Tuesday, 5 September 2023

Shogun 2 - stories

Hojo Clan

- A regional clan in Tokai (東海) region

- Famed for their wealth and their talent in smelting precious metals, as well as building magnificent cities and strongholds. 

- Famed for their Gunpowder Guild

- Alongside members of the Hojo family, many members of the Kasahara family were prominent clan heads, officers and captains under the banner of the Hojo Clan. 

- Loyal to the Ashikaga Shogunate. Mandated by the Ashikaga Shogunate to conquer lands of disloyal Daimyos, and bring the rebellious provinces of Japan back under the reign of the Shogunate. 


Records

- Due to local talents in weapon-smithing, Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu designated Sagami province (Kanto (関東) region) as a hub for army recruitment and training. Many samurai dojos and army settlements were established in this province.    Eventually, the majority of the Hojo armies were 関東人々

- Musashi province, known as the Heart of Kanto, is a province with a huge population.   After conquering the province from the Ogigayatsu Clan, Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu elected members of the Daidoji family (関東人々) as provincial administrators, advisors, captains and officers in Musashi. The Daimyo also facilitated many Hojo and Kasahara family members (東海人々) to relocate to Musashi province. The Hojo, Kasahara and Daidoji families were tasked to collaborate and administer Musashi province, under the banner of the Hojo Clan. 

- During the war between the Satomi-Hojo alliance and the Satake Clan, the Satake Daimyo ordered his armies to abandon Shimotsuke Monastery and reinforce his stronghold. The armies of Hojo Clan captured the Shimotsuke Monastery without resistance. Abandoned by their former ruler, the residents of Shimotsuke Monastery were open to integrate with the 関東人々 from Musashi province. 

Due to the local zeal in Buddhism, Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu designated Shimotsuke Monastery as a hub for spirituality and enlightenment for his armies. A number of dojos were built around Shimotsuke Monastery to train the local Buddhists. The Daimyo himself also achieved enlightenment in Shimotsuke Monastery and developed a zeal for Buddhism. 

- During the war between the Uesugi-Yamanouchi alliance and the Takeda-Imagawa-Hojo alliance, the Yamanouchi Daimyo marched his armies out of Kozuke province, leaving it vulnerable for capture. 
During the Capture of Kozuke, the Hojo armies stormed Kozuke and raced towards its stronghold, while the Yamanouchi armies were returning. 

- After the Daimyo of the Yamanouchi Clan was killed during the First Defence of Kozuke, the remaining Yamanouchi armies wandered the province, scattered, disorganised and leaderless. A prominent advisor from the Kasahara family (loyal to the Hojo Clan) made contact with several clan heads and captains, who were formerly under the Yamanouchi Clan.  An agreement was sealed, where the former clan heads and captains would be restored to their titles and positions, in exchange to swearing loyalty to the Hojo Clan and the Ashikaga Shogunate. 
The restoration of the clan heads and captains in Kozuke, eased the integration of the Kozuke residents with the 
関東人々 from Musashi province. 

- Over time, the residents of Musashi, Shimotsuke and Kozuke provinces became more loyal to the Hojo Clan, as the Daimyo elected to develop and raise the wealth and livelihoods in these provinces. 

- During the war between the Imagawa-Hojo alliance and the Tokugawa Clan, Hojo Ujiteru (the second son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu) led his army and recaptured Suruga province from Tokugawa occupation. 

As part of the agreement between Imagawa and Hojo Clans, administration of Suruga province was transferred to the Hojo Clan. It was relatively easy for the 東海人々 in Suruga province to align with those in Izu province, given that much trade had frequently occurred between these two neighbouring provinces. 

- Daimyo Hojo Ujimasu passed an edict to reform trade in its provinces, increasing trade income and city growth. 

- During the war between the Imagawa-Hojo alliance and the Takeda Clan, Hojo Ujikuni (the third son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu) and his elite army defeated the greater army of the Takeda Daimyo. Then, Hojo Ujikuni and his men proceeded to capture Owari province, securing the Throne of Amaterasu. 

At this time, Owari was in a state of ruin from the countless wars and raids, dating back to the last war between the Imagawa and Tokugawa Clans. The stronghold was deserted and abandoned by its former residents. Hojo Ujikuni declared that he will rebuild Owari province to its former glory, with the intention to be holder of the Throne of Amaterasu, and the Gatekeeper of 東海

- When Hojo Fusanari and his men captured Hida province, it was revealed that Hida province was poorly administered by the Baba [Takeda] Clan. The stronghold was deserted, and overgrown from the nearby forests. Hojo Fusanari vowed to build up Hida province and establish a hub for the Hojo Gunpowder Guild. 


