Battle of Xu Chang

[Liu Biao]

Background: With the lords compeating for power Cao Cao sets his sights on the large city of Xu Chang. Having assasinated Bao Xin as a pretexted for war. However it is defended by prefect Huang Xi.


Brown = hills
Darker green = Forest areas
Yellow = roads, faster movement rates on these

Starting locations

Cao Cao army starts where the road meets the top edge of the map

Huang Xi's army may start anywhere on the map

Rules

• Reminded for a good use of English
  
• No godmodding
  
• No meta-gaming
  
• No double posting
  
• A sense of realism and reality is required
  
• The outcome of the battle can rely on more then one thing.
  
• How well you roleplay will also affect the outcome.
  
• Reinforcements must be stated and given a realistic time to arrive.
  

Officers or Leaders MUST state what troops they have with them during this battle on their first post. This included sieges weapons. This can be done by officers stating their troops one by one, or the leader taking the role upon him self stating all the troops present of his officers.

Your moderator for this battle will be: Vorodor (Liu Biao)
Best of luck to both sides.

[colby]

(All troops participating for Cao Cao can be found in my signature. This includes Siege units too.)

Cao Cao sat upon his famous black steed, gently approaching Xu Chang at a steady pace. There was no rush intended upon this siege, obviously it would be a quick job. He laughed as his men spread out upon the opening of green, full of pastures a wonderful place to set up the main camp in direct view of Xu Chang; war had come to them. After all what fun was there in attack and unsuspecting enemy?

The camp was spread upon the floor like a picnic, supplies stored, tents promoted and men formationed. A strong army alone without the presence of his officers yet who trailed a little behind. Xu Chang was a rock, but Cao Cao was the sea. With enough time and strategy the grand city would fall. The tents extended, covering vast amounts of grass in which medical supplies, food, weapons, water and other desirables would be stored upon the battlefield.

Cao Cao's men lined up infront of the great camp, Cao Cao withdrawing himself from his own tent, bigger and better then everyone elses - strange. He laughed, his men standing strong in obedience and strength.

"Welcome to the age of war my friends, this marks our first victory in many. Today we restore not only the justice back to the Han but we also avenge our fallen officer, Bao Xin!"

He reminded his men what they are fighting for, not merely just another city. There was no need to rush straight into a march just yet, Cao Cao would await for the mainforce of the army to arrive before making an advancement. Xu Chang would be hard to break, even with a fierce force. There were no real significant weaknesses of the place and therefore it was all down to strategy and skill.

"Be prepared to march, we leave once our allies arrive!"

He bowed to his men before returning to his tent, his officers would soon follow. The assault upon Xu Chang would soon begin. The first to fall in Cao Cao's grand "Domino" scheme, once the first came down.. it would only be a matter of time before the next and then the next. Nobody could stop his ambiton, not even the grand walls of Xu Chang.

He studied the map of the region upon his table in his tent, identifying key areas that could provide a huge advantage over his enemy. Without a doubt his foe would use his fortress advantage to his full capabilites and therefore Cao Cao would have to use it against him. He laughed, poor bastard.

[Tsai Ru]

(All troops under the command of Tsai Ru are listed in the signature. Just in case:
150 Zhong Bowmen
200 Zhong Swordsmen
200 Zhong Spearmen
200 Zhong Militia
5 Siege Ladders
1 Ballista
1 Siege Ramp)


Their liege was already ahead of them and setting up camp. Luo Yang fell under the might of Cao Cao peacefully and Tsai hoped it would happen again. No matter what, he would prove his worth. From atop his horse, he led what few men he had. Behind him were his spearmen, followed by his archers then swordsmen, his siege equipment soon followed with the militia covering the rear. As they slowly approached the encampment, Ru turned and faced his men.

”Today, we assault Xu Cheng. Today, we prove our might to our lord Cao Cao. Today, the world will fear us when it hears the clamor of our armor, when it hears us opening the gates. Today, the world will know who we are.” He had hope that he wouldn’t lose many men. He didn’t have much to begin with. That would not get in the way. ”Set up camp there, near Cao Cao’s forces.” He pointed to the eastern side.

