The battle of Chai Sang

[Liu Biao]

It was a crisp morning the waves across the Xunyang were small although there was a fresh breeze blowing across the landscape. But things were not as calm or as peaceful as they normally were on this side of the river near the city of Chai Sang. In the distance near the river side marched a army in the light blue uniforms of the Jing Zhou army cores. At there head resplendent in his silver and blue armor was Liu Biao imperial protector of Jing Zhou. He rode a white mare as he lead the advance force Personally his ever faithful commander Cai Mao at his side. Out ahead of them were his force of Jing messengers scouting for ambushes or traps that might have been laid.

"Ma Tan will pay for his treason." Liu Biao yelled turning in the saddle to address his legion of troops. Above his head he held a document stolen from the palace at Chai Sang. It was proof, evidence that the local prefect Ma Tan was conspiring with bandits and pirates to rob the people and other lords. It was an unforgivable act and now he would be punished by the full military might of Jing. (see thread Planting evidence where evidence was obtained)

"We will not sit idly by why he robs and raids the good people of this land all the while sitting back in his palace and then charging them tax as well." He yelled his well practiced oratory voice carrying his words across a large area so all of his men might hear him. He did not draw his blade but he pointing a finger toward the distant city of Chai Sang rallying his men for the march to victory.

All along the the river banks his army was landing and preparing for the march to the city. From everywhere they had gathered to punish this local prefect. With luck he would surrender to judgment by Liu Biao and not force a siege they were only to willing to oblige him with. No one had to die today but they all knew things would not always be so easy as they had been at Chai Sang. Now was the time for blades and siege weapons they would see when they got there if the locals had the stomach to try and resist them foolish as such an attempt would be.

[Zhuge Liang]

Troops.

500 Chu Militia
750 Chu Halberdiers
750 Chu Cavalry
750 Chu Swordsmen
750 Chu bowmen
500 Chu crossbowmen

---

Map.

---

The prefect and his council of elders watched as the array of lightly tinted blue flags formed into stationary battalions across the river and its shoreline. They watched as the men who had come to kill cheered and prepared for a war unbeknown to the inhabitants of the city. It was indeed a moral panic for every soul in that city, for no declaration had been made – and their invasion was not seen as a sign of the heavens.

“That fool Liu Biao.” Cursed the prefect as he spanned the width of his walls, he had indeed suspected the man of Chu to invade, but it had come quickly and without formal warning. This was not strategy, this was not even a war – it would be a massacre.

“Maybe we should forfeit our city?” A voice crept along the silence, and the thought was contemplated for only a second before the prefect dismissed the notion.

“And accept misery. We have done nothing to upset the Han, nor its people – and we have been fair and just. Liu Biao is foolhardy, he comes not with a missionary force – he comes to take whatever he pleases. He is a fool. I will never allow my people to submit to such an irrational man.”

His elders nodded, though the uncertainty in their eyes was clear. No one knew how to face such a large threat, and many of them had slowly grew accustomed to the idea of death.

Summary

+ The prefect prepared himself for the war. His resolve is strong – the elders and the people see you as an invading army. You have lost all popular support.
+ Denied the possibility of surrender, the city fights until the last man.

OOC

If you wanted to use the parchment then you wouldn’t have forced an entry into his money collection. You broke in, stole and then robbed and edited a parchment, and then you appear on a shore with an army screaming vengeance against the prefect’s deeds. If you wanted to dismay the man’s popularity you would have spread the rumours or left the parchment in the city for others to find and read. You just voided your own quest by doing what you’ve done.

[Liu Biao]

Liu Biao stood before the assembled might of his forces although more of his generals were still landing. It was time to move out and size the advantage. He wanted this battle over quickly and the city in his hands. He did not doubt they would fight him until they no longer could. It was a shame he did not want to kill them. He would offer them a chance to yield before he began his siege proper. Not because he thought they would accept but because he needed to give them a chance. He was committed now he would not withdraw. The least he could do was make the offer and give the civilians a chance to leave. Once the battle was over they could come back to there homes.

"Prepare to move out now." Liu Biao called as he dug in his spurs to the side of his mount. His horse kicked forward leading the way for his men. They would march out east toward the west wall of the city.

