The Misguided Warrior - Kokujun Gamo of Clan Shimatzu AAR

[NexusSix]

A man with deep far-sightedness will survey both the beginning and the end of a situation and continually consider its every facet as important.
Takeda Shingen (1521-1573)​

Many things could be said. The poets and chroniclers speak of his fertility, his envy , his ruthlessness and his honour. The historians speak of his dynasty and power.
My family fate has been intertwined with his from the beginning and like my father and his father it has been our job to chronicle Clan Gamo's rise.
I will tell you the truth of a man who defied the Shogun.
I will tell you the truth of a man who was both honourable and an akuma.
I will tell you the truth of a man who rose from nothing.

I will tell you truth of Gamo Nobyokiyo.

No matter whether a person belongs to the upper or lower ranks, if he has not put his life on the line at least once he has cause for shame.
Nabeshima Naoshige (1538-1618)


My lord's story begins in 1467. The Kokujin of the province of Kuwahara in Kuni of Osumi. Kuwahara and Gamo Nobyokiyo were part of the Shimazu clan led by the elderly Shimazu Tadakuni.
My lord was a loyal Kokujin and spent his time building his province and following the Bushido way.
His loyalty however waived and Gamo Nobyokiyo changed forever in 1471. Following a routine collection of taxes the forces under the control of our Master of Ceremonies were met with resistance by some of the local villagers. The soldiers under his command killed a man for refusing to hand over his money.
Little did he know the man killed was a wandering monk spreading the Buddhist message to my lord’s people.
Following this the man's Buddhist followers rose up against my lords men.

My Lord Gamo Nobyokiyo was rather embarrassed as he held no retinue and could not fight away the 500 Buddhists’ holding his castle to ransom. Although he knew it a slight on his honour my lord sent message to his Clan Leader asking for some help against this uprising. No help was sent. Left with little choice my lord donned his Samurai armour and led a charge from the gates followed by 250 of his elite body guard.
The footmen under my lord Gamo Nobyokiyo were outnumbered and eventually beaten back. Only a handfull of the men returned home with the Buddhists capturing my lords Master of Arms. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo refused to be dishonoured further by paying for the man's life and watched coldly as the Buddhists be-headed Gamo Harasuke.
Gamo Nobyokiyo prepared himself for another assault and the possibility of a long siege.

My lord awoke on the 14th of August 1471 to see a songbird fly from the open window and land at the foot of his bed. The bird sang freely before flying back from the window it had came. Gamo Nobyokio considered this bird as he stepped from the room to see the siege was still in place. However a mighty army had formed behind the siege and the banners of Daimyo's Shimazu Suehisa and Hongo Mochihisa blazed above them. The Buddhists’ broke as the Daimyo's forces struck them. Kuwahara had been saved and as had Gamo Nobyokio's honour.
It was rumoured that my Lord spent half of his treasury honouring his saviours and guests that night.
It is also rumoured that he swore an oath to support Daimyo Shimazu Suehisa and turn his back on his Clan Leader Shumazu Tadakuni who had not lifted a finger to help.

Many men feel that they should act according to the time or the moment they are facing, and thus are in confusion when something goes beyond this and some difficulty arises.
Shiba Yoshimasa (1350-14)

Shimazu Akiyasu was the elderly Shimazu Takakuni's favourite son. The youngest of two he followed the code of Bushido to the letter and was the modal samurai. He was named the heir to the Shimazu Clan and seemed to have a bright future. In 1473 there was an incident at the Shimazu court where the Clan leader's favourite poet was found dead in his room. An enquiry was launched by the Master of the Guard and all of the clues lead to Shimazu Akiyasu. Bought before his clan he was tried for the murder and despite being found guilty Shimazu Akiyasu argued his innocence. Left with no other options his father requested that he commit seppuku. It is rumoured that all of the cherry blossom in the Kuni fell to the ground as Shimazu Takakuni delivered the fatal blow to end his younger son's life. Shimazu Takakuni was said to have wept for an entire month following the death of his younger son. He did not grieve his death however. He grieved because his only other heir was his cowardly older son Shimazu Tachuhisa, who was currently a hostage of clan Kikuchi.

