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It was my intention to create this thread after the model of maltz's stories; it is an accurate description of my latest campaign with the Takeda, finished in 7 years, seen through the eyes of one of Shingen's generals, Obata Toramori.
On a separate note here, it should be known that all facts, names, titles, familiy history, japanese dates, and places are historically accurate. For example, Kaizu castle is indeed the castle where Obata died, in June 1561. Description of the Uesugi, Mori and Takeda clans histories are also historical facts, lake Biwa is the lake that can be seen on the map as being part of Omi, Takeda's taishos were organised in the way depicted in several parts of the chronicle etc.
Of course, I was carefull not to include too much historical information and thus break the "swift tone" of the chronicle.
It is not to be a superficial read, or at least this is my hope. Converging the descriptions with the screenshots I hope that my style of playing will be revealed to the other taisho. What I think it can be learned by examining this description is when to attack, when and what threats can and should be ignored, and of course, how you can finish a campaign in 28 seasons. It is not my way to give advice; instead, I prefer examples.
I await your opinions, and sincerely hope to be criticised if there were options which I overlooked. Btw, hope you won't mind the tone used, as said I kinda' liked maltz approach and thought it will make for a better read.
Conditions:
- expert level
- never loaded
- never attacked allied factions
- in order to make it all more interesting, I used no shinobi
- unit size 80
- try to mantain the plethora of taishos given by default (when the game ended, all these plus Morozumi Masakiyo were alive, 6 of them 4 rank taishos, with Kansuke of rank 5, Shingen 6, heirs Nobushige and Nobukado only 3)
- patch 1.02
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Swift as the wind"
Written in the 4th year of Eiroku, 1561 after the calendars of the southern barbarians ..
at the Kaizu castle ..
by myself, Obata Toramori, Yamashiro no kami of the Takeda clan, veteran of Shingen's Koshu warband and part of the go-fudai karo-shu council since the times of Takeda Nobutora.
The past few weeks left me weakened, and I feel that my end draws near. But before my death, the documents in my possesion deserve to be revealed to our followers. For all years that passed during our offensive against the rebel powers that threatened the peace of the nation and the Emperor's, it was I that served as secretary of my master, Shingen, it was I the one with whom he discussed his plans, even before ever sharing them with Yamamoto or Baba. Thus, all notes regarding campaign plans are in my possesion, and it was my decision to leave them as heritage to the generals of the Takeda, as testimony of Shingen's genius.
12 years ago, in the last autumn before Shingen unleashed us upon Japan, he called me to his provisory headquarters. There, in the quiet gardens of the Kentokuzan temple, Shingen shared to me his ambitious plans. For the absolute succes of these plans he was later named Nowake. In my language, this word refers to the dry storm wind often encountered during autumn, the wind that brings with it death and silence. It was our rivals' way of defining Shingen's peace. May they come to Buddha's hand some day.
To speak all truth, the legend whispered even today among our ranks states that one morning, as our master was meditating in front of mihata tatenashi, the kami of the wind revealed itself to the "compassionate eye" (jap. shingen) offering council; in return, Nowake asked for each year to fall as many heads as leaves from trees each autumn. And swift as the Nowake wind those fell ..
But no matter of the origin of his new name, since the day he called upon me, Shingen shielded our weaknesess and maximised our strenghts. Thus, when he summoned us, our spirits raged in front of the absolute ..
My chronicle covers the whole period of 7 years we needed to pacify Japan; it reproduces to the letter the notes I wrote during my secret councils with our lord, but I also allowed myself for personal comments and judgements over the general situation, in order for the reader to understand the sometimes desperately bold decisions our generals and especially Shingen were forced to take. Structured into 7 chapters coresponding to the years of the campaign, the chronicle is an objective work, thus throughout it I used 3rd person even for myself.
PROLOGUE
Plans:
Over the whole spring of 1550, shinobi delivered reports directly to Nowake in the Kentokuzan temple. Present at almost all meetings, I was able to quickly form an opinion over my masters plans; these were astounding. Kai being bordered by other 5 provinces, our forces were eventually forced to face 5 potential directions of attack. Shingen effectively proposed to wipe out any resistance in the south, while striking into the west, north and east, preventing any rivals from preparing an offensive; thus, not only we would form another front in Suruga, Shinano and Musashi, but we would have obtained the long needed acces to the sea and its salt.
Of course, an all out attack raised many problems, much more than a slow relentless offensive, and it wasn't something no one thought about before; even Nobutora contemplated the problem, but at the time we were not prepared. The advantages of this maneuvre consisted in negating to our southern enemy the posibility of retreat or form pockets of resistance. And if we were to invade Izu, Sagami and Musashi, we may just get the chance to catch Imagawa of Suruga and Suwa of Shinano relaxed. Mount Fuji could be ours without a fight.
The main problem were numbers, as we would be forced to fight 5 to 1 in some places; but Kai now had a plethora of valorous generals, and our men were thirsty for blood. Nowake was not to be impeded by numbers ..
Forces of attack as established by Shingen ..
Invasion of Imagawa lands:
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and Obata Toramori (YC) shall attack Imagawa's forces in Suruga
Invasion of Hojo lands:
- Sanada Yukitaka (HC) must secure the left flank in Izu, dealing with the ashigaru of Ota Yoshinobu (rank 1) and the yari samurai of Utsunomiya Masauji
- Takeda Shingen and Amari Torayasu (CA) will head for the bulk of the Hojo forces in Sagami, under Miyoshi Takatsugu and his troops consisting of 2 SA, 1 YA and 1 YS
- Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA), merging with Yamamoto Takayoshi (NC), must secure the right flank by attacking Hojo Ujiyasu leading 2 SA in Musashi
Invasion of Shinano:
- Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS) will attack Suwa Nobukimi's troops consisting of SA and YS.
On a separate note here, it should be known that all facts, names, titles, familiy history, japanese dates, and places are historically accurate. For example, Kaizu castle is indeed the castle where Obata died, in June 1561. Description of the Uesugi, Mori and Takeda clans histories are also historical facts, lake Biwa is the lake that can be seen on the map as being part of Omi, Takeda's taishos were organised in the way depicted in several parts of the chronicle etc.
Of course, I was carefull not to include too much historical information and thus break the "swift tone" of the chronicle.
It is not to be a superficial read, or at least this is my hope. Converging the descriptions with the screenshots I hope that my style of playing will be revealed to the other taisho. What I think it can be learned by examining this description is when to attack, when and what threats can and should be ignored, and of course, how you can finish a campaign in 28 seasons. It is not my way to give advice; instead, I prefer examples.
I await your opinions, and sincerely hope to be criticised if there were options which I overlooked. Btw, hope you won't mind the tone used, as said I kinda' liked maltz approach and thought it will make for a better read.
Conditions:
- expert level
- never loaded
- never attacked allied factions
- in order to make it all more interesting, I used no shinobi
- unit size 80
- try to mantain the plethora of taishos given by default (when the game ended, all these plus Morozumi Masakiyo were alive, 6 of them 4 rank taishos, with Kansuke of rank 5, Shingen 6, heirs Nobushige and Nobukado only 3)
- patch 1.02
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Swift as the wind"
Written in the 4th year of Eiroku, 1561 after the calendars of the southern barbarians ..
at the Kaizu castle ..
by myself, Obata Toramori, Yamashiro no kami of the Takeda clan, veteran of Shingen's Koshu warband and part of the go-fudai karo-shu council since the times of Takeda Nobutora.
The past few weeks left me weakened, and I feel that my end draws near. But before my death, the documents in my possesion deserve to be revealed to our followers. For all years that passed during our offensive against the rebel powers that threatened the peace of the nation and the Emperor's, it was I that served as secretary of my master, Shingen, it was I the one with whom he discussed his plans, even before ever sharing them with Yamamoto or Baba. Thus, all notes regarding campaign plans are in my possesion, and it was my decision to leave them as heritage to the generals of the Takeda, as testimony of Shingen's genius.
12 years ago, in the last autumn before Shingen unleashed us upon Japan, he called me to his provisory headquarters. There, in the quiet gardens of the Kentokuzan temple, Shingen shared to me his ambitious plans. For the absolute succes of these plans he was later named Nowake. In my language, this word refers to the dry storm wind often encountered during autumn, the wind that brings with it death and silence. It was our rivals' way of defining Shingen's peace. May they come to Buddha's hand some day.
To speak all truth, the legend whispered even today among our ranks states that one morning, as our master was meditating in front of mihata tatenashi, the kami of the wind revealed itself to the "compassionate eye" (jap. shingen) offering council; in return, Nowake asked for each year to fall as many heads as leaves from trees each autumn. And swift as the Nowake wind those fell ..
But no matter of the origin of his new name, since the day he called upon me, Shingen shielded our weaknesess and maximised our strenghts. Thus, when he summoned us, our spirits raged in front of the absolute ..
My chronicle covers the whole period of 7 years we needed to pacify Japan; it reproduces to the letter the notes I wrote during my secret councils with our lord, but I also allowed myself for personal comments and judgements over the general situation, in order for the reader to understand the sometimes desperately bold decisions our generals and especially Shingen were forced to take. Structured into 7 chapters coresponding to the years of the campaign, the chronicle is an objective work, thus throughout it I used 3rd person even for myself.
PROLOGUE
Plans:
Over the whole spring of 1550, shinobi delivered reports directly to Nowake in the Kentokuzan temple. Present at almost all meetings, I was able to quickly form an opinion over my masters plans; these were astounding. Kai being bordered by other 5 provinces, our forces were eventually forced to face 5 potential directions of attack. Shingen effectively proposed to wipe out any resistance in the south, while striking into the west, north and east, preventing any rivals from preparing an offensive; thus, not only we would form another front in Suruga, Shinano and Musashi, but we would have obtained the long needed acces to the sea and its salt.
Of course, an all out attack raised many problems, much more than a slow relentless offensive, and it wasn't something no one thought about before; even Nobutora contemplated the problem, but at the time we were not prepared. The advantages of this maneuvre consisted in negating to our southern enemy the posibility of retreat or form pockets of resistance. And if we were to invade Izu, Sagami and Musashi, we may just get the chance to catch Imagawa of Suruga and Suwa of Shinano relaxed. Mount Fuji could be ours without a fight.
The main problem were numbers, as we would be forced to fight 5 to 1 in some places; but Kai now had a plethora of valorous generals, and our men were thirsty for blood. Nowake was not to be impeded by numbers ..
Forces of attack as established by Shingen ..
Invasion of Imagawa lands:
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and Obata Toramori (YC) shall attack Imagawa's forces in Suruga
Invasion of Hojo lands:
- Sanada Yukitaka (HC) must secure the left flank in Izu, dealing with the ashigaru of Ota Yoshinobu (rank 1) and the yari samurai of Utsunomiya Masauji
- Takeda Shingen and Amari Torayasu (CA) will head for the bulk of the Hojo forces in Sagami, under Miyoshi Takatsugu and his troops consisting of 2 SA, 1 YA and 1 YS
- Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA), merging with Yamamoto Takayoshi (NC), must secure the right flank by attacking Hojo Ujiyasu leading 2 SA in Musashi
Invasion of Shinano:
- Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS) will attack Suwa Nobukimi's troops consisting of SA and YS.
