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Post by Jihai on Jul 29, 2012 17:09:08 GMT -5
Ieyasu stood before his recently assembled army with Tadakatsu by his side. He was staring at the positioned ashigaru while Tadakatsu gave the final instructions. It wasn't a giant nor magnificent army, but with the recent turn of events, the land of Mikawa wasn't receiving much attention from the Oda army. The Füma clan of ninjas was battling Nobunaga in Kii, and the majority of the Oda forces were in the conflict. Opportunity presented to Ieyasu, who gathered the soldiers together and camped with them near the Oda main camp in Mikawa. He was determined to take his mother land to himself, and make her suffer one last sacrifice for the good of the land.
In his head, the tyranny of the Oda was about to end. Mikawa suffered much since the days of the Matsudaira clan, and the Oda clan was just perpetuating the mayhem that plagued this land. Of course, there is no way to end the chaos without creating more chaos, but Nobunaga didn't seem to aim to end the chaos. It was an endless cycle. Men aroused to end the suffering created by other men, but all they did was to create more suffering. Some of them manage to be successful, and Ieyasu aimed to be one of them. Until the unification, there was still many suffering to be created, and many chaotic efforts to be thrown into the world. But he had to lay the groundwork for later glory.
He nodded his head to Tadakatsu, ordering him to come to his side. He wore the helmet that he was holding beneath his right arm and rubbed his hand in his chin. Tadakatsu was the first to speak, after another nod from Ieyasu. It seemed they had already foreseen this moment, and knew the right words to say. "Troops, today we march against the Oda. I know that the Tokugawa once had an alliance with our current enemies, but we cannot allow them to run rampant after so much despise for the people. My lord?" Ieyasu confirmed his words and turned his back to his troops. "Nobunaga is a sadistic person. I won't say he is not a great man, as I would be lying if I did. But we cannot remain idle while he makes use of such ways. Destruction isn't the only way to wage war, but we will prove that we can do it as well. Proud warriors of Mikawa, courage is what makes this world go around. And we are filled with courage! Forward!" Tadakatsu was the one who started the cheers. In an instant, 4.000 men were screaming battle cries in the air, and the vanguard started their march.
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Post by shibatatim on Jul 29, 2012 18:01:20 GMT -5
With his recent acts Oda Nobunaga has made himself out as the enemy of Japan. However, he was willing to be its enemy in order to bring about his own vision of peace. Unfortunately, he was tied up in Kii with the Fuma ninja and therefor would not be able to participate here personally. Nobunaga sent word to Date Masamune, to honor their alliance once more and defend Mikawa against the Tokugawa.
Nobunaga would also be sending 5,000 of his Samurai to defend Mikawa against the Tokugawa. Their aims to defend the fort until Date Masamune's arrival. However, until Masamune's arrival the Samurai would have no real leadership and who be less likely to react quickly to enemy movements. However, they would have their lieutenants to lead them.
Summary: No Oda general or leader will arrive to defend, just 5,000 Samurai from the Oda pool. Also Date Masamune 'should' be honoring our alliance and come to Mikawa's defense.
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Post by hellbell on Jul 29, 2012 18:59:51 GMT -5
Masamune Date was still returning to his home in Dewa when an Oda messenger arrived, asking him to defend Mikawa against a Tokugawa attack. Masamune smiled and said, "So, Ieyasu made his move? Very well, I will help Nobunaga once again." He dismissed the messenger and led his army to Mikawa. Being the "errand boy" for Nobunaga did not please Masamune too much, but he did not have a choice. Perhaps this battle would prove to be an opportunity, and if it was, he couldn't let it pass. He smiled and rode forward.
He arrived at Mikawa and greeted the 5,000 samurai Nobunaga left to defend the province. The orders were simple: crush Ieyasu's insurgence. With their numbers, it didn't seem like a difficult thing to do. Masamune simply order them to assemble in front of the city gates and remained inside to think about what to do. "Is this... the right thing to do? I mean, I have my honor, and in this case it can be a pro and a con."
