Battle of Yang Ping Pass

[Ma Chao]

Crimson Dragon Rebels - vs - Shu

Crimson Dragon Commander: Fu Lang

Shu Commander: Ma Chao

::Crimson Dragon Troops::

5000 total
-1500 Swords
-1500 Spears
-1000 Bows
-1000 Cavalry

::Shu Troops::

5000 total
-1000 Bows
-1000 Swords
-1000 Spears
-2000 Cavalry

::Summary::

[Ma Chao]

Crimson Dragons

Countless rebel banners could be seen descending down the mountainside as the Shu army approached from the direction of Han Zhong. Fu Lang laughed aloud, seeing such small numbers under Ma Chao’s command. The amount was roughly that of his own force and it seemed the war with Wei, as well as Lang’s own raids, had diminished the Shu army. In his mind, Lang knew he could obtain victory. He had a trump card which would be played at the right time.

The rebels moved into the foothills and then down into Yang Ping pass. They began to form up as the Shu army moved closer and, when the enemy was within range, Fu Lang rode out to abuse his foe.

“Oh, Ma Chao, Horse Lord of Xi Liang, where are you?”

The green banners of Shu were moving into formation and shortly after Fu Lang’s inquiry, Ma Chao appeared from within his ranks. His silver armor was gleaming in the noon day sun. Deep down Lang envied the gloriousness of the man but he also hated him immensely.

“Ah, there you are. I have a present for you. I thought it would be nice to exchange gifts before we give battle.”

Fu Lang signaled to his lines and shortly after a catapult was brought forward. It was not of solid build or design, being rather crude, but it was what was being used as ammunition that caught Ma Chao’s attention.

“Cousin!”

Ma Chao’s eyes widened when he noticed Ma Dai, bound and gagged, near the siege weapon. Also present were a few buckets of oil and if one’s mind could imagine such cruel and gruesome tactics, they would come to the unfortunate conclusion about what was to take place.

“Fu Lang, you despicable piece of trash, release my cousin or I will rip you to shreds!”

Fu Lang simply laughed at his foe, knowing that rage was Ma Chao’s default reaction. He was not frightened with an army of 5000 men behind him.

“Now now, let us not get upset. You were the one that dispatched him to spy upon me. You were the one that risked his life and now you will see the repercussions of your actions.”

The rebels were ordered to douse Ma Dai with oil and soon after to set him on fire. Ma Chao could only watch, helplessly, as his cousin was being burned alive. A moment later, the catapult lever was pulled and the flaming body of Ma Dai was sent toward the center of the battlefield.

The rage within Ma Chao was greater than any other time in his life. His hands clenched his famed spear until the knuckles were white and he grinded his teeth like a cocaine addict. However, all was soon replaced by sadness and despair. Memories from the past flooded his mind and he broke down. Not wanting his enemies to see him in such a state, he turned back and entered within his own ranks.

The soldiers of Shu were all saddened by the event, but sometimes doing such horrid things spurred men to their best efforts. A slow burn, a fire from within, was beginning to ignite. Fu Lang may have made a terrible miscalculation.

“So you see, even the famed Ma Chao is but a crying child!”

The rebels cheered and yelled abuses at the enemy; mocking Ma Chao weeping and Ma Dai burning. Fu Lang could not contain the smile upon his face and he also laughed aloud. The day would be his, he thought.

The soldiers of Shu were growing increasingly angry, but they were also concerned for their leader. He had disappeared into the rear ranks and now they were leaderless.

Fu Lang, seeing this, ordered his archers forward and they unleashed a volley into the Shu ranks. The latter did their best to defend, but many were killed or injured in the attack. The Shu archers were ready to volley back, but there were no commands given. They hesitated to act, hoping that Ma Chao would appear to give them orders. However, he did not.


::Summary::

-Ma Dai has been murdered by Fu Lang!
-Ma Chao disappears, crushed by the death of his beloved cousin.
-Fu Lang opens the battle with a volley and awaits a counter attack.

