1

2
Contents
How To Use This Supplement 5

The Samurai 9

The Takeda 13

The Shinobi 17

The Oda 21

The Ikko Ikki 25

The Hojo 29

The Chosokabe 33

The Ronin 37

The Sohei 41

Joseon 45

Old Friends, New Enemies 49

Yohei 50

The Battle Boards 55

3
1281… The Mongols, under the great Kublai Khan, invade japan
for the second time, the already weakened nation is forced to again repel
the invasion.
Japan is left vulnerable and the Kamakura Shogunate begins to fall apart,
new powers begin to rise in Japan.
Samurai warlords amass power and raise armies of thousands of men, an
age of turmoil and war begins.

…1615 Countless warlords have risen to dominance to carry out

great campaigns and conquer Japan, and an untold number of Japanese
samurai and ashigaru have fought and died in their wars.
Religious zealots clash in religious conflicts between rival monasteries and
sects, bringing further disarray to the Daimyos’ territories.
Ronin and bandits roam Japan in search of wealth. Towns and villages are
sacked and burned.
Welcome to the chaos of Japan’s wars fought by legendary heroes and
warriors, welcome to the…
Age of Samurai 4
 How To Use This
Supplement
Age of Samurai is a fanmade saga supplement dedicated to the
battles and campaigns of the samurai. It is a translation of the
Kurpfalz-Feldherren Zen Saga rules.

In this era of war, where samurai daimyos and monks raise armies
to fight glorious battles, clans from across Japan’s territories fight
for control and to ensure their line as the next shogunate. The
accomplishments of heroes such as Oda Nobunaga, Takeda
Shingen, and Fujibayashi Nagato cement their names in history,
bringing eternal glory to their clans.

The Factions
This Saga Universe presents 10 different factions. Each of
these factions provides the following information:

● The dice of that faction

● Some lose historical context
● The faction rules, detailing the equipment available
to your troops and the faction’s special rules.
● A summary table of your faction’s units which takes
into account any changes to their characteristics
caused by different equipment options.
● The factions Legendary units, most of these are
Heroes, whose characteristics and special rules are
presented in a chart.
● A wise lesson from Shinza, our guide in the Age of
Samurai, whose expertise will provide insight into a
faction and explain frequent questions about Battle
Board abilities.

The Factions of this Universe have been designed to offer

mostly balanced and interesting games, even if they don’t
always have historically accurate protagonists. Saga is a
game where imagination in key, so if you wish to send
your fanatical Ikko Ikki across the sea to fight the armies
of the Joseon dynasty, Age of Samurai, lets you do it!

However this supplement has not been designed for

games against other saga universes, but it might not have
great internal balance in the first place.

5
The Legendary Units available to each faction are
there to offer your warband a different gaming
experience, and to fulfill our desires to see these
heroic characters on the battlefield. Their rules
were created for the fun of playing them and may
add additional imbalance to the game, these units
may only be used with your opponent’s consent.
New Equipment
Age of Samurai also offers new equipment options
to represent the weaponry of soldiers of the era.
Sashimono, War Banners, and the legendary
weapons like the Katana are a found across many
factions in this universe.
Yohei
Yohei are the mercenaries of the Age of Samurai.
They have a dedicated chapter in this universe
which describes the several types available to
various factions.
The Battle Boards
This book has 10 printable Battle Boards to
represent the tactics and warfare of the many
factions. Each faction must use their own battle
board, it would be inappropriate to play the
Takeda with the Ronin battle board!
The advanced abilities of the battle board are
further explained in each factions chapter by the
knowledgeable Shinza. But most of the factions’
basic Saga abilities share a common structure.
● The basic activation abilities - of which there
are often three - allow you to activate the
different types of troops within your army.
When triggering this ability you may activate a
unit belonging to one of the unit types listed by
the ability.
● The activation pool, which lets you increase how
many inactive saga dice you have available. To
do this, simply trigger it during the orders
phase and take 2 available saga dice, roll them
and add them to your available saga dice.
● The combat bonus, which can give you an attack
or defense die during a shooting or melee. It is
a cheap and easy to use ability.
The abilities which appear above the factions name are
basic abilities, while those below are advanced
abilities.
Each faction has a specific set of saga dice,
unfortunately you will not be able to purchase any dice
which display these symbols. So if you would rather
use standard d6s over making your own dice the
following chart will be helpful.
1-2-3 4-5 6
Samurai Dice
6
Korean Dice
 New Equipment
Katanas
Katanas were the sword of choice for the
samurai, they were long single bladed swords.
Katanas have no special rules but many saga
abilities will require them to be used.
Yari
The Yari was a type of spear used by the
samurai and ashigaru. This piece of equipment
has no special rules but some battle board
abilities will require them.
Naginata
Naginata was a type of polearm with a long
blade attached to a wooden shaft, These
weapons could deal devastating blows and
repel attacks with ease.
Naginata reduce the figure’s armour by 1 in
melee. When charging a figure armed with
Naginata gains +1 to hit on his attack dice rolls.
At the beginning of a melee in which naginata
armed models are the defender, they may not
close ranks, instead, a unit armed with
Naginata may discard any number of attack
dice. For every 2 discarded gain an additional
bonus defense die.
Teppo
Teppo were the matchlocks used in japan, they
were wielded by samurai and ashigaru alike
and were very deadly.
Teppos may only be fired once per turn and
have a range of L when shooting. A unit armed
with Teppo reduce their armour against
shooting and melee by 1. When the defender
suffers wounds from the Teppo, the first
casualty is ignored and instead the enemy unit
suffers a fatigue.
Throwing Weapons
These rules represent the throwing knives and
shurikens used in Japan.
A unit armed with throwing weapons reduce
their armour in melee by 1.
Once during each of its owners turns, when a
unit armed with throwing weapons is activated
to move, before or after resolving that
activation, the unit may be activated for a free
shooting attack which generates no fatigue.
Throwing weapons have a range of M.
7
War Banners
Though sashimono were popular, not all
groups used them at the time, instead
electing to raise more traditional banners and
flags in battle.

War banners follow the usual war banner

rules with the following exception, armies
man not include a warbanner unless
otherwise specified.

If an army has the option to take sashimono

but not a War Banner then any banner in
their army will be purely for aesthetic
purposes.

Sashimono
Sashimono were a type of Japanese war
banner used by samurai and ashigaru. These
banners often bore symbols of their clan or
phrases and words associated with them.
Sashimono were attached to their backs so
that those wearing them could still use both
hands to fight.

Any number of Warlord, Hearthguard, Levy,

and Warrior units in your army may be
equipped with sashimono, to represent this
some or all of the figures in these units
should have sashimono modeled on their
figure.

At the start of each of your Activation phases

you may select one unit, and only one, armed
with Sashimono. The selected unit may
discard 1 fatigue. Once the first activation is
resolved this ability may no longer be
triggered.

A unit armed with sashimono generates one

less attack die than usual when generating an
attack pool in melee or in shooting.

Neither Legendary units or Mercenaries can

have sashimono unless otherwise specified.

8
The
SAMURAI
This faction represents various smaller
Samurai clans, perhaps even those lost to
history.

9
T he Samurai were renowned fighters and
rightfully so, their skill in swordsmanship and
mounted archery were unparalleled. Armed
with Katanas and clad in Karuta, the Samurai
made for an imposing presence on the
battlefield. Yet it was not only their skill with
a Katana that made them deadly but also their
skill with bow, from atop mighty steeds they
rained fire upon their enemies. Samurai were
trained in the Bushido philosophy, it was the
SAMURAI TROOPS
The Samurai clans fought for control over
Japan, wielding powerful armies made of the
skilled warriors and hired troops.
Your Warlord is a samurai general, possibly
even a shogun. Armed with a Katana and
often clad in Karuta armour, your Warlord
commands your legions of Samurai and
Ashigaru.
Samurai are represented by your
Hearthguard. The highest class of warrior in
Japan, whether afoot wielding deadly katanas
or on horse firing volleys of arrows at your
enemies, samurai are a dangerous presence
on the battlefield.
The Warriors and Levies in a Samurai
warband are your ashigaru, hired soldiers, or
lesser samurai who bolster the ranks of the
army. While not as well trained or equipped
as the samurai the ashigaru make up for this
in sheer numbers. Many of the Ashigaru fight
in close quarters with spears called Yari,
while others fire their longbows from a
distance. On the steadiness of the ground
these bowmen can fire more accurately at a
distance than even the great samurai.
way of the warrior and served as a moral code
for the samurai. The Samurai held a high
social status in Japan and made up a
significant portion of most armies in the
period. These mighty warriors did not go into
battle unsupported however, Samurai were
often accompanied by contingents of
Ashigaru, foot soldiers whom the daimyo
employed. Ashigaru commonly wielded bows
and Yari, a type of spear. Together the samurai
and ashigaru formed very effective armies.
FACTION RULES
Your Warlord has the option of being
equipped with heavy weapon, naginata, or on
horse with katana.
Your Hearthguard may be equipped with
katana, heavy weapon, naginata, yari, or
horse.
Warriors may be samurai equipped with
katana, heavy weapon, or yari. They may be
ashigaru with yari or teppo. Teppo units may
not exceed 8 figures and are limited to 2
units.
Levies are equipped with bows or yari.
10
SAMURAI UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Naginata 4(5) 8 Samurai

