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Post by Sun Quan on Jul 18, 2011 2:51:16 GMT
Skirmish at Wang Ji Xiang Terrain & Movement Guidelines:
Forested Mountain (dark green) and the River cannot be traveled over with infantry, siege weapons, and Cavalry. The Light Forest only slightly impedes movement. Infantry move 4 Hexes a turn, Cavalry 6. Even faster if the unit is using a forced march speed, but suffers some penalties. Catapults's range is up to 7 hexes, an onager's range is 5 hexes, archers can fire up to 3 hexes.
The Campfires and the tents are patrols of Shu men. They are all pre-determined for Shu; each tent is 25 men; 10 Retinue Spearmen, 10 Crossbowmen, 5 Retinue Swordsmen.
The Catapults symbol is an Onager. These specific onagers get an extra hex of range, as they are considered stationary and elevated; they are not movable.
The fort is considered the 7 hexes within the black box. Archers stationed in the fort gain an extra hex of range on their attack. This is the only area on the map that this is applicable to.
The villages are farming villages full of peasantry. They are unarmed and unarmored and will not fight against any enemy unless occupied by a Shu garrison.
Background:
Wei heard of the attack at Chang'An and immediately began plans to counterattack. With their hostage against Wu, they figured themselves settled in attacks coming from south of them. However, the west must be put in it's place, and as such, they began a midnight march to Xin Ye. Under guise of darkness and already committed battle, the forces of Wei head out under the cover of darkness to fight the forces of Shu on their own turf.
Will they be successful? Find out in today's episode of RAID THAT ENEMY STRONGHOLD!
Weather: It is a clear night, the stars and moon are out in full effect. The night is a cold one, so expect to bundle up out there today, folks.
Morale:
[][][][][][][][][][]||[][][][][][][][][][]
Victory Conditions:
Wei:
- Shu Forces are routed out of their stronghold and back to Xin Ye
= OR =
- Shu garrison commander is captured or killed
Shu:
- Wei forces are held at the fort for more than 10 turns (the 11th turn signifies a loss for Wei)
=OR=
- Wei assault commander is captured or killed.
Optional Objectives:
[/b] [li] Personally pick the Cherry Tree in the right side of the map! (+10 Rep, your troops are less fatigued.) [/li][li]Dismantle the Onagers (+5 Rep) [/li][li]Successful Dodge the Patrols (+5 Rep Camp fires/tents) Shu:[/li][li] Rally the Common Folk (200 Peasants, +2 Benevolence per farm, +10 Rep, +5 Benevolence if all farms rallied) [/li][li] Blot Out the Sun (+5 rep if the Onagers fire for exactly 5 rounds without being stopped) Both[/li][li] Talk to an enemy officer, in or outside of battle! (+5 Rep) [/li][/ul] War Rules:A Brigade (3,000 - 5,000) troops is all that is allowed on either side. This is a sneak attack versus a small outpost on the road to Xin Ye. Note: This pertains to kingdom troops only, personal troops may be brought in any quantity. Battle Moderator: Justin (me!) Back-up Moderator(s): Steve or Blaine (should he ever return), Mikey if no others available. Moderator Note: Jen's battle formula will be used for any uncertainties in this battle. I will make my own decisions based on what happens, check it against Jen's formula, and if it agrees within a general amount, I will go with my gut. I have been battle modding for over half a decade, I got this shit. The Battle may start as soon as all parties arrive.[/blockquote]
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jul 18, 2011 5:57:38 GMT
A cool night was better than the blisteringly humid ones that Zhuge Liang had grown accustomed to in Nanzhong. Weeks had passed since he left Cheng Du after his conversation with Wei Guozhi, he had made public his intent to travel northward to fight against Sima Yi. Knowing the extensive way of how knowledge travels, Sima Yi obviously caught wind of such intelligence. The Prime Minister even arranged for some impostors to be sighted in Ba Shu, just to keep up appearances. Being so similar to Sima Yi in mind led Zhuge Liang to believe in the simplest of strategies. Attack where your enemy is weak. Xin Ye was supposedly empty, of course Sima Yi would see it as a weak spot. It was only a matter of when his arch nemesis would attack. That, was something Zhuge Liang could not predict. Sima Yi was as particular as everyone said he was. From the window of his room in the wooden tower of the fort, Zhuge Liang looked up the stars and asked for answers, yet he received nothing in return. "Liang, I picked these cherries for you, you know. If I eat them all, well I'd feel terrible!" Pang Tong said through a mouthful of juicy, red cherries in his mouth. "Why not," Zhuge Liang sighed, perhaps tonight wasn't the night either, and he turned towards the table Pang Tong sat it. The once full basket of bright red cherries was not down to a quarter of it's original quantity. He grabbed one and placed it on his mouth, the moment he bit into it he gained a giant burst of energy. His eyes widening, "Wow, this would be great to aid troop fatigue!""Yeah... that's why I sent a hundred men to go pick them." Pang Tong stated cynically, he was smoking opium and had an unusual case of hungerness that came after such an act. He placed his pipe back into his mouth and inhaled once more. After coughing he said: "You know, this really does relieve the pain of this dreadful affliction,"
In a more solemn tone he added: "Either I smoke this leaf or I kill myself."Zhuge Liang showed no expression, he cared for colleague but he didn't really care what he did to his body. Fighting the affliction was a losing battle, and it was only a matter of time before it took his most beloved scholarly friend from him. Zhuge Liang grew to accept that, and did not scold Pang Tong for what he did to his decaying body. There was a rapping at the door. "Yes?" Zhuge Liang called anxiously. A courier entered, Zhuge Liang recognized him, it was his personal courier that delivered messages from Liao Hua to himself. The courier bowed and said: "Prime Minister Liang, I carry this from General Hua." He handed Zhuge Liang a scroll that carried the symbol of Liao Hua, a coiled snake. He opened the scroll and read: Dutiful Prime Minister, Chaos does not threaten the stars. Cautious Liao Hua To some, that may have sounded like jibberish, but it was a simple code that Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Liao Hua shared. It was up to Zhuge Liang merely to treat the body of the letter as an entire metaphor, and to use the adjectives in their names as a reassurance or suggestion. 