[Ma Chao]

Battle lines were drawn and already arrows from the side of the Crimson Dragons rained down upon the warriors of Shu. Ma Chao had moved to the back of his lines and was still reeling from the loss of his cousin. While he was consumed by despair, a familiar voice could be heard.

“General, please pull yourself together, the men need you. My time with your cousin was short, but still I got a good measure of the man. He was brave, loyal, and compassionate.”

The man who spoke was Jiang Wei. His words were like daggers into Ma Chao’s heart, but only due to their truthfulness. Ma Dai was all that he said, but the gaping wound from his death was still fresh.

“The men loved him and the feeling was reciprocal. I must tell you though, that he acted foolishly that night at Fu Lang’s encampment. One of the soldiers that survived had told of his doings inside and that he moved toward Fu Lang to attempt an assassination. With so many soldiers with that dastardly rebel, it was a suicide mission.”

Jiang Wei explained that their original intention was to only scout the enemy numbers and location. Ma Dai did not get greedy, wanting fame or respect, but only to aid Shu and his cousin by eliminating the threat early on. Unfortunately, it cost his life.

“Let me at least offer a plan to help ease your pain. Turn your sorrow and anger into fury and exact revenge for your fallen cousin.”

Ma Chao turned to look at Jiang Wei. He wiped a rare tear from his face and gathered himself.

“What say you, Boyue? I will do whatever it takes to avenge Ma Dai.”

The two worked out a plan while the frontlines were getting peppered by arrows. They needed to hurry so that the men would not lose heart or their lives.

Fu Lang was waiting anxiously for Ma Chao’s return, but the famed warrior never appeared. Seeing it as an advantage, he ordered his army forward to attack.

“I am sick of waiting. Attack!”

The Crimson Dragons started to advance after another volley was let loose. Their infantry were decently trained, but did not march in unison as would a more seasoned force. The cavalry moved in the rear, not on the sides as would be typical.

As the rebels advanced, they could finally see the lines of Shu reopen to reveal the gleaming silver armor of Ma Chao. Many of them hesitated momentarily, but a shout from Fu Lang forced them forward.

“Destroy them!”

The rebels started to pick up the pace and shortly after the Shu army started to advance. For the first time, Shu archers opened up with a volley into the marching enemy before falling behind the moving infantry. Ma Chao’s cavalry were on the wings of the formation, ready to trample the rebel scum ahead.

Fu Lang rode with his own cavalry, mounted upon his steed, and again smiled knowing that he had a secret plan. He looked toward the mountains, to his left, and seemed to be waiting for something. Just before the lines of infantry were to clash, a cloud of dust could be seen rising from the area Fu Lang was looking toward.

“Right on time,” he thought.

From the mountains came 1000 riders of the Qiang to the aid of the rebels. Many of Fu Lang’s soldiers were of Qiang origin and they must have worked out a deal for aid in the current battle. The rebels had been sharing the spoils of their raids with the Qiang for soldiers, but now they had the help of a general and trained cavalry.

The infantry lines clashed in the center of the battlefield. Swords and spears pierced the flesh of the unfortunate as the two armies came together. The flanks of Shu cavalry move to engage with 500 on each side. Seeing this, Fu Lang orders his cavalry to split and meet them in combat.

::Summary::

-Both armies move their infantry and cavalry to engage one another.
-Finally, the Shu archers let loose their own volley into the enemy ranks.
-Ma Chao finally appears to lead his men against the rebels.
-The Qiang have arrived with 1000 cavalry to offer aid to Fu Lang.

[Ma Chao]

Enter the Qiang

“Ha ha, long have I wanted to teach Ma Mengqi a lesson! His family has always stood in the way of our exploits in Xi Liang.”

The Qiang General, sent to aid Fu Lang, was speaking to his subordinate while the two lines collided. Green and red banners intermingled; opening the major bloodshed of the day in vicious melee combat. The clashing of steel and screams of the injured could be heard from his distant position. It was music to his ears.