CHAPTER I
Summer 1550
Report:
Nowake's forces were victorious against the Hojo (Shingen even captured Sagami entirely, leaving none alive on the battlefield). Still, we are at a loss, as Yamamoto Takayoshi died with almost 20 arrows in his body, while opening the way over the brigde in Musashi for his NC. He was revenged.
In Shinano Suwa retreated shamefully, and even if Imagawa Yoshimoto and Sakai Tadatsugu (SA) along with other troops formed from SA and 2 YS appeared on the battlefield, the clash never produced as the rebel forces retreated too fast and the battle ended (Takatoshi was fortunate).
In Suruga Imagawa didn't even accept the battle.
Plans:
Nowake's forces regroup now.
Autumn 1550
Report:
Nowake is soaked in vodka.
Plans:
Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and Obata Toramori (YC) having merged with Sanada Yukitaka (HC), will attack Totomi, where they'll face Imagawa Yoshimoto, Sakai Tadatsugu (SA) and other troops formed from 1 YS and 1 SA.
Winter 1550
Report:
Totomi belongs to Nowake. Yoshimoto's head also Meanwhile, the emissary Shingen sent to Imagawa to ask for a provisory cease fire is killed and Nowake ceremonioulsy receives his head. GAH The siege continues in Shinano, and contingents of NC pour from our homeland, Kai.
Eat head soup
Plans:
Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Obata Toramori (YC) Sanada Yukitaka (HC) converge from Totomi with Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) along with 2 NC from Shinano to invade Mikawa, where Imagawa Ujizane, the new daymio, leads 4 YS, 4 SA and 1 YA.
CHAPTER II
Spring 1551
Report:
Imagawa is crushed in the most beautifull battle ever experienced. Our cavalry swiftly crossed the bridge and enveloped the experienced and numerous yari samurai of Ujizane. Took lots of heads, Ujizane's among them
Bittersweet simphony
The clan is eliminated
Imagawa head even
Obata Nobutomo becomes a legendary swordman
Chop heads off
Morozumi Masakiyo joins Nowake's kashindan of 24 generals.
Taisho taken into service
Plans:
Nowake's pack must regroup again
Summer 1551
Report:
Nowake takes a cigarette break this season.
Plans:
The theathre of operations shifts to the east. The Uesugi are now the next potential target of my master. Powerfull, the actual ruler of this clan is not of their blood. The Uesugi descended from the Fujiwara family, but Kenshin came to the lead through opportunism. Retainer of Uesugi Norimasa, he forced his lord to adopt him after Norimasa was subsequently defeated by the Hojo. In return for his help, the former Nagao Kagetora also received the title of Echigo-no-kami, thus he controled the entire Echigo province. He then changed his name into Uesugi Terutora, and one year later, he became Uesugi Kenshin. Even earlier, he accepted the leaders of the Murakami and Ogasawara families, who presented themselves before Terutora and protested Shingen's aggressions into Shinano, from where they were forced to flee. Now, Kenshin's forces are somewhat more numerous, but the superiority in the valour of our forces is not a matter for discussion. As before, we shall attack swift as the wind .. on all fronts.
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and other 2 NC must take Echigo from Uesugi Kenshin and his army of 4 SA.
- Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) heads for Kozuke, where Kakizaki Kageie (SA) awaits him, reinforced with one unit of YA.
- The attack of Shimotsuke is lead by Takeda Shingen himself, seconded by Amari Torayasu (CA). They must defeat Suda Chikamitsu (YS) who also has 1 SA and 1 YA.
Autumn 1551
Report:
Echigo, Kozuke and Shimotsuke fell, and so does the head of Kenshin.
Uesugi head choppig season ends
As the Uesugi dissapear, Mutsu submits to Shimazu, their former ally.
Mutsu submits to Shimazu
Plans:
Kansuke must finish the siege in Echigo, while Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) seconded by another pack of NC invades Shimazu's lands, defended by Inoue Kiyomasa (SA) and 1 YS and 1 SA. Takeda Shingen from Shimotsuke and Yokota Takatoshi (YC) from Musashi feign an attack in Shimosa againt Hojo.
Winter 1551
Report:
Echigo is completely subdued, Mutsu conquered along with its castle as there were no Shimazu heads on shoulders at the end of the battle.
A different situation lies in the south. Ota Yasusuke of the Hojo, commader of the forces in Hitachi, observing the weakness of the Takeda in Shimotsuke, which consisted in only 1 CA lead by Amary Torayasu after Shingen's departure, attacked with all his men, making up for an army of 1 SA and 2 YA. And the genius of Nowake (possesing Amari's body) is revealed: none returns alive, and 240 heads are put in pikes
Plans:
Yokota Takatoshi (YC) from Musashi must converge with Amari Torayasu (CA) this time, in a feigned attack over Shimosa, while Shingen and a depleted pack of NC from Mutsu will overrun Hitachi, with the hidden hope of drawing some of Hojo's forces from Shimosa in the open field.
Summer 1550
Report:
Nowake's forces were victorious against the Hojo (Shingen even captured Sagami entirely, leaving none alive on the battlefield). Still, we are at a loss, as Yamamoto Takayoshi died with almost 20 arrows in his body, while opening the way over the brigde in Musashi for his NC. He was revenged.
In Shinano Suwa retreated shamefully, and even if Imagawa Yoshimoto and Sakai Tadatsugu (SA) along with other troops formed from SA and 2 YS appeared on the battlefield, the clash never produced as the rebel forces retreated too fast and the battle ended (Takatoshi was fortunate).
In Suruga Imagawa didn't even accept the battle.
Plans:
Nowake's forces regroup now.
Autumn 1550
Report:
Nowake is soaked in vodka.
Plans:
Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and Obata Toramori (YC) having merged with Sanada Yukitaka (HC), will attack Totomi, where they'll face Imagawa Yoshimoto, Sakai Tadatsugu (SA) and other troops formed from 1 YS and 1 SA.
Winter 1550
Report:
Totomi belongs to Nowake. Yoshimoto's head also Meanwhile, the emissary Shingen sent to Imagawa to ask for a provisory cease fire is killed and Nowake ceremonioulsy receives his head. GAH The siege continues in Shinano, and contingents of NC pour from our homeland, Kai.
Eat head soup
Plans:
Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Obata Toramori (YC) Sanada Yukitaka (HC) converge from Totomi with Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) along with 2 NC from Shinano to invade Mikawa, where Imagawa Ujizane, the new daymio, leads 4 YS, 4 SA and 1 YA.
CHAPTER II
Spring 1551
Report:
Imagawa is crushed in the most beautifull battle ever experienced. Our cavalry swiftly crossed the bridge and enveloped the experienced and numerous yari samurai of Ujizane. Took lots of heads, Ujizane's among them
Bittersweet simphony
The clan is eliminated
Imagawa head even
Obata Nobutomo becomes a legendary swordman
Chop heads off
Morozumi Masakiyo joins Nowake's kashindan of 24 generals.
Taisho taken into service
Plans:
Nowake's pack must regroup again
Summer 1551
Report:
Nowake takes a cigarette break this season.
Plans:
The theathre of operations shifts to the east. The Uesugi are now the next potential target of my master. Powerfull, the actual ruler of this clan is not of their blood. The Uesugi descended from the Fujiwara family, but Kenshin came to the lead through opportunism. Retainer of Uesugi Norimasa, he forced his lord to adopt him after Norimasa was subsequently defeated by the Hojo. In return for his help, the former Nagao Kagetora also received the title of Echigo-no-kami, thus he controled the entire Echigo province. He then changed his name into Uesugi Terutora, and one year later, he became Uesugi Kenshin. Even earlier, he accepted the leaders of the Murakami and Ogasawara families, who presented themselves before Terutora and protested Shingen's aggressions into Shinano, from where they were forced to flee. Now, Kenshin's forces are somewhat more numerous, but the superiority in the valour of our forces is not a matter for discussion. As before, we shall attack swift as the wind .. on all fronts.
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) and other 2 NC must take Echigo from Uesugi Kenshin and his army of 4 SA.
- Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) heads for Kozuke, where Kakizaki Kageie (SA) awaits him, reinforced with one unit of YA.
- The attack of Shimotsuke is lead by Takeda Shingen himself, seconded by Amari Torayasu (CA). They must defeat Suda Chikamitsu (YS) who also has 1 SA and 1 YA.
Autumn 1551
Report:
Echigo, Kozuke and Shimotsuke fell, and so does the head of Kenshin.
Uesugi head choppig season ends
As the Uesugi dissapear, Mutsu submits to Shimazu, their former ally.
Mutsu submits to Shimazu
Plans:
Kansuke must finish the siege in Echigo, while Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) seconded by another pack of NC invades Shimazu's lands, defended by Inoue Kiyomasa (SA) and 1 YS and 1 SA. Takeda Shingen from Shimotsuke and Yokota Takatoshi (YC) from Musashi feign an attack in Shimosa againt Hojo.
Winter 1551
Report:
Echigo is completely subdued, Mutsu conquered along with its castle as there were no Shimazu heads on shoulders at the end of the battle.
A different situation lies in the south. Ota Yasusuke of the Hojo, commader of the forces in Hitachi, observing the weakness of the Takeda in Shimotsuke, which consisted in only 1 CA lead by Amary Torayasu after Shingen's departure, attacked with all his men, making up for an army of 1 SA and 2 YA. And the genius of Nowake (possesing Amari's body) is revealed: none returns alive, and 240 heads are put in pikes
Plans:
Yokota Takatoshi (YC) from Musashi must converge with Amari Torayasu (CA) this time, in a feigned attack over Shimosa, while Shingen and a depleted pack of NC from Mutsu will overrun Hitachi, with the hidden hope of drawing some of Hojo's forces from Shimosa in the open field.
CHAPTER III
Spring 1552
Report:
Hojo didn't dare to weaken his position in Shimosa too much, and Hitachi was taken with no men lost, by massacring Ota Sukemasa (SA) who tried to make a stand. Also, good news, as Nobukado comes of age:
Heir matures
But rebel clans from all provinces surrounding our clan, except for Jimbo of Etchu, backed by both the Hojo and his ally, the Oda, attacked us. Thus, the situation developed as following:
- Shinano, defended by Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS), came under a massive attack from the Kyogoku clan of Hida, lead by Kyogoku Sakon (YS) with the help of the Saito of Mino under Saito Kojiro (CA) also bringing 1 YS.
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA, only 55) defended briliantly Echigo, succeding to defeat Mogami Michiuki (YS) who also brought 1 SA. That was one of the toughest battles as there was a huge danger for Kansuke's pack to look reluctant to his hit-and-run tactics.
- Mutsu was also attacked by troops of the Mogami, backed by inside agitators of the Ahikaga clan, who took control of the invading force, consisting of 1 SA and 1 Nodachi; Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) made sure all their heads remained in our province.
Plans:
Nowake decides all potential enemy rebel forces must be crushed, no matter of their neutrality in the former conflict.
- Thus, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) seconded by Obata Toramori (YC) shall perform an incredibly bold maneuvre, attacking Jimbo in Etchu, their forces consisting of 1 WM and 1 SA (general's rank 2) Even if their forces were depleted, the fighting spirit should make up for the low numbers of our men.
- Morozumi Masakiyo shall occupy the now undefended and rich Dewa.
- Shingen and some 2 packs of NC shall corner Hojo Ujiyasu in Shimosa, who leads 5 SA, 1 YS and 1 YA.
