Post by Cao Cao on Jan 26, 2011 11:14:46 GMT
"A hero in Chaos."
Name: Cao Cao
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Style: Canon
Residence: Xu Chang
-------------Will fill the rest out tomorrow----------
Personality:
Cao Cao is seen as a cruel and merciless tyrant by his enemies. In matters of war and politics, Cao can be as ruthless and cunning as a wolf, and has a reputation for serving his own goals. As Cao sees it, however, he is simply working towards a greater good... and it is much easier to accomplish that greater good if Cao himself has all of the power to make the tough decisions that only he can make. He is willing to do what the other guy won't, and though his end goal is peace and benevolence, he understands that sometimes the means to justify his ends won't be socially accepted, and that he will be seen by many as a villain. But, that's what Cao Cao has to do, and why only he can do it, because he is willing to make that sacrifice.
Cao is also praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius who treats his subordinates like his family. Outside of politics and battle, Cao enjoys the beauty in nature and song, and loves a good hearty laugh. He does genuinely care about the people, and in times of peace he strives to make life easier for everyone. He is also skilled in poetry and martial arts, methods he uses to keep his inner calm and outer strength at their peaks.
He assumes everyone around him is an equal with a talent that can be used, until that person proves themselves to be worthless or incompetent. His eye for talent is impressive, and he always tries to find the perfect man for any job. Cao has a strict code of honor, though it is one that only he seems to completely understand. He loves to joke, and is often the life of a party. Of course, if Cao loses his temper, an uncommon thing indeed, then all bets are off, and it would be best to avoid him.
Appearance:
Cao is a man of two faces. In battle, Cao is a stern figure, always demanding the attention and respect of his soldiers with his presence alone. A fire burns in his cool, blue eyes, and one look at his face would cause you to believe that a smile had never dared to cross his face. Anyone looking on becomes acutely aware that Cao is remarkably fit for his age, and quite tall for being Chinese.
Outside of battle, the fear-inspiring aura hides behind those eyes, and hints of that same persona appear when Cao begins to analyze a person or a situation. While deep in thought, Cao looks on at his subject almost hungrily... a situation that often makes men (and especially women) feel slightly uncomfortable. It is in this stage where one can see the true Cao Cao, the man spanning the two extremes of a warrior and a poet.
When not engauged in politics or battle, Cao takes on a completely different note. A smile never leaves his face, and he finds ways to make those around him laugh as much as possible. His features take softer tone, his posture becomes relaxed, and he is often seen lounging around and enjoying himself. These periods, however, of a carefree and funny loving Cao have become more and more infrequent as the chaos enveloping China has spiraled more and more out of control.
Apparel/Armour:
Cao is fashionable, and functional. His battle gear is a mesh armor fitted over his torso, lined with a silver coated plate over his chest and back, with a light plate collar set over his shoulders and neck. The plates are all adorn with designs that are a combination of Han designs, and a newer, unique dragon design... truly showing Cao's ambitions of saving the Han while installing his own Wei power system into place.
His long black hair is bound up into a hat with a golden chop-stick looking pin holding it into place. It is, oddly, shaped like a duck, and jokes are often made of it. Also, attached to his collar is a long flowing blue cloak, threaded with golden lace in the shape of interlocking dragons.
While not in combat, Cao wears silk tunics of deep purples and blues, though he continues to wear the mesh armor underneath it, in case of assassination attempts. He is still often seen wearing his cloak, unless the affair is very casual.
Weapon(s):
Cao, ever the egotist, has an awesome looking sword. It's hilt is encrusted with gems and jewels, and the stitching on the handle has golden lace. The blade is constantly polished, and can be used as a mirror (that...or his swordbearer's life is forfeit).
However, for all it's bluster, Cao Cao's sword has a secret. This is the same sword Cao has been using since he began his military service. As such, it has been worn down and is less than optimal for fighting with (in fact, and don't tell this to anyone else...it's only a level 2 item!). As such, Cao is taking great pains to find a worthy blacksmith who will be able to make a complete replica... one that will be so well done that no one will know the difference.
History:
Cao was born in Qiao in 155. His father Cao Song was a foster son of Cao Teng, who in turn was one of the favorite eunuchs of Emperor Huan. Cao was known for his craftiness as an adolescent. Cao's uncle often complained to Cao Song about Cao Cao's indulgence in hunting and music with Yuan Shao. In retaliation, Cao Cao feigned a fit before his uncle one day, who immediately rushed to inform Cao Song. When Cao Song went to see his son, Cao Cao behaved normally. When asked, Cao Cao replied, "I have never had a fit, but I lost the love of my uncle, and therefore he had deceived you." Henceforth, Cao Song ceased to believe the words of his brother regarding Cao Cao, and thus Cao Cao became even more blatant and perseverant in his wayward pursuits.
At that time, there was a man living in Runan named Xu Shao who was famed for his ability to evaluate one's potentials and talents. Cao paid him a visit in hopes of receiving the evaluation that would earn him some political reputation. Originally, Xu pondered and refused to make a statement; however, under persistent questioning, he finally said, "You would be a capable minister in peaceful times and an unscrupulous hero in chaotic times." Cao laughed and left after hearing the comment.
At the age of 20, Cao was recommended to be a district captain of Luoyang. Upon taking up the post, Cao placed rows of multicolored staffs outside his office and ordered his deputies to flog those who violated the law, regardless of their status. Once, an uncle of Jian Shuo, one of the most powerful and influential eunuchs under Emperor Ling, was caught walking in the city beyond the evening curfew hour by Cao's men and was given his fair share of flogging. This prompted Jian Shuo and other higher authorities to "promote" Cao to another position outside the imperial capital to remove his management.
When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out in 184, Cao was recalled to Luoyang and promoted to Captain of the Cavalry and sent to Yingchuan to suppress the rebels. He was successful in his military exploits and was further promoted to Governor of Dong Commandery.
In 189, Emperor Ling died and was succeeded by his eldest son ,Emperor Shao, although the state power was mainly in the hands of Empress Dowager Hé and others. The two most powerful aristocrats then, Hé Jin and Yuan Shao, plotted to eliminate the clan of influential eunuchs. Hé Jin summoned Dong Zhuo, governor of Liang Province, to lead his army into Luoyang to pressure the empress dowager to give up power, despite numerous objections pertaining to Dong's "infamy" and personality. Before Dong arrived, Hé was assassinated by the eunuchs and Luoyang was thrown into chaos as the supporters of Yuan Shao battled the eunuchs. Dong's elite army easily rid the palace grounds of opposition. After he deposed Emperor Shao, Dong placed the puppet Emperor Xian on the throne. From a previous encounter, he deemed that Emperor Xian was more capable than the original puppet Emperor.
After rejecting Dong Zhuo's appointment, Cao left Luoyang for Chenliu, where he built his army. The next year, regional warlords formed a military alliance under Yuan Shao against Dong. Cao joined their cause. China fell into civil war when Dong was killed in 192 by his foster son Lü Bu.
Current Information:
Gold: Current Gold Coins
Reputation: 240
Entourage: Land Owners