The Raid to end all Raids [Battle]

[Simon]

It was all coming together quite nicely, the flag was raised and the showdown at Nakamura, proved to all that the Chosokabe were the rightful rulers of Tosa once more, as Motochika set his eyes on uniting Shikoku until a fateful visit arrived when Zhuge Liang arrives in Tosa, and sees the wider picture.

With the bravery of his son, and the wisdom of Zhuge Liang at his side, Motochika felt that it was fated for him to win, and that he not only had the support of the people behind him, but also the heavens to send Zhuge Liang, and immediately set out to prepare for their attack, while Zhuge Liang helps them down a greater road to go down, with the assistance of Nobuchika, as the plans for taking Sanuki are set.

It was planned that Nobuchika and a handful of Ashigaru would be inside a travelling caravan carrying the flag of the Iyo which the Sogo had raised, while Zhuge Liang remain hidden until the time of the attack came, and then for Motochika to take a handful of men to the gates of Sanuki to announce that their leader was dead and they were victorious, since the people relied on the Sogo's strength and if an enemy were at their walls, without the strength of the Sogo, they would have no choice but to yield.

While preparing his men, Motochika met up with family, in particular, Chikayasu Kosokabe, his younger brother, who had been in Aki, and been made Governor of Aki in Tosa once Motochika had occupied it. Afterall, he couldn't be everywhere.

With the plans set, Motochika took his men, and divided his army. The caravan was essentially a long supply train, and within each carriage could hold about 20 men, and with 5 carries, he had a 100 men hidden, and then, dressed in citizen clothes from a Iyo village which they had passed, were 30 more, 3 at front and back of each carriage. Even if the Kono were weak, they weren't totally stupid, so they'd put more men out but none trained, which was why the Sogo saw them as easy targets.....not this time.

With Motochika, was a 1000 Ashigaru, which took the long path along the mountains to attack Sanuki head on, while Nobuchika took his 130 men within the caravan, on the border of Iyo/Sanuki. Zhuge Liang remained hidden, ready to support Nobuchika and his men, with the Chosokabe arrows, and the remaining Ashigaru, stationed at ambush points near the front of the caravan and the back, ready to charge in and assist so they were not in the way of the Chosokabe arrows.

The Showdown at Nakamura proved that the Chosokabe were the rightful rulers of Tosa, but this battle would show their strength, as the caravan, secretly led by Nobuchika, covered in the banners of the Kono, came upon their borders. News of the caravan's arrival had been sent to the Sogo thanks to Chikayasu and the rumours he had set up.....soon they would come face to face with the raiders of Sogo, and put an end to their raids once and for all.

(OOC: Not sure if Chikayasu is taking part, if so, he'd command one half the the hidden Ashigaru unit to aid Nobuchika when the time comes)

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge with the Archers provided by Motochika, would be laying in wait along the valley. While the caravan, Nobuchika, is advancing forward. Zhuge Liang's unit shall be moving along the valley to keep pace with Nobuchika, caravan, though at a much slower rate do to sneaking.

While he waited on the hilltop, the archers would be moving slowly to cover Nobuchika. He would wave his fan. "The time has come for the Chosokabe." From this position Zhuge could see everything that was going on. A Perfect place for a strategist, especially one of his renown.

His thoughts were concentrated on Nobuchika, for he would need to muster all of his strength to come out on top of this one. He knew that his new lord Motochika could handle himself. With the Chosokabe Archers, Zhuge would have them move most efficiently and be able to use them at their utmost.

[Shang Yue]

Chikayasu arrived at the battlefield of Sanuki and tried to stay hidden, like his brother told him to do. So he picked a good vantage point along the road and waited with his ashigaru unit. He wondered, "We'll catch them right under their noses. This is a risky plan, but if it works, the Sogo are done for. But wouldn't it be easier to just attack them head on?"

He took out his sickle, laid it on his horse's back and dismounted, realizing that staying on it could give away his location. He could see the carriages from his position, so he could aid them correctly when the time arrived. And there was still Zhuge Liang, but Chikayasu didn't know where he was. He could be hidden like him, he could be inside the carriages, he could be with Motochika... For now, Chikayasu focused on the task at hand.

