Lords of the Rising Sun

from Otomo Yoshishige
to Amako Haruhisa:
The time for war is now. The Mori grow ever stronger and we hold them back. While we can survive this continued onslaught for many more years the Mori will one day look at their backs and destroy you. Now it is the time to attack. Force the Mori into a 2 front war, one which they will have a hard time winning.

Join me now and I promise that for every Mori head you take I will pay you 50 koku the next time the sakura blossom.
 
A tanka from the brush of Asai Hisamasa.

不如帰
枝より歌ふ
雛を見に
巣へと戻れば
栗鼠盗みけり

hototogisu
eda yori utawu
hina wo mi ni
su weto modoreba
risu nusumikeri

a ****oo sings from a branch
when it returns to its nest to see its young,
a squirrel has stolen them
 
1562
A Lantern for Every Fallen Warrior

​


On battle-soured fields
One may see hosts of fireflies
Beyond summer's hue​

MILITARY AFFAIRS​

...but be weary, travelers. Those are not fireflies, but rather the glow of dead lanterns.

Kanto

The Liberation of Edo Castle​

SPRING - As the cold weather passed, a starving, exhausted Satomi garrison met Hojo troops at Edo Castle's north entryway. Satomi troops were slaughtered in their exit from the castle, outnumbered by a well-supplied and well-rested Hojo army. Their commanding lord committed honorable seppuku in the main shoin-zukuri banner-room of Edo Castle. Hojo Ujimasa personally saw the corpses of the Satomi retainer and his bodyguards. Their blood coated the creaking wood of the banner-room and had dripped down onto junipers growing in a small open-aired walkway below. The liberation of Edo Castle had finally come to pass, and Ujiyasu's son was given high compliments for his efforts. Various Hojo retainers and bannermen hometowns celebrated Edo's liberation.

(+3 Hojo prestige)

Ujiyasu's Revenge​

SUMMER - As the Hojo successfully liberated Edo Castle and defended their eastern frontier, Hojo Ujiyasu ordered an assault on the Satomi domain in Kazusa province. Flying Satake banners, the entire Hojo navy sailed to the rocky coasts of Kazusa. The Satomi navy was decimated, though the Hojo's flying of Satake banners did little to fool Odaki and Kururi Castles, as the Satake maintain a tiny navy in comparison to the massive Hojo fleet. Many poets and writers have since proclaimed the move to be a joke more than anything else:

Ah, Ujiyasu! A snake bit him, and now he, too, can speak and slither like a snake. Perhaps he felt it the only language Yoshihiro would understand?

Many small fortifications in the vicinity of the twin castles were captured by the Hojo's small contingent of 1,800 men. The Hojo effectively formed a naval supply line. Oshima Island has begun to see a fair amount of use because of this Hojo offensive. Soldiers and dock-builders arrived to the island frequently during 1562, admiring brilliant red camellia flowers and Mount Mihara.

Due to the Hojo's maintenance of an adequate supply line with its massive navy, the small Hojo army of 1,800 has laid siege to Odaki Castle and continues the siege to this day. It is not fully known how many Satomi troops are in Odaki and Kururi, but the Hojo have already lost a few hundred men in their initial assault. The urban areas around Odaki have mostly fallen to the Hojo, though it is rumored that bannermen are rising in defense of Satomi Yoshihiro in other areas of Kazusa province.

(-4 Hojo companies)
(-2 Satomi companies)
(+2 Hojo prestige)

Satake Yoshiaki's Cruelty​

WINTER - Lord Satake Yoshiaki began to employ fiercer tactics against the rebels around Tsuchiura. Proclaiming to be acting in the name of the Shogun Yohorsehockyeru and Emperor Ogimachi, Lord Yoshiaki sent his armies upon the peasants of towns around Tsuchiura. In a brutal series of skirmishes, he proceeded to burn entire villages for their actions against the shogun and his governorship of Hitachi.

"Let me tell you of something." The old man is haggard, his bones showing, as he sips a box of rice wine. "Lord Yoshiaki is one of the demons we are told about as children." He coughs and coughs, and turns his face to the wine-seller. Now he can see that the old man has only one eye. "A strange thing," the man continues, "for an old man to outlive all of his family. Every one of them. Even his grandchildren." He is drunk, now, and cursing between sentences. "Lord Yoshiaki does not know the difference between child and soldier." The wine-seller stares, and then tends to other patrons. The old man finishes his box, and limps out of the post station.

