STW campaign AAR: The way of Takeda

[Fincuan]

The year is 1530, in the middle of Sengoku Jidai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengoku_jidai), and the daimyo of the Takeda-clan is just starting his quest to become the Shogun.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4qmwpsGQI/AAAAAAAABKk/GFYuXdVfC9I/map_real.png (http://www.totalwar.org/hosted/TotalwarShogun/pics/map_real.gif)
Map courtesy of www.totalwar.org (http://www.totalwar.org/hosted/TotalwarShogun/)(Click to enlarge)

Takeda's starting position is pretty poor in my opinion(black provinces on the map), divided in two areas and surrounded by enemies, so they can't afford to remain passive at the beginning. Especially lord Mori, in red, is usually very anxious to take over the western Takeda-lands. Offense is the best defense as they say. Except for Sagami the provinces are outright poor agriculturally, and the the silver mine in Aki and the gold mine in Kai, once built, will be the only true sources of income. Unless... we take advantage of Takeda's biggest asset: cheap(-25%) cavalry and the ability to build more right away. The province of Shinano, famous for its high honour cavalry, is just beyond our lands and in the hands of Uesugi at the start, but this is easy to fix: We take it from them. That won't be the first thing to do though. Our poor income directly affects our ability to build the vast hordes needed to take all of Japan, so we form three point strategy:

Hold Aki at any cost to use it as a platform for later expansion
Secure our financial situation by taking the rich Uesugi lands to the east as soon as possible
Use the new sources of income to expand the our armies and roll over the other clans


Besides these there's a fun vs. function decision to make: After taking the Uesugi provinces should we secure an easily defendable front somewhere in central Japan and tech-up a lot, certainly leading to a situation where the enemy also builds HUGE armies(10.000+, which is a lot in this game)or should we just continue the blitzkrieg to west/south-west as soon as we're done in east/north-east? I'm still undecided on this, so we'll see how the beginning goes. This is after all my first campaign on hard difficulty, so it's entirely possible I screw up somewhere and Takeda just disappears off the face of the earth :oops:

Hwg...

[Fincuan]

1530

Summer

Our emissary is sent to Imagawa's lands to propose an alliance with him. We don't really need a war on our western front at the moment. Eastern front is a different story altogether. We immediately go on the offensive and attack Musashi with a small force plus the Daimyo. In the western Takeda-lands we abandon Bitchu entirely, and we'll also give up Bingo if Mori decides to attack, which he will no doubt do soon. Aki we'll hold, whatever it takes. Not surprisingly Mori moves in on the now empty Bitchu and attacks Bingo immediately after my moves, so it's now Aki or nothing in the west. On the home front we start building a Spear Dojo in Aki. The mines can wait until we've expanded a little.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lGBnUt-I/AAAAAAAABBs/FnQ2okQSxuA/s800/kuva002.jpg

Attack on Musashi
Musashi is a river province and our forces are equal in size, so I expect this to be a bloody one.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lGPBo0MI/AAAAAAAABBw/gL1GFVo4og0/s800/kuva003.jpg

My plan is to quickly rush over one unit of Cavalry archers and the daimyo, followed by the Yari Samurai supported by the other CA unit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lGdWX3bI/AAAAAAAABB0/dwVocs-VEck/s800/kuva004.jpg

It almost worked, except for the damn daimyo. The enemy daimyo rushed the bridge, inflicted small casualties to my CA and trapped my daimyo on the bridge. It's YS off to the rescue. The CA that managed to cross can be seen pummeling an enemy Yari Ashigaru or YS on the right
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lGtVYldI/AAAAAAAABB4/72est2fCvDI/s800/kuva005.jpg

A close call for my daimyo, but an even closer one for the enemy. As expected the rushing YS did the job with very little casualties, and the enemy could do nothing but run after my CA charged at their Samurai archers.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lHYXz4mI/AAAAAAAABB8/VGwx1ezzpkI/s800/kuva006.jpg

The Hojo daimyo getting chased by my CA, his bodyguard having been wiped out at the bridge.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lHoHLlyI/AAAAAAAABCA/Ht6zNV_xZvc/s800/kuva007.jpg

A victory that could have come at a lot less casualties with better tactics. At least I learned not to rush my daimyo to a bridge if it isn't absolutely clear.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lHpHgpkI/AAAAAAAABCE/QNkNZuaxqB8/s800/kuva008.jpg

[Fincuan]

Autumn
Our emissary reaches lord Imagawa and proposes an alliance. He rejects the offer saying there's no reason why he should accept it. I'll show him a few good reasons soon enough, but first it's time to deal with Hojo: After taking Musashi I immediately follow up with an attack on Shimosa.

Attack on Shimosa

Another river province and this time we're the underdogs what comes to numbers. Luckily they rarely decide anything.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lIcSzKrI/AAAAAAAABCI/LFDkw8bpDIY/s800/kuva009.jpg

The enemy sets up a nice distance from the river, opening the door for a cavalry rush executed by the daimyo and the CA.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lIm7ytvI/AAAAAAAABCM/2YwWlrgkqa4/s800/kuva010.jpg

The daimyo and the CA circle behind the enemy taisho, with an inevitable result that leads to a full retreat of his forces
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lJksfcLI/AAAAAAAABCQ/5zp4IZAjnK4/s800/kuva011.jpg

An easy victory
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lKVaXHiI/AAAAAAAABCU/YLwYEdlI9Dk/s800/kuva012.jpg

[Castout]

Oh ma those STW screenies bring a lot of memories :D

Can't play it with Vista and dual core now.

[Fincuan]

Winter
Not daring to rest yet we immediately continue the offensive to Kazusa and Hitachi. Kazusa turns out to be empty so we just march in. Hitachi is occupied at first but the enemy retreats before our attack. There's also a loyalist revolt in Bitchu, which Lord Mori took from us a few turns ago, so things are looking nice.