'Dutiful' implied that Liao Hua thought that Zhuge Liang was being overly paranoid that a Wei attack would come every night. Usually, Zhuge Liang would be insulted, but he had to agree, and he had to act as such. "Chaos does not threaten the stars." Could be interpreted in a number of ways. Firstly, 'chaos' could refer to Cao Cao, the Hero of Chaos, or perhaps chaos referred to an enemy, or even Wei, for Wei always brought chaos wherever their armies went. Threaten was exactly that, threaten, and 'stars' was a term that Zhuge Liang connected with his love of astronomy. He always read the stars, trying to predict Sima Yi's next move. Thus, Wei did not threaten, or show up in, the stars that Zhuge Liang always read. The 'cautious' next to Liao Hua's name meant that Liao Hua thought himself level-headed enough to make such a call. He was currently out on one of the patrols, and calm nights like these rarely held any excitement. So really, Zhuge Liang read the message as so: You are paranoid, Zhuge Liang. Wei will not invade Xin Ye this night. Trust in my opinion, Liao Hua. Zhuge Liang crumpled the letter and tossed it over his shoulder, "I am tired, leave me.""But-"He boiled with coupled up anger: "LEAVE ME!"Pang Tong moved from his chair to the ajar door, placing his withering hand on the knob, he added without turning: "What about dinner reservations?"Zhuge Liang lay down on his feather mattress and said: "Keep it open, I might get hungry later."Pang Tong sighed and left, Zhuge Liang was indeed dutiful. Smiling, the Prime Minister closed his eyes the first time that night, knowing that he had just spoken to Pang Tong in a tongue that only they shared. For they never had reservations for dinner. Zhuge Liang:??? ~ Zhuge Liang is not yet aware of a Wei presence.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jul 18, 2011 16:16:39 GMT
one last resort MY BROKEN BACK I HAVE A REASON and a cause to fight backWang Ji Xiang 0037 hours August, 219
The cold wind of an autumn night whispered in the tongue of chilling death. The goosebumps on his flesh were clearly visible under the starlight of the cloudless dark. At last the building pain in his lungs gave way, and Xiahou Dun's trachea collapsed under an uncontrolled series of coughs. Almost simultaneously did his left hand spring up, however, showing the back of his gauntlets to the sound of footsteps rapidly treading across the ground of fallen leaves.
The footsteps stopped, anxious guards waiting in silence for their commander's recovery. Yuanrang grasped his armored chest and slowly struggled to his two feet, a towering patient suffering from an ailment that he refused to believe he possessed.
"Father! Are you alright?" It was Xiahou Mao who at length broke the air of solitude, staring up at the giant that was his distant father. Yuanrang simply turned his head the smallest angle to the left, muttering a short but firm "I'm fine."
He wasn't the only individual suffering from the cold that night, however much it was impossible for the others to ponder the depth of his sufferings. The sounds of sneezes, the blowing and sniffling of congested nostrils, resounded in the natural chamber they lay in, walled in by a forest of light brush and foliage. It ached him to oblige his beloved men to be helplessly devoured by the climate as such, but for the greater good it was all necessary.
Only now did he hear the echoing noises of the rear end approach. It had only been a few moments since the initial portion of the army had set foot in the forests of Wang Ji Xiang, and yet Xiahou Dun was laid heavy by the horrifying reminiscence burdening his thoughts and hopes of triumph.
"Zhuge Liang, the dog of the peasant..."
* * *
Bo Wan Po 1552 hours June, 208
Blood. Blood was on his blade, the fang of the kirin stealing the first kill as the one-eyed predator wildly pranced through the enemy ranks, trampling those too weak and too slow to keep up with the rest of the escapees. Ha, not that even those ahead would survive the blood-thirsty slash of his sword. The desperate form of Zhao Zilong loomed only a few score feet ahead of him. At last, he was within sniping range.
"No... No. That wouldn't do at all. Men, lower your bows!
"...I'm going in for the kill."
* * *
Wang Ji Xiang 0045 hours August, 219
"Father? Shall we make camp until General Cao arrives?"
Xiahou Dun broke free from the reins of his trance-like state, slowly blinking his one eye as he wheeled about to face his loyal guards. The eyes of many hundred men gazed at his confounded profile, many frustrated and all of them cold and wanting. Yuanrang bit his lip, sensing the faintest scent of blood. Oh, the thrilling yet horrid sensation of drawing the crimson. It was the true burden that he lived with.
"No. Get the men ready for march, we move immediately."
"But Father! Cao Ren has yet to come and command the march."
Yuanrang shot his son a sharp glance, a piercing blow that sent the cowardly child stumbling into the ranks of gasping infantry. How dare his own son mock the circumstance of his father? The insolent fool, but he would have to spare himself of the embarrassment of having to chastise his failure of education. It had been out of his plans to include Mao in the campaign on Xin Ye, unsatisfied with his offspring's inferior talent and meager skill. But the child had insisted, and he had permitted. Xiahou Dun, he was the greater fool.
"I shall command this battle, not he. It is time with claim glory for Wei once more, and moreover the head of that fucking douchebag Kongming."
it's my revenge IT'S MY REVENGE ----
- Xiahou Dun arrives under cover in the northern forests. - Xiahou Dun is not aware of Zhuge Liang's presence.
Xiahou Dun 200 Light Swordsmen 200 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 1 Xiahou Mao
Kingdom Troops 200 Light Cavalry 300 Crossbowmen
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Post by Cao Ren on Jul 19, 2011 16:52:11 GMT
It was a cold night at the riverside of Yixun River. Cao Ren's forces slowly approached the site, coming from the northern city of Wancheng, where Ren had been invested as the new prefect. They had come for one goal only: the conquest of Xinye.
The Shu army was concentrated at Chang'an fighting the forces of Sima Yi. Cao Cao's scouts informed their lord about the lowered guard of the Shu soldiers in northern Jing Province, so the plan was to capture the city in a swift surprise attack. But first, Cao Ren had to get past the fortress of Wangji.
