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Post by Simon on Jul 20, 2012 18:27:53 GMT -5
Thanks to the Shogun bringing in a mainland Governor, Shikoku fell apart, and the powerful Chosokabe clan faced extinction, but today, the Chosokabe were the strongest and most powerful clan in all Shikoku once again, with their home province of Tosa under their control, aswell as the province of Sanuki of the strong Sogo clan, proving that they had returned.
Motochika had done much since he had taken over, and had many loyal and brave retainers, with the aid of his family and the great Zhuge Liang, but now, due to another tide rising in the East, it called for a new plan to be put in motion, with Zhuge Liang and Nobuchika moving to the mainland, and his brother and nephew, Chikayasu and Chikauji moved to take Awa, he made preparations to take Iyo.
Now Iyo was under the control of the Kono clan, under the leadership of Kono Michinao. The Kono were a weak clan, and the fact the Chosokabe easily dealt with the Sogo, meant that this battle would be a piece of cake. The unfortunate thing was the inability of Michinao to lead his men as he had lost before to the Utsunomiya clan, and only returned to power thanks to the Mori.
Initial thoughts was a field battle, but knowing the Kono, they would prefer a siege, and if they committed to that, then Motochika would exhaust their resources, but Motochika had no time to wait for them to give in. He wanted to unify Shikoku as soon as possible, to be in for a chance to deal with the rising tide in the East and to aid his brother or his son, if they needed his help.
It was because of this, that Motochika settled upon a night raid, taking the castle in the middle of the night, where defences were low. It was a manouever he would of preferred not to use, but did not wish to risk the lives of his men and the lives of the men under Michinao to fall as they had in their last battle. Afterall, they were all from Shikoku, though his tactics would change when it went to dealing with those on the mainland, who continually caused trouble.
Motochika and his men had plenty of rest, sleeping in the day, before in the early evening, they left Sanuki, and crossed the mountain and rested at the bottom, before midnight fell, as Motochika gave a "pep-talk" before the action began, "The Battle at Nakamura proved our power. Sanuki proved to all of our strength. Now here tonight, we will show them our cunning. History shall remember us all this day, the day that the weak Kono fell, and the Chosokabe move one step closer to unifying our beloved island. In this battle, it is staying sharp, being quick, and staying silent, that are essential. I want as less bloodshed as possible, only where necessary. Iyo will fall to us tonight...for the Chosokabe!".
Soon after his speech, he then points to the ramp which they had taken with them, and ordered for it to be taken forwards, while his finger remained on his lips to stress how silent they must be, as his engineers were charged with the duty of taking the ramp, while with him were his remaining troops which followed but hung back a little as they traversed the forest towards Iyo. Motochika takes 2,166 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers and 500 ninja (Troops in Pool) to attack Iyo, with the Ramp and few Ashigaru needed to take the Ramp acted as vanguard while the rest followed slowly. No problems with fatigue due to them already having their rest
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Post by Admin on Jul 20, 2012 22:05:51 GMT -5
Turn Results: Surely the Chosokabe were the strongest in Shikoku now and they aimed to prove it in their unification of the entire island. Chosokabe Motochika advanced his men from Sanuki to Iyo. The Kono owned this region under the leadership of Kono Michinao. Motochika decided upon a night raid tactic here. His forces moving through a forest he ordered his engineers to advance with the Siege Ramp. Next turn the Siege Ramp will arrive at the wall of the fort. The Kono are completely unaware of the Chosokabe movements and defenses are light. Roughly half of the troops are actually asleep and less than 1/3 of that is actually on point. The rest are chowing down on meatbuns and such with sake of course. Ripe for the picking for the Chosokabe.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner: Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 500 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 1,000 Ashigaru, 200 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 21, 2012 12:03:03 GMT -5
It was essential that their movements be quick, but at the same time, they must be silent as a mouse, or the night raid would fail and they'd be in a bad position. Fortunately for him, he was there to ensure it all worked out, and if it went wrong, which it would not, then Motochika was ready to take out more than he so wished, as much as he did not wish it to happen.
