"Reign Under the Heaven" is a turn-based strategy game in the historical setting of 16th-century Japan. You play one of Daimyos(Clan Lord) and survive the warring age.
Be a Samurai
In this game, you will select one of clan lords. The game will begin at the time when the lord ascended to power, and continue to the end of his life. It won't finish if you conquer all the map, while, if you die, it won't go on even though you have a successor. You live a life of a samurai.
AI characters
All the characters in the game have thier own will and ambition. Many lords are subject to their lieges, but they remain independent in their demesnes. In addition, they have right to counsel their lieges, and refuse the service if they don't like the policy. This is the case for a player's character, too. If you are a liege, you have to control your vassals. If you are a vassal, you may survive the age under the protection of your lord.
The way to Power: Diplomacy
"War is Diplomacy by other means." This is also the case in this game. You can gain power through diplomacy, manipulating the authorities like the Imperial Court or Shogunate, or forcing a vassal to appoint your son as his successor.
The way to Power: Intrigue
If you want to remain subject to another lord and gain power, the intrigue is the best way to do so. With your peers' help, you force on your liege a policy which he don't like, and make him your puppet. If the liege resists, however, his rule may collapse into civil war.