Cao Ren rode in front of the army together with Yu Jin.
"What exactly are we supposed to do?" Yu Jin asked. "Taking the fortress by surprise. If I am informed right, Lord Xiahou Dun has arrived, too", Cao Ren answered worriedly.
Cao Ren has worked many years for Cao Cao now and in this time, he got to know Xiahou Dun's hot temper. This had increased when Xiahou Dun lost his eye, leading to the disastrous defeat at Bowang Slope. This was the reason why Ren was worried, it was the last time Dun had actually led real battle himself. Ren could only hope that Xiahou Dun did not do anything unnecessary.
Still, he tried to act as confident as possible. "I am sure that we will gain victory in this battle. I already have a plan... if it goes right, the fortress will be ours in no time." Cao Ren laughed awkwardly after finishing the sentence. Yu Jin just looked at him, wondering what was going on in the mind of his superior.
They had finally arrived at the camp. Cao Ren spotted Xiahou Dun, who seemed to prepare for march. He frowned a little, spurred his horse and rode towards the one-eyed general.
"Greetings, General!" he said as he met him. He was trying to be polite, despite his anger about Xiahou Dun not even bothering to wait for him.
"I hope you did not plan to move on without me?"
Meanwhile, Yu Jin was gathering the main forces and moved them towards the forests east of the path. They had to use the cover of the night and the woods in order to be successful in their attack.
"Anyway... now that we are all here, I suppose we should not lose any time. We must carry this attack out swiftly, so that we can immediately advance on Xinye."
Cao Ren felt that Xiahou Dun was not really able to wait any longer. He seemed to be fired up for the battle.
"They must have set up camps in the surrounding area. Yu Jin and I will search for any camps around the fortress. We shall use the forests here in the east in order to advance on the fortress itself. Should we spot any enemies in our way, we will try our best to get rid of those without causing too much stir. Perhaps we can find some peasants who are willing to join us. Xinye was in our hands for many years after all. I suggest that you take your cavalry and make your way towards the south. If the reports are true, the fortress will not be guarded well. We should make sure that this is valid for the curse of the attack. Should you spot any enemies, topple them and make sure they don't get a chance to flee. They will surely try to call for reinforcements when they spot us."
Cao Ren finished his speech by raising his forefinger. He hoped that Xiahou Dun would stay true to this plan.
"Please, General, don't do anything foolish. We can not afford to lose here. Not in these times."
Cao Ren smiled and slapped Xiahou Dun's shoulder. He then took a look at the surroundings. There was a road leading towards the fortress, which was mostly covered by trees. To the west, there was the Yixun River, the shore being mostly covered by grassland. Xiahou Dun would have to be careful as chances that he would get spotted were obviously high. He could not guess how many troops occupied their fortress or if there were any more weapons defending it.
"Good luck. When you have finished, go see me inside the city. We shall punish them for killing your cousin."
He raised his fist and finally turned around, vanishing in the forests.
"Lord Yu Jin, you will accompany me. Niu Jin, you stay with the main army here. Wait for my orders, understood?"
Niu Jin bowed.
"Yes, General!"
Cao Ren nodded.
"Good. Alright, let's go."
Niu Jin took a few men and quickly advanced to the forests in the east at the river. Cao Ren and Yu Jin started to slowly advance on the fortress with a total of 100 men, carefully combing through the undergrowth for enemy soldiers. Their chance has come to redeem themselves for the loss at Xiangyang. And finally take their revenge on Shu.
---------------
Cao Ren
Personal army: 750 Levy Spearmen 700 Light Swordsmen 600 Peasant Bowmen 200 Light Cavalry
Lieutenants: Yu Jin Niu Jin
Kingdom army: 200 Light Swordsmen 100 Retinue Spearmen 200 Retinue Swordsmen 100 Crossbowmen 200 Horsebowmen 20 Ladders ___________
- Cao Ren, Yu Jin and Niu Jin have arrived at the northern forests. - Cao Ren and Yu Jin advance with 30 Retinue Spearmen, 30 Retinue Swordsmen and 40 Crossbowmen. - Niu Jin splits the remaining soldiers between the two forests in order to remain unseen.
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Post by Sun Quan on Jul 20, 2011 2:16:43 GMT
Round 1 Complete!Posting Order[/size] Defenders:Zhuge Liang (Pang Tong) (Liao Hua) Attackers:Xiahou Dun (Xiahou Mao) Cao Ren (Niu Jin, Yu Jin) Casualties[/u][/size] None Channel 5 Weather ReportClouds are seen rolling in from the west. They are currently over the embankment across the river, but are moving rapidly towards the river. They will cover the river and into the opposite side by turn 3, and will reach the fort by turn 5. Otherwise, the night is cold but not awful. Morale[][][][][][][][][][]||[][][][][][][][][][]SummaryZhuge Liang is totally unaware of any Wei movement. However, Cao Ren seems to be tempting the gods with his attempt at a road crossing in the north with the bulk of his army. All but 100 men travel across the road, their din thankfully gone unnoticed. For whatever reason, the northern patrol seems the lightest, and had a few men been better trained or a few more men been given to this patrol, it would've been guaranteed that they saw one of the multiple thousand men trying to cross this area. Xiahou Dun, for all his talk, moves to the southernmost wooded area in the river grove, Cao Ren in attendance as well with his 100 men, and then proceeds to do... nothing. His men lie in wait in this area, awaiting for a chance to crash southward and spill some of that delicious Shu blood. Overall, an uneventful round. However, Round 2 is shaping up to be an interesting sight! WE shall see what happens when Round 2 commences in this glorious slapfest! Round 2 Begin!
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jul 20, 2011 5:46:55 GMT
Zhuge Liang couldn't sleep, his room was so quiet. Whilst he enjoyed seclusion at some points, he was under tremendous stress. And why? Cause Xin Ye might be attacked? No, cause Liu Bei made a miraculous recover from his illness and returned to Cheng Du. Zhuge Liang received the letter and read it under the moonlight.
Bullshit.
