odanobunagascouncil

[odanobunagascouncil]

What are y’all doing

Hawaii sure is nice this time of year, too bad the ship Gamo and Kazumasu were taking to this tropical paradise sunk, and they are both now trapped on a miserable desert island in the middle of nowhere (probably for the good of all of Japan)

Sassa and his gang of losers tried to stage a coup against Oda. It failed miserably and y’all are dead. Nice try though 

[odanobunagascouncil]

End of the Line

The Miyoshi clan had taken Kyoto from the Ashikaga, and Miyoshi Nagayoshi had claimed the title of Shogun for himself. Things looked bleak for the Oda clan, their greatest rival had taken the largest fortress in all of Japan for themselves. 

However, the Oda council would not take this lying down. Within a week Oda forces had stormed through Iga lands, setting the stage for a showdown with the Miyoshi at Kyoto. 

It was midday, a brisk spring wind blew, and the Miyoshi army stood nervously behind in the walls Kyoto. Nagayoshi had withdrawn his entire force behind the walls, convinced that he couldn’t possibly lose with such a massive fortress guarding him. He had heard news of the Oda army crossing the border, an was waiting for their assault to begin.

The silence was broken when a volley of fire rockets shot out of the woods, leaving a trail of smoke behind them before exploding among the Miyoshi forces in spectacular fashion. As flames billowed from within the walls, Oda forces poured out of the surrounding forest en masse. Miyoshi forces quickly raised the alarm, and the began to concentrate their men around the west gate. 

As fighting intensified on the west side of the castle, a small contingent of Oda men emerged from the forest in the east, siege ladders in hand. The few Miyoshi men left defending the east desperately tried to raise the alarm, but the din of fire rockets and the thick smoke made communication with the west side nearly impossible. Oda forces quickly neutralized the eastern half of Kyoto castle, and began to attack the Miyoshi’s main force from behind. As the Miyoshi began to realize they were surrounded, morale shattered. Some surrendered, others tried to run, but all that mattered was that the outer wall of the castle had been captured. 

Shogun Nagayoshi knew that the day was lost, and decided that, along with his remaining men, he would attempt to break out of the Oda encirclement, or die trying. To the Oda’s surprise, the gates of the second wall swung open, and a contingent of 50 samurai threw themselves into the crowd. During the melee, Kanamori, who had bravely declared himself the leader of the assault, found himself face to face with Nagayoshi. The two engaged in a ferocious duel, matching each other blow for blow. Finally, as Nagayoshi struck a mortal blow on Kanamori, Kanamori did the same to Nagayoshi. Within minutes, both fell dead.

When the dust settled, the Oda clan was in control of the castle, and the Miyoshi Shogun was dead. Surrounded by his cheering soldiers, Oda Nobunaga sat himself upon the throne, and claimed the title of Shogun for himself. The Oda had finally become Japan’s most powerful clan.

The new Shogun chilling with his council c. 1564

[odanobunagascouncil]

The Fall of Kyoto

After months of planning, preparing, and waiting, the Miyoshi have finally made their move. In the early hours of the morning a series of explosions rang out at Kyoto Castle, the gates along the outer wall had been blown to pieces by Miyoshi spys. As Ashikaga forces rushed to repair the gates, Miyoshi troops began streaming across the border, quickly reaching the castle and ambushing the soldiers desperately trying to patch the massive holes in their walls. With only the interior wall between him and the enemy, Shogun Yoshiteru knew that the battle was lost. He ordered his men to open the gates, before flinging himself from the highest precipice of the castle. With that, Miyoshi had conquered Kyoto, and Miyoshi Nagayoshi claimed his place as Shogun.  Also of note, the territories of Gamo and Koremasa were both attacked by sabotaging ninja. Explosions shook the fields of both men’s domains. Interestingly, among the dead were many Hisahide men, dressed suspiciously in black. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

