File: lu fan.jpg (42 KB, 360x512)

42 KB JPG

The coalition force has been broken up. The capital city of Luoyang has burned down. Already you hear news that the other lords of the realm are gathering troops and preparing to attack one another. The last vestige of Han power has waned and the time of lords at hand. You make your way back to Chen commandery with your remaining troops and Zhang He in tow.

Lu Fan sighs along the journey and he is saddened by the failure of the coalition.

“The reign of the Han that has long since prospered, and to whom's bounty we have enjoyed has finally come to a close. Decades of ancestral tombs and knowledge have been desecrated by Dong Zhuo. All things must come to an end, but what a pain to see a long dynasty tumble down.”

“But it is by this opportunity that new heroes may arise,” Hao Xian says. “Though the end of an empire may be a tragedy, the fires that burned it down create a new place of growth. We can be the seeds to a new, better dynasty.”

What do you say on the matter?

>the Han was weak and corrupt, no sympathy
>we must all mourn the passing of a great empire

>>493273
Hey, just read through the archives for this quest.

I also participated in the original TKQ back in 2014 and glad to see that there's a new version.

>>493273
>>we must all mourn the passing of a great empire

>>493273
>>we must all mourn the passing of a great empire
And learn from it lest we fall to the same end.

>>493273
>>we must all mourn the passing of a great empire
But don't let it rule us. It was a great empire while it stood, but its time has passed by.

>>493273
>>we must all mourn the passing of a great empire

>>493273
>we must mourn, and we must learn

File: chen.jpg (134 KB, 900x599)

134 KB JPG

“Though we have been given an opportunity to create a new world under our name, we must never forget our ancestors and those who were here before us,” you say. “While we fight to strengthen our positions, we must also mourn what has given us bounty and our ancestors before. You must all take care to remember that,” you tell your officers. Your officers all bow and accept your command.

You return to Chen. It has been several months since you campaigned left and campaigned against Dong Zhuo. Winter is coming soon and the harvests and taxes are gathered. (+1000 gold, 1075 gold in total) You order your troops to rest.

What action do you take for the Winter season? You hold 1700 surviving soldiers, most of them now veterans of war. Your supplies are moderate and if you go on another campaign it should hold you for three months. The farms and markets are still small around the area and you have built walls around your main village of Xiaodan.

1075 gold, purchases are free action
>recruit soldiers: 1 gold for 1
>improved spears: 1 gold for 1
>improved armor: 1 gold for 1
>improved crossbows: 1 gold for 1
>horses: 1 gold for 1
>rams: 100 gold for 1
>catapults: 100 gold for 1
>warships: 100 gold for 1 (can hold 300 men)

>>493344

500 gold spent purely on recruits.

We're not doing shit with 1700 men.

Other than that make those farms BIGGER! Produce that food.

>>493344
>>recruit volunteers
>>Buy 300 Horses
>>Buy Killing Edge (+3 War) 300g
>>Train Soldiers
>>Improve markets
>>purchase 300 Recruits

Total: 900G

>>493344
Whatever we do we NEED to build defences for our towns.

>>493355
+ Build defences, spend up to 100g doing so

We should really consider ranged options for holding our walls.

Can we do write-ins as well? Like special or specific projects to improve or change some things, say for example optimizing the canals for our farms to feed into a grid network of killzones covered by towers.

Easy to fend off enemies as we can flood the area purposefully to slow the enemy during an assault in addition to arrow fire. It also helps maintain order through the network of towers that are needed.

>>493344
>>493366
Yes, build up the defenses.
also recruit 300 men
Buy killing edge

>>493387
Everything is pretty much write-in. I took out generic actions because people were having way too hard of a time agreeing.

The more details and the more interesting ideas you give out, the more rewarded you'll be assuming you give out sane and decent plans.

>>493355
This with the defenses up to 100g

I finally caught up with this.

>>493387
Quite like this idea.

Why so much focus on the walls and defense? We need troops. Other lords have had 10k, we have 1700.

Your defenses are useless without menm

I'm proposing to stop the focus on defense so much. We need to go out and conquer shit.

Recruit more soldiers. Spend that 1000 gold on soldiers instead of items and recruit more volunteers. Conquer more lands instead of holing up in one small land forever.

I'm more comfortable with 500 gold on recruits rather than 300.

>>493456
1000 weak, fresh, green recruits with no weapons/armor will lose to like 200 decent troops with it.
Numbers only get you so far, and we'r still rather small.

>>493458
The 300 is so we still have enough cash for other things, like replacing the 300 horses that were wiped out and getting a good weapon since we don't currently have ANY +war weapon.

>>493438
By building defenses we can protect our main base of operations and dissuade attacks on it, and will be able to fall back on it in dire times. The building of walls and defenses is more of an investment for the future if anything.

And yes while the other lords had 10k troops, numbers do not always mean success, we may be able to win some battles simply by stratagem.

For example suppose we are besieged by a force of 7500 again our 1700. with the defenses we made earlier we would be able to have these 7500 fight in unfavorable footing and lose many in the attempts to take the city.

If on the other hand we go with funding troops we would find ourselves hard pressed with 2700 troops against the 7500, with no defense, trying to hold a city with no protection.

>>493438
But good defenses compensate for a lack of men.

It seems strange but I'd rather have low men and high defense than vice versa.

Defenses, depending on how you go about it, cost less than men. Defenses can also be the catalyst for non warfare related domestics, men in ways can also do this, but considering that China is made up of settled peoples security and stability is more important than anything else. Defences on a cost to effectiveness ratio, for the majority of the time are more effective than large soldier counts. Even when it comes to security and stability as there are less variables to account for in something inanimate than in an intelligent animate being.

The only thing we won't be able to do effectively with large soldier counts is offense. And offense is good, but this ain't eu4 my man, consolidation is the name of the game. The farther your hand reaches out the harder it is to protect it, especially if your body doesn't follow as fast.

Also conquering generates passive negative sentiment, it's better to conquer with reserved purpose and definite planning. Taking on more men consumes more resources than defenses and keeps part of the situation unpredictable and out of our hands.

Stability and security, consolidate before expanding.

It's the golden rule my man.

>>493459
>>493461
Because we know we're going to get immediately attacked? What? Why do you assume we'll get attacked the next turn?

>>493467
Except nobody is saying that? Just that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?

I mean, we currently have extraordinarily shit defenses. This seems like a pretty trivial point to get so caught up on, man.

>>493466
This Anon totally gets it. Consolidation is key.

>>493471
That's exactly what you are doing when ypu assume the numbers of our current standing on a situational invasion. It isn't trivial because we need to fucking expand. Our territory is small we don't even have a city.

Whatever do what you want. Lets all wait for Cao Cao and others to get big while we hole up in a small land.

File: Xu_You.jpg (18 KB, 256x256)

18 KB JPG

>>493466
Problem is at this exact time, major powers are about to be born. We will get swallowed by Cao Cao in the near future if we don't expand, Chen is too small to feed and supply an army capable of holding him off.

Personally I think we should just go and swear our loyalty to Yuan Shao. Win or lose, we'll have more options in the north than here.

>>493476
And if they come knocking then we will do two things:
fight on our terms
Or bow under their banner

If we fight, we may lose but no one will say we were in the wrong nor that the enemy lost a large part of themselves.

If we bow then we can serve under a great wing and excel beyond the bounds of our master. And perhaps turn against him should he hamper ambition.

>>493481
I dunno. If we're gonna join up with anyone, I'd vote cao cao. I mean, we already pissed off yuan shao a bit, let's go full force on the Wei train.

Though Honestly, I'd still rather prefer being independent.

>Inb4 we hold onto this piece of land independently and end up becoming the cornerstone of the entire conflict

File: Yang Jing.jpg (62 KB, 360x512)

62 KB JPG

You decide that the defenses of Chen are still too weak, and begin creating the outer defenses apart from Xiaodan. In case of an enemy attack you create a dam at the southern river to flood he lands should an enemy ever attack. Lu Fan makes a note to you that flooding the lands destroys farms and small villages and you should be weary if you will use this method of defense.

