The Fall of the Samurai

Katanas, bows and arrows, spears, flintlock pistols, but also Winchester revolvers and rifles, Krupp artillery, and some gattling guns from the late 19th century. A lot of cavalry.

A minority faction speaks of abolishing the Emperor (who until now had religious power) and the Shogun (military power) and establishing a modern republic like in the West.

The French support the Shogun. The English support the Emperor. The Americans hope and will support the winner.

Satsuma Domain, starting in Satsuma Province and Osumi Province, has reduced costs for administration and actions by foreign veterans, an increased radius of influence by generals, and is the only domain that starts with two provinces instead of one. They can recruit a unique line infantry unit known as Black Bear Infantry. Choshu Domain, starting in Nagato Province, have reduced costs from actions by ishin shishi and constructing modern military buildings and units, and earning additional money from looting enemy provinces. All of their units furthermore have increased charge attack damage. They can recruit unique line infantry units known as White Bear Infantry and Kiheitai. Tosa Domain, starting in Tosa Province, can recruit warships with more experienced crew, and have greater range for bombarding enemy provinces and armies. They also have a bonus to diplomatic relations with all factions, and their conquered provinces experience reduced resistance from occupation. They can recruit a unique light infantry unit known as Tosa Riflemen and a unique line infantry unit known as Red Bear Infantry. Saga Domain, starting in Nagasaki, begins the campaign with established trade with the Western powers, experiences increased province growth from industry, and can build and maintain warships cheaper. They can also recruit artillery units with additional accuracy.

Shogunate Factions

Aizu Domain, starting in Fukushima, are traditionalists who can recruit traditional units for cheaper and with more experience. They also have reduced costs for constructing castles and actions by shinsengumi. They can recruit a unique militia unit known as White Tiger Force, and unique line infantry units known as Black Tortoise Force, Azure Dragon Force, and Vermillion Bird Force. Nagaoka Domain, starting in Echigo Province, are tycoons with increased income from business buildings and have a bonus success chance with actions by geisha. They specialize in modern units, and can recruit them for cheaper, and their rifle units they can reload faster than those of other factions. Jōzai Domain, starting in Kazusa Province, are guerrilla fighters whose armies can replenish losses in enemy territory (except during winter). They can also inflict greater casualties from sabotage and harassment actions by agents, and all their units move slightly faster in battles. They can recruit a unique light infantry unit known as Yugekitai.[Note 1] Obama Domain, starting in Wakasa Province, are overseers who have increased tax income, a reduction in the upkeep costs of all land units, bonus experience to garrison units in siege battles, and has additional repression to manage public order in provinces

It is based on the historical events of Japan during the 1880-1890s, as well as the video game "Shogun Total War 2" and the film "Fall of the Samurai."

Despite the myth, both sides incorporate "modern" soldiers alongside traditional samurai forces. The emperor, to a greater extent. A modern soldier is a man who does not come from the nobility and is armed with rifles, revolvers, gattling guns, or some artillery piece. The conflict is about who will decide the fate of Japan.