Monday, 4 September 2023

Shogun 2 - Hojo Clan - Game 02

Settings

- 1 General commands 6 cards. 1 + 6 = 7 

- Garrisons:

Fort = 3

Stronghold = 4

Fortress = 5

Castle = 6

Citadel = 7

- Each garrison must have at least 1 gunpowder / siege unit stationed, if available 


Events for Hojo Clan

- During Sengoku Jidai, the Daimyo of the Ogigayatsu Clan was one of those whom protested the legitimacy and legality of the Ashikaga Shogunate. The Ashikaga Shogunate issues an imperial mandate to the Daimyo of the Hojo Clan to subjugate the Ogigayatsu Clan.

- Daimyo of the Hojo Clan took the decision to assist the Satomi Clan with their imperial mandate to subjugate the Satake Clan. The Hojo and Satomi Daimyos sealed an agreement where the Hojo Clan would capture the Shimotsuke Monastery. 

- There were reports on the Ikko Ikki Movement, whose influence spread from the Hokuriku region into the Kansai region. The reports also emphasised that the Ikko Ikki Movement currently holds the Throne of Takeminakata (Kaga province, Hokuriku region). 

The Hojo Daimyo's verdict was to keep watch over the progress of the Ikko Ikki Movement, with no further action required. 

- There were further reports on the Ikko Ikki Movement, whose influence had grew significantly in the Kansai region. 

The Hojo Daimyo's verdict was to keep watch over the progress of the Ikko Ikki Movement, with no further action required. 

- Daimyo of the Yamanouchi Clan (a vassal clan of the Uesugi Clan) had indirectly caused a diplomatic insult against the Ashikaga Shogunate, which resulted in an imperial mandate against the Yamanouchi Daimyo. As the overlord and staunch ally of the Yamanouchi Clan, the Daimyo of the Uesugi Clan initially maintained a neutral stance on the matter. However, the Uesugi Daimyo eventually opted to defend his vassal and declared war on the Takeda Clan, which was mandated by the Shogun to subjugate the Yamanouchi Clan. The declaration of war resulted in the involvement of two other clans, also loyal to the Shogun, on the side of the Takeda Clan: the Imagawa Clan and the Hojo Clan. 

During this war, the Uesugi Clan would only confront the Takeda and Imagawa Clans in Takeda territories, as the Hojo Clan was occupied with its own war alongside the Satomi Clan against the Satake Clan, as well as rebuilding its armies. 

- The armies of the Uesugi Clan triumphed over those of the Takeda and Imagawa Clans, substantially weakening the might of the Takeda Clan. The Yamanouchi Clan takes the opportunity to declare war on the Takeda Clan to assist its overlord. However, the armies of the Hojo Clan finally joins the fray. 

- The Date Clan declared war on the Satomi Clan, to cease the Satomi encroachment into Tohoku region. The Hojo Clan joins the war, defensively, on the side of the Satomi Clan. 

- For decades, the Tokugawa Clan had been a vassal of the Imagawa Clan. Although the Tokugawa Daimyo controls the Throne of Amaterasu in Owari province, the Imagawa Clan has authority over the Tokugawa Clan and its affairs. The Throne of Amaterasu was, in fact, indirectly controlled by the Imagawa Clan. 

Years after, the Tokugawa Daimyo declared for the independence of his clan from the Imagawa Clan. 

The Hojo Daimyo's verdict was to join the war on the side of the Imagawa Clan, under the agreement that the Hojo Clan would control one of the provinces occupied by the Tokugawa Clan. 

- There were reports that influence of the Ikko Ikki Movement had subsided. Due to ineffective leadership, the clan heads within the Ikko Ikki Movement began an independent land grab, breaking apart the movement in the process. 

- Imperial order under the Ashikaga Shogunate has been restored! The last of the Ikko Ikki Movement was eradicated by the Takeda Clan. And in the Chubu and Kanto regions, the disloyal Daimyos had been removed from power, and dissident provinces had been returned to the Shogunate reign. 

