Turn 0: Sleeping Dragons - Ambitious ActionsMumeiHero of the RevolutionMumei has recruited the renowned half-oni Fuma Kotaro, who herself bears a large bounty on her head. The Shogunate has promised a 1000
koku estate for her capture. She is eager to spill the blood of the Kammon and all to willing to please her former teacher while pursuing it.
Hero gained: Fuma Kotaro
Hero of the Revolution [
Pure Determination!]
Mumei has made contact with Lady Karuzuki's ally, the foul sorceress Shikaku Shiro. Whilst perhaps her politics and schemes are opposed to that of the Red-Wrung Ideal, she bears no love for the Shogunate and its warrior aristocracy. She has in her time, raised hordes of demons throughout the hinterlands of Central Yamato but has so far been thwarted by the matchlock monk contingents the Shogunate have fielded against her. Suffering from her most recent defeat, she has transferred the remnants of her forces to Kanogawa and has been convinced to unify her forces with the Revolution...for now.
Hero gained: Shikaku ShiroConsort with the Intelligentsia x3 [Double Efficiency] [Unstated Fief. Choosing at Random]
Mumei has entered discussion with the intellectuals of Tairana, Yashimura and Yamamizu. Commanding great knowledge of scholarly works and custom, he has made in-roads with the scholars of the land, and will be able to call upon their support should he require it.
Scholarly Support increased greatly in Tairana, Yashimura and Yamamizu.
Propaganda in Shin-Kanogawa [Double Efficiency]
Mumei has distributed socialist literature throughout the city of Shin-Kanogawa as well as the myriad villages and towns of the fief.
Support has increased greatly in Shin-Kanogawa.
Zhang JianIncite Rabble x3 [Double Efficiency] [Shin-Kanogawa, Okimichi, Yamamizu]
The Celestial priest travels up and down the countryside, feeding the anger and passions of the lower classes with righteous zeal! Commanding clarity, eloquence, and a firebrand's charisma (as wellmore than a few choice verses), Zhang Jian is more than successful in attracting many to the Revolution. Some, even begin to entertain Singularist leanings.
Support has increased greatly in Shin-Kanogawa, Okimichi, and Yamamizu.
Worship [Double Efficiency]
Zhang Jian prays to his foreign god and to his luck, he soon receives news that a number of villages in Yamamizu have promised to to provide Materiel. Zhang Jian feels like something else may turn up later.
The Kanogawa Uprising's
Materiel has increased.
Inciting Disruption and Disobedience [Double Efficiency] [Yashimura]
Zhang Jian is able to make contact with many groups and villages in the countryside, convincing them to annoy and otherwise trouble the local garrisons.
-Yashimura's
Defense has weakened.
[Debate x2!] [Shin-Kanogawa, Okimichi]
Zhang Jian ventured into the temples and tea houses of Shin-Kanogawa and Okimichi both. There, he engaged them in the debate of clergymen, in the ways of rubric and letters. Though a foreigner, he is able to eloquently explain his faith, deride the ways of the local gods and convince many priests towards his ways. In a moment of doubt, some priests recognise the truth of Zhang Jian's words and do convert to the way of the Singular God. As a consequence, many end their protection of their shrines, either being replaced or closing the shrines entirely. They in turn, open up chapels and missions of the foreign god of the Detche. For reasons perhaps known only to the theologians, Zhang Jian feels the influence of the local gods falter in Shin-Kanogawa and Okimichi. He feels like that enraging the local gods and spirits might not be as damaging as before.
Singularism has been established in Shin-Kanogawa and Okimichi.
Singularist Support has maxed out in Shin-Kanogawa and Okimichi.
Karuzuki AiConsort with Samurai x3 [Double Efficiency] [Shin-Kanogawa, Yashimura, Primeval Forest]
Lady Karuzuki is able to sway many ronin and even employed samurai to her cause, even as she asks them to betray their class. Some are of the understanding that the Red-Wrung Ideal is not the Ideal of the Lady Karuzuki, but merely a means to an end, whilst others truly and willfully give in to the optimism that the Revolution represents. At least, this is the case in Shin-Kanogawa and Yashmura; Ai finds that all the ronin within the Primeval Forest (if any were there) were probably eaten by oni. It seems that the Revolution's plot to rouse the oni has made the Forest a death sentence for most.
Soldiershave increased in Shin-Kanogawa and Yashimura.
