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Post by Sima Yi on Jul 16, 2011 18:47:52 GMT
Deng Ai’s Army 65 Light Swordsmen 400 Retinue Swordsmen 65 Levy Spearmen 400 Retinue Spearmen 250 Light Cavalry 750 Heavy Cavalry 250 Peasant Bowmen 750 Crossbowmen 500 Horse Archers
Quickly it became apparent that the battle had been split into two halves. The right flank and the left flank of Deng Ai’s force was definable by nothing more than being on opposite sides of the clearing between the Ye Valley and the Han River.
Ma Chao committed his strong numbers of cavalry into Deng Ai’s right flank, and as they came up they were met with a shower of arrows and stone to damper their charge. The retinue spearmen formed into tight ranks and as Ma Chao’s charge finally approached, they set their spears up, and Ma Chao’s charge would be halted or the death of him. If that wasn’t enough, they were hit by more and more arrows, and the arbalests continued to fire on them, the deadly projectiles wreaking even more havoc due to the enemy cavalry being so close. Onagers and catapults rained down on Ma Chao’s cavalry and the main force of the enemy alike.
The battle did intensify, however. The charge did not break and shatter Deng Ai’s ranks as Ma Chao would have wanted, but it did bring hundreds of soldiers into battle. The spears struck at riders and their steeds alike, and as the fray continued, retinue swordsmen ran into battle. Mounted men would normally have the advantage in a charge, but here, the experience of Wei’s soldiers would tip the battle in their favor, if only briefly.
As Ma Dai’s cavalry swarmed around, Deng Ai noticed immediately. Ma Chao wants to crush my right flank by committing far too many men there. Deng Ai thought, It shall not be so.
Deng Ai spurred his horse into action. With him came 500 horsebowmen and 750 Heavy Cavalry. The heavy cavalry charged out from one of the gaps between infantry ranks, where the arbalests were firing from. The horse archers followed close behind, passing by Ma Chao’s unit while firing multiple times in unison at the sides of Ma Chao’s riders as they passed by. The timing was perfect. Ma Chao was trying to break through, but the added archer fire left his right flank in chaos and the retinue infantrymen pushed forward, spearmen lifting their tips to the oncoming horsemen that approached. Ma Chao himself would be able to cut through, but his men would not find the same might, and Ma Chao would be left alone among his enemies. It was unlikely he took that course of action.
200 of the horse archers and 250 heavy cavalry remained to battle Ma Chao. The horse archers rode alone their rear, riding to and fro while releasing arrows from behind while they battles experienced veterans from the front, all the while heavy cavalry tore at them from the sides. The heavy cavalry would crash into them, ride past, disengage, only to turn around and hit them again from another location.
As Ma Dai’s light cavalry approached, they were met with a swarming circle of 300 horse archers firing at them, and 500 heavy cavalry rode fast at them, followed by the horse archers, who were still firing as they rode forward. They trampled over a regiment of light swordsmen they passed, and the horse archers did as well. But the horse archers also shot them with arrows as they approached, and turned in their saddles to offer another volley as they passed. The heavy cavalry crushed into Ma Dai’s light cavalry to an advantage in melee, and Ma Dai’s numerical advantage was thinned out by constant arrows and inferior skill and equipment.
As the cavalry engaged, the horse archers rode around the engagement, firing at the rear of Ma Dai’s horsemen when they were far enough to ensure they’d not hit their own cavalry. If they found themselves close enough, they’d even turn in their saddles and fire at the main force.
With Deng Ai’s right flank entirely engaged, Sima Shi took this as a time to seize advantage against the main force. Ma Chao’s cavalry had done damage, but from what he saw, he took it as well. His father was right; war was a simple game of folly.
There being no reason to launch artillery at the right flank, as he had as much a chance to hit Deng Ai’s men as Ma Chao’s, he turned the entirety of his engines to face the main force, and the archers and arbalests followed. In one moment the enemy launched arrows and approached, and then the volley was returned. And it was returned with might.
Stones and boulders filled and scattered the sky. The onagers filled with fifty smaller stones that were flung with enough strength to kill a man, and the catapults were loaded with long, thin sheets of rock that would bounce about the ground as they fell, tearing apart the enemy ranks before crashing down on whoever was underneath its shadow. Archers and crossbowmen were constantly berating them with arrows, and arbalests were meeting its charge with a wall of spear-like projectiles to stay their advance. Sima Shi wanted to shed a tear when he saw the enemy dropping like flies.
And then, he did something his father would not expect. He rode forward, giving command of the siege equipment to one of his lieutenants. Soon, the battle would be a skirmish from valley to river, and then the artillery would be unneeded. He rode ahead to take command of the leftover troops, riding in front of Xiahou Ba and through his ranks, and into command. He waved his hand forward, and the men responded. Sima Shi’s heart warmed, and his blood rushed with such excitement. Was this the feeling his father had felt so often? To simply move a sword in a motion and have hundreds so willingly respond… it was unreal.
With the remaining troops, he began to advance, archers and crossbows and arbalests and onagers and catapults alike still raining hell itself down into the main force of the Shu army. Shu hoped to thin out the enemy for their advance, but perhaps it would turn out that their force was too thin to perform a great charge, and their charge itself was impeded by constant projectiles on them. Perhaps Shu’s army would now realize, if they hadn’t already, that they were outnumbered.
Sima Shi’s men were advancing, and met the enemy all the same. The infantry hit each other, but the cavalry wasn’t yet involved, neither was Xiahou Ba. If Ma Chao or Ma Dai thought they were gaining any upperhand in this battle, they’d soon realize this was but half the force against them.
250 Light cavalry joined Xiahou Ba’s ranks to enforce his mounted unit. Ma Chao was fancy of cavalry charges. Xiahou Ba would show him one of his own.
Summary:
~ Deng Ai’s retinue spearmen hold off Ma Chao’s light cavalry with a wall of spears while retinue swordsman crash into the skirmish. Onagers, Arbalests, archers and crossbowmen pelt Ma Chao’s cavalry as he gets close enough to inflict even heavier damage.
~ With 750 Heavy Cavalry and 500 Horse Archers, Deng Ai enters the battle. He rides out from a gap the arbalests fire from, around Ma Chao’s engagement, and the horse archers give several volleys as they pass. 200 horse archers continue to circle Ma Chao’s rear, firing at them, while 250 Heavy Cavalry perform hammer and anvil strikes at their rear.
~ 500 Heavy cavalry trample over 500 light swordsmen while they charge at Ma Dai’s light cavalry. 300 horse archers also trample the light swordsmen, offering volleys as they approached, and after they trampled them, to thin them out even more. The heavy cavalry engage the light cavalry, and the horse archers circle around to weaken the light cavalry from behind.
~All remaining archers, crossbowmen, onagers, catapults and arbalests turn on the main force, left without a commander, and strike viciously and nonstop. Sima Shi takes command of the left flank, with Deng Ai commanding the right, and leads his men into an engagement.
~The remainder of Deng Ai’s mounted force (250 light cavalry) join Xiahou Ba’s mounted force.
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Post by Sam on Jul 16, 2011 19:42:43 GMT
The opposing lines met as Ma Chao's cavalry slammed into Deng Ai's flank, the clash of steel and the cracking of bones fileld the forward unit of Wei. Xiahou Ba felt awesome, the meeting of the two forces shot through him in an exciting burst of adrenaline.
Ma Chao's command unit broke past Deng Ai's line and the time had come, Sima Shi had moved forward and raised his banner, relieving Xiahou Ba of the shackles that bound him in place.
Ba's sword grated against the buckles on his saddle as he moved it to his side, he turned his horses head and shouted fiercely raising his lance as he finished, "Cavalry with me! Ride!" He raised the horn at his side, and blew into it raising the call, the cavalry of the three camps broke off and the call was answered by their horns.
The well-rested cavalry ensued forth in a trot from their lines, leaving behidn the infantry. All units we're even except an additional two-hundred and fifty in Xiahou Ba's personal command. One unit from the right camp was to charge straight along Ma Chao's left side causing problems for any intention Ma Chao had of reaching the siege engines of Wei. Xiahou Ba would hit the right side from the central camp and aim for Ma Chao personally. The last unit of horses from the far camp on the left would conduct the final cavalry charge into Ma Chao's unit where the troops proved thickest and most vunrable.
