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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 19, 2010 14:59:24 GMT
The three units of the Cao army positioned firmly upon the bridge, facing directly south and not holding even the slightest doubt of their victory, not moving back by even a hair's breadth. It would be a quick, short battle today. They would triumph soon over the oblivious and incapable ruler Huang Xi, and they would crush his head beneath their feet before the Lord Cao would sit gloriously upon the throne of Xu Chang. The thoughts quickly passed through Cao Ren's mind as he felt a new surge to charge and end this battle here and now, an inspiration from his master's ambitions.
"Now! Crossbowmen, open fire upon the enemy! Piss arrows down on them from the sky! All shields in the front, begin to carefully march with tight defense! Let us push them off of the bridge!"
His army immediately obliged, forming into position as all shields were raised in the front lines and the crossbowmen began to ruthlessly fire their arrows. Maybe something more could be useful for the march.
"Spearmen, move forward right behind the shields, and every possible man shall stand between two shields! Have your spears sticking out of the small gaps in between, and impale the enemy as we collide!"
It was then that Cao Ren noticed that a distant messenger was running to the army. He was not from any other unit; he had been rushing from the direction of assumed Luo Yang. Why was he here? Unknown reasons, as the man had immediately arrived before Cao Cao. It should have been a matter of importance, enough to bother the army during a battle. What was it? Well, no matter, as the lord will inform his trusty generals in the future if necessary for them to know. Zixiao only hoped that it wasn't more trouble.
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Post by Tsai Ru on Jun 19, 2010 17:15:46 GMT
Tsai Ru watched as a volley of arrows covered the bridge. He was about to signal his men when he heard a sudden yell. Surrender? He looked towards Zhang He and hoped he would do the right thing. The less casualties they had, the better.
"Lieutenant. Send a messenger to lord Cao Cao. Tell the men to hold their positions. We will wait for further instructions." The lieutenant quickly did as instructed; a messenger when running westwards and the men began to relax somewhat. Ru gripped the hilt of his blade, he wouldn't be caught off guard.
Zhang He's militia on the bridge held their formation, they had an unwavering bravery unseen in many ordinary citizens. If only more were as courageous. He patiently sat upon his horse, waiting for a response form his liege.
"Men, stay on guard. It could be a ploy." His men quickly returned to their tense state, and anxiously looked around. He looked towards Zhang again and shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what to do. Whether this general's intentions were true, did not matter. It would be Cao Cao who would decide his fate. So, he continued to wait for the return of his messenger.
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Post by Zhang He on Jun 19, 2010 17:45:03 GMT
Zhang He watched his men fall, he laughed. His archers prepared for an attack, but the surrender made Zhang He smirk. They were pathetic enough to just give them the bridge? Zhang He’s archers were still aiming, ready to take out as many of the enemies men as they needed to on his signal. Zhang He wanted nothing more than to crush these men, but at the same time, his lord wanted to take Xu Chang wil the least amount of casualties. “Your surrender has been accepted.” He called out, folding his arms, there was a wicked look in his eyes, one move, just one wrong move and he’s have their men taken down. His men near the river could immediately smash through the enemy while his archers send a barrage of arrows.
He could see the relief on the militia, they were happy they wouldn’t attack, but now they would have to wait for orders from their lord Cao Cao for Zhang He watched as a messenger scurried away to their lord. “Come on, do it. Make one wrong move.” He was muttering under his breath, if anything, he wanted them to act stupidly so he could take them down.
Zhang He looked at the men, it was such a puny force, almost pathetic. He brought a claw gently to his face, the side of the blade pressed gently against his cheek. Yes he was definitely going to accept their surrender, as far as they knew. "On my signal archers." he said loud enough only for his men to hear.