[Admin]

Turn Results:


Chosokabe Motochika, a regional Daimyo during the Sengoku Jiidai time period. Arouse in power in Tosa, the Chosokabe proved to be strong. As time went many had came to the Chosokabe banner. First it was his son; Chosokabe Nobuchika, then the famed Zhuge Liang from China and then his brother Chikayasu Kosokabe.

The Bat had decided to move out once again. His eyes set upon Sanuki. The Sogo has control over Sanuki however, the Iyo also have regime here.

Motochika had devised a plan along side his new head strategist Zhuge Liang. The plan was to lure out the Sogo, as they were known to raid many carriages along these roads. Nobuchika, Zhuge Liang's new pupil had been put into action this day.

Nobuchika sat in one of the five carriages. As the road down the path leading along side the hills. These carriages were meant to look misleading. As the men there were all soldiers, but their armor was hidden underneath casual wear. A total of hundred and thirty(30) Ashigaru troop had been disguised with the caravan. They had also been Iyo flags raised to disguise them.


Zhuge Liang had been dispatched to hide within the hills and foresty areas along the said path. He commanded all of the Chosokabe Archers there. They had walked very slowly for days to reach these keen positions. Traveled both up hill and down hill, which in turned tired the men out. Zhuge Liang knew this to be so, as he would have for many things to come. His intentions lead each soldier to carry a sack. In these sacks were both water and a small amount of food. These very basic items, though not very meaningful by themselves. Combined, they had given the troops the strength they required for the long trek. A wise decision by the great Zhuge Liang. The Chosokabe Archers under his command would most certainly shoot truer.
(Thanks for the PM Zhuge Liang, see what plans get you.)


Motochika's brother, Chikayasu Kosokabe had recently arrived just as Zhuge Liang had. Though they knew each other much more. He was ordered to sneak along the path a lot closer to the carriages. They had a much harder time and were required to lose a lot energy. Though they would more than likely be the ones to actually save Nobuchika if he gets in over his head.

Chosokabe Motochika, the leader of the Chosokabe. He had set his eyes on unifying Shikoku and he was well on his way to. He had the support of the people as well as the famed Zhuge Liang, his on Nobuchika and his brother Kosokabe. Motochika had seemed to behind the shadows as well. His unit is moving along the high mountain tops away from what would seem to be the battlefield. He would most certainly be planning something large.

The Sogo would be sure to act and as soon. Their units could be along the path, but that would be to obvious now would it not? Or possibly in the mountains, withing the fort? As of right now, no one knows. You must continue to see.


Troop Counts so far:

Chosokabe banner:

Chosokabe Motochika- 1,000 Ashigaru
Chosokabe Nobuchika- 130 Ashigaru(Disguised)
Zhuge Liang- 1,100 Chosokabe Archers
Chikayasu Kosokabe- 3,720 Ashigaru


Sogo:
Sogo Itsuka -500 Ashigaru
Sogo Captain -1,000 Ashigaru



Here is a beautiful map by one of our Staff here:
Credit to Simon

i46.tinypic.com/1pyz2w.png[/img]


Items:
Zhuge Liang-
Winged Helm: Said to have two wings coming out the top
-Morale shall not falter in battle






If I did something incorrect, hey let me know. Dropping a PM would be a lot more effieciient than ramblin on in our lovely battle thread. ALSO BIG NOTE- this is the largest battle of the site so far, good work!

[Admin]

- Sogo Forces

Sogo Itsuka is positioned within his fort. Though there are many roads leading to the fort, it would only seem that Motochika is the only one going to attack them. While the Sogo's have a large unit of Ashigaru's under a Captain ready to raid the caravan.

Itsuka was not a very bright leader but had influence in the local regions. Mostly influenced through wealth from raiding unsuspected caravans. The fortifications gates were wide open, he Sogo were not expecting any threats. All Itsuka was expecting was his Captain to return with riches. Unbeknownst to him though, that would be the last thing they would get.

[Simon]

Motochika sat upon a white horse, with his shamisen over his shoulder as he rode with his men round him. Due to the mountain path, wishing to avoid getting noticed, while the Sogo would be lured by the travelling caravan, captained by his son, as well as making sure his troops had adequate rest and food, they took the journey slowly.

Ahead of them, he had sent a few scouts ahead to see how far they were to Sanuki, any troops they could see passing, any forest areas that they may use in the future, if he plot regarding Sanuki failed. He had every confidence in Nobuchika, and with Zhuge Liang covering his back, and his brother at the ready to aid him, he had nothing to fear.

