This quest is an RPG-styled game following the Three Kingdoms period of China and the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guangzhong. You play as a fictional character following through the events of the Three Kingdoms and hopefully rising to become an important player of with the famous figures. You will start off as a no-name, average character who can rise up through effort. Most of the characters and story will follow the events of the novel first, history second, the RoTK games third, and only a very small part will come from the Dynasty Warriors games (Mostly character personalities if suitable).

The goal of the game is to create an interesting story more so than win. While this game will not be harsh, mistakes and carelessness may result in the loss of your faction and even the death of your character. Sometimes circumstances may be unfair as not even Zhuge Liang could not save his kingdom after Shu lost Jing province. Still, thinking and common sense should get you through. Whatever the case, my goal is to hopefully see you create an interesting story more than conquering the entirety of China.

>half han, half steppe barbarian
>Studied martial arts
>Obtaining personal fame and glory

>>218579
Supporting

>>218571
>half-Han, half-steppe barbarian from the north
>led a group of youths on daring adventures
>establishing a great clan and furthering your family name

>>218571
>a minor noble house, unrecognized in the grand scheme of things
>studied martial arts under the tutelage of a master
>establishing a great clan and furthering your family name

>>218571
>a minor noble house, unrecognized in the grand scheme of things
>learned governmental affairs and politics
>establishing a great clan and furthering your family name

>>218631
I'd like to switch my vote to this instead. It makes more sense thematically.

>>218571
>Minor Noble house
>Led a group of youths on daring adventures
>establishing a great clan and furthering your family name

Raian 2.0 go?

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You were born to a low-ranking noble family that only recently came in to status. Your father was a civil administrator of the local government before he passed away, your mother a woman of another minor clan that married her off to combine ties.

While your father dealt in politics and administration, your interest was in martial arts. Your father hired a local martial arts master to teach you the style of the Water Dragon fighting where you learned how to handle a sword and defend yourself. You became a competent warrior, inexperienced but more learned than others.

At eighteen years of age your father has passed away and the clan has fallen on to your hands. You dream of expanding your clan, a small and minor one, to greater heights. You hear the news of the Yellow Scarves rising up and find this the opportune time to accomplish your goal.

But what side would you pick? The Han has long seen been dying, but perhaps you can restore it to glory and be rewarded in doing so. The Yellow Scarves a mob of peasants, perhaps they will not take kindly to your heritage but you are only from a minor house that nobody recognizes. Or perhaps... Should you try to start a band of your own?

>Join the Imperial Han forces
>Join the Yellow Scarves in their rebellion
>Try and start a small band by yourself

Write-ins are always welcome.

Your stats are as follows out of 100:
Lead: 50 (Ability to command men and lead others. Your ability to lead armies in war)
War: 65 (Your physical strength and ability to fight)
Int: 40 (Your ability to solve problems, find out plots, and general knowledge of things)
Pol: 30 (Knowledge of laws, historical texts, and the ability to navigate in court politics)
Cha: 40 (Your ability to convince people and speaking ability. Also can be considered how handsome you are)

Here is an average stat of a regular person, to quantify how skilled you are:
Average Peasant: 20-30-20-10-20
Average Guard: 20-50-30-20-30
Veteran Soldier: 30-60-30-20-30
Average Government Official: 30-20-50-50-50
Average General: 60-60-50-40-50

As someone from a minor noble house, you also start with 100 taels of gold. One tael of gold is considered a moderate amount of money during these times. You also have various cousins from your clan that you may marry off to other clans to further your ambitions. You also start off with a small sword and light armor.

>>218716
>Try and start a small band by yourself

The fact is the Han would've crushed the rebellions if they could, which they clearly can't, therefore they are slowly losing.

The rebels however will inevitably kill us for our heritage, be it now or after the Han are dead.


Thus striking our own path is logical.

>>218716
>Start your own band, while they are fighting each other make plans to defeat them both and become the dominant force.

>>218716
>Try and start a small band by yourself

>>218716
>Try and start a small band by yourself
Let's hope to god that we don't have to deal with any politics or puzzle-solving.

>>218631
Seconding

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You mull over the question of what force to join in your room, and for nearly an hour you cannot decide. The Han is weak and corrupt, their forces are disorganized at the moment. The Yellow Scarves are a mob of peasants, dangerous and likely not favorable to your heritage should they ever find out. As you try to think things through, you finally slap your hand flat on the table.

"I will try and find my own fortune," you declare to yourself. "A great man shall find his own direction in life."

...Easier said than done. You need to gather men, be it through money or persuading others to join your cause. You may have to spend your own money to arm them and make certain they are kept happy. To be a leader of men is a grand responsibility.

But you decide to idle no longer. You leave your home after paying respects to your mother who bids you farewell in tears and reminds you to stay true to yourself. As you step out of your home, questions on where to go first drum in your mind. Your village is small, but away from the Imperial and rebel forces, so you may be free to gather men at least. How to gain them is the problem you need to solve.

>go to the local tavern, look for worthy individuals
>take to the streets and rally the regular people
>send out missives around your village to come to you

Write-ins and such always available.

>>218804
>send out missives around your village to come to you

>>218804
Send out an offer for all those strong enough to come to your family home -- those who can beat you in single combat will be rewarded with a few talents, and those that cannot must serve as your retainers.

>>218834
Teals, rather, I meant to say.

>>218804
>go to the local tavern, look for worthy individuals

>>218716
>martial arts

>>218804
>send out missives around your village to come to you

Raian if this is you please don't break my heart and spirit once more

>>218804
>send out missives around your village to come to you

>>218804
>>go to the local tavern, look for worthy individuals

find a man 9 spans tall on the run 4 killing a local bully in his town and become his sworn brother

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Your gather various pamphlets and begin writing your intentions. Your technique in writing and words is not the best, but your minor education throughout your life as a noble at least guarantees legible forms. You go to the local markets, the residential areas, the gates, the local taverns and the like to place your missives for all to read. As you leave one section of the market you can see a few people begin to gather and murmur.

