DBA Armies

This list is provided as the main enemy for the contemporary Japanese. It ends with the last revolt against the Japanese in 878. The Emishi were the indigenous people of northern Japan, including both the Ainu and groups ethnically closer to the Japanese. They are doubtfully credited with introducing curved swords and leather armour to the Japanese. In the eighth and ninth centuries they were described as masterly horse archers and earlier as archers, but not on horseback. “They swarm like ants and gather like bees! When we attack, they flee! When we relax, they assault our fortifications!” Ainu are described as “blood-drinking” hunters rather than farmers, tattooed, wearing fur garments (often concealing swords) and carrying arrows for their short bows in the topknot of their hair. References: Slingshot 251 & 252