Warlord Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 Samurai

Horse, Katana 5(5) 8 Samurai, Mount:Horse

Katana 5(5) 2 Samurai

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 2 Samurai

Yari 5(5) 2 Samurai

Hearthguard
Naginata 4(5) 2 Samurai

Horse 5(4) 2 Samurai

Katana 4(4) 1 Samurai

Heavy Weapon 3(4) 1 Samurai

Warriors Yari 4(4) 1 -

Maximum 2 units of 8
Teppos 3(3) 1
figures

Bow 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Levies
Yari 4(4) 1/2 -

LEGENDARY UNIT
HATAMOTO

The Hatamoto were legendary samurai who fought in

service to the shogun, they served as guards and were
highly respected.
● Hamato are a legendary unit of 6 hearthguard
figures, they cost 2 points to recruit.
● Hamato have resilience, which may be used to cancel
hits caused by the Bodyguards rule.
● If your warlord is eliminated, the hatamoto are also
immediately eliminated, additionally Hatamoto
suffer fatigue at the start of your activation phase if
the warlord is not within M.
● May be armed with yari or katana, may be mounted
if warlord is.
● Hatamoto may never have their armour reduced
11
below 4.
The Samurai
as seen by Shinza
Shinza, tell us of the Samurai. Does way of the sword only
The Samurai are very skilled Have an effect when fighting
and honorable warriors. They cavalry?
are well equipped and supported Correct, if its a counter to cavalry
by units of Ashigaru to fill in the That you want then you will find yari
battleline.
equipped units with Way of The Spear
useful.
The Samurai battle board is flexible
and efficient, providing potent attacks
in combination with several activation Can the die I use to trigger Noble
abilities to mobilize your warband Lineage be rerolled?
even when low on resources. Several No, once you trigger the ability the die
abilities may only be used on Samurai becomes an available die and is no longer
or katana wielding troops, while others affected by the ability.
may only be used by the yari wielding
ashigaru. It may take time to master
Can fatigue be spent to reduce the
the vast array of unit and equipment
charge distance before Masters of
types open to the Samurai, but a
skilled general may employ them with Combat removes a fatigue?
terrifying effectiveness. No, the fatigue is removed from masters
of combat first, then if there is still a
How does Banzai work with the combat fatigue the movement can be shortened.
bonus?
Unlike most armies boards Banzai Ok, can Masters of Combat be used to
makes the combat bonus more activate an exhausted unit then?
desirable than in other factions, giving
No, the fatigue is removed during the
your Saga dice additional benefit by
charge activation before movement, a
increasing the number of attack dice
unit must be eligible to take activations
gained from it from 1 to 2 dice if you
trigger the combat bonus with a besides a rest in order to be targeted by
common or 3 dice instead of 2 if you this ability.
trigger it with a rare. This lets you
pummel your enemy while their Does Legendary Hero increase my
armour is low, even if you rolled a Resilience to a total of three or replace
handful of commons! the Warlord’s Resilience 1 with Resilience
2?
Can Forest of Pikes cause both units to
It replaces Resilience 1 with Resilience 2.
withdraw in an attack?
Your Warlord may be legendary, but he’s
No, when you trigger Yari you will not
not that good.
withdraw regardless of whether you
lose or not. The enemy will always
withdraw with the exception being that
they destroy your unit entirely.

12
The
TAKEDA
This faction represents the Takeda clan,
known for their skill on horse and their
deadly cavalry charges.

13
The Takeda clan came about in the 8th
century and rose to power over the Kai
province. Eventually the Takeda grew in
strength, becoming the rulers of several
territories. As the Takeda clan grew so did their
hunger for conquest, but it would centuries
before they earned their reputation for their
heavy usage of cavalry as shock troops.
In the 16th century Takeda Shingen inherited
the Takeda’s lands and lordship, and his
military tactics would change the course of
TAKEDA TROOPS
The Takeda clan relied heavily on their cavalry
and designed their military tactics around them,
with their their infantry being used to help
support the army by providing a much needed
anvil to the army.
Takeda Warlords rode to war atop mighty steeds,
though they prefered to stay back, commanding
and coordinating their troops across the battleline
they still possessed the skills necessary to mount
their own assault on their enemies.
Your Hearthguard represent your heroic samurai,
charging into battle with spear in hand to route
the enemy army. Seeking out the weak points in
the enemies line they use their steeds to quickly
reposition to gain the advantage.
The Warriors and Levies in your warband go to
battle on foot. Their spearmen act as your armies
anvil, holding the line as your cavalry charge
across the field, while the archers fire their
weapons to soften the enemy’s troops before your
samurai advance.
warfare in Japan. Before Shingen, the samurai
were primarily used on foot or as horse
archers, but Shingen chose to use his cavalry
instead as his vanguard, charging into the
enemy lines to crush them with the ferocity of
their impact. Shingen's revolutionary tactics
proved to be very effective and with it he led
several campaigns into neighboring provinces
to expand the Takeda’s control. In addition to
the cavalry their forces were comprised of units
of infantry used to support the cavalry’s
crushing advances.
FACTION RULES
Your Warlord is mounted with katana.
Hearthguards in a Takeda warband may be on
foot, mounted, or mounted with composite
bows. A maximum of 1 hearthguard unit of up to
6 figures may be equipped with ranged
weapons. At least 1 point must be spent on
hearthguard.
Warriors may be equipped with bows or yari.
Levies may be equipped with bows or yari.
14
TAKEDA UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Warlord Horse, Katana 5(4) 8 Samurai, Mount:Horse

Horse 5(4) 2 Samurai, Mount:Horse

Hearthguard
Horse, Composite 4(4) 2 Samurai, Mount:Horse
Bows

Bows 3(3) 1(½) -

Warriors
Yari 4(4) 1 -

Bows 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Levies
Yari 4(4) 1/2 -

LEGENDARY UNIT
TAKEDA SHINGEN
Takeda Shingen was lord of the Kai province in
the 16th century, he led several military
campaigns to conquer territory. Shingen
reorganized the Takeda forces around the use of
heavy cavalry charges. Shingen was a fearless
leader and his aggressive tactics led his armies
and the Takeda clan to glory.
Lead by Example
If Shingen begins your turn within S of an
enemy unit, you may reroll up to 3 saga
dice in your orders phase.
Battle Cry
At the start of your Activation Phase you
may elect to use Battle Cry, if you do your
we obey may be used up to three times but
the activated units must charge.

Legendary Unit

This is a Legendary warlord who replaces you

standard warlord for 1pt. They have the
following characteristics:

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

1 5(5) 8 Katana, Mount:

Horse, , Sashimono

Special Rules

Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience (1), HATAMOTO

We Obey
A Takeda warband may recruit a unit of
Counter Charge Hatamoto. Their rules may be found on
When an enemy unit charges a friendly unit within page 11. 15
M. At the beginning of the melee, your unit becomes
the attack and counts as having charged.
The Takeda
as seen by Shinza
What insights can you share
with us about the Takeda?
The Takeda is a strong clan,
their samurai are fierce and their
charges are quite dangerous. Their
enemies must be careful to stay out of
range of the Takeda’s cavalry charges,
lest a unit be caught out in the open and
crushed.
The Takeda board provides many
benefits for cavalry and charge
activations, with a few abilities to help
their infantry hold the line.
When should I trigger
Zanshin?
Because you remove the fatigue
as soon as you trigger the ability
you ideally want it to be your first ability
you trigger in the melee before your
opponent can spend it.
Can pursuit be used to activate a mounted
unit other than the one which triggers the
ability?
Yes, the activated unit does not have to be
the same one which triggers it.

Does Sento Nozu depend on how many

fatigues I currently have?
Can Kensei prevent fatigues inflicted at the
Yes, you may not choose to suffer more
end of the melee from Sento Nozu?
fatigues at the end of the melee than you
could take at the moment of triggering Yes, all fatigues which would be inflicted at
this ability. the end of the melee are not suffered,
including ones inflicted from other saga
Can I put two fatigues on one unit with abilities sharing that timing.
Silent as the Forest?
You cannot, they must be separate units.

When exactly does the defender suffer a

fatigue when I use as Scathing as Fire?
As soon as the first figure from your unit
contacts the enemies.

How does movement with Fast as the

Wind work?
You treat your friendly units as open
terrain and ignore them for all
movement purposes so long as your
figures final positions are legal and
maintain unit coherency.

Are the dice used by Arashi attack dice?

