Battle Thread (Skirmish at Er Ba Zhen)

[Storyteller]

Skirmish at Er Ba Zhen


(Larger Size)

Terrain & Movement Guidelines:

The Yangtze river cannot be traveled over with infantry, siege weapons, and Calvary. The Light Forest only slightly impedes movement. The Swamps can be hazardous and will not only impede movement, but lower the morale and fatigue in a unit caught in it. A unit can be expected to travel up to approximately 5-8 hexes a turn (dependent on unit composition) using normal marching speed. Even faster if the unit is using a forced march speed, but suffers some penalties. Catapults's range is up to 10 hexes, an onager's range is 6 hexes, archers can fire up to 4 hexes.

Background:

With Zhang Liao's name successfully sullied with the death of Sun Liao, Wu goes to war with Wei. Sun Quan publicly killed Zhang Liao is a tremendous fashion, yet he desires one thing more: to either tear down that Bronze Tower of his or have it for himself. For the people of Wei, the Bronze Tower of He Fei is the last symbol of Zhang Liao, and a universal beacon of hope to the people. Losing it would compel them to surrender to Wu's demands of giving up Shou Chun.

Sun Quan crosses the Yangtze River using Wu's naval power. He meets Shen Ha, who has marched out from Juchao to beat him back into the river, in a fertile marshland called Er Ba Zhen.

Weather: It is a clear sunny day. It is doubtful that the weather will change soon.

Morale:



Victory Conditions:

Wu:

• Wei forces are forced to withdraw, or are completely destroyed.
  

Wei:

• Wu forces are forced to withdraw, or are completely destroyed.
  

Optional Objectives:

• Personally pick the Cherry Tree in the middle of the map! (+10 Rep, your troops are less fatigued.)
  
• Be the one to discover the dinosaur bones in the Northern Swamp! (+10 Rep)
  
• Talk to an enemy officer, in or outside of battle! (+5 Rep)
  
• Help nearby farmers evacuate the area! (+5 Rep, +1 Benevolence)
  
• Rally your troops with a speech at one of the campfire sites! (+5 Rep)
  

War Rules:

All battle rules found in the rules board apply.

Wu and Wei forces can appear where designated on the map (via the colored lines).

There are now no troop limits on this battle.

Battle Moderator: Monty
Back-up Moderator(s): Mikey or Steve.

Moderator Note: Jen's modified battle formula will be used for this battle, the weather is subject to change during the battle. Ploys that you know will require time to be set up should be pmed to me. Any questions you can pm to me or post in the OOC thread.

The Battle may start as soon as all parties arrive.

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan stands in his saddle with a hand to his brow, overseeing the great army of the enemy, Wei. He was not used to this particular vantage point; very few of his battles had been fought with himself on the field. However, in this particular battle, it was more than necessary to make sure that his men saw the he would topple the Pillar of He Fei.

The Bronze Tower was the only thing that Quan could think about since the beheading of Zhang Liao. He patted the head at his side, tied to the saddle of his horse, the head dipped in tar to keep its features free from decomposition. He would only have about two weeks before even the tar wasn't enough to keep the skin from melting off the bone, but he knew that he would be at He Fei within a week; the paltry Wei defenses could not stand up to his elite army.

His captains came and went from his position at the fore of the army, Meng Dao treating with many of them in Quan's stead. His three guardians sat on their mares behind him, each one with glinting armor and steel. Their weapons would be very bloodied this day, as would Quan's own, his normal sword on his hip, and the ornamental yet still very deadly phoenix blade hung from his horse's saddle. He wore his armor with pride, and the head at his side seemingly smiled in appreciation, though this may only be Quan's imagination.

He had left his wooden pieces on the deck of his flaship, which sat anchored at the northern dock. It would be his escape vessel should something go wrong, but he doubted such a problem would arise; the enemy was ill prepared and less able. He wished he ahd brought the pieces, as it would center him and allow him to slip into that fugue state that gave him near precognizance.

He gripped his sword hand in anticipation. Soon, the entirety of his host would crash forward into the Wei lines. It was only the first wave, this foothold necessary to bring up the full host of his army, and secure his supply lines. Ships laden with food and water for his men sat off the shore, only a few days provisions secured at his current point. Shen Ha could try to starve him out, but what good would it do? He would simply order the supply ships brought up, and his men would feast.

No. This battle must be decided today. And he wasn't going to allow this pretender to Zhang Liao's heritage prance about any longer. Sun Shangxiang still wasn't returned to him, nor would he be kind to the man who returned her. Perhaps if this Shen Ha gave her to him on the battlefield he might pardon him... for at least a night. His men would require blood, high off the victory over Zhang Liao the last time the 1st Imperial Army marched forward.

This battle would be bloody. He looked about his seasoned men, the best that China had to offer. These men had been tempered by Sun Quan's bloodlust, and they knew that they would be the men to secure his vision.

Quan looked over the map of the area he had. Reports of villagers in the area gave him some concern, but not as much as the tales that some of the outlying settlements had grumbled about. Some said that a giant monster lurked in the northern reaches, a monster of ancient times, perhaps even a dragon. What an auspicious way to start his campaign. He would send a party with Pang He to the north to check for this dragon, and if possible, secure it for Wu's own use. Zhong Gan would be dispatched to the southern settlement to see if there was any food to give his troops; these were Wei peasants, after all. He would pay them back when they bent their knees to him.

Who knew. If nothing else, a few good war prizes, neh?

Summary:
- Sun Quan has marshaled his army upon the bank of Er Ba Zhen, and set up the bulk of his forces near the north of the starting area!
- The army is drawing up into battle formation, Archers ot the fore, infantry in the middle, and Cavalry on the northern flank.
- Pang He has been dispatched with ten riders to secure the dragon in the north.
- Zhong Gan leads ten riders to the southern village to secure foodstuffs and evacuate the peasants there.

Kingdom Troops (Split between me and Li Wang):
3,000 Recurve Bowmen
2,000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
2,000 Pikemen
2,000 Retinue Swordsmen
1,000 Horsebowmen

Sun Quan:
2,000 Recurve Bowmen
1,000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1,000 Pikemen
1,000 Retinue Swordsmen
1,000 Horsebowmen

Li Wang:
1,000 Recurve Bowmen
1,000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1,000 Pikemen
1,000 Retinue Swordsmen

Personal Army:
Personal Army:
500 Levy Spearmen
400 Light Swords
150 Light Cavalry
220 Peasant Bowmen

[Li Wang]

Li Wang, General of the Right, Prefect of Gui Ying and Champion of Jian Ye, could feel his family's signature grin coming on as he stepped onto land at the northern dock. The army of Wu was vast, and as he'd promised Sun Quan back in Jian Ye it was better trained than the hordes of Wei. In addition, they were almost garunteed to win.

For starters, this battle found itself with an able second in command in Li himself. No longer would the army of Wu be plagued by a deputy commander who could not do the commander's duties when called upon, as had happened to Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu in Wu's first bid for He Fei.

Secondly, the Demon was dead. No longer would the soldiers of Wu lose heart at the mere mention of Zhang Liao, not when Sun Quan kept the head on his saddle. Without Zhang Liao, the best the Wei garrison had to throw at them were Yue Jin, Li Dian, and that nobody Shen Ha who even now assembled a host on the opposite side of the field. Wang would be quite happy to slay him in the service of Wu, but his place for now was commanding an army.

Li was garbed in his usual armor, twin swords sheathed in the saddle of his charger. He'd recently been created a noble with his installation as the Prefect of Gui Ying, and now he had a crest of arms to emblazon on his helm, a pair of vipers coiled around a spear; a not-so subtle play on his famous agility with his twin swords.

Within minutes of landing, he'd sent runners to inform Quan of his arrival, a small party of riders to evacuate the northern farm, and an even smaller party under Dailai Zhangba to comb the north eastern swamp for the dragon bones some villagers had mentioned in a report.