It is rumored that it was the death of Shimazu Akiyasu that sent Shimazu Takakuni into a period of melancholy. He finally could stand it no longer and took his own life in June 1474, his elder son Shimazu Tachuhisa taking on the mantle of Clan Leader. Shimazu Tachuhisa named his uncle the Diamyo Shimazu Suehisa as his heir as he did not have a son of his own.
It is at this point that my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo showed his ruthless nature. It was sometimes whispered that members of the Ninja clan Wada had been seen in his company in the months prior to the dishonour of Shumazu Akiyasu. The only person who had dared to say this publically had been killed on the spot by my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo for daring to question his honour. During the ceremony to accept Shumazu Akiyasu as Clan Leader my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo humbley asked that his son Gamo Hajime be alllowed the honour of marrying Shimazu Tachuhisa's daugher Shimazu Kiku. The clan leader accepted and the noble gesture sealed the trust between Clan Leader Shimazu Tachuhisa and Kokujin Gamo Nobukiyo.
However the naive Shimazu Tachuhisa did not realise my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo had an agenda of his own and that in reality he supported Tachuhisa's uncle's claim for the title of Clan Leader.
He also did not see my lord Gamo Nobukiyo's hand in the death of his brother or the significance of the marriage as the blood rights to Clan Shimazu that it potentially held.

 

[NexusSix]

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”

Japan had been in turmoil for nearly 20 years but in Kyushu there had been a virtual peace kept in place by the pact between the Shimazu and Kukuchi. The traditional pact relied heavily on the constant exchange of hostages to ensure that they would not attack one another. If Clan Shimazu and Clan Kukuchi went to war it was acknowledged that the victor would inevitably take control of Kyushu.
Some said Clan Kukuchi was like a serpent, coiling ready to strike. But the only serpent ready to strike was my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo.
In 1478 Shimazu Suehisa tragically died. His titles were inherited by his Eldest son, Shimazu Fujisuke. In many histories my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo was blamed in part for the death of his Daiymo. I can tell you this is a lie. My Lord Gamo Nobokiyo loved Shimazu Suehisa and stood by his funeral pyre in resolute mourning until his ashes had gone cold. For two days and two nights my lord kept his vigil as he had lost both his closest ally and some would say friend. My lord Gamo Nobukiyo swore to remember his friend and protect Shimazu Suehisa's legacy.

In May 1478 Clan Shimazu came together to celebrate the birthday of its leader Shimazu Tacuhisa. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo showered gifts on him as did the other Kokujin. During the evening's celebrations a servant spilt wine on my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo's robes. My Lord demanded immediate satisfaction from his clan leader and wanted the clumsy servant imprisoned for slighting his honor. Caught between a kokujin and a servant Shimazu Tacuhisa naively sided with his servant. Out raged my lord Gamo Nobukiyo left the celebrations and returned to Kuwahara.
Whatever Shimazu Tacuhisa was being cruel or as his reputation would suggest in fact fair and just is unknown. However upon returning my lord flew into a rage like we had never seen. He vowed that evening that he would have justice!
On June 24th 1479 Shimazu Tacuhisa was found dead in his bedroom. The Clan Shimazu doctors pronounced that he had died within a dream that night. I know better.
My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo once again used his nefarious contacts within Clan Wada. Like ghosts the ninja's crept into the sleeping Shimazu Tacuhisa's bed chamber and sliped a vial of poison onto his lips. The source of the poison known only to clan Wada slipped into Shimazu Tacuhisa's body and left him cold as death in minutes. Like death itself, the ninja silently slipped from Shimazu Tacuhisa's room. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo smiled as he heard the news. Not only was Shimazu Tacuhisa dead and justice served. But his liege the Daimyo Shimazu Fujisuke now sat as head of Clan Shimazu.

 

[Blxz]

Nice little start. First AAR I have read with someone playing a smaller character. The HUGE bold text is a bit distracting at times. Would you consider future updates to use smaller italics quotes or perhaps a different colour?

Otherwise, looking forward to your evil little plots!

 

[unmerged(378904)]

I really like this style and i think this AAR is showing us a new way , i curios to see the future of the clan.