The slow trot of the horses hooves sped up gradually as they made their way forward, breaking into a gallop. As they did so, the rhythimatic shing of swords being drawn erupted from within the gallop. Xiahou Ba made personally for Ma Chao's command banner intent on parting the head from the famed general's shoulders.
As the cavalry made off in their charge. Sima Shi's infantry beat into motion and the war drums of the camps filled the air, resounding of the mountain range to their right and ensuing forward as they were waved into motion, pushing forward for the kill.
The massive charge poured for Ma Chao's unit with fierce yells of enthusiasm and confidence, a hail of arrows passed over the heads of the close combat line as the horsebowmen unleashed a volley as they rode, and broke off from the rear lines.
As the lines met the wet splash of mud soaked both sides as they slammed against each other, the riders of Xiahou Ba's unit slowed down as they penetrated deep into his line and starting hacking and slahing at anything that opposed them.
The right camp crashed into the left side in a hit and run motion, pulling out quickly to minimize casualties and ready for another onset as they wheeled around. The left camp made its way over with all speed, set to join the fight (next turn).
Xiahou Ba was thrusting his lance down and swinging to to either side, a shield on his saddle at his side parried a couple of swings directed at him, but the general melee and all around brawl was enough to keep him in the game.
He seeked out the silvered armour of the famed Shu general and commander as he fought, he found his target, he wasn't too far away from his standard bearer. If that banner fell, the troops would lose heart. Ba kicked his horse and flew right towards Ma Chao, surrounded by a close heavily armoured bodyguard unit who refused to let the young general out of their sights. "Prepare to be skewered in two vermin!" Ba's battle rage enflared as and he spat with fury. It was a sea of men and horses those who had fellf rom their steeds were getting smashed to the ground by panicked riderless horses.
Ba raised his lance and took a hold of it with both hands as he swung it, passing all the weight of himself onto one hand, swinging down on Ma Chao's right shoulder as drew up, horse-head to horse-head.
Xiahou Ba's force:1000 Light Cavalry 250 Heavy Cavalry 500 Horsebowmen Summary: The remnants of Ma Chao's charge are being counter charged from three locations, under Xiahou Ba. Who's infantry has passed into the hands of Sima Shi. The horsebowmen send arrows ahead of themselves and wheel away as they draw close. Heavy cavalry lead the charge, with Light riders forming the bulk of the force, horsebowmen control the rear but have no intention of heading into hand-to-hand combat. But fall back and harrass with individual shots.
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Post by Storyteller on Jul 17, 2011 8:49:55 GMT
Round Three Complete! Post Order:
Attackers 1st: Ma Chao
Defenders 2nd: Sima Yi Cao Cao (Xiahou Ba) Kang Ren
Casualties:
Ma Chao: 450 Levy Spearmen (Center) 370 Light Swordsmen (Center) 220 Light Swordsmen (Right Flank) 340 Peasant Bowmen (Mid) 400 Light Cavalry (With Ma Chao) 180 Light Cavalry (With Ma Dai)
Deng Ai: 65 Light Swordsmen 65 Levy Spearmen 100 Retinue Swordsmen 110 Retinue Spearmen 140 Peasant Bowmen 140 Crossbowmen 240 Heavy Cavarly 165 Horsebowmen
Sima Shi: 150 Light Swordsmen 150 Levy Spearmen 50 Retinue Swordsmen 50 Retinue Spearmen 120 Peasant Bowmen 40 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Ba: 50 Light Cavalry (Mostly due to stray arrows) 30 Heavy Cavalry 20 Horsebowmen
Ma Chao's horsemen, now losing the momentum of their initial charge, are fighting a losing battle. The weakened infantry, however, are still putting up a fight. The counter charged by Xiahou Ba and Deng Ai are highly successful. Ma Dai's charge slams into the back of Deng Ai's, now isolated, cavalry. With Ma Chao's melee units finally engaged, the center and left areas turn into a brutally large melee.
Sima Hui's Weather Report:
Thunder and Lighting now appear every 30 seconds. The rain is a torrential downpour and the wind is gusting northward. The wind is so strong that most of the arrows launched in the air are flown harmlessly over the evergreen mountains. A large wave of mist from the Han river has also cast it's shadow on the battlefield.
Morale:
Summary:
Ma Chao's initial cavalry force becomes isolated from his lines. Ma Chao and his bodyguard break the Wei Ranks but it leaves him seriously exposed. An intense melee breaks out in the center and left flanks. Archers and Siege Weapons hit both sides since now both are engaged in a brutal melee. The central and left formations are no longer 'formations' but an intense mosh pit of stabbing and hand-to-hand fighting. Deng Ai and his cavalry, through his movements, also become isolated from his main force. He cleared the charging spearmen, but now he also has no clear way back to his lines. Ma Dai's reinforcing cavarly smashes into Deng Ai's cavalry. Basically, all hell breaks loose. Xiahou Ba leads his heavy cavarly into the area where Ma Chao originally charged. The horsebowmen of each unit, firing more than randomly into their own lines, hoping that their arrows will hit Ma Chao's horsemen, and not their own infantry and cavalry. In this weather, who could even tell?
Also, Xiahou Ba finds and attempts to kill Ma Chao. That's kinda important.
Please post updated troop count, and include a summary at the end of your post. It is in the rules.
*** A modified version of Jen's battle formula was used for this round. It seems to be more reasonable. I'm still working out the kinks though. ***
Round Four may commence!
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 17, 2011 17:01:09 GMT
:: 1st Army:: Ma Chao 450 Light Cavalry Ma Dai 570 Light Cavalry 730 Levy Spears (center) 500 Levy Spears (right) 310 Light Swords (center) 280 Light Swords (right) 500 Light Swords (left) 1660 Peasant Bows (center) 2 Arbalests 2 Catapults :: 2nd Army:: Jiang Wei 600 Light Cavalry 400 Peasant Bows 400 Levy Spears 400 Light Swords ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~As above, so below. The battle raged in the sky, with thunder and lightning tearing the heavens apart, while another battle was underway, with horses and men destroying one another, on the ground. The thunderous sound of hooves and the lightning clashes of weaponry were the human equivalent. The rain was hindering visibility and ranged attacks, but it would at least begin to wash away the crimson. The ground was soaked in the blood of both Wei and Shu, but it was the latter that was contributing much more. That, was not good. The lines of both armies had collided and a massive melee battle was currently underway. The Shu archers, who had taken losses from the previous enemy volley, regrouped and prepared for another attack. They could see the carnage ahead, but it was difficult to make out the enemy. Therefore, the archer group moved forward to increase their range. Once in position, they let fly their arrows attempting to kill Sima Yi’s crossbows or archers. It was the same problem for the Shu siege equipment. They were struggling to make out the enemy from their allies. However, they did the same thing as their projectile comrades. They moved forward as to not hit their own men and once ready sent their payload over the frontlines toward whatever ranged units may be there. The periodic lightning was not enough to get a good fix, but also there seemed to be fog rolling in from the river. All along the frontlines of both armies, soldiers hacked and slashed to gain the upper hand. The screams of the injured and dying were a constant background noise to the total combat all around. The swords and spears on the right flank were doing well and they continued to fight hard, though they were the first to be engulfed by the mist. In the center, the swords and spears were holding their own. They too would be overtaken by the mist, but until then they fought on as arrows flew overhead. It was fortunate for them that their allied bowmen did not unleash their attack on them by mistake. The visibility was getting worse and there was the possibility of being reinforced by the bows to aid in the melee. However, they were pitiful fighters. On the left flank there was the most devastation for Shu, but also some gain. Ma Chao’s initial attack had helped break apart some of the enemy right flank, but then he was hit on the other side by Xiahou Ba. Deng Ai had moved in to cut the Shu Commander off and succeeded , but Ma Dai was there to attack. Needless to say, it was a bloodbath on that side. The swordsmen that were on that side somehow escaped unharmed during their charge. Using this, they charged against Deng Ai‘s cavalry to flank them. The soldiers stabbed and cut at the horses legs and jumped up to strike the riders from behind, if possible. The enemy had heavy riders as well as bow horsemen, but they were fighting on three sides now. Ma Dai had just cut down an enemy before looking ahead to find his cousin. As usual, he thought in the brief moment that he had, that Ma Chao charged headlong into the enemy with no fear of death. He was either lucky or extremely skilled, but both can only take you so far. Still, the situation on the left flank was not a total loss. Deng Ai’s cavalry were fighting on multiple fronts so Ma Dai thought it a good chance to push forward. Before doing so, he dispatched one of his riders to head into the Ye valley. “Come with me!” Ma Dai yelled out to his surrounding soldiers and urged his horse forward. Ma Chao’s remaining cavalry were thinned out, but still numbered in the hundreds. Their initial aim was to attack the furthest point of the Wei right flank and that was where he was located. Ma Dai attempted to cut a bloody path to where his cousin was. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Before Ma Chao could realize what was happening, his cavalry force was being cut off and surrounded. He had pushed through the enemy lines on the right flank, but found himself the unfortunate victim of a massive enemy charge. He was now in a most dire situation, but where others lost heart and feared death he found strength. “Men! Do not falter!”Ma Chao raised his spear to the sky and right on cue a blast of lightning ripped through the air. “Fight with all you have! Watch now, for I will show you!”He whipped his spear around and urged his steed forward. The first enemy to reach him was parried and slain in one blow. Ma Chao was at the height of his fighting prowess and the adrenalin was racing through his veins. Another Wei rider approached, but before he could slay him as well an ally dispatched him. Ma Chao noticed an enemy behind the man who just aided him, but he was too late and the soldier was killed. His eyes locked onto that same scum who assassinated his soldier and only death followed. It was then, after cutting a few enemies down, that Ma Chao made out a powerful voice in the near distance. The fact it could be heard over all the combat and horrid weather was impressive. The Shu commander did not recognize the enemy and was expecting Deng Ai, but whoever it was they were charging for him. Xiahou Ba rode forth and used his lance for an attack against Ma Chao’s shoulder to which the latter brought his spear up with both hands to deflect overhead. The recoil of such a powerful stroke would be significant for Ba, one would think. Ma Chao rode forward and then turned to address his attacker. “You are not Deng Ai. Remove yourself or face my wrath!”It was not likely that Xiahou Ba would do as he was told. The young warrior was out for vengeance due to the loss of his late father, the great Xiahou Yuan. He had something to prove, but he was risking it all going against Ma Chao in single combat. It was all or nothing. Xiahou Ba could find victory and gain much glory or join his father in the Nine Springs. The combat all around was fierce, but never enough it seemed to stop a death circle from slowly forming. It would be a reach to say that both forces were pulling money from their armor to bet, but it was a momentary peace. Ma Chao urged his steed forward to meet his foe and both warriors exchanged 20 bouts with no victor. Both men circled, sizing one another up. However, this fight was not one that could go on forever. Chants for each warrior were being yelled and it was only then that Ma Chao realized who his opponent was. The young warrior’s strength was impressive. Still, was it enough. Ma Chao rode forth and slowed his steed before striking at Xiahou Ba. He used both hands for more control and feinted slightly toward his enemy’s head, but then thrust his weapon for the chest. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:: Summary:: - 500 Levy Spears and 280 Light Swords continue the fight on the right flank. 310 Light Swords and 730 Levy Spears in the center. - 1660 Peasant Bows move forward as to not hit allies and volley into enemy ranged units. 2 Arbalests and 2 Catapults do the same. - 500 Light Swords on the left flank move to engage Deng Ai from the side/rear. - 570 Light Cavalry under Ma Dai attack Deng Ai, but he takes men with him to push through to Ma Chao. A messenger is sent to Jiang Wei. - 450 Light Cavalry under Ma Chao try to defend against Xiahou Ba and Deng Ai. He engages Xiahou Ba in single combat.
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Post by Sima Yi on Jul 18, 2011 5:01:22 GMT
Deng Ai’s Army 290 Retinue Swordsmen 290 Retinue Spearmen 250 Light Cavalry 510 Heavy Cavalry 140 Peasant Bowmen 610 Crossbowmen 435 Horse Archers
Sima Shi’s army 600 Light Swordsmen 200 Retinue Swordsmen 600 Levy Spearmen 200 Retinue Spearmen 620 Peasant Bowmen 210 Crossbowmen
The battle had become an utter blood bath. Each side was losing men at an alarming rate, but that was war. Sima Yi chose this spot for battle for its defensive positioning, but in truth all it did was isolate each force into a bloody skirmish. Sima Yi’s army had the advantage now not because of defensive positioning, but simply because of a numerical advantage.
The battle had also split into two flanks. On one side, Ma Chao and Ma Dai’s cavalry battled with Deng Ai’s forces, and also had to deal with Xiahou Ba’s reinforced cavalry. The initial charge was devastating, but Deng Ai endured enough to begin inflicting more damage than they were receiving in the skirmish. Their veterans were stealing the day, though the newest recruits had all but decorated the ground with their corpses and spilt blood.
On the other side, Sima Shi took command unexpectedly and took the strong infantry unit from Xiahou Ba forward as their previous commander rode with his mounted unit to aid Deng Ai. With the fresh new troops coming in after a cavalry charge, they swept over the confused forces, retinue veteran infantrymen engaging first, with lighter and greener troops filing in to engage the skirmish of the main forces.
Deng Ai had led his heavy cavalry against Ma Dai, and their heavy armor and fine weapons proved to be effective. They hammered at Ma Dai’s cavalry without mercy, Deng Ai himself swinging his spear wildly against enemy riders. The horse archers had rode past the skirmish and fired a volley into Ma Dai’s rear to weaken them, but they now turned and rode freely south. They had cleared the battle, and were on the other side of the engagement with room to trot their horses where they may. They rode against the enemy catapults, and raided them with arrows to leave them without anyone to fire.
After they had killed the engineers, they turned now to the archers in the rear of Ma Chao’s main force. They rode in a wide formation, galloping in a loose circle to avoid getting hit by arrows. If the enemy archers hit them, it would be from pure luck. But they fired at stationary men, and those 2,000 archers would begin to thin out.
Deng Ai’s forces had come together. Where they had once been spread out, Xiahou Ba’s aid had allowed the entire front-line army to engage Ma Chao’s horsemen. Their formation collapsed on Ma Chao himself, who soon found he was becoming more and more alone in the battle. The 200 heavy cavalry that turned to face him began riding straight for him, killing any light cavalrymen that got in the way, their spears set for Ma Chao himself. As he was evading the heavy cavalry, revenue spearmen started to block his way, their spears set to slay Ma Chao’s horse and dismount him. All it took was one spear to find the flesh of Ma Chao’s horse… And he was swarmed already.
Retinue swordsmen and what remained of the light cavalry under Deng Ai’s control continued the skirmish against the enemy light cavalry, aiming to at last end their charge by putting them all to the sword.
The catapults and onagers let fly a barrage of boulders on the 2000 archers in the rear of Ma Chao’s main force, hoping to thin them out, and the entirety of Deng Ai and Sima Shi’s archer unit fired as well. The skirmish was intense, and the rain fell along with arrows on the duel of archery.
~Sima Yi’s Emcampment~
-Enter Zhongda-
“The rain has thickened.” Sima Yi commented to his lieutenants, who flew large crimson and black banners over the blue banner of Wei. “Thunder and lightning have joined the downpour. The storm tells the tale of the battle. I can hear the clash of steel over the thunder. Our forces are engaged, and the battle rages as strong as the storm above us.”
Sima Yi sent some riders out to scan the forest. He had waited for a long time and nobody had come. Their ambush party was being wasted, and that irritated Zhongda. Is Ma Chao so simple that he’d engage all his men straight into the jaws of Deng Ai and not even attempt strategy?
The riders returned shortly to inform Sima Yi of their scout. They claimed Jiang Wei was in the forest in Ye valley, but had received a message. Sima Yi was unsure exactly what the message detailed, but he assumed Jiang Wei was in the valley to try and flank his men by taking the pass around and into Sima Yi’s main camp. If he did, he would have fallen right into the ambush. But the letter might have changed that. The battle must be in Deng Ai’s favor, and Ma Chao is recalling Jiang Wei’s men to aid him in a losing battle.
He would not have that. Regardless if he was right or wrong, now was the time for Zhongda to spur into action. From behind the large trees in the valley, the crimson and black banners came out, and with it a large, fresh army charged ahead. Sima Yi sent a rider to his mercenary companion before charging out.
They rode west to meet with Jiang Wei’s forces, and prevent them from advancing either direction; toward Wei’s main camp or Shu’s main force.
The rider sent by Sima Yi approached Kang Ren’s forces, who were also camped in ambush across a clearing on the other side of the trees.
