For the Ikko! A Shogun 2 AAR

[Populus Romanus]

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

[Monk]

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

Glad you enjoyed part one.

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

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

[A Nerd]

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

[Monk]

II. Forged in the Fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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





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

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

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

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



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





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



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

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

[Populus Romanus]

Excellent! Tough battles ahead for the Ikko Ikki.

[Monk]

III. Aggressive Actions

The Hattori Clan had never trusted the Ikko-Ikki movement, even though their ideaologies were not completely opposed to one another. Since their rise to power and unification of central Japan, the Hattori had made no secret of their intention to unite the nation under a new power, and do away with the old shogunate as it currently was. Their brave new order had won them few allies among the rising powers of the Isles, and they'd been forced to fight for their survival, much as the Ikko-Ikki had.

After his defeat at the Third battle of Anotsu, the Hattori Daimyo pulled his forces back to Osaka castle to rebuild and plan his next moves. Tokugawa Ieyasu was more than willing to allow the Hattori a rest, for he himself had not escaped the battle completely unscathed either. His forces had suffered such high losses he didn't exactly have the advantage. Even so, The Republic of the Ikko was feeling increasingly pressured by the war raging on their borders. Ieyasu wrote to Shonyo as he wintered in the south. Though not supporting their movement or their ideology, he extended an offer of friendship and trade to the Ikko. After the battles against the Asai, many of Japan had taken note of the fledgling power rising in the center of Honshu...

It was not an offer of an alliance, per say, as the Tokugawa were still beneath the vassalage of the Imagawa clan, Ieyasu could not make a public statement of friendship and support. But his private approval did much to reassure the Ikko administration of their position.


"Amongst a sea of chaos, a great example has been set for the rest of Japan. Your soldiers are honest, your people are happy, and your words true. Though I cannot call you friend, I hope I am never forced to call you 'enemy'." ~Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1552


Having dealt with the Asai, Suzuki Sadayu returned to Fukui, the newly established capitol of the republic, to explain his actions at the Battle of Omi. Though he'd disobeyed the directive to hold his position, Shonyo and the rest of the ruling body saw the wisdom in his actions once enlightened. More over, he was rewarded greatly for having defeated not one, not two, but now three powers personally on the field of battle. To say the people loved him is a complete inadequecy. There was the belief, at the time, that if Shonyo should pass unexpectently that it should be Sadayu, and not his partner in administration Jutsurai, who should succeed the beloved leader and lead the republic. The people loved him, the army supported him, it would almost be an afterthought. Such dreams of granduer would be put on permenant hold in the May of 1553.

For it was then that Tokugawa Ieyasu and his forces mounted an offensive into Yamato province, then controlled by the Hattori. The campaign lasted for nearly three months of small scale skirmishes before the two sides met at the First Battle of Yamato Fields. Ieyasu was crushed, his forces completely routed. Leading the Hattori clan at Yamato was Hattori Yasunaga, brother to the Hattori daimyo and famed warrior who took part in all three of the battles at Anotsu. Yasunaga was like an expert swordsman, slicing through the Tokugawa incredibly quickly, with little effort. He'd scattered their forces and restored the influence of his clan, which had been waning after their defeat a year before. With the Tokugawa threat dealt with, the Hattori turned north, intent on dealing with the Ikko-Ikki, just as they had so many other powers who had attempted to resist their march.

Sadayu returned to Omi and rallied together the armed forces of the Ikko. He set out in Autumn of that year, and completely shocked the Hattori clan. The veteren commander not only snuck into Iga province from the dense forests bordering Omi, but he captured the city after only a week's siege. The Hattori daimyo was furious, Yasunaga had been cought out of position due to rumors of a Tokugawa counter-attack that never came. He raced north, only to find Sadayu and his army camped at the borders of Iga - waiting, daring him to attempt a break trough.. Unwilling to assault the Ikko positions he returned to Yamato to winter until spring... Setting the stage for the greatest battle of the Ikko-Hattori war.