Summary

[/center]

• Li Wang arrives on the field, receiving command of 4,000 troops
  
• 30 light cavalry are sent to evacuate the northern farm.
  
• 10 light cavalry are sent to the easternmost part of the north swamp, where the dinosaur bones are. These men, led by Dailai Zhangba, will link up with Pang He to search for the dinosaur bones.
  

Kingdom Troops

1000 Recurve Bowmen
1000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1000 Pikemen
1000 Retinue Swordsmen

Personal Troops

800 peasants
400 light swordsmen
900 levy spearmen
1100 peasant bowmen
450 light cavalry
1 Dailai Zhangba

Subunits

• Dailai Zhangba
  10 light cavalry
  
• Captain
  30 light cavalry

[Ryou Kin]

Er Ba Zhen. Such a perfect scene for an invasion from Wu. For Wei to even allow these dudes to enter their territory and Ryou to be the first and only to be out here. Its pretty weak for someone else to step onto the field of battle and the people that should be out here not even there at all. Not even a small pebble of blue out here, other than the water. Wei should stop bull shitting and get out here.

Ryou Kin, Blood Bandit King, step forth onto the battlefield of Er Ba Zhen. With him is his two loyal and talented friends, Ku Ren and Lu Kong. All three of these men, have seen plenty enough battles and maybe even taken part in a few. This here will be a fight that they really didn’t mind being in. Caring little of Wei and Wu both. Truly just out here for fun and to roll heads maybe.

At the front, center, and vanguard of the movement, Ryou Kin sits high on his steed, Lu Kong walking beside him. Flash backs of his master teaching him different tactics and movements go through his thoughts. Such a small and weak little force, like the one he have, wont be able to do that much against Wu. This is like a cat fighting a tiger, retarded! Still, he did say, "I'll see what I can do." Foolish.

Thinking of those words he soon realized that this was a stupid idea and words. "Whatever. Is what it is." Several things rolled through his head. This mystery long ancient beast that sleeps in the north. These villages that could use the help of escaping, really? How hard is it to get your crap and dip out? Ryou thought that if he step into a village and they just act stupid then he will just kill everyone.

That cherry tree. Picking it would be lovely....IF he wanted to. Would just burn that and the forest in the middle if he gets the chance to. The only thing that would be worth wild and something at the least would be that long dead beast. Kin knew the location of everything else but only know the area that the beast is in. Searching for it could take a moment or two. A pull of the rope, halted his army. Ryou turned to look at the men that he have brought with him.

He had stopped north of the village, not even thinking of helping or burning it down. A eagle he thought of and so the eagle came. Ku Ren rode up to Ryou Kin, wondering why he stopped and what could be on his mind. Once he was beside his leader and friend, the question came up. "Why have you stopped? Is something wrong?" Ryou smiled and Ren puzzled. Leaning over to Ren, Ryou told him a plan to be carried out. "Take all of em....move no-" Only certain things could be heard or read from his mouth. "Avoid wha-" Cutting in and out Ryou voice was. "Lay there an-" Kin continued and finished in just a minute.

He lean back over, away from Ren. "Understood?" Kin said in a clever tone. "Yeah. I got you!" Pulling away he signaled to the cavalry, all of them. As soon as they started to move, Ren rode off, they followed into the forest and heading towards what seems the dead beast in the north. The rest of Ryou Kin's army, along with Lu Kong continue through their path. They will meet with Ku Ren another time.

Sum of Things

> Ryou Kin along with his army have appeared on the Wei side
> Ku Ren has been sent with 50 riders towards the ancient dead beast
> The force under Ryou move with the pace of the spearmen*front, bowmen*middle, and swordsmen*rear

Dead Weights
125 Levy Spearmen
120 Light Swordsmen
120 Peasant Bowmen
50 Light Cavalry

Broken Down

Ryou Kin
125 Levy Spearmen
120 Light Swordsmen
120 Peasant Bowmen

Ku Ren
50 Light Cavalry

[Shen Ha]

The rain above Xuchang had eroded away the blood of Shen Ha’s victims, but the people would remember what happened. In the eyes of the world itself, Shen Ha pierced his sword through Lu Xun’s heart, and separated Sun Shang Xiang’s spine as well. Such a heroic moment that was for him. A fine warrior and general, dishonored by the execution of his commander; riding out in a simple brown coat and riding boots. Nothing was grand about him but the sword in his hand and the hearts it struck.

I will be a hero in Wei for killing them, Shen Ha thought, But the common executioner is no hero. That is all I really am.

Three days ago, Shen Ha received the letter from the south. He had known Zhang Liao was captured, but he never thought Sun Quan would kill him. Zhang Liao’s death hit him harder than it had Cao Cao or Sun Shang Xiang, at least he thought it did. They were both heart broken, but neither of them knew Zhang Liao as long as Shen Ha. To Cao Cao, Zhang Liao was a prized tool. He would send him out like a pawn and grin at the results of conquest. To Sun Shang Xiang, he was a lover. What they shared seemed genuine, and Shen Ha doubted the Wu princess to open her legs for just about anybody, but loving a man for a month was different that loving a father for your whole life.

Shen Ha’s father died with sword in hand, dripping Dong Zhuo’s blood. Li Jue and Guo Ci avenged the previous Prime Minister and stormed the city, and Shen Ha’s father died before they could escape. Lu Bu did not weep for him like Cao Cao wept for Zhang Liao. Shen Ha doubted Lu Bu even really cared. He was a lionhearted fool. Strong and brave as a lion, but a fool all the same.

Shen Ha was also born the day Lu Bu fled from his enemies. His mother was protected by Zhang Liao’s men, and when Shen Ha began to grow up, Zhang Liao was the most fatherly figure he could remember. He was always such a symbol of honor and bravery, Shen Ha desired to be all that and more. He grew up with a sword in hand, and learned its craft well. He learned the spear, the bow and the horse well also. Zhang Liao taught him how to command men, and Shen Ha would climb ramparts and towers and shout down to his mother to train his voice to be loud. Whenever he saw Zhang Liao riding out for battle, his voice was like thunder. Shen Ha was a simple kid at that point, but he tried his hardest to mimic that deep echoing voice.

He rode to battle the first time when he was 16. The spear in his hand seemed so heavy that day, though he trained with sharp steel before. The first man he killed was a foolish swordsman who thought to come at an armored horseman with a spear and hope to live. Shen Ha was only a horseman away from Zhang Liao when he thrust that spear. As it found its mark, Shen Ha couldn’t help but think of how stupid that soldier was. After the battle, Zhang Liao counted the notches on Shen Ha’s spear and was astonished. I didn’t even show him my sword. I was modest, I was honorable. He would have been so proud if I’d shown him my sword…

It was a good thing, then, that Shen Ha was seated at his bedside when the letter was brought to him. He did not remember reading it, or even the reaction he had, but he remembered half the night was wasted in solemn thought before he even thought of responding. His heart was torn, but he still had to act. He went to the dungeons of Xuchang and found a handsome man. He had broken into a noble’s estate and took the noble daughter’s maidenhead. He was a straw sander, and scheduled for execution. He will do. That’s one.

The second one was harder to find. The dungeons were filled with men of differing faces. Some were clean, some were rough. Some were comely and some weren’t. But to find a clean woman in a dungeon would be a stroke of dumb luck, and Shen Ha knew he’d have to kill her all the same. Regardless of if she earned her death or not, killing a woman he didn’t know would be a difficult feat.

Luck hit him well when he found a Mongol woman who was scheduled for execution along with her entire brigand. While she was not exactly the easiest on the eyes, she was frail, and it would be easy to think Sun Shang Xiang tried to make herself less noble in her escape. That’s two.

