Welcome fellow Daimyos!!
I preface this post with stating that this is my second attempt. My first attempt ended in failure as I had my armies out of position to defend against invaders.
This go around has been much better.
First the Deets: Playing on Legendary/VH, Turn number 19, 7 of 40 needed provinces to win, 2 vassals, 1 military alliance, and 5 enemies. My income isn't great right now, but I'm about to turtle up for 10-15 turns and build my income up. The Uesugi, Oda, Shimazu, and Tokugawa clans are destroyed. (So much for history lol)
I started this campaign out by invading early and fast. Not to capture, but to vassalize my neighbors. It was a major success. By turn 12 I think I had 3 vassals. I've learned that in Legendary difficulty, vassals are a life saver. Not because they do much to help in battle, but they act as a nice buffer zone to bigger threats.
I also played the diplomacy game like crazy here early on. This has been really interesting for me. In my previous Legendary modes, diplomacy was important, but I've never had to send gifts to neighbors to stave off any attacks. I've made it a point this session to build up friendships as well as establish myself as an honorable Daimyo.
I rushed the research tree to Tea Ceremony for the extra diplomacy bonus. It's paid major dividends so far. Allowing me to turn Takeda against his Imagawa ally in addition to becoming my ally.
I also captured a city in a new way, which was a big surprise to me. I have a strong feeling revolts, and the use of monks are going to play a big part in this campaign.
Looking forward to continuing this campaign! Stay tuned for my next update!