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Post by Zhang Liao on Jun 19, 2010 23:43:24 GMT
((OOC: Really sorry I was gone for so long. My daughter has a stomach flu and I was taking care of her ) Zhang Liao's men had worked hard non stop, collecting wood from the felled trees. He had them work in shifts, some worked while some rested so that the men would not waste all of their energy before the fight. The crossbowmen were an exception, as they were needed to provide protection. They stood watch diligently, less Huang Xi surprise them while they were building the bridge. They would rain arrows into any enemies who might approach and sound a horn, alerting the others of the danger. The plan was simple. Use the wood to create a makeshift bridge for his men to cross the river. This would take some time, but he urged the men to move as fast as they could, while still being sure the bridge was built sturdy and would be safe to cross. Liao worked with the men himself even, hoping the sight of their General working at such a menial task alongside them would boost morale. "Come now brothers, certainly you can move faster than that!!" he would yell occasionally, followed by an outburst of laughter. When the bridge was complete, Liao would order his men to cross it with him at the front. Then once the whole of his army was across they would form up and prepare for the charge on Huang Xi's unit. The crossbowmen being ordered to announce their arrival with a few volleys of arrows into the enemies ranks. They would then fall back behind the spearmen and swordsmen. The cavalry leading the way, so that Liao himself could be the first to smash into the enemies ranks. Certainly the sight of him would send the army of Xu Chang into a panic stricken state. They would throw there weapons to the ground and beg for mercy!! recap: Lia's unit builds a bridge on the western side of the map. Crossing it and preparing to attack Huang Xi's flank. recap:
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Post by Liu Biao on Jun 20, 2010 11:47:10 GMT
My postXien Lu“Men drop your weapons our surrender is accepted, on the honer of Zhang He. I only hope he can restrain his obvious blood lust.” Xien Lu said throwing his sword in the river in a act of disgust. His lord has tried to sacrifice his life and that of his men. After threatening only the other day to execute him as a traitor, it was unbearable. His men complied with his orders, the east bridge had fallen. Huang Xi “My lord let us pull the archers back so only the bridge is in range. The enemy can never cross under such a barrage of arrows.” One of Huang Xi remaining loyal commanders Dian Xin suggested shaking his head as his watched his lord blunder again and again. It was nearly too much for him to keep his temper. “Don’t be stupid can’t you see my men are simply not fighting hard enough, now no more of your military nonsense I know what I’m doing.” Huang Xi snapped as his watched his archers running away from the river. He yelled at them to stop but they did not seem to be listening. “Oh a great plan.” “The river is not the place to hold the enemy, we with make a tactical withdrawal to the hill in front of the city. With the high ground we will be unbeatable.” Huang Xi laughed his confidence quickly restored after a slightly defeat. He quickly turned around and rode his horse as fast as he could toward the city. He might call it a tactical retreat but it was more of a rout with him rallying his archers as he went. Dian Xin watched him go a expression of disgust crossing his face. It seemed it was down to him to save the situation. Cao Cao cavalry would cross and hit them in the rear otherwise. Or they would have only with such a narrow bridge it would take them too long his lord might escape. It was down to him to take the rear guard. He grabbed 200 bowmen, 500 swords, 500 spears and 500 cavalry and ordered them to stay with him. It seemed he must make up for his lords tactical errors; the indignity of it burned him with shame. “Slow your fight brave comrades. Turn and form rank. We will make a slow withdraw not turning our back to the enemy.” Dian Xin called riding down the ranks. His men knew him for a good leader and turned at his words. They formed ranks and began to slowly walk backward toward the hill in rank and formation. It was an exstreamly difficult task perhaps the most in all warfare to conduct a rear guard action in such a way but so far he was managing it. Actions - Xien Lu surrenders east bridge - Huang Xi runs away toward the city - Dian Xin a more skilled commander leads the rearguard pulling back toward the hill slowly although he begins to extremely dislike his lord. Map update Summery:Cao Cao takes the east bridge with Zhang H capturing all Xien Lu's men. Huang Xi leads his men in a retreat toward the city abusing the advice of his general Dian Xin. Dian however leads the rearguard in a slower more ordered retreat. Cao Cao men are unable to cross the bridge fast enough to strike there rear. Zhang Liao makes a bridge and crosses as well although it takes far to long and when he gets there Huang Xi has already fled like a coward. Troop lossesXien Lu: all 300 surrendered
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 20, 2010 13:56:19 GMT
It was a flash of about a few seconds before Huang Xi responded to the offensive charge led by Cao Ren. The coward... He knew he had more numbers, but he now realized that they were nothing to be depended upon, as he was still at the inferior situation upon the bridge. Fleeing instantly upon being attacked, the ruler of Xu Chang rapidly withdrew from the bridge, heading toward whatever was nearby that looked safe enough. And he had chosen the hills right next to the bridge. For once, he was using his head properly.