All that was left was to tell Sun Shang Xiang and make sure the prisoners acted accordingly. That was simple enough. He promised the woman that her husband would walk free from execution. And the man was sold by the simple fact that his execution in this manner would not dishonor his family. The man took place in the carriage and the woman on horseback. Shen Ha went to Shang Xiang’s estate, and his arrival sparked the escape. Lu Xiu struck him and he feigned unconsciousness. When Cheng Qi arrived, he awoke to give chase. When he caught up to the carriage, he told the crowd that these two prisoners were Lu Xun and Sun Shang Xiang, and executed them both. The southern born were actually in the crowd, dressed in common clothes, watching themselves die while Shen Ha convinced the Wei Kingdom the same. Their escape would be simple, as all they had to do now was walk outside the gate. Guards would not question if they were corpses.

Shen Ha had the two beheaded, and he rode south with his army to reinforce Li Dian, the inherited commander of the Bronze Spire Castle of Hefei. In the fortnight it took to travel south, the heads began to decay, and each morning found crows feasting on their cheeks and eyes. Shen Ha used tar to keep the skin on their faces, but by the time they entered the castle, neither looked like any person’s face. Shen Ha even imagined a monkey’s face, and when he looked into the dead man’s face, that is what he saw. Sun Quan will be none the wiser. When he looks at this face he will see Lu Xun. When he looks at the other, he will see his sister.

The castle was empty for the most part, however. A small defending garrison or archers and untrained swords were left to defend it. Li Dian had ridden out with Yue Jin a few days ago. Shen Ha doubled his march to catch up. After two more nights and one day, he saw the sun rising east on high blue banners. Li Dian’s camp was made at Er Ba Zhen. Shen Ha ordered his men to set up camp along the northern edge, and rode to the command tent. As he entered, Yue Jin’s eyes shot immediately up.

“Wenyuan’s dog.” He barked at Shen Ha, who saw the irony immediately, “We’ve been waiting for you. No doubt you were coming south to fight. Serving in Xuchang as an honored guard for two months, no. You’ve rode beside me before. Your place is on the battlefield, avenging Zhang Liao.”

“And I intend to do so. Lord Li Dian,” Shen Ha took three long steps to fall immediately to one knee before his commander. His right hand grasped his left in a fist, and he bowed his head. “I have come south with a gift for Sun Quan, and I intend to hand it to him personally. I also seek to avenge General Zhang Liao. Let me ride out in the morning to offer battle. If any champion should accept, I shall bring you his head.”

“I do not doubt your ability in battle, young Shen Ha,” Li Dian said, his voice sounding wiser than ever simply by gaining command at Zhang Liao’s death. “Yue Jin was to be our champion, but I shall allow your vengeance on the morrow. Sleep well tonight, lest you will not see the battle itself but from the heavens.”

Shen Ha did not dream that night but awoke a braver man than the night before. He strapped his armor on, hung his sword at his belt and grabbed his spear and bow. Mounting his fine war horse, he rode out with an honor guard flying Wei banners to the central ground between the two marshaled forces.

Beneath a cherry tree, Shen Ha planted banners of peace. I will speak to Sun Quan before I begin killing his men. Aye, and I have a gift for him as well…

[Zhou Tong (Monty)]

Post Order

Attackers
Sun Quan
Li Wang

Defenders
Ryou Kin
Shen Ha

Troop Losses:
None

Weather Report:
The wind is blowing slightly south east, and the tides are low. It's humid and hot. The winds could pick up, or die down. However, further off to the east there are a few darkened clouds, possibly for a slight drizzle later on.

Summary:
Sun Quan sends Pang He to get the dinosaur bones, but so does Ryou Kin. Sun Quan also sends troops to evacuate then pillage(That's what I'm getting from this.) the southern village, while Li Wang sends troops to evacuate the northern village. Shen Ha arrives at the cherry tree in hopes that he will talk to Sun Quan before the battle is begins. Zhangba searches for dinosaur bones. Yup.

(I would like a troop count at all time, as well as a summary. I will also be using my own battle formula from here on out. Don't bitch about it, its entirely mathematical.)

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan:
2,000 Recurve Bowmen
1,000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1,000 Pikemen
1,000 Retinue Swordsmen
1,000 Horsebowmen

Personal Army:
Personal Army:
500 Levy Spearmen
400 Light Swords
150 Light Cavalry
220 Peasant Bowme

Sun Quan begins his ride out to parley with Shen Ha.

The Army behind him moves slower but surer, intent on keeping their fatigue down while crossing the distance. Sun Quan's army moves to fit into the upper path of the small grove in the middle.

In the south, Zhong Gan's men begin herding the villagers out of the city and towards the coast. He yells over the din of the operation; "Move quickly! The boats will take you to safety until the battle is over. Nothing of value will be taken!"

Quan had specifically ordered that all valuables are to be seized as well as any foodstuffs. They were Wei supporters, after all.

In the north, Pang He and his cavalry reach the bones of the dinosaur. They find it with a crew of workers who had been excavating it for the past few days. It showed half out of the ground.

"Good! Get to work unearthing the head. I'm sure that's all Quan really cares about."

Summary:

The army begins moving! It moves in a traditional Archers to the front, Swords in the center, spears and cavalry on the side, to move most efficiently.

Zhong Gan believes that Pillage is a strong word to describe what is essentially just liberating supplies! ()

Pang He begins unearthing the bones of the dinosaur in the north.

Sun Quan intends to speak with Shen Ha at the designated meeting place. He brings with him Guan Shao and 10 Horsebowmen as escort.

[Li Wang]

Li Wang's forces move as well, matching Sun Quan's forces' formation and pace, with Li Wang's more inexperienced troops spread throughout the ranks. The front of Wang's array halted just south of the grove, the line extending from the swamp in the south (no troops inside it) through the center of the hopefully by now evacuated village until it reached the eastern edge of the grove. Wang's forces would allign with Quan's on the other side. Wang himself, however, had galloped forth with only a pair of light cavalry to join Sun Quan in the grove. He would join Guan Shao as Sun Quan's other honor guard when he eventually deigned to speak with Shen Ha, but would most likely remain silent unless directly spoken to.

"Lord Quan, if it pleases you I would ask the privilege to ride beside you... I wish to memorize the face of the murderer of General Lu and your dear sister Shang Xiang... so that I may note whose head to seek during the battle."

Wang's voice was determination, though he had to bite back tears when he said Shang Xiang's name. Even after all this time, Wang still harbored a soft spot in his heart for the warrior princess, and Quan would probably remember why.

Meanwhile, Dailai Zhangba was assisting Pang He in the excavation of the dinosaur bones.

"Good! Get to work unearthing the head. I'm sure that's all Quan really cares about."

"The head or the whole effing body, we're not gonna get far if we don't do something about that party of riders that was following us. By the looks of 'em, I'd say they've got us outnumbered 2 to 1. Zhangba was nervous; he had no doubt that he would be able to at least get himself out alive, but he had no wish to surrender the bones to the enemy and be forced to fight an enemy with increased morale.

"Shit... General, I'm going to try to buy you some time! Just get those bones the fuck out of here!" Zhangba yelled as he spurred his horse towards Ku Ren's approaching cavalry. Zhangba assumed he'd be facing 4 to 1 odds. Suicidal, to be sure, but if he was lucky the enemy would be caught unawares when he hit them from the forest. Or so he hoped.

At the northern village, things were going exactly as planned, villagers running east to get to the Wu boats when...

"Captain! Report! A group of riders has broken off from the enemy army! They're going to overwhelm Wu forces in the northern swamp!

"Shit!

Alright everybody, listen up! The boats we came in are to the east, run that way! They'll shelter you until the battle's over!

Lieutenant, take 10 men, try to protect them until they get there! The rest of you, with me!"