He began to ride through Cao Cao’s camp, in search of his liege. He looked around and found that many of the men were smiling and laughing, ignoring things to come. Hopefully, they would get lucky. Men were rushing around moving things, opening, sealing, stacking. They had enough supplies to continue this assault for awhile. Let’s hope it won’t be necessary. Then his mind drifted to the young Yue Yi, his adopted daughter from Luo Yang. He had asked someone to bring her to Chen Liu and take care of her. After this, he had hopes to return and find a place to live. Enough. Focus on the matter at hand. He saw Cao Cao enter a tent and slowly galloped over.

[Zhang He]

Troops:
650 Crossbowmen
600 Bowmen
450 Cavalry
150 Scout Cavalry
250 Spearmen
450 Swordsmen
150 Militia
Siege:
2 siege towers
2 Siege Ramps
5 Siege Ladders

Zhang He was ready for this. It was his opportunity to prove not just his loyalty, but his strength. It was time to dance a great ensemble; one that will stun his enemies into silent or baffle them with his swift movement and graceful footwork. It was his time to shine and dazzle all. His lips were curved into a smile as he watched his men prepare. Tents were erected all around him; men were checking and double checking their supplies reporting it to the proper authorities. Some men were mentally preparing themselves, some meditating while other prayed to the gods. Zhang He was confident, but not over confident. He believed that over confidence could be a foolish move, one that left an ugly mark in war and Zhang He detested ugly markings.

Zhang He waited patiently for his men to finish preparing. His lieutenant walked up to him, confidence resonating off of him, their morale was high and he could sense that they wanted victory more than anything. They wanted to be heroes and be honored by their lord Cao Cao. “What is it lieutenant?” Zhang He’s voice was fluid as he spoke, calm and collected in nature. ‘Sir, our men feel well prepared. They are ready to serve our lord Cao Cao.’ ZhangHe watched him carefully. “Very well.” He waved his lieutenant off. Today was their day and victory was within reach.

[Sarugaku Jouten]

Troop Count: Listed in signature.

Sarugaku marched up the road with his forces. It would appear that Zhang He and Tsai Ru had already placed their camps down and were ready for battle. The male turned his horse and aligned his forces next to Cao Cao's on the western side. With this, a hope to make sure that Cao Cao wouldn't be harmed, after all if Cao Cao died who would be the one to lead Sarugaku into battle with Yuan Shao.

The male stopped his horse and raised his right hand, the men scattered across the area. Sounds of work could be heard from their camp sites, tents were being raised, and the men were preparing themselves for the battle that was up ahead.
"Men! Check your food and water supply, prepare everything you have for battle." The men shouted out from where they were, a silly, yet useful way to keep the moral high.

Everyone was nervous, every man that set foot upon the soon to be battlefield was scared. It was obvious in their eyes, so Sarugaku decided to get their moral high and keep them in a straight mind. "Men, Men, MEN!" Quickly the men put down their work and looked at Sarugaku. "I come here to tell you that everything will go as planned. Our great leader Cao Cao is leading us in this battle, and with him on our side there is nothing we can't do! The battle ahead will be great and some of you might not make it out, but would you rather die as a cowered or live and be a hero!!! If the answer is you want to live, then fight your heart out on the battlefield and show the world who you really are!" With the speech of enlightenment, hopefully his men were ready. They would have to be, the walls of Xu Chang were hard enough to penetrate as is, they would need all the help they could get.

[Cao Ren]

(All troops in signature will participate.)

At last, the moment that they had all been waiting for, the climax of the plot, was here. Xu Chang was only a hair's breadth away from their grasp, the prosperous city towering straight ahead of them. Huang Xi would have had to expect such an act from Cao Cao, after assuming that his "excuses" for Bao Xin's death were purposefully ignored. Everyone else very well believed that Xi had much foolishly murdered Xin, and to a good result. But Cao Ren alone stood with his master in realizing the truth.

"The tool was used well. Now for the greater work to be done. The bait was thrown and devoured, but the beast has walked right into the trap."