"What does this say?" a man asks.
"It says... That a certain Zheng Li is gathering men to start a band and he is looking for volunteers. It is asking for worthy individuals to gather around the Zheng residence afternoon."
"Really? He is starting his own army? What for?"

You leave the populace to talk among themselves and wait in your house for the right time.

>Roll 1d100, need three rolls.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>218962

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>218962

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>218962

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>218962

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>218962

So what happens if the Han beats the Yellow Turbans like normal?

Like what stops them from crushing Zheng's band when they reorganize if we try to take land that doesn't belong to us?

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You calmly wait and your house, arms crossed and eyes closed. You wait patiently at your room for the volunteers to arrive. A few hours in, the sun rises to the height of the sky and light enters through the window of your room. The time is now.

You exit your room and go out of your manor. You expect maybe a few dozen men to join you. To your surprise, when you open the gates of your manor you are greeted by throngs of men. About a hundred of them have gathered, more than what you would have expected when you are a no-name and the size of your village. You open your mouth slightly to your surprise and look around at the men gathered. Most of them are young and youths gathered. When they see you silence befalls them as attention falls to you.

You clear your throat as you walk to their front.

"Men, I thank you for taking the time to come to my residence. I am Zheng Li, the head and son of the Zheng clan," you say in a clear and loud voice to the people before you. "The times are chaotic. Rebels rise throughout the land. Bandits roam. The Imperial house is weak and corrupt. In these trying times, I seek those brave and willing to leave their marks in history. I ask all of you; are you willing to join me and leave your current lives?"

The men begin to murmur. A good number of them look hesitant and unsure as you scan the crowd. A minute in, one man steps out from the crowd.

"I am Hao Xian, and you have piqued my interest. Yet, it is foolish for one to throw himself for a cause so sudden as this. Tell me, why should we follow you, and what do you seek to with this band of men?"

The man before is young, likely in his twenties. His hair is dressed nearly and a small beard is around his face. His eyes are sharp and his face bold looking. You can tell from his dress that is too is from a noble house.

What do you say to this man? How do you answer him? It seems the time has come to say what your exact goals are.

>state you are looking for those who can make names for themselves
>promise riches and a good adventurous life
>proclaim your ambition out loud, your intention to become a ruling lord in due time
>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

How do I roll?

>>219049
dice+1d100 in the options field.

>>219052
>1d10
Bless your fig newton

>>219047
>state you are looking for those who can make names for themselves

>>219047
>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

"The Han are growing weak and corrupt yet the yellow rebels are no better, threatening to destroy our ordered society and bring chaos. Thus we must develop our own path to survival, and hopefully, victory!"

>>219047
>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

>>219028
After the rebellion ended powers went to local lords and the Han was still weak. It's a bit of a fickle situation in that while no one was in open rebellion, you couldn't exactly call the local lords reliable and they all did schemes and power struggles of their own.

Depending on how things work out you can be in favor with the Han, be a threat enough that they won't really mess with you and you won't to them, or if you've made them upset you might want to avoid the imperial city and such.

>>219078
Where is our home by the way? Central Plains? Jing? Somewhere else?

>>219065
>>219071
These don't seem mutually exclusive. Why can't you find glory and riches while fighting for a righteous cause?

>>219047
>>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

Of course the manner in which we protect our home may be open to interpretation.

Speaking of cousins, do we have any manpower from our family? Retainers? Maybe make a few cousins our personal guards

>>219047
>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

>>219088
Central Plains.

>>219047
>>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

But make it more like

>Cannot trust the Imperial forces to protect us and the Yellow rebels are dickfucks

>>219113
Good resources there. A good way to go about this is to consolidate the lands around us by retaking them from the Yellow Turbans before the Han organizes. Protect the people around and gain influence.

Be the Hero of the Central Plains, you know what I am saying?

>>219047
>>say you are trying to defend your home, and in the current state of things you cannot trust the Imperial forces or the Yellow rebels

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"Look at the current state of affairs, brother," you say to the man. "The Imperial forces are disorganized and they desperately gather to try and defend their homes. The Scarves are a mob and their intentions questionable. Already I have heard of a few villages ransacked despite their leader's claim of finding peace," you say with a shake of your head.

"In due time these forces may come near our village. In time our fields may be trampled and those in power may force us to submit to them. It is only up to us defend our homes and safeguard ourselves. What would say to the thongs of rebels that come here looking to sack our granaries and take our women? What would you say to the Imperial forces who have so longed heavily taxed us and did nothing when bandits attacks? Would you give meekly allow them to hold power over you?"

A number of men begin to nod and agree with you. Hao Xian, the man who stepped up to speak nods in acceptance.

"Your words speak true, Sir," he says bowing to you. "Very well. I shall follow you and see where this band may go."

"Not so fast!" a booming voice says from the crowd. A large bearded man, over six feet tall and bulky step ups from the crowd.

"You speak honey words, runt. But I, Yang Jing, only follow the strong and those who can fight. I am the best fighter of this village and I will not tolerate weaklings to lead me. Are you a weak boy as you look?" the man says as he spits to the side of the ground.

>speak of your tutelage and training
>state there is more to leading than simple brute force
>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself

>>219165
>>state there is more to leading than simple brute force

But he is right, they all should know we can hold our own.

>Spar with the man to prove yourself

>>219165
>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself

>>219165
>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself
This is sort of our strong suit.

