What is the best shogun clan to go republic as?

[fws2468]

As the title says, I'd like to know what's the best shogun clan to go republic as and why. No imperial clans for me this time because I recently completed Saga. Thanks.

[Elitewolf]

I suspect either Nagaoke or Obama (increased income) or the Jozai (since they can replenish in enemy territory, allowing you to expand faster)

But honestly, the shogunate clans are a lot harder. If you're going republic imperial clans are sure to be easier. Alternatively, you could go as a shogunate clan of choice and abandon your home province and just sail to the island either to the far north or south and establish a safe base there and then expand to the mainland.

[Omegazxi]

Just remember that the Imperial and the Shogunate will still fight each other after you become a republic so try not to get directly in between the two if you can.

[Prnn]

Nagaoka.

The increased firing rate and cheaper guns means they will be mowing down enemies with impunity.
The first half of the game will be difficult, but once you get your guard there will be no stopping you.

[Lazarus]

I actually think Aizu is the best for going republic. They've got so many special units, you wont ever need to build Shogunate infantry, so none of your army will disappear when you decide that you're the best candidate for unquestionable ruler of all Japan.

[fws2468]

Thanks all for the interesting points and it's really a hard choice for me because Nagaoka and Jozai have such cool traits. I can't play Obama because I got the retail store version, and I sure don't want to abandon my home province because I'll already be starting near Edo. It's great to hear the shogun and imperial clans will still fight each other after I become a republic, so I'll be able to add more confusion and carnage as a renegade state.

@Lazarus, Aizu is an interesting option, but it also means only its castle discount trait is useful after full modernisation, which can be delayed but not prevented. I believe regular line infantry will not be disbanded after going republic, so they should do until I get elite republican units.

[Steam Engenius]

The problem with going republic with the Aizu is that you would lose your shinsengumi, since they are loyal to the shogunate.

[Gaizokubanou]

Aizu have vermillion bird infantry though, and they are pretty awesome with morale boosting aura and all.