(Meanwhile)

The time was upon them. The plans had been made. The preparations were sent. All that remained was waiting, which was the worst task for all. Chikayasu, his uncle, from what his father told him, had sent rumours through word of mouth to Sanuki regarding a passing caravan, and now they were just waiting to strike as soon as the raid party came, in which they'd meet their end as soon as their greedy hands opened the back of the carriages. The disguised men transported the carriage were instructed to surrender when they came and fall down to their knee, before striking when those inside do.

It wasn't just his few men that were reayd, but the Chosokabe arrows commanded by Zhuge Liang, and the remaining army of the Chosokabe laying in wait to crush the Sanuki to the full, while his father went his way, the whole attack relied on him. He could not fail. He had to succeed, and he'd show them all.

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge and the Chosokabe Archers had made it to their position atop the mountain. They could easily see the caravan and any possible attackers. Zhuge's view was keen and with it he could easily guide the archers into volleying their arrows in the correct positions. He would order the Chosokabe Archers to set up positions along the mountain top. In order to not attract any attention they would move much more slowly now.

With the Chosokabe Archers all lined up, Zhuge could only wait. Surely the Sogo could not resist the bait. The caravan was marked with Iyo banners and the carriages were aligned in gold. When the time came it would be up to Zhuge to use the archers at their utmost. He would need to order their volleys accurately, of course he did not want to kill his lords own men.

"Be prepared men...hopefully your arrows will crush the Sogo raid before it gets out of hand." What he meant was that he did not want the Chosokabe army to fight in prolonged open combat. The troops were green and had no real training. Besides, of course, the Chosokabe Archers.

[Shang Yue]

Chikayasu decided to advance a little further up the road, but with a slower pace. By this moment, the Sogo should be almost attacking the caravans, and Nobuchika was counting on his help. His brother also mentioned Zhuge Liang, who would be commanding the archer unit, but he couldn't see him. Chikayasu thought about how the outcome of the battle could rest in his hands, and vowed to aid Nobuchika in the task at hand.

He stopped near some tall rocks, where his troops could rest and hide (though not entirely) from the enemy scouts or soldiers. He sent a scout to Nobuchika's position, hoping to know more of what was going on on the core of the battle, and two more to stay near the carriages and give the signal to ambush. Meanwhile, he could only wait until the signal was given...

[Admin]

-Sogo Forces

With rumor spreading of a caravan full of richs coming through the roads of the regions. Itsuka had ordered a trusted Captain to go out and nab of them goodies. The Captain had been marching down the main roadway, in his view he could see the caravan. When he did he ordered his some thousand Ashigaru.

They would break rank and attempt to surround the caravan. Obviously they were not going to kill a defenseless man. Unless he proved out to not be defenseless. His men circled the five caravans and ordered the followers of said caravan to drop to their knees. The Captain would approach one of the carriages.

[Admin]

Turn Results:

All quiet on the Chosokabe side of the coming battle. Though the Sogo have begun their raid upon the carriages. The Sogo Captain had surround all five carriages and ordered the travelers to their knees. Though what awaits them has yet to be seen.

The time for the Chosokabe to strike would be now. Could Nobuchika, hiding within one of the carriages, be strong enough to fight off the Sogo? Will Zhuge Liang's archers aid in the battle to come and is Motochika going to show his wits?




Troop Counts:

Chosokabe banner:

Chosokabe Motochika- 1,000 Ashigaru
Chosokabe Nobuchika- 130 Ashigaru(Disguised)
Zhuge Liang- 1,100 Chosokabe Archers
Chikayasu Kosokabe- 3,720 Ashigaru


Sogo:
Sogo Itsuka -500 Ashigaru
Sogo Captain -1,000 Ashigaru






Items:
Zhuge Liang-
Winged Helm: Said to have two wings coming out the top
-Morale shall not falter in battle

[Simon]

(Sorry for short posts)

A few days before, planning had commenced inside the quarters of his newly found strategist, Zhuge Liang, and now that plan was being followed, with each member playing a major role. It would be his son who would launch the strike, Zhuge Liang who will show the world how strong the Chosokabe are with the Chosokabe arrows, his brother who was essential in backing up his son against the men the Sogo have, and he, though on the sidelines, had the crucial role of remaining in the sidelines until striking.