No, the dice rolled with the ability are
not attack dice and are simply used to
determine the number of hits inflicted
by the ability.
16
The
SHINOBI
This faction represents the clans who
practiced the arts of Ninjutsu and served
as mercenaries and assassins.

17
T he Shinobi clans of Japan were famous for
their expert abilities in the art of assisination
and guerilla warfare. They were often
recruited by other clans as mercenaries and
assassins. They made use of shurikens,
katanas, short bows, and above all their
training in Ninjutsu. The Shinobi were experts
in stealth and precision, appearing only long
enough to strike a decisive blow before
retreating back into the shadows. Their
techniques led to
SHINOBI TROOPS
The Shinobi clans worked to produce the finest
fighters in Japan, whether it was to develop
mercenaries or to make their own clan powerful.
Their techniques and skill at arms were renowned
throughout Japan, even those that thought their
techniques were dishonourable knew that they
were dangerously effective.
Each clan had their own leaders who were well
versed in their clans traditions and practices.
Often these were the ones who led their men into
battle, if they had not already surpassed their
fighting age.
Your Hearthguard and Warlord form your
Assassins, the most skilled and dangerous fighters
amongst the warband, masters of the techniques of
Ninjutsu and swordsmanship, wielding elegantly
crafted Katanas and throwing weapons.
The Warriors in you warband are of lesser skill,
having not yet mastered the abilities of their
Assassin brethren. Your warriors are nonetheless
deadly, especially when ambushing their enemies.
them being considered dishonorable by
Samurai and those that relied on more
standard methods, giving them a negative
reputation in Japan. It was not uncommon
for armies to be led against the Shinobi clans
to wipe them out. Though it was quite
unusual for the Shinobi clans to go to battle
on an open field it was these incursions into
their lands that led them to take up arms in
numbers in defense of their clan.
FACTION RULES
Your Warlord and Hearthguards are equipped with
Throwing weapons. Your Warlord is not subject to
the Pride rule.
Warriors have no equipment. Your warband may
not include more warrior models than
hearthguards. Warriors have the same restriction
on the usage of advanced saga abilities that
mercenary units would normally have. Warriors
are not deployed with your warband, instead after
all other units are deployed, place your warrior
units anywhere on the battlefield more than M
away from enemy units.
A Shinobi warband contains no Levies.
Units in a Shinobi warband may not be equipped
with Sashimono, but instead may take a War
Banner
In scenarios with attackers and defenders, a
Shinobi warband is always the attacker.
18
SHINOBI UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Warlord Throwing Weapons 4(5) 8(4) -

Hearthguards Katana, Throwing 5(4) 2(1) -

Weapons

- 4(4) 1 See previous page.

Warriors
Bow 3(3) 1(½) See previous page.

LEGENDARY UNIT Draw Them Out

FUJIBAYASHI NAGATO, LEADER OF THE IGA When an enemy unit activates within L of
Fujibayashi, you may elect to increase their
Fujibayashi Nagato was the leader of the Iga in the
16th century, he led the Iga as mercenaries fighting charge distance by M, if you do you may choose
for the Oomi, this made him an enemy of Oda
the target of their charge. This ability may only
Nobunaga who chose to send an army to destroy the
Iga clan. Fujibayashi was skillful combatant and be used once per turn.
leader.

Legendary Unit

Fujibayashi is a Legendary Warlord who replaces

your Warlord for 1 point. He has the following
characteristics:

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

2 5(4) 8(4) Katana, Throwing

Weapons

Special Rules

Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience (1),

We Obey

Swift
After Fujibayashi completes a melee he may
perform a movement activation which generates no
fatigues.

Iga
Friendly units within M of Fujibayashi do not suffer
the penalties of rough terrain.
19
The Shinobi
as seen by Shinza
Shinza, what can you tell us of
the Shinobi clans and their
tactics?
The Shinobi are deadly, they are
trained assassins, I hope you need
never encounter them. They use a variety of
weapons including katanas, short bows,
spears and shurikens.
The Shinobi battle board has an emphasis on
stealth and pouncing on isolated and
vulnerable units. Most abilities only work on
their elite Hearthguard and Warlord.
Where’s their levy activation, Shinza?
The Shinobi have no levy, replacing their
activation ability is “Oshin-Jutsu” a costly
melee ability only defenders may use. This
ability allows a unit that has no fatigue to
escape from combat, very good to avoid
unwanted engagements.
How should I use Ambush?
Ambush is a very cheap ability and is
especially good to use defensively in
response to an opponent's charge that
overextends from their battleline.
How does Blades In The Night work on my
Warlord?
Before you get ahead of yourself, No, this
ability does not increase your Warlord’s
resilience to 2. It is therefore best used on
Warriors or Hearthguards.
Houroku-Hiya is nasty.
Yes, yes it is. Remember that you round up
when figuring out how many dice are
discarded too.
Is there a limit to the number
of saga dice that Creeping
Shadows gives?
There is no limit, but remember
That you must have enough available
saga dice needed for the ability in order to
trigger it.
Does Moonless Night limit the length of
movement and range or does it just require
the defender to be within S at the beginning
of the activation?
It just requires the would-be defender to be
within S at the beginning of the activation, if
the defender unit was somehow moved
further away due to an Activation/Reaction
but was still within the maximum charge
distance or range the activation would still
proceed.
Does Creeping Shadows last through my
opponent’s turn too?
Unfortunately not, Creeping Shadows lasts
until the end of the Shinobi player’s turn.
Hold on a second, Finish Them can
automatically destroy a unit?
Yes, well an already weakened unit.
Remember that it happens after withdrawal,
this could matter for the purposes of
distributing fatigue on enemy units.
So how does Surrounded work?
Your removed units do not count as being
eliminated and instead are put right back on
the board as if you were deploying them, but
they may be placed anywhere on the board
so long as they are further than S from
enemy units.,
Can the movement distance of TaiJutsu be
reduced through normal means?
Yes, terrain or spending fatigues may still
reduce the units movement.
20
The
ODA
This faction represents the Oda clan
during their rise to power under the
leadership of Oda Nobunaga.

21
 The Oda clan was a fairly insignificant one Nobunaga’s leadership, as he aspired to unify
Japan. Nobunaga defeated several powerful
until the 16th century when Oda Nobunaga
clans including the Takeda in his campaigns.
rose to power within the clan. Despite several
Eventually Nobunaga was betrayed and he
opposing claims Nobunaga succeeded his
committed Seppuku, with the loss of their
father when he died. When the Imagawa clan
legendary leader the Oda clan again faded
went to war against Oda it was certain that
from power and fame, making way for other
the Imagawa clan would be victorious,
clans to take their place. But under
despite this Nobunaga mounted a valiant
Nobunaga the Oda clan had fought with
counter-attack and defeated the Imagawa
ferocity, overcoming great odds to become the
clan’s army. The Oda clan continued to grow
most powerful clan in Japan.
in power under

ODA TROOPS FACTION RULES

The Takeda clan troops were made up of Samurai Your Warlord is mounted with katana.
and Ashigaru, as most armies of the time were.
Nobunaga used clever tactics and positioning to Hearthguards in a Oda warband may be armed
prevail over his enemies in battle, even when with katana, with yari, or be mounted.
outnumbered.
Warriors may be equipped with Yari or Bows. You
may not have more bow armed units than warriors
Oda warlords, including Nobunaga himself, often
with yari.
fought on horseback with katanas or yari, making
sure to keep their troops in line and charging into Levies must be armed with Yari or Teppo.
battle when the time was right.

Your Hearthguard represent the Oda’s samurai

forces who made up a large portion of their army.
Under Nobunaga’s leadership the Oda’s samurai
proved to be viscous warriors, able to take on
forces well beyond their numbers.

The Warriors in an Oda warband are Ashigaru.

Whether they fight with bow or yari, when
properly used, they can devastated your enemy’s
units.

Your Levies are made up of less skilled fighters,

taking up muskets to support your other troops
while staying away from the combat, a skilled Oda
general would take good care to make sure they
don’t find their ranged units trapped in a melee.
22
ODA UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Warlord Horse, Katana 5(5) 8 Mount: Horse

Katana 5(5) 2 -

Hearthguard Yari 5(5) 2 -

Horse 5(4) 2 Mount: Horse

Yari 4(4) 1 -
Warriors
Bows 3(3) 1(½) -

Levies Teppo 3(3) ⅓(½) -

LEGENDARY UNIT Against All Odds

ODA NOBUNAGA
Oda Nobunaga led the Oda to greatness, it was his tactics
and aspirations that made him the first Great Unifier of
Japan. With the strength of his army he led several
campaigns across Japan and eventually ruled over most of
the land.
Legendary Unit
When a friendly unit within L is in a melee, if they
are outnumbered by their enemy they gain +2 attack
dic and +2 defense dice.
Cunning Ploy
After deployment you may remove a friendly
unit from the table and redeploy them in one of
your deployment zones or following the usual
restrictions.