Revolt in Bitchu

The enemy garrison in the province is small, so we should have no trouble taking them out. After re-taking Bitchu I intend to move the force further inlands to keep Mori busy and to find some of their infrastructure to destroy. While doing this they will fight to the last man.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lK8znuMI/AAAAAAAABCY/Y47HEp6GGa8/s800/kuva013.jpg

The enemy is one unit of archers. No cavalry on my side means one thing only: RUUUSSSHHHH!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lLP6dAHI/AAAAAAAABCc/r4pdwFrYhaM/s800/kuva014.jpg

After taking a few initial casualties from the arrows our rush bites in and the enemy is routed.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lLPzjwHI/AAAAAAAABCg/pOdi2VCVcLU/s800/kuva015.jpg

They run for their lives and we're unable to catch them. Too many of them live to fight another day.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lLgwf20I/AAAAAAAABCo/SL6jA5j2BIM/s800/kuva017.jpg

[Fincuan]

Can't play it with Vista and dual core now.

Dual core and W7 x64 here and it works fine.

[Castout]

Dual core and W7 x64 here and it works fine.


Oh really you must have that steam or whatever later version but not the original

[Fincuan]

Warlord Edition which I bought xyz years ago. Basically The original+Mongol Invasion rolled into one. Just installed, patched and played, no tweaking needed.

[Castout]

yea warlord edition would work my copy was way before warlord came out.

[HunterICX]

:yeah:nice,

if I weren't burried with games/Campaigns I've yet to finish I would look for my discs right now :)

HunterICX

[stabiz]

I never played this game, Rome was my first tw, but the map and user interface looks pretty good even today. The battles on the other hand ...

Really looking forward to the remake, unless they fark it up. (50\50 on that)

[Fincuan]

1531
Spring
The kamikaze army moves to Mimasaka. On the home front we drop taxes to "very low" in order to prevent rebellions in the newly conquered provinces. We also build a mine in Kai. After my moves Mori tries to attack Aki but calls it off, while there's bad news from the east:

Rebellion in Shimosa. I pull out my CA only to come back with reinforcements later on.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4lL7PR0dI/AAAAAAAABCs/dbuQRX17fwM/s800/kuva018.jpg

[Fincuan]

Summer
We build a mine in Aki and move troops to Shimosa to put down the rebellion there. Now there's also a rebellion in Kazusa, and this time I'll have to fight because the battle that should liberate Shimosa is only fought after this. In the west Mori attacks Mimasaka. We'll be fighting a total of three battles this turn.

Mimasaka defense
We have a lot less troops and on top of that the only real melee-unit is a bunch of Yari Ashigaru. This is going to be a tough one.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m2qGID1I/AAAAAAAABDc/GCUIZVJcU2w/s800/kuva026.jpg

We deploy on the edge of a forested hill. The archer units are lined up side-by-side in two ranks while the YA hides on the flank. The plan is to take down as many as we can with arrows before charging downhill with all archers. Meanwhile the YA will flank right.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m4ZmWxKI/AAAAAAAABDs/evIpJAAWi4E/s800/kuva028.jpg

The enemy walks right in to the "trap", while my YA initiate their flanking movement
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m5PbnMEI/AAAAAAAABDw/q2eQm1BInkA/s800/kuva029.jpg

The enemy enters the forest with Yari Samurai. My archers surround the unit and a general melee starts.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m5OfqUSI/AAAAAAAABD0/2c_NKWJIrqs/s800/kuva030.jpg

The surrounded unit gets handled very roughly, and then it's time take on the rest. In the background what's left of the YA are trying to take out the enemy general
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m5W6922I/AAAAAAAABD4/LG3sJwwvtBQ/s800/kuva031.jpg

We managed to kill the enemy general and most of his troops, but our own casualties are also pretty high. The end of the kamikaze-army is near.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m5xmY7WI/AAAAAAAABEA/1F1HDKkLz64/s800/kuva033.jpg

Attack on Shimosa
Not much to tell about this one. We quickly rush the CA over the bridge and almost immediately rout the enemy. An easy victory.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m6Ek0VpI/AAAAAAAABEE/Np8HQnXVwG8/s800/kuva034.jpg

Kazusa defense
One CA vs. one Yari Samurai. I hope to rout the enemy by pummeling them with arrows, because in a melee they'll wipe the floor with my CA.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m6fcjGqI/AAAAAAAABEM/_p-kD1ONi3g/s800/kuva036.jpg

Sadly the CA runs out of arrows before the enemy routs. Even with a downhill advantage and a high-speed charge the melee is a sad affair to watch.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m6nt0ifI/AAAAAAAABEQ/QH6AHTJCyh4/s800/kuva037.jpg

[Fincuan]

Autumn
What remains of the kamikazes attack Bizen, while in the east Hojo attacks Hitachi.

It's also nice to see that Mori is having rebel problems of his own:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m7DxIMMI/AAAAAAAABEc/xCvT6g9XeG0/s800/kuva040.jpg

Attack on Bizen
The enemy has slightly less men than we do, and upon seeing my army they immediately rout
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4n-TUXJoI/AAAAAAAABFw/EnKENWg8mqc/s800/kuva039.jpg

Hitachi defense
The enemy comes in with one unit of archers and a half-unit of Yari Samurai. My CA quickly deal with the SA:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m7e0-UGI/AAAAAAAABEk/6a2oSa3_DlQ/s800/kuva041.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m7md-69I/AAAAAAAABEo/VXKIiohqp1s/s800/kuva042.jpg

The YS rout and we keep our province
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m7mfAGwI/AAAAAAAABEs/dFZSvEbGf4E/s800/kuva043.jpg

Winter
We build a Tea house in Kai to get some proper counter-insurgency guys(Shinobis). We also retake Kazusa from an enemy that routs on sight, so not much to report on that battle.