The Invasion of Kotsuke Province​

SPRING - Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu commanded a massive army of 12,000 strong. Striking at the first thaw, not long after Uesugi Kenshin's defeat, the Hojo army swept through southern Kotsuke, taking several towns, small forts, and post stations. The Hojo were further drawn into Kotsuke by what appeared to be Uesugi Kenshin himself, and a host of bannermen. Yet when that battle took place, it was discovered that the army was quite small, and most of that host either retreated or burned camps as they moved. While in pursuit, the Hojo acquired several estates.

However, not all was what it seemed, and while the Hojo used their large northern army to capture much of southern Kotsuke, a new menace near Sakasai was developing...

(-20 Uesugi companies)
(-5 Hojo companies)

The Battle of the Tanekawa-no-Kawara (Tane West Bank) and the Siege of Sakasai​

SUMMER - Marching an army of 9,000 men south, through Utsunomiya and Satake domains, the real Uesugi Kenshin was sly and diplomatic, gaining the Utsunomiya family as an ally. The Utsunomiya family are rather minor, yet they do have a formidable castle, which has stood since the Heian period. Their support was valuable in 1562, as they lent a healthy number of bannermen to Uesugi Kenshin's army (specifically, from Utsunomiya and surrounding domains, 3,000 men were acquired, and more are on their way). Many of these new bannermen were also from minor lords who had, for a long while, been loyal to Kenshin, and had now begun to pledge their full allegiance to the charismatic warlord.

With a now 12,000-strong army, Kenshin marched through Satake territory, seeking the aid of his ally, Yoshiaki. Yoshiaki Satake had recently been ruthless in his treatment of the peasants around Tsuchiura, though he did have men to offer Uesugi Kenshin, who added them to his ranks, and adopted their standard to fly with his own. This act of friendship was meaningful to Yoshiaki, who has begun to see Uesugi Kenshin as somewhat of a mentor.

Yoshiaki Satake personally saw to an army of 6,000, which merged with Uesugi Kenshin's main force. Now with a 18,000-strong army, Uesugi marched towards Sakasai, on the west bank of the Tane River (pronounced Tah-nay), which was defended by Hojo Ujiyasu's brother, Tsunashige, and 10,000 men. The large Hojo army of the east was not entirely garrisoned in Sakasai, yet indeed Sakasai was well-fortified. During their march to the castle, the Uesugi army continued to expand, now with 1,000 additional Satomi troops, which had not given up the fight against the Hojo, despite losing several battles and prestige. More Satomi troops would have been given, had they not been concerned about their lands being attacked by the Hojo -- and concerned, ultimately, with the defense of Odaki Castle.

Nonetheless, the Uesugi army was confident in its initial assault on Sakasai, and maintained a steady supply route, despite the turmoil around Tsuchiura. Such a massive Uesugi army was unexpected by the Hojo, who had believed the majority of the Uesugi army to still be in Kotsuke. It was for this reason that a network of bridges on the Tane River were left largely undefended.

The battle that took place around Sakasai, involving the 18,000-strong Uesugi army, and roughly 8,000 Hojo troops not garrisoned within the castle, resulted in a resounding Uesugi victory, with Hojo troops being beaten back, and Ujiyasu's brother beheaded, his head displayed to the Uesugi troops -- who cheered for weeks before the head was ultimately sent to Hojo Ujiyasu as an act of honor. These events significantly damaged the morale of the rest of the Hojo east army, which had remained garrisoned within Sakasai. They continue to remain garrisoned there, and the Uesugi are still sieging Sakasai. They have succeeded in pushing back a few scattered Hojo counter-attacks, and continue to have an adequate supply line. Additionally, it is expected that more reinforcements will come from both Shimotsuke Province and Satake domains.

Indeed, the dead bodies scattered across Tanekawa-no-Kawara created puddles of blood, which streamed downhill and into the river itself, creating a pinkish snake that seemed to slither in the sun. And like the great poets often tell us: at night, those bodies could be seen flying as fireflies, the corpses creating little lanterns from beyond.