This is a Legendary warlord who replaces you

standard warlord for 1pt. They have the following
characteristics:

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

2 5(5) 8 Katana, Mount:

Horse, ,
Sashimono

Special Rules

Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience

(1), We Obey

Great Conqueror
You may use common dice as if they were rares or
uncommons when using Great Expert Strategy and HATAMOTO
Call Of The Daimyo. An Oda warband may recruit a unit of Hatamoto.
23
Their rules may be found on page 11.
The Oda
as seen by Shinza
Shinza, what can you tell us
about the Oda clan?
At the peak of their power the
Oda were near unstoppable, with a
combination of clever strategies and troops
working in unison, the Oda can produce a
fearsome offense in battle.
The Oda board encourages grouping units
together for coordinated attacks and ploys.
Does the unit activated to shoot with
Supporting Fire need to be in range?
Yes, this ability only allows you to ignore
the line of sight restriction for figures in
the unit, this is helpful so that the figures
in your defending unit don’t block your
archers line of sight.
What if the selected yari unit is not in
range to be charged with Defensive
Formation?
Then the ability has no effect and the
attacker may charge its intended target.
If I activate my unit previously affected by
rapid reload to shoot again later in the turn
is it still subject to the condition of all hits
becoming casualties rather than inflicting a
fatigue?
No, the Teppo unit will shoot as normal
after their activation from Rapid Reload is
resolved
Do I get to place the inactive saga dice
granted by Expert Strategy?
Yes, the inactive dice may immediately be
placed on your battle board.
Does the bonus S from Tight
Formation apply only to a
movement activation or to the charge
as well?
The bonus S applies to the move or
charge granted by Tight Formation.
How exactly does Reinforcement fatigue
placement work?
You may place up to the number of fatigues
you removed on any enemy unit(s) within S
of any friendly unit(s) affected by this
ability. If the number of fatigues were 2, you
could place them both on a single enemy
unit within s of 1 of the friendly affected
units or spread them out across 2 enemy
units which are within S of either of the
friendly affected units.
Does Call of the Daimyo activate enemy
units within L of your warlord as well?
No, only friendly units are activated.
If I have more units that would count for
Taigun then I have available dice, what
happens?
The ability will have no effect. You must
have the right number of saga dice or more
in order to benefit from Taigun.
24
 IKKO IKKI
The

This faction represents the Ikko Ikki,

religious fanatics and followers of the
Jōdo Shinsū faith.

25
 The Ikko Ikki were made up of peasants,
priests, and the occasional samurai. They
were Buddhists who followed a peculiar set of
teachings called Jodo Shinshu. These
religious fanatics rebelled against their rulers
making them enemies of those in power, but
their growing numbers could overwhelm those
that opposed them. As the Jodo Shinshu
belief spread across Japan, so did the Ikko
Ikki power, from every village there would be
those to step up to join them in their
IKKO IKKI TROOPS
The Ikko Ikki’s armies were made up of a variety
of groups, coming from different backgrounds
and classes. Taking up arms together, peasants,
monks, and samurai took to the battlefield in
numbers to fight against their local oppressors.
An Ikko Ikki warlord may be either a priest or a
samurai. A priest warlord is a devout follower of
the Buddhist faith who leads bands of peasants
into battle, a samurai warlord has abandoned his
master and accepted Jodo Shinshu and leads
other like-minded samurai.
Your Hearthguard are samurai or religious
fanatics. These samurai are less well equipped
than those fighting for a powerful clan, but they
make up for this with their fighting spirit and the
protecting of their faith. Religious fanatics are the
most devoted fighters of the Ikko Ikki.
The Warriors in an Ikki Ikki warband have been
equipped for battle with ragged weapons, but
they prove their strength in battle.
Your Levies are made up of poorly trained
peasants and fight with makeshift spears and
looted Teppos.
rebellion, increasing their numbers and filling
the places of fallen warriors. By the 16th
century the Ikko Ikki had gained enough
influence in Japan to draw the attention of
many powerful individuals including Oda
Nobunaga, who set his sights on their
destruction. Eventually the Ikko Ikki could
not withstand the relentless incursions into
their territories and the might of the Oda’s
troops and their allies. Nobunaga defeated
them but their influence would remain.
FACTION RULES
A samurai Warlord may be equipped with
naginata, heavy weapon, or horse. You may take
hearthguard, and must take at least one unit of
hearthguard. You start the game with 0
fanaticism.
A War Priest Warlord may be armed with
naginata, heavy weapon, or yari. You may not
spend points on hearthguard. You start with 1
point of fanaticism.
Hearthguards may only be taken in an army
including a samurai warlord and may only have
up to half your points spent on them. They may
be armed with naginata, heavy weapon, or
mounted.
Warriors may be equipped with naginata or
teppos If a samurai is you warlord you may take
a unit Ashigaru warriors armed with bows or
teppos.
Levies may be armed with teppos or may have
no equipment. A maximum of 1 levy unit with
Teppos may be deployed.
Ikko Ikki units may not take Sashimono, but
instead may take a war banner.
26
IKKO IKKI UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Naginata 4(5) 8 Samurai Warlord

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 Samurai Warlord

Horse 5(4) 8 Samurai Warlord

Warlord
Naginata 4(5) 8 War Priest

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 War Priest

Yari 5(5) 8 War Priest

Naginata 3() 2 -

Hearthguard Teppos 3(3) 2 -

Horse 5(4) 2 Mount: Horse

Naginata 3(4) 1 -

Teppos 3(3) 1(½) -

Warriors
Bows 3(3) 1(½) Ashigaru

Teppos 3(3) 1(½) Ashigaru

Teppos 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Levies
- 4(4) ½ -

LEGENDARY UNIT
RENNYO
Rennyo was the leader of the Jodo Shinshu, his
leadership inspired people across Japan to convert to
Buddhism and rebel against their rulers.
Legendary Unit
Rennyo is a Legendary unit who replaces your Priest
Warlord for 1pt, he has the following additional rules:
Devoted
You begin the game with 4 fanaticism.
Out of Nothing
Your army may only include up to 1 non-hero,
non-levy unit.
Of The People
Reduce the cost of Fanatics to a single
common saga die.
Fanaticism
The Ikko Ikki battle board has a unique
mechanic called fanaticism. Fanaticism begins
the game at 0, unless you warlord is a Priest in
which case it will begin at 1. Fanaticism may
never be reduced below 0 or raised above 6. If
an effect would raise your fanaticism above 6
the excess points of fanaticism are discarded
Certain battle board abilities will be affected
your number of fanaticism or they may increase27
or decrease your fanaticism.
The Ikko Ikki
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us about the
rebellious Ikko Ikki?
The Ikko Ikki make use of
hoards of untrained peasants, they
rely purely on numbers, rather than
skill to win their battles.
Can Faith’s Protection be used
on a unit which has rested
previously in the turn?
Yes, Jodo does not impact a unit’s
ability to rest and resting does not stop a
unit from being affected by Jodo.

The Ikko Ikki board depends on large units
and even more importantly, management of
their Fanaticism to coordinate powerful
attacks. Failure to manage these elements
will ensure losses on the battlefield.
Can Rebellion increase my units attack dice?
Rebellion only affects the number of models
for the purposes of resolving advanced
abilities, it has no effect on the number of
attack dice the unit will generate in the
melee.
If I have less dice inactive saga dice than my
fanaticism -1 what happens?
Then you would gain no benefit, you must
have the exact number of inactive saga dice
or more in order to benefit from the ability.
Does Faith’s Protection allow me to reroll the
dice already rerolled from Redemption?
No, you may only reroll a die once.
If you trigger Battle Frenzy and your
opponent has less successful attack dice then
you have Fanaticism, what happens?
The ability would have no affect and no
attack dice would be rerolled.
Is Zealous Action free?
In a sense, while this ability costs no saga
dice to use it does cost a point of fanaticism.

With anger what happens if my fanaticism is

greater than my number of attack dice?
Then you may reroll as many of your attack
dice as you wish with the extra rerolls being
wasted as you cannot reroll a die more than
once.

What happens if I trigger Nembutsu and

have more units with 10+ figures than points
of fanaticism I can gain?
Any fanaticism point(s) granted that would
raise your fanaticism above 6 are discarded
immediately and your fanaticism becomes 6
instead.

28
The
HOJO
This faction represents the Hojo clan of
the 15th and 16th century, bearing the
mark of The Three Dragon Scales.