You build small sentry towers guarded by barricades on the outer perimeters. You spend 100 taels of gold in your endeavor and the defenses of Chen are vastly improved.

On one day you find Yang Jing lazing around the barracks and drinking. Lu Fan criticizes Yang Jing and pesters him enough that Yang Jing finally gets up.

“Alright alright, gods be damned. I'll go train, or study, or whatever. Just leave me alone you damn kid.”

What do you suggest Yang Jing improve on? He's already a strong fighter, perhaps he should focus on continuing his warrior path. Or maybe you can get him to study other areas like governance and history which he seems to lack. And speaking of which, you have some time to train as well.

>choose something for Yang Jing to improve on

>choose stat(s) for yourself to improve

>>493491
>choose something for Yang Jing to improve on
LDR
>choose stat(s) for yourself to improve
INT, POL

>>493491
>Yang Jing
>WAR
>LEA
>CHA

>Us
>POL
>CHA
>LEA

>>493491
Gov isn't a thing right?

>>493491
Yang Jing needs experience in INT, WAR and LDR. He's strong but kind of a bully and a drunk.

We should work on WAR and INT ourselves

File: 1468882932085.jpg (1.47 MB, 3085x3361)

1.47 MB JPG

>>493485
Yuan Shao won't care about petty disagreements when we take the remainder of the north for him. The reason I think we should swear in with Yuan Shao is because the north is very far away from actually talented people, minus a couple like Zhou Yun. We can keep Chen commandery and go up there to fight for Yuan Shao, earn a commander's wage and some fame, and return whenever we want assuming Cao Cao hasn't taken it.

If you really want an independent route, I suggest, per the map, that we take the commandery of Liang to the north-east of us and then set our sights on Pei. The closer we are to Tao Qian the better.

>>493491
>Yang Jing
WAR

>Us
LEA, CHA

>>493491
Yang Jing

>WAR
>LDR

For us
>LEA
>CHA

>>493510
Oh no what that's pol. Dumb dumb.

Alright I know what to do.
>my good friend, I want to make a new training regiment for the men. It utilizes harsh and unconventional methods but I'm sure with your supervision it shouldn't be so bad.
(Plus lead for the big guy, plus int/pol for us)

File: diao chan 2.jpg (37 KB, 500x404)

37 KB JPG

my favorite quest

File: Yuan Shao2.png (114 KB, 240x240)

114 KB PNG

You order Yang Jing to continue on his path as a warrior, knowing well that he is a strong fighter and can be a better champion in the future. But you also remind him that as he leads men, he needs to focus on the tactics and the military text as well. Yang Jing gets to work on training, though he grumbles about how he should practice his swordsmanship on Lu Fan.

You study up on the military texts as well and stratagems so that you can better lead your men in the future. (+3 Lead, +4 Int)

As Winter ends and Spring rolls up, you hear news of the various lords moving. Qiao Mao, a minor lord of the north, has been killed by Liu Dai. In the north you hear news that Yuan Shao has attacked Han Fu. Apparently Yuan Shao had schemed by inviting Gongsun Zan to attack Han Fu. When Gongsun Zan was preparing his army, Han Fu invited Yuan Shao to defend the lands of Ji and Yuan Shao managed to come his lands unmolested. Now Yuan Shao is invading and conquering Han Fu's lands.

You hear that Yuan Shu had attacked Cao Cao. Despite Yuan Shu having a larger army, Yuan Shu was crushed in battle. Yuan Shu has retreated to the lands of Shouchun to recuperate.

The three lords close to you are Cao Cao, Tao Qian, and Yuan Shu. You should perhaps be weary of them, or at maybe try to do some diplomacy. You remember your alliance with Yuan Shao however and you may very well offend him again. As of now, Yuan Shao is at odds with both Cao Cao and Yuan Shu.

Do you commit to any diplomacy? If so, who, and what negotiations do you make?

>>493566
Don't enter diplomacy, but plan to start taking lands nearer to Tai Qians, to avoid both Cao Cao and Yuan Shao

>>493566
Try and get Tao Qian to agree to a mutual defense pact. We are known to him and it will greatly ease our mind if we have one border with a known ally.

>>493566
Tao Qian's troop numbers?

>>493566
Open up diplomacy with Tao Qian to strengthen ties and gauge his views of the other powers. I hope letting those bandits through won't hurt us in this, should have killed all those rabble.

File: 3k map.jpg (1.49 MB, 3085x3361)

1.49 MB JPG

Current map of known lords. Other territories contain minor lords with a few thousands of troops.

>>493581
Boy we are screwed. We can't expand towards the capital because it will draw ire, if we take the lands east we'll be in Cao Cao's way when he chooses to finish Yuan Shu.

Only thing we can do is ally ourselves with Tao Qian and build up defenses I guess. Or go join Yuan Shao in earnest.

>>493566
I agree on building relationships with Tao Qian

>>493586
You have provinces like Liang, Pei, Yingchuan, Runan to expand towards. Larger territories will have more troops.

Up to you if you want to try and expand, whether through military or diplomacy, or build a strong base at Chen.

>>493602
Chen just seems so small compared to the other provinces in terms of population size.

I think we'll need to expand.

I'd like venture south into Runan at some point, do some recon to figure out who is in charge of that area. Even if it is dangerously close to Yuan Shu's new capital, we will eventually have to deal with the prick.

>>493579
About 20,000-30,000 if he decides to draft peasants in times of war. For regular professional army, he only keeps around 5000.

>>493586
Well we can go south can't we? If we can't then maybe provoke yuan shu? I dunno. I'm fine with developing Chen. Unless we go after Tao qian. But if we campaign against him without sufficient defenses or under the cover of secrecy the. We are kinda screwed.

Do you think we can use espionage and intrigue our way into the hinterlands of Tao qian, raise animosity towards him and have one of our retainers under a false name be the figurehead for the rebellion. We come in to stop it, fight a fake battle then under a slew of events take over Tao Qian's territory. Then let a masochist loose and make him head of that territory, before he has the chance to do crazy shit we beat him in a battle outnumbered and reinstate Tao qian as our vassal.

Can this be done? I think it can.

As of now you all want to open relationships with Tao Qian? Do you want to make an alliance, or just neutrality, or...?

And do you want to send yourself or a diplomat?

>>493612
I know Yuan Shao is related to Yuan Shu, but I don't think he'll mind us giving his younger cousin a bloody nose so long as he thinks we are in his hire.

>>493616
Alliance and MC since he has the personal relationship with Tao Qian

>>493616
If it means we can do >>493612
Then I'm all for it, I think I just convinced myself that I have a master plan.

>>493616
Alliance, we will have each other's back's if anyone tries to fuck with each other. We should go ourselves as to prove it as genuine.

>>493608
>>493612
We're separated from Runan by a large river, apparently constructing a bridge would be a monumental task but we'll need boats if we want to expand that way. With the number of troops we have I don't think we can take it, but we could start work on the boats/bridge and recruit in the meantime perhaps.

Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao may be on less then stellar terms, but they're still related, and anything we do to Yuan Shu will likely reflect very badly upon us with futures dealings with the Yuan family.

We could overthrow Tao Qian with a plot but that would probably badly effect our reputation. Cao Cao would be on to our shit in an instant I reckon, could work though.

>>493616
Open relations with Tao Qian and offer neutrality for now. Go ourselves as diplomat. Once we figure out what we actually want to do, we can perhaps beg supplies or loan men from him to expand quicker.

Is this "alliance" with Yuan Shao something we are committing to?

What's our game plan here? Just string him along?

>>493647
Most seem to be in the camp of stringing the poor bastard along. Some may be genuine but are we really going to be content serving under such a fatuous lord?

File: Zang Ba2.png (114 KB, 263x317)

114 KB PNG

Tao Qian was indebted to you several years back when you helped him with Zang Ba. As he is the governor of Xu and holds a large territory in name, you decide to open relations with him. You head over to Xu yourself with Lu Fan with a few hundred soldiers, leaving Hao Xian in charge of Chen while you are away.

You travel for a few weeks towards Chen. With your small party you are reminded of the time you were but a small band traveling around with Hao Xian and Yang Jing. You tell Lu Fan of your adventures as you follow the same road you once were on years ago.