He ripped up the letter in a fit and threw the remains on the ground. The poison that he used on Liu Bei had worked perfectly on that little boy in Long Do. A personal friend of Zhu Rong's had prescribed it personally. But wait, Zhuge Liang realized, there was something he had changed. Zhuge Liang had given the boy the leaf to chew on claiming that it'd taste good, and in a week he was dead. In Liu Bei's case, Zhuge Liang used the leaf in his tea.
It was the liquid that saved his life, the scorching water that decreased the potency of the poison.
The Prime Minister cursed very loudly and paced the room, a guard quickly opened the door and barged in, "Prime Minister-!"
"GET OUT!" Zhuge Liang bellowed the man withdrew with surprise and shock on his face. He closed the door behind him.
So many times had Zhuge Liang tried to kill Liu Bei in the past years. He had tried to kill his family, his sons, an action that would disrupt the succession. The people of Shu trusted Zhuge Liang. He led them to greatness, he preformed great deeds. The only obstacle was Liu Bei himself. If he were gone, Zhuge Liang alone would run the state, and no longer would the whims of that tragic man restrain him.
Frustrated Zhuge Liang sat on the feather mattress. He would go out on a ride with Pang Tong and he'd cheer about Liu Bei's recovery, and Zhuge Liang will smile and lie and say that he was simply elated that his lord made such a comeback as if everything were peaches-and-cream.
He buried his face into his palms and began to weep. Liu Bei. Liu Bei. Liu Bei. He wouldn't die, his family had lived. Zhuge Liang would shift the entire world. If only he would fucking die.
It was only a few years ago that Zhuge Liang had persuaded Liu Bei to betray his family and invade Yi Province. It was only a few years ago that he had persuaded Liu Bei's family to take a route through Chang Ban that led them into a village being raided by thousands of Wei soldiers.
They were supposed to die! He wept more. Zhao Yun had to be brave and folly him. He had rode straight into the lines of Wei, killed two Wei generals and rescued Liu Shan. Lady Mi was not so lucky, Zhuge Liang had recalled. She was injured and committed suicide by throwing herself down a well.
At least half of that plan went as was supposed to.
He sighed and ate another cherry, then he placed a heavier fur coat, which was made from Panda, onto his shoulders. He left his room without offering his guards and explanation, and when they tried to follow him, as was their duty to protect Kongming, Zhuge Liang turned and shot them a glare and they returned to their posts by the door.
"Fengchu, come," Zhuge Liang said, quickly passing by his room in the wooden tower, "Let's take a ride on the road, I need to clear my mind."
Pang Tong was half-asleep in a chair, in another world and filled with hallucinogen but he quickly realized that his friend was calling for him and moved to walk by his side. When he walked out into the hallway, Zhuge Liang was already at the stairs, and Pang Tong jogged to catch up. "What is wrong Kongming?"
"Liu Bei is alive." Zhuge Liang said gruffly without thinking, briskly moving down the stairs, until a second after he realized what he said was odd.
"Say again?" Pang Tong was quickly descending stairs and was convinced he had heard Kongming wrong. It was the opium, that was it.
Zhuge Liang stopped at the bottom of the stairs and smiled happily, pretending to be the most grateful Prime Minister there was, "Forgive me, I mean Liu Bei made a full recovery, I'm the happiest person alive!"
Fuckmylife.
"Ah, brilliant."
"I thought we should celebrate by going to the northern patrol, they must be having dinner by now," said Zhuge Liang, reaching the end of the staircase, he motioned to an idle stable boy, "You there, arrange for a horse for myself and Fengchu."
"Of course Master Kongming!" The boy, who was no older than the one that Zhuge Liang poisoned in Long Do, presented the Prime Minister with two fine steeds. Pang Tong hobbled onto his horse weakly and was suddenly struck with a pang of pain and fell off of his horse with a large thud. The boy exclaimed in panic and ran to his side, "Master!"
"Get off of him you pathetic child!" Zhuge Liang quickly jumped off of his horse and lifted Pang Tong off from the ground, he spoky softly, "Fengchu my friend, are you alright?" Pang Tong was his only friend. The only person in the world that remotely knew who he was. He genuinely cared for him.
Pang Tong laughed it off and replaced his pipe into his mouth through the slit in his metallic mask, "I'm fine just a momentary lapse of judgement I suspect," he laughed it off again, even though he was clearly in pain, the boy looked terrified.
"Leave us!" Zhuge Liang said with anger and the boy left immediately. "I will go alone then, I need to clear my mind anyway."
"Yes.. I think that's for the best."
"Hold down the fort Fengchu." Zhuge Liang left the fort and couldn't help but wonder what his best friend would think of him if he ever found out his true nature. Personal Troops1000 Peasants 875 Levy Spearmen 1380 Peasant Bowmen ~ Zhuge Liang departs for the Northern Patrol.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jul 20, 2011 14:06:40 GMT
one last resort MY BROKEN BACK I HAVE A REASON and a cause to fight backWang Ji Xiang 0053 hours August, 219
"Greetings, General!"
The booming bass line exploding in the form of Cao Ren's voice startled Xiahou Dun slightly as he tilted his head to cast a sideways glance at the approaching officer out of the corner of his right eye. Of course, the royal general was there to "support" Yuanrang's assault on Xin Ye, and more openly to grab the opportunity of glory before Dun could even begin the race. It had always been that way for the past score years and more.
It was really heaven's bestowing of grace that Xiahou Dun had regained the seat of commander, although only barely and on a seat as unstable as a millennium-old litter: he was bound to fall through in a matter of moments if he didn't fix his position soon. Thankfully the recent survival of the God of War had been disputed to place some blame on Cao Ren as the main foe of the Shu officer during the latter's siege in Jing, and the two men of Wei were... somewhat even.
Ah, Guan Yu... That crimson, bearded head would have been resting in eternal peace and agony in the depths of the blood-drenched earth of Fancheng if Yuanrang had been present to slay his lifelong rival and hated enemy. Already twice had he been forced to let the traitor go, and at the time of the Jing incident he had even doubted Cao Cao to have been willing to let Yunchang live in fear of Xiahou Dun taking the head of the respected beast in rage.