[HunterICX]

OT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IU7ia0XIGg (my favorite STW mobilize song) :haha: you would catch me singing ''yo ho ho ho'' behind the monitor.

I really hope they introduce the same appealing music in STW2

HunterICX

[Fincuan]

1532
Spring
We start building improved farmland to Sagami. We also attack Kozuke from Musashi, but there's so many enemies I call off the attack. Another attack from Shimosa to Shimotsuke with one(1) Cavalry Archer is a success as the enemy retreats and we take the province without a fight. :D
In the west Lord Mori finally attacks Aki and doesn't call it off. It'll the first larger scale battle of the campaign, and pretty vital to the success of the campaign.

Aki defense
I forgot to grab screenshots from the set-up phase, so you'll have to imagine it: This is taken from behind the enemy after my CA have totally flanked them and are going for their general. You can see the whole enemy army here, while my own is set up on a hill in front of them. The banners are barely visible. There's one unit of SA and one unit of YS visible on the hill, while two YS units are hiding in the forest on the left. The plan was simple: Harass them with CA, let the archers shoot at them and when they get close charge down the center while simultaneously flanking right.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m8P47fpI/AAAAAAAABE0/Qi5Q2r_td_8/s800/kuva045.jpg

Here I've already initiated the flanking movement. In the background my CA are still battling the general's unit
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m8MBYDdI/AAAAAAAABE4/ndH3Uhqp57E/s800/kuva046.jpg

The enemy's right flank(from my pov) quickly crumbles and we start enveloping his forces in the middle
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m8a_vw4I/AAAAAAAABE8/e64918Bleak/s800/kuva047.jpg

Meanwhile I forgot to babysit the CA and they manage to get wiped out by YS.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m8sEa-vI/AAAAAAAABFA/kz_TeaswziI/s800/kuva048.jpg

What would have been crushing victory if I hadn't screwed up with the CA. Well, the stats still look pretty nice
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m88nRY8I/AAAAAAAABFM/mET1wFAkdaM/s800/kuva049.jpg

Summer
Mori again attacks Aki but calls it off.

Meanwhile I really have to do something about the loyality problems.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4m9UXcdNI/AAAAAAAABFQ/HKMUpCGNXMo/s800/kuva050.jpg

Autumn
An Oda-clan emissary arrives proposing an alliance. I immediately accept as they have common borders with pretty much all the clans I'm at war with. This should help ease up the pressure a bit.

Winter
We start building an armoury to Aki and a castle to Hitachi to speed up troop training.

[Fincuan]

OT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IU7ia0XIGg (my favorite STW mobilize song) :haha: you would catch me singing ''yo ho ho ho'' behind the monitor.

I really hope they introduce the same appealing music in STW2

HunterICX

Haha yeah that's a classic. Another great sound is the ROOOOOOOOO when you charge a unit at the enemy. Combine that with Heavy Cavalry or Warrior Monks and damn... :up:

[Fincuan]

1533

Spring
Time to go on the offensive again. We attack Suruga and Shinano from Kai. The enemy in Suruga retreats and we walk in, but the enemy in Shinano turns out to be too powerful so I call it off. Mori also attacks Aki yet again, and again call it off. The idea in going to Imagawa's lands is to destroy his ability to build troops and thus make sure he doesn't attack us, not to to hold the land as that would overextend our troops.

Summer
We start building a Spear Dojo in Hitachi and continue the offensive from Suruga to Totomi. Again the enemy retreats and we walk in.

Autumn
We do a small reconnaissance attack from Hitachi to Mutsu, but the enemy proves to be too strong and we call it off. We also abandon Totomi after destroying all buildings there and pillaging a bunch of koku. Imagawa shouldn't be a problem for a few years to come.

Winter
Loality is looking good thanks to recent successes and the work of our Shinobi, so it's time to raise taxes back to normal
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4orwH45YI/AAAAAAAABGE/z6ATjSb-BLk/s800/kuva051.jpg

We also start building an armoury to Hitachi and a Large Castle to Aki and Kai. We also move all our forces from Suruga to Shinano, and the enemy wants a fight so he'll get one. On the western front Mori again attacks Aki with a sizeable force, so it's time or another "big" battle.

Aki defense #2
Again I forget to take pics of the set-up, so you'll have to check the minimap. This time I have a bit more troops so my center-force consists of one SA covered by two YS, while one YS hides in a forest on the front, in hopes of the enemy passing them unnoticed, and two on the left. CA flank and harass again.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4orwUecHI/AAAAAAAABGI/UZ8W3iWZvTk/s800/kuva052.jpg

My YS trying to be a hole in the woods while the enemy army marches by
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4osF6_uOI/AAAAAAAABGM/m5YL7JIwqbk/s800/kuva053.jpg

No good, they were spotted and had to retreat towards the center force. The enemy in his foolishness followed them up with a few units while the rest danced around not knowing what to do. I made the choice for them: The retreating YS charged downhill at their followers while my flanking YS charged from their forest and the center YS charged down the center. The enemy general immediately routs his forces
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4osYo3ZOI/AAAAAAAABGQ/tqW8tdXlbhU/s800/kuva054.jpg

A nice victory. Note the four-man CA unit taking 63 heads while losing none :yeah:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4osWTlvuI/AAAAAAAABGU/Io9rxTJbeOA/s800/kuva055.jpg

Shinano attack
The enemy force consists of Samuri Archers only, but they managed to rush a huge hill before my troops get there. I risk it with the CA and send them after the enemy general
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4osnmruPI/AAAAAAAABGY/LNU-zpw5Soc/s800/kuva056.jpg

The risk doesn't pay off as my general almost dies without taking his opponents head, and my forces briefly rout. I managed to rally them and we climb up the enemy's hill to a position above him. A charge traps most of his troops against a rocky cliff and they're mercilessly slaughtered.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4os-TbEQI/AAAAAAAABGc/UuJiFHvhJBY/s800/kuva057.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4otRykLiI/AAAAAAAABGg/SuuqljnGtD0/s800/kuva058.jpg

Victory at a price again
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4otm659bI/AAAAAAAABGk/TH3YeUuuCJI/s800/kuva059.jpg

[Fincuan]

1534
Spring
We start building a castle to Shinano, a province which will be developed to our primary cavalry training area. We attack Kozuke with troops from Musashi and Shimotsuke, while Uesugi attacks Hitachi with a sizeable force.