He finally made up his mind. At the city gates, he ordered the 5,000 Oda samurai to stay there, as he had a plan that needed to be done swiftly. Taking his troops with him, he camped not very far from the Tokugawa army, but didn't show any signs of movement. A smiled formed in his face as he said to himself, "I'm sorry, Nobunaga, but there is no place for your ambitions in a world ruled by the Date. We had an alliance, but I think it's pretty much destroyed by now. You should learn to solve your problems alone. Besides, if you're as good as you say, you'll have no problem in dealing with everyone threatening you." A messenger had been dispatched for Ieyasu. Masamune's intentions was pretty much obvious, and although he felt bad for doing it, he tried to hide this feeling. The smile returned, stronger.
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Post by Admin on Jul 29, 2012 21:30:48 GMT -5
Turn Results:
Tokugawa Ieyasu, with Honda Tadakatsu at his side, believed that this was the time to strike the Oda and claim his home province of Mikawa. He quickly assembled 4,000 Ashigaru and marched to claim the fort there, the symbol that you owned the province. While unable to send any generals/officers to defend Mikawa, Oda did however send 5,000 Samurai. Surely a much larger force then that of the Tokugawa, but then the Date arrived.
At first Date Masamune served Oda Nobunaga or rather they had a simple alliance. Unfortunately, Masamune did not agree with Nobunaga's ambition and wanted to strike out for his own. He would turn to the Tokugawa, though Ieyasu would be unaware of this at this time and would surely suspect them as enemies. The 5,000 Oda Samurai stationed outside the fort would be lead by their head captains and will take commands at a lower rate and some have a chance to fail.(Tim, that's for you)
-Date Masamune is attempting to form an alliance with the Tokugawa, but unfortunately they would not know that and would see the Date as an enemy. It is up to Date Masamune on how he approaches attempting to form the alliance, likewise I am sure that Ieyasu would not just attack randomly and would wait and see XD
Troop Counts:
Oda-
No generals, head captains
5,000 Samurai
Tokugawa-
Tokugawa Ieyasu- 4,000 Ashigaru
Honda Tadakatsu(A beast)
Date-
Date Masamune- 7,930 Ashigaru
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Post by Jihai on Jul 30, 2012 8:00:57 GMT -5
The earth crumbled with the march of the Tokugawa army. Ieyasu was sure that they couldn't outnumber the Oda forces stationed at the fort, but he was trusting in the resolve of his troops to decide the battle. He looked to Tadakatsu, who looked very focused to decimate each living being in that fort. But of course that would be impossible, and Ieyasu wouldn't want it either. He just wanted to take control of the province he considered home, and was ready to deliver violence at the Oda's signal. But a complete destruction, that would just equal him to Nobunaga, and Ieyasu wasn't looking forward to doing it.
After some time, while Ieyasu was still thinking about the coming battle, Tadakatsu informed him of Date banners up ahead. He could see many of them, indicating it was a large army, but they showed no signs of movement. They weren't retreating to the fort and they weren't advancing in their direction. "Are they waiting for us camped? Or are they waiting for... the enemy?" It wasn't certain, but it was a possibility. Maybe they were trying to lead them into an ambush. Ieyasu decided to camp as well, for the time being. While making preparations for camp, the Date troops still showed no signs of movement.
"My lord", Tadakatsu said while helping some soldiers carry a sack, "if you wish, I can serve as a messenger and find out what are their intentions." Ieyasu began to laugh. "That wouldn't work. They would all retreat at your sight, Tadakatsu", he said while trying to recompose. Tadakatsu laughed as well. "No, no, I think we will wait for them. Masamune is not a fool, he knows what he is doing. Besides, it's getting dark. We'll lie low for the night." Tadakatsu nodded and went back to help the soldiers. Ieyasu stared at the horizon. "Masamune... what are you planning, you..." He tried to find a word to define Masamune, but couldn't. In fact, he was willing to reward anyone who could. Ieyasu laughed again and went bak to work.
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Post by hellbell on Jul 30, 2012 8:30:50 GMT -5
It was getting dark when Masamune's messenger arrived at Ieyasu's camp. The sun was setting in the sky and Ieyasu's soldiers were preparating to camp. Maybe they had marched a long distance, or maybe they would fit right into Masamune's plans. Anyway, he tried to stay low while searching for the man, as the soldiers still didn't know of Masamune's true intentions. They could think it was a fire attack or something like this, but Date doubted it. Ieyasu was a smart man, smart enough to figure out what was behind his move.