As he journeyed with the rest of his troops in silence, slowly but surely, he wondered how Chikayasu and Chikauji were doing in Awa, and how Zhuge Liang and Nobuchika were faring, and also how long this battle would be. A swift victory would show how wise the Chosokabe were, and once Shikoku was united under his banner, he would sure be noticed by many of the other Daimyo. His initial goal was to unite Shikoku, but it seemed his path was alot longer, and for that, he needed to move quickly, especially when others did also. Actions: Units continue their advance. Once the Siege Party arrive at the wall, the Engineers will set the Ramp up to enable troops to go up the wall, while the Ashigaru with them remain alert, while the main unit continue closely behind.
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2012 12:25:37 GMT -5
Turn Results: The Siege party has arrived at the wall successfully and the Kono are unaware at this time. As the engineers are already prepped and ready the Ramp is set up completely in one turn.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 500 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 1,000 Ashigaru, 200 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 21, 2012 13:14:36 GMT -5
The Siege Ramp had successfully reached the wall, and had now been set up thanks to his engineers. Now their first goal was to secure the city walls which needed to be swiftly taken, but that wasn't all he wished to do. Afterall, their goal was Iyo, not it's walls.
Ninjas were known for their abilities in speed and stealth, and moving swiftly and quietly, which is how he wished to operate tonight. It was for this reason, that he had a unit specifically for this purpose, as he moved towards them and said quietly, yet keeping an authoritative manner, "I have three goals for you; the city walls must first be under our control because without it we have nowhere to launch our attack. I don't need to tell you how to do it, except to watch out for arrows", afterall, on many city walls he was used to, they all consisted of archers since what good was spearmen on the walls except to throw their spears.
"After this is done, I want the nearest gate to us opening very carefully for us to enter, but for this to work, we need the area clear. Your goal then would be to ensure that any passing enemy are knocked out to prevent them from seeing us, but make sure they are out of sight too. I bid you well", before pointing his hand to the ramp.
The Ninjas all nod their heads, before a fifth of them charge up the ramp on tiptoes before dividing up and moving along the wall, armed with their daggers and shuriken for taking out any enemies they see, before they see them. Closely following them was the rest of the Ninja's, each moving in the same way to secure the city walls.
While this was on, Motochika moved to the archers and said quietly once again, "Once the city walls are secure, I want you on those walls with arrows at the ready, but remain low until the time comes. Understood?", as they too nodded, before he moved to his Ashigaru and placed his finger on his lips, "Follow me", as he leant against the wall and slowly walked along it, looking out for anyone outside, heading for the nearest gate for when the Ninja's complete their mission. Actions: Ninjas simulatenously climb the ramp before dividing up, and using their abilities to put the city wall under Chosokabe control, moving swiftly and quietly as possible. Should the wall be clear, the archers will move up and spread across the wall but keeping low to avoid detection, while Motochika and the Ashigaru move along the wall towards the nearest gate. The Ashigaru are on alert to throw their spears against anyone outside if any.
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2012 13:41:38 GMT -5
Turn Results: The ninja under the Chosokabe advance up the Ramp and the relaxed defense of Archers on top of the wall fall as easy prey. They then proceed to the closest gate and dispatch of the light defense with little noise, though a scream did escape one of the men. The Chosokabe Archers advance up the Ramp and begin setting up positions along the wall, trying to stay low to avoid detection. The Gate has now opened and waiting for Motochika's advancement.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 995 Ashigaru, 160 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 21, 2012 15:27:09 GMT -5
The way was clear, as Motochika and his Ashigaru stood ready at the gate with no trouble. As he stood ready, he wondered how his troops were getting on inside, until not so long after, the gate opened and behind it were some ninja. It seemed their mission was a success, the city walls was theirs, which meant the Chosokabe Archers were getting into position while the Ninjas awaited to move onto their next task.