Summer 1552
Report:
Kansuke defeats Jimbo Yorisada in Etchu, killing all rebels, while Shingen crushes Ujiyasu's large army, and takes his head.
Hojo burned
But problems arised in our western flank. In a last ditched attempt to save his ally, the Hojo, Oda Nobuhide invades Mikawa with a large force of battle hardened samurai and ashigaru, consisting of his hatamoto, 3 SA and 3 YA, lead by sound names like Hatakeyama Takamasa, Kanamori Nagachika, Akechi Mitsuhide, Nishio Yoshitsugu, Shibata Katsuie and Akechi Hirochika. Even if outnumbered 3 to 1, Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA, under 40 men) and his half depleted 2 packs of NC, lead by Obata Nobutomo (legendary swordman, who dies in this battle) and Amari SaigoIezane, decided to confront them, and took Nobuhide's head. Nobunaga succeded his father.
Hojo's ally
Nobuhide lost head
Nobunaga becomes head
Plans:
While our men will regroup everywhere else, Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) will attack Sado and Shingen will assault the now ronin Hojo forces in their fortifications in Shimosa, a surprise autumn campaign shall be launched into Owari by Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) and his now even more depleted packs of NC, asisted by Amari Torayasu (CA) who will arrive by ship.
Autumn 1552
Report:
Owari, defended by Asakura Yoshikage with 3 YA, falls. Sado and the last defenders of Shimosa are also crushed. A rebellion starts in Etchu.
Plans:
Yamamoto and Obata shall hold Etchu, seconded by 1 NC, against Jimbo Hisahide and his rebel forces consisting in 1 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA. In the meantime, Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade from his new headquarters in Mikawa, converging with Takeda Nobukado (YS) from Shinano, the province of Mino. Morozumi Masakiyo will continue his campaign in the north by invading Noto, and Shingen will launch an attack from Shimosa into Kazusa.
Winter 1552
Report:
Even if Shingen and Masakiyo secured the flanks by taking control of Kazusa and Noto, and Kansuke contained the rebellion, our attack on the centre was grounded to a halt by multiple factors.
Most importantly, Oda launched a winter counter-offensive with Nobunaga in front of his army of 1 YS, 3 SA and 6 YA, from Omi into Owari, against our very depleted forces of 2 CA and 2 NC, lead by Tsuchiya Masatsugu and Amari Torayasu. Against all odds, Tsuchiya trampled the Oda under the hooves of his horse and took Nobunga's head, ending the clan.
On the other hand, Mikawa was attacked from Mino by Asai Shigetoki (YA) thus Sanada Yukitaka (HC) was forced into a defensive position, from where he crushed the enemy, but the attack on Mino was delayed.
Oda winter counter-offensive
Nobunaga lost head
Oda waits reincarnation
The now ronin forces of Oda in Omi submited to their former allies, the Shimazu, who now gained some clout just a few miles far from Kyoto, blocking the way, which was very unpleasant for us but not an impediment.
Omi submits to Shimazu
Plans:
As Sado rebelled lead by Hijitsuki clan, who raised 1 SA and 2 YA, Yokota Takatoshi (YC) must accept the risky task of dealing with them. On the other hand, Mino, Hida and Kaga shall be attacked as follows:
- Sanada Yukitaka (HC) from Mikawa, Takeda Nobushige (YS) from Shinano and a small pack of NC from Owari will converge on Mino.
- Hida shall be dealt with by Takeda Nobukado (YS) and 1 NC.
- Kaga will be invaded by Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Obata Toramori (YC) and 1 NC from Etchu and Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) from Noto.
CHAPTER IV
Spring 1553
Report:
Amazingly, Yokota won through briliant tactical maneuvres, even if his men were not at all experienced. Saito retreated from Mino after a few skirmishes, giving us the province. The SA from Hida who tried to make a stand were eliminated to one man by Nobukado.
Kaga was more problematic: Morozumi (NC) was attacked by a superior force of 1 WM from Kaga in Noto, forcing him to defend, which he did, succesfully. But now only the very depleted Yamamoto (CA), Obata (YC) and 1 NC were taking on the the Sohei of Kaga, with an army of 2 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA, lead by Togashi Fujikage (rank 2). Nevertheless, our forces clunged to victory with their bare hands, and enveloped the Togashi forces so well, that none escaped, despite the fearsome reputation of the Sohei. Heavy loses were inflicted on our forces as well though.
Plans:
This is a crucial moment for our clan. With the east and far north under control, our next objective is closing in on the centre of Japan. Not only that Kyoto is almost in our grasp, but given the inimaginably small forces used up untill now, our influence in the provinces subdued is mantained mainly through the news of our victories - and the high mobility of our army; indeed, rebelling against us is now compared with a head that tries to strike an axe. Gah
So Nowake decides to continue our furios march against all other forces divergent from our power. Yamamoto (CA) and Obata (YC), with the small core of NC, are sent into Echizen. Due to the fact that these 3 troops together barely raise to 2/3 of a normal one, Nobukado (YS) is dispatched from Hida with orders to merge with them. Ise will be the subject of a preliminary reconasaince mission under the orders of Amari Torayasu. In all other bordering provinces, our forces will be building up from behind.
Omi is now a region in turmoil: Shimazu were attacked by the briliant Hata Kagetake of Wakasa, and are now under siege. Shingen sent an emissary to see if this ronin would not want to join the kashindan - the large retainer warband.
Summer 1553
Report:
The resistance in Echizen was conducted by Asakura Nobunaga (SA) who received the aid of his relative, Toshikatsu (WM). Both were killed, along with all their men. These sound victories not only bring prestige to our generals, but also make sure that there are no enemy forces to coagulate with rebels from neighbouring provinces.
Plans:
Ise is ready to be taken, although there are important forces defending its shrines, 2 WM 3SA 2 YA, lead by Kitabatake Takanobu. Amari (CA), given to command other 2 YS and 2 NC, is ordered to conduct the offensive.
Autumn 1553
Report:
As expected, Amari Torayasu confirms expectations, and none of the Kitabatake is left alive to defend their large castle.
Plans:
It is decided that Amari should eliminate the next imediate threat for Ise's security, the Tsutsui clan of Yamato, under the great Takakage. Their forces, 1 WM, 1 SA and 1 YA, will not be a problem for Amari's army. Meanwhile, Tsuchiya Masatsugu shall protect Ise.
Negociations with Hata Kagetake having failed, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA), seconded by Takeda Nobushige (YS) and Sanada Yukitaka (HC) along with 1 NC, 1 CA and 1 YS, will invade Omi, confronting 1 WM, 2 YC, 1 CA and 1 SA. Many of these troops are remnants of the Asai and Saito clans, and it is probably those that impeded the negociations. They will receive their pay. In order to finish the Hata clan from one single blow, Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobukado (YS) shall invade Wakasa, defended by Hata Kazuuji (SA).
Winter 1553
Report:
Again, victory belongs to us. Both great generals, Kagetake and Takakage, are killed, and their clans, Hata and Tsutsui, wiped from the face of the earth. Wakasa, Omi and Yamato pay now homage to Nowake, and Kyoto's walls can almost be seen over the fog raising from lake Biwa.
Remnants of the Saito and Asai forces have barricadated themselves in Hikone castle, under Saito Masakatsu (CA) and Asai Yukinaga (SA). But 2 YC of the Saito headed now on the road to Kyoto, to join the Hosokawa clan who rules the capital in this moment. Their heads shall be put in higher pikes.
Plans:
But untill then, many battles lay ahead. Hatakeyama Shigenao from Kii threatens our southern flank with his 1 WM and 1 SA. Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) shall attack him from Ise, with another CA and 1 YS. Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade Iga, while Takeda Nobushige (YS) is given the task of storming Hikone.
Spring 1552
Report:
Hojo didn't dare to weaken his position in Shimosa too much, and Hitachi was taken with no men lost, by massacring Ota Sukemasa (SA) who tried to make a stand. Also, good news, as Nobukado comes of age:
Heir matures
But rebel clans from all provinces surrounding our clan, except for Jimbo of Etchu, backed by both the Hojo and his ally, the Oda, attacked us. Thus, the situation developed as following:
- Shinano, defended by Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS), came under a massive attack from the Kyogoku clan of Hida, lead by Kyogoku Sakon (YS) with the help of the Saito of Mino under Saito Kojiro (CA) also bringing 1 YS.
- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA, only 55) defended briliantly Echigo, succeding to defeat Mogami Michiuki (YS) who also brought 1 SA. That was one of the toughest battles as there was a huge danger for Kansuke's pack to look reluctant to his hit-and-run tactics.
- Mutsu was also attacked by troops of the Mogami, backed by inside agitators of the Ahikaga clan, who took control of the invading force, consisting of 1 SA and 1 Nodachi; Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) made sure all their heads remained in our province.
Plans:
Nowake decides all potential enemy rebel forces must be crushed, no matter of their neutrality in the former conflict.
- Thus, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) seconded by Obata Toramori (YC) shall perform an incredibly bold maneuvre, attacking Jimbo in Etchu, their forces consisting of 1 WM and 1 SA (general's rank 2) Even if their forces were depleted, the fighting spirit should make up for the low numbers of our men.
- Morozumi Masakiyo shall occupy the now undefended and rich Dewa.
- Shingen and some 2 packs of NC shall corner Hojo Ujiyasu in Shimosa, who leads 5 SA, 1 YS and 1 YA.
Summer 1552
Report:
Kansuke defeats Jimbo Yorisada in Etchu, killing all rebels, while Shingen crushes Ujiyasu's large army, and takes his head.
Hojo burned
But problems arised in our western flank. In a last ditched attempt to save his ally, the Hojo, Oda Nobuhide invades Mikawa with a large force of battle hardened samurai and ashigaru, consisting of his hatamoto, 3 SA and 3 YA, lead by sound names like Hatakeyama Takamasa, Kanamori Nagachika, Akechi Mitsuhide, Nishio Yoshitsugu, Shibata Katsuie and Akechi Hirochika. Even if outnumbered 3 to 1, Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA, under 40 men) and his half depleted 2 packs of NC, lead by Obata Nobutomo (legendary swordman, who dies in this battle) and Amari SaigoIezane, decided to confront them, and took Nobuhide's head. Nobunaga succeded his father.
Hojo's ally
Nobuhide lost head
Nobunaga becomes head
Plans:
While our men will regroup everywhere else, Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) will attack Sado and Shingen will assault the now ronin Hojo forces in their fortifications in Shimosa, a surprise autumn campaign shall be launched into Owari by Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) and his now even more depleted packs of NC, asisted by Amari Torayasu (CA) who will arrive by ship.
Autumn 1552
Report:
Owari, defended by Asakura Yoshikage with 3 YA, falls. Sado and the last defenders of Shimosa are also crushed. A rebellion starts in Etchu.
Plans:
Yamamoto and Obata shall hold Etchu, seconded by 1 NC, against Jimbo Hisahide and his rebel forces consisting in 1 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA. In the meantime, Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade from his new headquarters in Mikawa, converging with Takeda Nobukado (YS) from Shinano, the province of Mino. Morozumi Masakiyo will continue his campaign in the north by invading Noto, and Shingen will launch an attack from Shimosa into Kazusa.
