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Post by Mr Wu Sheng on Jul 3, 2008 17:38:29 GMT -5
The Dark Knight mused over the forever growing agitation within the camp, the soldiers seemed lined within two groups, some supported Yuan Shao, whilst the majority seemed to favour He Jin. To him though, it didn't matter who held the power, the only thing that mattered was the head of Dong Zhuo and all of his ill-founded kin.
"So much for the Han Empire." he spat the words mockingly, for why would anyone try and sway him otherwise, "A large army gathers upon city walls, and we sit around bickering about such trivial matters, if the savior of the Emperor and Empress is so damn important, why not greet our enemies with a fortified wall, a wall that consists of spears and swords alike. You may hate Zhao Yun and so many others who have spoken their minds, but at least they have them - unlike the fools who hide behind titles and who claim power. if you want to think about the good of the Han Empire, just look at how the Yellow Turbans were even founded, just look at the reason the people was depressed, maybe then you will see justice and truth behind the words of idiots, perhaps then you will learn to control your tongues for just one second - and look at the bigger picture here."
he turned to Zhao Yun, his face hidden behind the many veils wrapped around him, and continued, "I respect your words general, but you are naive if you think these people will ever understand, i wish you the best of luck on your travels."
And with that he turned, un-caring if anybody spoke out against him, for after all - it was a free world these days. His moment of peace didn't last long though, for a new general approached him, his eyes inspecting - as if he was the one who he would finally settle with and speak properly to, far away from the ears of brainless drones and fools.
"General Sun Ce."
He offered a bow of greeting, his head slumping slightly as he swirled away, taking a casual stroll in hopes that the man would soon follow.
"My name is of little importance, but if my suspicions are true, i guess that in due time, you shall soon know my name."
he paced forth after that, the stroll being a long one upon the embankments of the plains around him. It was only then that he heard the mis-guided steps of a messenger, and he turned an uneasy eye to both the running messenger and Sun Ce, who was left standing a little further down, "Come general, i sense an unusual amount if disturbance for something as trivial as a gathering of soldiers - however, if things run smoothly, i could do with a few drinks." He smiled beneath his concealed form, knowing that even though his facial features were well hidden, maybe Sun ce would sense the slightly chuckle of excitement within his voice.
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Sun Jian
Corporal
Ferocious Tiger
The tiger rises from the ashes of the burning world to unify China!
Posts: 51
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Post by Sun Jian on Jul 3, 2008 18:07:15 GMT -5
Qin Fang was eager to tell everyone else, but was it on a need to know basis? Never mind that, he put his weapons down and made his was to the group of people. Qin Fang soon arrived there and gulped right before he was ready to talked, he waited for one of the men to finish and then he came out with it.
"Excuse me, if there is anyone here in Wu then I was just told that Lord Sun Jian would be coming earlier than he had planned to provide reinforcements to battle for all of us, so lets make it a good battle!"
With those words being said he saw some people egknowledge him, and others not, but that did not matter to him as long as he was heard by the people that needed to hear him. His old battle companion Sun Jian was coming to fight along side him once again, it was going to be like a dream all over again!
Qin sat down and thought a bit about when they were defending Jian Ye together, they were not the best warriors, but they sure as hell had been made into warriors, that day... was the first day they had tasted blood, when he had saved Sun Jian's life. The two of them had been close ever since that day, long ago.
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Post by Ryou Kin on Jul 3, 2008 18:19:15 GMT -5
Continuing from his entrance into the Allied Camp, Ryou continues to his destination of the Campfire. Men continue to flood the campfire and things seems to get louder and louder by it also. So much for hearing stories about the warriors around the fire. His steps towards such a location just feels like he is about to step into a cage. Each step he took the strike of fear consume him little by little. Just the sheer voices of the men shakes the bones of Kin’s spine.
“Get a’hold of yourself Kin!…”
More start to crowd around the fire and things are becoming intense. Ryou moves over the a tent that is near the camp fire area. Just there watching and hearing all that comes out of the air holes of the others. Here and there he laughs at what the other men are saying yet he still remains silent without a word. Things hear is very entertaining to him, other than a battle or fight.
“So funny yet so dull-witted these men are.”