Cai Mao would lead his own force in the battle while he took a role as overall commander giving orders from the rear. It would not do for him to die yet in the siege of a single city. Not that he was afraid to fight, he would be happy to settle the matter by single combat.

His Elite Jing messengers moved ahead of the force scouting for enemy troops outside he city. They headed for the hill north west of the city walls. If they encountered the enemy there orders were to avoid combat and retreat.

Liu Biao force
Troops: 4050
500 Chu Militia
600 Chu Spearmen
550 Chu Swordsmen
600 Chu Halberdiers
800 Chu Cavalry
200 Chu Bowmen
700 Chu Crossbowmen
100 Elite Jing Messengers
Siege Equipment:
2 Great Trebuchet's
10 Siege Ladders
5 Siege Towers

OOC
The task was just to get a pretext for invasion and something to wave to the Han court later if they ask why. Not to lower public support for the prefect, my siege weapons can do that on there own. Btw iv not given them a chance to surrender yet but iv also not fired a shot yet, there is still time for that. My generals can post there own troops those are just my own.

[Gao Shun]

With his usual expressionless face, General Gao Shun arrives at Chai Sang, being the first among his men to crest the beach and see for the first time the battle that lay before him. So far only lord Liu Biao had arrived and as usual Gao Shun was here as his servant. As he always desired to do Gao Shun had made up his mind to personally lead his cavalry troops once there was a break in the enemy lines. He already had the hope in his heart that this would be a quick and decisive battle.

As they disembarked from their ship, Cao Xing looks to the General with a very confused expression. Normally Gao Shun revelled in battle, however since the fall of Dong Zhuo he had grown far more reserved, almost as if he did not wish to enjoy what he did so well anymore. However whether his lord enjoyed himself was not really all that important, what mattered here was what Cao Xing would do in this battle. Looking at Gao Shun the officer says:

My lord, what do you wish for me to do here on the field of battle? I have very much a desire at the
moment to see combat as soon as possible.

Cao Xing that is well and good however I think it best that you remain at the rear to command our archers and siege machines, after all in these arts you have no equal and shall surely draw the respect of those who serve with you.

I shall do as you command my lord, though I am excited to be used on the frontlines as soon as I may.

However now I need you to remain here whilst I go find our lord so we may receive our orders for the battle.

With that Gao Shun departs the presence of his own men and mounts his horse, quickly reaching the camp of Liu Biao. Marching into his lord's command tent, Gao Shun bows before the Imperial Protector and says:

Lord Liu Biao, what service would you require of myself and my men?

Troops: 500 Zhong Swordsmen
500 Zhong Bowmen
500 Zhong Cavalry
500 Zhong Scout Cavalry
200 Chu Halberdiers
100 Chu Cavalry
2 Catapults

[The Darkstar]

The transport ships carrying the Darkstar and his men arrived after the others, purposely as well, for his soldiers consisted mostly of crossbowmen, and were therefore useless leading a march, especially if it resulted in ambush or hand-to-hand combat. They formed up a short distance from the river, and waited until Liu Biao and Gao Shun had already moved forward before following in formation.

Troops Present
2,000 Chu Crossbowmen
100 Chu Spearmen
5 Ballistae

The Darkstar lead on a horse in front of his soldiers, clad in full battle leather of very good quality, his hair pulled up above his head, and extra arrows and crossbow bolts in quivers in bags carried by the horse. As their march behind his Lord and fellow officers began, the Darkstar turned to his men, and after a brief exchange settled on am upbeat marching tune, which the majority of his soldiers began to sing. It was an old tune, one which spoke of battle, glorious victory, and a few women. Their voices carried across the field as they closed on the city, preparing to take up a supporting position once the army proper had formed up.

(Nothing special here, just getting my post in so we can get this rolling.)

[The Butcher]

The vessels adjacent to Sun Dao's opened up as well, and from that black womb came soldiers in single file, marching down it's gang plank to form a series of rectangle boxes, with hundred men in each of these boxes. They themselves looked supernaturally erie to look at, as their armor had been greased so that it shone brightly in the sun, reflecting the glare of their armor back at the walls of the city of Chai Sang. So it also was that these men gave no sound or cheer as they came from their ships, instead they quickly gathered themselves for war, eager with that anticipation.