The messenger finally arrived at Ieyasu's position, after explaining the situation to ten soldiers on his way. Still feeling threatened by the men around him, the went right to the point. "Lord Ieyasu, Masamune Date wishes to defect from the Oda ranks and help you in your conquest of Mikawa. If you need to know more, he is waiting for you up ahead. May I take my leave?"
Masamune was indeed waiting for Ieyasu. He didn't want to force him into joining him, nor join him; his only wish was to defeat Nobunaga and go back to his land of Dewa. Of course, the samurai placed in front of the fort could make this battle much more difficult, but they could become useless if Masamune's plan came to fruition. His men were already camped and taking turns to guard. They were drinking sake, singing and playing cards. Masamune thought about joining them, but Ieyasu's reply was much more important. He decided to leave the fun and games to when they unified the land.
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Post by shibatatim on Jul 30, 2012 15:08:37 GMT -5
Unfortunately the Oda defense force laid here, 5,000 Samurai strong, would be relaxed. No general or any real officer was here to command them. Besides Date Masamune's command, though the Oda are also unaware of the Date defection at this time. Their Head Captains would be in charged and were ordered by Masamune to defend outside, in front, of the fort.
(Short post, no character is here.)
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Post by Admin on Jul 30, 2012 15:59:11 GMT -5
Turn Results:
The Oda troops stay stationed outside the fort, while Date Masamune sends a messenger to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Both hold their camp sites. No casualties this turn.
Troop Counts:
Oda-
No generals, head captains
5,000 Samurai
Tokugawa-
Tokugawa Ieyasu- 4,000 Ashigaru
Honda Tadakatsu(A beast)
Date-
Date Masamune- 7,930 Ashigaru
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Post by Jihai on Jul 30, 2012 20:20:00 GMT -5
Everything was set in Ieyasu's camp, the troops were resting and there were some bonfires around. Tadakatsu was on guard, and when the messenger arrived, Ieyasu thanked the heavens it had happened. He didn't know what his retainer could have done if he had spotted the Date messenger. Maybe a rash act could turn the battle around. Returning to the matter at hand, he heard the Masamune's proposal and nodded his head at the end, letting the man take his leave. Masamune's intentions were pretty clear, but Ieyasu still wanted to talk thoroughly about this. He asked Tadakatsu to accompany him as he made his way to the Date camp.
(Sorry for short post, but there isn't much to say, really. Next post will be bigger)
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Post by hellbell on Jul 30, 2012 21:18:01 GMT -5
The messenger had told Ieyasu that Masamune was waiting up ahead in his camp, but in fact he had marched as well. He did not wish to expose his army in case something went wrong. After all, Tadakaysu was in the enemy ranks, and in the blink of an eye, he could destroy Masamune's ambitions. At the same time, he did not want Ieyasu to think he couldn't be trusted, so he went alone, refusing the presence of any soldiers in this meeting. Carrying a torch and a pistol with a full clip, he laid in wait for Ieyasu with his arms crossed.
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Post by Jihai on Jul 31, 2012 12:58:33 GMT -5
Ieyasu and Tadakatsu were also carrying torches, as it was already dark and they weren't very close to the city. Their vision range was extended by a bit, but not much. Still he could see Masamune not very far from them, with his arms crossed and carrying a torch. Maybe he was thinking the same as Ieyasu at the moment, but it wasn't certain. Tadakatsu had an angry look on his face, and Masamune would be prudent to avoid eye contact with the man. For some reason, he was angry. Maybe it was the Oda, maybe the Date, maybe the never-ending war, maybe the journey his lord was making for the war to end... A "keep your distance" sign would have been perfect.
Ieyasu bowed before Masamune Date, trying to show respect. Tadakatsu could've done the same, but he didn't. He still had that angry look, and it would take some time for it to go away. "Lord Masamune, it is an honor to meet you in the field of battle, not as an enemy, but as a potential ally. It looks like you, too, have endured much time with Nobunaga in this world. Don't you agree it's time to dispose of this threat?" Ieyasu knew that the enemy army could easily overrun his own, thus being inferior to Masamune, in some way could help in the negotiations.