 

[GShock]

Lovely, carry on!

 

[MickastheGreat]

Can't wait for more

 

[NexusSix]

Next update should come tomorrow, will delete / edit this post to put it here.
Have also updated using my reserved post from earlier.

I use the bold quotes as chapter breaks, iam never sure if the bit im playing at the moment is going to move completely away from what just happened or stick on plot. So will either edit the above post or move on to another "sub chapter" in the next update.


Thanks for following

 

[Cybvep]

I like your style.

What is your cunning plan?

 

[NexusSix]

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” (continued )



Clan Shimazu had become somewhat tumultuous following the death of Shimazu Tacuhisa. Clan leader Shumazu Fujisuke was both a cowardly and wroth full leader. He would make a poor decision and hide behind the might of his Samurai. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo thought it was time to strengthen his position external of Clan Shimazu, he was forming an idea to plot against his Clan leader to form his own clan however support was not really forth coming. The new Daiymo Hongo Harumune was busy trying to settle his own Kuni while the Kokujin Kimotsuki Kanetsura was a contented old fool ! The other Shimazu Daiymo Tadakuni was a mere boy and still tied to his uncles wet nurses. My Lord decided to seek marriage arrangements with the new Daiymo Hongo Harumune and the neighbouring Clan Kikuchni. The Clan Leader himself gave my lord a daughter with Gamo Nobukiyo in turn passing one to Hungo Harumune's eldest son.

By 1485 the peace which had reigned for almost two decades in Kyushu was broken suddenly. A dispute over boarders between Clan Shoni and Clan Kikuchi boiled over into all out warfare. Clan Otomo stayed out of the way but Clan Shimazu thought about mobilising forces against the Kikuchi. Using stolen Clan Kikuchi banners and equipment Shimazu Fujisuke requested that Samurai from Kuwahara and ones loyal to Hongo Harumune enter Kikuchi territory and perform surveillance missions on Kikuchi military numbers in their southern territories. Clan Leader Shimazu Fujisake promised my lord and Daiymo Hongo Harumune a very large fee of money for the use of thier samurai so even my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo could not refuse this request.

The Samurai numbering around 20 under direct Shimazu command entered Kikuchi territory late in 1485. The Samurai were not seen or heard of again. There was panic in Clan Shimazu, did the Kikuchi know that they were Shimazu forces ? Could the two clans be on a verge of war ?
Thankfully for Clan Shimazu the Kikuchi simply assumed they were Shoni spies and all blame was put towards Clan Shoni.
My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo wrote a letter to his Clan Leader asking for the money as promised. He had lost a number of good Samurai on that mission and had almost sent his eldest son who had just turned of age ! The letter my lord received back was both craven and dishonourable !! Shimazu Fujisake swore that he had not made any agreement with either Kokujin Gamo Nobukiyo or Daiymo Hongo Harumune. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo had taken all he could stomach from his Shimazu leader and contacted Kikuchi Shigetomo directly to inform him of this dishonour. Unknown to Shimazu Fujisake, Kikuchi Shigetomo held My Lord in very high regard following the betrothal agreement. Of course the mysterious Clan Wada Ninja also ensured that the report given to Kikuchi Shigetomo was ultimately damning !! Kikuchi Shigetomo sent word to Clan Shimazu that the hostage agreement between the two was the only thing preventing war and told Fujisuke Shimazu of his great dishonour.
The following day an envoy from Daiymo Hongo Harumune arrived in Kuwahara. The Daiymo sought an immediate audience with my Lord. Upon reaching the Daiymo's castle Hongo Harumune cut straight to the chase. He was disappointed and dishonoured to be serving the Shimazu and was prepared to strike out alone with his two Kokujin. Before he thought of leaving he wanted to extend the invite to Gamo Nobukiyo as the Clans had been close ever since the siege of Kuwhara. My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo accepted the invite to this plot.

Hongo Harumune waited until January 1st 1487 before he formally declared the existence of Clan Hongo. He split from Clan Shimazu taking three Kokujin with him, my lord being one of those. He had seriously undermined the power of Clan Shimazu and he prepared himself for the formal declaration of war.
The once quiet region of Kyushu was about to be torn apart !