Drill x3 [Double Efficiency] [Unstated Fief. Choosing at Random]
Lady Karuzuki takes to the rice fields, drilling peasant and samurai alike.
A number of
Comrades have been converted into
Soldiers in Shin-Kanogawa, Yamamizu and Okimichi.
Hero of the Revolution [
Pure Determination!]
Lady Karuzuki travelled beyond the borders of Kanogawa and was determined to find the best of the best to lead her soldiery into death and battle. She sought the one who had been lost and had not yet been found, she sought the Living Storm; Yorikuza Eiji, Tiger General of the Storms. Though it was true that the revered general had seen better days, and was more known for his battles on the seas than on land, none could say he lacked brilliance in all matters of warfare and held the Red-Wrung Ideal in his heart.
Yorikuza Eiji, Former Tiger-General of the Storm, has joined the Revolution!
Erill "Sibin" SilversteinAcquire Technologies and Innovations x3 [Double Efficiency]
Using his connections and his own vast sum of knowledge, the foreigner Sibin is able to inform the Revolution of many advances and developments throughout Yamato and beyond, some of which will surely aid in the uprising.
Research has greatly increased.
Acquire Materiel x2 [Double Efficiency] [Shin-Kanogawa, Okimichi]
A merchant by trade, Sibin is able to obtain many resources for the coming uprising with little difficulty and with a skill surpassed only by a few in the domain.
Materiel has increased in Shin-Kanogawa and Okimichi.
Hero of the RevolutionSibin sends off letter and messenger, seeking to recruit a woman he had met some time ago in his travels, one Hima Himari (a name, she assures all, is a name worthy of
pride). A woman of Tsuchima, she had once served as a steward for the Dozu Clan, themselves vassals of the ruling Soi Clan. During her tenure, the humble plantations of the Dozu experienced grounbreaking yields and investment, as a result of her strict idolisation of efficiency and keeping an ear out for new advances. And yet, she was laid low for whilst many had saw the great progress caused by her organisational ability, few liked how she treated those around her and how strictly she desired others to work to her standards. After a few disputes, she was cast out with disgrace. In the time since, she has become desiring of any chance to show the true potential of her skill. In Sibin's letters Hima believes she sees a chance at not only regaining her honour, but also showing all of Yamato of her ability.
Hima Himari, Iron Steward, has joined the Revolution!
Invention x2!Sibin is a man of innovation and of the sciences and it would be a sorry waste to the Revolution if he did not make use of it. Spending weeks days and weeks in thought and study, he devises two main developments to add to the Revolution's chance of success.
Firstly, he improves upon the basic matchlock rifle of the local forces, instituting a number of innovations that in the end, result in a gun that is quicker to fire and maintain. The advantages of such is obvious to any military man or woman.
Secondly, he writes up manuals of camouflage detailing methods of hiding oneself with what materials one can find, as well as the crafting of equipment that would aid in hiding one's movements and one's presence. Surely, this will aid in the carrying out of ambushes and the like.
The Kanogawa Uprising obtains Technology: Silverstein Rifles
The Kanogawa Uprising obtains Technology: Camouflage
EriHero of the RevolutionEri makes inquiries towards old contacts and friends, spending many weeks exchanging letters and secret codes. It is with some relief that she finally hears of what she had desired. Informing those that needed to know, Eri left Kanogawa for the north, returning some time in the autumn with a ragged heap of a man. Smelling of sake and red-light perfumes, the man seemed to exude vice to a level unmatched by many. But of course, such was the (partial) deception. The man indeed, was a drunk and visitor of the whores, but beneath that lowly exterior was a general of great command, for this was Kabuto Keitaro, once-feared ninja-samurai lord of Iziyaki. Whilst it took Eri some time to find him and convince him, he is eager to see the Shogun pay for the destruction of his homeland...even if he is deep in his cups and whores.
Kabuto Keitaro, Fallen Shadow General, has joined the Revolution!
Hero of the RevolutionEri's next recruit is less of a hassle to find; she simply returns one day with a well-dressed woman, seemingly dressed in the style of Nankyo's well-to-do. It seems Eri has recruited the great writer herself, Shikisaki Murubu! A star writer amongst the country's literati, Miss Murubu has been on the Imperial Court's short list for years. For years, the Shogunate has feared the Socialist taint's presence in the country's intelligentsia and now before your very eyes, one of its most beloved writers has thrown in with the Revolution. Seemingly an idealist, Shikisaki is relatively unaware of the more down-to-earth necessities of the Revolution but regardless, her brush will be serve its goals.