Ryou surely did not care, just really bored and waiting the battle to start. Moving onward, Kin grabs a drink of wine and sits for a few more minutes to hear the conversations of the men. Then, the thought of what is going on inside the Command Tent ran through him for a few seconds. Ryou then said to himself, “I should go check there after this drink.” He shrug his shoulders and continued to drink and listen to the conversations.
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Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Jul 3, 2008 18:23:46 GMT -5
Lu Zhi shook his head, titles and power, was that honestly what they believe all those of us supporting He Jin were thinking about? Why he, Lu Zhi, was battling so much against those speaking out? Because it was not. inface his reasons were very simple. He felt that He Jin was being judged unfairly and moreover to accuse him of such deeds when the emperor and the empress were rumoured to be dead was hardly fair at all. True he may have wanted to stay in power but that would be far better as it limited the power of Eunuchs had He Jin not done so the Eunuchs would of grown in power and would not be dead, the only good thing to come out of this chaos.
Lu Zhi cared not for power but he addressed He Jin in title as a form of respect for his deeds and plus to the fact that had he not done so he would also be at risk of being impolite to the Grand Commander and risk punishment. Those that had came here and openly bashed the Commander on the eve of the battle were being highly foolish, particulary that fool and pitiful excuse of a Han Officer Zhao Yun. It would spread doubt about theCommanders capabilities and affect troop morale and on the brink of battle such a thing was not a good idea. He hurriedly whispered quietely to He Jin.
"Grand Commander, such a arguement in public and infront of the troops is very bad for troop morale on the brink of battle. let us take this in the Command Tent as previously suggested. Otherwise our battle ahead may be affected. Moreover we needto complete preperations for battle and the plan. Success in the battle will dispel all doubt about your capabilities and your intentions. "
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Post by Zhang Liao on Jul 3, 2008 19:20:47 GMT -5
Zhang Liao snickered as he watched the scene before him unfold. The cold seemed to melt away in the face of such anger. Either that, or someone poked a hole in the balloon of hot air named He Jin. Walking away from his fire and into the cold, Zhang Liao spoke loud enough for Yuan Shao and He Jin to hear without the rest of the troops hearing as well.
"My lords, this bickering is availing us naught. There is such a thing called the chain of command; it's a chain that we cannot afford to break at this juncture. As much as we loathe one another, we must put up with one another. The Han rots precisely because you tolerate things like men proclaiming they belong to 'Wu'. And what, pray tell, is this 'Wu' but another upstart insurgent kingdom? Commander He Jin, one might say you are bound by law to arrest and execute the lot of them. But we both know that doing so would further hurt our chances of defeating Dong Zhuo.
"Now, if you'd be so kind, Commander, please leave Yuan Shao to me. You have a battle to plan; I'll see to it that the northern warlord falls into formation."
Offering a smile and slight bow, Zhang Liao turned to Zhang He and Yuan Shao.
"Gentlemen, the cold night air chills to the bone. Would you do me the honor of joining me by my fire?"
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Post by Mr Phoenix on Jul 3, 2008 20:27:19 GMT -5
((Unless you have not posted since Yuan Shao, do not post again. Yuan Shao must post as soon as he gets on, as well as He Jin.))
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Post by Lyle on Jul 3, 2008 23:24:10 GMT -5
(For said reasons I am ignoring most of Lu Zhi's posts, get a hole of yourself. Oh and a warning, I'm a bit drunk, here we go though.)
Zhang Liao, unknown to Shao, barked out a trivial response, as though he was defeated. Yet he knew his name, which amazed Yuan Shao. For Yuan Shao had purposely not introduced himself, he was an unknown man standing up from the crowd with nothing but the facts. Everyone else was sitting around calmly talking g with their heads down. All quiet little whispers if anything. But Yuan Shao, the might of the north, only in his garb appears and clears away the smoke between them and that terrible looking main camp. But all the saw was a noble looking man, maybe this was why the unknown, yet famed, soldier spoke out. Yuan waited for one of the crowd to back him up, yet he noticed his Zhang He was not by his side. Strange.