“Master Kang Ren,” The rider dismounted before Kang Ren’s horse, and bent his knee, “General Sima Yi has ridden into battle. He requests you to ride down on Jiang Wei and join him in engaging him, destroying him, and joining the main battle to see glory in victory. He says the battle is all but won. He also smiled when he told me when you bleed your sword on his enemies and ride a horse beside him in battle, you will see gold enough to not only kill Shu beside him, but raise an army of your own and conquer it yourself if you would wish it.”
The rider knew not how much Sima Yi was planning on paying Kang Ren, but Zhongda always had a plan. The more money he gave to the enemy of his enemy, the more men his enemy would face in the future. Sima Yi planned on making Kang Ren more than a common mercenary. He planned on creating a legend. One that would start beside Sima Yi in battle.
Sima Yi’s Army 1,000 Light Swordsmen 850 Levy Spearmen 1,200 Peasant Archers 1,025 Light Cavalry
Summary:
~ Deng Ai’s forces battle Ma Chao and Ma Dai’s cavalry. 200 heavy cavalry and 290 retinue spearmen battle the light cavalry, but fight to surround Ma Chao as well. The cavalry cut down men while chasing Ma Chao, and the spearmen set their spears on Ma Chao’s horse, aiming to kill it and leave him without a mount.
~ Deng Ai’s horse archers ride clear of the skirmish and volley at the back of Ma Dai’s horses, then move on to raid the enemy catapults. They ride in a large circle while firing a continuous volley on Ma Chao’s 2000 archers.
~ Sima Shi’s infantry engage Ma Chao’s main force.
~ The combined archers of Sima Shi and Deng Ai, along with the onagers and catapults, fire at the 2000 archers in the rear of Ma Chao’s formation.
~ Sima Yi’s force finally appears in battle, leaving their ambush to charge at Jiang Wei in the forest with fresh troops.
[edit - spacing errors after transferring text from Microsoft Word to the forum]
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Post by Sam on Jul 18, 2011 17:59:13 GMT
The battle was a tactical mess, Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang both would sigh in digust at what was going on. It was a bloodbath, tactics had fallen by the wayside into the mud of the earth. Xiahou Ba was getting increasingly stressed out as he fought, between the weather and the chaos of battle, he could hardly think straight. Just as he was trying to focus on the battle at hand a fresh volley of arrows like a swarm of hornets in the sky flew over his head landing among whatever was left of Ma Chao's rear ranks, shortly followed by a cloud of stones. "For fuck sake." Xiahou Ba screamed to himself as an initially organized battle turned to a free-for-all.
Xiahou Ba's strike at Ma Chao, who stood out like a sore thumb in his unique armour, was warded of with some quick spearplay from the famed general, his shaft raised above his shoulder and bore the impact to his shoulder, then kciked it back up with the strength of his shoulder and two arms. Xiahou Ba reeled back as his lance - still in his hands, was threw into the air with the push which kncked him off balance at the unexpected show of strength from Ma Chao. Ma Chao addressed him quickly, while he recovered from the parry, bringing his lance back to his control at his side, slaying a stray soldier on foot in frustration, it mattered not who it was.
The two faced off one-on-one as the chaos around them continued, all else didn't seem to include them. All things seemed to pause as He scowled back at Ma Chao his voice coarse with hatred for all things Shu, "Deng Ai has not suffered as I! Stretch out your neck wretch! The only thing that will remove itself here will be that head between your shoudlers!"
Xiahou Ba took a deep breath, exhaling his fumes of vengeance vows, as the heated exchange of bouts with Ma Chao ceased for that brief moment, he pushed aside his stress of the situation and thought of nothing else but his opponent at hand.
Both men kicked their horses, sharing no more words and met in furious combat. Xiahou Ba cared not for the stories of Ma Chao's fame, he would end his reputation here and now, while gaining some for himself. Shu and Liu Bei would fear his name. They fought for twenty bouts and then Xiahou Ba feinted giving Ma Chao an opening, whether the famed warrior noticed or not he didn't care, the longer the fight went on the more his confidence grew, Ma Chao was getting old, Ba was int he prime of his life.
Chao moved to strike, and Xiahou Ba moved to counter. His spear shot forward and suddenly it shot down for Ba chest. His lance already raised for a block, he positioned the blade before himself from his left shoulder to his right knee. He swung himself to the right kicking the horse with his stirrups and it swung it's head right. Ba summoned all his might into his parry and as Ma Chao's blade flew forward at his he flung the weight of his blade against Ma Chao's. Knocking it shy of Xiahou Ba's chest as he turned aside, and sending the spear over his horse's head, back to Ma Chao's left side.
The two men were now side by side, as Ma Chao's horse had moved forward and Xiahou's had turned and they were now head-to-head like their horses. Assuming Ma Chao had at this point recovered from the parry, Xiahou Ba, took his lance in both hands on his right and swung his horizontally at Ma Chao's abdomen, bringing all the weight he could into the blow, which aimed not to kill, but knock Ma Chao backward off his steed.
The battle intensified, but their intimite duel was soon interupted with the introduction of Wei infantry swarming the position, a unit of spearmen aiming for Ma Chao. "Fuck off, he's mine!" They paid no heed to Xiahou Ba and started lunging wildly at Ma Chao and his horse. Ba screamed out in frustration as he broke off from the combat, unable to attempt to take Ma Chao's life in such a circumstance for honours sake.
Xiahou Ba pulled away and in his misery of losing his chance, shouted to all those around him, "Five-thousand gold pieces for the man who brings me Ma Chao alive!" All Wei men, around him starting moving forward, enveloping their prized enemy, Ma Chao was easily noticable, in his silver armour, no other general was so flashy and stylish.
Meanwhile, Xiahou Ba's rightmost cavalry unit was continuously hitting and running Ma Chao's left flank and Ma Dai's position, killing anything that tred to flee back in the direction of the Shu base camp. The third unit that had charged across from the battlefield finally showed up and didn't join the fight with Ma Chao's unit but swung around and slammed into Ma Dai instead, where there was a more general target.
The battle had become more about survival than anything, the side that could endure the most and outfight their opponents would win the day. Xiahou Ba's force:950 Light Cavalry 220 Heavy Cavalry 480 Horsebowmen Summary:Xiahou Ba and Ma Chao cross swords. All of Xiahou Ba's troops are in the fight, and have engaged both Chao and Dai. Xiahou Ba has placed a bounty on Ma Chao, offering a reward for anyone who can capture him, the troops in the immediate area of Ma Chao and Xiahou Ba fight with doubled efforts to try and unhorse and seize Ma Chao.
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Post by Zhou Tong (Monty) on Jul 19, 2011 2:32:35 GMT
[/color]He smiled and knew that this would put Ling Tong at ease. He turned to his troops and rallied his troops with one wave of his sword. They sighed with relief. Their lord was going to stay with Wei.
Ling Tong was growing desperate. The people wouldn't leave their village. He tried hard, he yelled loudly, "People please calm down! The Shu army isn't too far off. Please come let us leave!" The people didn't move fast. Soon the sounds of battle were loud and prominant and the people looked at Ling Tong in fear. He announced loudly, ” You hear that? That's the sound of thousands of Shu soldiers descending upon you! Come! Let us go! We must get you out of here. You are important enough to not get caught up in the fighting!"The people nodded and they started to listen to him, allowing him to lead them out of the village and to the nearby countryside. He permitted 50 spearmen to leave and protect them on their way to the city. They soon were on their way, far away from the battle and a bit of pressure in Ling Tong's heart was settled. However, he heard the screech of the falcon and dread filled his heart. He knew his lord was going to defect. He knew that his lord was going to ruin himself. But he didn't say anything. The falcon came down and landed upon his arm. He swallowed and felt a hard lump in his throat. He took off the small parchment and read it. He sighed with relief and turned to his men, "We march for WEI!" Ling Tong's men cheered loudly. They moved back into position and began their way back to help out Sima Yi.