The Good News

While one might not expect a clan going through a crippling famine to be able to effectively wage a war, as it turns out, the Matsunaga were not exactly ready for a war themselves. Fearing an attack from both the Oda and the Miyoshi, Matsunaga’s forces were spread thin between the two borders. Thanks to the efforts of Nakagawa and Hisahide, the Matsunaga army was thrown into absolute disarray in the days leading up to the Oda offensive, with many of their military leaders perishing or returning to the capital to handle their affairs.  As the summer heat beat down, Oda forces crossed the border en masse, one  army charging right into the enemy lines, and the other making their through Iga province to take the enemies capital. The plan worked to perfection, as the sudden offensive by the bulk of the Oda army drew forces away from both the Miyoshi border and the interior of the country. With their heartland left undefended, the second Oda army strolled out of the mountains to little resistance before raiding the enemy capital. In less than a week Oda forces had completely subdued the Matsunaga, and transferred control of the province over to their allies, the Kitabatake. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

Where’s my food man

New efforts by the Oda council to stop the ongoing famine have been, on almost all fronts, a resounding failure. Some of the reforms have seen positive results, such as the expansion of sea trading with allies, increased funding for irrigation, and a pause on the draft. However, propositions such as “using food stores” and “distributing the grain surplus” were met with disbelief and anger by  the people, as there was no surplus to distribute, and the stores are empty. If more comprehensive action on the food shortage isn’t taken, there could very well be a full blown rebellion.

Also, in other news, the recently military drills in the mountains were a complete disaster. Without enough food to supply the army during their training exercises,   the drills had to be called off with no significant improvement in mountain warfare abilities. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

I'm an Ordinary Guy (Burning Down the House)

A scene of saucy intrigue played out today in the Matsunaga capital. Reports are coming in that multiple ninja have engaged in widespread arson across the city. The residences of many prominent Matsunaga generals and samurai were targeted, leaving their military command in relative disarray. However, one of the ninja was captured by Matsunaga forces attempting to flee, and under extreme interrogation he cracked, revealing to their captors that they were sent by Nakagawa and Hisahide. The Matsunaga are furious, and are demanding answers from the Oda, though, if we’re being honest, they aren’t exactly in much of a position to do anything about it.

[odanobunagascouncil]

Satomi Holdings Erupt in Flames

The heir of the Satomi Clan, Yoshiaki Satomi, has died along with all of his retainers and 1000 men as he castle he retook from foreign raiders exploded in terrifying fashion. The heir of the Satomi Clan had mustered a large army to retake a port settlement and minor castle, however upon arrival it appeared the castle was abandoned as the invaders were to crave to face justice. Only hours later during a victory feast the entire castle was consumed with explosions and fire and the backbone of the army was trapped with a hellish nightmare. It was reported only days later that a single flag was flying above the burned out ruin. The flag of Ujisato.

[odanobunagascouncil]

Hungry Peasants Mildly Displeased

The people within the Oda domains are going hungry. Due to repeated drafts and conscription orders issued by the Oda leadership fields fall fallow as not enough of the peasants are available to work them. Talks of rebellion are everywhere as newly conquered people are demanded to assemble in Owari to be trained to fight in the service of their merciless conqueror. Food shortages are on the rise and even the samurai are becoming nervous as more and more peasants are being armed and trained to use said weapons while still being very salty about being conquered, plundered and starving. Dissent is spreading rapidly.

[odanobunagascouncil]

You guys pass a lot of directives jeez

The people of the Takeda and Saito are furious at the council’s handling to Nakagawa’s transgressions. A pubic apology and a short suspension from the council were not enough to quell their dissent. If this issue isn’t resolved shortly a full blown rebellion in Takeda lands is almost assured. The Takeda people scoff at any Oda attempts to resolve the ongoing feud while the issue, and refuse any kind of peace offer or vassalization. The Saito scoff at your claim that they in anyway acted dishonorably, as they argued that your dishonorable killing of the Takeda diplomat made any alliance your formally had null and void. They refuse to send any guns or gifts to the Oda.