Shikisaki Murubu, Famous Writer, has joined the Revolution!
Reconnaissance x2 [Double Efficiency] [Shin-Kanogawa, Kanogawa]
Eri conducts surveillance operations in Shin-Kanogawa and Kanogawa, focusing particularly on social connections inside these fiefdoms.
Shin-Kanogawa is ruled over by the Asan Clan, who themselves rule over several lesser lords and employ many samurai. Whilst originally only controlling a small portion of the fief, the Shogunate's redistribution and drawing of fiefs has seen the influence of the Asan increase significantly. The Asan themselves are favourites of the Shogunate in the region, being related to one of the 'inner' clans, which are considered most loyal to the Shogun and his rule. Oddly, they are of lowland stock. Due to these reasons, the Asan are ruled with a gentler hand than most in Kanogawa, with the Charuke interfering only rarely with them. Indeed, it is sometimes true that the Shogun's inspectors and agents have more say here than the Charuke's own officials. It is a matter of contention, Eri figures out, and something which could be utilised for later.
As a consequence of the Asan's rise many lords and samurai found themselves without land or employment, which in return resulted in many ronin. Many peasants were also forced off the land or otherwise troubled because of new innovations in the administration of the land (based off Detche books, some say). Whilst there were many troubles in those initial years, some say that this was for the better; Shin-Kanogawa is now a centre of wealth and full of opportunities for those with the mind for business. Those of the slums and those finding themselves without a place in society would say otherwise, however.
The fief's notables mainly support the Asan and find little difficulty with this state of affairs; it has made them quite wealthy. The remaining samurai and lesser lords are mainly loyal to their Asan masters, although some fear the possible loss of their fiefs in the future. The fief's bureaucrats are trained in the new style, and mainly sourced from beyond the domain; they are loyal more to the ideals of the Shogunate rather than the rule of the Charuke.
The Charuke's agents dislike the manner in which the Asan rule and the lack of deference on their part. However, they know that at the end of the day, the Shogun rules, not the Daimyo.
Persons of Note:
-Asan Eiji, Lord of Shin-Kanogawa: A man only just reaching his middling years, Asan Eiji is a man with a vision and one given a rare opportunity to bring it about. He is not...overly fond of the Charuke's rule, especially with the decades of mistreatment and vassalship he and his people bore. He sees it his mission to bring about change to the land and see it in good service to the Shogun - and protected from the Charuke, should something come to pass.
-Shio Otuchu, Chief Secretary of Urban Affairs: The Asan lord's most trusted advisor and a lowlander from the far south. Shio Otuchu is a man of the numbers and the sciences and is intrigued by innovations, wishing to see the country made new - without care for those most affected by such changes. He is a follower of the Kamon sect.
-Uru, Personal Chaplain: The Asan lord's priest and spiritual advisor, he is an odd man of old age who worships Izan of all gods; a most odd thing. Izan is not usually worshipped in any temple or shrine or even maintains much of a priesthood. Quite odd.
-Ujiha Yua, Za Master: Head of porters and dockworkers' guild in Shin-Kanogawa, Ujiha is a woman of the commons and quite well off, despite starting her life in the slums. She is one of the Asan's primary contacts with the city's urban notables.
-Muru Osaka, Lord: ruling over a small sub-fief across the river from Shin-Kanogawa, lord Muru considers himself lucky to still have a fief after the innovations of the last two decades. A proud Kanogawan, he still detests the soft and snivelling natures of the lowlanders and sees their changes as a threat to Kanogawa's people. Indeed, he very much would like it if the domain were to be independent again. And yet, he knows in his heart that for Kanogawa to rise, the Shogunate would first need to fall. Still, his opinion is one considered normal amongst many of the fief's remaining samurai, especially amongst the older generations. If anyone were able to unify them, it would be Muru Osaka.
The story in Kanogawa on the other hand, is something everyone knows. The Daimyo rules little, leaving most of the administration to his bureaucrats, plutocrats and lordlings to oversee. As such, there is a surprisingly high amount of social climbing, with more than a few peasants attaining seemingly impossible positions for someone of their birth. At the same time however, it is not the most efficient of governments, with a great deal of in-fighting between bureaus, rulers, and village administrations. It is only because of the Charuke's ancient system of central bureaus that anything happens at all.
