|
Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Aug 9, 2008 12:38:46 GMT -5
~A Battle's Eve~
*Never a more daunting time in the days of a warrior who seeks peace then a day like this. A day where you reluctantly take up your armor, padding each plate carefully, lashing it tight against your body. Where you take hold of your spear, and place your helm over your head, thus destroying every essence of humanity that rests within you and taking up the lifestyle of a common soldier. For every man, be him Sun Yuan Ci, Ma Chao, or even a one of the hundreds of soldiers that were mere pawns to a lords ambition, every man was the same under these situations. On an eve of battle, a time when armies marched. A time when the diplomatic relations died between lords, or perhaps they were never even there.*
*In a time like this, warriors and soldiers and armies marched, knowing that there was nothing that could now destroy or delay the battle to come. For a man such as Ma Chao, this moment was golden. For a man like Zhiyun, this was the worst situation he could possibly be in. His whole life, he had trained in martial arts, and his whole life he had been known as a warrior. When he rode to battle against Dong Zhuo, he could at least do so with a high head, as it was a just cause to fight for, to destroy tyranny. But in a time like this, there was no tyranny, and all he was fighting for was to delay the rule of militarism. Zhiyun had feared Ma Chao ever since he barged into Luo Yang at the celebration of Dong Zhuo's fall. He had called for the people to remain weary of him by keeping a wandering eye on Liang. They had not, and they had allowed him to create alliances with men who could also not be trusted, and allowed him to crush the freedom of Liang into his submission, and he was now the most powerful man in China.*
*But the power he possessed and the power that Zhiyun possessed were entirely different.*
*They were similar in warcraft. Either man, on the field of battle, could decimate entire ranks be it with soldiers at their side or entirely by themselves, as Zhiyun proved he could do against the ranks of Lu Bu's soldiers and against Lu Bu himself. Simply watching the men walk to streets of a city could spell their power. While Ma Chao stalked the streets, the people cowered in fear, and hid, but flocked to Sun Yuan Ci.*
*And here he was, marching against Mengqi with an army of hundreds, passing under the gate of Qing Ni, en route to Chang An. He had sent word to Sun Liao to follow, and he had told Huang Zhong to secure the homefront's defenses before marching out himself, leaving Liang Xun to govern Ye in their absence. Sun Yuan Ci passed the gate, and set up camp at the western edge, making a rather large one while awaiting the presence of men such as Sun Liao or Cao Cao.*
|
|
|
Post by Mr Nor on Aug 9, 2008 15:16:48 GMT -5
((I'm assuming we're going to.. Chen An. If we're not, lemme know and I'll fix this.))
Zhou Tai was no novice when it came to combat, which was why he led a massive army to aid in the battle against Ma Chao. He was no novice when it came to having an advisor rule in the stead of the lord, which was what he would do this day as he left for Chang An. However, the thoughts that accompanied him during these times of strife... were always troubling. Troubling, even more, was Zei Fang in a state of unnatural melancholy. He found the young warrior sitting at a table, alone, 2 hours before their scheduled departure. Not drinking. Not eating. He seemed to be contemplating something of importance.
"Zei Fang, it;s time to ready your horse. we ride in two short hours."
Zei Fang did not seem to hear him. "These chairs are empty."
Zhou Tai did not understand. "Well... yes, Zei Fang. you are the only one here."
"No, you're missing my point. What if they stay this way? This is not like us fighting against Dong Zhuo, Master Tai. This is... more. Much, much more. then we marched with a small number of troops. Now, we... we have the largest army in China. And we bring these thousands of men to fight against Ma Chao. What if they all die?"
Zhou Tai took a seat up next to Zei Fang. "Zei Fang... these emotions you are feeling towards your troops are natural. You care for tem, because they cared for you. Don't stress it, Zei Fang. Everything will work itself out in the end. The Heavens have a Mandate for every single one of them, whether it be life or death. They know the stakes, and yet they still fight. They fear death not, and it is not your place to fear for them."
Zei Fang slowly stood and exhaled a deep breath. "I suppose you're right. I'll ready the cav-"
"No, ready yourself. I'll take care of the troops. Ready yourself, and calm your nerves. The next week wil be stressful."
And so it began. Zhou Tai and Zei Fang led their numerous troops towards Chang An. There were nearly 5000 troops in his army, and he knew that many of them would not return to see their sons in the coming weeks.
"The colors of the world are changing... day by day..."