The Iga are offended that the Oda would even suggest that they become vassals of another clan. The Iga are not at all eager to give up their independence. They are also not open to an alliance, as the Oda have aligned themselves with their neighbors and long-time rivals the Kitabatake. In other more positive news, the attempts to scapegoat Akechi have gone off without a hitch. Most neutral clans appreciate your swift action an dealing with the dishonorable traitor, and you have generally been forgiven for your transgression by the majority of clans. 3,000 Oda troops have also safely arrived in Kitabatake lands, ready to move on your command.

[odanobunagascouncil]

Chaos in Kai Province (And Saito I guess)

The grandson of the late Takeda Shingen, and the only man who perhaps had a chance of reuniting the Takeda in one last stand against the Oda clan, has been killed. As he travelled with his meager force through the woods, an arrow flew from the trees and pierced his skull. Emblazoned on the arrow was the crest of the Nakagawa clan. The Takeda are furious, demanding that Nakagawa be punished else they will not accept Oda rule. Also of note, a band of mercenaries clad in Christian garb crossed the border from Oda lands into Saito, where they proceeded to loot and burn a border town. The Saito are furious, and are demanding some kind of explanation from the Oda.

[odanobunagascouncil]

The Tiger of Kai

Having suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Oda at the Battle of Shizuoka, Takeda Shingen was beginning to regret leading his army personally. His plan was to make a hasty escape through Tokugawa lands back into his home province of Kai. He assumed that after the heavy losses that he had inflicted on the Oda that they would not follow him. He was wrong. 

For days Oda scouts tracked the position of the Takeda as they wound their way through the mountains. Supply caravans had been mysteriously disappearing, Shingen’s troops were beginning to worry that the Oda had not given up. 

Their fears were confirmed when they found themselves face to face with the Tokugawa army, who had swiftly moved to defend the border when news reached them of Oda’s victory. And from behind approached Oda’s army, tired from the recent battle, but ready to finish the job. As the two armies converged on the beleaguered Takeda army, Takeda Shingen bravely threw himself into the fray, which he would not escape alive. The Takeda Daimyo had fallen in battle, and another clan had fallen to the Oda.

Chaos has erupted in Kai Province (home of the Takeda clan), as news of their leaders death spread. Dissent is rampant. If the Oda clan wishes to make use of their newfound holdings, it is of the utmost importance that any dissent in Kai Province is squelched, else the seed of dissent may grow into war. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

The Battle of Shizuoka

It was a warm July morning when the forces of the Takeda and the Oda met near the town of Shizuoka. Takeda, believing their numerical advantage to be a sure sign of victory, charged Oda forces who had the high ground and a river to their advantage. The Oda army attempted to blow two of the three bridges, however, only one of them was destroyed. The Takeda calvary took advantage of this error, and quickly moved across the two remaining bridges. The Oda men held the line bravely, but took heavy losses. However, it would be the Oda calvary that would win the day, charging bravely into the Takeda flank, and routing their infantry. With their army split in two, the Takeda were forced to retreat. At the beginning of the day the Oda had 8,500 men, while the Takeda had 10,000. By the end the Oda would have 5,500 and the Takeda would have 4,500. Outnumbered, the Oda had managed to grab victory from the jaws of defeat once again.

His forces split, Takeda Shingen has begun leading his beleaguered army west towards the lands of the Tokugawa, trying to escape back into his own territory. Perhaps the Oda can cut him off before he escapes back into the relative safety of his homeland...

[odanobunagascouncil]

WAR

Word has reached Takeda Shingen that his messenger has been brutally slaughtered by the Oda council. His fury at this brazen act of dishonor has sent the Takeda immediately on the path of war. Shingen has personally lead a force of 12,000 men through the mountains and occupied the eastern portion of the Imagawa clan. His men are some of the most well-trained in all of Japan, and his cavalry is renown throughout the land. Without a coastline the navy that the Oda has invested so much in will be utterly useless in dealing with the encroaching Takeda army.  Neighboring Clans, including your new allies the Anegakoji, are condemning the act as dishonorable and completely against the code of Bushido. In fact, the Anegakoji are so offended by your actions that they are refusing to fight on your side, claiming that your offense was so egregious that it makes any previous agreements void. The Oda are entirely alone in this fight.  Oda is furious, and there may be consequences for those who betrayed his trust 