 

[Blxz]

Nice, now you need to break away from the Hongo. This is a good little AAR.

 

[Cybvep]

Nice! It's good to see that new clans are being formed in the game.

 

[NexusSix]

If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains. - Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

The War of Ascension 1487- 1493
Part One : Flight to Kuma​

With the formal declaration of war between Clan Shimazu and the newly formed Clan Hongo my Lord Gamo Nobokiyo was requested to move his retinue to the nearby neutral Clan Kikuchi Kuni of Kuma. My lord knew full well that his castle would be safe behind its well developed defences and defenders. His more pressing dilemma was moving his retinue and sons out of the Kuni before they were ambushed by Shimazu forces. Daiymo Hongo Harume's plan was for all the troops loyal to him to meet in Kuma and plan an offensive into northern Shimazu territory. Although it left a lot of land defenceless Daiymo Hongo gambled on the fact that a full blown siege would be easier to break from the outside with massed forces than tackled in small chunks.

My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo rode out from Kuwahara with his sons and 750 men in early February 1487. They had travelled for almost a month when they were met on the river Forde by a equally strong Shimazu force. My son chronicled that my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo's first born Gamo Tokitaka strode amongst his men the sun glinting from his samurai armour. Gamo Tokitaka was my lord’s master at arms and an excellent swordsman; he wore on his helmet the visage of a demon. It was said that in battle Gamo Tokitaka was possessed by his rage and wroth as the demon of war over took his soul and steered him through combat. Rumours aside the truth be known that Gamo Tokitaka was a fearless warrior who through sheer rage alone could fight though any amount of fatigue.
Gamo Tokitaka strode out confidently toward the Shimazu forces until the mighty river was rushing about his shins, he screamed forth a challenge for the Shimazu to send their finest Samurai and he the heir of Gamo Nobukiyo would cut him down where he stood. A Shimazu samuari answered his challenge and the two warriors faced off in the middle of the river both shin deep.
On that day in Kuwahara Gamo Tokitaka stuck the first blow against my lords former masters. The pair spared for close to twenty minutes, the water and hot son causing much fatigue. The Shimazu samurai landed the first blow cutting deeply into Gamo Tokitaka's left arm. Tokitaka screamed in rage and ignoring the wound bought his left hand back to his katana and landed a two handed blow with so much force that it cut the Shimazu Samurai from shoulder to belly. The Shimazu samurai stood for a moment swaying in the waters current until he pitched over face first into the river. Gamo Tokitaka shouted in victory but his shouts were drowned out by the charge of the Gamo forces as they raced across the river to engage the Shimazu Samurai. With the sun beginning to set the Shimazu forces left the field beaten. My lords forces cheered for Clan Hongo, they cheered for Kokujin Gamo Nobukiyo but most of all they cheered for their champion, Gamo Tokitaka.

Following the victory at the river my lord’s forces pressed on, the Clan Shimazu forces however were relentless. Rather than stop and lick their wounds two small groups joined together to once again harass my lords forces as they tried to escape. The Shimazu forces greatly outnumbered our own and it was thought that this could be the end. My Lords third son, Gamo Hajime ordered myself and my sons to a nearby hill so we could at least chronicle the end of House Gamo. It looked grim and it was somewhat surreal as my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo showed a odd sense of compassion as he walked the line of his forces and bowed to each. My lord looked like a man prepared for death. The Shimazu forces created a crescent around our forces and their archers stepped forwards. My Lord drew his Katana, "I am Gamo Nobukiyo. You can not kill me" His samurai answered with a low hum which resonated into a fierce battle cry. The Clan Shimazu forces answered by launching a volly of arrows into the air so thick that for a moment a shadow began to form across the battle field.
If I had not seen the next action with my own eyes I would have not believed it to be true. In the presence of god and with my reputation as a historian in question I can swear by all that is holy the account given is the truth.
The arrows fell in a swath and my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo cut through them with his sword as if they were rain drops. He and his samurai charged forwards thier sheer momentum surprising the Shimazu forces who were cut down where they stood or as they fled. It was a shock to all when my lord removed his helmet and repeated his battle cry at the broken Shimazu forces.
"I am Gamo Nobukiyo. You can not kill me !"