You arrive at the city of Xiapi and a few guards come out to greet you. Having heard of your arrival, Tao Qian arranged for you to be greeted warmly. You head towards the main administrative palace of Tao Qian, but before you enter, you are greeted by a familiar face.

“Hah, if it isn't the honorable great Zheng Li.”

Zang Ba stands before you and sneers.

“I thought you wanted to be some wandering hero of justice, but now I see you've stolen lands yourself and made yourself a lord. And back then you were sniveling like a little baby about how I was taking some food and wine from villagers. The world sure is hypocritical, ain't it?” Zang Ba taunts.

How do you respond?

>>493657
>"Who are you again?"
My apologies sir, I seem to have forgotten your name. Do you serve honorable lord Tao Qian in some capacity?

>>493661
His name's right there, it's Zang Ba.

>>493657
Don't get baited by him.

>>493665
I was being insulting to him while respecting Tao Qian. Implying he's not even worth remembering.

Ignoring his bait and moving on, you know? I know, it's kind of subtle.

>>493657
Do we know his courtesy name by chance? If so
>Hello Xuangao, it's a pleasure to see you as well. How have you been serving under Tao Qian?

I have a couple ideas for the river.

One is a pulley-ferry system that uses a series of small rafts that can pull a group of 10 at a time, the pulley and small raft size ensures a cheap build and maintain cost in addition to making sure that the raft doesn't get pulled away by the river. It connects to multiple heavier buoys with additional winches and pulleys to add additional safety.

The second is a high risk, multi raft connect em bridge system that uses heavy buoys and long bamboo rafts topped with wicker to simulate earth. This makes transporting large forces easier and faster, but also raises some safety concerns and is slow to start up.

Both of them can be aligned with fishing nets or some other tanning or what have you contraption to increase wealth and production directly to the village. The river can be tolled by the buoys which should theoretically in itself pay for the workers if it is appropriate enough.


Or we could do both and get the best of both worlds.

Or make a stable bridge, doubt that tho.

That's my suggestions for dealing with the river anyways.

>>493657
"INSOLENCE!"

>>493670
Good ideas. I'd like to know how fast the river flows before deciding though.

>>493661
This, but with a winning smile

>>493657
>>493683
I can totally agree with this

>>493657
Civilly calm and collected. Ask how he's been.

>>493670
I have a suggestion. Let's just have Yang Jing throw our personnel across the river.

File: tao qian.png (116 KB, 240x240)

116 KB PNG

You pretend not to have heard Zang Ba, and only look at him as he finishes his insulting words. You smile back.

“Oh? I apologize, who are you again? My apologies sir, I seem to have forgotten your name. Do you serve honorable lord Tao Qian in some capacity? I am on my way to meet him, so if you will excuse me,” you say going past Zang Ba.

“Y-you son of a-”

You barely listen to Zang Ba as you brush past him and enter the building to meet with Tao Qian. Lu Fan laughs as he enters with you.

“And I would assume that is Zang Ba, the man you dueled?” he asks. “He is every bit as audacious as you have said. Regards to you my lord, for not bringing yourself down to his level.”

You come to the office room of Tao Qian, who greets you warmly with a smile. He claps your hands and leads you to sit at his table. He treats you with some tea and some baozi buns to eat. You talk of good times and chit-chat before entering diplomacy.

“So tell me Zheng Li, what do you wish in this meeting? I have heard that you became an Inspector for Chen commandery. Very good for you have risen up. I fear the time of Han is over.”

>try to make a firm alliance with Tao Qian
>state you simply maintaining good relationship and neutrality

>>493713
>>try to make a firm alliance with Tao Qian

This might piss off Yuan Shao, but whatevs.

>>493713
>>try to make a firm alliance with Tao Qian
Go for broke. tell him we plan to take the province nearest to him and that it might provide a buffer from Cao Caos forces, as his ambition is likely the most threatening.

Or be more subtle, what do I know anyways

>>493713
>state you simply maintaining good relationship and neutrality
Tao Qian is a good friend, but given what we know about his army >>493611 he won't be much help if someone tries to invade us, especially since we're on terrible terms with his best warrior. I'd expect Tao Qian to send Zang Ba to help us and he'd just doublecross us and switch sides to Cao Cao or Yuan Shu.

We should keep him friendly so that he'll do us favours and leave it to that.

>>493713
>>state you simply maintaining good relationship and neutrality

>>493713
>try to make a firm alliance with Tao Qian
Be brutally honest and tell him that he is surrounded by hungry wolves eyeing up Xu Province; Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. On account of our past friendship, we do not want to see harm befall him and are willing to have a mutual alliance.

>>493713
>state you simply maintaining good relationship and neutrality

>>493713
>>state you simply maintaining good relationship and neutrality

We get fucked and we go to Yuan Shao.

Don't ally with a guy who very well may lose.

Maybe suggest banging his daughter.

Shit these are all good points, I have some things we should consider.

>do we have ambitions for taking his lands? At this point doing it would require espionage more than anything
>are we serious about retaining our independence? If we are then an alliance puts us in a firm bond where he will help us against most probably Wei and we would have to help him against most probably wu.
>how are we going to directly benefit from this? An alliance protects one border for good short term, as does neutrality.

So really this is long term thinking here

>>493713
I'm gonna say...
>lets maintain friendly relations and sign a non aggression pact.

We can always adjust this to a defensive alliance if need be. Actually we can make a stunt out of it and if he gets attacked we help him out and defend his lands and boom we get good guys points on a local and global scale. It's a good deal.

>>493713
>try to make a firm alliance with Tao Qian

File: tao qian2.png (85 KB, 256x256)

85 KB PNG

"Lord Tao Qian, I have simply come to greet you in good faith and to reaffirm our friendship," you tell Tao Qian. "With the burning of the capital it seems that many lords have risen up and have decided to battle one another. I wish to keep our relationship on friendly terms and make certain we are not enemies."

Tao Qian nods to you.

"Indeed, it has become worrisome. Already I hear news of Yuan Shao attacking Han Fu in the north, I fear he may attack Lord Kong Zhou soon enough and then he may attack me. Yuan Shu troubles me as well... He has always been a villain in my eyes." He sighs. "People seem not to be content with what they have. I fear I may need to defend Xu soon."

It seems Tao Qian does not trust Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. You make certain not to mention any alliance or relationship you currently have with Yuan Shao.

"Let us not attack one another and fall base like the other greedy lords," you tell Tao Qian. He nods to you.

"Very good Zheng Li. Our forces shall maintain friendships. I am glad to know you are near me and I trust we can aid one another if the time should ever come."

You both bow to one another, and after a few more chats, you leave the halls of Tao Qian. As you and Lu Fan leave, the two of you notice a certain man murmuring to himself. His clothes and ministerial hat indicate he is an official under Tao Qian.

"Lord Tao is certainly a peaceful man, but I wonder if he can defend Xu..."

What do you do?

>have a chat with the man about what he said
>simply greet him and find out who he is
>ignore the man, keep out of affairs

>>493779
>simply greet him and find out who he is

>>493779
>simply greet him, find out who he might be.

>>493779
>>have a chat with the man about what he said

>>493779
>>have a chat with the man about what he said
Mu Zhi?

>have a chat with the man about what he said

File: mi zhu.jpg (12 KB, 200x200)

12 KB JPG

You and Lu Fan glance at one another. It seems the idea that Tao Qian is too weak to rule may be more prevalent than you once thought. You and Lu Fan walk towards the man and greet him.

"What troubled words you speak Sir," Lu Fan says with a smile. The man looks surprised and turns to you.

"Ahh... I did not know anyone was there." He purses his lips. "It seems I have been caught saying some unprofessional words. I pray you do not report me. I was rather careless."

"No, of course not," you say. "But what you say has been the gossip of many others in Xu province. I worry for Lord Tao Qian."

The man sighs.

"Yes,Lord Tao Qian is a kind and generous man. Yet, there are those who say he should be taking a much more active role in the current state of affairs. He holds the province of Xu, yet, Lord Tao Qian has not obtained the loyalties of all the commanderies. Nor does he take advantage of thhis bountiful land to destroy traitors and rebels of the land." The man observes the two of you. "Might you be Lord Zheng Li and Lu Fan? The visitors?"