They continued on their way to Chang An, but not before making a stop in Qing Ni. However, he saw campfires already around the western edge. "troops, set up on the eastern side while I say hello to our fellow General. I will be with you shortly." Zhou Tai said as his horse trotted towards his fellow General's army. He would look for the General, speak briefly, and then return to his troops for a little morale speech before they went to bed.
|
|
|
Post by Huang Zhong on Aug 9, 2008 17:19:48 GMT -5
Huang Zhong rode into the camp proudly on his trusted steed, the black horse, Straight Arrow, his small escort of troops following behind him. He had marched from Ye after making sure everything was in order before, the guards alert, the runners ready to ride at the first sign of the enemy army. It was unlikely that the enemy would be dishonorable enough to attack an emptied city, especially someone as prideful as Ma Chao. Still, it never hurt anyone to be prepared. He was fitted in his best battle robes, colored a shimmering green. Padded armor covered his arms, and his sword was sheathed at his side. His beard was finely trimmed, the hairs pure white.
Huang had mixed feelings about this battle. He was glad he was finally able to fight in a battle once more. At the same time, however, he was unsure of how how felt about fighting Ma Chao. Many claimed he was a threat to the land and must be eliminated. At the same time, however, he had hard he was a valiant warrior with no fear. No man with true courage was truly a terrible person. Regardless of what he felt, however he would meet Ma Chao and his armies on the field of battle and engage him with honor.
|
|
|
Post by Cao Cao on Aug 10, 2008 10:22:55 GMT -5
So the day had finally come. Anxiety and anticipation had been higher and more broad than golden sun itself, spreading vastly across the plains of China, and washing over the hearts and souls of men. With it came two things. First of all was fear, a terrifying worry of the unknown, what would happen to the common lives of all Chinamen. It gripped at the senses, and wrought them into whimpering and pathetic state, ever controlling ones ability to stand and fight. Primarily however, times like this brought forth great warriors; was a bellowing siren, acting as the song that such heroes danced to. Under death’s watchful eye, their blades would twirl, and their pads of armour rattle, forever echoing out into the screams of al the already fallen. The time was here, and the brave few would answer the call.
All men fought for what they believed in, no man was without purpose, even in the anarchy of this contemporary world. The aggressor Ma Chao was spurred on by revenge for his slain father, heroes such as Sun Yuan Ci, Huang Zhong, and Sun Liao of the T’se kingdom fought to rid the world of the tyranny that caused such madness; others such as Liu Bei and his sworn brothers would fight for the restoration of old. Some would fight for power and recognition, the now missing Lu Bu, and the deceased Hua Xiong acting as shining examples of this motive. Each man had their impetus, their driving force, and without it, they would not be men at all. Mengde too had his fiery ambition, and would now take up the sword against the latest enemy.
With Wei Yan and the Glory officers taking the full force of the tidal wave that was the Golden Horde, the former capital of Chang An would soon fall under his grasp. Mengde knew however that Mengqi’s army would not stop; cold blood had been spilled, and the only way to avenge it was to continue onward to Xu Chang. One bastion, one mighty stone barrier would stand in the way of the Horde when Chang An falls. Cao could sense it was not a matter of if.. But when, and his swift arrival to Qing Ni pass was a highly defensive move. Word had been spread like wildfire, for all heroes to rally at this point, and prepare for an assault.
Marching slowly at the head of a seven hundred strong army, Cao Mengde, the lord of Wei, and self proclaimed loyal retainer of the Han, projected himself as a fine and unfaltering warrior. Each plate of armour gracefully hugging his physique was beautifully lined with a deep velvety blue pattern, slight hints of gold mixed and married at key links between the separate pads. The armour itself was light, and allowed for full flexibility in the heat of battle. At his hips was a stunning crafted longsword, sheathed away in an equally elegant scabbard, lightly bobbing up and down in motion with his steeds marching. A long, thick cape draped down from the warlords shoulders, bundled up delicately on the back of his horse, lengthy enough to scrape the floor should he decide to dismount. Again he wore no helm, his impeccable facial features yet unblemished by this battlefield, while a light breeze waved through his bundled hair. Cao Cao’s expression was one of pure concentration, a direct stare forward, at the mighty gate of Qing Ni, scanning it for the weaknesses he would need to fix.
Upon their arrival, swiftly the men set up camp, and looked around for any arrivals to the pass. Mengde himself was at the vanguard of the search, for it was his letter that would establish an alliance. Soon they found a camp to the west of the gate, headed by none other than the mighty Sun Yuan Ci. Cao Cao had already established a bond with this man, a union that could act as the immovable object to Ma Chao’s unstoppable force. Speeding ahead into the camp, Mengde soon let his commanding charisma lead the way, and echoed out his wishes for the battle.
