Kagetora, even though they might not admit it."
Nomi: [color=darkred]"You are getting one step closer to become the God of Army, Kagetora!"
Kagetora: "Thanks so much for all your helps.":
Nomi: "Most of these are your own ideas. Your intuition proves to be the best decision. We can only help you to become a most feared warlord, but you can turn yourself into a well-loved leader."

Nomi now admires Kagetora's judgment. Maybe he IS the avatar of Bishamonten, preaching Buddhism with his own deeds.

Note: The above picture is taken two seasons later. By then Kagetora's fame has jumped two more levels.

[Maltz]

(A) Ask about diplomacy (paragon +2) <---
(B) Return to menu

***

Kagetora: "Any change on the surrounding clans?"
Munechika: "Oh yes. Takeda has invaded Murakami in Shinano. Things do not look good for Murakami."
Kagetora: "Oh? We promised Murakami to defend against Takeda!"
Munechika: "Just like people say, Lord Kagetora always fulfills his promise. Please don't worry; Lord Masakage is now readying an army. Please focus on Jinbo and we will deal with Takeda next."
Nomi: "I hope Masakage does not to attack Takeda by himself. Takeda Harunobu is a formidable foe. When we are truly ready, we can attack Takeda with everything we have, and restore Murakami clan to fulfill our promise."
Munechika: "That's exactly what Housekeeper Maoko said. At this stage, we are just recruiting more soldiers in Echigo to be really ready for battle. Maoko also said she will see if there is something to do to diplomatically slow Takeda down."
Nomi: "Hm... shall we find a designated diplomatic emissary? Housekeeper Maoko is already busy with all trivial operations of the clan. How about Naoe Kagetsuna (直江景綱)? He is polite and knows what he is talking about."
Munechika: "Unfortunately, Mr. Naoe is taking one year off to visit a relative in Great Ming."
Nomi: "OK..."
Munechika: "Please do not look down on the Housekeeper. If she can comfort women who give long and painful births sometimes over days, she has no trouble taming clan lords who are easily embarrassed and agitated."
Kagetora: "Yeah, Maoko can handle that for now."

[Maltz]

At the same time...

Order has departed Katsurao Castle along with hope. Valuable and garbage are mixed on the floor.
The defeated Murakami Yoshikiyo catches his breath on a small folded chair.
The emissary politely bows as usual.

Murakami Yoshikiyo: "We lost. It is over. In a few days, Takeda is coming to Katsurao Castle. What about the reinforcement of Echigo?"
Maoko: "Lord Yoshikiyo, this happens so suddenly that we simply cannot make it to Katsurao Castle in time. Please pack up everything you can and retreat to Echigo with me. Lord Kagetora will defeat Takeda and restore Murakami in Shinano, as promised."
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? Is Nagao Kagetora trust-worthy? Hm... if Kagetora has the determination to reconcile with a long-time enemy like Jinbo, maybe he can be dependable."
Maoko: "I will personally make sure Murakami is restored one day. Oh please do not forget to empty your treasury. Don't leave anything to Takeda."
Yoshikiyo: "Ha... there is no much left anyway... just 2000 koku or so worth of silver. I will take it to Echigo and leave it with Nagao. As long as you can restore Murakami, 2000 koku is nothing."
Maoko: "We cannot simply take it from Lord Yoshikiyo. Officially we purchase it with unlimited military access. One day we will restore Murakami in Shinano!"
Yoshikiyo: "I have started waiting!"

[Maltz]

Two months later...

Takeda Harunobu carries a dominating precense. His famous generals pack the meeting room like hairs on a cow.
The emissary bows politely.



Takeda Harunobu (武田晴信)

Born in 1521. Better known by his Buddhist name "Shingen", which he adapted in 1559, and his nickname "Tiger of Kai". One of the most famous military strategists in Japanese history. He bears the famous "Furinkazan" (swift as wind, slow as forest, invasive like fire, and stable as mountain) banner taken from Sun Tsu's Art of War. In their trademark red armor, the Takeda army invade and devour surrounding clans like wild fire.

For his aggressive and oppurtunistic approach, Takeda Harunobu made quite a few controversial decisions. He banished his own father (1541), killed all surrended soldiers and tortured hostages (1547), betrayed his ally Imagawa and attacks it when it was weak (1567), ordered his oldest son Takeda Yoshinobu to commit suicide (1567), and attemped to topple his new ally Tokugawa in the back (1568). Still, due to his superior clan management skills, generals, and military doctrines, Takeda Harunobu became one of the most feared forces of Sengoku Jidai.

Harunobu naturally became the nemesis of "Dragon of Echigo" Uesugi Kenshin, who was equally capable in military but strictly followed moral principles. The costly Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima was especially famous. The two daimyos actually deeply respect each other for their strengths. Uesugi Kenshin refused to sever salt supply to Takeda's land even if they are at war. In his death bed, Takeda Shigen asked his succeeding son to ask for help from Uesugi Kenshin, who he knew would be truly dependable. But Shingen himself could never embarrass himself to ask for Kenshin's help.

***

Harunobu: "Oh? A female emissary from Kasugayama Castle? I thought Lord Kagetora is a respectful person?"
Maoko: "We also thought Lord Harunobu was a respectable person, but now you you invaded Shinano and expelled Murakami, whom Nagao has a responsibility to protect."
Harunobu: "Hmm?"