“Now, let’s move to engage!”

The Qiang began their assault and aimed to pincer the right flank of where Ma Chao’s cavalry were. There were 500 Shu riders on that side and the 1000 Qiang hoped to smash them to pieces.

The thunderous charge was finally noticed by the Shu cavalry on the right and their situation was now dire. They had to try and defend against 1500 cavalry, outnumbered 3 to 1.

Fu Lang was enjoying himself immensely from behind his lines, watching as Shu scrambled to deal with the new threat. The Qiang crushed into the right flank of the enemy and a desperate fight was underway for Shu. Seeing this, the rebel leader yelled out to his foe.

“It seems the better man is going to win on this day! Ma Chao, you are pathetic!”

The famed general of Shu turned from slaying a rebel and ripped his helmet off, revealing his true identity. The man was Jiang Wei, dressed as Ma Chao to fool the enemy.

“You are correct, Fu Lang, the better man WILL win on this day!”

Jiang Wei used his spear to end another rebel’s life before laughing in Fu Lang’s face.

“What…..where?”

Fu Lang was so sure of his victory and the Qiang so focused on their target they did not notice Shu cavalry moving around to the right flank from the rear of the army. The dust cloud from the riders there, both Shu and Qiang, served to mask the movement. Suddenly, it was apparent what was happening.

“For Ma Dai and for Shu!”

Ma Chao, adorned in Jiang Wei’s robes and armor was at the front of Shu’s cavalry assault, acting as the spear tip about to pierce through the enemy’s heart. The Qiang were caught totally off guard and many of them shit in their pants seeing the elite horse general rushing at them with fury in his eyes.

Spears were set and driven into the enemy, crushing them between the other Shu cavalry and the unit under Ma Chao. Many were slain in the initial charge and others broke for the mountains like cowards. It mattered little to Ma Chao as he made his way directly toward the Qiang General.

“Do not flee, Qiang scum! Face your death like a man!”

Ma Chao raced toward his foe and summoned every ounce of strength and skill; dispatching the Qiang leader in one bout. Seeing the lifeless body, falling from the saddle, the Qiang’s morale plummeted and they began to rout. That, however, was not enough for the raging Ma Chao.

Dismounting from his steed, Ma Chao moved toward the fallen body of the enemy. He unsheathed the broad sword on his horse and decapitated the Qiang leader. He now had his own gift to offer Fu Lang.

A stream of Qiang riders were leaving the battlefield, their unit crushed in one thunderous charge from Shu. They would now have to tell the tale of their weakling general who was dispatched in one bout with Ma Chao the Splendid.

::Summary::

-The Qiang join the battle and attack Shu on the right flank.
-Jiang Wei is dressed as Ma Chao and vice versa, confusing the enemy.
-Ma Chao appears and leads a valiant charge against the Qiang, cutting down their leader in one powerful blow.

[Ma Chao]

With the withdrawal of the Qiang soldiers, Shu’s morale was boosted significantly. Ma Chao had led a surprise attack against them, crushing their unit in one fell swoop. The now lifeless, decapitated, body of the Qiang leader lay upon the ground to serve as an example of what was to come for the enemy.

Fu Lang, who a moment ago was sure of his victory, started to panic. He offered his men a reward for Ma Chao’s head, similar to Xiahou Ba at Nanzheng, but none were brave enough to take him up on the offer.

“FU LANG!”

Ma Chao remounted his steed, carrying the severed head with him, and urged his cavalry toward Fu Lang’s position. They carved a bloody path toward the enemy commander who looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an approaching truck.

“Here! A gift in return!”

Ma Chao raced forward and, once within throwing distance, tossed the severed head at Fu Lang. Blood splashed everywhere as Fu Lang was hit directly in his face by his former comrade, well a piece of his former comrade. The blow sent him off of his horse and onto the hard ground below.

The Shu cavalry were cutting down rebel infantry, now deep within the enemy lines. Ma Chao halted his steed and dismounted. He was approached by an enemy rider that tried to move in to aid Fu Lang, but a flying spear caught him directly in the chest. The soldier was killed instantly and fell from his horse.