“Lord Zhiyun! I am relieved to find that you are already here, and setting up camp. This day was inevitably going to fall upon China, and it disheartens me to know that our cold capital would be the first target of such tyranny. I sense you are moving out to engage the belligerent despots assault on Chang An.. I would advise you, and everyone, to instead establish our defences here. Mengqi has aggression as his impetus, and will easily dispose of our Glory Allies.” Cao Cao shook his head slightly, a frown deeply set within his visage. He would not waste his own troops, and indeed, valuable time, in sending relief to Chang An at this late stage; he would impose this notion upon all others as best he could. Peering around the fields he witnessed a brief calm, absolute silence; such a terrifying storm would soon come to blast it away with untold chaos.
|
|
|
Post by Mortiss V3 on Aug 10, 2008 10:44:44 GMT -5
*Following behind Cao Cao was Mortiss*
"Sup"
(Wicked post)
|
|
|
Post by Curty Burty (Hao Zhao) on Aug 10, 2008 11:51:05 GMT -5
It would be soon that the great battle between the allied forces and Ma Chao would begin and there was no doubt in the mind of Hao Zhao that atleast a few of the regional lords would appear here in this battle and it was that which had made Hao Zhao to take part in this upcoming battle and why he was at this very moment entering the camp of the allied forces riding on horse back. This was the greatest oppertunity to meeting some of the regional lords and be able to determine in the upcoming battle itself which lords were worthy and which lords were not.
He took a look around the Camp and see if he could spot any of the regional lords but so far he could only see the Lord Cao Cao of whom he had already met with although there as a chance that some of those he didn't recognise were also regional lords. Still This was a bit of a disappointment to Hao Zhao who was now beginning to wonder if this was going to be a complete waste of his time and it was with a great sigh that he dismounted horse. Atleast now however he might get the chance to witness Cao Cao's capabilities in battle.
However there was still plenty of time til the battle itself started and there were most likely still more to come to give aid to the battle so with that thought consoling Hao Zhao moved towards the camp (ooc: assuming there is one here) and sat down beside it with his horse just behind him. From his horse he removed a flask of water from a pouch hanging down the righthand of the saddle and took a quick drink of it to keep himself refreshed.
|
|
|
Post by Xiahou Dun on Aug 10, 2008 12:53:21 GMT -5
Another grand gathering of allies, lords and generals from all around the land. Acutally right now only three lords here, his cousin Cao, the interm leader of wu Zhou Tai, and the warrior leader Sun Yuan Ci and only a couple generals from Sun Yuan's employ and of corse mortiss had shown face.
Then the last man was rather new to Dun, and he didn't appear to be with one of the lords here so Dun had to wonder why a lone wolf would stray into the big mess that this would become.
He dismounted his horse and began reveiwing, with Yu Jin, the troops they brought with them and had them begin setting up near an outside corner of the camp.
|
|
|
Post by Sun Shang Xiang on Aug 10, 2008 14:36:06 GMT -5
Knowing her lord wished for her to fight in this battle Xiang marched onwards to Qing Ni Pass along with her lord and their grand army of Wei. They needed a strong force to take on the power of Ma Chao, and who better to fight one such as the Golden Horde leader than the wise and powerful Cao Cao, the monstrous power of Mortiss and the Fiery young warrior of Sun Shang Xiang.
Her troops followed her with great respect and honour, few gained the priviledge to see the young woman fight in battle, her ability was well reknowned in Wei by now, and they could not wait to see if she possessed the same military ability as her father and brother. If she did Ma Chao would surely be obliterated before the Wei forces.
She only had 50 men right now in her personal force. More of a bodyguard unit than anything else, something to keep her protected as they moved towards the pass. Though she had been promised many more troops to command once they arrived and Cao Cao had divided his forces up.
They had not arrived long ago, a few minutes before she stood before her Lord Cao Cao and Sun Yuan Ci and bowed respectfully. "My Lord I have ordered the men to prepare for battle. I have gotten the captains to check equipment and supplies, all seems to be in order." She wasn't given such a job, but she took it on herself to do it anyway, knowing little bits like that were the difference between Cao Cao liking her, and Cao Cao loving her.
She turned her head to Zhiyun and bowed again. "It is an honour to meet you once more lord Sun Zhiyun. I hope to see your famous abilities on the battlefield soon."
|
|
|
Post by Huang Zhong on Aug 10, 2008 15:03:06 GMT -5
Many more lords began to arrive at the camps. Some were capable rulers, man with ambition and power for the entire land. Some were prefects who simply wanted nothing more then the security of their beloved China. Others still were great warriors who fought for honor and glory, or to bring about their vision of their lords. Along with them followed their armies. Some were grand and large in number, filing into perfect ranks. Others were nothing more then a small following with no order at all, wandering the camp aimlessly without doing much of anything. All these men contradicted one another in personality, ambition, and even ability. And yet, at the same time, they all shared something in common. All of these men had assembled for the sole purpose of defeating Ma Chao, even if their agendas were different.