The Second Battle of Yamato Fields
March, 1554
Beligerents: Ikko Republic vs Hattori Clan
Commanders: Suzuki Sadayu | Hattori Yasunaga

Sadayu set out in late Febuary, 1554, intent on siezing Yamato province. Spy reports gathered from Ikko sympathizers had unfortunately painted the picture of an uphill struggle. Yasunaga had camped ten miles north of provincial capital and laid in wait for the Ikko forces in the fields, just a stone's throw from the very place he'd defeated Tokugawa Ieyasu a year prior.



Ikko-Ikki forces arrived on a chilly spring day, a cold breeze striking their face as they marched forward. Hattori battle-lines drawn in the distance. Sadayu was confident of his ability and of his men, but doubt lingered still. Yasunaga had chosen a flat area of ground to await his enemy, he was not a man known for fighting on even playing fields. Just as the though crossed his mind, whistling arrows slammed into the left side of his marching column...



An ambush! Two hundred bow samurai sprung from the trees, charging and ripping into his line. Sadayu deployed, sending his samurai loyal to the Ikko and his own limited cavalry force against them. But these were men, veterens of Anotsu - men who had united south-central Honshu beneath the Hattori banner. They did not go down easily, nor quietly. For every hattori man killed, the Ikko paid double in blood. All the while, the far off Hattori lines redeployed, heading for a mountainous treeline..



Yasunaga used his best men, his veterens of countless campaigns, as a delaying tactic. He withdrew, offering them no support, and set up his lines on the crest of the hilltop forest. Though outclassed, the Ikko easily outnumbered the delaying tactic and were able to cut through the samurai.. but Sadayu was chilled by the cold attitude shown by his adversary. He'd thrown away good soldiers simply to take the hilltop. He almost withdrew, then and there!



But he was Suzuki Sadayu, destroyer of the clans. Hero of the Ikko-Ikki! He could not retreat, not without a fight. He pushed forward, through the tree line as a rain of arrows came down upon his advance. Finally the Ikko burst from the trees and charged the Hattori line! The two sides, who had maneuvered, outmaneuvered and ambushed one another for an entire year now met in a full scale battle.



It was pure chaos. No battles he had fought properly prepared Sadayu for the hell of that forest. The main battle lines fell in the opening at the top of the hill, where the Hattori made their stand, but dozens more skirmishes dotted the treeline. Archers, spearmen, swordsmen, all clashed with one another, in groups as few as five or six. Orginization quickly broke down, but the Hattori were on their back heels. Despite being confused and disorganized, the Ikko-Ikki charge was as strong as ever. Sadayu was everywhere along the line of battle, trying to keep his men in the fight. Even leaping into the fray himself at one point.

At some point in the battle, the Hattori line was buckling, Sadayu was organizing his reserves, trying to get a second charge together that might've broke through.. when an arrow slammed into his chest. The hero of the Ikko-Ikki, the "commander of peasants", legendary figure in the war against the clans.. fell from his horse, and lay dying on the fields at Yamato. What had started as an effort to gather a second push against the enemy, turned into a desperate struggle to save a hero. The Ikko line folded in on itself in response to a hard Hattori counter push, breaking in half. Men fled for their lives in the chaos that followed, but few were able to escape. Sadayu himself was carried off the hilltop by his retainers, there, as the Hattori closed in on the hunt for survivors, he comitted seppuku. The man who had lead the Ikko movement on the field of battle for nearly ten years was dead.

The battle was a disaster for both sides. Yasunaga could take little comfort in the death of Suzuki Sadayu, mainly due to the fact he'd taken such heavy losses. Not even Tokugawa Ieyasu himself could inflict the damage that the Ikko did at Yamato Fields. Though he remained in firm control of Yamato, he could not hope to press on Iga. The following season he was called away, back to Osaka to deal with a new problem. The invasion of the western Hattori lands by the Amako... it was the perfect time for the Ikko to strike, an opportunity they would capitalize on in the coming years.

[Populus Romanus]

Ouch! Sadayu is dead? That is baaad news. Interested to see what happens.