Motochika slowly entered, with 100 men behind him, walking straight upto the ninja near the door, "Scout ahead and eliminate any who will intrude us. I want the quickest and safest route to the rear of the main keep. I wish to end this swiftly and quickly", as the ninja nodded, before jumping onto a roof to wave towards the other ninjas who were waiting for orders, before proceeding with his mission.
Though Motochika only had a few men with him with many more outside the gate, he would slowly let more come in, each of them who had been warned to keep their guard up and prevent being noticed, keeping absolutely silence and treading slowly and carefully to not be noticed. All the time, the Chosokabe Archers scattered on the city walls, move slowly while keeping low, to be in sight of Motochika and his men to defend them, just like what the ninjas were doing from the roofs. Actions: Motochika slowly proceeds into the city, with the opening clear thanks to the Ninjas. The Ninjas are ordered to scout, take out any enemies who may get in the way, aiming to enter the rear of the main keep by the emptiest and quietest route, while the Archers remained vigilint to others who may interfere with the backup plan ready if all goes kapput
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2012 15:45:39 GMT -5
Turn Results: With the Gate now open Motochika advances his units in slowly, just a few at a time. While the ninja are ordered to scout ahead and find the quickest and safest route to the enemy keep. In which they find one with light guard and quickly dispatch them. The Chosokabe Archers have filled the walls and with their silent arrows take out a few pesky enemy troupe that could of possibly proven to be difficult.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 990 Ashigaru, 160 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 21, 2012 16:57:48 GMT -5
With the Ninja scouting ahead and knocking out any enemies who could ruin it all, aswell as the Chosokabe Archers at the top, the way was opening up, and as Motochika slowly moved along as an example, showing how he looked about before crossing over behind the next house so the troops would do also as more troops began to come in, but each coming in slowly and efficiently.
Looking up, a ninja looked down to Motochika, "Milord, the way is opened up for you. Follow me", as another Ninja came beside the one who spoke, "..us", he added, before leaping into the air as they turned invisible when in the air, seeing that the colors they wore were like that of the night sky.
Motochika nodded, and with few troops, they moved on behind one house at a time, before moving onto the next one. Each time they moved, another group of his troops followed suit to the last house they were behind. It would take time, but slowly but surely, their goal for this battle would be achieved and less blood would be shed.
As they moved, the other Ninja and the archers remained alert, aswell as each of the Ashigaru with every step they took, making sure they were not seen or heard, until the keep was in sight with no guards outside, most likely done by the Ninjas. Each of them would be well rewarded for their work, but now it was his time.
"Alright. I'm taking 50 men in with me, and I want to take 10 Ninjas to accompany us, and come to our aid should we need it. The rest of the army are to remain at their posts, and if plan does not work, then they must be prepared to carry out the backup plan if Plan B fails also. Let's move", he said quietly to the Ninjas with him, where one of them who was with him was the Captain of the Ninja Unit, as Motochika saw him hold 8 fingers up as 8 Ninjas came immediately to him, as Motochika smirked. Quite a way these Ninjas operate.
While on their journey, Motochika informed them of the plan aswell as his backup plan if it failed, aswell as their instructions if the backup plan failed. They only hoped that the plan they were on now would work, as Motochika with his shamisen across his back, charged into the keep with his men with him, before calling for his ninja-buddy, "Change of plan, you go infront and lead us to Michinao's chamber. Soon as we enter, I want Michinao silent, but not dead, and any men round him subdued immediately to show we mean business. Okay?", he said quietly, before tilting his head forwards, letting the Ninja go as vanguard again, before following. Actions: With the path clear, the Ninjas lead Motochika and his men towards the keep before Motochika takes 50 Ashigaru with him into the keep, aswell as 10 Ninja which he places infront to once again secure their arrival and to silence for good any men in their way aswell as any that are near Michinao, and to make sure Michinao remains silent aswell. While this goes on, the rest of the army remain alert and on guard
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2012 20:03:10 GMT -5
Turn Results: Motochika's unit moves ever so quietly throughout the fort and as they reach the keep he orders the ninja to advance in before him, as well as an accompanying 50 Ashigaru. The ninja move through the keep quiet effectively and silence all the active guards. As the doors to the inner keep open, the ninja notice Michinao fast asleep.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 990 Ashigaru, 160 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 22, 2012 8:04:55 GMT -5
Motochika, with his 50 Ashigaru, followed the path laid out for them by the ninja, until they came into the inner keep where Michinao Kono was sleeping, "Sleeping....like a baby", Motochika mused quietly, but loud enough for the troops near to him to hear, so they joined in with his smile.