You nod to the man.

"I see... Well I am Mi Zhu. I serve as a judge and minister in this city. I have advised Lord Tao numerous times to build an army and pacify Xu, but he seems to hold no ambition or any intent of doing so. He simply wishes to live peacefully in this city." Mi Zhu sighs once again. "I thus question if even Xu province will be safe once the other lords begin expanding their powers. The time of strife and civil war is upon us I am afraid."

What this man says seems to bring up some opportunity to scheme. Do you do so?

>attempt to scheme with Mi Zhu
>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man

>>493854
>>attempt to scheme with Mi Zhu
Ambition ho! Fuck Tao Qian!

>>493854
>we shall scheme in good intent. We should set up and petition routes of transport under the guise of making travel and trade amongst the Provence, but have secret plans to off branch military institutions in hills and forests such as towers and messenger posts. These will be for the express purpose of war an can be used covertly to transport forces all along the Provence. Additionally, refugees from a fallen city can be funneled through these paths as well and escape enemy plight.

If we do this it makes Tao qian more defensible and ensures that he stays in power longer. We can also use these roads in secret to reinforce his cities if we want to under the guise of reinforcements.

>>493854
>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man
This is such an obvious bait. Is Mi Zhu so retarded that he's going to openly shittalk his lord outside his hall?

>>493854
>>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man
Talking shit like this in the open, this is shit bait, don't take it

File: cao cao 20.png (334 KB, 720x400)

334 KB PNG

>>493859

>>493854
>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man

>>493854
>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man

>>493863
>>493864
Oh shit your right actually. This is obvious bait.

But if we do >>493854 and word it all correctly then will it seem like we actually care about him?

I still want to do what I said either way, both in our territory and in his for both our sakes, he'll if he manages to hold onto his cities because of it or because of our help, he might even vassalize under us.

>>493873
I'd say at least agree with his sentiment. Tao Qian should be raising armies to defend Xu, it's like a defenseless lamb about wolves.

>>493883
Yeah it should be something like:

>yes I hold the same sentiment, most of his territories seem to be open gates ready too be plundered, I fear for his safety and the people as well. Then again if he is clever enough to send you to goad me into intrigue than Surely he has extra plans afoot to keep his borders safe. Should I be in a more appropriate position I might even oblige to help, but weak as I am I fear for my own safety as much as Tao Qian's sadly.

Does someone with pictures or gifs of people identifying bait have the generosity within their hearts to post said pictures or gifs?

>>493854
>>keep out of dirty affairs, Tao Qian is a good man

File: official.jpg (38 KB, 200x226)

38 KB JPG

Despite the opportunity to scheme and take power, you are hesitant to do so. Partly because you find Tao Qian a good man, but partly because you also fear trying to do so may eventually bring your downfall. You smile to Mi Zhu.

"Although these times may be for ambitious lords, someone like Lord Tao is a rare find. Many have lost their principles but Lord Tao has maintained them. I pray you continue your service to Lord Tao and advice him in times of need."

Mi Zhu stares at you intently and he observes your words. A few second passes, and he nods.

"...Lord Zheng, you are truly a good man. I pray good fortune in your endeavors," he says with a bow. You bow back to him and saying your farewells, you leave the city.

As you and Lu Fan leave, your companion laughs. You look at him and question about what is funny.

"Well done on passing Mi Zhu's test, Lord Zheng," Lu Fan says.

"Do you mean to say he was testing our loyalty to Lord Tao?" you ask, affirming now if your precaution was correct.

"No my Lord," Lu Fan says. "Mi Zhu certainly wishes for a stronger, and more ambitious lord to serve. He is a wealthy and famous man of Xu. He is a man of principles. He certainly believes Lord Tao to be weak, yet, he would never attempt to betray Tao Qian. As such, what he said to you were his true heart, but he was testing to see if your lordship was an opportunist or a man of morals. By not scheming with him, you have passed his judgement of character."

You are surprised at what Lu Fan says. But at the end you nod.

"Tao Qian is old and feeble. I hear he has some illnesses now and then. Sooner or later he will pass away, and during that time, Mi Zhu may then serve you. If you continue to show yourself a man of principle, you may very well earn Xu province in the future."

(Int +2, Pol +2)

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

Not the end of session 10, but on hold for today. Need to sleep after today's work. Will continue again tomorrow after work at 4 PM PST

>>493914
Alright. Good shit.

>>493914
QM in your honest opinion are we being schizo as fuck?

>>493922
To be honest, yeah. You guys go full benevolence Shu at some points, go full scheming ambition Cao Cao at other times. Sometimes you guys go brave warrior and at other times you guys go super cautious.

It does make Zheng Li a bit hard to characterize, but he is your character.

>>493914
Alrighty, thanks for running! Enjoyable thread as usual.

>>493933
Eh, I see us as principled, but we don't hold ourselves to said principles 100% if they'll hamstring us a bunch.
Like, we're ambitious, but we try not to be an asshole about it. But then, I might be remembering things wrong.

File: lu bu 3.png (363 KB, 720x400)

363 KB PNG

>>493914
>>493933
So far I feel like he's a good person, just not a full fledged retard, blind to the world.

The way I see it were a young guy that needs some adventure and thrill in life after living a life of boring comfort, but it just so happens that we get in over our head and don't properly measure when we should start or stop, leading Zheng to compensate his mistakes with more over the top measures of whatever the flavor of the week is, but usual it's kindness and cunning.

In short, inexperienced, very brashed when provoked over a long period of time, a sleeping tiger. He's the kind of guy that would have implosive anger issues if he had a traumatic experience.

>>493933
If you have time could you explain which two decisions we've made you feel contradict character motive THE most.

>>493933

>>494021
As in what are two decisions you feel are just at total odds with each other for one character to do.

>>493933
Honestly QM I promise this is my last post. I'm not feeling the character either and that may partially be my fault. I really haven't been able to keep track of character motivations in my votes to make sure they all line up.

i mean, I enjoy three kingdoms but there's not enough faggots pining over Sun Ce to make this character super well defined.

if you're ever feeling bored of writing because of the character, I wouldn't mind you killing this guy off and having us play as Yang Jing or Hao Xian instead.

Honest to god. I'd much prefer you writing a character you enjoy for us to play to you quitting.

And if I'm just being paranoid, attribute it to being burned before by false hope.

;_;7 Zhu Xing I miss you.

To be honest I care not how is portrayed as long as we can finish this quest to the best of our abilities.

File: yuan shao 3.png (438 KB, 720x400)

438 KB PNG

>>494025

File: WHERES DIAOCHAN.png (232 KB, 491x553)

232 KB PNG

>>494025

Almost time.

You return to Chen after your negotiations with Tao Qian, having concluded your goodwill and proclamation of neutrality. You have also successfully passed Mi Zhu's test of character. You hear word that Sun Jian's army which had been encamped at Nanyang for the winter is now planning to march home back to Changsha. However, there is already word that Liu Biao is refusing passage of Sun Jian's army through Jing province. A clash is inevitable.

What actions do you take for the Spring season? Taxes and food should be collected by the end of Spring to further your income.

975 gold, purchases are free action
>recruit soldiers: 1 gold for 1
>improved spears: 1 gold for 1
>improved armor: 1 gold for 1
>improved crossbows: 1 gold for 1
>horses: 1 gold for 1
>rams: 100 gold for 1
>catapults: 100 gold for 1
>warships: 100 gold for 1 (can hold 300 men)

>>495672
Recruit 300 soldiers
300 horses

Do we have any cavalry right now? Definitely want to get horses if we don't

>>495672
>Recruit 500 men
>Improve armor of the rest
>Train the men during spare time

>>495672
Reposted from way back:
>>recruit volunteers
>>Buy 300 Horses
>>Buy Killing Edge (+3 War) 300g
>>Train Soldiers
>>Improve farms
>>purchase 300 Recruits

>>495672
To prevent flooding when we release the dams on our killing fields, lets improve our farms by refurbishing housing on the hinterland to have bamboo stilts aligned in a netted fashion, and a layer of slate and adhesive to bind everything together. So if we need to flood the fields, the homes can be still standing and if need be turned into defenses and areas to hold up archers.