29
 The Hojo clan was first founded in the began to accumulate power. Though never
rising to become as influential as the earlier
12th century. During the mongol invasions
Hojo clan, they still held control throughout
the Hojo clan helped repel the foreign
several provinces. But eventually the Hojo
invaders. Despite not being part of the
clan again would falter, in the 16th century
Shogunate, the Hojo held the true power in
the Toyotomi clan began a campaign to
Japan. But in the 14th century rebels
eliminate the Hojo clan and remove them as
overthrew their rule and the Hojo clan came
a threat to their power. Pushed back to their
to an end, for a time. But the Hojo name was
strongest fortress, the Odawara Castle, the
not gone long, in the late 15th century a new
Hojo clan was besieged by Toyotomi
Hojo clan rose in Japan. Born from the ashes
Hideyoshi’s forces and defeated.
of their namesake, the Hojo clan again

HOJO TROOPS FACTION RULES

During the Hojo Clan’s rule they relied on their A Hojo Warlord is equipped with katana and
large armies and political intrigue to hold onto rides a horse.
their power for as long as they could. Though
Hearthguards in a Hojo Warband may be have
their forces composition was not particularly
katanas, yari, or horses.
unique, under the proper general they are
deadly.
Warriors are equipped with yari, teppos, or
bows.
Hojo Warlords use their power to force their
enemy’s hand, making them choose between
Levies may be armed with yari or teppos.
poor options. Though not often found in
combat, Hojo Warlords usually support their
army from the rear, issuing orders and rallying
their troops.

Your Hearthguard are samurai, esteemed

fighters of the highest class. These warriors set
an example for the lesser troops of the army.

The Warriors in a Hojo warband are hired

Ashigaru, following the Hearthguard into battle
these troops help fill the battle line and hold
your enemies at bay.

Your Levies are ranged troops, wielding bows

and muskets to wear down the enemy before
the troops crash together.

30
ODA UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Warlord Horse, Katana 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Horse 5(5) 2 Mount: Horse

Hearthguard Yari 5(5) 2 -

Katana 5(5) 2 -

Yari 4(4) 1 -

Warriors Bows 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Teppo 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Yari 4(4) 1 -
Levies
Teppo 3(3) ⅓(½) -

LEGENDARY UNITS Last Stand

HOJO UJINAO
Hojo Ujinao was the last Daimyo of the Hojo clan.
Ujinao led the defense of the clan’s territories as the
Toyotomi clan attempted to overtake the Hojo. Even
as his forces were pushed back by the invaders they
inflicted heavy losses on their attackers. Ujinao
valiantly commanded his armies even when faced
with certain defeat.
Legendary Unit
Heroic death becomes a basic saga ability. If
Ujinao is ever killed, his attacker
automatically suffers 2 casualties.
Defiance
If you resolve Turmoil of War with a rare,
you may choose which effect is utilized.
Last of His Line
When you use family honour you may place
any combination of 2 dice on the ability
instead of 2 commons.

This is a Legendary warlord who replaces you

standard warlord for 1pt. They have the
following characteristics: HATAMOTO

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

A Hojo warband may recruit a unit of Hatamoto.
Their rules may be found on page 11.
2 5(5) 8 Katana, Mount:
Horse

Special Rules

Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience (1), We

Obey

31
The Hojo
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us about the For Superior Tactics, does my
Hojo clan? opponent make their choice in
The Hojo are a tricky clan, they step 7, or is that just when they
focus on deceptive tactics to would become exhausted?
distract the enemy from their army’s Your opponent makes their choice at
advance. the time you trigger the ability, step 7 is just
when they become exhausted should they
The Hojo battle board has a focus on abilities choose that option.
that force your enemy to make tough choices
and punishing them for their decision.
Who chooses the direction and length the
figures in the unit are moved when affected
Does Enoshima count when abilities have
by Poor Leadership?
multiple saga dice on them and when an ability
The Oda player chooses.
takes multiple dice to trigger?
Yes, no matter where the dice are placed this
ability counts only the number of saga dice on If I have more units that fit Taigun’s
their board, not caring how these dice are used. restriction then dice available, what
happens?
Can my opponent choose which ability I remove The Ability would have no effect.
its die/dice from with Influence?
No, the Hojo player would choose what ability
to remove dice from, and this decision is made
after your opponent chooses which of the two
effects will occur.

Can I choose a basic saga ability, like their

warrior activation, on my opponent’s board to
block with Fortress?
Yes, in fact it can be one of Fortress’s best uses
if your opponent doesn’t have many advanced
activation abilities.

If more of my samurai were eliminated than

saga dice I have available when playing Heroic
Deaths, what happens?
Then no saga dice would be gained, you must
have the necessary amount of saga dice
required by the ability or more in order to
benefit from that portion of Heroic Deaths.

Am I required to tell my opponent which units I

would remove/place fatigue on before they
choose which effect I can resolve for The
Turmoil Of War?
No, your opponent must make their choice in
32
ignorance.
CHOSOKABE
The

This faction represents the Chosokabe

clan, whose samurai were masters in
the skills of archery.

33
 As one of the oldest clans in Japan, the Commanding legions of ashigaru as well as
samurai, Chosokabe generals make use of
Chosokabe descended from the first chinese
evasive tactics to keep their vulnerable units
emperor of the Qin Dynasty. With a proud
from harm and made sure to maneuver their
heritage the warriors of the Chosokabe clan
samurai into position for decisive offenses.
fought in numerous wars with rival clans and
Even as great clans rose to power in Japan the
they became well known for their mastery of
Chosokabe endured, maintaining hold over
archery. From the ground or on horseback the
their lands and territories until in the 17th
Samurai of the Chosokabe clan could fire
century when Chosokabe Morichika was
volleys of deadly arrows into their enemies.
captured and executed by the Shogunate and
Even in melee these samurai archers fought
the clan was removed from power.
with unparalleled strength and skill.

CHOSOKABE TROOPS FACTION RULES

The Chosokabe clan’s armies were primarily
composed of samurai, whose skills could be relied
on to break enemy lines with ease under the force
of a hail of arrows. Supporting these skilled
fighters marched the ashigaru, hired to reinforce
the Chosokabe armies.
Chosokabe Warlords coordinate their army’s
attack. Though a skilled warrior by themselves
these leaders of the Chosokabe armies prefer to
hang back away from the fight, supporting their
armies by issuing commands to troops across the
battlefield.
A Chosokabe Warlord is may be mounted or
on foot. If mounted they must have katana or
composite bow. If on foot they must have
heavy weapon, naginata, or bow.
Hearthguards in a Chosokabe warband may be
mounted or on foot. Mounted samurai may
have composite bows. On foot they must take
a katana, yari, heavy weapon, or bow.
Mounted hearthguard with composite bows
are limited to units with a maximum of 6
figures, hearthguard on foot with bows are
limited to units of a maximum of 8 figures.

Warriors are armed with yari.

Your Hearthguard are samurai, who are trained
as expert archers and cavalrymen. These bowmen
Levies may be armed with bow.
bring flexibility to your battle plans by allowing
you to target and kill units from afar with precise
shots.

The Warriors in a Chosokabe warband march to

battle on foot with spear in hand. Representing
your hired ashigaru, these soldiers give your
army much needed resilience and provide
support for your Samurai.

Your Levies are ranged troops, though not of the

quality of the mighty samurai these troops have
34
one advantage, sheer numbers.
CHOSOKABE UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Horse, Katana 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Horse, Composite Bow 4(4) 8(4) Mount: Horse

Warlord Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 -

Naginata 4(5) 8 -

Bow 4(4) 8(4) -

Horse, Composite Bow 4(5) 2(1) Mount: Horse

Horse 5(4) 2 Mount: Horse

Katana 5(5) 2 -
Hearthguard
Yari 5(5) 2 -

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 2 -

Bow 4(4) 2(1) -

Warriors Yari 4(4) 1 –

Levies Bows 3(3) ⅓(½) -

LEGENDARY UNIT
Bring Them Down
CHOSOKABE MORICHIKA
At the start of your activation phase you may select one
Chosokabe Morichika was the last ruler of the
enemy unit within L of your warlord, until the end of
Chosokabe clan, he was a skilled warrior and
the turn each time a friendly unit shoots or charges
fought in many battles. Morichika fought
that unit they generate 1 additional attack die.
heroically during the Japanese invasions of Korea
where he became well known for his military Recover
tactics. Each time Morichika rests, instead of
removing a fatigue you may select one friendly
This is a Legendary warlord who replaces you unit within M to remove a fatigue.
standard warlord for 1pt. They have the following
characteristics: Graceful in Defeat
When Morichika or another friendly unit
Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment within S of Morichika is eliminated, friendly
units do not suffer the usual fatigue.
2 5(5) 8 Katana, Mount:
Horse
HATAMOTO
Special Rules
A Chosokabe warband may recruit a unit of
Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience (1), We
Hatamoto. Their rules may be found on page 11. 35
Obey
The Chosokabe
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us about the
Chosokabe clan?
Explain Attrition please.
The Chosokabe are a mighty Attrition can make the enemy unit
force on the battlefield, their retreat after this shooting activation
samurai take aim with deadly is resolved so long as the enemy unit
precision and their evasive tactics make them
has lost a melee previously this game.
hard to pin down. Chosokabe cavalry can be very
quick yet their aim is not lessened from
horseback.

The Chosokabe battle board has a strong

emphasis on shooting and maneuverability.
Chosokabe hearthguard can also be surprisingly
tough in melee.