Again, Huang Zhong began to think about what he was doing here. This coalition had been formed in the name of justice, for the sake of honor. If they won here, many would consider it a glorious victory, and would be able to brag that they had partook in such a grand expedition. No doubt, however, that the enemy thought the same, that justice was on their side and that their honor would allow them to prevail. Would something like this occur again if another lord rose to power above all the others? Was it all just a sham, a coalition to suppress the peace and promote chaos in the name of righteousness?
The elderly veteran shook these thoughts from his head. He must not carry those thoughts to battle with him. If he did so, it would cloud his judgment, and he would either wind up dead, or worse, put his allies in great peril. He could not afford to make such careless mistakes now. Riding up to his lord, Huang Zhong gave a salute, making his presence known. For now, he would fight and kill in the name of T'se, the only thing he truly believed about this coalition. If he could trust nothing else, it was his lord's judgment.
"Lord Sun Yuan Ci, I have arrived. Our homelands are secured. However, I fear for the front line officers who have already marched ahead. I go to join them now, to provide what little aid I can!"
And with this short greeting, Huang Zhong spurred his mount onward, galloping ahead to where some officers were already preparing their troops, eager to go and assist his current allies, as well as taste the sweetness of battle after such a long time....
|
|
|
Post by Eshmunbaal on Aug 10, 2008 16:16:52 GMT -5
It was perhaps by accident, or sheer coincidence that Eshmunbaal had even heard of this battle that was about to unfold. While he was fairly informed on what was happening in this new land he had discovered, he had not thought he would know of a battle of this size ahead of time. Needless to say, his curiousity was peaked, and the small Carthaginian army set out to march to the site of battle.
Eshmunbaal's main force did not arrive tough, as the only ones who did was him and a full hundred of his fellow sacred band members. A strange sight for the others to be sure, lightly tanned tunesian men wearing armour previously unheard of by the Chinese. Eshmunbaal rode in the lead of his men, as he checked the immediate area for possible strategic weaknesses or strengths.
As they got close to the allied encampment, Eshmunbaal shouted some orders to his men in Punic, only so that the others there would be unable to understand him. He'd ride onwards into the encampment, in the hopes of finding someone of at least some importance. His men stopped and waited outside, confident in the safety of their leader among the armies of the local inhabitants of these lands.
Eshmunbaal would unknowingly approach one of Sun Yuan Ci's men and said: "Where is your leader, I wish to speak to him at once." Hopefully they'd let him see the man in question, as he had many questions for him. So close to the start of the battle, Eshmunbaal only hoped there'd be time for this.
|
|
|
Post by Cao Pi on Aug 10, 2008 18:59:53 GMT -5
Gongsun Zan had followed the roads to Qing Ni on word that Sun Yuan Ci would be here, awaiting Zan's own White Horde, the Baima Shou Nou Horsemen. Their white bodies glistened in the noonday sun, and the spear tips created a ferocious ocean of bronze and steel.
At their head rode Gongsun Zan, wielding his lance, and with a banner attached to it that proclaimed he was allied with the Wei and T'se, forming the Northern Alliance.
And it was aimed directly at Ma Chao.
Zan had taken his time, relatively, getting here, having stopped along the way to witness past battles remnants, as well as meet with former comrades that had retired. He was an old man, so many of the men he had fought with, and against, had long since retired, stepping down and giving their reigns over. Zan thought about when his time would come.
For another day.
For now, he was here...