So far the most voted actions seem to be to recruit 300 men, recruit volunteers. Is this your action for the turn? If you guys can come to a consensus on actions I can update much faster.

>>recruit volunteers
>>Buy 300 Horses
>>Buy Killing Edge (+3 War) 300g
>>Train Soldiers
>>Improve farms
>>purchase 300 Recruits

>>495795
This

>>495782
I'm still for buying horses like in my previous post.

>>495795

Agreed.

>>495782
My vote is 300 soldiers, 300 horses because we have NONE right now, because we lost *all* of them, the Killing edge because we currently have no real weapon beyond a completely and utterly average soldiers weapon, training soldiers to compensate for armies with more soldiers, but less trained, recruiting volunteers since we can always use more soldiers, and improving farms because why not.

Just expanding on my reasoning behind
>>495707

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

1.45 MB PNG

Ever since the campaign against Dong Zhuo your forces have fallen to a low number. Even before then you did not field even half the size of the other important lords such as Yuan Shao and Sun Jian. During times of war soldiers are what determines a lord's strength, and knowing the importance, you call for volunteers to join your army.

Chen has been growing more daily. With Luoyang razed and the north at war, it seems a number of people have began migrating southward. Hearing that you are a decent person, a number of people have began settling in Chen; good news for your force. You recruit what brave men you can find; the rest you send them to work on farms and you give away what land you can.

1500 volunteers join the army and you assigned your military generals to train them. However, because you have also imposed manpower on improving the farms and recruitment, the soldiers are only given limited training.

+1500 troops, trained to Adept

File: travels.jpg (32 KB, 550x319)

32 KB JPG

>>495952
Near the end of Spring you begin to hear dire news. Massive remnants of Yellow Scarf rebels have begun attacking the Central Plains. You hear news that Cao Cao has marched out his troops to battle these rebels in order to aid Liu Dai and Bao Xin, minor lords. In the province of Liang, you hear a several thousands of Yellow Scarves are also attacking the commandery and a man by the name of Ren Jun is fighting against them, while outnumbered.

Lu Fan comes to you.

“My Lord, I believe now is the time to march our your armies. Liang province lies east of us and the rise of the Yellow Scarves gives us an opportunity to win the support of the people and expand. No doubt this Ren Jun would serve you should you aid him. Cao Cao has already begun taking advantage of the situation and I suspect he shall grow in power soon. Let us follow suite and match him.”

Just as you are about to consider Lu Fan's advice, the door to your office opens. One of your guards informs you that Sun Jian has sent you an envoy and is requesting a meeting. Lu Fan looks at you.

“No doubt General Sun Jian is looking for your help against Liu Biao,” Lu Fan says. “Should you help Sun Jian, we will be at war with Liu Biao.”

This puts you at a predicament. You remember Yuan Shao has allied with Liu Biao, and fighting against Liu Biao will no doubt put another strain against your relationship with Yuan Shao. Furthermore having Liu Biao as an enemy might not bode well for you, especially if you wish to conquer Liang.

What do you do?

>aid Sun Jian
>refuse to aid Sun Jian
>meet with Sun Jian first
>ask the opinion of your officers

>>495957
>>meet with Sun Jian first

At least be a hard enough nigga to tell him your hands are tied to his face

Also

>ask the opinion of your officers

>>495957
>>meet with Sun Jian first
Sun Jian > Yuan Shao
Though afterwards my vote's gonna be
>aid Sun Jian

>>495963
This

>>495957
A wise ruler would seek the opinions of his officers first.

>>495957
>Ask the opinion of your officers

>>495957
>>ask the opinion of your officers

>>495957
>>ask the opinion of your officers

>>495957
>aid Sun Jian
IT'S TIME

>>495966
>>496002
I like Sun Jian too, but how can we go to war with Liu Biao with 3000 men and give up on an easy to expand our own power base?

I just feel like Sun Jian might POSSIBLY be potentially possible to truly ally with, whereas yuan shao will always, ALWAYS, be above us, and make sure we know it.

And I'd really, really, like to be independent, honestly.

>>496013
Looking towards the future, man. Sun Jian would make a fantastic ally, and if/when he dies, if we don't stop that somehow, his son would likely come to US for aid, rather than that other cunt. But that's a bit meta.

For non-meta reasons, Sun Jian was actually polite and cool when we met him, whereas Yuan Shao expects us to be completely and utterly at his beck and call, and I'd rather we be independent.

>>496017
I'm fine with supporting Sun Jian, but I'm not cool with going to war with Liu Biao at this stage. He can have supplies so long as it doesn't impede our own march into Liang province.

We can't be independent if we only have a small province to call our powerbase imo.

>>496027
I'd be down with providing non-military aid, though I'd prefer marching with him.
I'm fine with either expanding into Liang, or marching with sun jian, so long as we aid him somehow. Supplies are always necessary after all.

>>496014
Sooner or later you'll have to pick sides really, the three kingdoms will begin to consolidate and you're gonna get gobbled up

So I'm just kinda stupid.

What is the history of our relationship with Yuan Shao, Arpeggio?

>>496050
We were stationed under him during the Yellow Turbans, and helped convince him to tell the Eunuchs to fuck off and build his power.

>>496050
We've fought with and helped him in the past. But currently he's kinda annoyed at us and expects us to act like a vassal lord to him

>>496044
See, that's a shitty attitude to have. This is literally the only time we CAN start the path to being independent. We are fully capable of going from where we are no to being a threatening power. Everyone else is distracted by everyone else, nobody is looking at us. We can expand and take advantage of the times.

Don't cut off your dick and hand it to someone else just because you're scared of FUTURE big bads.
Seriously, Liu Bei didn't start out being high overlord of Shu with Zhuge Liang on his side. EVERYONE is weak right now.

>>496050
Read the past threads.
We met him, he seemed cool, people agreed to team up later, he assumed that meant we were 100% totally his lackey.
We then met up with sun jian, who was polite, respectful, shared our ideals, and backed him up when he was making the right decision during the coalition. Yuan Shao was opposed, and got salty like a bitch.

Now people are wanting to be more independent, and Yuan Shao is too busy worrying about cao cao, so we're building up our strength while he's distracted, and making inroads with the Sun family, more or less.
But don't just take my word for it, read the otherthreads.

>>496072
>people agreed to team up later

Did we swear to him that we were his man?

>>496078
Yeah, but I don't know if any of us were taking that seriously.

My read of it was that we just said that to avoid making an enemy. We're pretty committed to being independent now.

>>496078
Eh. I don't think we meant it in a "WE ARE YOUR VASSAL FOREVER MY LORD" but more in a "Yeah man, I'll back you, I got my own thing going though". But he just took it as us essentially becoming his vassal. Which means we've gotta build up or end up as some mook in his army.

>>496084
This. Independence for life, man. Liberty or death and all that jazz.
Besides, I'd rather serve under Sun Jian or Cao cao than Yuan Shao

>>496072
Now anon lets not get too powergamey here, our goal from the start was to increase the prestige of our family name not being a king of our own

>>496092
What better way to increase our family's name than forming our own powerbase? Besides, being meta would be choosing to go under cao cao or yuan shao early because we know they manage to end up decent when we know tao quan and yuan shu die/are assholes.

Independence is the way, man.
Also, saying everyone else is distracted? Not meta. It's something we know IC. Cao Cao is clearly gathering strength and has a decent powerbase,m and is like right next to Yuan Shao. He's going to be focused on what he/Tao Qian are doing right now.

File: war council.jpg (69 KB, 768x432)

69 KB JPG

The situation is too difficult for you to decide. You order a council call from your officers. When your men arrive and seat themselves, you bring the question up.

“In Liang, rebels are terrorizing the land and we have been given a golden opportunity to take the commandery for ourselves and expand our power. However, the forces of Sun Jian have also requested our aid in breaking through Liu Biao's force so that he may return to Changsha. We have only just reorganized our troops and I fear we can only do one endeavor. What do you say of this matter?”