Winter 1552
Report:
Even if Shingen and Masakiyo secured the flanks by taking control of Kazusa and Noto, and Kansuke contained the rebellion, our attack on the centre was grounded to a halt by multiple factors.
Most importantly, Oda launched a winter counter-offensive with Nobunaga in front of his army of 1 YS, 3 SA and 6 YA, from Omi into Owari, against our very depleted forces of 2 CA and 2 NC, lead by Tsuchiya Masatsugu and Amari Torayasu. Against all odds, Tsuchiya trampled the Oda under the hooves of his horse and took Nobunga's head, ending the clan.
On the other hand, Mikawa was attacked from Mino by Asai Shigetoki (YA) thus Sanada Yukitaka (HC) was forced into a defensive position, from where he crushed the enemy, but the attack on Mino was delayed.
Oda winter counter-offensive
Nobunaga lost head
Oda waits reincarnation
The now ronin forces of Oda in Omi submited to their former allies, the Shimazu, who now gained some clout just a few miles far from Kyoto, blocking the way, which was very unpleasant for us but not an impediment.
Omi submits to Shimazu
Plans:
As Sado rebelled lead by Hijitsuki clan, who raised 1 SA and 2 YA, Yokota Takatoshi (YC) must accept the risky task of dealing with them. On the other hand, Mino, Hida and Kaga shall be attacked as follows:
- Sanada Yukitaka (HC) from Mikawa, Takeda Nobushige (YS) from Shinano and a small pack of NC from Owari will converge on Mino.
- Hida shall be dealt with by Takeda Nobukado (YS) and 1 NC.
- Kaga will be invaded by Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Obata Toramori (YC) and 1 NC from Etchu and Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) from Noto.
CHAPTER IV
Spring 1553
Report:
Amazingly, Yokota won through briliant tactical maneuvres, even if his men were not at all experienced. Saito retreated from Mino after a few skirmishes, giving us the province. The SA from Hida who tried to make a stand were eliminated to one man by Nobukado.
Kaga was more problematic: Morozumi (NC) was attacked by a superior force of 1 WM from Kaga in Noto, forcing him to defend, which he did, succesfully. But now only the very depleted Yamamoto (CA), Obata (YC) and 1 NC were taking on the the Sohei of Kaga, with an army of 2 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA, lead by Togashi Fujikage (rank 2). Nevertheless, our forces clunged to victory with their bare hands, and enveloped the Togashi forces so well, that none escaped, despite the fearsome reputation of the Sohei. Heavy loses were inflicted on our forces as well though.
Plans:
This is a crucial moment for our clan. With the east and far north under control, our next objective is closing in on the centre of Japan. Not only that Kyoto is almost in our grasp, but given the inimaginably small forces used up untill now, our influence in the provinces subdued is mantained mainly through the news of our victories - and the high mobility of our army; indeed, rebelling against us is now compared with a head that tries to strike an axe. Gah
So Nowake decides to continue our furios march against all other forces divergent from our power. Yamamoto (CA) and Obata (YC), with the small core of NC, are sent into Echizen. Due to the fact that these 3 troops together barely raise to 2/3 of a normal one, Nobukado (YS) is dispatched from Hida with orders to merge with them. Ise will be the subject of a preliminary reconasaince mission under the orders of Amari Torayasu. In all other bordering provinces, our forces will be building up from behind.
Omi is now a region in turmoil: Shimazu were attacked by the briliant Hata Kagetake of Wakasa, and are now under siege. Shingen sent an emissary to see if this ronin would not want to join the kashindan - the large retainer warband.
Summer 1553
Report:
The resistance in Echizen was conducted by Asakura Nobunaga (SA) who received the aid of his relative, Toshikatsu (WM). Both were killed, along with all their men. These sound victories not only bring prestige to our generals, but also make sure that there are no enemy forces to coagulate with rebels from neighbouring provinces.
Plans:
Ise is ready to be taken, although there are important forces defending its shrines, 2 WM 3SA 2 YA, lead by Kitabatake Takanobu. Amari (CA), given to command other 2 YS and 2 NC, is ordered to conduct the offensive.
Autumn 1553
Report:
As expected, Amari Torayasu confirms expectations, and none of the Kitabatake is left alive to defend their large castle.
Plans:
It is decided that Amari should eliminate the next imediate threat for Ise's security, the Tsutsui clan of Yamato, under the great Takakage. Their forces, 1 WM, 1 SA and 1 YA, will not be a problem for Amari's army. Meanwhile, Tsuchiya Masatsugu shall protect Ise.
Negociations with Hata Kagetake having failed, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA), seconded by Takeda Nobushige (YS) and Sanada Yukitaka (HC) along with 1 NC, 1 CA and 1 YS, will invade Omi, confronting 1 WM, 2 YC, 1 CA and 1 SA. Many of these troops are remnants of the Asai and Saito clans, and it is probably those that impeded the negociations. They will receive their pay. In order to finish the Hata clan from one single blow, Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobukado (YS) shall invade Wakasa, defended by Hata Kazuuji (SA).
Winter 1553
Report:
Again, victory belongs to us. Both great generals, Kagetake and Takakage, are killed, and their clans, Hata and Tsutsui, wiped from the face of the earth. Wakasa, Omi and Yamato pay now homage to Nowake, and Kyoto's walls can almost be seen over the fog raising from lake Biwa.
Remnants of the Saito and Asai forces have barricadated themselves in Hikone castle, under Saito Masakatsu (CA) and Asai Yukinaga (SA). But 2 YC of the Saito headed now on the road to Kyoto, to join the Hosokawa clan who rules the capital in this moment. Their heads shall be put in higher pikes.
Plans:
But untill then, many battles lay ahead. Hatakeyama Shigenao from Kii threatens our southern flank with his 1 WM and 1 SA. Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) shall attack him from Ise, with another CA and 1 YS. Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade Iga, while Takeda Nobushige (YS) is given the task of storming Hikone.
CHAPTER V
Spring 1554
Report:
Hatakeya's army was eliminated after failing to ambush Tsuchiya. The rebels facing Sanada Yukitaka decided to retreat to Iga-Ueno, while Hikone fell.
Plans:
In order to fully destroy the small pockets of ronins in Iga, Sanada Yukitaka (HC), now reinforced with a pack of CA, will storm Iga-Ueno. This is particulary risky as Hattori Yoshimoto (SA), the general leading the defense, has under his orders a group of BN well lead by his relative Hattori Yoshihiro.
Meanwhile, the Miyoshi clan in Kawachi, who sheltered the remnants of Hatakeyama, will be attacked with 2 CA, 1 NC and 1 YS by Amari Torayasu. These forces will converge from Kii and Yamato, hoping to trap the Miyoshi army made up of 2 SA and 1 WM.
In order to fully isolate Kyoto, the mountain passes of Tamba must be controled, so Takeda Nobukado (YS) and Obata Toramori (YC), under the orders of Yokoto Takatoshi (YC) shall attack Hatano Sadatsuna (SA) who also raised 1 YA.
Summer 1554
Report:
Iga-Ueno's walls burned; with this occasion, Sanada was promoted: he ceased to be a sempo-shu - the unit for the surviving retainers of the many daimyo conquered by the Takeda, like his Sanada family of Shinano - and became part of the jikishindan.
Kawachi and Tamba were conquered, cutting off Kyoto from the west also. The encirclement is complete.
However, bad news arrived at Shingen's headquarters. The Akimoto clan, overthrown from power in Kazusa by Shingen himself, managed through the work of agitators to sway a rebellion in their former province. The support received from the people was surprising, considering the policies developed on taxes by our clan, which are the lowest in all empire. So our troops garrisoning the border forts of the province were defeated before organising a more coherent defence.
Akimoto agitators
The second bad news came from sunset. The Mori clan finaly overrun Suo. All clans hostile to us west of Tamba now caught heart, almost feeling the Mori enveloping them in a warm protecting clout.
Mori ends with Suo
Plans:
First, we must quell the insurgency; of course, in our eyes Kazusa is no more than a forgotten province who provided a few famous masters in the art of the tea ceremony, but a revolt there can quickly spread into Kanto, considering that we never permitted to leave troops in the conquered provinces more than is needed to raise taxes and look over traffic. The few samurai administrating Shimosa can't do more then they already have done, keeping the area safe, but even their forts will be set on fire by the 1 SA and 4 YA recruited by the Akimoto. Our hope lies in the 1 NC raised by the inexperienced Kosaka Yasumasa in Kai. He will be sent through Musashi to ocuppy a fortified position in Shimosa.
And the time to converge on Yamashiro has finally come. All available troops are mobilised. Shingen personally commands the invading force, which will be formed from his hatamoto, 4 NC 1 YC 2 CA 4 YS 1 WM, the cavalry forces being at half strength. In return, Hosokawa Shigeoki already called upon 6 WM and 4 SA at full strength, joined with the 2 YC of the Saito and Asai and the ashigaru remnants of the Tsutsui. It is here the place were the one to be revered in heaven and earth shall be chosen. The rebels have no options for retreat, even lake Biwa is blockaded with warships, they will fight not for their honour, but for their lives ..
Autumn 1554
Report:
And they outnumbered us .. at the begining ..
Hosokawa's stand
Shingen outmaneuvred Shigeoki, Nowake moved swift as the wind to crush the rebels. At the end, only our cavalry ..
Lightning from Kai
and infantry ..
Thunder from Kai
had their heads in place. Nowake's rath unleashed the lighting and thunder upon the ones disturbing the peace of the Emperor.
As a side note, I should mention that the end battle screen appeared in the exact moment of a lighting; so the un-natural whiteness you see is not fog, but the light of the electric phenomen
The Emperor, in his great wisdom, issued an edict throught which he stated his support to our clan's shogunate. The Ashikaga could not issue any pretences to the title. Shingen was now alone to be revered. Even if many were still to blind to accept the truth, it was now when Nowake knew nothing can hold its ground against him.
The title
The southern barbarians, the portughese, came with an offer for trade, in return for our tolerance over christianity. But the Takeda shogunate shall have none of it. Our men's courage was forged in the fires of war and nothing can bring them down.
Barbarians from the south
Plans:
Even if the my master can now claim legitimacy, the Mori and Shimazu still plot against him, along with all other rebel clans. So a new campaign begins, against the west
- Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) and Amari Torayasu (CA) making up for no more than one whole pack of CA, left to defend Kawachi this season, shall form our vanguard for Chosu, by attacking Awaji.
- Kodera Yasukatsu (SA) of Harima, with help from 1 YA, will be brought down by Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and Obata Toramori (YC), their numbers as small as their force attacking Awaji.
Meanwhile, Shingen alone shall assault the rebels fortificated in Kyoto's fortress, under the command of the infamous Saito Tadamasa (YC) who again escaped death on the battlefield, seconded by Hosokawa Yoshinobu (SA).
Also, the Akimoto, who consolidated their position into Kazusa, shall come under attack by the sole pack of NC raised by Kosaka Yasumasa, unleashed from its positions in Shimosa.
Akimoto stand
Winter 1554
Report:
In Awaji, our forces faced the Miyoshi clan under Sumitada (SA), and its depleted 2 YA and 1 WM. Same as in Harima, we were victorious. Shingen ended the Saito and Hosokowa clans, and in Kazusa one a great victory was gained: Yasumasa's NC single-handedly defeated the 1 SA and 4 YA of Akimoto Iesada. None shall ever contest our power in the province.