Attack on Kozuke
Slight numerical advantage here
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VCN_qMmI/AAAAAAAAA7M/bPrKu_Akg7o/s800/image002.jpg

The enemy daimyo gets among our CA and inflicts heavy damage
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VDqdQz-I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/LZnb5u9JAZA/s800/image005.jpg

Some of my units rout and others take heavy casulties. I don't remember exactly what happened here, but judgin by the casualties this was one crappy attack.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4Va8ZmvKI/AAAAAAAAA7c/10dYycjEgfs/s800/image006.jpg

Hitachi defense
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VbKNVDnI/AAAAAAAAA7g/gKP1286f2QQ/s800/image007.jpg

My main force sits on top of a hill while Cavalry archers go on recon together with the daimyo. The enemy daimyo doesn't fancy this at all and starts to chase them
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VbVuqUEI/AAAAAAAAA7o/v6HK5OEkFoA/s800/image009.jpg

Uesugi daimyo getting surrounded in a forest
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4Vbj1oEyI/AAAAAAAAA7s/gzdCqxYm3XI/s800/image010.jpg

Gotcha, although his son soon took over. My other CA unit has also routed at this point
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VvZxmhhI/AAAAAAAAA7w/tLc1iRYxq6o/s800/image011.jpg

Another nice victory
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VvmYLjLI/AAAAAAAAA70/5U9ASWnZ-Ag/s800/image012.jpg

[Fincuan]

Summer
We drop taxes to "very low" again in order to prevent revolts, but too late: Shinano revolts. We attack Mutsu with all forces from Hitachi and Shimotsuke.

Loyalist revolt in Shinano
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VwN5M_mI/AAAAAAAAA74/JsmMvLsrIss/s800/image013.jpg

We set up on top of a hill right next to the enemy's starting position. CA take the frontline while YS wait in case enemy spearmen get close. Another YS flanks left.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VwzsXTUI/AAAAAAAAA78/3L8QVhnBlpI/s800/image014.jpg

We use rain arrows on the enemy until gets very close, then intiate a charge by all units
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4WKBT6ZNI/AAAAAAAAA8E/hxBGfiMTaXA/s800/image015.jpg

The enemy quickly routs, gets chased down and killed
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4WZy4WxuI/AAAAAAAAA8I/3Dtl8C6Ymm4/s800/image016.jpg

Attack on Mutsu
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4WZ4qHPAI/AAAAAAAAA8M/TdjfcLPRRKs/s800/image017.jpg

The enemy sets up behind a forest on a hill, and puts some ambushing troops in the forest. We anticipated this and catch them with a wide pincer movement by the infantry while CA constantly harass them. Here we can see the enemy already routed and being chased
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4WaOKzV4I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/lmcNOANLdXo/s800/image018.jpg

Victory!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4WaWiRnBI/AAAAAAAAA8U/nBoBrUJm5mw/s800/image019.jpg

[Fincuan]

Autumn
We start building a Spear Dojo in Shinano and receive an emissary from Lord Mori. He proposes a cease-fire and I promtly agree as I have no intention in expanding to Mori's lands anytime soon.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4Waszw6pI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/OjYOHgSxqaE/s800/image020.jpg


Winter
We attack Echigo from Kozuke and Dewa from Mutsu. We also start building a Sword Dojo in Aki in order to get some proper shock troops, No-Dachi Samurai. In Mutsu the enemy takes advantage of our weakened garrison and tries to break out of the siege.

Attack on Echigo
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4W8qNmJ4I/AAAAAAAAA8c/wB9PNr2acUI/s800/image021.jpg

The enemy has one unit of archers, so not much to do here except to run into contact as fast as possible
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4W9TFAAUI/AAAAAAAAA8k/_927yGvQjMc/s800/image023.jpg

My YS takes some casualties before the CA manage to charge the enemy's rear. After that it's over for them.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4W9pN-6iI/AAAAAAAAA8s/AS6yXO-jBYk/s800/image025.jpg

Attack on Dewa
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XXMijUVI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Xz60DPAhPd0/s800/image026.jpg

I have no idea where the enemy is, and I'll have to search around for a bit due to all the fog and snow. After I climb the highest hill nearby and find nothing they suddenly appear on the plain, far below us. Some luck! Foolishly enough they charge up the hill towards us, and we return the favor with some added flanking.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XXTQ_GgI/AAAAAAAAA80/R_Bhndk7tIA/s800/image027.jpg

The inevitable result
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XXScAmRI/AAAAAAAAA84/pKoWAm8EZkk/s800/image028.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XX-QeJeI/AAAAAAAAA88/sPaavgQ3v8w/s800/image029.jpg

Mutsu break-out
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XYEXUcRI/AAAAAAAAA9A/6BK4_U4BT10/s800/image030.jpg

I set-up in a long line on top of a hill with YS covering the CA behind them. The enemy comes up right down the middle of my formation, so I quickly bring in the flanks to envelop him.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XpAr5hRI/AAAAAAAAA9I/Hkehkr5VmiI/s800/image031.jpg

The daimyo tries to flee...
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4Xpaww-cI/AAAAAAAAA9M/PpTSDWUCEaA/s800/image032.jpg

...but gets caught
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XqNSKlaI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/rg61qdeTtdw/s800/image033.jpg

A crushing victory
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4XquIhqGI/AAAAAAAAA9U/3goKY6wM_zA/s800/image034.jpg

That's the end of Uesugi. I now have all his lands, just as planned. Time to start looking towards west!