Harunobu frowns. He wanted to establish fear first, but it looks like the emissary is willing to fight back.

Harunobu: "It is all right. Last year Nagao Kagetora expelled his elder brother Harukage. If Kagetora does not respect his elder brother, I cannot ask Kagetora to respect me."
Maoko: "Indeed. Five years ago, Lord Harunobu expelled your own father. It is natural that you have no regards toward Nagao."
Harunobu: "What the..."

Harunobu wants to punish the emissary, but torturing a female emissary would be highly dishonorable.

"What a rude emissary!"
"Are you asking for war?"
Harunobu's officers voice their support to Harunobu.

Harunobu: "Nagao does not need to worry about Takeda's business. We work for our prosperity, just like Nagao works for yours. If we want to invade Shinano, we don't care about others' feelings. Takeda acquired Shinano thanks to our generals' greatest effort. There were also sacrifices."

Maoko: "Sure. But that does not mean the other clan's promises are non-existent. My mission here is to inform Takeda that Lord Kagetora will fullfil his promises to Murakami - one day, Nagao will restore Murakami in Shinano."

Harunobu: "So you ARE looking for war?"
Maoko: "Not right now. I actually bring a warning to Takeda - the Kiso clan of Shinano and Anegakoji clan of Hida have invited Nagao to form an alliance against Takeda."

"What?"
"A Realm Divide after taking just one province?"
Takeda's clan officers gasp in fear.

Harunobu: "Why are you warning us?"
Maoko: "Lord Kagetora admires Lord Harunobu's capability, and he wishes to fight Lord Harunobu fairly on the battlefield one day. Lord Kagetora does not want to see Lord Harunobu attacked in the back while facing Nagao's army."

Harunobu is surprised that Nagao Kagetora would think like this. He must be either an extremely capable military commander, or simply stupid beyond salvation. From what Harunobu has heard so far, Kagetora seems to belong to the former category. It would be great Harunobu gains an ally like Kagetora.

But the twist of fate might turn them into enemies, as it seems now.

Harunobu: "How about this? Takeda will make a reasonable offer so Nagao does not join the alliance against Takeda."
Maoko: "Lord Harunobu, Lord Kagetora will never accept bribery."
Harunobu: "Then we will make a fair deal. We make an offer so that we will fight Nagao after we deal with Kiso and Anagakoji. If you win, Shinano is yours!"
Maoko: "Sure. We can work that out with military access as a promise of non-aggression."
Harunobu: "How about 4300 koku for five years?"
Maoko: "Lord Harunobu is fair and just, so there is no need to bargain. Lord Kagetora will wait for Takeda. Together we shall fight a decisive battle for the ownership of Shinano."
Harunobu: "Good!"

"PA!"
Harunobu slaps his iron Furinkazan fan to his thigh.

Note: At the time of writing this, the game is far from finished and I am not certain what will happen to Takeda in the future. It would be ideal if he does develop into the nemesis of Uesugi Kenshin as in history. The best I can do is to give him colored dialogue.

[Maltz]

When Munechika returns to the towns of Etchu.
To her surprise, there are hundreds of people gathering on the streets.
These people do not look like farmers or anyone who has a respectable career.

"The master of Rizenji has come!"
"She is here!"
Hundreds of people make a circle around Munechika.

Munechika: "What can I do for you?"

"Rizenji master, we hear that you are so charitable that you must help us!"
"We are all unemployed because..."
"... because nobody wants me."
"... because job is hard to find these days."
"... because my last boss was a jerk!"
"Anyway, we have spent all our savings..."
"We are starving!"
"We hear that Toyama Castle is underdefended. We plan to assault the castle! Unless..."

Munechika: "Unless I help you all, right?"

"Yes! If you do not help us, we will sack Toyama Castle and loot it clean!"
"The Ikko-Ikki is coming - why leave the goodies to them?"
"Yes! We loot it first!"

Munechika: "Looting someone else's property? This is so wrong. But I cannot help you indefinitely, either. You have to get proper jobs to feed yourselves. Why don't you go to Echigo and enlist as ashigaru?"

"Echigo? BAH. Too far."
"Listening to orders? Neh."
"I don't want to risk my life."

Munechika sighs quietly. These people are unemployed for a reason. If they do not think differently, nothing is going to help them.

"Please help us... this is the last time!"
"Help us!"

Munechika: "Well, you have probably one thousand here. How can a traveling nun help you all? I have to apply for emergency relief fund from Kasugayama Castle. Nagao clan is not rich, but maybe it can spare 400 koku or so. This is your last chance. Take the money and start your own business."

"400 koku! We can buy weapons and have a serious army!"
"Those samurai in Toyama Castle don't stand a chance!"

Munechika: " Don't use it to harm the others! You can buy some farms or... fishboats. I wonder why nobody does that."

"Sure, sure! Thank you so much!"
"Master from Rizenji is our savior!"
"Rizenji is the best!"

The mob cheer loudly.

Munechika: "Amitabhah (Oh Buddha), it looks like I have made things worse."

Munechika sits quietly under a tree. It is not easy to do good.

"Now these people have a greater appetite for freebies. I wonder who will have to put an end on their greed... I hope Lord Kagetora reach peace with Jinbo quickly, or they are going to be in grave danger."