Ma Chao again unsheathed his broad sword which was still wet with blood. His eyes were locked on Fu Lang who had just got to his feet. The fury in Ma Chao’s eyes sent chills down Fu Lang’s spine.

“Even if you kill me, do you think revenge will not be had by my men?”

Ma Chao looked around and noticed that many of the supposed loyal rebels were backing away. By now they had realized what they had gotten themselves into. There was no way they could match the skill and might of the Shu armies. They had followed Fu Lang into a worthless war with the hollow promises of riches and a city of their own. Even if they could take Han Zhong, it would be annihilated by another army of Shu or by Wei. Never would they be able to survive.

“Attack him! That is an order!”

A death circle started to form around the two leaders and none dared to interfere. Most of the rebels were low life scoundrels, but even men such as they had some sense of honor in battle. If Fu Lang was the leader he claimed to be, he would be able to hold his own in single combat. Stories that were told around the camp fire, by him, placed him on par with that of Zhang Fei or Guan Yu. Many knew he was full of shit, but now was his chance to prove it.

Ma Chao looked over his foe and he just laughed. Fu Lang was built like a politician, frail and weak. There was no place in war for such types as they were only good for stirring shit and talking a lot.

“Draw your weapon”, Ma Chao stated, not wanting to be a coward like his foe and slay an unarmed enemy.

Fu Lang was shaking in his boots and many around him thought that they could smell shit in his pants. Slowly, he drew the sword from his waste.

In response, Ma Chao threw his weapon down and the sword embedded in the ground. He was now unarmed, just the way Fu Lang liked his opponents. Seeing this as his only chance at survival, Fu Lang charged to attack. He halted within ranged and put all his strength into an overhead strike with both hands.

Ma Chao caught both of the enemy’s arms with his hands and the two stood for a moment looking into each other’s eyes. Then, Ma Chao head butted him right in the face; sending him reeling back in pain. Fu Lang started to swing wildly with one arm and holding his face with the other hand.

A swinging strike from side to side was dodged by stepping backwards and another avoided by a simple movement to the side. Fu Lang was made to look like a worthless fighter as if Lu Bu was dueling a 5 year old boy. What happened next would be the end of the rebellion and also of Fu Lang’s pathetic existence.

Mustering all of his might, Fu Lang charged forward and thrust his weapon with both hands toward Ma Chao’s mid section; hoping to run him through. For what it was worth, he actually got decently close and the blade just missed Ma Chao’s body as he moved to the side. Quickly, the Shu leader reached down and snatched Fu Lang’s wrists, wrenched them and freed the weapon from his hands. In one continuous motion, he then rolled around to his back and wrapped his arm around Fu Lang’s neck. Like a twig, his neck was snapped and his limp body fell to the ground.

Ma Chao stood over the dead body, staring at the fallen enemy. A few rebels who continued to fight were cut down, but many of them had halted their assault. He turned to them and offered them a chance to surrender.

“Throw down your weapons and live. Continue to fight and perish.”

Ma Chao never lifted his head or shifted his eyes from Fu Lang’s corpse. The sound of dropping spears and swords could be heard and the battle was over. Just as the Qiang left the field of combat, so did the remaining rebels. They were lucky that Ma Chao was appeased with the death of Fu Lang and it seemed the rebel leader at least was able to offer them safe passage in exchange for his life, even if he never intended it that way.

Ma Chao spit on the corpse of his prey and ordered men to gather the dead, including the body of his fallen cousin.

Ending Music

::Summary::

-Ma Chao buries Fu Lang in the face with the severed head of the Qiang leader, sending the latter from his horse.
-Fu Lang calls for aid, but his own men stand down.
-Ma Chao makes Fu Lang look like a weakling and fights him unarmed.
-Fu Lang is killed when his neck is snapped from behind by Ma Chao
-The remaining rebels are allowed to disperse into the western mountains.