His black and white hair flowing in the breeze as his men rested once more after another journey across the mountain path. His scouts had reported that a forest laid just south of the city, which would be the perfect place to set up his forces for the strike; whether it would be the Sogo who were being lured away, or the city, it all depended on the situation.

(In the meantime....)

Nobuchika lifted his finger to his lips, and listened as he heard shouts. The Sogo have arrived, and now the show would soon be on the road. The first act would be for his men outside to bend their knees. The time that they were waiting for, was almost upon them. He did not care for how many they had, with the combined strategy of his father, Zhuge Liang, and him, victory was tasted on their lips.

Outside the caravans, the 30 men were now surrounded by a large host, and ordered for them to be on their knees, as each of them fell, as one of them cried, a born actor, "Please! Please! Don't harm us! Take what you want, but leave us be!

[Shang Yue]

Chikayasu's scout returned with the signal: the Sogo had made their move and the caravan was under attack. He also reported that it was entirely possible to approach without being seen due to the design of the road up ahead. Hearing this, Chikayasu rallied his troops. "Everyone, Nobuchika is counting on us to help him. The Sogo are making their move, and we cannot fail. If we succeed here, we'll be one step closer to realizing my brother's dream!"

They advanced a little further up the road, but didn't make any progress on attacking the caravans. "We'll wait to see what they will do."

[Zhuge Liang]

Atop the small mountain Zhuge could see everything. The Sogo had surrounded Nobuchika in the carriages. It was only a matter of time till they would open them and found out just what kind of treasures were inside. "They will surely meet their just deserts..." Zhuge Liang would say to his fellow archers. Just then an archer would report to Zhuge.

"Master Zhuge, if Chikayasu responds to early we will be hitting our own men. What should we do?"

Zhuge would wave his fan once more. "He was informed of the plan, if he can not carry out the orders he was given then he would not of been put in charge of the main battalion." He was not insulting the Chosokabe Archer. He was merely informing the man.



Battle Plan: Instead of pm

When the Sogo open the carriages Nobuchika would launch out, of course. The Chosokabe Archers will stand and begin to fire volleys of accurate precision around the carriages. The Sogo are surrounding the carriages of course.

[Admin]

-Sogo Forces

With the Caravan now surrounded the Sogo would attempt to reap their rewards. The Captain of this brigade would step to the carriage that looked most valuable. The brigade would be guarding each of the knelt travelers. The Captain would reach his hand out to open the cloth preventing him from seeing what was inside.

When he breached the cloth he would see a man armored inside. "A trap!" He would belch out as his men would look over to him in shock.

[Admin]

Turn Results:

With Motochika's unit resting near a forest preparing for what awaits ahead. The Sogo Captain would outstretch his arm to view the treasures that awaited. But instead, he would be rewarded with his just deserts. Nobuchika had been hiding within the very carriage the Captain had opened.

Disaster was afoot for the Sogo Captain and his brigade. Unbeknownst to him, Nobuchika had been inside. While Zhuge Liang commanded the Chosokabe Archers a top a small mountain awaiting to fire down upon the unexpected Sogo. Chikayasu Kosokabe would also be awaiting to strike out if Nobuchika would need the aid. With a hundred of his unit slowly surrounding the Sogo army. Though cover here was getting thin. Luckily all of the Sogo troops were distracted by their Captain's cry.

Zhuge Liang with his Chosokabe Archers had begun their attack. The Archers had been well rested and fairly fed, their arrows would fly true. This being said, as they launched their volleys out many of the Sogo troop would fall with ease. The Sogo troop had been tricked and now lay pray to the Chosokabe.




Troop Counts:

Chosokabe banner:

Chosokabe Motochika- 1,000 Ashigaru
Chosokabe Nobuchika- 130 Ashigaru(Disguised)
Zhuge Liang- 1,100 Chosokabe Archers
Chikayasu Kosokabe- 3,720 Ashigaru


Sogo:
Sogo Itsuka -500 Ashigaru
Sogo Captain -980 Ashigaru





Items:
Zhuge Liang-
Winged Helm: Said to have two wings coming out the top
-Morale shall not falter in battle




Explanation of troop loss:
Besides the fact that Zhuge led his troops so successfully through the mountains, the Sogo were easy pray from being attacked by Zhuge's Chosokabe Archers. They are on a small mountain top out of range of any Sogo counterattack.