The larger group of riders shot off on an intercept course for Ku Ren's cavalry, facing what they assumed to be 2 to 1 odds but knowing that it'd buy their comrades in the swamp time to get clear. The smaller group was marching the villagers towards the Wu lines, leaving the village untouched but empty.

"For Wu!" The captain bellowed, trying to attract the enemy riders' attention.

Summary

The bulk of Li Wang's forces advance to the southern side of the grove, extending Sun Quan's line in an identical formation. Archers in front, swords in the center, spears and cavalry on the sides, arbalests in a straight line a short distance beyond the swords and the catapult centered beyond those, pointed directly towards the center of the grove.

Li Wang takes a pair of light cavalry to join Sun Quan in the grove, where he asks permission to join him if his intent is to parley.

Dailai Zhangba takes his 10 light cavalry to intercept Ku Ren, unsure of the enemy's exact numbers but attempting to buy Pang He a little bit of time. His forces will stay in the trees as long as possible to try to catch Ku Ren off guard.

The captain assigned to evacuate the northern village takes the initiative and leads 20 light cavalry to intercept Ku Ren, unaware that Dailai Zhangba is already attempting to do the same thing. He issues a battle cry, trying to attract Ku Ren's attention away from Zhangba and Pang He.

The lieutenant delegated by the captain to evacuate the village does just that, him and his 10 light cavalry herding the villagers towards the Wu lines and the waiting ships.

Kingdom Troops

1000 Recurve Bowmen
1000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1000 Pikemen
1000 Retinue Swordsmen

Personal Troops

800 peasants
400 light swordsmen
900 levy spearmen
1100 peasant bowmen
450 light cavalry
1 Dailai Zhangba

Subunits

• Dailai Zhangba
  
  10 light cavalry
  
  
• Captain
  
  20 light cavalry
  
  
• Lieutenant
  
  10 light cavalry

[Ryou Kin]

First Contact

The Point. Ku Ren made it to the place that Ryou told him to wait. With such a ride as this, dodging and weaving in and out through the trees, the steeds must be somewhat tired. Then again, horses are strong and having a light load couldn’t have effected the horses that much. Ren settled himself in very well, only giving his men hands and arms signals. They very well understood. Jumping off his horse, he ran forward heading to the outskirts of the forest, staying hidden and well under cover. Bow and arrow in hand, he watches as the men of Wu begin to dig out for the bones of this beastly creature. Not long after he have been watching them, a group of Wu men mount back onto their horses. "Must be heading for me...just as planned. haha." saying this while turning around, heading back to the men that was assigned to him.

Back with his light cavalry unit, Ku Ren bring them in closely telling them of what they will do. It was short, but the men were assigned their tasks and knew of what they had to do. "Whatever it takes wolves! Understood!?" speaking in a tone that only these men could hear. Agreeing with a nod the men ready their selves for the coming attack. Ku Ren leaped onto his steed, pulling the rope towards his oncoming enemy. Four teams these 50 men spitted up. The first group with Ku Ren was of 20 and the other two was of 10 and the final rear group of 10 as well. This ambush was already planned out by Ryou Kin, figuring that the enemy will turn about and face you but still enter the forest unknowing of Ren position.

The Ambush was ready, right before the enemy would even ride into the forest. For such a bandit these wolves sure are smart, but what else to you expect from a pack of wolfs. In a wedge formation of 20 and Ku Ren in the back of it, these riders pour out of the forest ambushing Dailai Zhangba and his little group of 10 light cavalry. Attempting to engage the enemy with this frontal assault of 20 light cavalry and Ku Ren himself, Ren loads up two arrows aiming through the horde that is attacking. As soon as they clash with their oncoming enemy, Ku Ren will hang back and hold. From there he will fire his arrows, trying to kill any enemy riders that will make it through. He is more true with his arrow than anyone else he knows. The men he sent out, knows that they will not be hit from The Eagle, Ku Ren.

After the first group poured out of the forest and into the swamps, the other two groups of 10 ride out from the flanks. Ten on the left, ten on the right. Both in line formations, not even close to the colliding battle. That last ten stood back in the rear, engaging anyone that would come for Ku Ren and awaiting for Ryou to get to their location. These swamps surely must have some negative effect on Zhangba and his ten light cavalry from being in the swamps and playing in the mud.

The Tiger's Prey

The movements of Ku Ren surely attracted the attention of his surrounding enemies. Even the ones that were busy with evacuating the villagers. Somehow they saw Ryou Kin and his army like they have a bird in the sky and can see through trees and such. Ryou Kin, his bodyguard, and the rest of his army continue to move to Ku Ren position. “For Wu!” hearing it from outside the forest. Lu Kong heard this, he looked over to Kin, seeming like he had to say something or was about to. Before he could have said anything, Ryou smiled. “Go ahead man. By all means do what you have to do.” Kong smirked and turned around, “Yo! 1st platoon! Your mine! Lets move!”

Grabbing a small group of bowmen and spearmen, Lu Kong and the men that he called for sprinted through the forest, Getting to Ku Ren was a must and continuing with the plans had to continue or they will lose the momentum that they already have with their numbers. With only about 40 spearmen and 20 bowmen with him, Lu Kong will do what he have to. Coving his friend while he takes care of things to the north of him.

Making to the position for support and cover, Lu Kong watches at Ku Ren begins to ride out to the enemy. Yet, from here he knows that reinforcements were coming. Foolish Wu love making their selves noticeable to the enemy. Those same ten light cavalry ready for the rear assault. Lu Kong will wait. He will strike at the enemy in the forest as they come towards him. Behind the trees his men wait, spears and arrows ready to bring the death to their very faces.

Chilling

After Lu Kong took some of Kin’s men. Ryou decided to just sit back and wait. Watching as these small little fights are broken out. From where he is at, he could barely see Lu Kong and the Light Cavalry coming from the south. Shouts could also be heard but it must be coming from Ku Ren. Ryou Kin knew well what was going on. So predictable the enemy really is. Sun Quan could have done much better choosing who his officers are. “I’ll just chill here. They can send for help if they really need it. Its only fair that I sit this out. Keep an eye to the east and south men. Form up, settle in.”



Sum of Things
> Ku Ren has appeared and pouring out of the forest and into the swamps to engage Zhangba




> Lu Kong has sprinted to catch up with Ku Ren. He now waits with his men for the rear attack from Wu. Hidding behind trees and such.




> Ryou Kin is just chilling at the moment or maybe further planning something. Hidden in the trees somewhere.


Dead Weights
125 Levy Spearmen
120 Light Swordsmen
120 Peasant Bowmen
50 Light Cavalry

Troops broken down

Ryou Kin; 85 Spearmen, 120 Swordsmen, 100 Bowmen
..................Stand by.............Stand by.............Stand by.........
Ku Ren; 10 Light Cavalry, 40 Light Cavalry
.................Cautious..............Attacking

Lu Kong; 40 Spearmen, 20 Bowmen
..................Cautious.........Cautious........

The Swamps can be hazardous and will not only impede movement, but lower the morale and fatigue in a unit caught in it.

Taking that your NPC and the 10 Light Cavalry are effected with this since you been in it for a while.
All plans were submitted to Mikey and Monty. Both knew of my plan before the start of the battle

Edit: Needed to add all troop numbers as a whole

[Shen Ha]

Troop Count:
2000 Light Swordsmen
2000 Levy Spearmen
2000 Peasant Bowmen
2000 Light Cavalry
2000 Retinue Swordsmen
2000 Retinue Spearmen
2000 Crossbowmen
2000 Heavy Cavalry
2000 Horsebowmen
6 Onagers
6 Catapults
6 Arbalests

Shen Ha sat firmly upon his mighty warrior stallion as Sun Quan rode out with his party to meet him. Shen He balanced his spear across his lap. It had a strong steel blade about a foot long, and the shaft was thick and mighty oak wood. A crimson tassel fell from a short string at the base of the blade, so that each stroke Shen Ha sent would be tailed by the tassel. When he was at work in battle, it was an art. For now his art would wait.