If I do not have 4 available saga dice when

triggering Long Tradition what happens?
No dice are rolled and the ability has no effect.

Does my unit activated by Kanteki have to shoot

at the enemy unit which triggered this ability?
It does not, your unit may target any enemy unit
they wish so long as they are within range and
line of sight.

So Honorable Lineage lets you choose whether

your opponent’s armour is increased or if your
own is decreased?
Yes.

Does the die removed from the combat bonus

trigger the Combat bonuses effect in addition to
the dice granted by Shikoku?
No, removing the die from the combat bonus
does not trigger the combat bonuses usual effect.

Does Way of The Bow last even through my

opponent’s next turn?
Yes, this is especially useful for Kanteki.

36
The
RONIN
This faction represents the Ronin,
masterless samurai leading bands of
outlaws and commonfolk.

37
 Ronin were samurai who outlived their consisted of thieves, bandits, and other ronin.
Though small, these warbands could carry
masters, instead of committing Seppuku they
out swift raids before disappearing back into
chose to make it on their own. Roaming the
the countryside. These men were not well
countryside of Japan, the ronin went in
equipped, but the skill of the ronin as warriors
search of work and new masters. Often ronin
and leaders made these forces effective
were hired to swell the ranks of armies but
skirmishers. Fearing uprising and raids,
when no battles were there to be fought, or no
Daimyos gathered armies to seek out these
coin to pay them, ronin often became
ronin’s forces and destroy them, but a
outlaws. Using their skills for their own gain
hundred men are swifter than a thousand and
they gathered war parties to riches for
these outlaws persisted still.
themselves. These bands of criminals

RONIN TROOPS FACTION RULES

The skirmishing forces led by ronin were diverse A Ronin Warlord may be mounted or equipped
groups made of samurai, farmers, and criminals. with heavy weapon, naginata, or bow.
The samurai who led these groups were
courageous leaders and inspired those they met Hearthguards in a Ronin warband may be
to join their cause and fight for their own benefit. mounted with or without composite bows. On
foot they may have naginata, bow, or heavy
Ronin Warlords are disgraced samurai who have weapon. Hearthguard units have a maximum
recruited their own followers in hopes of of 6 models.
amassing greater power without needing to
Warriors May be equipped with bow or horse.
answer to any other. Unlike many samurai
generals in large armies, these ronin fought and
Up to 1 unit of hearthguards or warriors, with
died side by side with their men.
a maximum of 8 models, may be armed with
Teppos.
Your Hearthguard are also ronin, whose skill and
training was invaluable to the warband. These
Levies have no equipment.
samurai helped train the less skilled fighters of
their group, teaching how to wield Yari and Yumi. A Ronin warband may recruit up to 2 units of
Veterans of war, the ronin are a ruthless soldiers. Ronin mercenaries.
A Ronin warband may not include sashimono,
The Warriors in a Ronin warband are bandits and but may include a War Banner.
farmers who have taken up with the ronin, they
fight with ragged weapons including mauls, clubs,
or even scythes.

Your Levies are the least trained of the army,

new recruits who have been armed with bows to
help from afar. Often hiding in rugged terrain or
forests, these small groups of archers pick off
38
enemies while samurai lead the way up close.
RONIN UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 -

Warlord
Naginata 4(5) 8 -

Bow 4(4) 8(4) -

Horse 5(4) 2(1) Mount: Horse

Horse, Composite Bow 5(4) 2(1) Mount: Horse

Naginata 4(5) 2 -
Hearthguard
Bow 4(4) 2(1) -

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 2 -

Teppos 3(3) 2(½) Limited

Bow 3(3) 1(½) -

Warriors Horse 4(3) 1 -

Teppos 3(3) 1(½) Limited

Levies - 4(4) 1/2 -

LEGENDARY WARBAND
THE FORTY-SEVEN RONIN - Your Warlord is replaced with
In 1701, Asano Takumi-no-Kami Naganori, the Daimyo of Oishi, who has the usual special
Ako, met with the emperor’s representatives at the Edo rules as a standard warlord but
Castle. The representatives were greedy, wishing for
loses We Obey.
greater gifts for their reception, Asano was angered and
- Every unit in your army gains
drew his dagger to kill the ungrateful servants of the
Determination and Pride.
Emperor. But Asano only wounded them, and he was
sentenced to death. His loyal samurai became ronin and
- If you eliminate the enemy
they vowed vengeance. In 1703 46 ronin gathered under
warlord score 2 additional
the command of the samurai Oishi and attacked, finishing
massacre, survival, or conquest
their old masters deed and avenging him.
points at the end of the game,
This is a Legendary Warband replaces the usual otherwise your opponent scores 2
options available in a Ronin Warband. additional points.

- You may only purchase hearthguard and may 39

not take mercenary units.
The Ronin
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us about the
dishonourable Ronin warbands? Does Without Honour stop
The Ronin armies made of bandits both players from using
and raiders who often found either abilities?
under the banner of a rich Daimyo's
Yes, it affects both the Ronin player
armies or hidden in the forests and
mountains. They fight without honour and and their opponent.
are prone to skirmishing tactics,
maneuvering through terrain to conceal their Can I use Disorder and still later activate my
assaults.
units to rest?

The Ronin battle board is aggressive, but
lacks the defense often found in other
Samurai boards. With lighter armed units
and smaller numbers, the board makes
these fighters fragile but deadly.
Does the entirety of the enemy unit need to
be within the terrain to use In The Forests?
No, the enemy unit just needs to be partially
within S of the terrain piece.
Yes, this ability does not impact a unit’s
ability to rest or discard fatigue later in the
turn.
Does Bandits and Thieves last on both my
current turn and my opponent’s next turn?
Yes, this ability lasts though the current turn
and the next.

Wait, my opponent gets to choose which If I trigger Maneuverable multiple times in

units I activate with Rush? my opponent’s turn to activate the same
Yes, but it is a cheap way to activate unit, does my unit incur fatigue for
multiple units at once.
activations beyond the first?

Does Overpower count the fatigues that get Yes, the unit will gain fatigue as normal.
spent on my unit?
Any fatigue that was on your unit when the
melee began is counted, regardless if
whether it has been spent by the time
Overpower is triggered.

If the enemy unit activated by Mockery

could charge multiple units, who chooses
which is charged?
The Ronin player’s opponent may choose
which valid target to charge.

If I have less available saga dice than my

opponent has dice on their board, what
happens?
Then Expert Planning will have no effect,
you must have the required amount of
available dice or more.

40
The
SOHEI
This faction represents the Sohei,
warrior monks, often wielding
Naginata with deadly skill.

41
 Similar to the Ikko Ikki, the Sohei were the Ikko Ikki.
The different sects of Buddhism often
followers of Buddhism, but rather than armed
clashed in belief, but just as often they
peasants, the Sohei monks were trained so
would clash in battle, resulting in countless
that they would be capable of protecting their
conflicts across japan between rival sects..
temples and monasteries.
From the 10th to the 16th century the
The Sohei warrior monks became well known
warrior monks of the Sohei fought in many
for their skill with the Naginata, a heavy
battles and wars until powerful Daimyos
weapon that could deal decisive blows. The
were finally able to defeat them and
Sohei were elite troops, and while not clad in
restore total control of their provinces.
the karuta armour of the samurai, they were
more heavily armoured than the peasants of

SOHEI TROOPS
The brotherhood of Sohei monks were elite troops
comprised of skilled veterans and newer initiates.
These dedicated monks are very resilient.

Sohei Warlords are skilled leaders, often in charge of

the care and defense of their monastery. They keep
their monks in line and prepared for whatever may
happen.

Your Hearthguard are veterans of battle and skilled

warriors. These monks have devoted their lives to
their faith and the defense of it. Sohei monks must
fight hard to keep their monasteries safe.

The Warriors in a Sohei warbane are just initiates,

having only recently joined the order. Often having
little experience before they became monks, these
warriors are not as skilled as the older monks.

FACTION RULES
A Sohei Warlord may ride a horse. When fighting on
foot they may be equipped with katana, naginata, or
great weapon.

Hearthguards in a Sohei warband may be equipped

with naginata or heavy weapons. Up to 1 unit may be
mounted, they count as being armed with naginata
for battle board abilities, but do not gain the naginata
rules.

Warriors may be equipped with bows or teppo. 42

A Sohei warband may not include Levies.

SOHEI UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 -

Warlord
Naginata 4(5) 8 -

Katana 5(5) 8 -

Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse, Limited

Hearthguard Heavy Weapon 4(5) 8 -

Naginata 4(5) 8 -

Teppo 3(3) 1(½) -

Warriors
Bows 3(3) 1(½) -

FACTION RULES CONTINUED

Sohei may not take a war banner, but instead may
Take sashimono.

LEGENDARY UNIT
PACIFIST MONKS
While the Sohei were warrior monks, there were
those that prioritized the preservation of life.
These monks fight with Naginata, but use them
primarily for defense rather than attack, only
choosing to act in violence when absolutely
necessary.