Stranger, a man in cloak appeared, though if could've been a woman, the figure was indistcint and Yuan saw nothing but the peasant hat they wore. His comments were folly, threats at most. Yuan Shao had not the time to stand before threats, quickly he pushed forward, alighing himself to the space next to the man before he even finished talking. His eyes were already on He Jin, who was stomping out from his command tent, guards and officials in toe. Laughable, Yuan Shao had none. Later Zhang He would surprise his master with his voice, his figure quiet silent before the many harsh words of the voice around.
"You would rally the soldiers against me? On the eve of battle?"
Yuan Shao smiled at He Jin, for he'd yet to see him on this day, and knew of his curtisies. Qucikly though he went on the offense, defense would be expected he noted, "Listen and listen carefully; my words are harsh but the truth. I do not speak of rebellion but enlightenment! I open closed eyes to the power that hides both before and behind. We do not face a turban army, but a HAN army! We are men, but we are dedicated. You may be just as dedicated as any of the men who stand here today, yet you are the exact reason we are here today. And no matter what you say to defend yourself, you will never be able to wipe the blood that Dong Zhuo disposed upon your coat! I am Yuan Shao. I am a man of great loyalty to the Han. I am troubled, no appalled that you, a man who is employed in the same great Empire, dare lose its Emperor. You must be held responsible for your inept abilities. You were lucky that Dong Zhuo stepped in before you could properly be handled by the court!"
A man began to yell from the corner, but was silenced by Zhou Tai, a name not known by Benchu. Yet he again knew his name, he stood to Shao's side and spoke. Later Shao would be told he held his blame firmly, almost like it meant something. Yuan would not steep to his level and be brought into a pointless argument with a pointless man (For he had none it seemed). More rose up to speak, Shao listened to all voices at first, but quickly he averted. Men like these were quick to show their allegiances. A strong basis for an army, yet they lacked redeeming qualities. Their eyes were far too blocked, still.
Zhang He then chose to speak, in defense of his new lord. He was a great man, a great find, even though he in all honesty found Shao first. Again the unknown figure, for Shao hadn't even looked over, spoke in defiance. That voice was now falling upon deaf ears, though Shao was keen not to show it. After much chatting, and what looked like He Jin in retreat, a warrior appeared from Jin's group of guards and officials. He was a tall figure, not proud looking yet honorable looking. His very body was a tribute to the warrior, and he looked like many had fallen upon his blade. His words were quite harsh to both lords. Shao waited for He Jin to reply to both his and the warriors comments.
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Post by Mr Nor on Jul 4, 2008 1:10:16 GMT -5
Zhou Tai closed his eyes. This was precisely what he didn't want to happen. When he heard Zhang Liao speak... he began to think. He spoke truth. What was Wu, in actuality? He had fought for this name as long as he could remember. As long as he could...
"Hm..."
He turned towards Zei Fang. "Zei Fang, nothing good will come of this. We need to focus on the quarrel ahead of us with Dong Zhuo. Besides, I don't want to have to choose sides in this bickering." He said to his apprentice as he began to walk away. ei Fang stood, and after glancing at He Jin, he looked at Yuan Shao, swallowed, and nodded his respect. Now that he had listened... nobody liked what Yuan Shao spoke, simply because he spoke the truth. But... Zei Fang was torn, and was glad he wouldn't have to hear anymore. Turmoil between allies on the eve of combat was not ideal.
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Post by Dark Narrator on Jul 4, 2008 3:41:49 GMT -5
If Dong Zhou could see or hear around the campfire of the allied encampment he would surely laugh. His enemy was picking itself apart from the inside, doing the job for him. After all, soldiers who do not want to fight for the cause or question their commander’s abilities are worthless. Such a group, sent out to face Zhou’s force, in its current state, would get cut down like blades of grass!
The only hope now, for the allies, would be if they could turn the current fiasco into a positive event. Unfortunately, as every moment passed the situation seemed to get worse.
What Yuan Shao was thinking, openly questioning and degrading the Grand Commander, could only be known by a crazed person. The northern lord was dancing on a knife’s edge, insulting He Jin the night before they were ready to regain Luo Yang and exact revenge upon Dong Zhuo for his treacherous actions. A large host of guards were now moving toward their leader for sake of still holding what small piece of the Han was left.