Sun Quan approached with a small party, the one he was reported to nearly never be without. The Wei commander had done enough research to know the men that came with him. Unknown to him, they were also the ones who dealt with Zhang Liao when he was captive. They were the ones who tied him up beneath the gates of the Bronze Spire Castle of Hefei, and they were the ones who restricted him to the ground as the sword fell.

Even should Shen Ha have known that about these soldiers, he would not care. A soldier does his duty, but all faults follow the one who gives the order. Shen Ha was a soldier if there ever was one, and this principle was simple to him. Even had it not been Sun Quan that fell the sword, it was he who gave the command. He would avenge his late general.

“Sun Quan, it is unwise of you to marshal your force and send them my way,” Shen Ha said mockingly, spurring his horse forward to meet Sun Quan face-to-face. “Even here at Er Ba Zhen, the Bronze Spire stands tall above you.”

The general smirked and aimed behind him. In a small clearing between the trees, the iron pointed ramparts from the top of the bronze tower were dancing just barely in view. The tower was tall enough to be seen nearly anywhere along the Chang Jiang in the region. It stood as a testament against Wu’s forces. The men of Wei once believed the border to be safe so long as Zhang Liao held the Bronze Spire, and now he is dead. I will show them that with Shen Ha they are safe once more.

“Revenge is a dirty, vile thing, my lord.” Shen Ha continued. His voice was poison, and his words tread down a road of mud and ash, surrounded by dead trees. Sun Quan knew immediately that Shen Ha was bringing nothing good to him in this conversation. “Zhang Liao defeated you twice at Hefei and you found your revenge. But I believe you received a letter from you sister Shang Xiang prior to your vengeance being shown, did you not?” Shen Ha smiled a cursed grin.

“Be assured that is all you shall hear from her.”

Shen Ha motioned to the men who accompanied him, and they rode up and presented two heads from a small brown chest. They were tarred to prevent decay, but spoiled nonetheless, and crows had feasted on their ears and eyes and noses.

“Behind eyes of red or blue, a tiger still has claws,” Shen Ha said, speaking of the banners of blue he rode beneath and the banners of red he saw Sun Quan with, “And mine are long and sharp, my lord. As long and sharp as yours.”

The riders gave the heads to Sun Quan’s company, presenting them as the heads of Sun Shang Xiang and Lu Xun. Shen Ha turned to ride back to Li Dian’s camp, but his horse turned to face the Wu encampment and he took his spear in hand. He called out to Sun Quan once more.

“I hear the southern lords are fools with blades and know not a spear from a sword! Send my way a champion to prove me false. I very much wish to give you a third head, Sun Quan!”

-------

Summary:

- Shen Ha presents the heads of Lu Xun and Sun Shang Xiang to Sun Quan to lower his force’s morale. They started this war to save Sun Shang Xiang, and now they have nothing to fight for.

- Shen Ha offers battle to a Wu champion of Sun Quan’s choosing.

[Zhou Tong (Monty)]

Post Order

Attackers
Sun Quan
Li Wang

Defenders
Ryou Kin
Shen Ha

Morale
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]

Troop Losses:
Ryou Kin: 2 Cavalry
Li Wang : 10 light cavalry and Zhangba is captured!

Weather Report:
Same as before, cept, a little bit hotter.

Summary:
Sun Quan meets with Shen Ha at the designated meeting place! Shen Ha demoralizes the Wu army by displaying the heads of Lu Xun and Sun Shang Xiang! However, since there is such few people to see it, it wasn't very effective, but soon word will spread. (objective complete, albeit... one sided convo! +5 Rep!) Can Sun Quan keep his men moralized, or will the morale of his army slip? Word will probably spread.

The armies pretty much mobilize and get ready for battle.

Oh and Pang He starts getting ready to unearth the dino bones, and Ryou ambushes very successfully Zhangba and captures him! Furthering the demoralization of Wu! Which in turn encourages the Wei soldiers to fight harder!

Also, Wu starts to evacuate the villagers in both villages, with Zhong Gan pillaging the village after the stupid peasants leave! (+5 rep, no benevolence) and Li Wang's captain doing the righteous moral thing, because he's a good guy (+5 rep! +1 Benevolence!)

Update troop counts, and if you have q's talk to pm them to meeeeeeeeeee!

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan:
2,000 Recurve Bowmen
1,000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1,000 Pikemen
1,000 Retinue Swordsmen
1,000 Horsebowmen

Personal Army:
Personal Army:
500 Levy Spearmen
400 Light Swords
150 Light Cavalry
220 Peasant Bowmen

Sun Quan watched in disbelief as Shen Ha produced two heads, claiming them to be of his ilk and his officer. With disbelief the heads were exchanged, and he could not doubt that they were of size and shape of the two he claimed. More than likely, he was telling the truth.

Quan was set aback. His scowl never left his face, but inside he was tumultuous, intent on destroying this pretender to Zhang Liao's crown.

"Shen Ha, where as Zhang Liao was the Demon of Wu, you are but the thorn on a bush. You prick at us and claim a win, when I shall burn you to the ground with all the hate I can muster.

Your deeds are decidedly villainous. Zhang Liao was a combatant taken in glorious battle, Lu Xun and Sun Shang both diplomats slain in plain retribution. The heaven's will know your deeds, and will judge you according.

But before that, I shall judge you, and bring that god awful tower down around your ears."

Quan ended the parley and retreated back towards his forces in the north...


In the North, Pang He head the din of battle between Ryou Kin and Zhangba. He ordered the peasants to move faster, and readied his horsebowmen. He would raid the rear of Ryou Kin's line as soon as he was sure the the second battle began...

North of the village, the majority of Sun Quan's army was moving. Scouts and outriders, common for any army in motion, reported back that a force of Wei men had ambushed Dailai Zhangba. The Captain of the cavalry on the northern flank of Quan's army whistled, and gathered 500 Elite Heavy Cavalry and 500 Horsebowmen to his cause.

These men quickly launched themselves towards Ryou Kin's position, making it there easily within mere moments of the other battle finishing, Kin still in the process of taking hostages. These men crashed into the line, even as the Horsebowmen split around the melee and began peppering the enemies with hundreds of arrows. It was at this point where Pang He heard the second explosion of fighting, and rushed his own men forward, taking command of the forces and rallying them with his yells for victory for Wu.

Kin's forces were paltry in comparison, unseasoned and underarmed recruits that would fall quickly and decisively to the attacks of both the ranged and Elite Heavy Cavalry. Zhangba would be found closest to Pang He, who would attempt a rescue, keeping an eye out for the enemy general, and would challenge him to combat while his troops died around him;

"Deceiver of Wei, show yourself! I am Pang He, glorious left hand of my lord Sun Quan, King of Wu and Destroyer of Demons! FOR WU!"

The rest of the army would continue forward unabated, coming to a point roughly equal with the copse of trees in the middle of the map, spread over 3 hexes. They were positioned with Archers to the front, followed by mix units of Swords and Spears, with Cavalry on the sides. Quan would ride north to meet them from his meeting with Shen Ha, and would quickly return to rally his soldiers.

"This pretender of Wei thinks himself worthy of the Demon's horns. We will show him today that he is no man or evil equal with Zhang Liao, just a murdered of innocents and a dishonorable one at that.

Shen Ha is the bane of existence for good men such as us, my warriors. We go to crash against his waves of men, and your attacks shall be devastating to them, and we shall crush them underfoot like the bugs that they are. Let us go. Let us drink of their sorrow!'