Zixiao dared not any other ponder and question these words, as he mumbled them silently to himself. It was too risky for a different man to know of the truth of Bao Xin, and everyone was content as they were. All evidence of Bao Xin would be burnt, in other words his body, the only remnant being the ashes of his former self. Cao Ren kept enough things to himself to keep him away from the risk that he would have to take if others knew.

Cao Ren came to a slow stop behind Cao Cao's unit, joining in the rear edge of the army. A bit of a late arrival, but thankfully the battle was yet to begin. Fair enough, though preparations should be made in haste. No time to set camp and settle; they would advance immediately, or at least as soon as possible. Turning his steed around, Zixiao tentatively watched his own unit stop from marching and shuffle into proper formation for attendance. With a nod, Zixiao began to speak:

"Today we come before Xu Chang, a great and prosperous city. We have attempted to negotiate in peace with the men inside the walls, but those barbarians have not only refused to talk, but have committed an unforgivable crime by murdering Bao Xin, the greatly respected general. We shall not let Bao Xin's name die in vain. We shall avenge our brother's death, and crush Huang Xi once and for all!

"SHOW NO MERCY!"

[Zhang Liao]

The hooves of his steed ate away at the ground beneath them, sending chunks of earth flying sporadically about. Looking at his men behind him, he signaled for them to pick up the pace. He shouted. "Come now!!! We wouldn't want to miss the battle now would we??" The men cheered as their pace quickened.

The air felt good against his face, he smiled. Too long had it been since he rode with purpose. And what better purpose could there be. This was what he was born for...war. Once again his name would be a proud one. He would establish himself as the greatest General the world had ever known. It all starts today.

He could see the camps of his comrades in the distance. The banners of Cao Cao fluttering in the breeze. He signaled for his men to stop and make camp as he dismounted his own horse. Handing the reigns to the soldier who awaited him. "Go, alert our lord Cao Cao that Zhang Liao has arrived. If he wishes to see me before the battle starts, return here. I will set up my tent in this spot." the man tended to the General's horse and then set off the seek our Cao Cao to pass along the message.

Zhang Liao arrives with the following troops.

Troops:Zhong Spearmen - 200
Zhong Swordsmen - 600
Zhong Crossbowmen - 600
Zhong Cavalry - 1,000

[Liu Biao]

Map update:



Notes: The river on the map is fordable to troops infantry and cavalry. They wont exsactly like it of course and it is risky to move seige weapons across.

My post

Huang Xi had been in a panicked state ever since the body of Bao Xin had been discovered. He had been so close to working things out with Cao Cao now all his dreams for the future were shattered. How could his city big as it was possible stand against Cao Cao. There army was just not big enough to hold out against such a man. He had no delusions about his own abilities compared to the man either. All he wanted was to rule Xu Chang in peace but that fragile dream seem to be falling away before his eyes.

Many of his advisers had advocated surrender when news of this invasion had arrived at his door step. After all they pointed out he was no match for Cao Cao. However he was not as defeatist as they were, if he could not win maybe he could hold on for a while and general Cao would leave. Maybe he could even convince him Bao Xin as not executed by his order. Many of his generals had not liked had idea at all some even believed he had killed Bao Xin. He has sorted that out by having a few beheaded that always restored moral his father had said once. It seemed he was right too after that they had become agreeable and listened to his advice ah commands. His advisers also suggested he leave the command of the battle to his generals and he defend the city. Of course he rejected their advice did they not see his generals could not be trusted they were all plotting against him with Cao Cao he knew it. It must have been them that had executed Bao Xin. He would not be surprised if some were in league with Cao Cao. Perhaps another round of executions might lead out the traitors, well there was always time later. For now he had taken command of the main army by the bridge north west of the city.

“Ha Cao Cao will not cross this bridge while i am here.” He boasted loudly in front of his troops. He could already see it now. Cao Cao would attack and he would duel him and kill him personally one on one. His army would fight well and kill and the enemy troops. He was suddenly glad Cao Cao was coming to fight with him. Maybe the court would grant him Cao’s land and even his women too that would be nice. He looked over at his troops smiling. He could just point at any one of them and order his death and his army would do it. That was true power he thought puffing his chest out, the power of Huang Xi.