>>219165
>state there is more to leading than simple brute force
Very true and it might help our favor with the smarter of the volunteers. That said though we to show that we can fight.
>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself

>>219165
>there is more to leading than fighting, and as a man who would lead you I will never have it said I won't fight alongside you
>spar

>>219186
Listen to this man.

We chose to be fight guy, so we're gonna end up fighting and dueling people.

.

>>219206
We are going to need a strategist with our stats. Not now per say, Yellow Turbans aren't that smart but later for sure.

I think Jia Xu is around, but I think he is Imperial atm.

>>219165
>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself

>>219165
>>challenge the man to a spar to prove yourself

There are those who might have back off and flinched at the sight of this man. But you have learned the way of the sword and spent a good portion of your life training. You do not fear this man, nor do you let his boisterous words overwhelm you.

"I, Zheng Li, have studied under the tutelage of Master Yu Gong in the style of Water Dragon fencing and martial arts. I am more than confident in my ability to fight and earn your respect. Would you care to have a spar with me, or are your words only big as you look."

"Hah!" the man says. "Now we're talking. Take a weapon, boy, and don't be crying to me when I pummel you to the ground," he says drawing a large club.

You nod with a smile and tell a servant to bring a sparring wooden sword. Your eyes go over to this man named Yang Jing and he looks back at you. You both stare at each other as you wait for your servant to bring your weapon and not one of you falters before the other.

When your sparring sword is brought before you, you calmly clasp your weapon and ready yourself in a stance.

"Whenever you are ready,Sir," you say. Yang Jing only yells as he charges toward you.

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Dueling is a lethal form of combat, very dangerous as your character may get injured and even die. Dueling follows a simple rock-paper-scissor format: Strike will beat Swing, Swing will beat Parry, Parry will beat Strike (Strike > Swing > Parry > Strike). The winner deals damage while taking no damage, if two attacks are the same both combatants take damage. Every poster will choose one of the three attacks and also do a 1d100 roll for bonus damage, first come first serve posts. Each duelist typically starts with 100 HP; injuries, sickness, fatigue etc may start someone off with lower HP. Once HP starts going below 60, injuries will begin to pile on for the duelist which may negatively affect the character beyond the dueling. Reaching 0 HP means death.

Assuming you have an escape route, you may try to flee the duel on a 1d100 roll. Failure to escape may result in your capture/death.

This is a practice spar, so there will be no wounds or dying. Please post one of the three tactics and then roll 1d100. I need 5 sets and I will roll for Yang Jing.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>219314
Paper Swing

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>219314
Parry

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>219314
Parry.

>>219314
Strike

>>219341
Be sure to roll too.

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>219341

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>219314
Swing

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Yang Jing charges at you and makes a swing for your head with his club, but you are quick to duck and sidestep out of harms way. Yang Jing observes you, realizing you to be quick and goes on guard. His form is weak and you see an opening, and with a quick frontal dash you manage to hit him on your side.

Yang Jing grunts as you both back off and size each other up. He readies another defensive stance, but your eyes see through his defense. Your master taught you a specific technique to break through the stance the man is holding and you have seen this before. Like lighting you make a feint to the warrior before you and when he moves his club to defend himself you immediately follow up with a swirl of your dance. You are like a dancer as your body curves towards Yang Jing and you strike him right across his face.

The crowd exclaims in surprise and begins cheering, never having seen such a masterful move before. Yang Jing has a bloody nose and he looks outright angry at having been outmoved.

You both charge one another and this time Yang Jing manages to get a few blows on you to your sides with his club, but not before you return a few hits of your own. The both of you exchange blows for a few minutes but at the last moment you manage to swing at Yang Jing's hand. You disarm the big fellow and his club falls to the ground. He is defeated.

Swing vs Parry (Yang Jing -11 HP)
Parry vs Parry (Critical 100 overrides, Yang Jing -13 HP)
Parry vs Swing (Zheng Li -13 HP)
Strike vs Strike (Yang Jing -12 HP, Zheng Li -13 HP)
Swing vs Parry (Yang Jing -11 HP)

Zheng Li: 74 HP
Yang Jing: 53 HP

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>>219485
The crowd explores in cheers at your victory and the men begin to shout as your way of fighting.

“Did you see that!?” yells one man. “It was like watching a man paint! What kind of fighting is that!?”
“It was like he was dancing in the fight! His master must have been a good one!”
“Ahahaha, you got outright beat Yang Jing!”

You feel pride overtake you but you do not gloat or cheer. Instead you look over to the man you just defeated, wondering if perhaps the loud man is angry at you. What you see instead is a smiling man who lets out a laugh.

“Well done! There is not many who can best Yang Jing in combat!”

“See how he fights?” Hao Xian stats coming forward again. “This is a man we can follow. This is a man that can lead us to great things. I dare for anyone to speak against him after witnessing this spectacle.”

More cheers erupt from the crowd. “Zheng Li! Zheng Li! Zheng Li!” they chant, and as humble as you try to act, a smile forms upon your face. The crowd of hundred men join you.

Night falls and the people are gathered at the courtyard of your adobe. You hold a small banquet for the men who have joined you. More men begin to come and crown your manor after news of your victory. All in all, you have gathered a mass of 300 followers who have decided to follow you and speak tales of your glory. Wine and pork buns are passed around the crowd as they speak excitedly.

You remember well the two individuals that placed themselves are above the crowd. Hao Xian, a minor noble who seems to have a good mind and is a warrior as well. Yang Jing who is large and loud, but a definite good fighter. Perhaps you should rank these two men in second command?

