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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 5, 2010 23:00:42 GMT
((Open RP!)) Within the boundaries of the Runan Commandery, there is a large camp structure set up by Gongsun Jieming and the cavalry whose loyalty remained with their leader. The camp is not an impressive structure, but rather a large series of tents with a few hastily built wooden lodging structures in different parts of the camp. Upon many of the tents is written the name of the warrior wo resides within, although each lodging structure is adorned with the characters for White Dragon, and the central wooden structure with the phrase "Honor and Virtue".
Throughout the camp there are almost as many horses as men, making the few granary type structures very crucial. Each of the structures are well-guarded.
Jieming and his men can commonly be seen drilling around the camp. Almost every one of Jieming's warriors wield spears, and so most of the dummies have many holes pierced in them from the many drill sessions they've had. They practice various techniques, though an early form of the cavalry charge and an adapted form of the phalanx seem to be Jieming's favored tactics. Jieming himself can commonly be found around the camp, either practicing with the warriors, or helping them with daily tasks.
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 7, 2010 2:32:45 GMT
Cao Ren lay in silence upon the wet grass. The moisture from the plants were slowly beginning to dry up now; he had been lying there for quite some time, and the rising sun wasn't going to be idle in its duty today. And neither was the Gongsun general, who was apparently in an early routine of drilling his soldiers. Aiming for the elite, most likely; Zixiao doubted that they would evenly match Cao Cao's best of spearmen, most of them being closely related cousins or nephews of the Cao or Xiahou family.
Zixiao was only accompanied by a few pick soldiers of the best stealth missions. No large numbers were required; only enough to be able to do their job properly undetected. They weren't really on "friendly" terms with the unknown Gongsun, but neither were they technical enemies. So gathering a bit of information wasn't too much of a fault, was it?
"Lots of spearmen... And I make an assumption that a Gongsun will use cavalry as well?"
It was a widely-known stereotype that the clan was well-trained in riding. Zixiao was quite sure that he could match it; after all, he was the best mounted warrior of the entire Cao family, and a famous archer on the steed as well.
"Let's wait a bit longer, see if they have more."
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 2:41:57 GMT
Taishi Ci was riding his horse around China, looking around for some info his lord Ce would find useful. He arrived at this large camp, he decided to investigate. He got off his horse and began walking in the camp, looking for anybody.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 2:49:25 GMT
The Cao general would not only see many routine training exercises, but the bustle of a full war-camp. While the leader of the camp, Gongsun Jieming, and his captain, Liu Pi, sat upon their horses in the midst of the training exercises, many of the soldiers were carrying supplies around or working on their tents rather than practicing martial arts.
Those training seemed focused on striking with their spears while charging, mostly in thrusting motions but also in some slashing motions. They repeated the same motions: charge, stab, charge, stab. The only thing odd about the drill was that some dummies were never touched, as if the soldiers were training to not attack certain angles.
The overall feeling of the camp was that something might be lacking, however. An entire wing of the camp is not being used for training, with the dummies set up there much closer together than the dummies used for cavalry training. Though there are many spears in that area, there are no soldiers training there.
Many supply carriers walking by, entering Jieming's tent as if to prepare for the midday meal. Inside the tent were the great tables at which Jieming's men ate their meals, though they were mostly empty during the morning exercises.
As Taishi Ci approached the camp, one soldier pointed him out to the Lord, and Gongsun Jieming rode up to him. The youngish commander wore white robes over his metal armor. Scaled metal plates protected his legs and biceps, while more solid metal protected his forearms and chest. He carried an elaborate spear, which he was using as he always did. He bowed politely.
"Hail, warrior. Greetings and welcome to my humble camp. Might I inquire as to whose presence I am honored with?"
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 3:02:54 GMT
As Ci was walking through the camp, a man on a horse came riding towards him. By his looks, he might be the owner of the camp.Maybe Ci could get some info from this man. Ci stopped walking so the officer could make up the ground between the two.When he got to Ci, Ci bowed and replied,"I am Taishi Ci of Lu Jiang. I am under Lord Sun Ce. May I inquire your name and what exactly this camp is for?"
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 7, 2010 3:12:20 GMT
"Abundant supplies being transported to and fro within the camp," Cao Ren whispered.
There was a moment of silence that followed. Then Zixiao spotted the new figure, approaching the camp along on a steed. A young fellow looking a few years younger than Zixiao himself, tall and intimidating to most... Who was this man? By the colors of his outfit, the crimson did remind Zixiao of the Jiang Dong area to the southeast, where Sun Ce, the Little Conqueror, was said to prosper, or at least begin to. A possible future rival, they were, though Zixiao wasn't attempting to make any enemies now.
"Keep yourselves low. We have a second target. Observe their conversation. We might get information from more than one army this way."
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 3:12:25 GMT
The white-clad warrior seemed surprised to hear Taishi Ci's name. He had heard of the young warrior that saved Kong Rong from Guan Hai's army, and was impressed by the story.
"It is an honor to receive you, Lord Taishi, at the humble camp of my men. Your bravery in the face of the rebels is well known throughout the land. I commend you on protecting Bei Hai."
He turned and waved his arm over the camp.
"This is the camp of the Standard of the White Dragon. Thought we are a small force, we are loyal to the Son of Heaven and have served to protect his interests in many different occasions. These brave men fought both against the Yellow Turbans and then against the tyrant Dong. Your Lord's Honored Father was crucial in the success of those battles."
He paused for a moment
"Would you like to join us for our midday meal? I would be honored if you would be our guest, Lord Taishi."