"I did, in fact, intend to begin the march without your coming, General Cao," he replied in a monotonous tone, ignorant to his colleague's initial remark of greeting. "I was almost worried that you wouldn't arrive in time, and I would have to seize all the glory for myself." He felt his voice rise slightly at the sarcastic comment, his intent nearly smashed as the cold calm was almost brushed aside by another boiling rage.
Cao Ren's thorough knowledge of the geography of Wang Ji Xiang and the plan that he brought with him genuinely surprised Xiahou Dun. It was supposed to be him showing off, not the stout barrel. But a remark to remind him that Yuanrang was the commander was only a move to prove before his army that he had been outmaneuvered in the cold war. He only kept his teeth gnashing in silence as the word "foolish" hit the target dead center.
And it came, the foolish.
* * *
Bo Wan Po 1553 hours June, 208
"Come back here, Zhao Zilong! I shall have your head today!"
The ferocious war cry seemed to shake the trees as a warm June wind met him head-on, rustling the leaves and the branches, bending the trunks. The swift breeze swept his dark steed aside for a brief moment, neighing as it closed its eyes in fright, and it gave enough edge for the Changshan warrior to speed off into the distance. Reining in, Xiahou Dun narrowed his eye and looked for the horizon, listening to the heavy footsteps of Han Hao's stallion catching up with him.
"General Xiahou! I must say, sir, that this scene does look highly suspicious... We must be wary of an ambush."
Yuanrang scoffed. Needless precautions, Han Hao was surely inferior in his capability to look through the enemy's tactics, a lack of discernment between ploy and genuine flight. Shrugging the remark off with a smug smirk, Xiahou Dun urged his steed forward, just in time to catch the sight of none other than Liu Bei himself charge out from among the hills, in a desperate attempt to run for his life.
"THERE GOES LIU XUANDE!"
* * *
Wang Ji Xiang 0057 hours August, 219
Xiahou Yuan. The name struck his heart with such powerful impact that he nearly slipped from his treading on the wet grass. He gasped for air, using what breath he could afford to whisper the name of his beloved cousin. Why? Why did he have to leave? The price of Hanzhong was nothing compared to the life of his kinsman, his brother. None other had he held so dearly close, not even Cao Mengde.
He released another rapid series of coughs, and a sudden surge of electrifying pain shot through the dead socket of his left eye. He felt the urge to tear out the eyepatch and end the pain with brute force upon his affliction, but he kept his hand.
"Rock Crusher... Bring me Rock Crusher."
The soothing handle of the massive wolf-teeth mace felt heavy in his limp arm, weighing down in his weak grasp. It plunged into the grass with a muffled thud, plummeting through the dirt ground as Xiahou Dun pulled himself back to balance, with the swift aid of Mao. Roughly shoving his son's frustrated efforts to assist, Yuanrang raise a finger toward the southern horizon, peeking through the trees as a dark sky.
"We... advance. Mao, take half of every troop and wait here in silence until I pass out of sight over the near horizon. I... shall tread... along the bank and wait among the heavy woods until your arrival. Patience is the key, son. Patience and discernment, qualities that I have never learned and never will.
"The time is still bright for you to lead this legion into an era of... triumph. We split to stay out of sight of the keen-eyed guards of the hill. Once those onagers strike, it is nothing but doom for us."
Zilin simply nodded in approval. He had nearly fallen asleep throughout the duration of the intentionally encouraging speech, and only now shifted back to his senses as his father let out a stanky sigh and mounted his darkly camouflaged stallion and rode off into the night. Xiahou Mao barely recalled something in the brief exchange about patience and splitting the troops. But all that supported that idea was the fact that five hundred and fifty hungry men sat coughing and sniffling in a circle about him.
it's my revenge IT'S MY REVENGE ----
- Xiahou Dun splits half of his army with Xiahou Mao to avoid detection. - Xiahou Dun advances south along the river bank. - Xiahou Mao remains stationary.
Xiahou Dun 100 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Mao 100 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
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Post by Cao Ren on Jul 23, 2011 20:35:40 GMT
The night stayed cold, something Cao Ren did not like. It was good to move a little, it kept the body warmer. He felt a bit sorry for Niu Jin, who would have to stay in the forests waiting for orders.
Finally, when they were about to leave the forests in the south, they spotted wooden structures through the leafs of the trees. They saw small lights, probably torches. It had to be some kind of camp. Cao Ren could guess from what he was able to see that it wasn't that big.
"Quite brave to build a small camp near a forest that leads to the road to our Kingdom", Cao Ren thought. He alerted his men to be careful and most importantly to remain silent. He gave a sign to Yu Jin, who approached the commander.
"Yes?" Yu Jin whispered. "I have a plan to capture this camp. I need you to wait here with our men and be ready to raid the camp. I will take some of them and go east. I have often been in Xinye and I remember a village north of this fortress. I will go their and see if I can get any help from the villagers. Xinye has been for long under our control and I am sure that the people will side with us. Should anything happen, send somebody to me and tell me. I'll give you a sign when you are going to attack."
Yu Jin nodded. Cao Ren took a few of the men and started to move as quietly as possible to the east, still covered by the forest. Yu Jin stayed with the rest of the men and held his position.
Niu Jin was relieved. The forces were split between both forests, the western one being bigger and holding the majority of the forces, the eastern forest north of the camp holding less. He had to breathe in deeply as it was a risky move, but it succeeded, the first step of Cao Ren's plan was over, the Wei forces were still covered. His body shoke a little because of the low temperature in the area.
"Now look at that...", Niu Jin thought as he saw clouds closing in from the west. They were still at the embankment, but one could see that they were moving to the east.