(+7 Uesugi prestige)
(+2 Satake prestige)
(+2 Hojo prestige [ for meeting the attackers on the battlefield ])
(+90 Uesugi companies)
(-30 Uesugi companies)
(-80 Hojo companies)
(+1 strength / +1 confidence to Utsunomiya Protectors, a Satake faction)
[ Specifically, there are 2,000 men garrisoned within Sakasai, and 15,000 Uesugi troops sieging, with thousands more potentially on their way. This was an epic battle, and should be remembered by all. ]

* * * * *​

Tokai

Imagawa Yoshimoto Sinks his Fangs into a Rat​

ALL YEAR - While Nobunaga forces danced down major thoroughfares and scouted regions around Nagoya, while ultimately relying too much upon easily bribed scouts and spies, Imagawa troops were ferocious and relentless in their retaliation upon Nobunaga. These raids and skirmishes were the likes of which many men have never seen. Imagawa Yoshimoto transferred his finest commanders to see to these efforts, such as Matsudaira Motoyasu and his son, Ujizane. They were brutal, violent, and bloody.

Oda Nobunaga had expected a full battle with the Imagawa, and kept his 3,000 troops under his command in tight formation and order, marching towards Nagoya. Yet Yoshimoto did not give them the satisfaction of such a battle:

Oda Nobunaga does not deserve confrontation. He lacks honor, and has been pushed into a corner. It is not the same rivalry that exists, say, between Takeda Shingen or Uesugi Kenshin. No, this is not a rivalry. This is the expulsion of a demonic presence within our midst, a taint on our provinces, and one that can only be killed with careful precision.

The massive Imagawa army spread itself out and harassed Nobunaga's army as it traversed roads and danced its way to Nagoya, hoping to deceive Imagawa forces. Dozens of spies and scouts were publicly executed by Imagawa troops, while others had their hands severed or their eyes gouged. The raids continued all year, with a well-supplied Imagawa army taking care to not confront the Oda army directly. Post stations and forts loyal to Nobunaga were burned, their owners killed or bribed. Imagawa scouts reported various "tricks" of the Nobunaga army, such as attempting to lure Imagawa troops into a field with an obviously smaller army, and then flank it from the sides. Such amateur tactics were put to rest by Yoshimoto, who employed thousands of troops to batter Oda supply routes, leaving troops starving or in poor conditions to fight. Yet still, the Imagawa army did not confront the Oda army in battle. No -- rather, such satisfaction was not given to Nobunaga.

These events have left the Oda army in disarray in the south, and many retainers are now losing their short-lived confidence in Nobunaga himself.

(No real large-scale casualties on either side, but the Oda army is not doing well.)
(-5 Oda prestige)
(+1 Imagawa prestige)
(+10,000 koku per-turn to Imagawa for captured lands, such as Nagoya)
(-3,000 koku per-turn to Oda for raids and an unstable domain)
(-2 confidence to Oda Retainers)
(+2 confidence of Imagawa retainers)

The Continued Quelling of the Mikawa Rebellion​

FALL - While the Imagawa concentrated on their widespread assault of Oda Nobunaga, the Ikko-Ikki rebellions were left largely untamed. However, this was the intentional strategy of Yoshimoto, who instead went through proper avenues with Jodo Shu temples to ensure greater accessibility to peasants and countryside dwellers. This policy has had mixed results.

The rebellions do continue, and Ikko-Ikki supporters continue to arm themselves and gather in temple-fortresses. The warrior-monk populism has begun to slow in its growth, mostly due to new practices by the Jodo faith and the patrons of Daijuji Temple, associated with the Matsudaira family. There is a sort of "counter-reformation" underway, in which Imagawa retainers are contributing significantly to the Matsudaira family, giving it more influence, and thus expanding the efforts of loyal Jodo temples and priests. In some ways, this is creating a rift between peasant mobs, and Jodo teachers who advocate nonviolence.

The Matsudaira family has also begun to give poorer peasants food and supplies, making resources available at Daijuji and temples in the countryside. This has given Imagawa Yoshimoto a modicum of prestige with the villages of Mikawa.

However, much of this policy backfired...