Or so it seems. Whilst it is true that the Daimyo does indeed, barely rule, this does not mean that the Charuke do not rule. That is very far from the truth. Kensei Charuke Sakura rules hidden, with messages and envoys sent here and there for the best possible effect, all the while using a smokescreen of incompetence and red-tape to hide the efforts of her shadow bureaucrats. It is only because of Eri's skills that she is able to make note of these agents who seemingly, have not been detected by the Shogun. These agents are connected with chief bureaucrats, village elders, priests and lords throughout the fief and likely elsewhere. Whilst the Kanogawan bureaucracy is very much inefficient, it seems that they could quickly carry out a plan if required by the Kensei.
In the context of lordly relations, the Charuke seem to maintain cordial relations with most of their vassals, with the exception of the Asan. However, there has always been some discomfort on the part of the military aristocracy for the Charuke's reliance on the urban plutocrats (which include the Za Masters). They do not like the wealth these commoners are able to amass, or the upstart nature of many of them. Most believe that the warriors, or at least the educated scholars, should be the ones to rule, not the rich urbanites. Still, Kanogawa's current situation has tempered their distaste, for they know that the time for military conflict is at its end (in their view, of course) and that any misbehaviour could see the Shogun show his disfavour on the domain.
Persons of Note:
-Charuke Ajin, Daimyo of Kanogawa Domain:Perhaps as a younger man did Charuke Ajin have dreams and aspirations. Now, he is quite content with the life he has fallen into, with its pleasures and vices, especially since there is very little to do; the domain practically runs itself. Instead, Charuke Ajin spends most of his time in his castle or otherwise visiting friends or places of leisure - be it the red-light district, the opera house, or the city markets. He is very much, a happy man. He is also, an oaf.
-Obi, Pet Oni: A slightly bigger oaf than Charuke Aijin, Obi was handfed on a diet of prisoner meat and widow's milk, growing up to be an adorkable gremlin by oni standards...and a terrifying beast by human standards. Mostly, he does juggling tricks. Obi sometimes advises Charuke Ajin to do suspiciously specifc things, which at times, Ajin goes along with; it's funny.
-"Mukamuka": An unknown shadow bureaucrat Eri is lucky to have discovered. From the looks of it, this person is the one running the shadow bureaucracy for the kensei. Whoever they are, they hide themselves
very well.
-Aitu Akira, Chief Priest of Kagan-no-hichi: a mountain of a man, Aitu is tall and muscled and quite youthful in appearance, even though he is in his 76th year. Indeed, his newest wife is only 23 and still putting out children. For these blessings he thanks Kagan-no-hichi. For the rest of the domain's prosperity, he profusely thanks Kagan-no-hichi. For the safety of the Daimyo, he greatly thanks his patron god, offering the service of his arms and those of his children. For the Shogun's wellfare , he remembers half the time to light a small candle by the chief temple's gongpit. For his piety, Aitu is sometimes able to perform miracles, especially during the festival days of Kagan-no-hichi.
Sabotage [Double Efficiency] [Okimichi]
Eri deploys her agents to carry out plans of misdirection and misdemeanours. Getting peasants ready to change the direction of signs, moving waystones, delaying supplies or dismantling roads piece by piece.
Kanogawa Domain''s operations in Okimichi have been significantly hampered.
Acquire Materiel [Double Efficiency] [Akushi]
A few choice robberies and ambushes is enough to greatly increase the Revolution's stocks of necessities and armanents.
The Kanogawa Uprising's
Materiel has increased in Akushu.
Ninjitsu! x2 A red-masked vigilante has been spotted throughout the countryside saving the innocent and putting many of the most corrupt and most violent behind bars (or otherwise neutralised). For unrelated reasons, a tremendous amount of support has been established for the Red-Wrung Ideal.Support for the Kanogawa Uprising has increased significantly throughout the Domain.
?: ?
Singularist Support: A measure of how supportive those of the Singularist faiths are of our Revolution. High levels may aid us when going against the influences other faiths or spirits, especially those considered anathema to Singularism. Low levels may make it more difficult to go against the influence of Singularists or other faiths if no other precautions are taken.
Research: This represents the ability of the Revolution to introduce reforms and innovations. For the most part, Research is used to purchase upgrades from four technology categories; Military, Civil, Productive and Esoteric.
Author
Topic: Citizens of the Empire Unite! All Power to the Kurultai! (IC) (Read 4414 times)