Head chopping season is year-round
An embassy arrived from the Mori. The emissary humbly asked for an alliance, but Shingen refused. We will not allow them to fortify in their mountains
Mori denied no head chop
Plans:
While forces that were involved in the Yamashiro offensive catch up with our advanced elements, the operations continue. Amari Torayasu (CA) will enter in the undefended Awa, Yokota Takatoshi feigns an attack into Inaba, as in Tajima Isshiki Ujikazu (YA) and his other 1 YS 1 YA 1 SA, shall come under attack from Obata Toramori (YC) and his CA, NC and other YC.
Also, forces from Owari and Sagami will land in Bizen: lead by Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Sanada Yukitaka (HC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS) and seconded by 2 NC, they will try to anihilate the powerfull Akamatsu clan.
CHAPTER VI
Spring 1555
Report:
Even if all went as planned, Bizen proved to be a surprise for us. Two of Motonari's most capable generals, Miyoshi Chokei and Amako Haruhisa, trusted with the defence of Bitchu, saw the threat of Takeda invading the buffer zone which Bizen was between our two clans. Thus, they quickly gathered an elite force of 1 NC, 1 Naginata, 1 SA, 1 YA, all heavily armoured, and entered into Akamatsu's province. Their plan was probably to interviene in the moment when our troops and Akamatsu's would have bled to death or worse, in the middle of the engagement. Of course, it is hard to believe that Kansuke would have fallen into the trap, he would have most certainly mantained a prudent tactic status quo while drawing both enemies as close as possible. But all went even smoother, as Akamatsu Yasutsuna decided to retreat his 4 YS, 2 SA and 1 YA from the battlefield. Miyoshi and Amako were thus forced to retreat also, their hopes for victory having vanished. Yamamoto Kansuke surrounded the Akamatsu fortress and waited for further instructions.
Mori vanguard under Miyoshi Chokei and Amako Haruhisa
Tajima saw all the Isshiki forces beheaded.
Plans:
While in Bizen we are halted for a while in front of Akamatsu's walls, the offensive into the western provinces continues everywhere else. Mimasaka will be invaded by Yokota Takatoshi (YC) with 1 YS and 1 WM, all more or less depleted, the Urakamai clan being the minion of the Mori and having raised 1 YS and 1 SA. Inaba will see the assault of Obata Toramori.
In the south, Sanuki, where the Miyoshi and Hosokawa clans regrouped their forces, under the overall command of Miyoshi Tadafusa with 2 SA, 1 WM, 3 YA, shall be invaded by Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) with 1 NC and 1 YS.
All this being underway, there still is one problem upseting Nowake: the rebel state of the Kyushu clans. 90% of Japan's commerce is handled through this island's ports, and not even one koku goes to the shogun or the imperial court. The biggest of these rebel gateways of Japan is the port of Nagasaki, controled by the Arima clan, who now has the insolence to claim some sort of autonomy even from the imperial sistem. Arima Nagaharu is one of the wealthiest daymio in Japan and his army gives him confidence: 3 SA, 1 YS, 2 YC. He shall have no more. Shingen dispatched Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) from Bizen to end this infatuated clan. Troops from Owari (YS) and Sagami (YC) will come to his aid.
Nagasaki autonomy ends
Summer 1555
Report:
Mimasaka, Inaba, Sanuki fell into our hands, the ronin clans who previously controled them retreat in disaray, desperately asking Mori to launch a counter-offensive.
Yamamoto swept Arima from Hizen, then fortified this bridgehead and prepared to assault Nagasaki. The Shimazu clan, hearing of the news, sent an emissary to our lord, asking for an alliance. But their humble tone could not erase the offenses they repeatedly brought to us, by backing the remnants of the Uesugi and Shimazu clans after the death of Kenshin and Nobunaga. Their offer was gahed
Shimazu offer gahed
Untill now, throughout the chronicle, I tried to remain objective and refered to myself in 3rd person. But now I must state another event of this year, as it presents importance to the clan's hierarchy. After my demolition of Inaba's defences, my clan's status finally grew and now I was equal in the Takeda ranks to other households like Sanada, Yokota, Tsuchiya, Amari, Morozumi, part fo the jikishindan (jap. direct retainer warband) and just one step behind Yamamoto. My promotion in status from an ashigaru-shu, or ashigaru-taisho, completed the initial invincible hexagon under Kansuke's and, ultimately, Shingen's, orders. Nothing was able to withstand our rath.
Part of the jikishindan
Plans:
For the autumn of 1555 our plans included the attack of a fearsome opponent, Mori Motonari, ruler of the western provinces. While Nowake respected this man's genius, he could not agree to the methods he used to obtain power. The Takeda were legitimate rulers of Kai since the Emperor made Minamoto Yoshimitsu, their ancestor, lord of the province. In his turn, Yoshimitsu was son of Minamoto Yoriyoshi, direct descendant of Emperor Seiwa. One of Yoshimitsu's, Yoshikiyo, moved to Takeda village in the domain of Kai (jap. ravine) and so the clan was borned. Shingen could aspire thorugh his lineage to the highest magistracies in the empire, and throught his genius he obtained them.
But the Mori clan came to power through cunning force, Motonari overthrowing the Amako clan from their position of legitimate rulers of Aki. And even after that, he never thought to help instaure order or donate funds to the imperial court. In turn, aided by his genius, he fortified his position and pillaged or conquered the neighbouring provinces. His domain of 7 provinces is an obstacle to the new rule my lord was bringing; Mori must be brought down. For that, Obata Toramori is ordered to invade Hoki with 1 YC 1 YS 1 WM 1 NC 1 CA, all more or less depleted. His main task will be the defeat of Amako Katsuhisa, who fortifies the province and has at its disposal 1 YC, 1 YA, 2 SA.
In Choshu, Tsuchiya Masatsugu continues his campaign and invades Iyo.
As expected, Nagasaki will be assaulted by Yamamoto.
Autumn 1555
Report:
Obata Toramori completely enveloped the Mori forces in Hoki, anihilating the whole enemy army. In Iyo the rebel forces retreated without a fight. Also, reports came about the fall of Nagasaki.
The portughese emissaries again tried to force us to accept their cult in exchange for commercial ties with our shogunate, but Shingen refused.
Portughese bore
Plans:
Our lord, Nowake, now plans to cut the retreat of the Mori forces in Bitchu by defeating Kikkawa Motoharu (CA) in Bingo. For that, Obata Toramori (YC) will be sent with his remaining forces from 1 NC, 1 WM and 1 YS. In turn, Bitchu, which is still defended by Miyoshi Chokei (YA) and Amako Haruhisa (NC) along with 1 YS and 1 YA, will come under pressure from Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and 1 CA.
In order to finally secure Choshu, Amari Torayasu (CA) with 2 YS and the elite unit of his young relative, Amari SaigoIezane (NC) - bushi-dan (landowning samurai) thus part of the kuni-shu, who leads his fearless men since 1551 and experinced uncountable battles in these 4 years, among which is the battle for Mikawa - are sent against the remnants of the Hosokawa clan lead by Hosokawa Tadatsune, who recruited experienced troops in Tosa, consisting of 3 YS and 3 YA. It is whispered that young Amari SaigoIezane will be given a separate command after this battle, in order to prove his still undemonstrated leadership skills.
In Kyushu, Shimazu Takahisa desperately attempted to finish one and forever his quarell with the Otomo clan, in order to establish a strong line against our future assault. Even if he managed to take Bungo, all allies of the Otomo from Chikugo, Chikuzen and, as it is rumoured, even from Buzen, merged with the besieged Otomo forces and the rebels who retreated in front of us in Iyo. Together, under the briliant command of Otomo Sadayasu, they defeated Takahisa in a major battle that took place somewhere in Bungo's hills. The situation permited our troops in Hizen to quickly overrun the almost inexistent defences of Chikugo and Chikuzen, Yamamoto invading the first, our another of our taishos took over the second.
Winter 1555
Report:
The theathre of operations in the western provinces changed dramaticly this winter. Miyoshi Chokei (YA) and Amako Haruhisa (NC) along with 1 YS desperately attempted to turn tables by invading Bizen, where Sanada Yukitaka (HC) Takeda Nobukado (YS) and Kosaka Yasumasa (NC) the young taisho who single-handedly defeated Akimoto's rebellion in Kazusa, plus 2 other NC, were besieging Akamatsu's army in its powerfull fortress. The 2 Mori generals must have counted on some support from the these rebels also. The support never came. All Mori troops were lost in a brave but futile attack. Thus, guarded only by Amako Shigetoki (YA) Bitchu fell immediatly. Mori Masamoto (SA) and 1 Naginata reinforced Kikkawa Motoharu (CA) but were defeated, and both were killed on the battlefield. It seems Mori won't be able to hold Aki.
Hosokawa were defeated in Tosa, remnants of their forces took refuge in the large castle of Kochi. However, terrible news arrive along with victory: Amari SaigoIezane died leading his men; having been one of Nowake's favourite warriors, and knowing the grand future planned by our lord for this young taisho, myself felt only pity for the misery of war. Nevertheless, a great loss, worthy to be remembered.
Kyushu's north and north-west is now ours. Chiguko and Chikuzen were captured.
Plans:
Reports mentioned the weakness of Mori, signaling the momment to strike into their heartland. Aki shall be attacked by what is left of Obata's corps, meaning troops consisting of depleted 1 YC, 1 YS, 1 NC and 1 WM.
Kochi castle in Tosa will be assaulted by Amari Torayasu (CA).
In Bungo, Otomo Sadayasu and part of his forces, not wanting to aid his former aids to retake their provinces from the Takeda, accept our gold in return for their loyalty. Backed by our available forces in the area, he will attempt to defeat the much larger enemy forces consisting of his yesterday's allies.
Spring 1554
Report:
Hatakeya's army was eliminated after failing to ambush Tsuchiya. The rebels facing Sanada Yukitaka decided to retreat to Iga-Ueno, while Hikone fell.
Plans:
In order to fully destroy the small pockets of ronins in Iga, Sanada Yukitaka (HC), now reinforced with a pack of CA, will storm Iga-Ueno. This is particulary risky as Hattori Yoshimoto (SA), the general leading the defense, has under his orders a group of BN well lead by his relative Hattori Yoshihiro.
Meanwhile, the Miyoshi clan in Kawachi, who sheltered the remnants of Hatakeyama, will be attacked with 2 CA, 1 NC and 1 YS by Amari Torayasu. These forces will converge from Kii and Yamato, hoping to trap the Miyoshi army made up of 2 SA and 1 WM.
In order to fully isolate Kyoto, the mountain passes of Tamba must be controled, so Takeda Nobukado (YS) and Obata Toramori (YC), under the orders of Yokoto Takatoshi (YC) shall attack Hatano Sadatsuna (SA) who also raised 1 YA.
Summer 1554
Report:
Iga-Ueno's walls burned; with this occasion, Sanada was promoted: he ceased to be a sempo-shu - the unit for the surviving retainers of the many daimyo conquered by the Takeda, like his Sanada family of Shinano - and became part of the jikishindan.
Kawachi and Tamba were conquered, cutting off Kyoto from the west also. The encirclement is complete.
