Tokugawa Clan

Tokugawa Clan

The Tokugawa clan was one of the most important samurai families in Japanese history. Though relatively minor at the start of the Sengoku period, they rose to power through a mix of loyalty, calculated alliances, military strategy, and political brilliance. Their rise culminated in Tokugawa Ieyasu becoming shogun in 1603, establishing the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years.

• Alignment: Lawful Neutral (order, hierarchy, long-term vision)
• Homeland: Mikawa Province (coastal and fertile; excellent for trade and logistics)
• Faction Symbol: Triple hollyhock crest perhaps the Seal of the Eternal Grove.
• Faction Motto: "Endure today, rule tomorrow"

Faction Assets (D&D Mechanics & Flavor)

Military Forces

• Well-trained, disciplined infantry and castle garrisons.
• Defensive experts, with bonuses when fighting on home terrain or behind fortifications.
• Prefers fortified engagements and field battles only when terrain favors them.

Bureaucracy and Order

• The clan maintains detailed census records, taxation systems, and regional law codes.
• Villages under their protection are stable and relatively prosperous. This makes them attractive to neutral towns or minor clans looking for a protector.

Espionage & Intelligence

• Spymasters like Hattori Hanzo ensure the Tokugawa know their enemies before a sword is ever drawn.
• May operate secret monastic orders or shadow networks.

Allies

• Oda Clan - Useful ally... but maybe to smart to fully trust them

Rivals

• Takeda Clan – aggressive cavalry, opposed Tokugawa early
• Ishida Mitsunari – main rival in final civil war (Sekigahara equivalent)
• Ikkō-ikki Cultists – religious rebels who opposed centralized rule (think zealot cults in the Underdark)