Using Religious Agents
This game deals with the main religions of Japan during the Sengoku Jidai: Shinto-Buddhism, Christianity and radical Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - as practiced by the Ikko Ikki extremists. Japan has long felt the influence of Buddhism from the mainland; but now, with the arrival of European traders, the "new" religion of Christianity is slowly gaining a foothold, clan by clan, as ships arrive bringing goods from the west. Whereas Buddhist clans use monks to propagate enlightened thought, those clans that have converted to Christianity field missionaries instead to spread the word of God throughout the country. Both agents are able to convert both populations and individual characters to their religions.
Monks
Monks can convert others to Buddhism, inspire a friendly army with their enlightened rhetoric and by the same token demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, calm and inspire an angry populace or incite revolt in an oppressed one. Monks are recruited via Buddhist buildings. They can convert both provinces and other agents to their religion - although it is difficult for a monk to convert a missionary and vice versa. Conversion of a population to Buddhism takes place simply via the monk's presence in a province. The trusting nature of this man makes him highly susceptible to assassination by ninja or geisha.
Missionaries
Missionaries can convert others to Christianity, inspire a friendly army with their enlightened rhetoric and by the same token demoralise an enemy force, reduce the chances of successful bribery, calm and inspire an angry populace or incite revolt in an oppressed one. Missionaries are recruited via Christian buildings. They can convert both provinces and other agents to their religion - although it is difficult for a missionary to convert a monk and vice versa. Conversion of a population to Christianity takes place simply via the missionary's presence in a province. The trusting nature of this man makes him highly susceptible to assassination by ninja or geisha.