He turned to the Ninja, "Remain vigiliant and ensure no one enters the main keep", as they bowed and left, before turning to his Ashigaru, "Search this whole keep, but move slowly and quietly. Anyone awake, I want them knocked out. Anyone asleep, I want a sword ready if they wake up. I do not want this to turn into a bloodbath, but if anyone in the main keep sounds any alarm, then it'll be bad for us...Go!", he ordered with a sharp yet silenced tone, leaving just him, two guards, and the sleeping Michinao.
With the Ninja and Archers outside knocking out any who get in the way, and the Ninja in the keep and Ashigaru inside making sure each person inside the keep was accounted for and with a sword at the ready to prevent them from squealing, it now all relied on Motochika and Michinao to come to an arrangement.
Giving his men time to get into place, he remained at the side, covered by the shadow of the inner keep's goods, along with his guards, before he hinted at his guards to move towards Michinao. The guards took position, one on Michinao's left, and other on Michinao's right, with their swords on show.
Perhaps this is the part of him that his father saw as his "little devil", but it was the only way to subdue Iyo as quickly as possible, for they had preparations to make, especially with his son and his strategist on the mainland who wished to slow down oda's advance, to give them time till they had the resources to enter the mainland and repel Oda, but at the moment, if they resisted, it would be like resisting a tidal wave.
He did not have the intention to kill him or those that the guards had under a sword tip, or the backup plan prepared if things went wrong, but if that was to be done, it was due to having no choice. The guards each took a side and shook him, before Motochika's hand rested and pushed against Michinao's shoulder, since the guards' shaking and him pushing his shoulder, it would help wake him up.
Once his eyes begin to open, Motochika then spoke up and looked to him, with a smile no-less, "Michinao Kono. I would highly suggest that you keep the noise down as it is the middle of the night", how ironic, "aswell as the fact, that I have my men with a sword pointing at your men so as soon as they wake up, they would meet a sword and fall back down and it would all be your fault, and that's not even counting those outside....so I suggest you listen to me", saying it as friendly as possible, which was quite impossible since he held the fates of him and his men on the line, aswell as Michinao's. Any loud sound he makes would be bad indeed. Actions: His Ninja inside the Keep are on guard-duty while his ashigaru go through the keep, knocking out any awake, and those down/asleep would have a Ashigaru posted with them so if they wake and stand up, they would be be met by the spear to fall back down. Motochika's guards shake Michinao up, then Motochika speaks up when he wakes, recommending he keeps his noise down or his men's lives were at risk, which they were
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Post by Admin on Jul 22, 2012 11:48:41 GMT -5
Turn Results: Motochika's plan has almost went perfectly so far and as Michinao awoke he spoke to him softly. "...No need for that, what do you want?" Chosokabe's units have not slain any men this turn, do to their great efforts in staying quiet and low. No alarms have been sound and it seems Michinao is up for Diplomacy.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 990 Ashigaru, 160 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 22, 2012 18:39:58 GMT -5
All was going well so far, his men were all stationed at the posts to make sure no interruptions were made whilst Motochika done his part, as Michinao responded quietly, heeding his warning, "...No need for that, what do you want?".
Michinao appeared calm, probably because he saw defeat near, having no options, and realising that any defiance he commits would not work in his favour at all. Motochika on the other hand, had all his cards to play, as he then responded, "I come to bring bad tidings Michinao Kono....that the tides are rising all around us, and I for one, have no intention of being swallowed whole".
As he then spoke more calmly, but speaking softly as he had to him, even if it was probably forced with two of his guards behind him, "I do not doubt your qualities Michinao, but Iyo lacks a strong leader, as there comes a rising tide coming west, that is alot more stronger than the Utsunomiya clan that invaded Iyo before, which nearly succeeded".