He Jin said nothing, his eyes locked on Benchu, and only caught a small bit of what the dark warrior said to him. The Grand Commander had far too much to think about than speaking with newcomers after his honor was spat on; even if what was said had truth in it.
What surprised He Jin the most though, was the outburst by Zhao Zilong. He was known as a loyal and trustworthy general, but Jin would question said rumors for his current actions. He should have known better than to rule out Jin’s plans before they were even discussed amongst the allies. Sure, he was the final say in all things before the armies marched but he wanted input from others gathered inside the main tent.
Even if Yuan Shao, Zhang He, and Zhao Yun were all correct and He Jin was not worthy of the gathered talent, as well as his title, they were dooming every man present. What did they think? Would He Jin be replaced, killed, overthrown, on the eve of battle?
The timing for such insolence could not have been worse!
Soldiers, new recruits and even some veterans, were beginning to feel a cold chill up their spine. Would the leaders bark at each other, from atop their steeds, as the normal soldiers were getting cut to ribbons on the frontlines?
He Jin said nothing throughout the entire drama as each officer or rogue put in their own comments. It was ridiculous, who were these people to even speak with the Grand Commander as if a common soldier? Had they no sense of rank, respect, or intelligence on how to conduct war? In retrospect he would be glad that he kept quiet, secretly boiling his insides like a bowl of hot stew.
Lu Zhi, though foolish in his blind defense of Jin, spoke the most sense out of all the men gathered when he stated that Jin should walk away. Zhao Yun said something similar, but he was now on bad terms with the Commander for his disrespect.
It was true though, to Shao's point, that He Jin had allowed Dong Zhuo to slay the Emperor and take control of the capital. He had fallen prey to a ruse created by Li Ru which used Zhang Jiao as bait to lure He Jin from Luo Yang. After moving away from the city to attack, Jin realized his folly and immediately started back for the capital but it was too late.
Jin’s hand moved to his sword hilt as in his mind he envisioned slicing Benchu’s throat and then gutting him like a fish. However, he unlike many present had seen many battles and so called heroes come and go. What was needed was a well know, respected leader of the fallen Han not some upstarts who thought themselves to par with He Jin.
Unfortunately, much of what was said had truth to it. However, He Jin had not the time nor patience to openly defend himself when in the morning a battle was to be fought.
Looking at Zhao Yun and then to Lu Zhi, He Jin turned his back to Yuan Shao. He did not even give the so called great a response; treating him as if a mere attendant who cleans his clothing.
He Jin moved back toward the main tent and ordered 20 veteran guards to keep an ‘eye’ on Yuan Shao and the strange fairy man floating about him.
**Ha, I really did not feel like doing a big speech so I left it all RPed in content, I think it works fine as opposed to me trying to respond to everything**
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Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Jul 4, 2008 6:23:52 GMT -5
Lu Zhi followed the Commander into the main tent. He felt that it was far more important to try and pull the allied forces back together and complete plans for the upcoming battle than carry argueing with these other fools since they were obviously too reluctant to give up their foolish endeavours and were more than likely not able to realise the damage they had dealt.
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Post by Mr. Zhang He on Jul 4, 2008 13:49:10 GMT -5
Zhang He smiled and shook his head as He Jin turned away. He stepped closer to Yuan Shao and whispered to him.
"It seems your words stung him more than he would like to admit, for him to simply turn away without even defending himself. A most graceless gesture, to be sure." Junyi chuckled and brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes as he continued, "I would suggest that we withdraw for now. There is little beauty in bickering, and when He Jin's incompetence manifests itself on the field, you will be the natural choice to succeed him, having predicted just that."
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Post by Mr Phoenix on Jul 5, 2008 18:52:13 GMT -5
Zhao Yun sighed, he was distraught and confused, angered if just a little. He had not meant to start a bickering match between those loyal to He Jin, and those who thought that Yuan Shao was right. Of course, many here now thought that Yun had sided with Shao, he was more than sure of it, mainly because they admittedly called him and fool and traitor. He looked at each of the men there, many who now turned their backs to walk away, not wanting to become involved in the poor planning that was taking place before them, even now, He Jin was retreating like a coward into his tent. Though with the way his anger went, it was a surprise to be sure.