However, bad news arrived at Shingen's headquarters. The Akimoto clan, overthrown from power in Kazusa by Shingen himself, managed through the work of agitators to sway a rebellion in their former province. The support received from the people was surprising, considering the policies developed on taxes by our clan, which are the lowest in all empire. So our troops garrisoning the border forts of the province were defeated before organising a more coherent defence.
Akimoto agitators
The second bad news came from sunset. The Mori clan finaly overrun Suo. All clans hostile to us west of Tamba now caught heart, almost feeling the Mori enveloping them in a warm protecting clout.
Mori ends with Suo
Plans:
First, we must quell the insurgency; of course, in our eyes Kazusa is no more than a forgotten province who provided a few famous masters in the art of the tea ceremony, but a revolt there can quickly spread into Kanto, considering that we never permitted to leave troops in the conquered provinces more than is needed to raise taxes and look over traffic. The few samurai administrating Shimosa can't do more then they already have done, keeping the area safe, but even their forts will be set on fire by the 1 SA and 4 YA recruited by the Akimoto. Our hope lies in the 1 NC raised by the inexperienced Kosaka Yasumasa in Kai. He will be sent through Musashi to ocuppy a fortified position in Shimosa.
And the time to converge on Yamashiro has finally come. All available troops are mobilised. Shingen personally commands the invading force, which will be formed from his hatamoto, 4 NC 1 YC 2 CA 4 YS 1 WM, the cavalry forces being at half strength. In return, Hosokawa Shigeoki already called upon 6 WM and 4 SA at full strength, joined with the 2 YC of the Saito and Asai and the ashigaru remnants of the Tsutsui. It is here the place were the one to be revered in heaven and earth shall be chosen. The rebels have no options for retreat, even lake Biwa is blockaded with warships, they will fight not for their honour, but for their lives ..
Autumn 1554
Report:
And they outnumbered us .. at the begining ..
Hosokawa's stand
Shingen outmaneuvred Shigeoki, Nowake moved swift as the wind to crush the rebels. At the end, only our cavalry ..
Lightning from Kai
and infantry ..
Thunder from Kai
had their heads in place. Nowake's rath unleashed the lighting and thunder upon the ones disturbing the peace of the Emperor.
As a side note, I should mention that the end battle screen appeared in the exact moment of a lighting; so the un-natural whiteness you see is not fog, but the light of the electric phenomen
The Emperor, in his great wisdom, issued an edict throught which he stated his support to our clan's shogunate. The Ashikaga could not issue any pretences to the title. Shingen was now alone to be revered. Even if many were still to blind to accept the truth, it was now when Nowake knew nothing can hold its ground against him.
The title
The southern barbarians, the portughese, came with an offer for trade, in return for our tolerance over christianity. But the Takeda shogunate shall have none of it. Our men's courage was forged in the fires of war and nothing can bring them down.
Barbarians from the south
Plans:
Even if the my master can now claim legitimacy, the Mori and Shimazu still plot against him, along with all other rebel clans. So a new campaign begins, against the west
- Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) and Amari Torayasu (CA) making up for no more than one whole pack of CA, left to defend Kawachi this season, shall form our vanguard for Chosu, by attacking Awaji.
- Kodera Yasukatsu (SA) of Harima, with help from 1 YA, will be brought down by Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and Obata Toramori (YC), their numbers as small as their force attacking Awaji.
Meanwhile, Shingen alone shall assault the rebels fortificated in Kyoto's fortress, under the command of the infamous Saito Tadamasa (YC) who again escaped death on the battlefield, seconded by Hosokawa Yoshinobu (SA).
Also, the Akimoto, who consolidated their position into Kazusa, shall come under attack by the sole pack of NC raised by Kosaka Yasumasa, unleashed from its positions in Shimosa.
Akimoto stand
Winter 1554
Report:
In Awaji, our forces faced the Miyoshi clan under Sumitada (SA), and its depleted 2 YA and 1 WM. Same as in Harima, we were victorious. Shingen ended the Saito and Hosokowa clans, and in Kazusa one a great victory was gained: Yasumasa's NC single-handedly defeated the 1 SA and 4 YA of Akimoto Iesada. None shall ever contest our power in the province.
Head chopping season is year-round
An embassy arrived from the Mori. The emissary humbly asked for an alliance, but Shingen refused. We will not allow them to fortify in their mountains
Mori denied no head chop
Plans:
While forces that were involved in the Yamashiro offensive catch up with our advanced elements, the operations continue. Amari Torayasu (CA) will enter in the undefended Awa, Yokota Takatoshi feigns an attack into Inaba, as in Tajima Isshiki Ujikazu (YA) and his other 1 YS 1 YA 1 SA, shall come under attack from Obata Toramori (YC) and his CA, NC and other YC.
Also, forces from Owari and Sagami will land in Bizen: lead by Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Sanada Yukitaka (HC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS) and seconded by 2 NC, they will try to anihilate the powerfull Akamatsu clan.
CHAPTER VI
Spring 1555
Report:
Even if all went as planned, Bizen proved to be a surprise for us. Two of Motonari's most capable generals, Miyoshi Chokei and Amako Haruhisa, trusted with the defence of Bitchu, saw the threat of Takeda invading the buffer zone which Bizen was between our two clans. Thus, they quickly gathered an elite force of 1 NC, 1 Naginata, 1 SA, 1 YA, all heavily armoured, and entered into Akamatsu's province. Their plan was probably to interviene in the moment when our troops and Akamatsu's would have bled to death or worse, in the middle of the engagement. Of course, it is hard to believe that Kansuke would have fallen into the trap, he would have most certainly mantained a prudent tactic status quo while drawing both enemies as close as possible. But all went even smoother, as Akamatsu Yasutsuna decided to retreat his 4 YS, 2 SA and 1 YA from the battlefield. Miyoshi and Amako were thus forced to retreat also, their hopes for victory having vanished. Yamamoto Kansuke surrounded the Akamatsu fortress and waited for further instructions.
Mori vanguard under Miyoshi Chokei and Amako Haruhisa
Tajima saw all the Isshiki forces beheaded.
Plans:
While in Bizen we are halted for a while in front of Akamatsu's walls, the offensive into the western provinces continues everywhere else. Mimasaka will be invaded by Yokota Takatoshi (YC) with 1 YS and 1 WM, all more or less depleted, the Urakamai clan being the minion of the Mori and having raised 1 YS and 1 SA. Inaba will see the assault of Obata Toramori.
In the south, Sanuki, where the Miyoshi and Hosokawa clans regrouped their forces, under the overall command of Miyoshi Tadafusa with 2 SA, 1 WM, 3 YA, shall be invaded by Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) with 1 NC and 1 YS.
All this being underway, there still is one problem upseting Nowake: the rebel state of the Kyushu clans. 90% of Japan's commerce is handled through this island's ports, and not even one koku goes to the shogun or the imperial court. The biggest of these rebel gateways of Japan is the port of Nagasaki, controled by the Arima clan, who now has the insolence to claim some sort of autonomy even from the imperial sistem. Arima Nagaharu is one of the wealthiest daymio in Japan and his army gives him confidence: 3 SA, 1 YS, 2 YC. He shall have no more. Shingen dispatched Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) from Bizen to end this infatuated clan. Troops from Owari (YS) and Sagami (YC) will come to his aid.
Nagasaki autonomy ends
Summer 1555
Report:
Mimasaka, Inaba, Sanuki fell into our hands, the ronin clans who previously controled them retreat in disaray, desperately asking Mori to launch a counter-offensive.
Yamamoto swept Arima from Hizen, then fortified this bridgehead and prepared to assault Nagasaki. The Shimazu clan, hearing of the news, sent an emissary to our lord, asking for an alliance. But their humble tone could not erase the offenses they repeatedly brought to us, by backing the remnants of the Uesugi and Shimazu clans after the death of Kenshin and Nobunaga. Their offer was gahed
Shimazu offer gahed
Untill now, throughout the chronicle, I tried to remain objective and refered to myself in 3rd person. But now I must state another event of this year, as it presents importance to the clan's hierarchy. After my demolition of Inaba's defences, my clan's status finally grew and now I was equal in the Takeda ranks to other households like Sanada, Yokota, Tsuchiya, Amari, Morozumi, part fo the jikishindan (jap. direct retainer warband) and just one step behind Yamamoto. My promotion in status from an ashigaru-shu, or ashigaru-taisho, completed the initial invincible hexagon under Kansuke's and, ultimately, Shingen's, orders. Nothing was able to withstand our rath.
Part of the jikishindan
Plans:
For the autumn of 1555 our plans included the attack of a fearsome opponent, Mori Motonari, ruler of the western provinces. While Nowake respected this man's genius, he could not agree to the methods he used to obtain power. The Takeda were legitimate rulers of Kai since the Emperor made Minamoto Yoshimitsu, their ancestor, lord of the province. In his turn, Yoshimitsu was son of Minamoto Yoriyoshi, direct descendant of Emperor Seiwa. One of Yoshimitsu's, Yoshikiyo, moved to Takeda village in the domain of Kai (jap. ravine) and so the clan was borned. Shingen could aspire thorugh his lineage to the highest magistracies in the empire, and throught his genius he obtained them.
But the Mori clan came to power through cunning force, Motonari overthrowing the Amako clan from their position of legitimate rulers of Aki. And even after that, he never thought to help instaure order or donate funds to the imperial court. In turn, aided by his genius, he fortified his position and pillaged or conquered the neighbouring provinces. His domain of 7 provinces is an obstacle to the new rule my lord was bringing; Mori must be brought down. For that, Obata Toramori is ordered to invade Hoki with 1 YC 1 YS 1 WM 1 NC 1 CA, all more or less depleted. His main task will be the defeat of Amako Katsuhisa, who fortifies the province and has at its disposal 1 YC, 1 YA, 2 SA.
In Choshu, Tsuchiya Masatsugu continues his campaign and invades Iyo.
As expected, Nagasaki will be assaulted by Yamamoto.
Autumn 1555
Report:
Obata Toramori completely enveloped the Mori forces in Hoki, anihilating the whole enemy army. In Iyo the rebel forces retreated without a fight. Also, reports came about the fall of Nagasaki.
The portughese emissaries again tried to force us to accept their cult in exchange for commercial ties with our shogunate, but Shingen refused.
Portughese bore
Plans:
Our lord, Nowake, now plans to cut the retreat of the Mori forces in Bitchu by defeating Kikkawa Motoharu (CA) in Bingo. For that, Obata Toramori (YC) will be sent with his remaining forces from 1 NC, 1 WM and 1 YS. In turn, Bitchu, which is still defended by Miyoshi Chokei (YA) and Amako Haruhisa (NC) along with 1 YS and 1 YA, will come under pressure from Yokota Takatoshi (YC) and 1 CA.
In order to finally secure Choshu, Amari Torayasu (CA) with 2 YS and the elite unit of his young relative, Amari SaigoIezane (NC) - bushi-dan (landowning samurai) thus part of the kuni-shu, who leads his fearless men since 1551 and experinced uncountable battles in these 4 years, among which is the battle for Mikawa - are sent against the remnants of the Hosokawa clan lead by Hosokawa Tadatsune, who recruited experienced troops in Tosa, consisting of 3 YS and 3 YA. It is whispered that young Amari SaigoIezane will be given a separate command after this battle, in order to prove his still undemonstrated leadership skills.