Yet others carried with them large wooden planks and strong timbers that were brought before them. It took them a very short amount of time to start putting these things together, with rope and iron nails. Three of these units stood straight up, towering over even the walls of the city before them. Two more became rams, which had strong leather and wood placed over them for protection. The last group was five ladders, of which nothing spectacular could be said, yet one knew that they could be just as deadly. Yet each weapon was covered in water to help slow any fire attack that might be thrown at them.

As each was being assembled, a man exited the black catacombs of the ships. He stood tall, covered in his sable armor, with only a single teal cloth tied around his arm. His beard was a mess of hair and grease, and his face was a contortion of rage and joy for the coming battle the was to be dealt before him. He had yet to command a large force, his previous life had only consisted of a handful of man, now he was leading an army. It was enough to strengthen any man's resolve.

Turning his head, he regarded the man many knew as Darkstar, a cold and merciless assassin. And as per the norm, he had arrived first, which left one to wonder where he-who-arrived-last was. Nefarious would hopefully be arriving soon as well, otherwise he would miss all the bloody fun they were going to be enjoying. He turned to glance back at his own men, and even then his chest swelled with pride as the towers were brought together with a combination of engineers and halberdiers. The Butcher rode no horse, unlike many of the other generals did, he would not run from a battle, unless it was to lead an ambush. A horse only made one appear weak to the eyes of many. Although at the same time it made him appear foolish, yet one would also gather that he meant he would fight to the death, something to truly fear.

Sima Mao raised his voice as he spoke to his men. "Servant of Lord Liu Biao. Look before and laugh, laugh at the little boys and old men that have come out to face us. Laugh at how the gods deem it so fit that we should not face a true battle, but one not even worthy of note. We face not a challange, but merely a slight muffle of air. Look at the cowering faces behind that wall and know that they stand no chance against our armies. They only contain a few thousand, while out here, us and beside us, we number in the ten thousand. How can the hope to even cause us damage? Nah, they know in their hearts that the only thing they should do is surrender to our might force, and spare their wives and mothers the weeping. Yet, their governor is weak, foolish, and traitor more that. He has disrespected the Han, Emperor Liu Xian, and our Lord Liu Biao himself, we will not allow the injustice to stand! So I want to laugh, I want to hear a laugh so loud that the Emperor know that you mock his enemies!" Upon finishing his liitle speech, he let out a mighty, throaty laugh. Behind him, a mighty symphony of laughter followed suit. The ground itself seemed to shake with the mighty laughter of more than two thousand men. Pulling his twin halberds off his back, Mao pointed them toward the city, but he looked at Liu Biao first, waiting for the order to move foreword.

Field Units
2200 Chu Halberdiers

Siege Units
5 Siege Ladders
3 Siege Towers
2 Battering Rams

[Nefarious]

A gentle breeze carried the remaining transport vessels safely to shore. Unlike the previous ships these were decorated in a different manner; one of a much more insidious design. Black calligraphy adorn the hull of the ships, some familiar while others completely foreign in their meaning. Also, instead of white, black sails caught the wind sending shadows of pure darkness streaming ahead.

The ships remained silent only momentarily before they opened. Black clad cavalry swarmed out like a biblical plague sent to flesh out the impurities of the world. Also among these mortal demons were two gigantic siege weapons being hauled out, and left at the rear of the formation. Between these two imposing weapons, was the commander of this force; Nefarious. The man was as he always appeared, wrapped in his black leather robe, masking himself from the world. Strapped to this back was the infamous black scythe, which had become symbolic of death to all who saw it. No one ever recounted him wield the weapon, but its presence was enough to spawn the stories of nightmares.

His posture was poor, and his head occasionally thrashed about wildly before settling into stillness. A hand slowly rose to the sky, pointing straight into the heavens, also revealing a surprisingly muscular arm decorated in as much black ink as the vessels used for transport. From within the confines of his black leather hood the insidious voice rose, gaining volume as it continued.