Hao Xian speaks up first.

“Lord Sun Jian is valiant and I like him as a person. We have fought together and I believe him to be a trustworthy man. Yet, this is his battle and we should not interfere in his affairs with Liu Biao. Liang is more important in maintaining our force.”

“I agree,” Yang Jing says. “We aren't a rogue band anymore. It's time we look to further our power than constantly following around other forces. I like Sun Jian as well, but not enough to sacrifice ourselves.”

“I have heard General Sun is a hero and has aided the land greatly. He has pacified many rebels and if we should help him I think he would be a dependable ally. We can expand to Liang at another time, let us aid Sun Jian,” Song Qian says.

Lu Fan paces about and he rubs his chin.

“It is a pity not to aid General Sun, but a regret not to take Liang as well. Truly a dilemma,” Lu Fan mutters. “My Lord, it is up to you to choose. If we aid General Sun Jian we may work together with him to divide Jing province. It may be a hard battle against Liu Biao's numbers, but it is doable. It is definitely a more dangerous route to take, and a gamble. Aiding Liang commandery would be a much more safe and easier task and we would be safe from war with Liu Biao. We would have a much easier time improving our lands.”

"Either way," Hao Xian says. "I would not be opposed to either path. Though I suggest Liang commandery, I would not be put off in helping a hero like Lord Sun Jian."

The decision falls upon you, and the opinion of your officers have been given. What do you do?

>help Sun Jian against Liu Biao
>do not aid Sun Jian, focus on Liang commandery

>>496117
>>help Sun Jian against Liu Biao
Now hear me out. If we work together here, we gain a stalwart, good ally, and a portion of Jing for ourselves.
It's the risky but rewarding plan that opposes a safer, but less rewarding plan imo.
Plus, form what I recall, Liang province gets us closer to Cao Cao/Yuan Shao/Tao Qian, which I'd rather not have. Keeping a buffer for a bit may prove useful.

>>496117
>>do not aid Sun Jian, focus on Liang commandery
Send Sun Jian rations and some alcohol though.

>>496130
At the very least, send supplies, yeah. Though my vote is still to aid him personally. Jing is just too tempting a targetto me.

>>496117
>do not aid Sun Jian, focus on Liang commandery

>>496117
I can go both way here to be honest.

>>496117
He who dares wins, a risky gamble but one that could make a name for us in the end.

I would suggest we aid Sun Jian.

>>496117
>Liang Commandery

>>496142
Sun Jian gives a greater reward imo, but it takes longer to receive. It's playing the long game.
Getting a slice of Jing is a benefit, yes, but the *real* benefit is getting closer to the Sun family, who we've already met and know as both honorable and skilled.
Taking Liang gives easy, immediate benefits, but then we're physically closer to Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Tao Qian, and Yuan Shu, but without any true allies to aid us, so we'd effectively be at the mercy of those four.

Taking Jing is a long game, but the risk is very, very worth it in my opinion.

>>496130
Ya know what? Fuck it. Let's take Jing.

>>496117
>help Sun Jian against Liu Biao
Sun Jian sees as an equal, aiding him means we could divide Jing province which is a much safer and remote power base than the Central Plains

>>496117
>>do not aid Sun Jian, focus on Liang commandery


Tell him face to face our answer though. Feast him in our lands.

>>496166
Shit man, you've summed up what I've been trying to think of a way to explain why I like Sun Jian.
He sees us as an equal. That's something that cannot be said for any other lord. Even Tao Qian only kinda sees us as an equal, and I fel like that's only because we're a little bit aways from him.
Remember Zhang Bas behaviour? That is absolutely NOT the way to greet a visiting lord. And Yuan Shao? He considers us already beneath him.
Sun Jian is the only person who we could feasibly ally with, because he's the only one that looks at us with actual respect.
Yuan Shao Thinks we're his lapdog, I feel like Tao Qian still sees us as some punk who worked for him ages ago, and the others don't even notice us.

>>496117
>>help Sun Jian against Liu Biao

>>496157
Fine, let's yolo

>>496117
>>496157
This right here, we go for part of Jing.

File: image.jpg (31 KB, 640x356)

31 KB JPG

>yandere Sun family fans still infest this quest

>>496117
>help Sun Jian against Liu Biao

>>496229
This time I'll vote against joining them though, we will stay independent and watch Sun Jian and Sun Ce die if we must

>>496229
It's not that bad, but IC Sun Jian is honestly one of the few to treat us as an equal, instead of an inferior.

>>496229
"Cefagpls"fagpls

File: infantry.jpg (34 KB, 464x198)

34 KB JPG

You think over the situation for some time. While you are initially geared towards taking Liang and expanding your power, all logic pointing that way, you cannot feel it in your heart to abandon Sun Jian. Sun Jian has long seen you as an equal and a companion. How had men like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu treated you? As mere pawns and vassals. And then...

“...We will help General Sun Jian,” you say. At your proclamation your officers look at you in surprise and awe. “As Lu Fan says, aiding Sun Jian is a gamble. Yet, should we win against Liu Biao and we manage to ally ourselves with General Sun, we would be able to take a part of Jing for ourselves. The war will be long and arduous, but if we cannot even overcome this challenge, how would we even begin to dream of unifying the land?” You hold out a fist. “Our army shall join with General Sun. We shall out Liu Biao to the rout!”

Your officers bow to you and affirm your orders.

>>496318
Cefagpls fagpls fag pls

File: Sun Jian.jpg (60 KB, 285x404)

60 KB JPG

>>496320
Your immediately begin marching out your troops. The envoy of Sun Jian is surprised, before he could even see you for his request you have already departed with your armies. Together with your officers, you go to meet Sun Jian near Nanyang. After a few days of travel, you see the red banners of Sun Jian's camp. Sun Jian comes out to greet you, and when he sees you, he is quite happy and holds your hands.

“Zheng Li, I almost could not believe it,” he says. “You have marched your troops to aid me without even an exchange of words. I am beyond filled with gratitude. Come, let us share a drink and discuss plans.”

You are brought before Sun Jian's main tent where he gives you wine.

“Zheng Li, my proposal is thus; aid me in breaking through Jiangxia. We cannot take the city of Jiangxia itself. Liu Biao's lands are bountiful and he can hold on to a siege for years. We cannot hope to defeat Liu Biao and conquer his lands. But if you help me break through the commandery itself and get me safe passage to Changsha, I can rebuild my army there. I will build great warships and siege equipment and attack Liu Biao from the south after I am prepared. During the time, you must take the commandery of Runan and the city. Should you be successful in doing so, you can attack Liu Biao from the north. Let me take the commanderies of Nan and Nanyang, and you can take Jiangxia.”

What do you make of this plan? Certainly it would be a hard task. You would have to first help Sun Jian break through Liu Biao's force. You would have to take control of Runan through military or diplomacy, and then aid Sun Jian in defeating Liu Biao. For all your efforts, you would be given Jiangxia, one of the most bountiful commanderies of the land. You would also have a firm ally.

>>496324
>>496320
Did we buy those 300 horses and Killing edge we decided on?
At least, I'm fairly sure we did.

>>496324
Shit man, that's a tough plan. But the prize...
My personal INT score isn't high enough to think of a better plan though.

File: map3.jpg (1.49 MB, 3085x3361)

1.49 MB JPG

>>496324
Map.

>>496324
From hard work comes great reward, we should go for it, especially if there's a chance for a little support too.

>>496324
About the only thing I can think of would be an officer exchanges to help mollify officers on both sides about not backstabbing the other.

>>496324
My lord, although it pleases me greatly to aid a friend, I feel that Jiangxia Commandery would be too little of a reward for me. You could perhaps grant me another Commandery as I have come all the way, ignoring a very lucrative opportunity to aid you. Rest assured that my new lands will not be used in anyway to harm you, and that you can be assured of my loyalty and friendship to you forever

>>496351
Holy shit, no. Do not do this. Jiangxia is absolutely fine.

Realise that by the end of this campaign, should all go according to plan, we will have Chen, Runan, AND Jiangxia. We will have a very decent powerbase.

Also, being greedy when we really don't have a solid position of strength? Not very smart.