[Oberon]

That's the end of Uesugi. I now have all his lands, just as planned. Time to start looking towards west!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkT4vAJnJls

[Fincuan]

1535
Spring
We start building a Large Castle in Shinano, a Famous Tea House in Kai and improved farmland(+20% production) in Musashi. We also attack Suruga from Kai, and get a freebie as the enemy retreats.

Summer
We drop taxes to "low" and attack Totomi, Mikawa and Echigo. All attacks are called off all attacks due to heavier than expected enemy forces present at all provinces.

Autumn
We attack Totomi with a major force and Mikawa with a smaller one as a feint.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4Xqy7vXSI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/thsE0s_EI04/s800/image035.jpg

Attack on Totomi
Totomi is real tabletop terrain with not much in the way of anything, so my CA should have a good day.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4X85j_dJI/AAAAAAAAA9c/uZPZ-Ix6QgE/s800/image036.jpg

As expected the YS don't even get to the action before it's over and the enemy routed. Quite heavy casualties in two of the CA units, but other than that a good result.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4X9SijnTI/AAAAAAAAA9g/9UAdGma-Yaw/s800/image037.jpg

Winter
We start building a Famous Spear Dojo(produces YS +1 honor) in Aki, a Ninja House in Kai, an Archery Dojo in Hitachi and Superior Farmland(+40% prod) in Mutsu. Kai will be our main production province for "special units", ie. ninjas, shinobis, geishas etc. Hitachi will focus on archers and later arquibisiers, Shinano on Cavalry and Aki on infantry.

Attack on Mikawa
Another river province, and this time the enemy sets up so close that I don't dare to try and rush cavalry over. Instead I rush over a few YS who try to hold the bridge open
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4X9rwAtoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/yBEUIv5sALM/s800/image039.jpg

They take heavy casualties but manage to buy enough time for the cavalry to get over and start working on the enemy's flanks. In short order they corner the enemy daimyo and kill him.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4X96i0QqI/AAAAAAAAA9w/TiSfDrcefHY/s800/image040.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4abv6WdxI/AAAAAAAAA-I/myBehTEUYGE/s800/image041.jpg

A costly but necessary victory. Now I've got an easily defendable river province on my side of the border.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ab5nRjdI/AAAAAAAAA-M/Iya8o3imli0/s800/image042.jpg

Meanwhile there's extremely worrying news from Totomi: The enemy is trying to break out of my siege!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4acG-IMlI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/KBbnRf9wJBo/s800/image043.jpg

SPLAT
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4acUwFnfI/AAAAAAAAA-U/EixRm8k4uSk/s800/image044.jpg

The end of Imagawa
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ac19DyaI/AAAAAAAAA-c/is63HDkswQ0/s800/image046.jpg

[Fincuan]

1536
Spring
A period of teching up and strengthening our curren position. We start building a Horse Dojo in Shinano, a Castle to Mikawa(in order to build a port there), Superior farmland(+60% prod) in Sagami and Musashi and Border towers in Dewa(to prevent enemy spies and ninjas from entering and to give us in intel on their lands). Overall things are looking good at the moment:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ac_D8VQI/AAAAAAAAA-g/cpEwm3yBdZc/s800/image047.jpg

There's also great news on the home front:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4adHsBJCI/AAAAAAAAA-k/tFjZXshn4Z4/s800/image048.jpg

Summer
We start building a Large Castle in Hitachi.

Autumn
We bring taxes back to normal

Winter
We start building an Archery Dojo in Shinano and a port in Mikawa. Troop production has been runnig at full speed all the time for next few years planned offensives in north/north-west

[Fincuan]

1537
Spring
We attack Etchu and the enemy retreats in front of us.

Summer
We start building an armoury in Shinano and also receive a message telling us Oda has the biggest armies at the moment. In the north we attack Noto from Etchu, finding the province empty.

Autumn
We start building a Famous Sword Dojo in Aki

Winter
We start building a Famous Archery Dojo in Hitachi. We also try to kill a Mori emissary with a ninja but fail. Good thing because next the proposes an alliance to us, and we agree. Hopefully this upsets Oda a little.

In the home provinces our own "gestapo" is at work:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4adfjGouI/AAAAAAAAA-o/ycZMqw6cuhE/s800/image049.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4adSmzxDI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Y-omajkZ710/s800/image050.jpg

[Fincuan]

1538
Spring
We start building a fortress to Kai and attack the island of Sado in the north. This is our first brush with Shimazu.

Attack on Sado
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ad85GA0I/AAAAAAAAA-w/bt_YhNgsxTo/s800/image051.jpg

Again it's a rush for a hill. I climb the majority of my forces up towards the forest on the right, while a sizeable portion will flank left. The enemy forces are seen going up the other side.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ad7K73kI/AAAAAAAAA-0/aiGUO75-j9Y/s800/image052.jpg

We gain a nice uphill advantage by going through the forest, and once the flanking force is in position it's business time
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDBMTzbKO1I/AAAAAAAABLU/S8YlFnlJp2w/s800/image053.jpg

Relatively low casulties given the size of the enemy forces
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDBMUDrG9TI/AAAAAAAABLY/FybxZR6CwKI/s800/image054.jpg

Summer
We start building a fortress in Shinano and a Famous Armoury in Hitachi. We also break the siege in Noto where the enemy garrison is less than 60 men.

Autumn
We start building Exceptional farmland(+100% prod) in Mutsu, Musashi and Kozuke and a Swordsmith in Aki. We attack Kaga and Hida which are both loaded with warrior monks. My forces just aren't good enough against them(except for anything with a bow), so I expect a LOT of casualties.