These two men had little in common. Masamune was from Hokkaidö, and his family the Date had many servant clans, and was in charge of the region for many years now. Ieyasu had recently conquered his independence, and in an indirect way he owed it to Nobunaga, as the Matsudaira could only attain true freedom after Okehazama, when the Imagawa fell and they took control of one of their castles. But, in times of war, even completely different men can seek each other in order to be stronger. Ieyasu thought he would be stronger with Masamune on his side, and Nobunaga's opposing side was quickly growing stronger as many forces had already joined. The Füma had initiated direct conflict, the Chösokabe were still in their unification of the island of Shikoku, now the Date had turned against them...
Ieyasu waited for Masamune's reply.
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Post by toyotomi on Aug 3, 2012 17:41:31 GMT -5
Hideyoshi Toyotomi, asked Nobunaga to head the defenses in Mikawa. However, when he arrived he had not expected the defenses to be in such an array. His first ideas of what might of happened was that Masamune Date had launched a brave attack against the Tokugawa, he would later come to find that this was wrong. He was disappointed in how he managed the defenses, to put the entire force of samurai outside the fort.
Upon his actual arrival, Hideyoshi would walk up to the samurai and order their immediate retreat within the fort. He'd hope that the Date were not routed or worse, but that was not up to him. He would concentrate on defending the fort here, the image and center hold of Mikawa. After entering the fort with the 5,000 Samurai, he would climb to the top of the wall and wait. Hideyoshi would not fail his lord Nobunaga here and would show his purpose in their ranks.
What Hideyoshi did not want to happen was for the Tokugawa to ally with the Date, but that was out of his hands now. Word had been heard that Tadakatsu Honda was in the enemy ranks as well, a man worth at least a thousand of any clans troops. A formidable opponent, but Hideyoshi knew that he stood no chance in a one on one dual with the man. He would have to be patient and wait for his opening. He planned for the enemy ranks to break on this fort like a wave on the shores.
(WTF, in the turn results it says that Tadakatsu is a beast! Which is true and hilarious.)
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Post by hellbell on Aug 3, 2012 18:54:55 GMT -5
Masamune's smile gre stronger as Ieyasu's words reached his ears. Of course it was time to dispose of Nobunaga, and if that wasn't done now, maybe they would lose control of the situation later. Making an alliance with him was the smartest thing to do, and the moment when that alliance was broken could seal Masamune's downfall, but he didn't care. In his mind, all that mattered is if his clan would return to its former glory and if Japan was under his control. Everything else was plain stupid.
Masamune agreed with Ieyasu, saying "Indeed it is. It is quite good to be alongisde you, Ieyasu. I hope to help you in your conquest of Mikawa." He nodded to Tadakatsu and made a movement with his hands, telling them that he was going back to his camp. "We attack in one hour. I hope you'll be there." A night raid was the best strategy. If the samurai were still outside the city, they would be distracted and sleepy, and while most of Date's troops were also like that, it was still better than fighting a rested enemy. He went back making a sign.
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Post by Admin on Aug 3, 2012 20:05:56 GMT -5
Turn Results:
Hideyoshi Toyotomi has stepped into Mikawa and begun defending the fort within Mikawa more successfully. Date and Tokugawa have formed their alliance. With that being said, the alliance between Date and Oda has been broken. Also Day has turned into Night.
Troop Counts:
Oda-
Hideyoshi Toyotomi
5,000 Samurai
Tokugawa-
Tokugawa Ieyasu- 4,000 Ashigaru
Honda Tadakatsu(A beast)
Date-
Date Masamune- 7,930 Ashigaru
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Post by hellbell on Aug 4, 2012 15:58:06 GMT -5
The one hour Masamune gave Ieyasu to prepare himself had passed. The time for a night raid was now. The samurai were probably in their sleep or at least distracted from their surroundings, and if they had entered the city, things would only become much easier. His alliance with Nobunaga was proving beneficial at the time, but it was time to put it aside and rise on his own ambitions. Ironically, his journey began with helping Ieyasu out, but he didn't guarantee that he would leave Ieyasu alive in another opportunity.
In his short talk with his new ally, he didn't mention that he had this battle all planned up. In fact, his plans could be realized at any time of the day, but the night would only make them more effective. He dispatched a scout to Ieyasu with a note, and proceeded to rally up his troops to the upcoming battle. Taking 500 men with him, he proceeded to the city carrying torches...
OOC: Note will be PM'ed to Jihai due to needed sigil. If needed, I can post it. Also, scout will be arriving in next post if there's no problem, this way I don't need to post his arrival.
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