(+3 Imagawa prestige)
(+1 strength to Matsudaira Clan)

The Storming of Yoshida Castle​

WINTER, LATE 1562 - During the cold of winter, a snowless Yoshida Castle was largely undefended, kept warm by a small garrison as the majority of Imagawa troops were engaged with the Oda. Because of the Matsudaira family's and the Imagawa Clan's new policy with the Mikawa Ikko-Ikki sect and their Jodo affiliations, monks continued their travels without inspection. Additionally, there was little suspicion of monks, as the Ikko-Ikki had not caused significant trouble throughout 1562. And so, when dozens of monks came to the gates of Yoshida Castle on a warm, winter evening, the garrison there allowed them to enter. The monks had told the garrison that they would take a ship in the morning to Ujiyamada, where they would walk the road to the eastern ports of Kii. There, they would then take a ship to Shikoku, to make use of Chosokabe Motochika's highly developed roads network, and thus visit the dozens of sacred temples of Shikoku: a rather normal pilgrimage for such a large number of monks.

Presuming the monks had come from Hamamatsu, the Yoshida garrison allowed them to stay and offered them quarters for the cold winter evening. As soon as the gates opened, black-cloaked warrior monks stormed the castle, and took control of the fortifications. They have since holed themselves up in the castle, along with carts of supplies. But how long can they hold Yoshida without a proper supply route?

(+2,500 koku to Ikko-Ikki coffers from Yoshida stores)
(+2 Ikko-Ikki prestige)
(-2 Imagawa prestige)

The End of the Saito​

SUMMER - Even though Oda Nobunaga's armies suffered cruel defeats around Nagoya, loyal Maeda Toshiie made leaps and bounds of progress against the Saito domain, which is now crushed and non-existent. While Toshiie swayed hearts and minds of many former Saito retainers, most of them were more drawn to the Asakura, who had also begun to invade the Saito domain from the north. Because of severe Oda defeats against the Imagawa, some retainers were hesitant to join the Oda domain, and instead opted for the stability offered by the Asakura.

Nonetheless, some retainers were successfully wooed by Maeda Toshiie, whose loyalty to Oda Nobunaga never faltered. With 1,500 men, Toshiie successfully killed the remainder of Saito bannermen, while others committed seppuku. Additionally, he took Ogaki Castle with such a small number of men, using assistance from the retainers he had successfully swayed.

(-3 Oda companies)
(+2 Oda prestige)
(+5 Asakura prestige)
(+7 Oda companies from new retainers and bannermen)
(+10 Asakura companies from new retainers and bannermen)
(koku will come next turn)

Kinai

The Battle of East Futo​

SUMMER - The Asai clan was forced to withdraw all of its forces aiding Oda Nobunaga, which was one reason why the Oda saw such crushing defeats in 1562. With their full force back in Asai domains, and a slew of new bannermen at Hisamasa's command, the Asai launched an assault on the Rokkaku army numbering some 5,000 men, which had crept its way into Asai domains while the Asai were assisting Nobunaga. The Rokkaku were outnumbered, though minimally (the Asai army numbered 5,500 men), but Asai troops were still able to push them back and hammer them. The Asai were relentless after their initial victory, and swept southward through Rokkaku lands, and pushed through much of the plains and hilly villages of the eastern Rokkaku domain. Much of Rokkaku Yoshiharu's army has now retreated back, towards Kannonji, a castle which they are now fortifying.

(-10 Asai companies)
(-30 Rokkaku companies)
(+2 Asai prestige)
(-2 Rokkaku prestige)

* * * * *​

Kyushu

The Battle of Hakata and the Siege of Tachibana​

SUMMER - A Mori army of 9,000 began their assault on Hakata and the castle of Tachibana, but not after a fierce battle with Otomo troops. The Otomo army of 6,000 strong attempted an assault on the larger Mori force, but this was quickly quelled by Mori scouts and counterespionage efforts. Also caught was an Otomo attempt to poison the Mori army's water supply.

The main battle was held outside of Hakata, in a small clearing of a grove. While Otomo forces were pushed back, and the port of Hakata captured by the Mori, the Mori suffered heavy casualties, and could not take Tachibana Castle. Even now, Mori troops are attempting a siege of that castle, but it is proving largely futile, as well-armed Otomo reinforcements are expected. Still, the Mori have tricks up their sleeves -- particularly through the use of their navy and a massive army awaiting in Moji. And now that the Mori have captured another port in Kyushu, their naval supply routes and efforts can be expanded.

Meanwhile, another contingent of some 2,000 Mori troops scattered throughout Chikuzen Province, raiding and pillaging.