 

[Palmyrene]

Vey enjoyable - I like how you bring the battle information (the arrow-cutter) to life. Good keeping the suspense going...will our clan's leaders escape? Will our clan even survive at all!

More please

 

[unmerged(15561)]

A lovely style indeed.

 

[NexusSix]

Thanks for the kind words people :wub:
I am working on an update as we speak..... this is one very interesting ( and hard game !)
But I am finding this AAR very rewarding, makes me happy to see people are getting equal enjoyment from my game

 

[NexusSix]

If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains. - Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

The War of Ascension 1487- 1493
Part Two: The Serpent Coils
​

​

​

It was perhaps a surprise to us all when we finally reached Kuma. We met up with the forces of Kokujin Tsuchimochi Takeshige who had been stationed there for the last few months. Also a vassal of Daiymo Hongo Harume he celebrated our arrival and the forecasted victory for Clan Hongo. My lord was feeling quite relieved and perhaps let his guard down, regardless following much sake and feasting Kokujin Tsuchimochi Takeshige and Gamo Nobukiyo had arranged a betrothal between the two families. Gamo Fusatsuna, the youngest of my lords son' would marry Tsuchimochi Takeshige's only daughter Tschimochi Fuyo when she came of age.

Following the celebrations the two armies waited for Hongo Harume to join them so they could take this war to Clan Shimazu !
The next year was one that My Lord and especially his first born Gamo Tokitaka could not stand. 1487 came and went as did a large part of 1488. Clan Shimazu forces had beaten Hongo Harume's forces at battles in Kuwahara and twice in Clan Hongo's home province of Murakata. During this entire debacle Gamo Nobokiyo's forces had been stationed in Kuma....waiting...
My lords son's set to squabbling. Along with my lords youngest Gamo Fuasatsuma (a firebrand in his brothers image) Gamo Tokitaka complained that they should be engaging Clan Shimazu in the field not waiting here to be ambushed like cowards. The argument came to a head when Gamo Tokitaka proclaimed cowering in Kuma was a slight on his honor and he would commit seppuku in protest. Luckily not all of my Lords sons were so angry and the steady minds of Gamo Hajime and Gamo Akitsugu persuaded their elder brother to stay his sword and use it in the battle that was surely coming.
However, it had been noted.... it had been a whole year and Castle Murakata had been under siege from Clan Shimazu forces for the best part of six months !

In late March 1488, just over a year from when Gamo forces escaped from Kuwahara my Lord's clan Wada ninja ally reported worrying news from the court of Hongo Harume. It seemed although my lord (although we would not dare mention it!!) had picked the wrong ally in Hongo Harume. Where his father had been strong and intelligent Hongo Harume had wasted all of his money on wagers and sake leaving Clan Hongo crippled by bancrupcy. Hongo Harume no longer could afford the levies and rather than have the dishonour of losing, he disbanded them in an attempt to re-stabilise his economy. My lord Gamo Nobukiyo nodded his head solomely at the news and requested the presence of his four sons. The Gamo forces had been away from Kuwahara for a year and had been living on the hospitality Clan Kikuchi. My lord and his son's locked themselves away for three days until they emerged tiered yet resolute. Our destiny it seemed had been decided.

We were all held in suspense, although we had been used to waiting in the last year while the Gamo inner circle planned their action. Although I had always been privy to my Lords inner thoughts as his historian and chronicler he even kept me in the dark and it crossed my mind that perhaps the entirety of the male side of Gamo would commit Seppuku !! I quickly struck this from my mind when I remembered everything we had endured under the Shimazu and how my lord had been wishing for a war for most of his life. My Lord sent two of his sons, Hajime and Akitsugu, away on a secret mission. The brothers, nicknamed "the Thinkers" by their other siblings were far more adapt at diplomacy and intrigue than their warlord kin.
We waited for 3 months until the brothers returned, tired yet safe. The next move was conducted openly as I remember Hajime bowing before his father and telling him of his mission. I remember it so clearly because Gamo Nobukiyo's last proclamation sent a chill down my spine.
"My Lord, father, Kokujin Tsuchimochi Takeshige declines your offer" Gamo Nobukiyo nodded thoughtfully, as if he had not expected this news.
"Tokitaka and Akitsugu, you will lead our forces home to Kuwahara. Hajime and Fusatsuna.. we ride to speak with Hongo Harume. Historian.... you will come to......"