However, the spirit of Sengoku Jidai continued, as the newly elected Daimyo of the Takeda Clan declared war against the Imagawa Clan for the Takeda ambition to control the Throne of Amaterasu in Owari province (Both the Takeda and Imagawa Clans were loyal to the Ashikaga Shogunate). The Hojo Clan was dragged into the conflict, on side of the Imagawa Clan, as the Daimyo of the Takeda Clan instigates the war. 

In response to the unwise actions by the Takeda Daimyo, Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu made contact with the Daimyo of the Hatakeyama Clan (a rival clan of the Takeda Clan, and closely loyal to the Ashikaga Shogunate). A royal marriage was arranged between the Hojo and Hatakeyama Clans, where the daughter of the Hatakeyama Daimyo, Hatakeyama Megohime, was wedded to Hojo Ujiteru (second son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu). 

- During the war between the Imagawa-Hojo alliance and the Takeda Clan, Captain Baba Tatsuaki (an army captain who was formerly under the Takeda Clan) entered Kozuke province and sought dialogue with Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu.   Baba Tatsuaki revealed that he was unfairly dishonoured by his cousin, Captain Baba Motoyuki. And as a result, his titles and positions in Hida province were stripped from him and transferred to Baba Motoyuki. Baba Tatsuaki offered to join the Hojo Clan under the conditions that he is allowed to personally kill Baba Motoyuki, and his titles and positions in Hida province are restored to him. 

Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu elected to allow Baba Tatsuaki and his followers to join the Hojo Clan. He ordered that Baba Tatsuaki and his men be assigned under the supervision of his sons, Hojo Ujiteru and Hojo Fusanari. 

- For decades, the Harada [Honma] Clan was long considered as a clan of marauders and pirates. Over the years, the Harada [Honma] Clan had established a foothold on the mainland and had waged war with both the Date and Satomi Clans during the Date-Satomi war. The Harada [Honma] Clan had successfully subjugated both the Date and Satomi Clans, and is now a major, unpredictable force to be reckoned with. 

Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu wrote a letter to his second son, Hojo Ujiteru, with the order for him and his men to remain in Kanto region, instead of accompanying his fourth son, Hojo Fusanari, into Takeda territories. The reason for this order is because the Harada [Honma] Clan may attack Hojo territories in Kanto region, and Hojo Ujiteru and his army is needed in the event that happens. 

Hojo Ujiteru agreed to his father's orders.  Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu ordered for his trusted advisors to accompany Hojo Fusanari, as the armies of Hojo Fusanari and Baba Tatsuaki marched towards Hida province. 

- The Harada [Honma] Clan declared war on the Hojo Clan. These treacherous, uncivilised mongrels must be repelled! 


GREAT BATTLES

Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu

1. Plains of Musashi (VS Ogigayatsu)

2. Siege of Musashi (VS Ogigayatsu)

3. Capture of Kozuke (VS Yamanouchi)

  - Hojo armies stormed Kozuke and raced towards the stronghold, whilst Yamanouchi armies were marching close towards the city. 

4. First Defence of Kozuke (VS Yamanouchi)

  - Daimyo of the Yamanouchi Clan (who diplomatically insulted the Shogun) was killed in battle. He was killed by katana samurai in the outer segment of Kozuke. 

5. Second Defence of Kozuke (VS Uesugi)

  - The siege occurred during a dry, snowy weather. 

  - Daimyo of the Uesugi Clan & his brother was killed in battle. Hojo Ujiyasu slain the Uesugi Daimyo in a duel. He was killed in the inner segment of Kozuke, near the archers' tower. 

6. Defence of the Shimotsuke Monastery (VS Date) (Raining)

  - Daimyo of the Date Clan was killed in battle. He was killed by naginata warrior monks in the outer segment of Shimotsuke, nearby a few houses. 


Hojo Ujiteru (Second son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

1. Defence of Suruga (VS Tokugawa)

  - Daimyo of the Tokugawa Clan was killed in battle. He was killed by katana samurai in the outer segment of Suruga. (At this time, the Tokugawa Daimyo was the last holder of the Throne of Amaterasu. The Throne of Amaterasu was recently ceased by the Imagawa Daimyo)

2. First Defence of Sagami (VS Suwa [Takeda])

3. Second Defence of Sagami (VS Suwa [Takeda])

  - Daimyo of the Suwa [Takeda] Clan was killed in battle. While mounted on horseback, he was killed by yari samurai outside Sagami, near the outer walls. 