Attack on Kaga
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ae41M2hI/AAAAAAAAA_A/IUdMIjDh_8s/s800/image055.jpg

The enemy is set up on the forested hill in the background. With no way of gaining an advantage on them this is going to be a tough one. I divide my forces in two and approach the hill.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4afPRW7EI/AAAAAAAAA_E/hvqZLg0lf9A/s800/image056.jpg

After a huge melee I've taken a lot of casualties, but so has the enemy. Looks like we'll barely make it.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4afSNZuvI/AAAAAAAAA_I/wNdVq6V4PMU/s800/image057.jpg

A first one: Our casualties are higher than the enemy's. On the other hand we now have Kaga, and Warrior Monks trained there get a +1 honor bonus.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4afYceyMI/AAAAAAAAA_M/-U3tgwJq3-U/s800/image058.jpg

Attack on Hida
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4afscajFI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/VfQw6DxIWUM/s800/image059.jpg

Again the enemy hides in a forest
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4agAYnZfI/AAAAAAAAA_U/6s0QSKsgkE8/s800/image060.jpg

I walk my forces above him
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ageEp9aI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/Oxhj8tkX3lk/s800/image061.jpg

Some monks run out from a nearby forest and my YS and No-dachi steer to intercept, while my arches pound the monks below us.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4agT9t1OI/AAAAAAAAA_c/qffqHQ7jBGo/s800/image062.jpg

A slightly less costly victory than the last one. Still the WM are a bitch to fight against if you don't have some of your own, or Heavy Cavalry.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4agZfLCkI/AAAAAAAAA_g/noI8QVmVtn0/s800/image063.jpg

Winter
We keep training and expanding units, while there's a rebellion on the island of Sado.

Rebellion in Sado
The enemy consists of just Yari Ashigaru and one unit of No-dachi
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4agt4vFfI/AAAAAAAAA_k/ZSS7mOydkas/s800/image064.jpg

I set my archers up on a hill, covered by a unit of Yari Samurai. The No-dachi Samurai wait for their turn on the flank while Cavalry Archers have gone ahead to harass the enemy.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4agyTTbtI/AAAAAAAAA_o/mkgSQzlljmo/s800/image065.jpg

CA are pounding the helpeless enemy No-dachi. The worst part for them: there's absolutely nothing they can do about it
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ag5ruH9I/AAAAAAAAA_s/lVGFTxOAElU/s800/image066.jpg

The enemy finally arrives in front of the position of our main force. The No-dachi are down to four men from their original 60.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ahMunx7I/AAAAAAAAA_w/X7KF3ZapLg4/s800/image067.jpg

The last No-dachi, the enemy general, gets killed while the YA are getting mercilessly pounded by our archers. Not surprisingly they immediately rout and the cavalry goes to work.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ahECanQI/AAAAAAAAA_0/oCT760uwWyY/s800/image068.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4ahc-CfxI/AAAAAAAAA_4/ObM88pUDqZw/s800/image069.jpg

My first ever perfect score(if you don't count that one-man battle): All enemies killed and no friendly casualties
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TC4VBzWIxhI/AAAAAAAAA7I/AkbesZMqQiM/s800/image001.jpg

[Fincuan]

1539
Spring
There's a rebellion in Noto. I'm guessing mainly Warrior Monks, so my forces will consist mainly of archers.

Noto rebellion
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqWQ5s67I/AAAAAAAABLk/1lUE2TwV30Q/s800/kuva060.jpg

The enemy consists of one unit of Warrior Monks and one unit of Samurai Archers. Standard set-up for us: Archers protected by Yari Samurai and No-dachi Samurai wait up on a hilltop while cavalry archers harass the enemy.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqWsH_slI/AAAAAAAABLo/oSeCTXNhx8E/s800/kuva061.jpg

Cavalry is doing a great job: The WM are down to just eleven men even before they get within our archer's range.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqWjyKDiI/AAAAAAAABLs/-jxB1K5OvuY/s800/kuva062.jpg

A clean victory
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqW8ACp7I/AAAAAAAABLw/XnDqdwStF4A/s800/kuva063.jpg

Summer
We start building a Legendary Tea House(Shinobis +1 honor) in Kai, a Swordsmith(all units from the province get +1 attack) in Aki. We also go to war with Oda by attacking Owari and Mino.

Attack on Mino
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXHLXCiI/AAAAAAAABL0/LpOndu9Xnyg/s800/kuva064.jpg

Stupidly the enemy sets-up behind a ridge. We seize the opporunity and rush the top before the enemy, and the our No-dachi shine in the resulting melee against enemy Warrior Monks(see the pile of bodies on the left)
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXJ9s9II/AAAAAAAABL4/pQY8G0yLLlU/s800/kuva065.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXTaA-vI/AAAAAAAABL8/bD3MYuJP-Gs/s800/kuva066.jpg

Attack on Owari
Owari is a province with two bridges. We send a small force of Yari Samurai protected by archers over the other bridge. When the enemy reacts to them they pull back and our main force crosses unopposed using the other one. When the enemy again reverses the whole "feint force" comes across and the enemy gets sandwiched.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXXl5TRI/AAAAAAAABMA/2AWDIMlioeI/s800/kuva067.jpg

On the home front Gestapo is doing its job
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXiecrtI/AAAAAAAABME/715RkhI4sKQ/s800/kuva068.jpg

[Fincuan]

Autumn
We start building a Famous Horse Dojo(Heavy Cavalry baby!) in Shinano, a Famous Archery Dojo in Totomi(a good province to produce archers), a Famous Armoury(+2 defense) to Aki and a Swordsmith(+1 attack) to Hitachi. We attack Echizen and the enemy pulls out without a fight. We also defend Mino as the forces in the castle try to break out with outside help. Mori is also spying on us... I plan to weaken Oda just a little bit more, then try to negotiate an alliance and attack Mori.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqYqLfQDI/AAAAAAAABMU/GU1Aoil1Y3M/s800/kuva072.jpg

Mino defense
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqXqeIWXI/AAAAAAAABMI/7WKdsb1BJ3c/s800/kuva069.jpg

We set-up on the same ridge as the enemy did, except on a wider front. The enemy tries to come down right down the middle, and even though we're a bit light on archers they get crushed. Our YS have to fight against Warrior Monks and one Yari Cavlary gets caught up in the melee and those units take heavy casualties. Other than that it's a clean affair.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqX4u7wKI/AAAAAAAABMM/ed6iMGa_uZc/s800/kuva070.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqYCC8kFI/AAAAAAAABMQ/FSwG2D4Rv68/s800/kuva071.jpg

Winter
We build an Infamous Ninja House(Ninjas +1 honor) in Kai. We also attack Wakasa and the enemy retreats without a fight.