“General Hu Wan take 300 of my best super Elite troops and guard the north east bridge. Do not fail me, you won’t like me when I’m angry.” He commander one of his surviving generals. The man looked at him in total shock. He could not believe the change that had come over his usually cowardly and indecisive lord. Power did strange things to people alright. He saluted and went off to carry out his orders.

Huang Xi had 4700 men under his command at the bridge. They stood ready to fight for him against Cao Cao. They seemed fine troops to him. His generals had trained them very well before they started conspiring with Cao Cao. He laughed Cao Cao spies and trained his men now they would defeat him in battle.

Actions

- Huang Xi seems to be going paranoid and tyrannical and alienating some of his commanders and advisers.
- He appears to have little experience with war but is already enjoying the power of command which is going to his head.
- He had deployed his main force at the north west bridge and a smaller force at the north east bridge

Troops:
Total: 6000
1500 Zhong swordsmen
1500 Zhong spearmen
1500 Zhong cavalry
1000 Zhong bowmen
500 Zhong Crossbowmen

[colby]

"My lord, the enemy main force is blocking the southern bridge!"

A small messenger said, entering his tent. The bridges were rather close to the main camp, a ploy perhaps? Or maybe he was just a rash fool. The forces of Cao Cao outnumbered him greatly and therefore he'd be much stronger fighting from behind the walls of Xu Chang.. though he wasn't going to tell him that. He would use this to his advantage.

"Order Generals Zhang He and Tsai Ru to move to the East, once they have defeated the force across the bridge have them move South and swing around.. meeting us at Xu Chang for our victory."

He said, before the messenger sprinted off to deliver the orders. The rest of the generals including himself would smash the forces at the bridge.

"Master Cao Ren and Master Jouten will form the front lines of the bridge. They are both firm and strong powerful opponents, they will not let me down. I shall form behind them, providing a wicked fire support."

Cao Cao said as another messenger sprinted off towards Cao Ren and Sarugaku Jouten. The generals would have to prove themselves here today, before they could prove themselves anywhere else. He smirked, passing a small letter towards a messenger.

"Deliver this to Master Zhang Liao."

He said, glaring at the man. Failure to do so would corrupt his plans. Their forces begun to quick spread out. The governor of Xu Chang clearly had his work cut out for him.

"Shields up men!"

Cao Cao shouted as the lines formed closer towards the bridge, the shields were held across forming a wall of defence and the archers and crossbows forming a line behind them. A strong formations, however not firing yet. Impatience would lead to their death.. first they would fix themselves and provide the best defence before providing attack.

[Tsai Ru]

Ru sat from atop his horse and watched as Zhang He opened the letter from their lord. What are my orders...? He stared as the messenger quickly ran towards him and handed him his orders. He glanced up towards the eastern bridge. If they attacked, all those men would die. Husbands, uncles, brothers and fathers would fall to the blade of Cao Cao. Tsai Ru had hoped they would be able to take Xu Chang peacefully. He didn't want to enter a city with crying mothers and children. It would be heart wrenching. Huang Xi's foolishness would be his downfall. Ru quickly shook off such thoughts of mercy. It was time to move.

"Move men! Towards the eastern bridge! Swordsmen up front, bowmen follow behind. Ballista, commence firing upon the enemy position. Spearmen and militia will cross the river on the southern side of the bridge and hit the enemy at their flank on my signal. You messenger. Inform Zhang He of my plans." The messenger nodded and dashed back to He. "Archers and swordsmen, move into position. Archers, on my mark, you will cover the spearmen and militia as they move across." With such a small force, a break in their formations would reduce their morale. Hopefully Zhang He will see this and move to push across the bridge and apply pressure. They will fall.

[Cao Ren]

The battle had begun. No collisions yet, but formations and plans had started to be carried out, ready for the kill. Who would draw the first blood? Huang Xi's pathetic attempt of a defending army, or the well-prepared army of ambition led by Cao Cao? Cao Ren continued to sit atop his steed, turning back to face the distant enemy army camped on the other side of the bridge. What was he doing there? Was he really willing to aim for a head-on fight with his enemy? Of course, he had numbers, but too dependent on them he seemed. Numbers didn't mean much; it was proper strategy that would crush the foe.