Hojo Ujikuni (Third son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

1. Battle at the Coast of Mikawa Bay (VS Takeda)

  - Daimyo of the Takeda Clan was killed in battle. Hojo Ujikuni slain the Takeda Daimyo in a duel, on the field.  At the time, the Takeda Daimyo was the holder of the Throne of Amaterasu (previously ceased from the Imagawa Clan). 

2. Defence of Owari (VS Takeda) (Dry, snowy)

- The young Daimyo of the Takeda Clan (son of the former Daimyo. He aims to avenge his father and complete his father's ambition of holding the Throne of Amaterasu) was killed in battle. He was killed by katana samurai in the outer segment of Owari, right after he and his bodyguards climbed the outer walls. As the young Takeda Daimyo falls, Hojo Ujikuni watched the battle while mounted on horseback. (The Takeda army were no match, given the quality of weapons used by the Hojo army)


Hojo Fusanari (Fourth son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

1. Siege of Hida (VS Baba [Takeda])

  - Baba Motoyuki was captured as he was fleeing Hida. As promised, Hojo Fusanari permitted Baba Tatsuaki to execute Baba Motoyuki


Characters - Personality

Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu

- Always accompanied by General Kasahara Ujitane, his most trusted general, advisor and friend. 

- Chose to temporarily decommission the Hojo Gunpowder Guild from military affairs, because the use of gunpowder in warfare was inefficient at the time. Chose to focus on building up the army. 

- Spent most of his time, training in the Shimotsuke Monastery, and eventually became a devout Buddhist. (His army comprise of warrior monks)

- Has a talent in wealth-building and city development. 

- Annoyed by the unpleasant habits of his first son, but maintains the status quo of having him as the heir of the Daimyo. 

- Generally proud of all his sons. His favourite is his second son. 

Hojo Ujimasa (First son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu, Heir of Hojo Clan)

- A known womaniser. Spent a lot of time in the city brothels. Often surrounded by beautiful women and takes pleasure in spending his wealth on them. 

- His training and studies were sufficient to be an heir of the Daimyo. However, his administrators advised that he should not be assigned on military campaigns outside Hojo territory, because he is slightly undisciplined. 

- He is unbothered by the opinions of his father. He performs his noble duties, sufficiently. 

- His wife is from the Kasahara family. The Kasahara family is from Tokai region. She is the daughter of a Hojo clan head, associated with the Hojo Gunpowder Guild. His wife is one of the most beautiful woman in the Hojo Clan. 

Hojo Ujiteru (Second son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

- Inherited his father's talents in wealth-building and city development. 

- He has the ambition to own a main economic city centre with its associated territories. 

- Very disciplined and polite.  He performs his noble duties diligently. Given his skills and demeanour, his administrators believed that he has a better disposition to be the heir of the Daimyo.  Despite this, he respects his older brother and does not covet the position of Daimyo. 

- His wife is from the Hatakeyama family. His wife is also very polite. Their marriage was part of a diplomatic arrangement between the Hojo and Hatakeyama Clans. 

Hojo Ujikuni (Third son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

- Self-centred and hot-headed. He enjoys being in the limelight of glory, and enjoys overcoming big obstacles, like defeating a Daimyo in a duel. 

- Desires independent achievements. Prefers not to work alongside his brothers. He performs his duties diligently. 

- He has the ambition of being the holder of the Throne of Amaterasu in Owari province. 

- He has fought alongside his army in open battle (Hojo generals usually fight from their strongholds and were advised to avoid open field battles). During the war between the Imagawa-Hojo alliance and the Tokugawa Clan, he has personally killed the Tokugawa Daimyo (last holder of the Throne of Amaterasu, before the war) in a duel.  By the end of the war, he has captured the Throne of Amaterasu and became its holder. 

- His wife is from the Daidoji family. The Daidoji family is from Kanto region. 

Hojo Fusanari (Fourth son of Daimyo Hojo Ujiyasu)

- Looks up to his second brother, Hojo Ujiteru. 
- He has the ambition to establish a hub to progress the Hojo Gunpowder Guild. 
- He performs his noble duties diligently. 
- Travelled two years from Sagami province to Hida province, alongside a prominent warrior monk advisor and Baba Tatsuaki (who was unfairly dishonoured by the Baba [Takeda] Clan.   Has a great friendship with Baba Tatsuaki.   Studies European guns and rifles with Baba Tatsuaki.