Basic Ikko Startup? Ikko Monk in-depth look.

[Darklion74]

Ikko Monk Trees look like this, and it looks like their main power is unrest starting at 3 stars, and a choice afterwards to convert provinces or demoralize armies.



With ten points to move around, not including random retainers. A good basic one for unrest and province conversion would be as such.

2 Stars = Inspire+1, Militant +1 (Agitator unlocked, Religious Adviser unlocked)
3 Stars = Agitator +2
4 Stars = Agitator +1, +1 Worldly (Persuader Unlocked)
5 Stars = Persuader +2
6 Stars = Persuader +1, Religious Adviser +1

Gives you +4 Incite, +3 Province Conversion, + 4 Character Conversion, and other miscellaneous bonuses.

For Unrest and Demoralizing Armies, here are your options

2 Stars = Inspire + 1 Militant +1
3 Stars = Agitator +2
4 Stars = Agitator +1, +1 Pilgrim
5 Stars = Religious Advisor + 1, Pacifist +1
6 Stars = Pacifist +2

Gives you +4 Incite, +4 Demoralize, +1 Char Conversion and other miscellaneous bonuses.

A chi based one looks limited (giving 18% chi, +2 Province Conversion if you select scripture). You really need to have province conversion, and it may be tough/expensive to advance in this direction, with retainers for province conversion to be effective. Chi advancement for Ikko-Ikki is more limited so this may be semi-viable to those in such a vein of thought.

This brings up a question. Is there any reason to start fighting with Ikko-Ikki during 1545 at all? From what it looks like, Ikko must advance VERY slowly in order to not offend too many people or grow out of control too quickly before their religion has a chance to catch up. Is it possible to build a temple in Echizen just to get a second monk out before demolishing it and setting that up as your main archery province?

Senjikousai Katana (Loan Sword) Ashigaru look like the only worthwhile ashigaru to have on the field when looking at the other ikko units. The other units are 25% larger, but look like they'll rout if the enemy looks at them funny. I know spears are needed to counter cavalry, but it looks like yari ronin can do that fairly well (maybe have them defend at the flanks). Bow ronin look good and with Echizen able to increase their accuracy, possibly even deadly.

Two monks, maybe three, will be needed I think to start things off. And it'll be slow going demoralizing at one star, but inciting, though expensive, looks like it'll be the best way to level them to a point where demoralizing an army becomes a faintly viable option.

[Condottiere 40K]

Having just finished an IKIK campaign, the monks are best used to instigate rebellions, and eventually consolidate the faithful. Building IKIK sanctuaries ensures that the religion infiltrates neighbouring regions, and can spark off revolts on it's own.

So yes, max out on agitator.

Since a successful rebellion grants you a sub-stack, it's quite possible you don't have to do much recruiting in your home provinces except for elite units.

[Janne]

This brings up a question. Is there any reason to start fighting with Ikko-Ikki during 1545 at all? From what it looks like, Ikko must advance VERY slowly in order to not offend too many people or grow out of control too quickly before their religion has a chance to catch up. Is it possible to build a temple in Echizen just to get a second monk out before demolishing it and setting that up as your main archery province?

Senjikousai Katana (Loan Sword) Ashigaru look like the only worthwhile ashigaru to have on the field when looking at the other ikko units. The other units are 25% larger, but look like they'll rout if the enemy looks at them funny. I know spears are needed to counter cavalry, but it looks like yari ronin can do that fairly well (maybe have them defend at the flanks). Bow ronin look good and with Echizen able to increase their accuracy, possibly even deadly.

You're right -- use loan swords instead of yari ashigaru for your line, they have dirt cheap upkeep and are pretty effective vs yari. Ikko yari ashigaru are still fine vs cavalry, however yari ronin have a really low upkeep for such a good unit. Don't forget bow monks recruited from echizen, they are incredible.