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 3:22:32 GMT
"Oh thanks, I was just doing my job sir. Yes, I would love to join you, I am starving haha."As Ci said this, he could barely make out 2 men coming towards them but in a sneaky manner. Pretending he didn't see, he did one quick glance and saw the blue armor, Cao Cao. It did not bother Ci too much, he just made a note about it and continued on.
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 7, 2010 3:27:41 GMT
Cao Ren suddenly felt his heart nearly skip a beat as the newcomer, apparently known as Taishi Ci, looked suddenly towards him, straight at the spot that he was lying on the grass. Was it just coincidence, or had the man noticed him? If he had, then Zixiao would blame his bright blue robe; he needed to dress appropriate for occasion. Cursing under his breath, he stuck himself to the ground closer, not daring to move any further. His eyes were the only things that spun up to continue looking as the two figures continued on.
"We might have been spotted. Be prepared."
Zixiao's fingers slowly crept around the shaft of the trident lying in the grass beside him.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 3:34:48 GMT
Despite Jieming's sharp eyes, he was not expecting, nor had he any reason to believe that anyone would spy on his camp. They wouldn't gain anything anyway, so Jieming didn't notice anything. He was pleased to lead Taishi Ci to the main wooden structure, which Jieming used as a dining hall of sorts. Leading Taishi Ci inside, Jieming beat a gong that summoned the first group of men into the dining hall for the midday meal. It was still a bit early, but since the structure only sat a few hundred men at a time, they ate in shifts.
Jieming offered Taishi Ci the seat at the head of the table, the place of honor, before taking a seat next to Ci and opposite the bearded warrior Liu Pi. The former rebel had been friends with Guan Hai, and wasn't crazy about Taishi Ci, but he respected Ci's bravery. Jieming, on the other hand, had nothing but respect for the young warrior who had joined them for the meal. The men seemed rather happy, though some of them glad to take a break from training, and each treated Ci with courtesy.
"Welcome officially to the camp of the Standard, Lord Taishi. I hope you will enjoy this meager meal, though I do apologize in advance for its lack of variety."
Taishi Ci was presented with what amounted to a bit more than military rations, a stew made mostly of rice and some meat. The same food was then presented to Jieming, Captain Liu, and then to each of the men. Jieming refused to eat better food than what his men were given, one of the many things that his men respected him for. The men laughed as they ate, reminiscing and joking about their exploits during the conflicts of the past twenty years.
"Tell me of the Southlands, Lord Taishi," Jieming began, "I'm afraid I've never had an opportunity to visit them. But I've heard they are quite beautiful."
Outside the main wooden structure, many men continued their drills. They still continued their daily work, carrying supplies, fixing their tents, and building whatever structures they needed to build.
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 3:47:35 GMT
"I am honored to be here...don't worry, it looks great!"Ci took a couple of bites,"This is declicious!! It is great there. Especially when the sun sets because it shines off the water. Though enough about me, tell me a little about yourself!"As Ci said this, he grabbed another helping and began to dig in, listening for his response.
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 4:15:02 GMT
Jieming and his men ate happily as they talked.
"I am nothing special to talk about, Lord Taishi. I am of the Gongsun clan, though I call Ru Nan my home. My given name is Jieming. Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I have fought to protect the people of this sacred land."
The white-clad leader took a spoonful of the stew and waited to chew it. His men began to chatter about something, and one came up and whispered into Gongsun Jieming's ear. Jieming smiled slightly.
"I am so sorry to trouble you, Lord Taishi, but my men would really like to hear the story of your brave defense of Beihai. Perhaps you can give these honorable veterans a quick tale? They do so enjoy such."
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 5:02:42 GMT
"It wasn't that amazing, I expect myself to do that kind of stuff everyday."As Taishi finished saying that, he pused his plate showing that he was full. He looked at all the men, it was good to know that people looked at Ci very highly. "That was great! What shall we do next?"
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Post by Gongsun Jieming on Jun 7, 2010 5:12:11 GMT
Some of the men grunted a bit, but Jieming laughed it off. Ahh well, no story this time. The men quickly got over their displeasure at not being able to hear a story, and returned to reveling in their food. The sound of the gong told them it was the next shift's turn to eat, which was fine since most of the men had finished. The men got up and filed out of the structure, and Jieming following them, also leading Taishi Ci from the structure. Outside, a large group of men were waiting to enter the structure for their meal. Most of the men who had just ate returned to their tents, since Jieming's men rested for a short time after their meal.
Jieming returned to the training grounds of the camp, overseeing his men practice their cavalry charges. They practiced in units of ten and twenty, depending on the available space.
"Most of my men here are cavalry," Jieming explained to Ci, "Many rebels fled before these men, especially when they heard that a Gongsun clan member was leading them."
Jieming chuckled slightly.
"My talent in commanding cavalry is nothing in comparison to my Elder Cousin Gongsun Zan. I trained most of my youth in leading spearmen, and in different formations that maximize the use of the spear, but I have no conscripted spearmen at the moment. After all, there is no war to fight at the moment. My prayer is that this land will continue in peace, yet my men must retain their shape lest it fall into chaos. Your Lord must think the same way, does he not?"
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jun 7, 2010 5:20:53 GMT
"Of coursd, though right now we are not thinking of the peace. We need to unite Jiang Dong, it was once the Sun familie's and it shall return to our posession! Actually, about that, I know I just met you but would it be possible if you could help us unite Jiang Dong? We could use a man of your skill. What say you?"
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