With his point across, he would then proceed with his proposal, "You surely must of heard about my victories over the Icjiro and the Sogo, but what you must also know, is that Icjiro Kanesada and Sogo Itsuka, both strong leaders, both defeated, both survive today and still remain in their old province. It is my hopes that the Kono will allow the Chosokabe to make Iyo strong, and also to help make it prosper, and protect it and its people from the rising tide in the East. You will of course be allowed to remain in Iyo, aswell as your clan, as have no ill feelings whatsoever, and also have no desire to fight, even if I have the means".
The question was, how would the result fare. The Chosokabe now owed half of Shikoku, with half the army attacking Awa, leaving just Iyo. The Miyoshi were weak, but they were traders, and had plentiful resources which would make a sizeable force, so he'd want to assist his brother in that respect, but this time, he'd merely be there to reinforce, not to command.
However, first things was first, which was the situation currently on his hands, which was subduing Iyo. If he disagreed, then the ashigaru in the castle with the sleepy-heads, and the ninja, archers and ashigaru outside would start causing havoc. If Iyo fell peacefully, then he could immediately move to his brothers' aid, after some rest of course, rather than stay for awhile as he did with Sanuki, aswell as West Tosa after conquering the Icjiro. Actions: While the Army remains vigiliant and ready, Motochika explains to Michinao about the rising tide in the East that is coming, and reminding him of his near defeat by the Utsunomiya, which was only repelled thanks to Mori reinforcements, but telling him that the rising tide was alot more stronger, and needed a strong leader to keep Iyo safe, afterwhich he highlighted the Chosokabe's strength, his desire not to fail, and how he would still survive, just as the past two leaders had.
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Post by Admin on Jul 22, 2012 19:13:03 GMT -5
Turn Results: Michinao was impressed by Motochika's actions. He had almost unified Shikoku and had now snuck into his keep within the middle of the night and with little to no casualties. "Your offer is gracious, Motochika." With this Kono Michinao submitted to the Chosokabe.
Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner:
Chosokabe Motochika- 2,000 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja
Siege Party- 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 166 Ashigaru
Kono: Kono Michinao- 990 Ashigaru, 160 Archers
Asleep-(It is possible to wake them so hush up) 3,000 Ashigaru, 100 Archers
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Post by Simon on Jul 23, 2012 18:14:45 GMT -5
When he first came to the decision to commit to a night raid, he was unsure how Michinao responded, and to hear him pleased, and that he agreed to his offer, was gratifying. In the battle against the Sogo, he encouraged the ego which brought their downfall, and with the Kono, he highlighted their weakness and the necessity to be stronger, which also worked, but now was the time to be moving forwards.
A warm and friendly smile appeared on his face, as he then nodded to his guards where one left by the right exit and the other by the left to relieve the ashigaru who were near his, so he and Michinao were alone, before he held his hand for him to shake, "Then let us shake to our relations and for a better future to all of Shikoku against those who would wish us harm".
Even if he had agreed, Motochika always had his guard up incase anyone tried anything. As soon as he had shook, he then added, "My apologies for waking you from your sleep, but I must ask one more thing of you before you rest, which is to walk with me outside the keep and announce to the men of the situation so my men too can stand down and walk about freely".
Once agreed upon, Motochika would walk with Michinao, and after Michinao would speak, he'd then order his men to stand down and allow the men that were on duty in Iyo to rest while he and his men remained on guard, seeing as they had slept that day to be able to be up this night. They would then have some rest in the morning and then journey to Awa to reinforce his brother. Actions: Motochika is pleased with the result and offers his hand as a sign of friendship, before asking for him to tell his men and order them to stand down, so the Chosokabe troops can stand down and show authority in Iyo, before taking rest in the morning and moving to Awa as reinforcements (if you can put in Chikayasu's battle TR for how many turns till my units - that's those I have used aswell as those surrendered - arrive there. Thanks!)
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