(-50 Mori companies)
(-40 Otomo companies)
(+1 prestige to Mori)
(-2 prestige to Otomo)
(+500 koku to Mori, stolen from Otomo)
(+10,000 per-turn Koku to Mori, from previously captured lands)
(Tachibana Clan confidence -1; Alert: confidence dangerously low)

For a night death raged
And I saw the foreign god
Hung by fall's colors​

The Burning of Nagasaki​

FALL - It was a quiet afternoon in Nagasaki, like any other, and Portuguese merchants were unloading goods from China, not knowing that 3,000 Ryuzoji men marched towards the crucial port city. During their march, the small Ryuzoji army gathered Omura retainers. Some resisted, and they were either hung or shot dead, not given the courtesy of beheading or seppuku, due to their allegiance to an improper faith.

As Portuguese merchants were unloading cargo, the Ryuzoji troops descended upon the city. About one-hundred Portuguese infantry were present, but they were useless and far outnumbered, and any Omura bannermen who defended Nagasaki were quickly vanquished, likewise being outnumbered -- or sometimes even swayed to join Takanobu. Still, the Ryuzoji suffered some casualties, though the largely undefended and short walls of the ports were no match for the burning that began. Portuguese ships were set on fire, along with Jesuit churches, Christian cemeteries, and merchant homes. Nagasaki was set afire that afternoon, and the fires continued through the night, as Jesuits attempted to board small ships in the evenings, to flee the Ryuzoji onslaught. While some certainly escaped, others were caught by dock patrols. Other Jesuits decided to go into hiding, but they were burned out of their corners, like all the others.

In the end, hundreds of Portuguese had been killed and maimed and hung and decapitated. Omura retainers who had converted to Christianity were likewise treated like dogs, though some accepted re-conversion and frantically ordered their troops to join Ryuzoji's bannermen. Throughout Nagasaki's public squares, the gallows were filled with Jesuit bodies; Ryuzoji Takanobu had thus sent a severe message to both the Omura and the Europeans.

Christian relics were thrown into the sea, mimicking what the Jesuits had done to important Japanese Buddhist and Shinto icons, and the ports were taken by Ryuzoji troops. Since the capture of Nagasaki, Takanobu has ordered the repairing of the ports, perhaps to serve as a shipyard.

While much of Nagasaki has been razed, much of it has also been spared. Many Japanese cheered the arrival of the Ryuzoji, while others were fearful of it. Yet one thing is certain: this event will change Japan. With Nagasaki now off limits to the Portuguese, where will Japan get its silks and porcelain? That question is still up in the air, though there are several possible answers (and truly, Nagasaki is not the only port those goods are exchanged through, though it is one of the major sources of European trade -- yet at this point, that is becoming less important, as guns are being manufactured throughout Japan).

Surely, there are other port cities which the Portuguese can use -- though none of them as extensive as Nagasaki, which was their port-of-call (mostly because the other port cities are in domains more fearful of Jesuit presence than Nagasaki ever was). The Wakou pirates loyal to the Matsuura Clan still exist, and now the Ryuzoji have the capability to construct a formidable navy to shuttle goods themselves. Yet Portuguese carracks still roam the seas, and so perhaps employing the help of the Wakou pirates will be instrumental to the survival of trade with China. Additionally, the Portuguese will probably seek a new port-of-call to make their colony in Macau worthwhile, and so a new scramble for Portuguese favor could be in the works (with the ultimate result being more Jesuit missionaries and thus potential unhappiness among retainers). Regardless, the Ryuzoji have now acquired a large degree of power from their onslaughts -- not only to the standards of Kyushu, but to Japan as a whole.

There does come a large degree of responsibility with this power. For one, the Ryuzoji will have to curry favor with Japanese merchants as well, ones who gained a great profit from trade with the Portuguese. How will they be appeased?

(+10 Ryuzoji prestige)
(-10 Omura prestige)
(-2 Ryuzoji companies)
(+ Japanese Merchants faction for Ryuzoji)
(+ 5,000 per-turn koku per turn to Ryuzoji)
[ The siege of Omura continues, where Sumitada continues to live in fear. ]

The Fall of Aya and Shimazu Advances into the Ito Domain​

FALL - As a minimal garrison held for much of 1562 in Aya Castle, a small, but well-armed and supplied Shimazu force eventually took the bastion, when its garrison surrendered. Ito reinforcements were nowhere to be found, though it was rumored that a large army had been recruited from bannermen still loyal to Lord Yoshisuke. This army was not seen in 1562, however, and the bulk of the Shimazu army led by Yoshihisa, son of Lord Shimazu Takahisa, continued to gain significant ground in the northeastern section of the Ito domain.