But then there was a single unit withdrawing at a much slower speed compared to Huang Xi, yet still organized in an orderly line and making sure their rear was properly protected. At their lead, an unknown man, obviously one of some rank within Huang Xi's lines, but observing his attire, maybe not too much of an offensive fighter... One of Xi's trustiest advisors, perhaps? So was this orderly retreat the man's own idea? Zixiao doubted it was a command from the ruler himself. So... There were people in Xu Chang who were actually more than the imbecile.
"I'll keep an eye on you, General," he muttered under his breath. "Maybe you'll prove to be a better asset to us... eventually."
Raising his left hand, he stopped his entire unit as they came to a halt right after the bridge. They wouldn't engage the enemy atop the hill; that would be a form of suicide. Keeping their good distance from the hill, Cao Ren led his unit away from any archer's range, standing in formation while they kept an eye on the enemy above, and of course wait for the rest of the allies to finally step across the bridge.
"You're dead now, Huang Xi. You can escape me, but not Lord Cao Cao."
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Post by Tsai Ru on Jun 21, 2010 7:03:07 GMT
Xien Lu surrendered to Zhang He. The messenger he had sent to Cao Cao still hadn't returned. BAH. It doesn't matter. We will move on. He looked towards Zhang He. The man sat upon his horse, arms crossed and grinning.
"Men! We move on! Avoid the general's men. We continue." Tsai Ru and his men marched past Zhang He's men on the bridge and Xien Lu's on the other side. They began to march quickly, they had to move in to flank Haung Xi. Keeping close to the river, the small army moved quickly and came upon the western side of the forest. "Militia, cover our rear. I still don't trust that general. Men, stand ready! We charge into the enemy's flank!" Tsai Ru had commenced their charge when his lieutenant pointed up to the hill. Huang Xi stood atop the hill already.
"Damn. Lieutenant, inform General He about the situation. Bring me Xien Lu." The officer ran off northbound. "Spearmen, cover the eastern side of the hill, keep outside archer range. I want the ballista behind them, ready it to fire at the enemy's position on the hill." The soldiers rapidly moved into position. The ballista adjusted it's aim and was primed to fire upon Huang Xi.
The lieutenant walked up and introduced Xien Lu. He stood straight and ready. The stature of a soldier. "General. You will open the Eastern gates and let my men into the city. Lieutenant here will be in command. My archers will line themselves on the Northern walls and prepare to fire on Huang Xi. By helping us, we will not harm your people. Know that if you betray my men. You will die by my hand." Ru stared at the General. If anything happens, he would have his head on a pike. "Lieutenant. Take our archers and half the swordsmen. They may need protection. Now General, lead my men into the city."
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Post by colby on Jun 21, 2010 11:24:31 GMT
"My Lord, the eastern bridge has been captured and the enemy has surrendered there."
Cao Cao laughed, bowing his head. Zhang He and Tsai Ru had done a good job now the enemy had fled to the hilltops tactical advantage. He sighed, seeing the dangers of this. Cao Ren avoided it and stepped back, a wise move. Cao Cao laughed. Things were going well for them, he wasn't going to make a stupid move and chase the bastard up the hill.
"Set up the trebuchet, barrage the hill until the pathetic wimps move! Thats an order!"
He shouted to his men, the Trebuchet would have the range and power and keep them pinned in. Whilst his vanguard begun fixing it together and preparing it, he send messengers to all his generals, reminding them that this battle was for the city.. not to kill this wimpering fool upon the hilltop.
The trebuchet was deployed, close to the river with enough room to move around it. At full force it would be able to strike the men upon the hill - however that wasn't his intention. He was merely using it to scare them.