>give positions to Hao Xian and Yang Jing
>keep them as regulars for now

>>219496
>give positions to Hao Xian and Yang Jing

>>219496
>give positions to Hao Xian and Yang Jing

>>219496
>give positions to Hao Xian and Yang Jing

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You bring Hao Xian and Yang Jing before you at the front of the banquet and offer them a cup of wine.

"Sirs, while I shall be leading our party, I need capable men under my command. Sir Hao I think you would be fit for commanding men and I would like to hear your counsel, and Sir Yang you have already proven to be a capable warrior. Would you both do the honor of leading with me by my side?"

Hao Xian bows to you. "This man is unworthy, but I shall consent to your wishes. I cannot carry all your burdens, but I shall take a third of them."

"Ahahahaha! You have a good eye Zheng Li! Let me fight on the front and give me but a few men and all your enemies will fall before me."

The three of you toast to one another and drink your wines.The celebrations go for another hour before you allow your men to leave to their homes and you inform them that you all shall depart on the morrow. You, Hao Xian, and Yang Jing remain as the other thongs of men depart.

"Sir Zheng, if we are to succeed as a band we must do several things," Hao Xian states. "First we should clearly set a goal. The Imperial forces and Yellow Scarves are marching up to one another and we may need to choose a side to fight with. We will act as a third party and in return for our services we may obtain more supplies to further our armies. Second, a name may further our band as more than just a mere party. I advise you to give our band a name so that others may recognize us and we can establish ourselves."

"Also!" Yang Jing says with a finger up. "We might need to spend some money for weapons and armor for our men. Some of the men might have weapons of their own... Like a rusty sword they scrap up or something they can scrounge. But I don't think it would be a good idea to go fighting with such pauper things."

You take the counsel of both and nod your head.

What is your plan of action?
>join up with the Imperial forces as an ad hoc third party for now
>join up with the Yellow forces as an ad hoc third party for now
>go fight bandits and other marauding troops instead

>choose and decide a name for your band

>spend 50 gold to arm your men with swords and leather armor
>hold off on spending money for now

>>219585
>go fight bandits and other marauding troops instead
>The Dawn Tigers
>spend 50 gold to arm your men with swords and leather armor

>>219585
>go fight bandits and other marauding troops instead
>Spend 50

>>219599
Supporting this

>>219585
>spend 50 gold to arm your men with swords and leather armor
We sort of promised our band that we'd protect our homeland since neither side would do so, so it would look bad if we just went off and fought for one side regardless.

I'll defer to >>219599 for the name.

>spend 50 gold to arm your men with swords and leather armor

At the morning of the next day the three hundred men you gathered all form up at the gates of the village. You fashion these follows in black garb and spend a part of your wealth in arming them with basic sword and leather equipment. A few banners of cloth are made with the words of your band, Dawn Tigers' etched on. The young men you have gathered are spirited and excited to leave.

You first and foremost gather information from travelers and merchants about the current state of affairs. You hear news that large hordes of Yellow Scarve rebel are attacking Imperial strongholds and the fighting has begun. You decide to distance yourself from these battles and gather information on marauding bandits and troublemakers instead.

As you expected you hear news of several armed men that have risen up to pillage the outlaying lands. As people leave fields and garrisons are left unguarded, it is only inevitable that bandits would come up as well. Near the lands of the city of Xu Chang you hear about a camp of several hundred bandits that take supplies from the surrounding villages and force tolls among travelers.

You march your band out of the gates and heard towards the camp of the bandits. Your party travels through the light grasses of the Central Plains and cheers of songs are sung by your men. As soon as you near the location of the enemy you heard of, several dust clouds form and a group of men on horseback come before you.

"Halt!" a rough looking man in tatters speaks. "Who are you and what are these men you bring? This territory belongs to the Skulls, take your scum elsewhere!" he yells. "There are plenty of other places to loot but you will hold off on these lands."

>announce your band name and demand their surrender
>kill him
>lie to him and state you are leaving

>>219686
>>announce your band name and demand their surrender


We're the Dawn Tigers are you ready to rock!

1 2 3 go!

>>219686
>>announce your band name and demand their surrender

>>219686

>announce your band name and demand their surrender

>>219686
>kill him
We don't have much skill in diplomacy, and I don't think bandits can be reasoned with regardless.

>>219696
It's more of the statement then trying to reason with them. Getting our name out there, etc.

>>219686
Do we have enough INT to coordinate Night and Fire attacks?

Not for right now, but possibly later if we go up against a numerical superior, yet undisciplined, force.

>>219700
We're outnumbered here, and intend to kill all observers anyway though. I think we'd be better off trying to get the first strike rather than giving them the chance to react.

>>219724
The first strike against a few dudes on horseback, of which you will only kill one.

And don't be so sure about killing everyone, it's usually impossible to catch all routers.

>>219729
I just fear what will happen when some of the riders go back to rally the several hundred bandits to come fight us. I guess they would escape either way though.

>>219686
>>announce your band name and demand their surrender

>>219735
I wonder how many archers we have. If we can entice these undisciplined bandits to charge us on a hill or other strategic position we could pelt them with arrows from a good distance.

Watching your buddy in front take an arrow to face and hoping you won't be next is a good morale killer.

File: 1462503795776.gif (1.98 MB, 158x158)

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I really like the look of this so far.

And it's good to see the thread full of sensible questers as well.

>>219599
Supporting.

just saying, on the followup we should send out men to rally people from the surrounding countryside to join up with us

Perhaps send out Hao Xian with a small band

Your brows furrow at the remarks of the bandit. Your draw your blade and point your weapon at his face.

"We are no bandits. We are the Dawn Tigers your days as outlaws are over. I demand your surrender or you shall be put to the sword!" you yell at the bandit.

The bandit snarls and turns his horse around, spitting in your direction.