As Yoshihisa advanced and took one of the major thoroughfares slicing through Ito terrain, several towns pledged their fealty to the Shimazu Clan, while others were less enthusiastic. Despite this, the Shimazu army lingered along this thoroughfare, capturing estates along the way, and securing them in the name of Takahisa. The Shimazu have also enjoyed undisturbed supply lines, and a steady supply of guns, manufactured within the Shimazu domain. Major Ito retainers remain loyal to the charismatic Ito Yoshisuke.

(+2 Shimazu prestige)
(-2 Ito prestige)
(Ito Retainers -1 strength)
(+5,000 per-turn koku to Shimazu)

Shikoku

The Siege of Aki​

FALL - After the successful capture of Aki Castle, the Aki Clan surrendered its holdings to the Chosokabe, thus pledging fealty to who they consider the Lord of Shikoku.

(+10,000 per-turn koku to Chosokabe)
(Ichijo Court -1 confidence)

 
1562
A Lantern For Every Fallen Warrior



OTHER AFFAIRS​


Do you see those little lights in the forest? They are not fireflies, or wandering travelers. No. They are ghosts, attempting to deliver messages to the living. Be kind to them, for they hold the brutal tales of our realm... the ones we should remember.

Kanto

Hojo Ujiyasu's Thoroughfares​

Roads throughout the Hojo domain have become some of the most traveled and well-maintained roads in all of Japan, complete with clean and inviting post stations and widened avenues.
(+2 Hojo prestige)
(vaguely faster movement and improved relations with retainers)

Utsunomiya's Pledge to Uesugi Kenshin​

In a time of need
Like sparrows in the summer
Minor lords found love​

Uesugi Kenshin has been given undying support by the Utsunomiya family. While the Utsunomiya family had been closely tied with the Satake, the Satake Clan's subjugation of peasants around Tsuchiura put a damper in relations. Meanwhile, Kenshin played his cards wisely, and curried favor with both the Utsunomiyas and their Satake allies. Thus, Kenshin has been put in a unique position of honor to the Utsunomiya Clan, who the Uesugi have been treating with great honor since their pledge of support against the Hojo. Uesugi Kenshin has also settled many disputes between the Utsunomiya Clan and several minor lords around that clan's headquarters, which has served as a rallying point for bannermen seeking honor and position with Kenshin's lordship.
(+3 Uesugi prestige)
(transition of Utsunomiya Protectors faction from Satake Clan to Uesugi Clan, strength/confidence at 5/5)
(promise of reinforcements during 1563; how many is not certain)

Additionally, Uesugi Kenshin, through his diplomatic overtures to the Date and the Utsunomiya, has achieved a great feat of bringing some of those regional lords under the same banner.
(significant influence over estates surrounding Utsunomiya, and Utsunomiya itself, has been obtained)

* * * * *​

Tokai

Matsudaira Motoyasu's Honor​

When in the dim court
Look hard at Motoyasu
For whom gods favor
Imagawa Yoshimoto has continued to shower Matsudaira Motoyasu with a larger estate and more status within his court. The result of this has been a significant boost in the Matsudaira family's relationship with the Imagawa, who they continue to serve unfalteringly.
(+2 companies to Imagawa from newly raised Matsudaira bannermen)
(+2 Imagawa prestige)
(+1 confidence of Matsudaira Clan)

Imagawa couriers have delivered gifts of tea, silks, and porcelain to the Takeda and Hojo clans.

Imagawa Ujizane, Yoshimoto's most capable and learned son, has begun to overlook the codification and eventual implementation of a new tax system. He has also begun to serve as a de-facto policeman against bandits who have tormented peasants. Thus, Yoshimoto's son has become well-liked by many farmers.
(+1 Imagawa prestige)

The Egalitarian Sermon - Tokai Chapter​

A network of couriers has developed throughout the whole of Japan serving the Ikko-Ikki, usually in the guise of monks, though sometimes also in the guise of respectable merchants. Little can be done to stop this communication, though monks caught carrying messages or merchants caught delivering goods are often severely punished, depending on the domain they are caught within and the lord who presides over such lands.
(+1 Ikko-Ikki prestige)
(Converted Peasantry +1 confidence)