[Black]“I have seen it… The heavens have let me glimpse a piece of the future… And Ma Tan is not in it…”[/Black] Laughter, high-pitched and crazed, interrupted the speech of sorts. It died off after a moment, the voice resuming its ominous predictions. [Black] “Those who’ve chosen his side… Will find no peace in death… We will feed them the torment and suffering the gods have decreed!! NO act of cruelty will be too severe!!”[/Black]

~ Troops and Siege ~

2,000 Chu Cavalry
2 Great Trebuchet

[Zhuge Liang]

This was no war. War was not defined by blood count or destruction. A war had a purpose, a meaning – and as the prefect traced a fine line along the city walls he could not find that reason - that justification that permitted his enemies the right to do as they did – but what did it matter now. His enemies banded together in unison. Standing strong and blocking the light from the coast and pouring nothing but blue hue lights across his cities walls. The sun had even come to shine on them – reflecting their fine armour and their refined swords, making them stand as angels ready to banish a city that had done no evil.

It sickened him. He had spent his entire life governing this city – raising it to fit the panoply of his success, and now it was torn and broken. His enemies stood before him, their armies dwarfed only by the great ocean that stretched passed their blackened shadows. Even when portrayed as angels, the prefect could still see the stench of evil emit from their bodies. No…this was not a war – this was just a massacre waiting to happen.

Though unsettled, he retaliated calmly through the chaos that surrounded him. His troops prepared their armour, readied their weapons and stood as straight as they could. His people, who fled to every shelter, hut and burrow cried and plead – this poor city would face judgement soon, and the judge would be none other than Liu Biao himself.

“This is it men! Say goodbye to your loved ones, and hold in memory the fact that soon – the ocean will run red with the blood of our enemies!” He cried to his men at last, his anger evident in his speech. He was a beacon to them, a man standing above their terrified conducts, a man ready to embrace death and freedom.

He had not chosen this life for it to end this way, but the fate of the heavens had already spoken – and now he had nothing else to lose but his mortal existence. He marched.

He led his troops passed the western gates and marched towards the approaching army. He did not try to hide his presence; he was like a small tank rolling through the countryside. Each soldier near him had prepared himself for this final moment, and those would survive the carnage would return broken and without spirit. After all, this was Jiang Dong – it was no place for the likes of Liu Biao.

His archers and crossbowmen adorned the front few ranks, backed only by halberdiers and swordsmen. Militia made the rear, with the cavalry planted on the right flank of the small expeditionary force.

Let ze action begin.

Summary

• The defenders of Chai Sang sally out of the West gate.
  
• Basic formation. Inexperienced commander.
  
• Army doesn’t spot Liu Biao’s scouts.
  

---

No Losses.
No Major updates.
Let’s FIGHT!

---

1: Cai Mao (Biao's NPC)
2: The Darkstar
3: Gao Shun
4: The Butcher
5: Nefarious
6: Liu Biao

7: City Prefect.

[Liu Biao]

Liu Biao

Liu Biao turned to face his many generals. This would be there first battle together and he knew none of them would let him down. They were all skilled commanders and there enemy seemed inexperienced looking at his deployment. It would be a shame to spill blood but perhaps once there defeat was certain they would agree to surrender.

“It seemed this battle is coming to us, I want you to deploy to face the enemy. Gao Sun you will take the left flank while Cai Mao leading my men will hold the centre position. Darkstar I want you to deploy your forces on high ground or the flanks and bombard the enemy with repeated volleys. Sima Mao and Nefarious i want you to take the right flank. Get around them and turn their flank I want this battle over quickly. You know your duty I will be watching and riding between each force to boost morale.” Liu Biao said pointing at each of his officers as he gave them specific orders. He knew they would win but he wanted them to win well too. His own position would make use of his fame and influence as leader which was far more important that his blade skill. Cai Mao he knew was capable enough of leading his own force in this battle. It was time to give there enemy hell until they had no choice but to surrender.

Cai Mao

“Form up for battle.” Cai Mao yelled his voice carrying across the field to all of his men as he rode his horse down the front ranks. At his words his men to shift into the battle formations they had long practised in readiness for this day. His archers and crossbow men moved forward to the front ranks forming a skirmish line. They would harass the enemy until they were within 100 meters then they were withdrew threw holes in the ranks behind them which would close once the last man was threw.