"Put us to the sword? We have more than a thousand men on our side. What can your paltry party do against us? We will surround and trample the damned lot of you beneath our boots. Leave, bastards are none of you return home alive!" he yells as he leaves with his men.

As the riders disappear from your sights, several men begin to murmur. It seems a number of them are unsure if they can take on an army thrice the size of theirs as the bandit announced. What do you do?

>confidently march your men and prepare for battle
>back up for now and perhaps hire more men around the area

>>219752
Giving back the loot these bandits stole to the people would be a good way to raise favor and volunteers.

>>219686
>announce your band name and demand their surrender

>>219735
As you say, he won't actually surrender but even if the bandits do outnumber our 300 they are unlikely to be well-equipped and certainly won't be looking for a straight up fight.

It's one thing to ransack a village or farmhold risking an angry farmer or two, another entirely to draw up a battleline with men intent on defending their homes and set on battle.

>>219756
>back up for now and perhaps hire more men around the area

Thrice our size huh? We might want to consider a night attack. Send some scouts to check their base camp while we get more people.

>>219758
Well, supplies for sure, soup kitchens and all that.

>>219756
>>back up for now and perhaps hire more men around the area

Round up volunteers, people with local knowledge etc.

Let the bandits make the first move.

>>219756
As >>219752 said, look to recruit more people from the surrounding countryside. They are surely sick of these raids and our numbers will swell.

>>219758
I also advocate this in the even of victory (after our own expenses are paid I imagine).

>>219756
>back up for now and perhaps hire more men around the area
He could be bluffing about the numbers, but better safe than sorry.

>>219756
>back up for now and perhaps hire more men around the area
Do what >>219752 suggested. The locals might have an idea of how the bandits actually have as well.

>>219762
this

Send some scouts ahead

File: troops1.png (1.45 MB, 1000x775)

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The declaration of the enemy troubles you. Though they are bandits, an army three times the size of your own may be too tough to handle. You prepare for a small retreat and you plan to recruit other men around the countryside who may have a distaste for the bandits as well. However, before you can give the order to retreat, Hao Xian pulls you to the side and begins to whisper to you.

"Sir Zheng," he says. "I do not think you should be taking that bandit's word seriously. Remember the information we gathered? The travelers and merchants told us the bandits numbered only several hundred, not over a thousand. Also, if they held a thousand army strong, why would they try to convince us to retreat rather than attack us right away? I pray you reconsider. If we take up too much time the bandits might simply move away to another part of the country."

>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits
>caution is still the best course of action, try to gather more men

>>219790
SCOUT. Jesus christ it doesn't take that long.

>>219790
>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits
We promoted this guy for a reason, if he thinks we should call the bandit's bluff then I'm inclined to agree.

>>219790
>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits
Fuck it, just go. He's probably right.

>>219790
>>caution is still the best course of action, try to gather more men

Not a retreat really, but we should pick some favorable ground and gather some locals to us before we strike.

>>219790
>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits.

>>219790
>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits

>>219790
>caution is still the best course of action, try to gather more men

>>219790
>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits

>>219790
>>agree with Hao Xian, march on to meet the bandits

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You think the situation over and you think Hao Xian correct. There is no way people would mistake a few hundred soldiers to a thousand. And thinking over your studies, you remember that an army high in morale will begin to lose their edge as time goes on without any battles. Taking too much time would also give the chance for the bandits to run.

"Agreed, thank you for your counsel," you tell your comrade.

"Please instill confidence in our men and sway their worries."

You turn to your men and with sword drawn in the air you order for a march.

"Men, see how those riders hastily retreated from us? Do not listen to their lies; they only bluff to intimidate us. We will march on and slay these outlaws and bring peace back to this region!" you yell.

Your soldiers shout cheers in response and your army moves forward in quick pace. Half an hour in to your march you see the enemy force aligned before you, a group of thugs in tattered clothing and several scrapped weapons like axes and rusty swords. You observe their numbers and see that the enemy army is only half the strength of what they proclaimed. The bandit was indeed bluffing.

The battlefield before you is relatively flat and made of light small grass. The enemy are formed in a long line. In the distance you see the enemy camp of wooden palisades by a river.

It seems the enemy is eager to battle and they will soon march on you. What do you plan?

>organize your men in a line formation and meet the enemy
>organize your men in a box formation and charge
>try to hold a defensive line and wait for the enemy to come to you
>challenge the enemy to a duel and send someone from your force

>>219863
Do we have bows?

>>219863
Not sure what the difference between these is:
>organize your men in a line formation and meet the enemy
>try to hold a defensive line and wait for the enemy to come to you

In any case I vote this:
>challenge the enemy to a duel and send someone from your force

That will give us the edge we need in morale to make up for the inferior numbers.

>>219863
>>challenge the enemy to a duel and send someone from your force

We might even be able to reform some of them to be useful additions to our own forces, put the rest to work.

>>219863
>organize your men in a line formation and meet the enemy

>>219863
>>challenge the enemy to a duel and send someone from your force
Go our self.
I am guessing we do not have bows yet right?

>>219879
If the choice comes down to making an example of them and taking them into our ranks, I vote the former.

The countryside villages will be more than grateful and eager to become a source of more manpower.

>>219863
>challenge the enemy to a duel and send someone from your force

1v1 me fgt

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>>219863
How are we supposed to make smart decisions if you won't even answer simple questions about our own troop composition?

>>219884
I agree.
Once this battle happens, hopefully with out to much loss. We will see how our men hold. And we can see where our weaknesses lie.

We can also take the bandits wealth. To give some back to our village. Use it to feed our troops and train them. While we find out who is in power bandits/military in our area. And before we hit the military around us, take the taxes due to help supplement our troops.

>>219873
>>219887
No bows.