Kang Ren's troops moved forward, his archers in the front. As soon as they were in range, they shot a volley of arrows at Jiang Wei and then put their bows down, that is all they had time for. Kang Ren's Cavalry charged forward and attacked, his spearmen and swordsmen not far behind. His spearmen were flanking Jiang Wei's right site, the swordsmen then split into three groups, a group of two hundred, and two groups of one hundred. The big group rushed forward at the right flank along with the spearmen. One group of swordsmen along with Kang Ren with the cavalry came up behind Jiang Wei. Kang Ren rushed forwards ahead of his cavalry and took a slice at the nearest soldiers head, hoping to lop it off in one strike. He looked around intently looking for Jiang Wei. He was the one who wanted Jiang Wei's head. He will have it. [/ul]
Kang Ren's Troops: 400 Light Swordsman 200 Levy Spearmen 800 Peasant Archers 200 Cavalry
Ling Tong's Troops: 100 Light Cavalry 50 Spearmen 100 Archers
- Ling Tong evacuates the village in the east. - Ling Tong and his troops make their way back towards the Ye Valley, hoping to meet up with their leader. - Kang Ren's forces appear near the mid left side of the map and charge towards Jiang Wei. - 800 Archers unleash a volley of arrows at Jiang Wei - 200 Cavalry and 100 Swordsmen attack Jiang Wei after circling around the back. - 200 Swordsmen and 200 spearmen attack Jiang Wei on his right flank. - 100 Swordsmen wait back for reinforcements. - Kang Ren searches for Jiang Wei.
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Post by Mikey on Jul 21, 2011 6:22:08 GMT
Round Four Complete! Post Order:
Attackers 1st: Ma Chao
Defenders 2nd: Sima Yi Cao Cao (Xiahou Ba) Kang Ren
Casualties:
Ma Chao: 215 Levy Spearmen (right flank) 150 Light Swordsmen (right flank) 130 Light Swordsmen (center) 320 Levy Spearmen (center) 140 Light Swordsmen (Engaging Deng Ai's Rear) 400 Peasant Bowmen 150 Light Cavalry (Ma Dai) 200 Light Cavalry (Ma Chao)
Jiang Wei: None
Sima Yi: None
Deng Ai: 125 Retinue Swordsmen 125 Retinue Spearmen 110 Light Cavalry 235 Heavy Cavalry 45 Peasant Bowmen 190 Crossbowmen 215 Horsebowmen
Sima Shi: 265 Light Swordsmen 265 Levy Spearmen 80 Retinue Swordsmen 90 Retinue Spearmen 200 Peasant Bowmen 60 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Ba: 200 Light Cavalry (Again, mostly due to your own arrows in this weather.) 45 Heavy Cavalry 30 Crossbowmen
Kang Ren: None
Sima Hui's Weather Report:
Thunder and Lighting now appear every 30 seconds. The rain is a torrential downpour and the wind is gusting northward. The wind is so strong that most of the arrows launched in the air are flown harmlessly over the evergreen mountains. The large mist has covered the entire battlefield now, and visibility is down to barely twenty feet, this drastically affects the accuracy of ranged units.
Morale:
Summary:
Ma Chao's boldness, bravery and valor bolster his troops' morale, and for this round, their fatigue. Deng Ai's order to his spearmen to de-horse Ma Chao never went through on account of Deng Ai not being at the part of the battlefield (and battlefield telepathy hasn't been invented yet!). This leaves Ma Chao still a relatively unpressured position, although Xiahou Ba still breaths down his neck, and his cavalry troops will quickly overrun Ma Chao's men.
Ma Dai finally breaks through Deng Ai's initial heavy cavalry, which tried to stall reinforcements from getting to Ma Chao, the Light Cavalry reach Ma Chao and the second charge creates a large Shu-Controlled bulge in which Ma Chao could safely retreat into.
Deng Ai's horsebowmen, being caught in between a mass of swordsmen and light cavalry cannot move from their position and are quickly pushed into the mess of a melee (somewhere where they don't belong), and thus, their attacks on the catapult units and archers are never realized.
With the weather, the ranged units are firing more than randomly now and are making educated guesses at where the back of the enemy line would be. This makes them not effective.
The melee continues to rise in intensity, with the mist, the rain, the mud, the thunder, the lighting, and the constant downpour of arrows, the battle is now a casualty-fest for both sides. No sense of 'formation' exists anymore. The Shu forces, however, realize that they will eventually lose and begin to lose heart. Routing may be imminent. (As in next turn, start to gtfo out of here!)
Xiahou Ba and Ma Chao exchange bouts but disengage. Xiahou Ba yells that Ma Chao is worth 5,000 gold, but within the din of the entire battle (and the thunder), his order is barely heard by only the troops surrounding him. Ma Chao's 'meatshield', which miraculously still exists in some lessened form, makes sure that he is in no real immediate danger unless Xiahou Ba charges him again.
In the time it takes for Sima Yi's scouts to return from somehow discerning that Jiang Wei's hidden troops (as in hidden, and you never knew where they were in the first place, nor that Jiang Wei was leading them) received a message from Ma Chao (which would be a full turn on account of where they actually are), Jiang Wei is already gone from his previous position.
Kang Ren searches for Jiang Wei, and since Jiang Wei isn't in that part of the forest anymore, he doesn't.
Please post updated troop count, and include a summary at the end of your post. It is in the rules.
Talk to an enemy officer, in or outside of battle! (+5 Rep)
Completed by Sam
*** A modified version of Jen's battle formula was used for this round. It seems to be more reasonable. I'm still working out the kinks though. ***
Round Five may commence!
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 21, 2011 16:19:43 GMT
:: 1st Army:: Ma Chao 250 Light Cavalry Ma Dai 420 Light Cavalry 410 Levy Spears (center) 285 Levy Spears (right) 180 Light Swords (center) 130 Light Swords (right) 360 Light Swords (left) 1260 Peasant Bows (center) 2 Arbalests 2 Catapults :: 2nd Army:: Jiang Wei 600 Light Cavalry 400 Peasant Bows 400 Levy Spears 400 Light Swords ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Shu was being ass raped and the severe weather was making for a difficult battle. Movement was being hindered for all units and visibility was low. It was ironic that most people would think of hell as a place of fire, but in this case it was a water world. All across the battlefield, soldiers fought bravely for their respective kingdoms. However, due to the elements, fatigue was becoming a factor. Many men were slumped over, if offered a brief moment of peace, to gain their composure. Still, if they wanted to survive they had to fight with every bit of strength that could be mustered. The infantry all along the Shu front tried desperately to push the enemy back. Swords and shields parried and bashed the enemy followed by spear strikes to any unfortunate soldiers who got through. It was the same in the center, the swordsmen engaged first and then the spears moved forward to jab through the openings. They could hear the familiar buzzing of arrows overhead, but they were too busy to notice from which side they came. “Loose!” The remaining archers let fly another volley toward the Wei ranged units. The effectiveness was suffering the entire battle due to the weather, but still they were able to offer decent support. The arbalests and catapults launched an attack as well and could only hope to strike their targets, the same as the archers. The most heated combat was on the left flank. Deng Ai and Xiahou Ba had both moved to counter Shu charges with the result being pure carnage on that side. Bodies of both men and horses were scattered along the crimson stained ground. The swordsmen on that side, attacking Deng Ai’s cavalry units, were still in the fight and left unchecked. Wei horse bows were attempting to maneuver, but there was nowhere to go. The enemy let loose arrows against Ma Dai and then they were met with swords as well as shields. The other half of the unit was hacking at Deng Ai’s heavy cavalry, though it was difficult to kill such foes. Ma Dai’s light cavalry were fighting hard against Deng Ai’s superior horse unit. Taking a few hundred men with him, he pushed forward to aid the cut off, and almost surrounded, Ma Chao. The only saving grace for his cousin, from such a predicament, was Ye Valley behind him. The rain pelted both Ma Chao and Xiahou Ba as they dueled to the death. Their eyes were locked upon one another, as they circled, and only when the lightning blazed across the sky could the fury in them be seen. Ma Chao fought for honor and justice. Xiahou Ba fought for vengeance and glory. Both of them had lost their fathers, but at least Xiahou Yuan died a good death in battle. Xiahou Ba’s leader, Cao Cao, had assassinated Ma Teng like a coward. The rage within them was the same. The two had exchanged more than twenty bouts and for Ma Chao that was considered a loss. The enemy was slowly surrounding him, breaking the honor of single combat between officers, and a sense of urgency overtook him. Xiahou Ba had just attacked and only by sliding in his saddle was Ma Chao able to dodge. He then quickly lowered his arm and grabbed hold of the enemy’s spear. The two wrestled for the weapon until they were forced apart by a Wei spearman. Ma Chao let go and quickly cut the enemy down. He moved away from Xiahou Ba as the bounty was placed upon his head. Two more spearmen then blocked his path, attacking and injuring his horse. The animal cried out in pain as Ma Chao kicked one of the enemies in the