 

[NexusSix]

If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains. - Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

The War of Ascension 1487- 1493
Part Three: The Serpent Strikes​

We rode hard to the council of Clan leader Hongo Harume. I remember it was hard to keep up with the Gamo nobles, My Lord Gamo Nobukiyo and his sons rode as if thier mounts had become Tengu. After almost a week of solid travel we arrived at the makeshift court of Hongo Harume in easten Kuma. Although Kuma was part of Clan Kikuchi , they had allowed Hongo Harume to use it as a base of operations in the war against Clan Shimazu. Daiymo Hongo Harume met us himself refereeing to my lord as his "honoured brother" we were allowed a hot bath and rooms for the night in preparation for the mornings war council.
I was woken by Gamo Fusatsuna the next morning, he informed me it was of great importance that I document his father, my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo's words exactly in the meeting with Daiymo Harume. I was given a brand new kimono of the finest silk presented as a present from my lord himself ! Eagerly I dressed and met my master and his sons in the main audience hall of Hongo Harume. They were dressed in their Samurai armour helmets held beneath their arms. I knelt on the floor, my chronicle book in front of me brush in hand as I waited eagerly for my Lord to speak.
Gamo Nobukiyo stepped forwards and bowed his head slightly out of respect "My honoured brother Daiymo Hongo Harume..." he cleared his throat before continuing " It is with great regret, yet with great honour I must remove myself and my forces from this war with Clan Shimazu."
Hongo Harume sat un-moving, taking in my lords words.
"From this day on, August 1 1488 will be remembered as a great day. For it is the day, that Kokujin Gamo Nobukiyo ceased to exist...." I swallowed hard, perhaps audibly hard as Gamo Futsusana stared at me with venom as if I had dared interrupt his father. However the thought that Gamo Nobukiyo was going to commit seppuku right here was more frightening than reprisal from his youngest son ! I trembled waiting for Gamo Nobukiyo to draw his sword and sink to his knees, but the moment did not happen. Instead my Lord continued his sentence.
" I shall now be known as, Gamo Nobukiyo. Leader of Clan Gamo."
he bowed again waiting for a response from Hongo Harume. Daiymo Hongo Harume sat in his makeshift seat and visibly began to tremble with rage. He rose and spoke.
"Honoured brother, Kokujin Gamo Nobukiyo. You arrived here my friend and brother. If you decide to go ahead with this plan you will leave my enemy. I will give you one week, and we shall be at war !"
"So be it Daiymo" was my lords response as he and his sons bowed and prepared to leave. I had to gather my things hastily as under his honour Hongo Harume had given us a week to return to Kuwahara. As we rode hastily home I realised the implications of what had just happened. We had split away, we were on our own. We were now Clan Gamo.

 

[NexusSix]

If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains. - Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

The War of Ascension 1487- 1493
Part Four: A Clan Rise's as a Patriach Falls

As we returned to Kuwahara for the first time in over a year my lord Gamo Nobukiyo wasted little time in preparing his forces. A detachment of forces loyal to Hongo Harume had tracked us the entire way and we had little more than a week to prepare. With foresight on our side however Gamo Nobukiyo's son's Tokitaka and Akitsugu had already raised and prepared our levy troops. As Daiymo Hongo Harume's forces reached Kuwahara the clan Gamo forces outnumbered their foe 3 - 1. They were met in the field of battle and obliterated by the forces led by my masters first born, Gamo Tokitaka.

Now Clan Gamo had a bigger picture to look at.
The first obvious threat was Clan Hongo. With the Clan Hongo forces returning home defeated my lord knew it was only a matter of months before the forces of Clan Hongo re-grouped and returned to put down what they saw as an uprising. Despite the dislike of Clan Shimazu and the threat to his lands from them, to Daiymo Hongo Harume my Lords defection was a far greater dis-honour and insult.