[Fincuan]

1540
Spring
A period of consolidation and counter-insurgency. Our Shinobi's are spread around the recentlry conquered provinces in order to prevent rebellions, and we also lower taxes a notch.

Summer
We build a Tranquil Garden in Kaga(to be able to build a Buddhist temple and train Monks) and a Famous Armoury to Shinano. We also send our emissary to Oda's territory. In the west Mori attacks Shimazu. Excellent!

Autumn
Another emissary goes to find Lord Shimazy an propose an alliance. We start building a Legendary Armoury in Aki, a Citadel in Kai, Legendary Farmland in Mutsu, Musashi and Kozuke and a Castle in Wakasa(in order to build a port there).

Winter
We start building a Large Castle to Kaga and a Famous Spear Dojo to Hitachi.

1541
Spring
We start building a port in Wakasa. Our emissary finally finds Lord Oda, but somehow I feel the negotiations didn't go very well:http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZNRGKeI/AAAAAAAABMk/XfWBK5uYO_0/s800/kuva075.jpg

Summer
We start building a Legendary Armoury in Shinano and a Famous Swordsmith in Aki. We also retaliate against Oda by attacking Omi and sending a bunch of Shinobis to their western provinces in order to start rebellions there.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZRMdPkI/AAAAAAAABMo/JO12O68NRnY/s800/kuva076.jpg

Attack on Omi
The enemy hides in two forests a few hundred meters apart.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZqMbqII/AAAAAAAABMw/qcSlcnSHTwQ/s800/kuva078.jpg

We circle above the other forest and attack from above, while CA and Heavy Cavalry keep the other force at bay(in the background)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZjSo8KI/AAAAAAAABM0/6Z0WXBfi5gQ/s800/kuva079.jpg

A bloody battle but a clear victory
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZ-LomFI/AAAAAAAABM4/dQNFqLRFwtc/s800/kuva080.jpg

Autumn
We start building a Legendary Farmland in Sagami and Superior Farmland in Dewa and Echigo. Our Shinobi-campaign immediately yields results:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqZ_ZEo6I/AAAAAAAABM8/ES_gCgQAK2E/s800/kuva081.jpg

Winter
We start building a Buddhist Temple in Kaga(Warrior Monks!) and a port in Hitachi.

1542
Spring
Oda quickly puts a stop to Imagawa's reappeareance:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqaojEoII/AAAAAAAABNI/H_epPa6TPhY/s800/kuva084.jpg
Our Shinobis have already moved on to other provinces and again we get immediate results:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqajVyqnI/AAAAAAAABNE/J4owKXN7o-4/s800/kuva083.jpg
In Aki we have a hellish loyality rating:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqau5DqKI/AAAAAAAABNA/2xvEGF9BEEE/s800/kuva082.jpg

Summer
We attack Yamashiro with feints towards Tamba and Iga. Surprisingly Oda immediately pulls out of two of the three provinces and only fights for Iga. We start building a Geisha-house in Kai. Meanwhile the Shinobi-campaign goes on. I wouldn't want to be Oda at the moment:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSqazs7V7I/AAAAAAAABNM/OEbSCijf0W4/s800/kuva085.jpg

Attack on Iga
This was supposed to be a feint, but given the weak enemy forces we decide to go ahead with the attack
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsRoOmXpI/AAAAAAAABNU/BxVRjbqfo6g/s800/kuva086.jpg

A bunch of Yari Samuri hidden in a forest. Our Cavalry Archers go to work while the main force starts marching
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsR4vJ7nI/AAAAAAAABNc/ZsQZQNo_6oA/s800/kuva088.jpg

Our Yari Cavalry finds an unprotected unit of Samurai Archers behind the forest. The archers try to flee into the forest but aren't quite fast enough.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsSDlvz2I/AAAAAAAABNk/SA4_By6F0Rs/s800/kuva090.jpg

A unit of Warrior Monks is spotted and taken under fire:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsSPjNKfI/AAAAAAAABNo/jYiZTJ8V1OU/s800/kuva091.jpg

The WM are quickly routed by the constant archer fire, and they take the rest of the enemy with them. Our cavalry goes to work and keeps the enemy's speed up
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsSaNSbDI/AAAAAAAABNs/svsJAXeYchw/s800/kuva092.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsSREJ9ZI/AAAAAAAABNw/itmL2LCoq58/s800/kuva093.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsS4n3I0I/AAAAAAAABN0/9olNtv69PXs/s800/kuva094.jpg

Oda's daimyo gets killed because he didn't fight and we cut his retreat route by taking Yamashiro. How stupid is that? Since he has no heirs the clan is eliminated:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsTEpyyMI/AAAAAAAABN8/VxdaVFynHv8/s800/kuva096.jpg

As we take the Emperor's home province, Yamashiro, we also receive an expected message:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsSz0xiUI/AAAAAAAABN4/5PL2L6Xxfx8/s800/kuva095.jpg

Autumn
We start building a Swordsmith in Shinano and a Mine Complex in Aki.

Winter
Moving forces around for next year's offensives. The men in pyjamas start moving towards Mori's territories:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsTNDbmfI/AAAAAAAABOE/zZKmHf5shMM/s800/kuva098.jpg

[Takeda Shingen]

Hehehehe. 'Men in pajamas'.