>>219878
One is to move forward and the other is to hold position.

>>219863
>try to hold a defensive line and wait for the enemy to come to you

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You look at the rabble of the enemy force before you. Knowing well that undisciplined men route faster when their leaders are killed, you plan your next course a duel. Though it may be dangerous, you decide it may be very worth the risk.

"Brothers, let me go forward and challenge their champion to single combat. Once I display our might we should be able to rout them easily," you tell Hao Xian and Yang Jing.

"Are you certain? If you should lose or be injured as our leader problems may arise in the future," Hao Xian replies with caution.

Yang Jing laughs.

"A man that cowers and never risks his life is no man at all. Let me see you best them as you did me. Or else, send me out and I shall smite their champion for our cause."

"Let me display to my men that I am more than capable of commanding the Dawn Wovles. I shall return with the enemy head shorty."

You march forward toward the middle of the field and pointing your sword at the enemy you holler a loud challenge to them. Confidence swells in your chest.

"O, villainous rabbles! I am Zheng Li, the man who commands the Dawn Wolves. Bring forth your best fighter so that I may take his head and mount it on my banners!" you shout.

The leaders of the bandit scowl and they begin to murmur among themselves. A few short seconds a a man with a long hatchet comes forward and screams at you.

"I will feed your flesh to my dogs after bury my axe in your head, worm!"
Post 5 rounds of tactics. Strike > Swing > Parry. This is a lethal duel.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>219931
Swing

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>219931
Swing

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>219931
Strike

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>219931
not sure how this works.
Strike

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>219931
> Parry

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>219931
PARRY

>>219931
>Dawn Wolves.

>>219892
At no point has OP mentioned our troops, freshly recruited villagers mostly it seems, were competent in any kind of weaponry.

If any of them were trained bowmen already I'm sure we would know.

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You dash forward to meet the hulking bandit brave enough to face you in combat. The man finds himself surprised by how quickly you move and in a flash you swing your sword at his face. He is barely able to block your blade as it cuts a bleeding line to his forehead, only an inch away form his head getting sliced altogether. You give him no time to respond as you make another lunge and form another cut at his arm.

"Bastard!" he yells as he begins swinging his axe around to push you away. You are forced slightly back from his wild attacks.

The both of you circle one another for the next round of attacks, blood dripping from the enemy bandit. He makes the first move and lunges for you, and you respond with a sword thrust of your own. you manage to strike him on the chest but your blade does not penetrate his armor. The enemy bandit manages to get one good slam of his axe on to your shoulder; luckily only the blunt end of his weapon. If not for your quick jump back it may have very well dislocated your arm.

The bandit begins to lose ground and he slowly begins to walk backwards. It seems he is intent on retreating but unsure if he should turn his back on you witnessing your speed.

Do you press him for more battle or do you fall back? It seems you have won this duel but the enemy is not dead yet. Should you risk another engagement to try and kill him?

>let him fall back and proclaim your victory
>attack him and force another fight (5 more rounds and rolls if so)

>>220007
Parry
Parry
Strike
Swing
Strike

14 damage bandit
14 damage bandit
16 damage vs 9 damage (bandit to Zheng)
9 damage to Zheng
9 damage to Zheng

Zheng Li: 73 HP
Bandit: 56 HP

>>220007
>demand he bend the knee

Oh wait, I think I may have missed one post. Let me redo HP and math.

>>220007
>>attack him and force another fight (5 more rounds and rolls if so)
We now have a bigger bonus. Since the enemy is under 60 hp. He gets tired/wounded or something, correct?

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>220007
>attack
No mercy

Swing

>>219942
strike>swing
>>219948
parry>strike

We won on the last two cleanly. at least in rock paper scissors mode. my roll was bad 46

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>220007
>>attack him and force another fight (5 more rounds and rolls if so)

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>220007
>attack him and force another fight (5 more rounds and rolls if so)
Parry

>>220037
>>220007
Strike

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>>220007
You give the bandit no chance to retreat. You move forward in a flash and you make a feint toward his right flank. The bandit panics, now knowing you soundly beat him and his guard his broken in an instant.

The next is just a part of your training. Leveling your sword horizontally and in a kneeling stance, you flash forward with your blade toward the bandit's neck.

A slight wind blows on the grass of the plains. You have pushed past the bandit with your sword and with a thud his head is cut clean. It drops with a thud to the ground.

Missed one post from last fight, correct tactics:
Swing vs Parry (Bandit - 14 HP)
Swing vs Parry (Bandit -14 HP)
Strike vs Strike (Bandit -16HP, Zheng Li -9 HP)
Strike vs Swing (Bandit -14 HP)
Parry vs Strike (Bandit -16 HP)

Zheng Li: 92 HP
Bandit: 26 HP (Killed from overwhelming victory)

>>220072
The army on your side explodes in cheers and the clean victory you won. The enemy bandit absolutely stood no chance. You trounced him in a few bouts and danced around his defenses easily. The enemy bandits in your view are clearly shocked at having their champion bested so easily and a few of them look at one another in worry.

Grabbing the enemy’s head by his hair, you go back to your side of the field. You hold the enemy’s head high in the air and you are met with loud cheers from your force.

“He did it again!” a soldier yells. “He danced around the enemy and cut his head clean off!”
“I couldn’t even see him swing his sword!”

Hao Xian and Yang Jing move forward to greet and praise you.

“Well done,” Hao Xian says with a bow. “I apologize for ever having doubted you, Sir Zheng.”
“The glory is yours, but the next one will be mine!” Yang Jing says with a sneer. “Now let’s rout these scum!” he yells with a wave of his axe.