A wedge in the centre of Shimazu territory we were viewed as easy pickings and as soon as business with Clan Hongo was complete the obvious target would be us. There was no love lost between Clan Gamo and Clan Shimazu however a previous betrothal still kept a thread of respect alive.

To the North Clan Kikuchi was waging a war on two fronts vs Clan Otomo and Clan Shoni. Although otherwise engaged they were still the most dominant force in Kyushu. However Kikuchi Shigamoto and Gamo Nobukiyo were quite friendly, my lords son Gamo Tokitaka being married to Kikuchi Shigamoto's daughter. Clan Kikuchi could also offer another outlet to my Lord however this was hopefully not going to have to be an option.

My Lord set about doing what he had always done and solidify his place. He arranged marriages with two of the local Shimazu Kokujin. He gave a daughter to Kokujin Togo Shigtada and Kokujin Ijuin Mashuhisa's second daughter became Gamo Tokitaka's second wife. Following these diplomatic moves my Lord sent his armies north into Kikuchi territory once again, but this time they had orders to continue on into Northern Hongo territory. Clan Gamo had un-finished business in the North, as Usuki was the land held by Tsuchimochi Takeshige. As he refused to join earlier , Gamo Nobukiyo had decided to make an example of him and force him to join Clan Gamo through force !

My Lord's forces reached Usuki six months later in May of 1489. Daiymo Hongo Harume was still massing his levies so the forces begun the siege without any opposition. My Lord's forces settled in for the duration as this was set to be a long game of cat and mouse with the Clan Hongo defenders.
The seige lasted for four years. As Clan Gamo's position grew stronger the strength of its leader started to decline. Gamo Nobukiyo began to fall ill and when he finally began to move from what many thought was his death bed he was decrepit and needed the aid of a walking stick. My Lords son Gamo Akitsugu returned to Kuwahara to aid his father with Tokitaka taking command of the army with the aid of his brother Hajime.
It was said that the length of the siege and a painful agreement with Clan Kikuchi which saw Gamo Fusatsuna becoming their hostage led to my lords downfall. However the news of his namesake grandson revived him enough to at least eat and move around a little.

Finally in January of 1493 Gamo Tokitaka sent word from Uksuki that the koni had fallen under Clan Gamo's control ! In the time that had passed Clan Kikuchi had all but conquered Clan Shoni and Clan Shimazu had pushed North into Hongo territory leaving only Daiymo Hongo Harume's home province in Clan Hongo control.
I was by now an old man well into my 45th winter, my Lord Gamo Nobukiyo was in his 50th winter with each month passing being a blessing from god as his life was surely coming to an end. Although my lord was still in charge of Clan Gamo, his heir and first born Gamo Tokitaka was running things. We had seen that Gamo Tokitaka was a wroth full warrior, however his leadership skills were yet to be seen. We were somewhat fearful of the future as the man had the potential of a tyrant. With my Lord borrowing time tensions once again flared between his sons. We became weary of a power struggle begining to develop. Could the son's keep Clan Gamo together? Or would the aging and frail Gamo Nobukiyo rise again to display the tenacity and strength that put him in this situation one last time?
With the remaining forces of Clan Hongo fleeing the Clan Shimazu forces my lord once again turned his eye toward the Ninja clan Wada and his old Clan Shimazu oppressors!!

 

[Blxz]

Nice going although was it a mistake to take land so far away from you and disconnected to your heartland? Spite may have made you more vulnerable to the Shimazu.

 

[NexusSix]

Nice going although was it a mistake to take land so far away from you and disconnected to your heartland? Spite may have made you more vulnerable to the Shimazu.

Unfortunately due to a really heavy real life work load I am not going to be able to get home to update until tomorrow (Wednesday) night. You are right in someways though spite might have cost me very heavily. ( I blame all the wroth / ruthless / envy traits in the Gamo line !!! )
I do have a contingency plan, (I will not spell it out but I hinted to it in the AAR) that is IF it works and IF i need it, however will have to wait and see