face. The other soldier stabbed again and the Shu commander was sent to the ground. Ma Chao’s horse had been slain, but he had no time to mourn their long friendship. The man who killed Buttercup was going to pay! A few surrounding Shu riders witnessed the events and moved to aid. By the time they got to him, Buttercup’s murderer had been dispatched. Ma Chao had unsheathed a broad sword that he kept on his saddle and beheaded him. The few Shu cavalry with their leader were cut down by enemy horse bows and it seemed to be the end. However, an all too familiar voice could be heard over the clashing of battle. “Cousin!” Riding hard to Ma Chao’s aid was his cousin, Ma Dai. The latter was the true hero, always rescuing his impatient family member as well as other officers who got in over their heads. His light cavalry crashed into Deng Ai’s infantry, attempting to make a path. A rush of adrenalin, probably the last, overtook Ma Chao. Seeing his cousin had invigorated him, bringing light to a very dark situation. A few feet away, he could see his Dragon Fang spear. Certainly, it would have been a nice trophy for someone from Wei. However, that was not going to happen. Ma Chao moved for the famed weapon and an enemy horseman moved to intercept. Bringing his sword up, he whipped it backwards over his shoulder and then unleashed it at the Wei rider. The weapon flew end over end and impaled the soldier, sending him flying from the saddle. Ma Chao grabbed his spear and displayed the skill of a horse master by quickly mounting the enemy beast that was still moving. With whatever was left of his own unit, he made for Ma Dai. Suddenly, horns could be heard from the rear ranks of Shu. Charging in, along the Ye Valley was Jiang Wei with 600 light cavalry. Ma Dai had dispatched a messenger before his charge and Jiang Wei was called upon to abandon his ambush. “Ma Chao! Ma Dai! I am here to assist!” The Shu light cavalry moved to attack Deng Ai’s cavalry. Although the Wei soldiers were superior, they were now outnumbered and surrounded. Inside the Ye Valley, Jiang Wei’s ambush unit noticed the approach of Sima Yi and Kang Ren. They had been stationed there to spring a surprise attack or to act as a stalling maneuver. The group was comprised of 400 swords, 400 spears, and 400 bows. The spears took up the center with 2 rows of 200. The swords split and took up the flanks, 200 each side. Arrows were set and let go into the enemy after the bows took up the rear. The group would hold the enemy for as long as possible. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:: Summary:: - All infantry units continue to fight along the frontlines. 410 Levy Spears (center), 285 Levy Spears (right), 180 Light Swords (center), 130 Light Swords (right), 360 Light Swords (left) - 1260 Bows let loose again into Wei ranged units. 2 Arbalests and 2 Catapults launch again at the same targets. - Ma Dai, with 420 Light Cavalry, attempts to break Ma Chao out of the coffin slowly surrounding him. - Ma Chao, commanding 250 Light Cavalry, fights with all of his skill and remaining strength to cut a bloody path back to his lines. - Jiang Wei arrives to aid his allies. 600 light cavalry crash into Deng Ai’s horsemen, adding to the other units already fighting them. - The former ambush unit is now acting as a small dam to keep back the flood that is Sima Yi and Kang Ren. There are 400 of each unit, bows, spears, and swords.
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Post by Sima Yi on Jul 21, 2011 18:17:23 GMT
~The Main Battle~
Deng Ai’s Army 175 Retinue Swordsmen 175 Retinue Spearmen 140 Light Cavalry 275 Heavy Cavalry 95 Peasant Bowmen 410 Crossbowmen 210 Horse Archers
Sima Shi’s army 435 Light Swordsmen 120 Retinue Swordsmen 435 Levy Spearmen 110 Retinue Spearmen 420 Peasant Bowmen 150 Crossbowmen
On the main front, things were swaying in Wei’s favor slowly. But victory, as it seemed, was coming at a cost of its own. Where thousands of men once stood under Sima Yi’s crimson and black banner, only hundreds stood now. They were winning the skirmish, all eyes could see that, but it was a bloody affair nonetheless. It would be a red victory, one which no tales would sing about.
Deng Ai’s heavy cavalry had impeded Ma Dai’s charge and weakened their ranks enough to allow them to pass, for they had a new foe that would not leave them be. A small regiment of light infantry came into the fray, charging at them without knowing that they were soon to die. Deng Ai spun his horse about, rallied as many of his heavy cavalry to him, and charged.
The infantry on the other end could only look on. Deng Ai set his spear, and atop his mighty war horse, he’d look something fierce. With each gallop the steed splashed water to either side, as the downpour left large puddles at their feet. When the horse closed in enough, Deng Ai thrust his spear at the first man he saw, and impaled him into the air. He was dead before his feet found the ground once more, falling limp like a ragdoll into the mud and water beneath him.
Slightly outnumbered, the heavy cavalry used both steed and spears to do the killing. They set their spears on the initial charge and took most the front lines of the infantry with those, but their horses did not stop. They plowed thicker and thicker into the ranks, trampling men underfoot as they passed. If the frontline of the cavalry left men alive, their riders behind them made sure their spears found flesh. Deng Ai himself was at the front, riding to and fro, hither and thither, hacking left and right enough to make his entire spear-arm look painted red, and much of his face as well.
Meanwhile, Sima Shi lifted his sword and ordered the onagers, catapults, arbalests and archers to fire again on Ma Chao’s archers in front of him. He left the engineers and archers behind when he took up command of the main force, but sitting atop his horse, he was clear to see. All he needed to do was lift his sword, turn back to acknowledge who he gave commands to, and thrust his sword forward. I swing my sword and the sky fills with arrows and boulders. My voice is the command, what I deem true is true. Sima Shi was smiling, even as the men ahead of him were hacking down enemies and being hacked down all the same. This was the finest day of his life.
~Sima Yi’s Forces~[/b]
“Send a rider to Kang Ren,” Sima Yi commanded, “Inform him that Jiang Wei is too far south for us to chase down. We must combine our might and crush them in one charge when we arrive.”
So the rider was sent. Kang Ren was close enough to catch up to in a short time, so long as the messenger rode with haste. His horse didn’t like it, with the skies being so erratic and the ground such a slush of mud and grass. But the word was sent all the same, and as Sima Yi marched south, he met up with Kang Ren’s force and continued down the forest, out of Ye Valley with a combined force of 6,000 fresh troops. I doubt 6,000 troops even share the battlefield, with these weather conditions. My men, Ma Chao’s men, if the weather tells the tale of the battlefield than it has been a massacre.
Sima Yi rode at center, with his lieutenants at his rear to his left and Kang Ren and Ling Tong behind him to the right. As they approached the clearing out into the main battle, Sima Yi noticed a few banners rising against the brush. He laughed.
“Fools! Look upon you and look at what comes! You have banners enough to make a small tent, but none I would sit command of. My banners are more than tenfold that of yours, and larger and brighter even in a rainstorm. You stand no chance!”
Sima Yi shouted at them, but with the distance between them, the rain making noise enough when it hit the ground, and the thunder voicing from the heavens every couple of seconds, he doubted they heard him. Is this an insult? Jiang Wei thinks to stall me with such a small company? Or is he more a fool than I have heard, and he sends these men to their graves to escape my wrath?
Zhongda did not wait for an answer to come into his head. He simply thrust his hand forward, and behind him 4,000 men charged a few hundred. A thousand and more arrows filled the sky, firing in clear sight at the small force arrayed before them. The winds were strong, but these men were close enough to fire effectively enough. The archers drew and fired again, before the charge struck. The thousand strong of cavalry hit first, a hard charge against too few men with no strong footing in the mud and water, and as they hacked and fought forward, two thousand infantry crashed in behind them, buckling the enemy formation and fighting through to charge into the main battle.
Sima Yi’s Army 1,000 Light Swordsmen 850 Levy Spearmen 1,200 Peasant Archers 1,025 Light Cavalry Summary
~ Deng Ai’s heavy cavalry charge and engage Ma Chao’s light swordsmen.
~Deng Ai’s forces continue to battle Ma Chao and Ma Dai’s cavalry. Sima Shi’s forces continue to battle Ma Chao’s infantry force.
~Sima Yi leads his full force against Jiang Wei’s men, assaulting his wits and integrity for leaving such a small force behind to die in order to escape.
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Post by Sam on Jul 21, 2011 20:31:12 GMT
The battle was nearing a decisive colcusion. The men of Shu could neither break free, nor wretle control of their ground from the folk of Wei. Whatever the outcome though, both sides would remember this guesome battle for times to come. Hideous casualties marked the site, it was a massacre for both sides, Wei just happened to have more soldiers to throw down.