|
|
|
Post by Sun Yuan Ci on Aug 10, 2008 19:53:27 GMT -5
*Sun Yuan Ci was greeted almost immedietly with the arrival of Zhou Tai, who would represent Wu. Despite the troubles the kingdom of Jiang Dong was facing, mourning the news of a fallen Sun Jian and Sun Ce, Zhou Tai remained true to his loyalties. Not only did he remain true, but he shone like a starlit sky in a dark night, his fame spreading through the land along with the many fine warriors that were meeting now once more or for the first time, for the common goal to defeat Ma Chao. Sun Yuan Ci studied the gate carefully. This would be the final defensive construct in which to thwart Mengqi should his seige on Chang An prove a successful endeavor. His role, along with the many men around him, would be to give their lives in the defense of not only Chang An but for the safety of China as a whole. All against the military power of the Qiang, and of Ma Chao.*
*As Zhiyun was preparing to meet with Zhou Tai, a grand entrance from a familiar army was made. Cao Cao had arrived, and with him was the army of Wei. It was odd how everyone was now forming a coalition so quickly. It was strange how everyone shared a state of mind against Ma Chao, yet all it took was a single statement by Mengde to gather the forces fit to defeat him. Zhiyun left the commander's tent to greet Cao Cao and his warrior-maiden, Sun Shang Xiang.*
"Lord Cao Cao, I am impressed. Your call has reached the farthest corners of this country, and already many men have responded. Ma Chao shall see the end of his ever-so-short reign of militarism over China. I must also congradulate you. Word reaches my ears of a new child born to the Cao family. Though I find it incredibly odd that lady Sun showed no signs of pregnancy through the duration of my visit, and gives birth only weeks later, it would be my honor if you would allow me to train your son to be a great warrior both in mind and body. Should you allow it, I will train your newest child to be more then you and I ever could be... a man that this country truly needs."
*As he spoke to Cao Cao, he was greeted by their veteran general, Huang Zhong, who was given a nod of agreement as he spoke of riding ahead.*
"But you speak of staying here to prevent Ma Chao from further advancement. That... I cannot do. My kin strengthens Chang An, and so shall I. Ma Chao's arm shall not so much as breech the walls, I shall stake my life on that."
*At that time, one of Zhiyun's leuitenants asked for Sun Yuan Ci's attention, calling for him to draw closer. As he appraoched, he saw a man of a reputable stature with him. Zhiyun bowed his head, awaiting for the man to speak.*
|
|
|
Post by Mr Nor on Aug 10, 2008 20:18:29 GMT -5
Zhou Tai sighed as Cao Cao made his grand entrance. Of course it would be he who would show off his position the most... Zhou Tai would keep his oppinion to himself, for he had more pressing matters at hand. As he rode towards the general in question... Ah, none other than the famed Sun Yuan Ci, a warrior better than Lu Bu himself. Zhou Tai had never had the oppertunity to speak with this warrior before, and... the eve of battle was no better time to learn of your fellow generals.
"Lord Sun Yuan Ci, I, Zhou Tai, am honored to finally meet you in person. The stories of your dual against Lu Bu reached my ears fairly soon after it happened and yet... it seems you do not have two six foot long swords and stand 10 feet tall, covered head to toe in massive armor. I am slightly dissapointed." he said jokingly. He was sure Sun Yuan Ci had heard the stories of the dual, and hoped he would see the humor in his comment. But for Zhou Tai to test this man and see if the stories were at least half true... now that truly would be an honor.
|
|
|
Post by Sun Liao on Aug 10, 2008 22:38:56 GMT -5
Just then coming from the north more silver banners are seen. Banners carrying the crest of T'se. At the head of the unit was an armored man with a large helmet covering his head. He rides ahead of the approaching unit making his way to the coalitions camp. Seeing Zhou Tai approach and speak to Sun Yuan Ci the man quickly comes in to make his report.
"My lords I am sorry to interrupt the conversation, I have arrived with Sun Liao's troops. Sun Liao himself has gone straight to Chang An to make battle with Ma Chao. He awaits assistance, seeing that he could only take a small number of men with him to arrive in such haste."
At this the man salutes to both lords and awaits the arrival of the rest of the troops at the camp.
|
|
|
Post by Eshmunbaal on Aug 11, 2008 2:47:42 GMT -5
Eshmunbaal was glad, and even surprised that he would be given a chance to speak to Sun Yuan Ci. The conversation they might have wouldn't take long, as Eshmunbaal really only had one question. One that he needed answered before he'd even consider joining any one side in this battle.
He bowed respectfully to Sun Yuan Ci, as he had learned was some sort of custom during his stay in China. Apparently, all these men from china wanted was respect and they were as easy to manipulate as little children. At least, this was Eshmunbaal's experience so far, and he had learned not to put much faith in experience and always assume the unlikely.
"I am grateful that you come to speak to me." he said in the local language, heavily coated with a Punic accent Eshmunbaal was still struggling with. "I am Eshmunbaal, general of Carthage and commander of its army in these lands", he said as a ways of introducing himself, "I have heard of this conflict taking place and I rushed to aid whoever I thought was worthy of such an honor."
He paused for a moment before actually asking the one question. "Because of this I have only one thing to ask you: How do you know your side is the most righteous?", Eshmunbaal wasn't sure if asking that would get him an answer or an execution, as these men might see it as a challenge to their honour. Either way, Eshmunbaal awaited a reply.
|
|