Synopsis

- Group of 500 Elite Heavy Cavalry and 500 Horsebowmen rush north to assist in retaking Zhangba and capturing the enemy general Ryou Kin
- The dinosaur continues to be excavated, while Pang He rushes towards battle to assist the fighting just south of his position
- The bulk of Sun Quan's army reaches the middle of the field, fresh from taking a slow trip (4 hexes per turn puts them here, with the normal movement ratio of 5-8 hexes), they are spread out over 3 hexes
- Sun Quan seemingly brushes off Shen Ha's emotional assault, but is deeply disturbed at this man's actions
- Zhong Gan and his riders begin travelling back to reunite with the main body of the army. They will arrive at the beginning of next turn.

[Li Wang]

Dailai Zhangba

Well, you've got me. But judging by the sound of things, you guys aren't going to last long. Surrender and I'll make sure you guys don't get killed.

Zhangba was nursing a wound in his shoulder when he said this, prompted by the battle occuring to the south.

Unless you guys have a plan for getting out of here, of course. In which case I'll just shut the hell up.

Li Wang's Captain

Alriiiight! This is how we do it in Wu! Let's link up with lord Quan's forces and show these bastards a thing or two!

Li Wang's Lieutenant

Alright, the villagers are safe! Let's go back and help!

Li Wang

You bastard!

It was lucky that Wang's hands were not on the reins when Shen Ha produced the heads. As it was, it was all Wang's pair of riders could do to keep him from charging at Shen Ha. Wang's demeanor was murderous; while it may have been years since he'd last seen the Princess, the head certainly looked like hers, even in the state of decay it was thus presented in. Wang was ready to put down this abominable being of dishonor, but was soon disappointed by Sun Quan's speech. He could not believe it; Sun Quan was not going to send a champion to put down this dishonorable murderer of his sister! Every fiber of Wang's being screamed to rip Shen Ha apart, but orders were orders, so instead Wang ripped a handful of cherries off the tree each party was gathered under. He did not stop to eat them, however, and nor did he throw them at Shen Ha and attack. Instead, he turned to face the murderer, slowly but deliberately, brandishing the hand with the cherries whilst keeping the other firmly on the reins.

He let it hang there a moment.

It hung there another moment.

Staring directly into Shen Ha's eyes, hatred and rage etched into Wang's expression, he clenched his fist hard, the juice from the massive handful of cherries spraying each direction and dripping between his fingers.

Next time we meet, those cherries will be better off than you will.

Wang turned and rode away with that, his two riders falling in behind. It was not long before they reached Wang's array, who were lined up in ordered ranks awaiting Wang's orders.

"Brave soldiers of Wu! When we departed from Jian Ye, we marched to save our princess Shang Xiang. The same princess whom our Lord Quan and our Late Lords Ce and Jian loved dearly. The same princess who would arbitrate and dispense justice in the courts of Jian Ye! The same princess who studied the warrior's arts alongside her brothers! The same princess who married a man she knew not to protect us from the hordes of Wei!

But alas, my brothers, the princess has been slain. The same princess who would see justice done. The same princess who studied the way of the warrior. The same princess... who cared deeply for the people of Wu.

Now, we fight for Justice! We fight for Honor! We fight... for VENGEANCE! No longer does Wei threaten our borders! No longer shall we cower in our homes, praying that the devil Cao keeps his troops away from our borders! No longer shall we turn to Liu Bei in the West for protection!

Today, we take the fight into our own hands, on our terms! TODAY, the tide of this war changes! TODAY, we will push the evil hordes of Wei away from our borders!

When we marched, we fought for the honor of our Princess Shang Xiang, General Lu, and our Lord Quan. But I say to you now, let us fight to drive back the hordes of Wei! To drive them back and root out the rebels in Xu Chang! Men of Wu, on behalf of our Lord Quan, on behalf of your families and friends back home, I call on you to fight!

Li Wang's fist rose into the air as he finished, fist pumping as he led the army in a round of Haroo!s. The catapult fired as this started, the large boulder aimed to destroy the cherry tree in the center of the grove... as well as the symbolism of peace represented by it. The only peace that would come would be to those who died in this war.

Kingdom Troops

1000 Recurve Bowmen
1000 Elite Heavy Cavalry
1000 Pikemen
1000 Retinue Swordsmen

Personal Troops

800 peasants
400 light swordsmen
900 levy spearmen
1100 peasant bowmen
440 light cavalry (20 with Li Wang's captain, 10 with Li Wang's lieutenant)
1 catapult
4 onagers (sorry, forgot to put these in my troop count before but I've been mentioning them and the catapult in my posts)
1 Dailai Zhangba

Summary

Dailai Zhangba offers Ku Ren's forces a chance to surrender before Sun Quan's army arrives to slaughter him.

Li Wang's captain joins Sun Quan's forces to attack Ryou Kin and free Zhangba. His forces will fall under Dailai Zhangba's command once he is freed.

Li Wang's lieutenant finishes escorting the villagers to the waiting Wu fleet, and rides hard to link up with Li Wang's captain. His forces will fall back under the captain's command as soon as he links back up.

Li Wang is enraged upon witnessing the heads. Rumors had arrived previously, but it's different when you see the body of the woman you loved before you. He rips a handful of cherries from the cherry tree and metaphorically uses them to threaten Shen Ha.

Li Wang attempts to rally his troops, using the princesses death as ammunition for his speech.

The catapult proceeds to systematically bombard the grove, aiming to wipe it off the map. Li Wang's onagers and archers begin to fire into the Wei lines, whilst the rest of his array begins to advance in the following formation. Their front line is 3 hexes long, and is aligned through the village and ends about 10 meters away from the grove (not perfect, but this is just showing how they're grouped):

_________ArcArcArcArcArc
Cav_____SwoSwoSwoSwo____SpeSpeSpe
Cav____SwoSwoSwoSwo_____SpeSpeSpe

The onagers are positioned in a line on the hex that is the back of the village (11,14). The catapult is positioned at (13,14).

[Ryou Kin]

You can't miss it,
they're coming...

The rat has been laying there for some time now. Watching, Analyzing, Scoping, and Reporting. Back and forth, the rats transfer intel to the main horde. This time its different for the rat that lays there in the leafs and behind the trees. Figures behind to pure out of the center grove, army to the left of him are doing some suspicious movements. The red armies, Wu, grow dangerously close to his fellow brethren. With all of that commotion that the forward units made, those armies must have heard it and a gut feeling that they will send aid. "Thats it for us..."

Stepping up and taking one last look at the armies, he almost shiver of fear of it. Turning around with the quickness, almost hitting a tree, he sprints back to his main unit. Ducking through branches, sliding and jumping over logs and weaving in and out of trees in the forest. Breaking several sticks, almost tripping on stumps, and crushing the leafs beneath his feet, he drops to his knees, tired from a hell of a run. He didn't bow or anything else, with such a full blown sprint just as he did, it was fully OK. Trying to catch his breath, yet still trying to speak, Ryou Kin walks up, resting his hand on his shoulders. "What is it? Speak! Quickly!"

"The armies of Wu....are getting....pretty close. We should start...moving...." He gasps for air after finishing his sentence, standing up after also. Ryou nodded his head, walking away from the man and looking down at his feet. Hard thinking he must be. Kin walks over to one of his other intel rats, gripping him by both of the man's shoulders. "Move your ass to Lu Kong and tell him to get his ass over to the rally point. NOW! GO!" The man turned away, slipping while doing so. He, just as the other rat, sprints to Lu Kong's position, whether he gets there in time truly don't know.

After sending that man away, Ryou stands in front and center of his army. They know very well what they about to do. HAUL ass to the rally point! "Rally point! Get there!" Bandits. What else do you expect of them? Kin and his men been hiding in this position for sometime now, watching everything that was going on right to the south of them. With all of the focus all on Ku Ren, Ryou had no choice but to get out of the area before it was too late as it is. He did what he had to and got as far as he did. Everything he could have done was done, but numbers were not on his side. Thats it. Ryou thought to himself. Nothing more he could do now.