The warrior cleared his throat, He Jin was almost to the tent, as well as what many would call a stooge, Lu Zhi. “I realize, venerable Lord Jin, that my actions seem traitorous and careless,” He took a deep breath, not really caring if Jin was listening, this was mainly for those around. “I however will not be cowed into following you because you claim to be doing this for the good of the Han.” He spun to look at Jin’s back, to see if he had turned to look or respond to Yun. “You know very well you do this for yourself, whether it be revenge, or simply a mad grab for power. When tomorrow comes, I will follow who is ever leading. But tonight I will make this claim. I do not fight for you, I do not fight for Yuan Shao should he some how become leader of this brigade as he would like, nor would I fight for any leader that would be named. I fight for the Han, for the Emperor, be he dead or otherwise. I fight for the defenseless and those who are to young to grasp what is going on.” Yun grasped his heart, bowing his head.
He looked back up, his eyes just slightly more fierce, like that of a lion who wont go down. “But of course, why each of us here matters not, for we all have one goal, the defeat of Dong Zhou. But why certain people are placed in certain positions because of who they were not because of what they are capable of his pure ignorance and foolishness. I ask you He Jin, why do you think you should be made leader of this campaign instead of someone else, perhaps someone who is more schooled in war than that of politics. Should an administer be leading men into battle, or a poet fight in a duel that would decide the outcome of a battle? I would certainly think not, though that is not to say warriors cannot be poets, but the reverse is not always true.”
Yun expected to see the tent flap to close behind Jin, as such he turned about. He looked at Yuan Shao and Zhang He, both men had openly defied He Jin, and who knew now whether they would be banished or not. It had appeared, though, as though Shao had ignored Zhang Liao’s comment on joining him for a glass of wine, or whatever he would have done. Perhaps Liao had the right idea, but Shao, Yun doubted, would move from his position. He had created what he wanted, division and questions. How many men wished to be doubted about their positions, as He Jin had figured no one would dare move against him. But he did not have the backing of the Emperor as he did during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. And even there he had failed completely, putting men in positions of power who clearly did not deserve it. Only a few had made any kind of name for themselves.
Zhao Yun finally turned to the man who was trying to announce the arrival of Sun Jian. “Pray that he does not come to a camp so far divided it cannot fight.” What would that bring to this squabble, what would Jian’s plans be now that the position of leader was up for grabs, no matter how much He Jin would like to assume differently. Would he make his own stake, or would he follow the path of most of the Han loyalist and ally himself along side Jin, or would he take the route of a man who realize foolishness and debauchery right away, and claim, like Yuan, it should be lead by someone else.
However, as Yun looked over the two again, he was concerned about Shao himself. Was he any better than He Jin. The warrior knew the nobleman was portrayed as a fool and an ignorant man, but was that something the man would let foster so that his enemies would be lulled into a false sense of security? Anything was possible, but the question today was, could he lead this army if He Jin could be convinced to step aside. It road not on the backs of He Jin or Yuan Shao to decide that, though, it rested instead with the men of this Coalition, the soldiers of the Han. The green and veterans both. Of course, ignorance on their part could lead to anarchy, which was something no one here wanted, of that Yun was sure, nothing good ever came of that. The Yellow Turbans were proof of that.
“So what do you have to say for yourself, Lord Yuan Shao. You wish to lead this Coalition against Dong Zhou. That much is clear. But what makes you any more different than He Jin, or any of the other former Han ministers, what makes your cause any more righteous. Do your brains supersede any plots our enemy will enact, or stop any campaigns their warriors will commence?” Yun shrugged his shoulders, though would Shao say anything in defense of himself. He must have some sort of plan if he wished to dethrone He Jin. But then again, what had Zhao Yun done for himself, he sounded like a pompous ass, who thought that he stood head and shoulders above everyone, that he was somehow wiser than everyone else, and could see it all. However, in truth, he was far more worried than anyone else, he feared what would happen should the coalition fall apart. Would Dong Zhou have free access to all the territories that dominated the Central Plains? What would become of China?
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