>>496351

Yeah no, bad idea.

We take what is offered by Sun Jian.

Use him to help neuter Cao Cao, and move West with Sun/Wu support.

Let the Three Kingdoms be Zheng/Sun/Yuan instead of Liu/Sun/Cao.

>>496361
Plus, if it ends up Zheng/Sun/Yuan, then since we have good ties to Sun, we could ally/marry in to ensure the two of us maintain a peace treaty/alliance.

All this, of course, relies on the mercy of the dice gods, and whether we're willing to push our luck for the greatest rewards.

>>496324
Done deal my good brother. What are friends for?

>>496324
Sounds good to me, dude.

>>496360
I would've preferred Nanyang but oh well

>>496385
Considering Jianxia is considered the "most bountiful commandery" in the land, I'd say we got a good deal.
Plus, if Sun Jian takes Nan and Nanyang, then we'll have a border with a close ally that we won't have to monitor particularly closely. Then we just have to worry about pretty much Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, who we can start gearing up to fuck over, since Yuan Shu is basically a huge asshole that most people dislike.

>>496333
If we have a firm base of Chen, Runana, and maybe Jiangxia, we'd have Cao Cao/Yuan Shao to North and Yuan Shu to the east as potential enemies.

Sun wouldn't share a border with any of these folks so we'd be their shield while they expand, but still a fairly decent deal. The alliance with Tao Qian's looking better.

>>496395
I mean, the main thing we absolutely NEED to remember, is to be kind and merciful to the people living in the land there, make them see it more as us liberating the land instead of burning and pillaging our way through it.

Plus, remember any lasting damage we do, is damage we'll have to repair.
Also my memory may be bad but never let Guan Yu in the castle, or he'll keep mooching off us forever

>>496400
Keep in mind that by sharing a border with Sun he'd also be blocking us from anyone in THAT direction, though they may be less a threat than people like Cao Cao.
I mean, Yuan Shu/Cao Cao will likely focus on each other, as they're both strong powers in the north, while our main problem would be getting a decent alliance with Tao Qian to double team Yuan Shu.
Then cut Yuan Shu's territory down the middle, set Tao Qian against Yuan Shao/Cao Cao, then stab him in the back. Alternatively, start unrest in Tao Qians country by having the countrymen start a fuss about Tao Qian being too weak to defend from pwoers like Yuan Shao or Cao Cao, and spread rumors of how great our land is.

I'm kinda shit at intrigue though, so take all this with a grain of salt, really.

>>496414
I fully expect Liu Bei to come and fuck our shit up sooner or later

File: sun ce 3.jpg (66 KB, 372x526)

66 KB JPG

You nod towards Sun Jian, accepting his proposal. Though the path may be difficult, you already decided back at Chen you would give it your all.

"Very good," Sun Jian says with a nod. "Then on the morrow, let us march against Liu Biao and break through Jiangxia. Liu Biao's forces have already arrayed themselves at the river. I hear he has 15,000 men mustered. I hold 7000 men, and with your 3000, we can surely beat him despite the numbers. We must first win a naval battle against him, and then break through the beach head. Once we put Liu Biao's troops to the rout and he flees for Jiangxia, I will make my way to Changsha."

You nod to Sun Jian and prepare to leave, but a young man enters the tent first. He is a fierce looking man with bright eyes and handsome. He bows before Sun Jian.

"Father! I have pined and long hoped that I would join you in battle. Tomorrow let me join the battle against Liu Biao."

Sun looks at his son, and his brows furrow slightly.

"Ce... I have long heard of your martial ability and prowess. Yet, I am not certain if I can let you lead troops and fight on the front lines yet. You are only eighteen years of age."

"Father, ever since you have campaigned against Dong Zhuo I have sat in the sidelines watching. I have trained with Master Huang Gai and kept to my studies. How long can you keep a tiger caged? I am the son of the Tiger of Jiangdong, and I must begin my first hunt if I am to ever grow up."

Do you say anything?

>support the son and say he should fight
>tell the son he should have patience and stay back for now
>keep out of the family affairs

File: image.jpg (43 KB, 640x356)

43 KB JPG

>>496418
Nah, he's alright.

>>496421
>support the son and say he should fight

>>496421
>keep out of the family affairs
the son seems every bit as ferocious as the father, I see

>>496421
>>support the son and say he should fight
On one hand, not our place to say.
On the other hand, everyone must start somewhere.
But he would have to understand that this is by no means a simple battle, this would be a trial by fire fighting a greater foe for his families survival, failure might mean the death of not just himself, but others he cares for.

Unless you guys think that's too patronizing, I'm fuckawful at dialogue.

>>496421
>>keep out of the family affairs

>>496421
>>496433
Actually, on second though, he's only 18 still.
Maybe
>keep out of the family affairs
I mean, if doesn't have experience leading me, this isn't *quite* the time to get it, as it'll be a hard fight.

>>496421
>support the son and say he should fight
I'm beginning to regret this

>>496421
>>496429
Changing my vote to break the tie.

Changing to keep out of family afairs

>stay out of family affairs

>>496421
>keep out of the family affairs

>>496421
>>keep out of the family affairs

>>496421
>>keep out of the family affairs

Praise the son, nonetheless.

File: sun ce.jpg (29 KB, 333x449)

29 KB JPG

Though the young man reminds you of yourself when you first started your band of mercenaries, you feel it out of place to say anything on the matter. You keep out of family matters as befitting a polite man. (+1 Pol, +1 Cha)

Sun Jian closes his eyes and he hums a bit, his sheathed sword planted firmly on the ground.

"Very well then," Sun Jian says opening his eyes and smiling. "As you say, a tiger cannot be locked away. I expect you to fight well Ce. And I also expect you to know that death is everywhere on the front lines, and should you perish in battle you have no one to blame but yourself."

Sun Ce clasps his hands and bow.

"A warrior fears not death. You shall not be disappointed father," he says before marching out. Sun Jian laughs as he sees his son go.

"The young ones grow so fast. Both my sons Ce and Quan are talented individuals. I am proud to be their father. Zheng Li, have you any kids yet?" he says turning to you.

>No, but I plan to in the future
>No, and children are no concern of mine yet

>>496480
>>No, but I plan to in the future

>>496480
>>No, but I plan to in the future

"Your son has your spirit and fire. He will grow up to be a fine man."

>>496480
>>No, but I plan to in the future
I do hope to have a son half as brave as yours.

>>496480
>>No, but I plan to in the future
"Though I fear it may be a long ways off, as I intend to have a few commanderies under my belt before I consider marrying.

I hope to have a family as fine as yours one day, though. Your son has your spirit though, He will grow up to be a fine man."

>>496480

>No, but I plan to in the future

>>496480
>No, but I plan to in the future

"Not as of yet," you reply. "But I plan to in the future. If ever I have any, I hope they will grow up to be fine men likes yours."

"Mmm... Helping the nation and earning yourself fame is a fine thing. But it all becomes meaningless if you cannot even pass on your bloodline. Hah, I remember the troubles I went through for Guotai."

Sun Jian nods and reminisces for a few seconds.

"Perhaps you can marry my daughter when she comes of age. Though to be quite honest, she's become a handful unruly," he says with a laugh. "In any case, let us rest and prepare for the battle tomorrow. Tell me if you need anything and I shall provide."

You and Sun Jian depart to rest.

File: naval battle 3.jpg (52 KB, 478x204)

52 KB JPG

>>496534
Early next morning your army and Sun Jian marches out. As Sun Jian stated, you see a number of enemy ships in the distance of the Chang Jian river. Though the river that goes through Jiangxia is smaller than the eastern parts, it is still a barrier you must overcome. Sun Jian lends you some warships, and together you sail to fight Liu Biao.

Your forces array themselves against the enemy. Liu Biao's army consists of a dozen warships and the rest are smaller warships. The troops of Jing are said to be good marksmen and ship handlers, a disadvantage you may hold since you have never participated in a naval battle. You hear the enemy commanders are Huang Zu and Cai Mao. Sun Jian has lent you three large warships, one commanded by yourself, one by Hao Xian, and the other by Zhang He.