Behind them were draw up the ranks of swordsmen and spearmen in deeps ranks. In places along the line blocks and swordsmen surrounding large groups of spearmen stuck out from the main line. They would break any charge like a boat threw a wave. In the middle of his force were draw up his best troops the Chu Halberdiers in large numbers. Behind this wall of men to either side were drawn up his Milita mostly to keep them out of the way and as a tactical reserve for when pure numbers were needed. Behind his man ranks of infantry draw on either side of the halberdiers rear were his Chu cavalry waiting for the orders to come to the front and unleash a terrible charge into the enemy ranks.

(see here for a picture Here )

Formed up and ready his troops waited for the enemy advance. Once they were in range there siege weapons and archers would start going to work.

Sout Commander

The jing army scouts had spotted the enemy as they started to flood out of the city toward the Jing army. It seemed they wante a quick and decisive battle. Either the city prefect was a fool or a very brave man. Perhaps it was a little of both. Either way his duty was now redundant. It was pointless to report the enemy movement to his lord even a blind man would know what was happening just by the sound of it.

“Everyone get down, I don’t think they have spotted us.” He whispered ushering his men to get down and lay prone. There was little 100 men could do on their own right away but given the right chance, perhaps.

Actions
- Liu Biao gives his battle orders
- Cai Mao draws up his men for battle to meet the enemy advance. See link for picture of depoyment
- scout commander order his men to stay out of sight of the enemy force

[Gao Shun]

Since arriving at Chai Sang the armies of Liu Biao had begun to form up, Gao Shun and his men chomping at the bit to get into the fight. Finally Gao Shun had been given his orders for the battle and would follow them to the letter. He did not wish to disappoint lord Liu Biao. As he gathers his troops upon the left flank he looks out at his men and with a devious smile on his face he says:

Men the time has come! Today we head into battle at the left flank of our lord's forces. We shall be the blade of his sword, cutting down the enemy as we advance. Men prepare right away to leave because the time has come to truly lend service to the name and cause of lord Liu Biao. I shall personally lead the cavalry charge towards the enemy lines with the infantry following close behind. Cao Xing order the catapults and archers to prepare for the assault. Here they come men. Cao Xing do not fire until you are sure they are within range. We don't want to waste our ammo.

With the same excited smile across his face as before, Gao Shun awaits the enemy's first movements, spear at the ready.

[The Darkstar]

The Darkstar was excited, the enemy was sallying out to meet them. No negotiations, no please no questions asked, Darkstar was absolutely dumbfounded as to how the soldiers weren't deserting left and right. "I'll have them scattering like rats in a few moments" he thought happily, "Move your asses men!" he called out from his horse, "We will draw first blood!" The Darkstar ordered his subordinate officers to get their assigned sections moving as fast as they were safely able. Knowing that sufficient reinforcements would be behind his crossbowmen, the Darkstar had his soldiers run forward to close the distance between his force and the opponents. (They are still on our right flank, however.)

They took up a position out of range of the advancing enemy, dividing into 4 equal groups with 500 crossbowmen each, and a large file between each group. It was down these gaps that the ballista were moved, naturally arriving a little after the crossbows as they were a little less mobile, with 20 spearmen deployed to each one to act as guards.

(Rough depiction of formation, whipped up in a couple seconds on paint, sorry.)

Teal Squares = 500 Chu Crossbowmen
Green Circles= 1 Ballista & 20 Chu Spearmen

Darkstar dismounted his horse and moved to the front of the formation, readying his bow and bringing along extra arrows. The orders were simple, the moment the enemy soldiers were in range, they would open fire. His officers had been briefed, the firing pattern was pre-arranged; the crossbows would fire in groups of 500 at a time, launching the next volley just before the first hits, reloading and preparing to fire again repeating this until ordered otherwise or they were too close to friendly soldiers to safely target. This would ensure the enemy soldiers had to deal with a constant barrage and would have as little chance as possible to return fire with their own ranged soldiers, as they would be diving for cover instead of shooting back. The Ballistae were to fire at will, with orders to fire into the areas which were most densely packed with soldiers. The Darkstar readied his first arrow, sticking many more in the ground in front of himself for faster firing and waited.

In a few moments, the enemy would be in range, his soldiers would begin their firing pattern, and he himself would be launching his own arrows, but with a very specific purpose. The Darkstar would be targeting commanding officers, any that he could identify to be giving orders, he would launch an arrow at, and he was a very accurate archer.