Cao Ren was moving deeper into the forest in order to avoid detection. He hoped his plan would succeed, worrying at the same time what the Shu forces could do. He was going to speak to the villagers north of the fortress, hoping to gain aid from them. Their long life in Wei and additionally his few men he took with him, which he took mainly for protection, could make them switch loyalties again. Then, he would use them to gain entrance to the camp and take it over swiftly. With the camp under his control, he would be able to launch the attack on the fortress from two sites, just as he had planned. He was confident that his plan would work, and even if it didn't, there were still other possibilites. It was a risky move, he didn't know if Shu had already won the villagers for their cause, making it possible to be attacked on sight, being overwhelmed by the mass of people in the village, being downright trampled by them. Despite this horrible imagination, Ren continued his slow march. Everything had to go well in order to keep the casualties low and capture the fortress without alerting Xinye. But no matter how quietly he would act. It was only a matter of time until the bloodshed would start, here in the former lands of his beloved Kingdom of Wei.
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Cao Ren
Personal army: 750 Levy Spearmen 700 Light Swordsmen 600 Peasant Bowmen 200 Light Cavalry
Lieutenants: Yu Jin Niu Jin
Kingdom army: 200 Light Swordsmen 100 Retinue Spearmen 200 Retinue Swordsmen 100 Crossbowmen 200 Horsebowmen 20 Ladders ___________
- Cao Ren heads for the village north of Wang Ji Xiang with 10 Retinue Spearmen and 5 Crossbowmen. - Yu Jin stays with the rest of the assault force near the camp in the forests (85 men), not daring to make a single move. - Niu Jin successfully splits the main army between the forests: -- Western Forest: --- 600 Light Swordsmen, 600 Levy Spearmen, 400 Peasant Bowmen, 100 Light Cavalry, 170 Retinue Swordsmen, 15 Ladders -- Eastern Forest: --- 300 Light Swordsmen, 150 Levy Spearmen, 200 Peasant Bowmen, 100 Light Cavalry, 70 Retinue Spearmen, 60 Crossbowmen, 200 Horsebowmen, 5 Ladders - Niu Jin notices a possible change of weather.
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Post by Sun Quan on Jul 24, 2011 0:17:53 GMT
Round 2 Complete!Posting Order[/size] Defenders:Zhuge Liang (Pang Tong) (Liao Hua) Attackers:Xiahou Dun (Xiahou Mao) Cao Ren (Niu Jin, Yu Jin) Casualties[/u][/size] None Channel 5 Weather ReportCloud cover extends to the eastern bank of the river. The distant sky (outside the field of battle) roils with lightning. It looks to be a possibly horrific storm. Morale[][][][][][][][][][]||[][][][][][][][][][]SummaryZhuge Liang begins his lonely ride to the northern patrol. He will arrive at the beginning of the next round. Xiahou Dun's army moves down the riverbank. They are two spaces away from the next copse of trees. Cao Ren's army doesn't move, but his strike squad (Please, for the love of all that is holy, figure out east/west. You said that your army went east, but now you're saying it's near the riverbank. I understand what you meant after reading your two posts together, but initially it sounded like your entire army crossed the road into the northern trees on the right side of the road.) begins to deploy in the north under Yu Jin. Cao Ren's detachment will reach the Shu village at the beginning of the next turn. Round 3 Begin!
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Jul 29, 2011 8:15:41 GMT
The cold night air filled Zhuge Liang's lungs and instantly he knew he didn't wish to share the company of the norther patrol. He wanted to be alone. Dismounting his horse, Zhuge Liang found a particularly flat rock to sit on, not a few yards away from the fortress. In the darkness, no one saw him, and his quiet sobs were muffled into his sleeves.
~ Zhuge Liang sits alone outside the fortress.
~ Liao Hua departs for fortress, travelling by road.
~ Pang Tong looks out to the Eastern Forest on the ramparts.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Jul 30, 2011 14:17:58 GMT
one last resort MY BROKEN BACK I HAVE A REASON and a cause to fight backWang Ji Xiang 0121 hours August, 219
The rear end of Xiahou Dun's army passed into the mist and the darkness of the night. Xiahou Mao still sat, watching the horizon with a still eye, unmoving and undecided as to what to do next. He was certain that his father had commanded him to take on some part of the mission, but why they had split the troops was beyond his comprehension. Raising a sudden hand to slap himself on the cheek, Zilin consecutively fell down on the dewy grass, clutching his face in pain and regret.
"Sir, are you... alright?"
Zilin waved his hand wildly, trying to drive the major away in shame, trying to set himself upright again. It was time he made a move - he couldn't just sit there all day. It seemed that Cao Ren had also left behind a detachment at the first rendezvous point in the forest. Xiahou Mao was about to go and discuss the circumstance with them when he realized that his father would certainly have disapproved of mingling with the competition.
In anxiety, he unconsciously slid his hand onto his member, grabbing it with both hands as if he was holding in a jet stream of urine. Chewing on his bottom lip, Zilin frantically looked about for something to utilize in his makeshift plans. And then he thought of it.
Boats.
"AHA!" he screamed, the voice resounding and echoing throughout the entire forest complex. "BOATS!
"If there's a river, there's bound to be boats. Men, get ready to march. We're going to board some galleons and hit Xinye where they least expect it!"
Several hundred eyes looked worriedly at each and at their new commander, unsure of what to do. At length one of them stepped forth, trying to help Xiahou Mao recall his conversation with his father, and the orders they were clearly given before the latter's departure. But Zilin would have none of it, having made up his mind, and simply slapped the captain out of his sight. The soldier departed soon after in silence, heading toward Cao Ren's camp.
"Does anyone else want to defy the great Xiahou Mao's orders out of foolery?" he boomed in a rather unattractive, high-pitched voice. Many a reluctant "No, sir" bounded from the army as Zilin turned once more toward the riverbank.
"We shall take over the boats floating on the river. It won't be a hard task to find, but prepare to get wet. Swim through the waters for any sign of light from the ships, and send me a rowboat back from the ship when you find it. I... I can't swim because... because my armor is too sexy."
Xiahou Mao began squeezing his penis again when a private got flushed away the instant he bravely leapt into the rushing waters.
it's my revenge IT'S MY REVENGE ----
- Xiahou Mao begins looking for boats on the river. - Xiahou Dun continues moving south into the forest.