This legendary unit consists of 4 hearthguard,

and costs 1 point, they have the following special
rules.

- This unit may trigger Naginatajutsu for

free each melee.

- This unit has Naginata.

- When participating in a melee both units

suffer -1 to their attack dice rolls.

- When a friendly unit within S would

43
suffer a casualty, this unit suffers 1
instead.
The Sohei
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us about the
Sohei warrior monks? How does Swirl of Blades work?
The Sohei are an interesting people, This ability cancels hits after they
they are groups of warrior monks
they have been generated but before
littered across Japan. Some are
defense dice are rolled. If the enemy
masses of peasants like the Ikko Ikki,
while others fight only with the other monks of generated 5 hits and your meditation is 3, you
their monastery. They fight with deadly will only roll 2 defense dice.
Naginata, yet prove to be very resilient.

The Sohei battle board has many defensive If I have less units capable of activating than I
abilities and relies heavily on their Meditation have meditation, what happens?
mechanic.
You must be able to activate as many units as
you have meditation, if you cannot then no units
What is the benefit of using Meditation?
While meditation by itself has no effect, most are activated.
other abilities on the board gain benefit from
having it well stocked.

If I have less available saga dice then my

Meditation when triggering Focused, what
happens?
Then focused has no effect, you must have at
least enough available dice as your meditation.

Does Firm stop either unit from retreating if the

Sohei unit is defeated?
No, the enemy unit must retreat instead if your
unit does not.

If I have less fatigue across my warband then my

meditation when triggering Calmed Mind, what
happens?
You must have at least that many fatigues spread
across your warband in order to remove any. If
you have less fatigues then meditation then no
fatigues are removed, your warband is already
calm enough!

Who chooses which dice are rerolled with

Dedication?
The Sohei player chooses which dice are rerolled,
however exactly as many dice as you have
meditation must be rerolled, even if the enemy
generated less successes than you have
meditation. 44
JOSEON
This faction represents the armies of
the Joseon dynasty of the Korean
peninsula during Japan’s invasions.

45
 The Joseon dynasty ruled over the Korean warriors bravery helped defeat the great
armies of Japan’s samurai clans.
peninsula from the 14th to the 19th century.
In order to support their forces, the Joseon
When Japan’s armies set sail to conquer
dynasty enlisted the help of private armies.
korea it was the armies of the Joseon dynasty
These soldiers were much more heavily
that repelled the foreign invaders.
trained and better equipped than the
Unlike the samurai and ashigaru armies of
kingdom’s army and were paramount in the
Japan, Korea had no large standing armies
defense of the kingdom.
and raised theirs at a moments notice. These
The nobility of Joseon commanded the
troops were farmers who took up arms in the
armies of Korea, and fought with their men to
defense of their own lands and families.
defend their homes.
Poorly armed and with little training these

JOSEON TROOPS FACTION RULES

The armies of the Joseon dynasty were dedicated A Joseon Warlord may be on foot or mounted.
to the defense of their homeland, men of varying
class came together to fight the foreign invaders. Hearthguards in a Joseon warband may also
Nobles, peasants, and flower knights fought be on foot or mounted.
together, supported by .
A Joseon warband includes no Warriors, most
Joseon Warlords are nobles who have been of their armies are composed primarily of
appointed as generals, their wealth stands in peasants.
stark contrast to the peasants fighting under
Levies may be have bows, crossbows, muskets,
them. These generals often armed their troops
or may take no equipment.
out of their own pockets, to ensure they could
retain control over their kingdom.
A Joseon warband always has the option to
take Mercenaries, even if you would usually
Your Hearthguard are men in service to the
play without them.
nobles, unlike the common peasants these fights
are well armoured and trained..
A Joseon warband may not take Sashimon, but
instead may take a War Banner.
Your Levies are peasants, the poorest and least
trained in the army. They fight fiercely for their
homeland, even if their skills are lacking. Few
own weapons and armour, with most depending
on their generals for equipment.

Among the armies fights soldiers of private

armies, military bands and brotherhoods, either
hired or fighting out of loyalty to the kingdom.
These soldiers fight with greater skill than most
others in the Joseon armies.
46
JOSEON UNITS
Unit Equipment Options Armor Aggression Special Rules
Melee (Shooting)

Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Warlord
- 5(5) 8 -

Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse

Hearthguard
- 5(5) 8 -

Crossbows 3(3) ⅓(½) -

Levies Bows 3(3) -

⅓(½)
- 4(4) ½ -

Muskets 3(3) ⅓(½) -

LEGENDARY UNIT
SHIN RIP Hero of Korea
Any friendly unit may eliminate figures when
Shin Rip was one of the greatest korean generals of the using the bodyguard rule, not only
Imjin War. The Joseon king relied on Shin’s leadership hearthguard.
when the Oda’s armies invaded Joseon. Shin’s military
prowess rivaled that of any samurai warlord in Japan. Stand Your Ground
Reduce the cost of Defend to a single
Legendary Unit uncommon die.

This is a Legendary warlord who replaces you standard

warlord for 1pt. They have the following characteristics:

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

2 5(5) 8 Katana, Mount:

Horse, ,
Sashimono

Special Rules

Bodyguards, Determination, Presence, Pride, Resilience

(1), We Obey

Masterful Defense
When a friendly Joseon unit within M of Shin, is the
defender in a charge or shooting activation they may
reroll any defense dice. 47
 Joseon
as seen by Shinza
What can you tell us of the korean
Who gains the fatigue from
armies from across the sea?
The defenders of Joseon are a noble hardened?
people. Though they lack the offensive The attacker does, otherwise it
power of our samurai, they fight hard
would be a pretty poor ability.
when their lands and kingdom are threatened,
even their peasants would give their life in
defense of Joseon. Do you round when calculating the number
of dice gained by Homeland?
The Joseon battle board focuses on defending
in melees and shooting, but these abilities are No, it is for each third figure not equal to a
not solely for preservation, they can allow third of the figures in the unit.
units to fight as hard as charging samurai.

What happens if both the attacker and the

What’s going on with Auxiliaries?
Ah? You’ve noticed you don’t have a warrior defender would automatically win the
activation. Auxiliaries allows your mercenary melee?
units to be easily activated and makes them
If the enemy would win by usual means you
capable of using battle board abilities.
still win the melee and they lose, however if
Does marching orders still have the same they have an ability that makes them
restriction of maneuvers being limited to the automatically win the melee too then the
first of the activation phase?
winner is determined by standard means.
Yes, the only thing that marching orders
changes is the range from the enemy
required. Does clash work the same as Hwapo?
Yes, you may only trigger it if your unit is
Can Claiming Territory be used on the
defender of the enemy’s charge? loyal.
Yes.

Can Hwapo be used on artillery units that

don’t have loyal?
No, mercenary units cannot trigger shooting
advanced saga abilities, unless they are loyal.

Can I use Resilient if I have more more than

double my number of available saga dice in
injured units?
No, you must have enough available dice to
trigger this ability.
48
 Old Friends, New Enemies

Though this supplement covers a

variety of armies it does not cover
Mongol Invaders
everything, because of this an army In the 13th century the Mongols came across the sea from Asia
has been incorporated from Age of to sack the towns and cities of Japan and conquer the samurai
Crusades. Below are the rules for clans’ territories. The Mongol invasion was repelled but the
the Mongol Invaders, a way to bring Mongols did not give up easily, they soon invaded again to
a mongol army into the Age of conquer Japan.
Samurai.
Unit Equipment Armoor Aggression Special Rules
The following rules apply to the
warband drawn from Age of Warlord Horse 5(4) 8 Mount: Horse
Crusades.
War Horse 4(4) 4 Mount: Horaw
● They Cannot recruit Drummer
Legendary Units from their
Hearthguards Horse 5(4) 2 Mount: Horse
saga universe.
Horse,
Warriors Composite 3(3) 1 Mount: Horse
● They cannot recruit Bow
mercenaries from their own
- 4(4) 1/2 -
saga universe.
Levies
Bow 3(3) -
⅓(½)
● Their equipment options are
those described here. These Use the Mongol Battle Board from Age of Crusades.
replace the options from Your Warlord, Hearthguard, and War Drummer are mounted
on horse.
their own Universe.
Your Warriors are mounted with composite bows.
Your Levies may carry bows or have no equipment.
49
 Yohei The Age of Samurai includes armies from Japan’s
endless wars in the Sengoku period, but no army
of a samurai clan is complete without
mercenaries to fight for them. Countless
mercenaries, called Yohei, roamed Japan in
search of work for one clan or another.

In this chapter we introduce the Yohei available

to the factions of Age of Samurai. They follow all
specific rules on Mercenaries, (see the Saga
rulebook, Mercenaries, p. 47).

Below you will find a table listing all the Yohei

units and the factions which can recruit them.
Unless otherwise indicated, you cannot add the
same unit of Yohei to your warband more than
once.