[Falkirion]

Fin can we get a complete map overview before the next AAR? Really enjoying the campaign.

[Fincuan]

Sure, I'll post one later tonight. I'll actually try to include one to each winter's post in the future because my area will soon start expanding very rapidly.

[Fincuan]

The campaign map overview will have to wait for a bit as I forgot I was a few years ahead of this thread in the game. I'll post one as soon as I continue playing, but now I need to bring this thread up to date :)

1543
Spring
The Buddhist Temple in Kaga is ready, so we immediately start training Warrior Monks at full bore. We secured another temple when we took Yamashiro, so we'll also dedicate that province for monk training. On the home front we start building a Swordsmith in Kaga. We also attack the rebel held province of Ise, and our good friend Lord Mori sends some of his forces to help. Judging by troop movements Mori is battling Shimazu in one of the nearby provinces, so it's almost time to show what kind of allies we are. If our emissary, who's been traveling all over Shimazu areas for the past few years, only managed to find the lord himself!

Attack on Ise
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsTh0vAZI/AAAAAAAABOI/39xG0SYI--k/s800/kuva099.jpg

The enemy sets up on top of a small rise and sends one unit of archers to the front. A separated unit of archers + cavalry boring down on them == massacre. Mori sent only a bunch of archers and maybe one Yari Ashigaru, ie. nothing very useful. We wait for them to advance and take the majority of enemy arrows before proceeding ourselves.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsTgRJTRI/AAAAAAAABOM/Rkw23kZuuBk/s800/kuva100.jpg

Ah the brave Mori...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsTiVeQSI/AAAAAAAABOQ/4Csef84OtEc/s800/kuva101.jpg

A clear victory with most of the enemy forces taken out
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsT1PoAkI/AAAAAAAABOU/lmrsECccJEs/s800/kuva102.jpg

Summer
Our emissary finally finds Lord Shimazu, who agrees to ally with us. We immediately start shuffling around our forces a bit for a major assault on Mori. Mori is in his turn having rebel problems thanks to our Shinobis.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsT4Ql52I/AAAAAAAABOY/m0VNU7HpTuU/s800/kuva103.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsUE1O4gI/AAAAAAAABOc/W3k7m_gzqxc/s800/kuva104.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsULB-OxI/AAAAAAAABOg/TOGS84eYf8U/s800/kuva105.jpg

[Fincuan]

Autumn
The time for the great offensive has come! We drop taxes to low and start rolling. We attack Tajima, Harima, Kawachi, Yamato, Kii, and Iwami. The last province is north of Aki in the west and not visible on the following map. Shimazu sends small forces to help with some of the provinces. Mori gives up Harima, Kii and Iwami without a fight but wants to fight for the rest.

Here's a general overview of the main combat area, with our attacking forces already in place:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsUQ8PyqI/AAAAAAAABOk/wfyVNR0ClNE/s800/kuva106.jpg

Attack on Kawachi
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsUolNqXI/AAAAAAAABOo/KE33R5rP__s/s800/kuva107.jpg

A bridge province with the already standard(and very poor) set-up by the AI. I rush some cavalry across with minimal casualties
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSsVJzec-I/AAAAAAAABO0/VAzFdQoGc3U/s800/kuva110.jpg

Cavalry starts flanking while other forces cross the bridge
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyRthjnsI/AAAAAAAABPI/0c4d0CkySAQ/s800/kuva111.jpg

Afte a bit of a melee at the bridge the enemy routs, but our cavalry chases them relentlessly.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyR3qcVwI/AAAAAAAABPM/u6az2hOqWVU/s800/kuva112.jpg

Attack on Tajima
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyR5Yq1AI/AAAAAAAABPQ/y-HcIq6zOog/s800/kuva113.jpg

The enemy smartly sets up in a forest, noticing our lack of melee-infantry. We march behind them and take the downhill advantage. Fighting infantry goes into the forest, archers and cavalry harass the enemy from outside it.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSySESDzrI/AAAAAAAABPU/BjdHbRzQNN4/s800/kuva114.jpg

Again we destroy the enemy almost to the last man.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSySJQSBqI/AAAAAAAABPY/8oUCnE8JMZI/s800/kuva115.jpg

Attack on Yamato
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSySW3FSPI/AAAAAAAABPc/NtjFv8LxByg/s800/kuva116.jpg

Lots of forest in this map, and the enemy takes advantage of this by hiding his forces here and there. Here our forces are taking care of a lone unit of YS
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyS0s0LuI/AAAAAAAABPg/qtXqnr25VGg/s800/kuva117.jpg

We soon locate the main enemy forces and set up a perimeter behind them, while infantry goes to flush them out.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyTYz4iGI/AAAAAAAABPk/zE9znYLiooc/s800/kuva118.jpg

A massacre
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GHuMVhWWQPc/TDSyTljjZgI/AAAAAAAABPo/zW06sLOP1r8/s800/kuva119.jpg

Winter
We start building a Swordsmith in Yamashiro, a Famous Swordsmith in Shinano and a Mine Complex in Kai.

[Fincuan]

I was just about to finish this before starting up with Medieval II, but guess what... Yep, Shogun doesn't work with my new hardware :damn:

Any ideas on what to do if it's stuck in 800x600 strategic map and 640x480 battlemap with a flickering menu screen? I have already tried setting everything to "Application controlled" and running it in compatibility mode, to no avail.

[Arclight]

Try "disable desktop composition" on the compatibility tab, and possibly "disable visual themes".

(you know, right-click game's .exe > properties > compat. tab)

[Fincuan]

Thanks, but it didn't help.

[Arclight]

Bah. :(

Maybe try windowed mode.
http://www.technologyvault.co.uk/geforce/faqframe.php?display=faq&faqnr=80&catnr=3&prog=gef&lang=en&layout=def