Ikkō-ikki Faction

The Faithful Rebellion

“The sword of the samurai is not the only path. The people rise, bound not by blood, but by belief.”

Rather than being a set clan with a leader are instead free people fighting for the right to live under a government where nobility doesn't give you power

• The Ikkō-ikki were leagues of commoners, monks, peasants, merchants, and very few samurai united by Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, particularly the teachings of Rennyo.
• They rejected samurai authority, believing that all people were equal in the eyes of Buddha.
• They were armed and militant, especially when samurai lords threatened their autonomy or faith.
• Fiercely opposed by warlords like Oda Nobunaga, who considered them a major threat to feudal control.

Faction Traits

• Core Belief: “Salvation through faith, not bloodlines.”
• Structure: Loosely organized communes, spiritual leaders guiding the masses, but no single central ruler.
• Symbol: A stylized lotus blossom with a sword through it (peace and readiness to fight)

Strongholds & Settlements

• The Ikkō-ikki fortified temples, villages, and mountain monasteries.
• Their most famous stronghold was Ishiyama Hongan-ji, a massive fortified temple that resisted Oda Nobunaga for 10 years.

Tactics & Style of Warfare

• Guerilla warfare: ambushes, traps, and overwhelming numbers of lightly trained but devout militia.
• Divine magic + sheer numbers often overwhelmed elite samurai troops.
• Civilian support: the Ikkō-ikki had strong grassroots backing, making it hard to isolate or uproot them.

How PCs Might Interact with the Ikkō-ikki

Allies:

• PCs are sent to protect an Ikkō-ikki monastery from invasion.
• A dying monk entrusts the party with a divine relic they must protect.
• The players help negotiate peace between the Ikkō-ikki and a regional lord.

Enemies:

• PCs hired by a warlord to crush a rebellious Ikkō-ikki stronghold.
• The Ikkō-ikki demand relics or land the PCs are sworn to defend.
• Radical sects within the movement become violent, endangering innocents.

Leaders & Champions (NPC Ideas)

1. High Priestess Rennya – A retired noble turned radiant cleric of peace, wielding Spirit Guardians and rallying speeches.
2. Brother Raizo – A former samurai turned monk, who fights for the people with fists and fury (Monk 6 / Paladin 3).
3. Old Arata – A blind prophet who guides his commune using divination and rituals from ancient texts.