Xiahou Ba looked on at the unfolding events, Ma Chao seemed to be fighting for his life the second Ba broke off from their individual combat. Fog had masked the battlefield during their encounter, making things even more difficult, but wherever lightning struck, it seemed to illuminate Ma Chao, his armour betraying his location and every peal.
Ma Chao was taken down from his steed, the proud beast's life cut short from under him by the surging Wei infantry. It wasn't enough, Ma Chao was equally skill on foot with a weapon as he was on horseback. Ma Dai came into view and conducted a timely rescue, much to Xiahou Ba's annoyance. These rodents just keep coming!
Ma CHao had remounted and that was enough for Xiahou Ba, enough to have him get back into the flow of things. To his Heavy guard aroudn him he shouted, "Rely my orders: Ma Chao is not to escape; that bastard cousin of his can rot in hell for all I care. I want Ma Chao!" His retinue started shouting the order in every direction they could, spreading it around the thick of the fighting, Wei soldiers when they could also relayed the order as well as they could.
Xiahou Ba shouted finally to his retinue, after they held their ground in a ring of death for a little while, "With me. I'll take that irresponsible horse-lord this time.". Xiahou Ba's lance was dripping with blood, the rain cleansing the blade as he fought.
Ma Chao could sill be seen not far ahead, riding with Ma Dai, Xiahou Ba's men were slowly hacking their way after him on receiving their orders, between the bounty and their general's command they were quite happy to toil some more and rip into the Shu ranks.
Xiahou Ba pursued Ma Chao, he and his guard of Heavy Cavalry cutting a direct path across the fighting, near enough unopposed as a solid group. As he drew close Xiahou Ba's horsemen kicked into a gallop to engage Ma Dai and his men. While Xiahou Ba once again made right directly for Ma Chao all bent for the kill, he shouted ahead of himself mockingly, "Oh don't leave General Ma! Come, dismount and surrender!"
He closed the gap once more and raised that lance of his. He lowered it to his left and swung outwards with the blade, aiming right for Ma Chao right bicep as he moved in, slowing his horse down with his legs.
* * *
Meanwhile on Ma Chao's flank, the hit and run abuse had kept on coming from the armoured unit on the north side, they were about to make yet another sally forth when they vaguely made out a charge in the mist, heralded by horns. "That is no orc horn." Those are not our horns. [/i] The leader of this particular unit, changed his mind, moving from his original orders, "Men, engage!" His entire unit, kicked into action, wading forward to intercept the charge from Jiang Wei's right flank. The horsebowmen moving to and fro, also halted, and seeing the redirection of the unit, followed them. The weather was atrocious, any charge that Jiang Wei thought he could pull off would be severly weakened by all this mist, mud and rain. He would not stem the tide. Xiahou Ba meanwhile, fighting Ma Chao furiously once again was otherwise occupied when the they heard the rush of thousands of arrows in the sky, over the battle and the discharges of onagers and catapults alike. Damn that Sima Shi, there are friendlies here! Ba half expected for all that shit to land on him. He and Ma Chao both halted for a moment and looked overhead, thousands of arrows sailed overhead, not far from them and into the mass of Ma Chao's archers across the field in the distance beyond the battle at hand. A few boulders followed afterward, thudding onto those who that were proud of themselves for avoiding the initial arrows. Xiahou Ba looked back at Ma Chao and shared a glance, as if saying What you gonna do bitch? He then moved again, hurling the weight of his dao lance forward toward Ma Chao in a one-handed stroke across him, from shoulder to hip.[/blockquote] Xiahou Ba's guard:83 Heavy Cavalry Xiahou Ba's force:750 Light Cavalry 92 Heavy Cavalry 450 Horsebowmen Summary:Xiahou Ba relentlessly re-engages Ma Chao. His formed guard crash into and occupy Ma Dai and his unit. Xiahou Ba's men start cutting down enemies more savagely, moving ever for Ma Chao, to capture their prize. The unit on the left of Ma Chao's initial unit position now alters course to intercept Jiang Wei, followed closely by a great of the Horsebowmen running nearby.
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Post by Fang Dao on Jul 24, 2011 4:12:18 GMT
((OOC: Editting the post to include LEGAL troops. Apologies for the errors that were made. Kinda peeved at them myself. Also, I took the liberty of taking Kingdom troops without asking Aaron. Figured it was only fair since he assigned me troops that didn't exist. >.>)) 1000 Light Swordsman 1000 Light Cavalry 500 Levy Spearmen Troop Total: 2500 Kingdom Troops The weather was the fiercest this former mountain bandits had ever seen. The rain seemed to fall like a hail of arrows, ice cold wind sending the water spraying and tassels and flags flying. Lightning streaked the sky like a deadly dance, making it's presence known with the distant crash of thunder. It was as if the elements themselves were waging war against each other in this place....all too fitting. Shu, the Dragon....and Wei, the Phoenix. These two forces had clashed here, and it could be described as nothing less then a massacre. Bodies littered the ground, while others still fought on in these bleak conditions, desperate to cling to life. But they would not struggle alone.
It had taken Fang Dao some time, and he had tried to ride as hard as he could to get here; he had tried not to go too fast or too hard. He knew fatigued troops would be of little or no use...and these conditions would not help. But he was here, his small Brigade of men positioned in the Nanzheng Farmlands. His eye surveyed the battlefield, trying to find an opening. It was difficult; the battlefield was narrow, and his presence obvious. The forest also provided little opportunity and was a risk for being surrounded. No choice. He would have to plunge straight through.
The fierce looking mountain warrior turned to his men, waving his two handed Dao through the air, his polearm mounted on his back. Motioned to his men, then to the battlefield ahead."Listen up! You General Ma Chao lies ahead! The situation is grim...but do not lose hope! You are MEN! Men of Shu! Fight with honor, and with pride! Protect your homes and your lord! I will lead the charge; I will SHED blood as you shed blood! TONIGHT WE SPILL WEI BLOOD!!" It was a strange motivation speech. A tad macho, but coming from a tall, strong man like Fang Dao, it was to be expected...and the men actually seemed to buy it. They were further impressed when Fang Dao, waving his sword to signal the charge, spurred his horse onward. It did not take these men long to follow; their own countrymen lie ahead, struggling for their lives, as well as their beloved Ma Chao, a shining beacon of hope for Shu. If this fierce looking former bandit was going to help them save their comrades, they would follow. The formation was simple; a group of light cavalry charged straight ahead, with Fang Dao at the lead. His battle cry seemed to split the air between the lightning strikes, growing closer to the grand melee ahead. The remaining light cavalry charged at the flanks, with orders to attempt a flanking strike as the main group broke up their formations. The swordsmen charged behind, with the simple intent of aiding their allies in the ground melee. The spear men were at their flanks, trying to keep formation and take out any horses that may have charged their way.
As he charged, Fang Dao attempted to yell ahead of the storm to the general in the fighting."Lord Ma Chao! I am Fang Dao of Ye! I come as a friend!" Summary ~Fang Dao arrives to reinforce the Shu Army at Nanzheng Farmlands ~Giving a short rallying speech, Fang Dao has charged forward in an attempt to aid his new comrade Ma Chao, his troops waving the Kingdom, banner. ~The troops are split as follows: 500 Light Cavalry led by Fang Dao charging the center in an attempt to scatter the Wei forces. 250 Light Cavalry on the Left Flank trying to encircle and charge the Wei's Right Flank...(Their Right, lawl) 250 Light Cavalry on the Right Flank trying to encircle or charge the Wei's Left Flank...(Or rather, THEIR left) 1000 Light Swordsmen led by captains in two groups of 500 follow behind to join the melee and/or clean up any scattered Wei troops. 500 Levy Spearmen on the swordsmen's flanks charge as well, with orders to spear horses...or to hang back if they get too close to the melee
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Post by Storyteller on Jul 26, 2011 0:50:09 GMT
Round Five Complete! Post Order:
Attackers 1st: Ma Chao Fang Dao
Defenders 2nd: Sima Yi Cao Cao (Xiahou Ba) Kang Ren
Casualties:
Ma Chao: 60 Light Cavalry 205 Levy Spears (Center) 40 Levy Spears (Center, Begin to rout.) 140 Levy Spears (Right) 30 Levy Spears (right, Begin to ball-room dance, err, I mean rout.) 75 Light Swords (Center) 140 Light Swords (Left) 415 Peasant Bowmen
Ma Dai: 105 Light Cavalry
Jiang Wei: 60 Light Cavalry
Former Ambush Unit (Shu) 140 Peasant Bowmen 150 Levy Spearmen 150 Light Swordsmen
Sima Yi: 350 Light Cavalry
Deng Ai: 60 Retinue Spearmen 60 Retinue Swordsmen 90 Light Cavalry 100 Heavy Cavalry 95 Peasant Bowmen 110 Crossbowmen 70 Horsebowmen
Sima Shi: 100 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 30 Retinue Swordsmen 40 Retinue Spearmen 110 Peasant Bowmen 40 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Ba: 100 Light Cavalry 20 Heavy Cavalry (main force) 30 Heavy Cavalry (Xiahou Ba's guard) 115 Horsebowmen
Kang Ren: 10 Cavalry
Sima Hui's Weather Report:
Thunder and Lighting now appear every 30 seconds. The rain is a torrential downpour and the wind is gusting northward. The wind is so strong that most of the arrows launched in the air are flown harmlessly over the evergreen mountains. The large mist has covered the entire battlefield now, and visibility is down to barely twenty feet, this drastically affects the accuracy of ranged units.