You will find each unit’s cost in points, its

composition and it’s special rules.

Mercenary Samurai Takeda Shinobi Oda Ikko-Ikki Hojo Chosokabe Ronin Sohei Joseon Mongols

Ninja
Assassins

Priest

Artillery

Ronin

Sharpshooters

Scouts

Ninja Warrior

Ashigaru
Veterans

Mongol
Raiders

Ming Warriors

Disgraced
Samurai
50
Ninja Assassins
These assassins are hired mercenaries tasked we
assassinating your enemies. They are masters in
the art of stealth, walking among your enemies
warbands they stalk their prey before pouncing at
the right moment.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 4 figures
● Assassins
This unit contains 4 hearthguard armed with
throwing weapons.
● Planned Ambush
This unit does not deploy with your warband,
instead at the beginning of your second or
third turn deploy them anywhere more than M
away from enemy units.
● Camouflaged
This unit cannot be targeted as the defender
of a shooting or charge attack unless the attacker
began within S of this unit.
● Swift
This unit does not suffer movement penalties
from terrain during Move or Charge activations.
This unit may move through, but never end on,
impassable terrain.
Priest
In the turmoil of endless conflict, armies from
across Japan marched to war appointed by priests.
The strength of faith drove soldiers to continue
fighting, instead of abandoning their campaigns
and fleeing home.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 1 figure
● Priest
This unit contains one Hero figure with the
following characteristics:
If the warband’s warlord is mounted the priest
may be too, otherwise they are on foot.
● Prophetic Visions
During your Orders phase, a non-exhausted
Priest can take a fatigue to modify the face of
one of your inactive Saga Dice. If you do this,
you cannot roll any more available saga dice
until the end of the phase.
● Inspiration
When activated while they have no fatigues, the
Priest may transfer a fatigue fro, a friendly unit
within S to themselves instead of resolving their
activation.
● Meditation
When a Priest rests they may discard all of their
fatigue markers instead of one, if they do this
they may not be activated again this turn.
● Loyal
The Priest may use the advanced saga abilities
on their warband’s Battle Board. They are
considered a standard member of the warband
in all respects.
Artillery
Japan had been making use of gunpowder for
centuries by the time cannons became popular in
the 16th century. But as time progressed the
technology did too, making cannons more accurate
and reliable than ever before.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 1 figure
● Artillery
This unit contains one Hero figure with the
following characteristics:
Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment
1 3(5) 1(*) Unarmed
Special Rules

Resilience (1), Presence

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment
● Powerful Shot
This unit’s range for shooting attacks is L+M.
4(4) Unarmed
● Slow
1 1 This unit has a move distance of VS, This unit
4(3) Unarmed, Horse
may not be activated to shoot twice in a turn.
● Imprecise
Special Rules When this unit shoots it does not roll attack dice
51
as normal instead roll a single die on the
Bodyguards, Resilience (1) following table to determine the number of hits
it inflicts.
 Roll 1 2 3 4 5 6
Hits * 0 2 2 3 5
*On the roll of a 1, the attack inflicts 0 hits and the
artillery unit suffers 2 casualties.
If the attack rolls a 3-6 the defender suffers a
fatigue when the shooting activation is complete.
● Wild
Enemy units cannot spend fatigue as normal
during this units shooting attack, instead, after
the artillery die is rolled on the table, the enemy
may choose to spend a fatigue to make this unit
reroll, this may not be repeated in a single
Activation.
Ronin
The ronin were samurai whose masters had been
killed, they chose to become mercenaries, roaming
Japan in search of work from other samurai clans.
They were often less equipped than other samurai
as their armour may have fallen into disrepair.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 8 figures
● Ronin
This unit contains 8 warriors armed with katana,
they may be mounted or on foot.
● Skilled Swordsmen
When an enemy unit uses an advanced saga
ability in a melee gain 2 attack dice.
● Defensive Posture
When an enemy unit spends a fatigue in melee
this unit gains 2 defense dice.
● Masterless
This unit may not be activated by We Obey,
however this unit gains determination.
Sharpshooters
Though Ashigaru could offer ranged support with
masses of archers, samurai were often much better
trained with bow and matchlocks. What they lacked
in numbers they could make up for in skill and
accuracy.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 4 figures
● Samurai
This unit contains 4 hearthguard on foot or
mounted, they may have composite bows/bows or
muskets.
● Deadly Accuracy
Enemy units may not spend fatigues from this
unit during shooting attacks.
● Exploit Weakness
This unit gains +1 to hit during shooting attacks
for each fatigue on the defender.
● Well Trained
This unit may use advanced shooting abilities.
Scouts
Scouts are vital for armies on campaign. Often
from that region of Japan, their knowledge of the
terrain and their careful movements allow the
main body of troops to advance down safe routes,
the collection of precious information about the
enemy, and the thwarting of ambushes - or the
setting of their own…
Cost: 1 point
Size: 8 figures
● Scouts
This unit contains 8 Levies armed with bows or
muskets.
● Guides
If the Scouts are entirely within a piece of
uneven or dangerous terrain, all other units in
their warband count that terrain piece as open
terrain(if it is uneven) or uneven terrain (if it
was dangerous) during movement activations.
● Survival
After an enemy unit ends an activation within M,
and after any activation reaction abilities are
resolved, this unit may perform a movement
activation for free.
Ninja Warrior
Skilled Shinobi assassins were frequently hired by
samurai clans to fight and eliminate one’s
enemies. Daimyo and other powerful men lived in
fear of these skilled warriors.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 1 figure
● Assassin
This unit generates double its attack dice when
attacking another Hero figure.
● Ninja
This unit contains one Hero figure armed with a
throwing weapon, with the
52
following characteristics:
 Cost: 1 point
Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment Size: 8 figures

1 4(5) 6(3) Throwing Weapons ● Raiders

Special Rules
Resilience (1), Presence, Determination
● Disguised
This unit is not deployed in your warband,
instead, at any time during one of your turns,
replace a friendly or enemy warrior or levy
figure with this model, the replaced figure does
not count as eliminated. Then move this model
the minimum distance so that he is further than
VS from that unit, alternatively he may be
deployed in your deployment zone at the
beginning of your turn.
● Prey
This figure gets +1 bonus to its attack and
defense dice when attacking enemy heroes.
● Sneaky
This unit counts as being in hardcover when
defending against ranged attacks made entirely
outside of M.
Ashigaru Veterans
Ashigaru were not just recruited locally, often
ashigaru would be hired from nearby territories.
These hired Ashigaru were often veterans from
previous conflicts. Armed with Yari these Ashigaru
could form an impenetrable battle line.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 8 figures
This unit contains 8 Warriors, they are mounted
on horseback.
● Charge
This unit may be activated to charge for free
once per turn.
● Deadly
When this unit uses the combat bonus in melee
it gains an attack die.
● Renewed Vigor
If this unit wins a melee they may remove a
fatigue, if they destroy an enemy unit they may
discard all their fatigues.
Ming Warriors
Joseon had close ties to China and its rulers, the
Ming Dynasty, when Joseon was invaded china sent
warriors to help defend korea. These warriors
helped repel the japanese armies from Joseon and
bolstered the kingdom’s armies.
Cost: 1 point
Size: 8 figures
● Soldiers
This unit contains 8 Warriors, they are on foot.
● Support
Each friendly unit within S of a unit of Ming
Warriors - including themselves gains 2 bonus
defense dice in melee.
● Superior
When this unit spends an enemy fatigue in
melee to raise their armour, the enemy unit
must discard 2 attack dice.

● Veterans
This unit contains 8 Warriors armed with Yari.
● Yari
When this unit is the defender in a melee, this
unit gains +1 to it’s attack dice rolls.
● Hold The Line
When this unit closes ranks it only loses a
quarter of its attack dice.

Mongol Raiders
Mongols often fought for other warlords and
kingdoms to profit from their deadly skill. These
fierce warriors raided enemy lands, plundering
villages and towns. The Ming Dynasty recruited
53
mongols within their own armies as well.
 Disgraced Samurai
A veteran of a dozen wars, servant of a
dozen masters.

Cost: 1 point
Size: 1 figures

● Lone Warrior
This unit contains 1 hero figure with the
following characteristics.

Saga Dice Armor Aggression Equipment

1 5(5) 6(3) -

Special Rules

Resilience (1), Presence

●Reliable
This unit may be activated for free once
per turn, so long as at the beginning on
that activation this figure is not within M
of any friendly models.
●Unfazed
This unit does not suffer a fatigue at the
end of each melee.
●Martial Arts Master
At the beginning of each melee this unit
may select its fighting style.
Aggressive: Gain +1 bonus to your attack
dice rolls.
Counterattack: Your 6s generate an
additional hit. For each 1 your opponent
rolls on their attack dice, reroll 1 of your
own failed attack dice.
Defensive: Your armor may never be
lowered.

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