* * * * *​

Kinai

Superior Steel of Lake Biwa​

Have you held that sword?
Glistening under spring light
A blade from Biwa​
The Asai Clan now has a fully functioning Muramasa school of swordsmithing within their domain. The school is located at Odani Castle, and the master there is called Muramasa Takahiro, a fake name used to protect the actual Muramasa who came to the Asai domain from Ise Province (considered dishonorable to the Muramasa masters of that province).
(+ "prized swords" to Asai military description)
(+2 Asai prestige)

The marriage between Asai Hisamasa and Oda Oichi has become strained due to recent Oda losses against the Imagawa. As such, some Asai retainers have become less confident in their lord, and their situation. Other retainers are openly criticizing their brethren, questioning their "undying" loyalty.
(-1 confidence to Asai Retainers)

* * * * *​

Kyushu

The Egalitarian Sermon - Kyushu Chapter​

Remember his face
The monk who came in summer
Offering refuge​
As the bloody war between the Otomo and Mori Clans consumed Hakata, and resulted in the slaughtering of many post station operators and the encroachment onto farmers' lands, Ikko-Ikki warrior monks visited villages and offered them protection in the temple town of Fukuzaki, at Kanzeon-ji. Hundreds of villagers and merchants flocked to that temple. They brought rice and assisted in the continued construction of that temple.
(+4 prestige to Ikko-Ikki)
(+5 rabble companies to Ikko-Ikki)
(+1,000 koku to Ikko-Ikki stores)

The Construction of Fukusaki Kanzeon-ji
As stated above, the Ikko-Ikki have begun to construct a temple at Fukusaki (OOC: Near real-life Fukuoka City). This temple will practically be a castle, as well as serving as a fortified port zone. The area chosen for this project contains strategic coves, rivers, and hills, and will most-likely be a valuable port, if completed. A moat and thick stone walls are being erected along with the temple proper, and the walls are being designed with guns in mind. A tall pagoda is to be constructed to serve as both a watchtower, navigational aid for ships, and of course, a bastion of religious worship. Ikko-Ikki monks have also acquired a number of Buddhist relics previously discarded and buried by Jesuit missionaries. They are thus using these spiritual objects to create proper shrines and display areas within the temple grounds. The construction of this temple has been largely funded by secret outside sources. Because this temple is being constructed within Otomo lands, it has drawn considerable criticism from the Jesuits still living in Kyushu. Nonetheless, Otomo Sorin has been hesitant to stop the construction, and is instead appearing as if he supports it, for no other reason other than to not further anger his retainers (many of whom have become taken with the Ikko-Ikki movement in response the violent upheaval of Buddhist holy sites and relics by the Christians).
(+500 to per-turn koku income / more will come as the temple-fortress is constructed)
(+3 prestige to Ikko-Ikki)
(-2 prestige to Otomo)
[ Fukusai Kanzeon-ji is about 1/6 finished. ]

The Ikko-Ikki have begun to preach within the Otomo domain via the major road leading to Kumamoto, drawing hostility from the Jesuit missionaries who still remain in Kyushu (despite the fall of Nagasaki and other factors).
(+1 Ikko-Ikki prestige)
(Otomo Kyushu Jesuits -1 confidence)

Otomo Sorin's Matter of Faith​

Unappeased, Otomo retainers are continuing to lose faith in their lord, as he promises renovations to Buddhist and Shinto temples but does not actually allocate funds to support such promises.
(Otomo Retainers confidence -1 / Alert: confidence dangerously low)

The Bear of Hizen​

The Bear of Hizen has contributed a significant amount of resources to the reparation of damages done by the Jesuits to any holy places within the Ryuzoji domain. Resources have also been given to Arima estates to repair damage caused by war, mostly as a sign of hospitality and good-will.
(+3 Ryuzoji prestige)

* * * * *​

Shikoku

The Pilgrim's Paradise​

Chosokabe Motochika has continued to enhance his roads system. Thus, the Chosokabe domain's travel infrastructure continues to be one of the finest in Japan, and even more religious pilgrimages are beginning to occur as the roads connect important temples.
(+1 Chosokabe prestige)

* * * * *​

Story Bonuses

T_F: Asai Hisamasa's tanka poetry continues to amaze Japan.
(+2 Asai prestige)

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Political Map: 1563
Spoiler Political Map :