And then to the east, there was Huang Xi's separate force, dispatched to keep Cao Cao at bay from two sides. That small of a force led by his own lieutenant would crumble to dust before any of Cao's officers. And indeed it seemed like the lieutenant was approaching his doom as Tsai Ru began his own march on the eastern bridge, most likely under Cao Cao's command. And if he had received orders, so would Cao Ren. Zixiao glanced sideways at his lord's army, waiting for a response of some sort to his thoughts. And yes, there he was, a lone messenger.

The young man dashed up to Zixiao's horse, cutting through the numerous soldiers standing firm, before dropping to one knee and saluting him. Zixiao nodded slightly as the man rose again. No letter in hand? It must mean that he would deliver the message by word. No problem.

"Lord Cao Cao wills for General Cao Ren and General Sarugaku Jouten to march on the southern bridge and hold the front lines against Huang Xi. The lord himself will personally provide backup fire from the rear."

"Very well, it shall be so."

The messenger nodded and dashed off once again, most likely to either inform Sarugaku or to return to Cao Cao. Meanwhile, Zixiao turned once more to his army in order to proclaim the march, the battle commencing.

"We shall march on the bridge before us. All militia shall act as a shield and cover while we advance, forming the front lines. Swordsmen and spearmen stay right behind, ready to attack. Crossbowmen shall provide backup fire from the rear. And the cavalry shall stay reserved until the proper time.

"Forward! Let us go and crush these bastards!"

[Zhang He]

The messenger approached Zhang He and hurriedly made his way towards Tsai Ru. It seemed his lord wished for him to clear out the men to the east. He was about to shout out orders to his men, but was cut off by a messenger who explained in details exactly what Tsai Ru wanted. Dismissing the messenger. “Our lord wishes for us to deal with the enemy to the east. We will make quick work of them, sympathy and empathy is for the weak. You fight for one purpose tonight, for victory.” There was a cheer, a roar amongst the men. “We shall have two groups of men. Militia and half of my crossbowmen. You two shall make your way to the bridge. My swordsmen and the other half of my bowmen, I wish for you to follow Tsai Ru’s men and cross the river.” He paused eying his crossbowmen and Militia whom assembled themselves. “Crossbowmen keep your distance. To close to the militia and you will be attacked. Make sure the militia is almost off the bridge before you lay foot on it.” They all agreed and quickly assembled themselves distantly. “It is your job to assure the safety of the militia the rest of you will help them in case they require your assistance. If you need help, do not fear, for the rest will be sent instantly on my signal.”

His other men not given a job looked up at him. They would be back up, support in case the rest failed. Zhang He looked at Tsai Ru, with his head he signaled for them to move. They could talk tactics on their way. “The enemy shall fall tonight and we will prevail.” A final cheer resonated, with moral high and with good odds, he was confidant, but that did not cloud his mind from thinking rationally. Looking at his own messenger “Tell Tsai Ru that we are ready to move.”

[colby]

[Taking posts of Inactive Posters of my Kingdom]

[Zhang Liao]

"My lord, a message from Lord Cao Cao!"

A messenger bowed down before presenting a message to Zhang Liao, whilst he sat upon his horse in his finest war armour. He looked sternly at it before stroking his moustache. Turning to look at Cao Cao and then nodding, tossing the message back to the messenger and preparing to move.

"Men! We move west! Ground units fetch some wood from that forest infront. Everybody else go around the forest. Move!"

He shouted, clearly putting a tactic in place. Their forces moving away from the bridge. Zhang Liao knew exactly what his lord wanted. He laughed, sprinting off on his horse to prepare his attack.

[Sarugaku Jouten]

"Move to the frontlines!"

Jouten shouted, preparing himself for combat. It was a little strange the the governor had come out to meet them.. but he would be meeted by his own death. The masked warrior presented his blades, his men completely lined up is a strong fierce defensive formation, shields in front. Calvary behind. And archers behind that.

"Let them come to us!"

He smiled, they outnumbered them with archers. If they were to be cowards then Master Cao Cao would see that they would be pierced by a thousand arrows from the sky.