Xiahou Dun 100 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Mao 98 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
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Post by Cao Ren on Aug 1, 2011 20:44:01 GMT
[[OOC: It's like I have written in my last summary. Sorry for being so inaccurate in my first post. It was my fault.]]
Cao Ren and his small detachment have reached the small village outside of the fort. There were still people around, although it was night and it was cold. They were mostly working, but stopped as soon as Cao Ren and his men came in sight. Some of them immediately ran into their houses, assuming a raid on their small, poor, innocent village. "Hear me! Do not fear!" Cao Ren shouted while closing in. The villagers did not dare to move, did not dare to say a word towards Cao Ren. Some of them seemed to recognize him, but still they did not do anything. "Please, come to me", Ren said waving with his arms. However, the villagers were still too afraid of him. They refused to make a single step towards the direction of the Wei leader, after all. Cao Ren sighed. "Alright... then we'll do it this way. I, Cao Ren, General of the Left of Wei, have come to request your aid. Your loyalty belonged to Wei for such a long time, now the land has been stolen by Shu. They are not the righteous men you believe they are." Cao Ren made a sole step forward, leaving his men behind. "I can imagine that all of you may not care about who rules over you in the end. Whether Shu or Wei, it does not matter. However, you must look at the circumstances." He made another step forward, pointing his finger to the air. "Safety was guaranteed for a long time, the borders of Shu were far away in the south at Xiangyang. Now, your territory, your homeland has become a field of battle. Your families, your crops, your very lives are in danger. Wei is a strong country and our defenses will not let let Shu pass further north. This means, if nothing is done, you will always remain here, having to worry about your existence." Ren started to walk up and down, being carefully watched by the peasants. "However... Shu's defenses here are weak. They do not understand the gravity of this situation. They leave their guard down, leave you exposed to our military might. The so caring country of Shu does nothing to protect its villagers." He pointed on his men. "16 men in total were able to get into your village without having any problems. 16 men, who could just raid your village and take everything. A small detachment of guards would be enough to defend this place. And yet they do not send any men, they are busy collecting taxes and levies from their population in order to maintain a life in prosperity. The safety of the people comes afterwards." He turned around again and looked at the faces of the villagers. "Are you able, thinking of your families, to continue serving a country which does not care for his villagers? I'm asking you, do you want to continue a life in threatening danger? Do your wives and children want to live under these circumstances?" Ren turned around again and returned to his men. "You surely won't. These men of Shu pretend to fight for virtue, but they do not see that all of what they are doing is counterproductive." He drew his sword and raised it towards the air, it was quiet, the wind blew from the West, moving Ren's blue cape. It looked as if the tip of his sword touched the moon which slowly started to disappear behind smaller clouds. "The time for revenge has come, you people of this village. Help us getting rid of these beguilers who pretend to bring virtue to this land, but only use the people for their advantage. Come and join me, Cao Zixiao, in the quest to bring peace back to this land of Xinye! Help me in driving out these fools for the sake of your families! Don't fear battle as my leadership will provide you the necessary defenses to stay alive so that you can see your families once again!"
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Cao Ren
Personal army: 750 Levy Spearmen 700 Light Swordsmen 600 Peasant Bowmen 200 Light Cavalry
Lieutenants: Yu Jin Niu Jin
Kingdom army: 200 Light Swordsmen 100 Retinue Spearmen 200 Retinue Swordsmen 100 Crossbowmen 200 Horsebowmen 20 Ladders ___________
- Cao Ren arrives at the village north of the fortress and tries to persuade the villagers into joining him. - Yu Jin and Niu Jin wait at their respective places.
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Post by Sun Quan on Aug 1, 2011 22:49:48 GMT
Round 3 Complete!Posting Order[/size] Defenders:Zhuge Liang (Pang Tong) (Liao Hua) Attackers:Xiahou Dun (Xiahou Mao) Cao Ren (Niu Jin, Yu Jin) Casualties[/u][/size] Cao Ren:2 Retinue Spearmen 3 Crossbowmen Channel 5 Weather ReportClouds block out the entire Western half of the map. It reaches to the road. Soon, the entire sky will be darkened, and visibility will be minimal. Morale[][][][][][][][][][]||[][][][][][][][][][]SummaryZhuge Liang camps out one hex above the fort. Pang Tong thinks he might see something, but with the overcast, Xiahou Dun's forces move silently and stealthily down the riverbank, reaching the copse of trees next to the medium patrol. Cao Ren attempts to sway the Shu village to his side, but he is met with resistance. This is a Shu village, afterall, and calling them weak is not generally considered a good thing. The common people are in love with Liu Bei, and would die for him unless they saw no other choice. Cao Ren's speech was not rousing enough, and these peasants assaulted his men! A group of 5 light cavalry immediately took off from the village and move towards the fort. They will reach Zhuge Liang's position this turn. The fight leaves Cao Ren bloodied and beaten, and he is forced to retreat back to his allies within the forest. At this point, the only blood drawn is that of Wei's. The northern village is off limits; they are ready to fight whomever comes at them, even if they say they are from Shu. Wei has 6 more rounds to take the fort, CAN. THEY. DO IT!? Round 4 Begin!
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Post by Zhuge Liang on Aug 4, 2011 18:51:27 GMT
The night was still, with noise coming only from the tiny insects surrounding Zhuge Liang. He sat there, on a large flat rock that may have been resembled a tree stump, and he could do nothing by worry. Worry about his nemesis, Sima Yi. He was worried that he had played right into his hands, after all, it was Sima Yi who decides where and when to attack in this scenario. Zhuge Liang was not in the ideal position, but he could defend with what he prepared. His insight into Sima Yi's mind came from an understanding of who he was. For Sima Yi was just like Zhuge Liang, in many more ways than one.
A stray cat had made Zhuge Liang's acquaintance, and sat, purring, next to the Prime Minister. This cat probably had more in common with him than most men, for cats are predators, and deceitful. They wait, and are the best opportunists, searching for the time to attack, where, and from what angle. And while this cat hid amongst the shadows of the night, Zhuge Liang hid among his colleagues. Pretending that he cared for Liu Bei. He held tremendous respect for men that had earned it, like himself, Ma Chao, and Guan Yu.