Daimyo of Sengoku jidai Japan
Imagawa (nutranurse)
Mori (Espoir)
Ikko-Ikki (ChiefDesigner)
Yamana (andis-1)
Shimazu (flyingchicken)
Oda (Agent 89)
Hojo (Birdjaguar)
Ryuzoji (Ninja Dude)
Asai (T_F)
Date (Azale)
Uesugi (Thlayli)
Satomi (Anonymoose)
Chosokabe (Eltain)
Miyoshi (germanicus12)
Otomo (erez87)
Takeda
Nanbu
Satake
Urakami
Matsuura
Ito
Matsunaga
Mogami
Ashina
Saito
Iga Sokoku Ikki
Rokkaku
Ichijo
Aki
Amako
Arima
Omura
So
 
OOC: Of course you can reject these. They are from the current Shogun, a man who did historically mediate effectively. But still, this is the Warring States period, and symbolic power does little if the cards aren't in line.

IC:

Requests Issued by Shogun Ashikaga Yohorsehockyeru​

To Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen

The Shogun wishes to mediate the conflict between these two highly respectable warlords, who have reached a stalemate. The Shogun fears a massive battle may be at hand, and that this battle will do little to serve the honor of both lords, but will instead result in the weakening of two lords who have displayed some of the finest leadership the land has seen.

The conditions are that both sides immediate cease hostilities, and that Takeda Shingen personally visit the Shogun in Kyoto, just as Uesugi Kenshin did a few years ago.

To Otomo 'Sorin', called now by his true name Yoshishige, and Mori Motonari

The war that is escalating in Kyushu is troublesome for all parties involved, and is not accomplishing much beyond displacing civilians and contributing to the rise of the Ikko-Ikki fanatics. The Shogun would like to mediate the conflict between the two prestigious lords of Otomo and Mori, so that Hakata may see peace once more.

The conditions of this peace are that Otomo 'Sorin' will renounce the foreign god he has chosen to worship, and will fund the renovations of the hundreds of sacred sites he has desecrated. He will be guided by monks and Shinto priests to the top of Aso Mountain, where he will bow to the sky and rid himself of the foreign faith. The Shogun will allow Portuguese Jesuits to remain in Japan, for the sake of trade and healthy relations with foreign powers, though they must be limited to specific enclaves and cannot be allowed to infiltrate sacred Japanese sites.
 
to Shogun Ashikaga Yohorsehockyeru
from Otomo 'Sorin'

You offer seems reasonable, but I will not surrender an inch of land as long as I breath. If the Mori will retreat I will accept what you suggested.
 
OOC: Since Espoir seems to have vanished.

IC:

From: Mori Motonari
That is most unfortunate, for the Mori will not surrender an inch of land, and we will not rest until the Jesuits are controlled. We have little faith that 'Sorin' will keep his word. He has resorted to converting for money and guns, and now he wishes to convert back so that he can save himself. Therefore, he lacks honor and dignity. Once the Mori withdraw, he will probably once again allow the Jesuits to expand, not keeping their enclaves limited to the coast, as long as the Portuguese carracks drift about with guns and goods.
 
to Mori:
For invaders you speak much of honor and dignity. I will never speak in lie, if I am to agree on a treaty I will abide by it to the last letter.
 
From: Uesugi Kenshin
To: Ashikaga Yohorsehockyeru

As of old the Uesugi have honored their obligations as Kanto kanrei, bringing peace and order to Kanto in the name of the Shogun.

I will accept this peace in your name and that of the heavenly Emperor. If the Takeda in their arrogance refuse, may the gods and the lords of the land punish them for their lack of honor.
 
From: Takeda Shingen
To: Uesugi Kenshin, Governor-General of Kanto, and Shogun Ashikaga Yohorsehockyeru

The Takeda respect the wishes of the Shogun. Takeda Shingen will take the journey to Kyoto, where he will present his good will to Yohorsehockyeru. Whether or not we will make peace with the Uesugi is another matter altogether, but one that will be properly discussed and considered.
 
Oh my god.... We had something JUST like this at another forum I use to be long to...... Is it still around? If so, I like to join as Yamana :).
 
The last post was in April. You just necro'd outta luck.
 
Damn. I was hoping for a tad of luck :D.

Any chances of someone rehosting this by any chance? I am just dying for another one of these.
 
Many of us would like to see a rebirth of this.
 
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