Morale:
Summary:
Ma Chao breaks out of his embattled situation with the help of his cousin, Ma Dai. Xiahou Ba, and whatever remains of the infantry that once made up a formation, are hot on his tails however. Deng Ai is surrounded by Shu horsemen and infantry (who have managed to remain sort of untouched by the brawl in the center), including now Jiang Wei and his horsemen, on pretty much every side.
If Ma Chao were to take the opportunity to finish off Deng Ai, however, he would easily sacrifice his entire infantry unit (which is now on the verge of collapse from Sima Shi's attacks), and even put himself in a worse position than he was just in.
An initial conflict between the Former Ambush Unit that was under Jiang Wei's command sparks between Sima Yi and Kang Ren's forces (they are located below the double "L"s in the word "Valley"). Because of the weather, and the forest, cavalry and archers are not effective much at all, and initial losses are slim.
Fang Dao arrives from the nearby stronghold of Nanzheng to cover Ma Chao's retreat. (Or so I suspect)
Please post updated troop count, and include a summary at the end of your post. It is in the rules.
Rally your troops with a speech at one of the campfire sites! (+5 Rep)
Completed by Fang Dao
*** A modified version of Jen's battle formula is being used for this battle. ***
Round Six may commence!
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 26, 2011 18:41:27 GMT
Ma Chao190 Light Cavalry 165 Levy Spear (center) 115 Levy Spears (right) 105 Light Swords (center) 220 Light Swords (left) 845 Peasant Bows (center) 2 Arbalests 2 Catapults Ma Dai315 Light Cavalry Jiang Wei540 Light Cavalry Former Ambush Unit260 Peasant Bows 250 Light Spears 250 Light Swords Ma Chao and his remaining cavalry unit, which had somehow survived the entire battle, made haste toward Ma Dai who was holding back Deng Ai’s soldiers. His group was a small fraction of the original unit of over a thousand riders. It seemed bold maneuvers either paid off or took their toll. With concern for Ma Chao’s initial charge, it was the latter. The two cousins exchanged greetings when their horses came near, but it was short lived. The relieved expression on Ma Dai’s face was replaced by one of shock. “Cousin! You are being followed!” Xiahou Ba, like a prowling tiger, had locked on to Ma Chao and was foaming at the mouth for another shot at him. The host of Wei cavalry with him was impressive, but Shu still had numbers to offer combat. Ma Chao turned to face his new nemesis and deflected the attack coming at him. However, he knew that there was no time to get drawn into a duel. It was most likely Xiahou Ba’s intention to do so, stalling Ma Chao so that Sima Yi could pincer, but it could have just been the rage within him. None of the Shu officers knew that Sima Yi and Kang Ren were engaging the former ambush unit of Jiang Wei. He had been called upon to aid the Ma cousins and to abandon his ambush. Still, with the faltering frontline and rapid loss of soldiers the inevitable course of action would be retreat. Shu riders moved in to aid Ma Chao and they engaged Xiahou Ba to give their leader time to fall back. Ma Dai as well started to retreat and called to Jiang Wei to signal the army. Three distinct horn calls rang out and the entire Shu army began to strategically retreat, if at all possible. Doing anything strategically, in such weather, was difficult to say the least. Ma Chao, Ma Dai, and Jiang Wei all moved with the remaining Shu cavalry and any surviving infantry did so as well. Hopefully the new Shu officer, who none present knew of, could offer support and gain respect from them. The siege equipment units started to turn and head back from where they came. The bow unit did the same, but after sending one final volley to pepper the enemy. Most likely the infantry on the frontlines would not make it out alive, but at least they could die knowing their leaders would avenge them. “Fall back! Fall back to Han Zhong!”~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~- Ma Chao, Ma Dai, and Jiang Wei all move to retreat with 1045 Light Cavalry. - All remaining infantry and bowmen in the main skirmish attempt to pull back. 280 Levy Spears, 605 Light Swords, and 845 Peasant Bows. The bows let loose a volley before doing so. - 2 Arbalests and 2 Catapults begin to retreat. - The former ambush unit attempts to hold back Sima Yi and Kang Ren while the main army retreats.
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Post by Fang Dao on Jul 29, 2011 5:19:36 GMT
Fang Dao was no idiot. He knew this battle was not to be won. But that was not going to stop him. He had come here to see a god damned fight, and even if was brief, he was going to GIVE one! As the remnants of the Shu army fell into a retreat, he rode in the opposite direction, past the fleeing soldeirs. Someone had to cover their escape, and he was a good a candidate as any. The former bandit actually gave a sinister grin; the Wei were about to see the fury of a cornered tiger on the battlefield. They would win, but not without their losses./.
As his cavalry unit charged onward, Fang Dao passed Ma Chao briefly on the battlefield. He said nothing, but instead, just scowled. It was not a scowl of disdain or of hatred, but a message. It said "Get the hell out of here". It was fleeting, and lasted only a moment as Fang Dao simply passed him, the horses in his unit trampling the mud beneath their hooves as they thundered forward. His foot soldiers were not far behind, weapons drawn and their battle cries filling the air.
The objective was quite simple; they would stall the Wei army as long as they could. It would be a struggle; blood would spill on both sides today. Fang Dao had one mere advantage on his side, and he would have to rely on it to avoid being completely slaughtered....and that was that he had the fresher troops. Both sides were weary, Fang Dao from marching, and the Wei from the hard battle they had been waging this day in the pouring rain and howling winds. He just hoped...no. He KNEW he could last long enough to hold them off.
The cavalry was the first to reach their targets, aimed to slam into Xiahou Ba's pursuing army. The mountain bandit had no idea what Ma Chao had done to rile this man, nor did he care. His business would no longer be with the general of Shu, but with this ragged looking man that now charged straight at him. The infantry were shortly behind him, and would attempt to engage the enemy foot soldiers in the area that the cavalry slammed into. Fang Dao himself was at the very front of the charge, swinging his Dao sword with such ferocity it could cut through bone. He hacked away at arms and necks, screaming at the top of his lungs. He tried not to penetrate too deep, however, knowing that if he did so, he and his men had no escape.
During the melee, Fang Dao rode out to Xiahou Ba himself, aiming to possibly take his head. He had no idea who the man was, but he imagined that he could claim a potential trophy for his wall back home. He charged toward the man, intent of trading blows with him, yelling out insults as he did so."Your fight is with me now! Unless you find honor in cutting down fleeing men, you yellow bellied cur!" Summary: ~Knowing the battle cannot be won, Fang Dao urges his men on regardless, intent on covering the retreat of his superior officer ~The troops continue with their aforementioned tactic, charging forward to their assigned tasks. ~A Cavalry unit of 500 under Fang Dao's unit diverts their attention to Xiahou Ba's unit, intent of halting him...or slaying him. ~The remaining cavalry continue their flanking charge (careful not to penetrate too deep into enemy lines) ~The swordsmen charge on the ground, intent to halt the enemy advance with steel and ferocity born of desperation and concern for comrades ~The spear unit charges behind, using the swordsmen as "shields" to stab the targets in front of them...and any horses that try to come charging through ~Fang Dao personally calls out to Xiahou Ba to fight, insulting him in the process
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