[odanobunagascouncil]

Not Cool Bro

The Oda Clan recently completed the construction of 3 ship building yards, meant to vastly expand the size and strength of the Oda navy. However, in the dead of night, a team of mercenaries dressed in Christian garb stormed one of the dockyards, burning it to the ground along with the Oda flagship that was being constructed. Reports from a witness say they saw one of the perpetrators talking with a man who appeared to be one of Oda’s retainers a few days before the attack, suggesting that a traitor may be among you. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

Directives and the Like

Nakagawa and Sassa have spent the past month training the Oda forces in the proper use of firearms. Though small in number, the Oda Arquebus division has become a more formidable fighting force thanks to the addition of volley fire.  Anger continues to build under the Buddhist and Shinto populations following the recent news that the council members would be censored from voicing their opinions publicly regarding intermarriages between Japanese and Portuguese. Along with the recent monastery attack, native Japanese people are feeling increasingly threatened by Europeans. 

Efforts to set up a vassal state in Imagawa territory have proven successful, with the loyal Imagawa Amari, grandson of Yoshimoto, taking the throne. The people formerly loyal to the Imagawa are pleased that the Oda are willing to respect their wishes. Regarding efforts to create an alliance with China, these efforts have failed. The Hatakeyama clan saw no reason to ally with the Oda, and thus we failed to gain any meaningful connection with the Chinese. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

Whoops! (And other updates)

The naval hero from the war with the Imagawa, Kuki Yoshitaka, took a bold move recently in trying to update the Oda fleet with iron plating. After gathering Iron from across the realm, and even melting down some weapons in order to get enough material, the first iron plated Oda vessel was pushed into the sea this past January, and it promptly sank into the harbor. As it turns out just putting iron on a wooden ship will, in fact, not make it more seaworthy. 

The pious Tsuitsui Junkei has just finished building a new and pristine monastery in his territory. However, within days the monastery was raided by a group of twenty men, who proceeded to kill many of the worshippers inside before burning it to the ground. These twenty men bore crosses on their necks, and according to a witness who managed to escape, wore uniforms suggesting that they were soldiers belonging to Wada Koremasa. This even has caused a huge flareup in religious tensions, and if it is not properly addressed could lead to widespread violence.  News from Afar

The upstart Miyoshi clan has annexed the Hatano and Bessho clans. Perhaps they are planning on taking on the Shogun? Only time will tell Chaos erupts in the Mori Clan as their Daimyo dies unexpectedly. A four way civil war has begun between his children. 

[odanobunagascouncil]

The Fall of the Imagawa

Things looked bleak for the Oda Clan a mere month ago. Negotiations had broken down with the Portuguese over purchasing weapons and the peasantry was demanding action against the Imagawa Clan while none was being taken. However, that would soon change

The Tokugawa were eager to fight against their old enemies the Imagawa, men young and old rallied to join the coming Oda offensive. 3,500 ready and willing soldiers were recruited during the draft. It was thank’s to Kiyohide’s skill with the peasantry that the draft was a success, with zero unrest among the Tokugawa. 

On October 3rd, 1560, 4,000 men flying the banners of Oda and Tokugawa crossed the border into Imagawa territory. It wasn’t long before they were set upon by the Imagawa army. Outnumbered nearly two to one, the Oda forces took heavy losses, but stood their ground. 

While the Oda and Imagawa armies were engaged in combat, 2000 men led by Kuki Yoshitaka were landing behind enemy lines on the undefended coastline a few miles away. As Yoshitaka’s forces began to attack the Imagawa from behind, panic began to set in amongst their forces. Within minutes the Imagawa  army had been broken, 6,500 of their 8,000 men having been killed or captured. Among those killed was Imagawa Ujizane, the young leader of the Imagawa clan. Oda forces marched into the capital unopposed. The day had been won, the Imgawa were defeated.