In Kyushu, Shimazu Takahisa desperately attempted to finish one and forever his quarell with the Otomo clan, in order to establish a strong line against our future assault. Even if he managed to take Bungo, all allies of the Otomo from Chikugo, Chikuzen and, as it is rumoured, even from Buzen, merged with the besieged Otomo forces and the rebels who retreated in front of us in Iyo. Together, under the briliant command of Otomo Sadayasu, they defeated Takahisa in a major battle that took place somewhere in Bungo's hills. The situation permited our troops in Hizen to quickly overrun the almost inexistent defences of Chikugo and Chikuzen, Yamamoto invading the first, our another of our taishos took over the second.
Winter 1555
Report:
The theathre of operations in the western provinces changed dramaticly this winter. Miyoshi Chokei (YA) and Amako Haruhisa (NC) along with 1 YS desperately attempted to turn tables by invading Bizen, where Sanada Yukitaka (HC) Takeda Nobukado (YS) and Kosaka Yasumasa (NC) the young taisho who single-handedly defeated Akimoto's rebellion in Kazusa, plus 2 other NC, were besieging Akamatsu's army in its powerfull fortress. The 2 Mori generals must have counted on some support from the these rebels also. The support never came. All Mori troops were lost in a brave but futile attack. Thus, guarded only by Amako Shigetoki (YA) Bitchu fell immediatly. Mori Masamoto (SA) and 1 Naginata reinforced Kikkawa Motoharu (CA) but were defeated, and both were killed on the battlefield. It seems Mori won't be able to hold Aki.
Hosokawa were defeated in Tosa, remnants of their forces took refuge in the large castle of Kochi. However, terrible news arrive along with victory: Amari SaigoIezane died leading his men; having been one of Nowake's favourite warriors, and knowing the grand future planned by our lord for this young taisho, myself felt only pity for the misery of war. Nevertheless, a great loss, worthy to be remembered.
Kyushu's north and north-west is now ours. Chiguko and Chikuzen were captured.
Plans:
Reports mentioned the weakness of Mori, signaling the momment to strike into their heartland. Aki shall be attacked by what is left of Obata's corps, meaning troops consisting of depleted 1 YC, 1 YS, 1 NC and 1 WM.
Kochi castle in Tosa will be assaulted by Amari Torayasu (CA).
In Bungo, Otomo Sadayasu and part of his forces, not wanting to aid his former aids to retake their provinces from the Takeda, accept our gold in return for their loyalty. Backed by our available forces in the area, he will attempt to defeat the much larger enemy forces consisting of his yesterday's allies.
CHAPTER VII
Spring 1556
Report:
The defence of Aki was fierce, and Mori's troops, 2 Naginata, 1 CA, 1 SA, made the best out of their fighting prowess. Nonetheless, they lost the battle. Hosokawa Naoyori and a handfull of ashigaru were massacred in Kochi castle by Amari Torayasu, as revenge for SaigoIezane's death. Bungo also was captured by Sadayasu with his 2 SA, 3 YS, 1 NC, 1 YC, 1 YA after defeating the rebel forces under Ouchi Nobushige, who raised a force of 4 YS, 6 SA and 4 YA. Thus, the overall situation is the following:
Remnants of the past.bmp
Plans:
All over regrouping will take place, a period of calm for few fresh forces to catch up. Obata is the single taisho pursuing his offensive plans, his bleeding forces shall push into Suo.
Summer 1556
Report:
Mori Takamoto, trusted with Suo, was anihilated along with all his heavily armoured troops, 1 SA and 1 YS.
Plans:
Obata's troops will now close in on Nagato, their final objective. The now elite corp will after that be reinforced. Yokota Takatoshi (YC) with 2 NC, 1 CA, 1 Naginata will go into Iwami after Motonari's head, protected not only by his hatamoto, but by 1 CA, 1 YS and YA also.
2 vital castle assaults shall be conducted, both my Shingen's sons. Takeda Nobukado (YS) seconded by Kosaka Yasumasa (NC) will storm Okayama fortress in Bizen, defended by the last of the Akamatsu, while Takeda Nobushige (YS) will conquer Usuki in Bungo. Troops will be sent in Buzen to secure the area.
Autumn 1556
Report:
News of Motonari's death arrived to Shingen in Kyoto only after 2 days through travelling doves. Almost all clans on the western coast understood now that their loyalties are bound to shift in favour of the Takeda. In Nagato, the last of the Mori, Yoshinari, with 2 SA and 1 YA, was also beheaded.
Mori now headless
Buzen, same as Usuki and Okayama, was overrun.
Plans:
Shimazu stands now alone in front of our armies. His front line provinces, Hyuga and Higo, shall be invaded as follows: Otomo Sadayasu (SA) with 2 YS, 2 NC, will enter Hyuga, confronting Shimazu Takahisa himself; Higo, secured by Shimazu Yoshihiro, will come under attack from Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) reinforced with some depleted 1 YS, 1 HC, 1 SA, 1 NC, 1 YC, 1 WM.
Another problem consists in the Yamana clan, who rules over Izumo. Shingen is reluctant to order an attack, as he hopes to end it all by persuading the Yamana to submit to us. Unfortunately, for so many seasons now, they refused any such thing. We may well be forced to invade Izumo.
Yamana of Izumo dilemma
Winter 1556
Report:
The Shimazu proved to be no match for our forces, despite the fact they were promising to take our heads as we took Oda's. In Hyuga Shimazu Takahisa, seconded by his sons, Yoshihisa (SA) and Norihisa (YS), and by taishos like Ryuzoji Takanobu (YS) and Shimazu Tadamoto (SA) plus some other 1 YC, 1 YA, were crushed. Both his sons and Takanobu found death on the battlefield. The province of Higo was chosed by Shimazu Yoshihiro (YA) as the place where to make his stand against Nowake. Seconded by the clan's most able generals, Iriki-in Shigetoki (SA), Omura Sumitada (YS), Shoni Tokinao (YS) and counting on some other 3 SA and 2 YA, he tried to repulse Yamamoto Kansuke. He died a noble death, along with all his men.
Dismayed by Shimazu's dezastruous fall, the Yamana clan submited to Shingen. Their hope was for our forces to be slowly decimated in Kyushu, thus giving them the chance to sprung all over the western provinces. It proved futile.
Plans:
Having been defeated in Hyuga, Takahisa sought refuge into Osumi. Otomo Sadayasu (SA) along with 1 NC and 1 YS will pursue his small group of hatamoto.
In the western province, what is now known as the Obata corps will assault Gotsu castle in Iwami. There, the last ronins of Mori, under Asai Naomasa (CA) fortified themselves, threatening the security of the province.
EPILOGUE
Spring 1557
Report:
Gotsu was conquered without any losses from our part.
Takahisa was beheaded, his clan lay broken at our feet.
Shimazu wasted all heads
Plans:
Eventhough this spring should have marked our total dominance of Japan, subversive forces still clung to power. Powerfull revolts were raised in Hyuga, Buzen and Aki by the former retainers of the recently fallen clans. Our forces will move to quell this rebels as follows: Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) with 2 NC, 3 YS, 1 YA, 1 HC and 1 YC, shall defend against Ito Nagafusa's army of 6 SA and 4 YA in Hyuga; Aki shall be secured by Sanada Yukitaka with 1 HC, 1 YS, 1 NC, 1 WM, 1 CA and 1 newly raised Naginata, as Ankokuji Terumasa recruited 5 SA and 4 YA that he plans to throw against us. In Buzen, as no forces were present near-by, we shall take over again next season.
Second, our forces in Satsuma, under Yamamoto Kansuke, will raise the siege of Kagoshima and storm the well-defended fortress.
Big headsoup party
Summer 1557
Report:
Swift as the wind our forces rode to meet the rebels, and even faster they cut their heads off. Nowake holds now dominion over entire Japan, and the Emperor and all nobles and clans acknowledge him and his government. Our campaign is at an end. Buzen will probably submit without a fight. The taishos shall now converge unto Kyoto, at the huge council Nowake convoked.
Almost no more heads
FINAL NOTE
The ending of my chronicle puts me in great trouble. As I noted in the begging, it only wanted to be a testimony of Shingen's remarkable talents. But his genius didn't end here. In the years that followed, he ruled over Japan with an iron hand. He created an administrative apparatus that will probably last for a thousand years, and forced all clans to crawl at his feet.
He still continued to call for me at long but this time pleasant councils. He appreciated me beyond my valour, as he put me ruler over a fief consisting of Ise, Owari, Mikawa, Totomi and Suruga, thus he put me in control of the largest part of the Tokaido road. Also, he honoured my son with the province of Tamba. The Obata became almost official protectors of Kyoto, and we fullfilled our role as best as we could untill now.
I am probably to leave this world soon. The "tora" (jap. tiger) allowed in my name as a derived from my first lords name, Nobutora, prepares for his death. My last few days in this castle proved to me the limits of my body. This body that once rode swift as the wind at Nowake's calling ..
Spring 1556
Report:
The defence of Aki was fierce, and Mori's troops, 2 Naginata, 1 CA, 1 SA, made the best out of their fighting prowess. Nonetheless, they lost the battle. Hosokawa Naoyori and a handfull of ashigaru were massacred in Kochi castle by Amari Torayasu, as revenge for SaigoIezane's death. Bungo also was captured by Sadayasu with his 2 SA, 3 YS, 1 NC, 1 YC, 1 YA after defeating the rebel forces under Ouchi Nobushige, who raised a force of 4 YS, 6 SA and 4 YA. Thus, the overall situation is the following:
Remnants of the past.bmp
Plans:
All over regrouping will take place, a period of calm for few fresh forces to catch up. Obata is the single taisho pursuing his offensive plans, his bleeding forces shall push into Suo.
Summer 1556
Report:
Mori Takamoto, trusted with Suo, was anihilated along with all his heavily armoured troops, 1 SA and 1 YS.
Plans:
Obata's troops will now close in on Nagato, their final objective. The now elite corp will after that be reinforced. Yokota Takatoshi (YC) with 2 NC, 1 CA, 1 Naginata will go into Iwami after Motonari's head, protected not only by his hatamoto, but by 1 CA, 1 YS and YA also.
2 vital castle assaults shall be conducted, both my Shingen's sons. Takeda Nobukado (YS) seconded by Kosaka Yasumasa (NC) will storm Okayama fortress in Bizen, defended by the last of the Akamatsu, while Takeda Nobushige (YS) will conquer Usuki in Bungo. Troops will be sent in Buzen to secure the area.
Autumn 1556
Report:
News of Motonari's death arrived to Shingen in Kyoto only after 2 days through travelling doves. Almost all clans on the western coast understood now that their loyalties are bound to shift in favour of the Takeda. In Nagato, the last of the Mori, Yoshinari, with 2 SA and 1 YA, was also beheaded.
Mori now headless
Buzen, same as Usuki and Okayama, was overrun.
Plans:
Shimazu stands now alone in front of our armies. His front line provinces, Hyuga and Higo, shall be invaded as follows: Otomo Sadayasu (SA) with 2 YS, 2 NC, will enter Hyuga, confronting Shimazu Takahisa himself; Higo, secured by Shimazu Yoshihiro, will come under attack from Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) reinforced with some depleted 1 YS, 1 HC, 1 SA, 1 NC, 1 YC, 1 WM.