Either doing it,
or better not.

Lu Kong has been waiting for sometime now of reinforcements being sent to aid those Wu pups that Ku Ren has been playing with. Surely it as been long enough but there was nothing he could do but wait some more. His men still wait in trees and sight of Ku Ren and all of his cavalry are gone of sight. All he knows is that the noise of that small fight earlier has already died down and ended. Behind these trees hide spears and arrows. All of which are ready to end the life of another man but it just don't seem it wont come.

"This is taking far too long. Wait a little while longer." Lu Kong stepped out from behind his tree, thinking it would be best to go ahead and scout to see whats up. Just a minute before he was going to do so, a man pops around from a tree, the rat. Just as his fellow rat intel, he too was beat and tired from running so quick. This one dropped right on the ground, laying on his back gasping for a hell amount of air. Kong grabbed him by his chest plate Armour, pulling him behind a tree so the enemy wont discover their position. Sitting him up, Kong leaned over, wondering why this man was sent so quickly to him.

Taking his little canteen of water, he handed it to his fellow outlaw. The rat yanks it from his hand, pouring the opening of the canteen into his mouth. All of it gone, just little drops fall from the rim. "So why-" A rumble. Shaking the very earth. For such a quake this is not something that Lu Kong expected. All of the men stood up and turned their body sideways, making their position even more secure to be seen. The rat also stood up onto his own two feet. Lu Kong moved forward, ahead of the pack, showing and giving signals for everyone to be quiet and hidden.

The eyes cut and Peirce through the trees and bushes that is scattered in front of him. Kong stuck closer to his tree, only revealing about one third of his body. The earth shakes a bit more but nothing much really. He looks deeper and deeper through the trees and soon he saw what he couldn't fuck with. Far outside of his visions, Lu Kong could barley see waves of cavalry heading to wards Ku Ren. The numbers were far massive than his own, something that even if he wanted to help he couldn't. Ku Ren would have to be on his own for this one.

Scanning the area of any other scouts, everything was clear, just the massive movement of the enemy. Lu Kong hide back behind his trees. He looked over at the rat that Ryou must have sent to warn him. "Rally point, huh?" The man nodded in agreement regaining his breathing. Nothing he could do. Nothing. With such a force like that, he will only be ripped apart and his men wouldn't even have that much guts to even face a force with such power. Even for the spear men that he do have. The very rumble of the earth stopped, but the blood rush that Kong and his men had hasn't.

"We are so not fucking with that! We will head for the rally point then, my rally point." Far after the passing of those cavalry units, the men formed back up and began to head out away from the horde of horses. Just something that Kong know he cannot beat. Every man should know when they are beat and pull out whenever they have the chance. "Wu got us beat. So forget this. Getting out of here while we can."

The short end,
very short end.

Engaging with the riders of Wu and their general, Ku Ren breaks through the enemy attack with ease. Killing all of those ten light cavalry. Those two arrows that Ku Ren had, fired it at their lone riding general. Hitting his right shoulder and missing with the other. One of his cavalry went up and knocked the man off his horse after taking the hit in his shoulders. The 20 men that surrounded the man, along with Ku Ren, quickly grabbed their ropes and tired the man up. Around his arms, wrist, and legs. Fully knotted up so you can only cut him loose. The man was picked up and thrown on Ku Ren's steed, right in front of him. Zhangba's head only looking down at the ground.

The only two groups of cavalry didn't engage with Zhangba and his little small group of 10 light cavalry. These men continued, heading for the enemy further down the line where the bones should be. Just as Zhangba and his men, the same thing or yet similar thing was going to happen to Pang He and his men as well. This time though, they will just raid and murder anyone that is in the way or digging up the bones. They never planned on attacking Zhangba at all. To go around and continue on to the bones was the whole plan and if anyone was there they will be killed, hands down.

Morale was pretty high, having to defeat and capture the enemy Wu pups. Ku Ren was pretty proud of his little fish that he caught. All the men mounted back on their horses, ready to head forward to continue what they planned. Yet, with all of this something felt uneasy. The sounds and rumbles of the earth just made that uneasy feeling struck with a bit of fear. Zhongba spoke his words only to get hit in the back of the neck. "You best hope we make it out of this. I'll just kill you and throw you in the swamps for you to rot!"

Not a second after, those ten light cavalry who watched the rear in the forest, ripped out from the forest in speeds as if they were escaping from something. "What the-" Not long after the those ten men rode out of the forest, hundreds of figures began to pure out of the forest. Heavy Cavalry and following them were horse bowmen. No way in hell that they could even match this force. With those ten light cavalry riding pass Ku Ren, the rest seem to follow the escape out and away from the Wu forces. All thirty light cavalry and Ku Ren rode hard and fast as hard as they could away from the coming death of the red reapers.

Leading the front are the 10 cavalry that were at the rear now in the lead, then Ku Ren, and right behind him are the 20men that accompanied Ku Ren in his attack on Zhangba, well 18 now. For Ku Ren's steed to have himself and Zhongba it still somehow keeps up with the rest of his men. Every man glances back to see if the enemy is getting any closer, but with Heavy Cavalry they wouldn't be able to keep up with Light cavalry. Pressing forward with as much might as they could they soon came upon Pang He and the rest of Ren's unit.

His other 20 light cavalry should be attempting to kill the peasants and the Wu guards. Though they wouldn't have had that much time to really fight and kill all of the men, it would at least do something. Keeping as far away from any enemy, Ku Ren avoids as much he can, keeping to the far left of his moving horde while most stay to the right. "Deceiver of Wei, show yourself! I am Pang He, glorious left hand of my lord Sun Quan, King of Wu and Destroyer of Demons! FOR WU!" Was this dude serious? Left hand? Really? Ku Ren couldn't just stop from saying something back to that.

"Glorious left hand!? Pang He! The hand that Sun Quan jeezed on!" Ren continue with his ride to escape. Everyone could clearly see that Zhangba was with Ku Ren but is the enemy able to stop him? "Have to get out of here, with or without this shit bag I have." Those other men that were sent out earlier, 20 light cavalry, saw the coming of the waves of death, and jumped into the horde of their brothers. Most of the men under Ren should be with him, more of which was behind him still but as long as he have a group in front of him then everything is mostly safe at the moment. Ku Ren has done as much as he could have but it was time to clear out and leave the rest to whatever force awaits Wu in the future.

"Fuck my life! Like I cant be anymore fucked than I already am."

Sum of Things

> Ryou Kin begins to pull back away from the Armies of Wu
> Lu Kong begins to pull away from the Armies of Wu
> Ku Ren begins to pull away from the Armies of Wu, atleast escaping at the moment
> A group of 20 Light Cavalry attacked Pang He and those peasants at the bone, but they only had enough time to attack for a little while,
then rejoined with Ku Ren in the escape.

Troops broken down

Ryou Kin; 85 Spearmen, 120 Swordsmen, 100 Bowmen > Running to the rally point

Ku Ren; 10 Light Cavalry, 40 Light Cavalry
10 in front and 40 in the rear > Riding their asses off!

Lu Kong; 40 Spearmen, 20 Bowmen > Heading for rally point

[Shen Ha]

"Shen Ha, where as Zhang Liao was the Demon of Wu, you are but the thorn on a bush. You prick at us and claim a win, when I shall burn you to the ground with all the hate I can muster.

Your deeds are decidedly villainous. Zhang Liao was a combatant taken in glorious battle, Lu Xun and Sun Shang both diplomats slain in plain retribution. The heaven's will know your deeds, and will judge you according.

But before that, I shall judge you, and bring that god awful tower down around your ears."