>charge forward and attack the enemy
>hold your positions and let the enemy come to you

>>220077
>charge forward and attack the enemy

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>220077
>>charge forward and attack the enemy

>>220077
>>charge forward and attack the enemy

>>220077
>charge forward and attack the enemy

>>220077
>charge forward and attack the enemy

They will break.

>>220077
>charge forward and attack the enemy

Also before it becomes an issue I'd say implement a rule. For rolls.
Say only roll after you've called for it. And such cause then people say no that doesn't count because xyz. Or just make it clear when you take rolls.

>>220077
>>charge forward and attack the enemy

Gotta keep the initiative

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"Men, sally fourth!" you yell with a twirl of your sword. "You have witnessed the death of their champion, now earn yourself a kill and obtain glory! Do not let any of them escape!"

With a shout, your men begin their charge with you at the middle, Hao Xian at the right flank, and Yang Jing at the left. Your army surges forward with their morale high from your victory over the enemy champion. Even before your troops reach the bandits you see a number of them begin to falter and break what small ranks they held.

Your soldiers crash in to the enemy like a tidal wave over paper. The enemy lines crumble in a mere minute and your men break through their ranks.

The first man you face stands brave and fights you. Your sword meets his spear and you both exchange blows, but you are clearly the superior. You snap the shaft of his poorly made spear in two and cut his stomach open. He screams as he falls to the grounds as you move on to the next target. The next man barely puts up a fight. You lop his head off after ducking beneath a hammer blow aimed at your head.

You see your men pushing forward as well, earning kills left and right. You witness Yang Jing split a man's head with his axe, blood spurting and covering the mad warrior all around. The enemy lines crumble at the might of your force and they begin to retreat.

The battle is over quickly. Only a hundred or so enemy make it back alive to their camp and only a few casualties lie on your side.

"Let us move onward and take the enemy camp," Hao Xian says coming forward, his own sword red from the kills he's scored.

>press onward and take the enemy camp
>demand the surrender of the bandits

>>220151
>press onward and take the enemy camp
Keep up initiative. We already asked for surrender and they threw it in our face.

>>220151
>press onward and take the enemy camp


This >>220157, they had their chance.

>>220151
>>press onward and take the enemy camp

>>220151

>press onward and take the enemy camp

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You waste no time in allowing the enemy to reform. You order another march again and your troops fresh from their kills hold no complaints. Your men charge forward to the enemy camp and using their weapons begin breaking apart the wooden palisades and hacking away at the defenses. The enemy bandits cannot even mount a proper defense and the enemy blockades are down in short work. Your men overtake the enemy camp and the bandits are put to the sword. A few group of men put down their weapons and surrender. Your men herd them to a corner of their camp and they are placed upon their knees.

When you arrive they beg for mercy at your feet.

"Please forgive us! We are poor men and we were forced to become bandits for our survival. Have mercy upon us."

What do you do? Should you execute these men as Han law would dictate, or release them after making sure they will never cause terror again? Or perhaps you can force them to join your band, though allowing these looters to join your force may not only give a bad reputation but upset your men.

>kill them, outlaws are outlaws
>release them after threatening them to never commit banditry
>conscript them to your force

Breaking for an hour to eat.

>>220202
>>release them after threatening them to never commit banditry
I would hate trying to enforce that threat while we're away. Can we cut or brand them distinctively?

>>220202
>talk to Hao Xian and Yang Jing first.

>>220202
>release them after threatening them to never commit banditry

>>220202
>Conscript them as farmers. Most people fall to banditry cause that's the only way to make a living. Give them a job to start working our lands. We profit and seem magnanimous. Swords into plows.

>>220202
Turn them over to whatever manner of local magistrate is around.

>>220222
>>220202
Taking a page out of Cao Cao's book. I'll second this.

>>220202
>Or perhaps you can force them to join your band, though allowing these looters to join your force may not only give a bad reputation but upset your men.

Why doing this give us a bad reputation ?
Didnt Caocao also conscript some bandit and ex yellow turban too become his elite troops

>>220247
Much later after the Rebellions had ended. He got a bunch of remnants and turned them into farmers and soldiers.

Right now the bandit attacks are too fresh in people's minds.

>>220222
This will have my vote.

It is the lawlessness and unrest of the corrupt Han and rebellious Yellow Turban's that is the true cause behind men turning to banditry.

They will pay off their misgiving as a portion of their labour. That, or the sword.

>>220222
I'll change to this, pretty solid plan

>>220212
Seconding

As a note, you don't exactly own land. You are currently a moving band force and unless you decide to take a village or city by force or other means, you do not have territory that is technically yours.

>>220247
It may give you a bad reputation. Cao Cao's situation was kind of different though, in that it was hundreds thousands of Yellow Turban soldiers that would have fought to the bitter end if he didn't accept their surrender to bring back stability and even then he probably didn't care for complaints like those. This compared to a few bandits the local populace might not like.

>>220305
Good point sir

>>220305
A noble clan, minor as it may be, has no lands?

I thought the definition of noble was owning land.

>>220313
Lands most likely already being tilled, and the farmers living there might not take kindly to the influx of new people.

>>220305
If there really is no menial tasks or currently a place for indentured servitude I'm not keen on welcoming this lot into our ranks.

March triumphantly to one of the surrounding villages and hold a trial (of sorts) before the villagers and execute them. Perhaps announce the villages in the surrounding area are under our protection.

>>220322
During the Yellow Turban Rebellions? I dunno, things are messed up right now.

Whatever I'm going to hit the hay, you guys decide.

Probably listen to >>220323 this guy.

>>220323
Go to biggest village, send runners to all the surrounding area calling for people to come witness justice done for them or something like that?

>>220323
Yeah, I´m going with that one.

