The Sohei, or Warrior Monks, as they are referred to in the game, are the most dangerous melee units here. They can defeat every unit here on the battlefield, provided they can reach them...
The Ikko-Ikki religious movement of the 16th century reproduced a large faction of monks that could predate their training methods back to before the Gempei War. The first accounts of military actions done by them being as far back as 968 AD. Their power rose throughout the next 300 years, and during the Gempei Wars, were considered the most formidable armies in Japan. This changed though, drastically when the city of Nara, their temple city, was burned to the ground, killing over 3,500 people, and 1,000 monks.
In the Sengoku Jidai period their vigor was renewed by new leadership, and by the state of affairs around the country that drove thousands of peasants and ex-samurai warriors into their ranks.
The Warrior Monks are capable both offensively and defensively in melee combat, and they can destroy any unit they fight with, but their worst enemies are bullets and arrows since they do not wear much armor in this game. This balances them out somewhat, but it's negligible if the other army can't shoot because of rain, or snow.
The Monks attack with their exceptional skills, and speed, using their Naginata far better than any other unit could. They are fast, and they are dependable as Taishos as well.
The Warrior Monks are deadly when used in mass amounts, but they are also susceptible to ranged fire as large groups. Deploy them behind armored units, when possible, and keep them away from the ranged units on your own side as well. Standing behind the guns doesn't guarantee safety. The enemy gunners and archers can shoot through them just as easily killing the units in front of the monks as the monks themselves.
Since Monks are fast units, like the No-Dachi, they can be used to flank or ambush just as well. They are effective units when made to fight in the forests, since their speed and attack values allow them to move quicker and strike more often. It also affords them the luxury of cover from ranged fire.
Don't go crazy with them in online battles, most people will figure you out quick and find an easy counter to your monk happy armies. Usually, if the koku is enough, you can afford to take 5-6 monk units into battle. Taking more means less koku available for honor, or you may need to sacrifice honor for more units. Mix in other units to support them with, like No-Dachi, Yari units, and Cavalry of sorts.
Warrior Monks are priests of Buddha who fight with righteous fury. What makes them even more formidable is the fact that enemy Buddhist troops will be reluctant to attack the monks! Their fanaticism also keeps them fighting in the face of heavy losses - monks are not easy to rout. Their downside? They are very expensive to obtain and their low armor rating makes them susceptible to missile fire. Get them into close quarters and let them unleash the anger of their god.
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