Shen Ha and Sun Quan sat, each on horseback, staring at each other with fire in both of their eyes. Shen Ha spared nothing but a blank look and Sun Quan’s face told of anger and hatred. Shen Ha was staring into the eyes of his great general’s killer, while Sun Quan returned the gaze to the murderer of his sister and subordinate.

Sun Quan’s words were spewed as if spoken to a demon. Rearing his head back, Shen Ha laughed aloud before responding.

“You feared Zhang Liao, and you killed him dishonorably when he did not fight back. Yet you call yourself mighty. My actions were not evil, they were the ramifications for what fear did to you. Zhang Liao did not need to die, and you were warned what would happen if he did. You killed Wenyuan and Sun Shang Xiang and Lu Xun all at once when you dropped your sword.

“Behold Sun Quan, the Cowardly King! Fleer of Hefei, Murderer of Wenyuan and Kinslayer! Born of the noble and mighty Sun Jian, and oh he would be so proud!”

Sun Quan ended the parley and made to leave. Shen Ha was not ready to leave. This was his battlefield, and he rode this far. He would not give up ground.

“The Bronze Spire stands tall above you, Sun Quan. So long as I defend it, you shall never tear it asunder.” Shen Ha shouted as Sun Quan rode off. He heard but he did not turn away. The man has no heart or he is as stoic a diplomat as a stone. Despicable he may be, he is worthy of praise. His men could be wavering, but seeing his posture has them assured. Shen Ha shook the thought from his mind. It mattered not, they would falter one way or another.

Shen Ha’s eyes found another man as he waited for the course of actions to unfold. At this point, Shen Ha had his spear in hand and was offering challenge. The hatred in this man’s eyes spoke of his thirst for Shen Ha to bleed.

“You bastard!” He screeched, his voice thunderous and mighty.

Shen Ha had been in battle long enough to tell when a man was ready for battle. This man was dressed as a general and entered parley with Sun Quan. He was a commander, and likely the champion Shen Ha was waiting for. He galloped his horse lightly to the side as he brandished his spear, watching the man carefully as he drew cherries from the tree and held them before Shen Ha.

His stood there, doing nothing. Shen Ha twirled his spear on his right and left it where the blade loomed a foot off the ground. His eyes did not leave his opponent’s. He pondered breaking the silence with a charge, but there were too many men behind this general. Shen Ha was brave, but he didn’t know if this man was one of honor. Sun Quan is the type that would end an honorable bout with arrows. Is this man any different?

The general smashed the cherries within the palm of his hand, and spewed a taunt. Shen Ha roared and jeered.

“You are a mighty warrior who would taunt me with charries, sir!” Shen Ha had a wicked smile across his face, and he rode a few feet forward, his spear still hovering barely over the ground below. He scanned the eyes of the Wu soldiers, who were standing at attention as Shen Ha approached alone. ‘Turn back! Please, turn back!’ their eyes screamed. In their eyes Shen Ha was evil, and not even their generals dared face him in battle. They feared Shen Ha. Sun Quan claims I am no demon as Zhang Liao was. The fool, Zhang Liao was evermore less a demon than I! He will learn his error soon.

Shen Ha lifted his spear and his host mobilized forward, led by Li Dian and Yue Jin. Shen Ha shouted so loud that the heavens above would hear him.

“Men of the Southlands, was I right to claim you for cowards! Why does your heated general retreat from me when I offer him heads of his friends and a challenge of steel? He speaks with fire of revenge but I offer him battle and he turns his horse. What soldier of Wu can stand before me, the mighty Shen Ha, if not even the generals who lead you have the bravery to do so!”

As this point, the cavalry was full speed, approaching Shen Ha himself. Two mighty armies were arrayed at opposite sides as the sky darkened and the grove was razed. Shen Ha sat atop his horse between the two forces. Whipping his horse, he sped forward. The horsemen were many gallops behind him, but he cared not. His spear was high in the air and the sun struck the blade with a strong shimmer.

His warrior horse rode with strong legs. With each gallop the earth below seemed to retreat faster than the Wu general before had, and he drew father and father from his own cavalry force, but also closer and closer to the archers who had their bows fixed up. He crashed into them, his horse sending three bowmen away. One flew into the air and the other two flew aside, and more and more archers filled the air as Shen Ha flayed his spear about the front lines. With each stroke Shen Ha severed skin and crushed bone and sent blood across the field of battle.

As the archers turned their attention his way, they drew arrows and prepared to notch them and aim at the exposed Wei general who so bravely charged alone into an army. As they prepared to act against Shen Ha, his ranks of horsemen crushed into the archers and began to shred them apart. The Wu army was behind them, and the horsemen crushed into the frontline far too quickly, and by the time the main Wu army reacted, the horses would have smashed a good portion of the archers apart, and pulled back as the Wei host approached.

Shen Ha rode back after the initial charge and spun his horse around. He led the horses to the front of his lines. From behind him, Li Dian ordered his artillery to fire entirely on Li Wang’s force. They were directly in front of Wei’s forces, and the entirety of the machines locked them in without the need to aim.

Meanwhile, the archers notched and loosed at the flanks of Li Wang’s force that bolstered numbers of infantry with both spears and swords. Yue Jin took a segment of the army along the left flank and rode them north toward Sun Quan. He did not break the main force apart, but formed his army to meet Sun Quan’s. There were be two battles among the massive armies that filled Er Ba Zhen. Shen Ha met Li Wang and Yue Jin met Sun Quan.

Yue Jin’s men began firing arrows into the frontline of Sun Quan’s forces as they approached when they got into range, and then he ordered them to begin to move. How terrifying it was for the frontline soldiers. Two lines walking so slowly toward a deadly skirmish. They could see their enemy’s eyes, even their color, and could notice specific facial features on the men they were about to kill. It seemed to take forever as the two lines marched ahead, but eventually they met, and then they clashed.

Shen Ha lifted his spear and sent it forward, signaling his archers to let fly a volley, and his army charged.

Troop Count:
2000 Light Swordsmen
2000 Levy Spearmen
2000 Peasant Bowmen
2000 Light Cavalry
2000 Retinue Swordsmen
2000 Retinue Spearmen
2000 Crossbowmen
2000 Heavy Cavalry
2000 Horsebowmen
6 Onagers
6 Catapults
6 Arbalests

Shen Ha’s Forces
1000 Light Swordsmen
1000 Levy Spearmen
1000 Peasant Bowmen
1000 Light Cavalry
1000 Retinue Swordsmen
1000 Retinue Spearmen
1000 Crossbowmen
1000 Heavy Cavalry
1000 Horsebowmen

Yue Jin’s Forces
1000 Light Swordsmen
1000 Levy Spearmen
1000 Peasant Bowmen
1000 Light Cavalry
1000 Retinue Swordsmen
1000 Retinue Spearmen
1000 Crossbowmen
1000 Heavy Cavalry
1000 Horsebowmen

Formations
SP—SP—SW--SW—C—C—C—C—SW—SW—SP--SP
SP—SP—SW—SW—A—A—A—A—SW—SW—SP—SP

Summary

- Shen Ha responds to taunts to Sun Quan and Li Wang, belittling Wu. He puts fear in their hearts, and due to Wu refusing to meet his offer for battle, Wei's morale skyrockets and Wu's declines.

- Shen Ha catches the enemy archers off guard and hits them with a cavalry charge, doing damage then turning back to the main force.

- Yue Jin fires his arrows at Sun Quan then marches to meet him in battle.

- Li Dian fires 6 arbalests, 6 catapults, and 6 onagers into Li Wang’s forces as they are arrayed directly in front of his army, needing no aim to hit any portion of the Wu main force (none of that 1-turn miss garbage when I’m aiming at thousands of men directly in front of me.)

- Shen Ha fires a volley with his archers and charges his men against Li Wang.

- Li Dian command’s Shen Ha’s personal troops as reserves, stationed in between Yue Jin and Shen Ha, also in control of the siege equipment.