1st action: expand upon the coast
2: action create bigger and bette boats
3: improve upon weaposn

>>220450

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"You will be punished according to the laws," you tell your captured enemies. "We will take you to the villages you have raided and hand you over to the authorities. There you shall stand trial for your crimes and be punished accordingly.'

"Then you may as well doom us!" the bandit complains, but you hear none of it and tell your men to put them in binds.

Your men search and gather the supplies of the shoddy bandit camp. All in all the bandits here carried no riches. Only sacks of grains which you distribute to your men and 100 taels of gold that you put to the war funds. Their weapons are poor hastily made equipment and of no consequences.

You breathe a sigh of relief at your first victory, though you make certain not to let it go to your head. These were but mere bandits and a small one at that. This is but one stepping stone on your ambitions.

After taking down the enemy camp, you and your men march to the nearest village; a coast fishing one near the river. Perhaps you were expecting grand cheers and a celebration, but you are not met with such. You only receive a few glances of curiosity and the local population get back to their work. You grumble slightly at the lack of appreciation as you bring your captives to the governmental office. It takes some time to explain to the guards and for an official to come down. The middle aged man glance at the captives.

"Execute them," he says with a wave of his hand to the guards and the bandits are taken away in screams. "The law dictates those who commit to banditry be executed. What discussion do we need besides that?" he says with a shrug.

"You have done us a favor," the official says. "I hear those bandits would harass travelers and they would sometimes raid us. I suppose... You expect some kind of reward?" he asks with a frown.

The man is rather displeasing and he seems less grateful than you would have expected. How do you respond?

>Yes, we have restored law and order back to your village
>A place to rest for my men is all I ask
>No, we simply were keeping the peace and the law

He's not exactly jumping for joy, but we probably should have expected that. For all he knows we're little better than opportunists looking to replace the bandits we cast down.

>>220510
>A place to rest for my men is all I ask

And then we'll throw our own party with our men. With blackjack and hookers!

>>220510
>>A place to rest for my men is all I ask

Should probably work at finding some new recruits, perhaps do some charity for some of the more destitute people. Could place flyers up like we did before.

>>220530
This isn't a bad idea. At the very least we can have our men ask around for other trouble spots or who actually owns this land.

Though the official is rude and displeasing to interact with, you remember your manners and the reputation you have to uphold with your forces. You bow to him respectfully, undeserving as he may be.

"A place for my men to rest is all I ask," you tell the official. "We are tired from the battle and a place of comfort is all we would need."

The official rubs his beard and stays silent for a moment, observing you and trying to analyze you. It is clear he is suspicious of you.

"There is a local tavern on the eastern banks. I am sure the owner would be happy to accommodate some of your men and give you food for your service. But I hope you will not linger and cause trouble here. The times are chaotic. The times are already chaotic enough with the rebellion and we do not need rogue forces mucking around."

He at the very least returns a bow to you.

"I bid you farewell."

(+2 lead, +3 War, +1 Cha from duel, battle, and keeping mannerism with the official)

Your party heads for the tavern and recuperate your men. The owner of the tavern bid you welcome, and as the owner states, is willing to accommodate you and your men. You, Hao Xian, and Yang Jing sit on a seat as wine is brought to your table.

"Bah! I should drag that pig-bellied buffoon and whip him good!" Yang Jing says angrily. "We commit a grand service and we don't get an ounce of appreciation. Sounds like we should have joined the bandits instead."

"It cannot be helped," Hao Xian says with a shake of his head. "Bandits and robbers have become throughout the land. The bandits we destroyed were just another nuisance from the vast amount of troubles our land faces. The populace still must worry about their flooded farms, the imperial taxation, corrupt officials, the Yellow Scarves for that matter."

Yang Jing snorts.

"Brother," he says to you. "I say we gather more men, have ourselves a grand army, and become lords. That'll show these damned peasants."

"...Are you not a peasant?" Hao Xian says with a frown.

How do you reply?

>agree with Yang Jing in that you are treated rather poorly
>we are a rogue band of troops; mistrust is expeted
>explain that you do not mind the disrespect, justice has been served

>>220571
>agree with Yang Jing in that you are treated rather poorly
It's true, none of our deserved gratitude was forthcoming BUT
>we are a rogue band of troops; mistrust is expected


Basically, agree with Yang Jing but say that will change through time and our own efforts. This was only the first step after all.

>>220571
>>we are a rogue band of troops; mistrust is expeted

After all, was our own formation not brought about by the existence of various armed factions bringing ruin to our land?

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"Be calm Yang Jing," you say calmly. "Mistrust is expected when we have our own army. In the eyes of others we are no different from marauding forces who can pose a danger to the populace any time. Today's victory was but a small stepping stone for our future. We shall gather more men, fight more battles, and in due time we shall become respected as well."

"Indeed," Hao Xian says with a nod. "We should not have expected anything more. We have won one battle; that does not make us victors or conquerors."

Yang Jing scoffs as he takes a drink of his wine.

"You two are so meek. I guess it'll be up to me then punch the face of snot-nosed officials in the future," he say. "I ain't tolerating disrespect, I am Yang Jing, the greatest fighter of our village."

"Former greatest fighter," Hao Xian responds. "And do try not get us executed."

The three of you continue your banter as you rest for the day. A few days of rest and then you can plan for further things ahead.

------------------

Session over. I'll update upcoming sessions at: https://twitter.com/RainsArpeggio

I'll likely run today/tomorrow at 6 PM PST if I have the time and not working. Thanks for playing.

>>220606
Sweet, cheers for running!

>>220606
Sounds good

I recommend whacking this on the archive. Makes for good reading.

I'm looking forward to more.

I wonder if we will end up a collector of tea pots like the last one of these quest.

>>222557
>PURSUE LU BU