[The Butcher]

Sima Mao glanced out at the advancing army that was coming at them. It was only four thousand or so strong, and no where near the amount of power that was brought against it by the forces of Liu Biao. Why the man thought he stood a chance against the army before him was unknown. So there must be some very foolish zealots in the group that was advancing. Yet why the soldiers were willing to risk their very lives for the ambition of some fool who was about to be crushed was even more disturbing, if not more so. But that was not for Sima Mao to question, as it was more important to simply kill the man that was before, this Ma Tan. And the Butcher was hoping he was the general who would do just that very thing.

He was to the right of Sun Dao, and new that if the man was not covered, he would find himself without anything to impede the army before him. Of course, whether Ma Tan was smart enough to send his men against the crossbowmen, Sima Mao was unsure, nor did he really care. He started the slow process of bring his men over to get in front of the Sun Dao’s army, to provide a solid wall if Tan decided to march against him. It was really the only move that Sima Mao really needed to do for the moment.

However, while he was moving to the left, to cover Dao, he was also staggering his units so that each block of hundred was half a block ahead of the others. Starting with the northern block out the furthest, and the southern one back the farthest. They also were two blocks deep, so that ten blocks were up front, with another ten behind that. The rest of the men were divided into the towers, rams, and ladders, which were moved to the north, yet slightly behind the flank of the army. Mao also made sure that his men were on a light trot foreword to meet in combat. Mao himself leading from the front, an angry growl on his face.

[Nefarious]

*I forfeit my involvement in this thread. I've given my troops that are already here over to Matt Sr. I apologize for the inconvience and hope this doesn't slow down the progress. You may delete this post once Matt's recieved the troops, if it's allowable.*

[Zhuge Liang]

(Mod Notes: Okay, quite a lot is happening and I’m pressed for time. So hopefully this should include everyone’s actions. I have taken note of Nefarious’ withdrawal and his troops will activate under the command of Matt SR from the next round (so the one after this post) so as to not create any confusion on placement since Matt SR has already done his round.)

---

Map



Blue w/white glow – The Butcher
Blue w/red glow – The Darkstar
Blue w/dark blue glow – Gao Shun
Blue w/yellow glow – Cai Mao
Grey - Defenders

---

The prefect did not sigh at the arrangement before him. His enemies had positioned themselves carefully – and although he could see the obvious weaknesses he did not pursue them to the utmost. He had heard many things about these warriors, and his hand was stayed at the prospect of a trap.

He ordered his 750 cavalrymen north as his enemies did their positions, his own army concentrating the fore as the enemies dipped within range. He did not strike first, for as soon as the 450 metre mark was entered his enemies showered his ranks with bolts, arrows and ballistae. He was not prepared for the siege weapons – and he watched as the large arrow-heads pierced through two to three men a shot.

His own archers fell back a few paces, and swordsmen marched towards the enemy, their positions tight and their shields extended. He would not repel every assault – but he would bide his men the time they needed to cock back their own weapons and return fire. His enemies had messed up almost immediately, by setting up ranks of soldiers in front of the crossbowmen. Crossbows were not bow n arrows, and the attacking lines were now hard to see thanks to the Butcher’s Halberdiers blocking the view.

His men returned fire, and 750 crossbows were fired into the chu halberdiers in retaliation. The archers fired ahead, at the approaching armies of Cai Mao, but again – more enemy shots were fired, and if this was to be a contest of ‘who had the most arrows’ he knew he would not win this battle.

He pulled out a fan and raised it, and soon his cavalry’s orders were initiated, they swerved the northern break and then charged south – their weapons ready and posed for the strike. They would clash into the 500 zhong cavalry led by Gao Shun personally, 750 spears and swords raised to smash into the flank of such a tiny unit.

His militia, swordsmen and other units took up the base at the fore, marching steadily ahead to clash with Cai Mao. His archers hid behind the shields of his swordsmen and fired a few more volleys. This battle was only just initiating and the prefect felt optimistic. Soon his enemy’s siege equipment would be depleted, and he knew he would have some time before they started to fire again.

Summary

• Swordsmen moved in front of the crossbowmen. Crossbowmen turned their sights on the defenceless chu halberdiers protecting Sun Dao’s unit.
  