Another problem consists in the Yamana clan, who rules over Izumo. Shingen is reluctant to order an attack, as he hopes to end it all by persuading the Yamana to submit to us. Unfortunately, for so many seasons now, they refused any such thing. We may well be forced to invade Izumo.
Yamana of Izumo dilemma
Winter 1556
Report:
The Shimazu proved to be no match for our forces, despite the fact they were promising to take our heads as we took Oda's. In Hyuga Shimazu Takahisa, seconded by his sons, Yoshihisa (SA) and Norihisa (YS), and by taishos like Ryuzoji Takanobu (YS) and Shimazu Tadamoto (SA) plus some other 1 YC, 1 YA, were crushed. Both his sons and Takanobu found death on the battlefield. The province of Higo was chosed by Shimazu Yoshihiro (YA) as the place where to make his stand against Nowake. Seconded by the clan's most able generals, Iriki-in Shigetoki (SA), Omura Sumitada (YS), Shoni Tokinao (YS) and counting on some other 3 SA and 2 YA, he tried to repulse Yamamoto Kansuke. He died a noble death, along with all his men.
Dismayed by Shimazu's dezastruous fall, the Yamana clan submited to Shingen. Their hope was for our forces to be slowly decimated in Kyushu, thus giving them the chance to sprung all over the western provinces. It proved futile.
Plans:
Having been defeated in Hyuga, Takahisa sought refuge into Osumi. Otomo Sadayasu (SA) along with 1 NC and 1 YS will pursue his small group of hatamoto.
In the western province, what is now known as the Obata corps will assault Gotsu castle in Iwami. There, the last ronins of Mori, under Asai Naomasa (CA) fortified themselves, threatening the security of the province.
EPILOGUE
Spring 1557
Report:
Gotsu was conquered without any losses from our part.
Takahisa was beheaded, his clan lay broken at our feet.
Shimazu wasted all heads
Plans:
Eventhough this spring should have marked our total dominance of Japan, subversive forces still clung to power. Powerfull revolts were raised in Hyuga, Buzen and Aki by the former retainers of the recently fallen clans. Our forces will move to quell this rebels as follows: Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) with 2 NC, 3 YS, 1 YA, 1 HC and 1 YC, shall defend against Ito Nagafusa's army of 6 SA and 4 YA in Hyuga; Aki shall be secured by Sanada Yukitaka with 1 HC, 1 YS, 1 NC, 1 WM, 1 CA and 1 newly raised Naginata, as Ankokuji Terumasa recruited 5 SA and 4 YA that he plans to throw against us. In Buzen, as no forces were present near-by, we shall take over again next season.
Second, our forces in Satsuma, under Yamamoto Kansuke, will raise the siege of Kagoshima and storm the well-defended fortress.
Big headsoup party
Summer 1557
Report:
Swift as the wind our forces rode to meet the rebels, and even faster they cut their heads off. Nowake holds now dominion over entire Japan, and the Emperor and all nobles and clans acknowledge him and his government. Our campaign is at an end. Buzen will probably submit without a fight. The taishos shall now converge unto Kyoto, at the huge council Nowake convoked.
Almost no more heads
FINAL NOTE
The ending of my chronicle puts me in great trouble. As I noted in the begging, it only wanted to be a testimony of Shingen's remarkable talents. But his genius didn't end here. In the years that followed, he ruled over Japan with an iron hand. He created an administrative apparatus that will probably last for a thousand years, and forced all clans to crawl at his feet.
He still continued to call for me at long but this time pleasant councils. He appreciated me beyond my valour, as he put me ruler over a fief consisting of Ise, Owari, Mikawa, Totomi and Suruga, thus he put me in control of the largest part of the Tokaido road. Also, he honoured my son with the province of Tamba. The Obata became almost official protectors of Kyoto, and we fullfilled our role as best as we could untill now.
I am probably to leave this world soon. The "tora" (jap. tiger) allowed in my name as a derived from my first lords name, Nobutora, prepares for his death. My last few days in this castle proved to me the limits of my body. This body that once rode swift as the wind at Nowake's calling ..
WOW
Excellent stuff.
Thanks really enjoyed it.
*Bows*
Kansuke.
Excellent stuff.
Thanks really enjoyed it.
*Bows*
Kansuke.
wow, excellent read, your swift attack is amazing. I tried it myselft today, unfortunatle with not nearly as good a result...
the rebels in Shinano declined fight, but Imagawa sent 371 troops...I ended up having to attack 3 ys, 3 sa, and the daimyo with just a ca and a yc
However I won losing only 17 
the other battles were easy...however I got 3 rebellions next turn, and 4 the next...so I can't expand at all, it's summer 1551 and I haven't expanded past these 5 provinces. Not sure why Imagawa sent all there troops to shinano in my game and not yours...perhaps because I sent Kansuke up there.
Kills: 2710
losses: 145
12 battles in 3 turns
the rebels in Shinano declined fight, but Imagawa sent 371 troops...I ended up having to attack 3 ys, 3 sa, and the daimyo with just a ca and a yc
However I won losing only 17 the other battles were easy...however I got 3 rebellions next turn, and 4 the next...so I can't expand at all, it's summer 1551 and I haven't expanded past these 5 provinces. Not sure why Imagawa sent all there troops to shinano in my game and not yours...perhaps because I sent Kansuke up there. Kills: 2710
losses: 145
12 battles in 3 turns
Great stuff m8.
Now this is a challange for all the new players, and veteran as well I would add.
One of the thinks that have impressed me so much it has been the fact that the regions u submit, almost never had an revolt.
Some cases u left the conquered province even after one sigle season.
If I can ask you:
-tax level 75%?
-could you add the loyalty lowest region info?
I am not so skilled with mouted troops *cough*I suck*cough*
(maybe that's why I dislike Takeda
), but I will try to emulate u.
I heard somewhere that Crom likes the braves...
I hope he will likes to move from your laptop to my desktop
Now this is a challange for all the new players, and veteran as well I would add.
One of the thinks that have impressed me so much it has been the fact that the regions u submit, almost never had an revolt.
Some cases u left the conquered province even after one sigle season.
If I can ask you:
-tax level 75%?
-could you add the loyalty lowest region info?
I am not so skilled with mouted troops *cough*I suck*cough*
(maybe that's why I dislike Takeda
), but I will try to emulate u.I heard somewhere that Crom likes the braves...
I hope he will likes to move from your laptop to my desktop
Kojiro-san
I can't say why Imagawa chosed to attack you. Maybe it was your mistake: have you engaged them before Suwa completely retreated? To be more exact, the battle will end when the rebels flee. But if even one arrow between you and Imagawa is exchanged before that moment, you'll have to fight Imagawa for control of the province.
And again, I sent Yokota and Takeda Nobushige. As to rebellions, read below please ..
Paolino-san
As I said, with Takeda, the rule was no shinobi. But it is true that my taxes were kept on 75% for the entire duration of the game. As to your second question, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. You want me to look for the lowest loyalty rate encountered in a province? Hmm, IIRC that was something between 30-40%. I had 3-4 revolts in the entire game, besides the 4-5 massive rebellions in a row at the end of it.
What you must understand is that this game really works with %. So if you have the usual 70-80% chance of revolt, than it means that there are only 20-30% chances for it to happen, corect?
Plus, if you keep your taxes on 75% for a long time, the chances for revolt drop even lower.
Secondly, you must not fear revolts. The chances for a revolt are greater in the first 2 seasons after conquest, so your troops will be nearby. The composition of the rebel army will in general comprise SA and YA, who will put their trust in their heels at the first opportunity; look for the description of the Akimoto revolt in Kazusa, of 400 men, which I quelled with just 80.
So I prefer to move swiftly across 5 provinces in 5 seasons, than turn back and lose 1 turn and quell a rebellion, than to spend more than 2 seasons to relatively pacify 1 province. Thing for which I may not have enough troops and I'll have to face the rebellion anyway, thus losing 1 more season.
I can't say why Imagawa chosed to attack you. Maybe it was your mistake: have you engaged them before Suwa completely retreated? To be more exact, the battle will end when the rebels flee. But if even one arrow between you and Imagawa is exchanged before that moment, you'll have to fight Imagawa for control of the province.
And again, I sent Yokota and Takeda Nobushige. As to rebellions, read below please ..
Paolino-san
As I said, with Takeda, the rule was no shinobi. But it is true that my taxes were kept on 75% for the entire duration of the game. As to your second question, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. You want me to look for the lowest loyalty rate encountered in a province? Hmm, IIRC that was something between 30-40%. I had 3-4 revolts in the entire game, besides the 4-5 massive rebellions in a row at the end of it.
What you must understand is that this game really works with %. So if you have the usual 70-80% chance of revolt, than it means that there are only 20-30% chances for it to happen, corect?
Plus, if you keep your taxes on 75% for a long time, the chances for revolt drop even lower.Secondly, you must not fear revolts. The chances for a revolt are greater in the first 2 seasons after conquest, so your troops will be nearby. The composition of the rebel army will in general comprise SA and YA, who will put their trust in their heels at the first opportunity; look for the description of the Akimoto revolt in Kazusa, of 400 men, which I quelled with just 80.
So I prefer to move swiftly across 5 provinces in 5 seasons, than turn back and lose 1 turn and quell a rebellion, than to spend more than 2 seasons to relatively pacify 1 province. Thing for which I may not have enough troops and I'll have to face the rebellion anyway, thus losing 1 more season.
Nowake-san
That the rebellion were a bit more lower compared to the % showed It has been noticed by me as well. And the use of mounted troops as main force of the army looks defenetly to be a winning choice against peasants army, u have more than once proved it. Ikko-Iri would have been different, but I had few of that rebellions in my campaigns, that I am thinking the % value there should be even lower.
Usually I am a bit scared of Tosa, Iyo and Sanuki, dunno why I always get some chain revolts there, forcing me to spend almost 1 year in holding that regions before the loyalty becomes more aceptable.
I would have never left a province with just 30-40% loyalty
But I will give a try...now that I have the "Swift as the wind" cronicles
@ Crom:
Hey there, God of the mountains Do u mind to leave that Laptop now??? Nice womans and a lot of beer here..
That the rebellion were a bit more lower compared to the % showed It has been noticed by me as well. And the use of mounted troops as main force of the army looks defenetly to be a winning choice against peasants army, u have more than once proved it. Ikko-Iri would have been different, but I had few of that rebellions in my campaigns, that I am thinking the % value there should be even lower.
Usually I am a bit scared of Tosa, Iyo and Sanuki, dunno why I always get some chain revolts there, forcing me to spend almost 1 year in holding that regions before the loyalty becomes more aceptable.
I would have never left a province with just 30-40% loyalty
But I will give a try...now that I have the "Swift as the wind" cronicles
@ Crom:
Hey there, God of the mountains Do u mind to leave that Laptop now??? Nice womans and a lot of beer here..
The Suwa retreated to the castle, they did not even appear on battlefield
1553 for me now, and no more rebellions after the first few
1553 for me now, and no more rebellions after the first few
Because I underestimated shinobi, thus I wasn't using them, I used border forts instead. So you don't forget, those should help you also. Too bad I didn't used shinobi, think I could have finished in 5-6 years. Maybe I'll give it a try sometime.
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