Description
The Ikko Ikki, the "single-minded league", are inspired by their faith, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the "true pure land", a sect founded by the monk and philosopher Shinran. Unlike other Buddhist monks, Shinran married and many of his descendants have been the high abbots, or monshu, of the sect since. Rennyo, the most influential and persuasive of the high abbots, led his sect to Echizen after the Jodo Shinshu temple in Omi province was destroyed as a nest of heretics by Tendai monks. Despite this setback, Rennyo has made Echizen and Kaga provinces into strongholds of his faith. While largely a movement of peasants, inspired by a vision of paradise to create that paradise on earth, the Ikko Ikki are not without military skills. Members of the Shimozuma clan have acted as advisors and commanders for the Ikko Ikki. Shimozuma Rensu was, for example, a staunch supporter of the movement, and a military advisor to Rennyo. Rennyo professed a belief in non-violent action, but not in being defenceless. This explains why the Ikko Ikki can recruit superior warrior monks, and large, relatively cheap ashigaru units. The monks spread the faith; the people believe. The Ikko Ikki also rely on their appeal with the common people to spread the word and dissent in other lands. This makes them a threat to the established order of the great clans and their lords. A religious republic offers many attractions to the downtrodden, but not to the already mighty. Wherever they turn, the Ikko Ikki are likely to be opposed by the clans, and welcomed by the people, assuming the word is spread carefully first…
Clan Traits
- Can recruit superior warrior monks
- Generals can convert provinces to the Ikko faith
- Can recruit large units of ashigaru, weak but with high morale
- Cannot recruit metsuke