• 750 cavalry moved north, swirled and then charged the flank of gao shun’s leading cavalry unit.
  
• Siege weapons attacked the main line of the defending army. Siege equipment depleted – takes time to reload/fire.
  
• swordsmen and militia are at the front, awaiting Cai Mao’s attack. Bowmen are firing at Cai Mao’s ranks.
  

Losses

++ The Butcher ++
250 Chu Halberdiers – due to crossbow fire.

++ The Darkstar ++
0 – The butcher absorbed all the damage on this side of the flank.

++ Cai Mao ++
150 Crossbowmen – result of the prefects bowmen.
150 bowmen – result of the prefects bowmen.
50 swordsmen – result of the prefects bowmen.
50 Halberdiers – result of the prefects bowmen.

++ Gao Shun ++
190 Zhong Cavalry – Flanked by 750 cavalry.

++ Prefect/Defender ++
300 bowmen – result of a lot of different attacks. Including archery and siege equipment.
250 crossbowmen – result of a lot of different attacks. Including archery and siege equipment.
100 swordsmen – absorbed some of the arrow fire. Killed by stray arrows/bolts and siege equipment.
100 militia – absorbed some of the arrow fire. Killed by stray arrows/bolts and siege equipment.
85 Cavalry – died in the initial charge against Gao Shun.

---

Okay. So here is why the losses are going against you. You have come with superior numbers, and you’re all naïve in thinking I’d hand over cities just because you can mass invade, but – there is a HUGE error in your posts. For a start never plonk masses of units in front of crossbowmen, crossbowmen fire and then retreat several lines, they are not bowmen, they do not aim their crossbow into the sky and let the bolts somehow curve and fall onto their enemies. Secondly, use your swordsmen or any unit with a shield to absorb arrow damage, a shield perimeter is much wider than the shaft of a pole-arm, so the fact you have Halberdiers up front to receive arrow fire is quite amusing. Gao Shun – do not think cavalry in this time period are French knights, and know the limitations to cavalry in every time period. No one ever plays them right. Okay, I know that next round you get 2,000 cavalry and then the prefect will probably fall, but if this was an even battle you’d all be in so much trouble right about now >.>

Good ideas Darkstar though ^^ I liked your little set-up, it’s effective, and vorodor – I know I have no place to say this but, the formation you are using is poor. You probably haven’t tried; I’m just sort of expecting you to be the ‘dog’ of strategy since you claim to be so good at it. So show off – show me something I’ll go OH WOW too

Oh also, remember siege equipment take time to reload and re-fire, they are not modern weaponry you can re click and fire again xD they required hard work. Apart from that everything is fine and do summaries! It’s a pain reading and understanding your posts when you’re tired and I am tired! so do brief summaries to help me out.

[Liu Biao]

(I don’t know if know if you looked at my formation on my previous post on not. But i had my corssbowmen out in front in a dispersed line formation. So they had no one to shot threw and were not an easy target on their own. I see one issue with my last formation (halberdier placement) but your arrows should mostly have been intercepted by the archers in front of them. That formation was never meant to fight just suit the bowmen to fire and then merge into my next formation seamlessly. Given the numerical advantage i don’t see any point going for a hugely technical and complex strategy/formation, I will keep you in suspense for when an important battle comes along. This will have to do for now)

Cai Mao

The exchange of arrows with the enemy army could have worked out better for the Jing zhou strike force. It was only their siege weapons Cai Mao suspected that allowed them to strike down enough of the enemy to make it worthwhile. He had hoped there superior numbers would have paid higher dividends. Still it looks good none the less. His own troops outnumbered the enemy on their own now they had detached their own cavalry, a foolish mistake he thought.

“We are closing with the enemy change formation now.” Cai Mao yelled waving his hand to call for his men to switch to their battle formations. His crossbowmen and bowmen fired off a final volley then retreated back threw the gaps he had left in his wall of swordsmen which closed behind them. His swordsmen raised their shields and stepped forward to block the enemy arrows in return. His spearmen that had been in blocks surrounded by swordsmen at the front did not advance until the swordsmen were past them then fell in behind them forming a second rank behind them. His Halberdiers dropped out of the front rank allow his swordsmen to close and from the front line. The halberdiers then split into three spate groups and divide toward the rear of the center, right and left. His militia split forming two large groups of men just behind either flank, shielded from arrows still. His cavalry on the Left fell in behind and to the left of the Militia on that flank. The cavalry on the right fell back from the main unit which was advancing forward. This cavalry began to circle toward the melee between the Chai Sang cavalry and Gao Shun.