Zhuge Liang looked up at the starry sky once more, the clouds were blocking them from his vision periodically, but they were there. Something was off about them, as if the clouds weren't ominous enough, with the bright starlight illuminating them. And suddenly, bursting through the clouds, a streak of light broke the serene skyline. It was fast, frightening, bright. As fast as the streak had appeared, it was gone. Zhuge Liang rose from his rock shaking, forgetting all about his self-pity. This is it... this is the night.
It was at that moment that the silence and stillness was broken. Five horsemen with torches were approaching the gate at a full-on sprint. Could it have been one of the patrols? "Open the gate! Open the gate!" They yelled to the guards on ramparts; not seeing a darkened Kongming just to the side of the gate.
Zhuge Liang did not rush to their side, but merely appeared from seemingly no-where. Their torch light casting a flickering shadow on his face. "Tell me what you know."
The horsemen looked dumbfounded but they were the only soldiers of the northern village, and they recognized Zhuge Liang after a short pause, "Prime Minister!", one of them started, dismounting from his horse, "Cao Ren appeared at the northern village, asking for help to launch an attack-" He wanted to say more, but really, that summed it up.
Zhuge Liang really didn't know what to say, Cao Ren asking Shu Peasants to fight for him? That did not sound like a great strategy at all. Maybe the old man is sustaining some kind of dementia...
"Alright, two of you, ride south to the southern Patrols and warn Liao Hua." The two horsemen rode south as fast as they could. In the next minute Zhuge Liang entered the fort with the three other horsemen and were surrounded by curious rampart guard. They were told to expect attack, and everyone was woken. Torches were lit along the ramparts, immediately, the onagers were loaded. They didn't know where the enemy was yet, only to expect them.
Pang Tong was re-awoken, and he found Zhuge Liang musing on the ramparts, "Kongming is it true? Cao Ren just walked into one of our village?"
"Yes, they batted him away like a scared puppy."
"Those village people get bolder everyday..." Pang Tong said, seemingly not surprised by the sudden Wei presence. He placed another cherry in his mouth and chewed on it.
Zhuge Liang glanced at Pang Tong, wondering if he should ask for a cherry but he saw his new cat friend also on the rampart, and thought against it.
Troops: 5 Light Horsemen 1000 Peasants 875 Levy Spearmen 1380 Peasant Bowmen
~ Messengers are dispatched to Liao Hua.
~ A horsemen is dispatched to warn the Northern Patrol, and bring them back to the fortress.
~ Archers man the Southern, Western and Northern wall.
~ The fortress is on high alert, onagers are loaded. Though they don't actually have a target yet.
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Post by Xiahou Dun on Aug 5, 2011 18:01:50 GMT
one last resort MY BROKEN BACK I HAVE A REASON and a cause to fight backWang Ji Xiang 0127 hours August, 219
Smoke. It filled the air, stuffed his nose, blinded his senses. The hated, despised damned odor of burning wood and tree. Xiahou Dun released another quick but sickly cough as he attempted to peer through the branches of the light foliage into the clearing just ahead. The shape of a campfire became visible, but only in his mind: the air itself was clouded with the burning effect. Rather blindly signaling with his hand, Yuanrang gestured his unit to him but at a standstill.
"Crossbowmen, set up position around the clearing. When I give you the signal, release a single round of arrows in unison from a half-circumference so you don¡¯t hit each other across the clearing," he began to whisper in a command of execution for his personally considered genius plan. It almost seemed to be enough to redeem himself for his mistakes. But was it?
Xiahou Dun peered back at the dark of the night road, waiting for some sign of Mao¡¯s detachment. But none - Zilin was nowhere to be found. Yuanrang hoped it was all due to the foggy air, which also seemed to have been supported by a darker cloud shrouding their sight and movement. "Cavalry," he continued explaining his plans, "sit and wait for the round of fire to pass. Then, before any can escape the chaotic rampage, rush in and trample them, slaughter them.
"And... and do it quietly. We¡¯ve still got a way to go before we reach the fort, and we don¡¯t wish to set them on alert already lest we be surrounded on the road. Understood?"
"Yes--"
* * *
Bo Wan Po 1555 hours June, 208
"So this is the ambush you spoke of, Han Hao?" Xiahou Dun cried in premature triumph, urging his steed onwards in full speed, brandishing Kirin Fang as he madly pursued Liu Bei¡¯s tail, the grey Hex Mark of the peasant leader only feet away from the tip of his scimitar. He was gaining on Xuande, and fast. Not even Zhao Zilong, not even that bastard Guan Yu, could save the ungrateful wretch now...
"General Xiahou!" It was Yu Jin, the cowardly subordinate of Dun¡¯s who had never ceased to amaze him with his quick retreats despite the prowess that he would often display when in successful circumstances. With a scornful laugh, Yuanrang cast a quick glance in the riding officer¡¯s direction. "General Xiahou! Please be wary and turn back. We are vulnerable to a fire attack!"
Fire... attack? It hit him as a piercing truth. Xiahou Dun wrenched his steed around, nearly suffocating the horse with the sudden motion as the bit nearly pulled into its throat, as Xuande and Zhao Zilong dashed off into the distance.
"Set the flames! Burn them!"
Yuanrang wheeled about at the sound of the ringing young voice. He spotted none other than Guan Yu, no... a young man garbed in almost identical apparel as Guan Yu. A gesture from the boy¡¯s hand was lethal enough to send the world around him exploding in a fiery inferno.
* * *
Wang Ji Xiang 0127 hours August, 219
"Sir? Shall we commence the attack?"
"...Yes. Go ahead."
it's my revenge IT'S MY REVENGE ----
- Xiahou Dun commences an ambush strike on the southern patrol camp thingy. - Xiahou Mao continues looking for boats to board on the Yi Xun River.
Xiahou Dun 100 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
Xiahou Mao 98 Light Swordsmen 100 Levy Spearmen 200 Light Cavalry 150 Crossbowmen
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