The drums of war beat and Sun Jian's fleet advance. How do you proceed with the battle?

>focus on ranged support and keep the distance
>attack and destroy the smaller ships
>put your efforts in attacking the enemy command ships

>>496536
>attack and destroy the smaller ships

>>496536
>put your efforts in attacking the enemy command ships
We're not good in naval battles so we should head towards, their commanders, beat them and put their head on the mast. This will demoralize the enemy and end the battle immediately

>>496536
>>attack and destroy the smaller ships
Keep it simple, we have little experience in naval warfare after all. Just take care not to get surrounded.

>>496536
>>attack and destroy the smaller ships

>>496536
>put your efforts in attacking the enemy command ships

Their tactic would likely to be using the smaller ships to distract us while the larger ships pelt us at range. We should ignore them and go for their commanders who are less skilled than us at close-range.

>>496536
>attack and destroy the smaller ships
The more enemy dead, the less arrows we'll get.

>>496536
>>put your efforts in attacking the enemy command ships

What do our commanders suggest anyways.

>>496536
>attack and destroy the smaller ships

>>496536
>>attack and destroy the smaller ships

File: naval.png (737 KB, 640x433)

737 KB PNG

With the enemy troops full of good archers and their command ships protected well, you understand well that engaging the enemy in ranged combat and trying to take on the warships is futile. Your goal here is to force the enemy to retreat through casualties. With that in mind, you order all ships to focus on destroying the smaller ships and routing enemy units.

"Forward!" you cry out with your new blade pointed at the enemy. With an affirmation of hurah, your ships advance.

Your ships close in on the weaker, small ships of the enemy formation. Arrows of rain fall on you and several of your men perish. You still press on and in due time your ships smash against the enemy. With cries of bravery, your men begin boarding the enemy ships and engaging them in melee.

Hao Xian and Zhang He work well together. They reinforce any lines that are in need of help and they send squads of men to flank any opening they can see. On the distance you see Sun Jian's troops fight bravely as well.

You feel a sudden impact on the side of your warship. One of the enemy ships has managed to penetrate through, and a large doughty warriors is trying to board.

"Enemy general! Fight me in single combat!" the man yells waving around a halberd as he jumps to your ship with several other guards.

>fight the enemy champion in a duel
>order your archers to shoot the enemy and push them back

>>496609
>>fight the enemy champion in a duel

>>496609
>fight the enemy champion in a duel

>>496609
>>fight the enemy champion in a duel
Fuck it, we just bought Killing Edge, and have decent War. We got this.

>inb4 we don't got this

>>496609
>fight the enemy champion in a duel
Jesus, Chinese ships are an abomination

>>496609
>fight the enemy champion in a duel

>>496609
>>fight the enemy champion in a duel

>>496618
>he's waving around a halberd
>it's Lu Bu again

>>496609
>fight the enemy champion in a duel

Hell yeah

>>496640
>He's jealous we're actually getting closer to sun ce this time, instead of making Wu Bu

Your guards move to defend you and your crossbowmen get ready to fire. However you place your hand mid-air and stop your troops. Drawing your new blade, you jump forward.

"It has been far too long since I have faced a worthy opponent! I am Zheng Li of Yuzhou, meet your death warrior!"

The large man twirls his halberd.

"Wen Pin of Jingxia shall have your head!"

Post 5 tactics and 1d100 roll.
Strike > Swing > Parry.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>496653

SWING

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>496653
Parry
>inb4 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>496653
Strike

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>496653
Strike

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>496653
Swing!

>>496653
Wen Pin's a cool dude

I really like the idea of Lu Bu coming back like one of those Shadow of Mordor Orcs that have grudges because you hurt or ran from them.

File: Wen Pin.png (111 KB, 240x240)

111 KB PNG

You and Wen Pin engage. You aim to use your speed over Wen Pin's large body and quickly look for opening as you make feints with your blade. But the doughty warriors give no opening and the two of you consistently clash with one another.

Neither of you can find the advantage. You both exchange blows and after a fierce exchange of blows the two of you are bloodied up. The rocking of the ship forces both of you off balance and to gain distance from one another. You wince at the pain from the enemy's blows and you can feel a particular striking pain at your ribs.

(Minor injury obtained)

"General Wen Pin! The enemy is breaking through! General Huang Zu needs your help!"

"Tch," Wen Pin mutters as he begins to slowly back away to go back on board. He too is wounded and needs to back off.

What do you do? Forcing another duel might prove bad for you.

>charge forward to finish the duel
>order your men to capture Wen Pin

Swing vs Parry (74) (Zheng Li -10 HP)
Parry vs Strike (92) (Wen Pin -16 HP)
Strike vs Strike (32) (Zheng Li -12 HP, Wen Pin -11 HP)
Strike vs Strike (40) (Zheng Li -12 HP, Wen Pin -12 HP)
Swing vs Swing (70) (Zheng Li -12 HP, Wen Pin -14 HP)

Zheng Li: 54 HP
Wen Pin: 47 HP

>>496702
>>order your men to capture Wen Pin
Surround him, shoot his leg, etc.

>>496702
>>order your men to capture Wen Pin
Dang. Almost symmetrical choices.

>>496702
>>order your men to capture Wen Pin

Take him out while we can

>>496702
>order your men to capture Wen Pin
You start a fight you cannot finish? You will see it to the end.

>>496702
>>charge forward to finish the duel

>>496702
>order your men to capture Wen Pin
Xaxaxaxaxa it's a trap

>>496702
>order your men to capture Wen Pin

>>496702
>>Order your men to capture Wen Pin

We must capture Wen Pin at all costs.

>>496702
>order your men to capture Wen Pin

"Capture that man! Do not let him escape!" you call out. Your troops march out to stop Wen Pin, but he jumps back to his ship and the men under his command fight to push your men off.

You order other ships in the vicinity to pursue Wen Pin as it begins retreating back to enemy lines. Other enemy ships move in the cover Wen Pin...

(Roll 1d100, avg of three)

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>496741

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>496741

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>496741

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>496741

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>496741
1

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>496741

>>496745
fuck

>>496744
>>496745
>>496747
avg: 55.6

probably not gonna get him.

File: 1aiusdjkasn.jpg (79 KB, 500x720)

79 KB JPG

>>496745
FUCK

>>496755
We have a high leadership and the average is always going to be middling.

>>496760
Maybe Wen Ping will crit fail and slip off the boat and break his neck

>>496755
He's badly wounded, we have a shot

these dice were created as a sick joke by the nazis

File: Sun Jian2.jpg (20 KB, 200x272)

20 KB JPG

Despite the efforts of your men, Wen Pin manages to escape through the efforts of his escort. The setback is minor however as you order your men back in formation to continue their attacks on the enemy. In the distance you can see Sun Jian's ships managing to break through the enemy formation. The sound of enemy horns calls for a retreat and the enemy begins to fall back.

You wince in pain as the battle begins to end and your men help you stand. You immediately call for a doctor to patch your wounds. Though not life-threatening, you should be weary of fighting on the front lines.

Hao Xian and Zhang he pursues the retreating ships and inflicts a crushing defeat on the enemy. As the last of the enemy ships disappear from sight, your army and Sun Jian's regroup. You count your casualties and find about 500 men dead. Sun Jian suffered about a thousand casualties on the front brunt of the battle and the enemy suffered several thousands.

>1500 Veteran, 500 Trained, 1500 Adepts
to
>1400 Veteran, 400 Trained, 1200 Adepts

Sun Jian comes aboard your ship. Hearing of your injury, he comes to visit you in your quarters.

"Zheng Li, how do you fare? I must apologize, you have been injured on my behalf."

>tell Sun Jian he has no fault in the matter
>laugh off your pain and say it's nothing for a warrior
>request a small compensation for the deaths of your men and your injury

>>496795
>>laugh off your pain and say it's nothing for a warrior
Git gud or git dead.

>>496795
>>laugh off your pain and say it's nothing for a warrior
We will pay them back triple for this though.

>>496795
>>laugh off your pain and say it's nothing for a warrior
It's really not all that bad, honestly

>>496795
>tell Sun Jian he has no fault in the matter