“Fire the trebuchets.” Cai Mao called while the rest of his army reformed on the advance which would only take a minute. His last formation had left gaps for his men to move into or was easy to shift into his new formation from. He figured he may as well have his two massive siege weapons fire now (did not fire last turn ) as it would be foolish to fire once their own army was engaged with the enemy. He would not risk hitting his own men. The two huge catapults each fired a massive boulder into the enemy ranks they began to reload.

“Half the cavalry on the left flank will advance now and flank the enemy attacking General Gao Shun.” Cai Mao yelled the order at his cavalry which had been on the right but had now moved toward the rear left. There own force had advanced toward the enemy leaving the battle between the enemy cavalry and Gao Shun behind and to the left of his own army. Half of his cavalry now broke off and charged the enemy cavalry in the rear. This would also of course stop them trying to do something similar to him. Although he doubted the enemy was smart enough. His force now was in range and ready for the final charge that would initiate combat.

“All units prepare to charge.....CHARGE!” Yelled General Cai as he waved his sword with exaggerated ferocity toward the enemy ranks. His swordsmen in the front ranks and with spearmen behind them charged in to meet the enemy head only. They did not break there protective shield wall they just used it on the charge to batter the enemy front rank. His militia bulked up the numbers on either flank to prevent either of his flanks from being overrun.

Behind the front ranks the halberdiers waited as a tactical reserve. As soon as they saw where the weak points were in the enemy ranks they advanced. The swordsmen and spearmen in their way gave ground pushing to the side to give them space to lead their own charges home.

His crossbowmen and bowmen had now moved to the right flank began to open up a withering fire on the enemy right. With none of his men charging this flank they did not fire on his own troops. His Chu Bowmen stood to their side behind the screen of militia and fired over them into the enemy ranks. If the enemy charge them the Militia would expand from the flank and counter charge the enemy. The flank was also open so that Sima Mao and Darkstar could also provide fire still an charge into the combat with the enemy.

Cai Mao himself led the rest of the cavalry on the left. He led them from the front as they charged past his militia on that flank and went around the enemy. As he did so groups of 50 cavalry broke off to harass the enemy flank then falling back once the enemy began to form against them. He would eventually after letting them have this treatment for a minute lead a heavy charge into their rear and flank.

Jing Messengers/scouts

“Quick boys it looks like all the enemy is outside of the city. Grab that siege ladder and follow me.” The leader of Liu Biao scouts yelled as he began a rush down the hill toward the city and waiting glory. They would climb the ladder into the city and raise the flag of Jing above its wall once the enemy saw that there moral would surely plummet.

Liu Biao

The lord of Jing had ridden around the battle field inspiring his men with his presence and had ended up with Sima Mao’s forces. He did not try and try give orders that was not his job. Instead he rode through the ranks smiling and greeting men whose names he knew. He would inspire them to fight well and stay loyal while he was watching them. He would see from here the fall of Chai Sang.

Actions

See for formation changes
Formation last turn, Changing formation and Formation on charge
- Cai Mao orders men to change formation in preparation for charging the enemy. See Links above
- Trebuchets open fire
- Half of cavalry strike the enemy fight Gao Shun in the rear flank
- Charges enemy front lines with a wall of swordsmen and spearmen. Milita hold the flanks against attacks. Archers fire volley’s into the right flank protected by his militia. Halberdiers charge in later after looking for weaker spots (tactical reserve/strikeforce) cavalry moves to hit the enemy left flank with hit and run attacks followed by charge to the rear and flank
- Right flank not attacked open for allies to attack
- Jing Messengers , his scouts take the empty city walls. Note you did not mention leaving any men to protect them. If you do have men there clearly they do not do this as it would be totally suicidal. If this is case they instead creep up on rear of the prefects force and start killing his archers just before Cai Mao army hit them.