[Liu Biao]

My post

Huang Xi

"Ha Ha the enemy should me for i am the great and mighty warlord Huang Xi." he yelled drawing the sword he did not know how to use. The image was somewhat spoiled when it did not come out of the sheaf first time. He finally got it right on his 3rd try. He did not notice the scathing glances from some of his officers. He was caught up in the excitement nothing else mattered.

"The enemy has come in range all bow men open fire and devastate them NOW!" He laughed loudly as his archers walked forward and opened fire on the Cao Cao army across the river.

Troops:
1200 spearsmen
1200 swordsmen
1000 bowmen
1500 cavalry


East bridge commander

Commander Xien Lu watched as the enemy army came toward the bridge. It was clear his own pitiful force would not be enough to stop him. Huang Xi must have known that he did not care he would sacrifice them all. He was pretty bitter about that maybe he should just surrender. But the enemy would shoot first he suspect and after for there surrender later. 'Damn it all' he thought.

"You there run to the city and our lord and tell them the bridge has fallen." Xien Lu said ushering the young boy away. At least he would save someone. Either way the bridge would fall it was just a case of how many men died first.

However Zhang he's men soon appeared they appeared ruthless and without mercy, this might be bad. They charge with a wave of militia across the bridge before he could speak. He had to slow them down. His archers let off a volley of arrows at the militia tightly packed in at the bridge. It would almost impossible to miss. His spears and swords held their end of the bridge. He knew he had only seconds now to give his men a chance of life.

"Please Zhang He call off your attack, we wish to surrender to General Cao Cao." He yelled drawing his own sword now. If the enemy attacked them they would fight to the death otherwise they would yield.

Troops:
100 spears
100 sword
100 crossbow

Actions
- Huang Xi orders his 1000 bowmen to open fire at Cao Cao
- Xien Lu offers to surrender the east bridge

Battle update:


1: Cao Cao
2: Tsai Ru
3: Cao Ren
4: Zhang He
5: Zhang Liao
6: Sarugaku Jouten


Summery: Zhang He and Tsai Ru march to the east bridge. Zhang He orders an imediate charge which is met by 100 arrows. It kills a few but only slows the charge. Xien Lu then offers his surrender to Zhang he. He sends a messenger to tell his lord the bridge is lost.

Zhang Liao for someone reason get lost in the woods Huang Xi's men dont spot him going in.

Cao Cao and his other officers start an archer battle acorss the river with Huang Xi. Huang Xi's men start well but without protection they start losing the arrow war and moral falling run back out of range. Cao Cao just had more bowmen and crossbows

Troop losses:

Huang Xi: 400 bowmen

Cao Cao: 100 archers 150 swordsmen

Zhang He: 70 Milita

[colby]

Cao Cao laughed as the man choked and startled himself at Mengde's own sight. His bravery was nothing more then a smirk upon his face that could easily be removed. His troops were no more willing to fight then slaves working for a dying empire, it was time to make them drop their weapons.

"Crossbow unit, annihilate this mans army from either side!"

The bolts of the issued crossbow unit were amazing strength in the north, Cao Cao had divided them completely with crossbows on either side, crushing the defence and the morale of the men on the wings of his army.

"Archers!"

Now it was time to scatter chaos amongst the men. It had been fun playing games.. but this battle was over before it begun. Cao Cao raised his blade before several hundred arrows scattered down upon the enemys lines, in no real order. Destroying as much of his poorly placed formations as possible.

"This is your last chance to surrender Master Huang Xi!"

He shouted as his crossbows reloaded and his archers prepared for another fire. If they fled, Cao Cao's ranks would open and the calvary would chase them down. If he stayed he would be puntured by the relentless attacks of arrows and then butchered by the ground forces of Cao Ren and Jouten. Cao Cao laughed before being distracted by a messenger.

"My lord, Yuan Shao has announced himself as Emperor of his lands."

Cao Cao's face turned pale, his eyes turned wretched and his facial expressions were stern and physically angry.

"That big-headed bastard! Inform all the other regional lords immediately! Go!"

He shouted, signalling the final attack upon this pathetic forces for all forces to push up and to crush this man unless he laid down his arms.