"Let one fly, aim at the heroic general at the bottom of the hill!"
Cao Cao shouted, as they changed their course for the giant stone inside it, the counter weights revolved before pelting the stone at the enemy with great speed. If they wouldn't come down and fight on a battlefield in which Cao Cao could win, then he would force them to break their morale.
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Post by Sarugaku Jouten on Jun 21, 2010 15:47:25 GMT
Sarugaku's men stayed in a defensive formation while all the messengers came running toward his position. One of the messengers came toward him, one from Cao Cao. The messenger repeated Cao Cao's words, saying that this was a battle for the city, not to kill a fool on top of a hill.
Sarugaku's lips formed into a smile, it would appear that the enemy was on it's final leg. It was now time to make his advance toward the city, time to show Cao Cao his worth as an officer. Judging from the other officers and messengers it would appear that Haung Xi ran from the bridge, the perfect time to cross. The males right hand lifted upward before flinging it forward. With this gesture his force mobilized, his ranks were still defensive. The male brought along with him the ballista, might as well use it on the gates of Xu Chang.
Sarugaku's men rushed to the other side of the bridge, running at full speed in order not to be caught in a full out war upon it. Upon reaching the other side the male was able to see Cao Cao and Cao Ren's forces. Cao Cao was firing at the mountain with one of the greatest seige weapons. Cao Ren appeared to be waiting for them to finally get there.
Sarugaku and his units moved toward the side of Cao Ren, far from the Archer's range. The male positioned his ranks once more in a defensive formation. Swordsmen in front, Spearmen between them. Cavalry moved into two rows, and the ballista was in the middle of both rows. Behind them would be the Archers, ready to fire if any unit came with in range.
........ <Swordsmen ........ <Spearmen . . <Cavalry . . . <Ballista in the middle . . <Cavalry ......... < Archers
Sarugaku turned his horse to face a Messenger, the male wrote a letter to Cao Ren and Cao Cao. The message read."I shall move my units to take the city, by the time that foolish leader gets his men off of the mountain we would have already taken it. What are your thoughts on this?" The male waited for a reply from them.
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Post by Zhang Liao on Jun 21, 2010 18:58:15 GMT
His men across the river safely, Liao smiled. Even though it was such an unimportant task, it was his first in over a year. The events that unfolded whilst he was getting his men across the river were another thing. The main force, which he had hoped to crush himself had taken a new position. He cursed silently. Having missed his opportunity to have the glory...or had he.
Huang Xi had made the mistake of leaving the paths to the city undefended. Liao ordered his men to march. They would swing wide of the hill that Huang Xi is defending. And make way to the western gate of Xu Chang. Certainly he could persuade those inside to open the gates. They would realize that Cao Cao is more suited to govern them than the fool Huang Xi.
Zhang Liao has marched his unit towards the western gate, hoping to gain access to the city.
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Post by Tsai Ru on Jun 22, 2010 5:25:24 GMT
Zhang He has given Cao Cao and I permission to post for her while she's on her vacation. Check the Arrivals/Departure board for confirmation. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Zhang He smirked when Ru's lieutenant relayed the news. Huang Xi truly was an idiot. Then we shall head to the city. He galloped forward and began to order his officers.
"Men, I want half of our bowmen, our spearmen and our militia to stay here and watch Xien Lu's men. If they do anything....kill them." The troops moved into postiion, surrounding Xien's troops. "Crossbowmen follow Ru's troops into the city. Line up along the Northern wall. I want the cavalry and the rest of the bowmen to cover the North and Northeastern sides of that hill. Stay out of archer range." The cavalry charged off, the archers behind them. "Swordsmen, we will enter the city." The army commenced it's march towards the Eastern Gate. Zhang He looked to the nearby officer and nodded. If they don't let us in, our siege equipment will be right behind us. Let's hope Xien Lu is an idiot like his leader.
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Post by Liu Biao on Jun 22, 2010 21:35:19 GMT
(Please note I left out 1000 troops from my initial deployment there men are still in and guarding the city.) Xien Lu Xien looked at Tsai Ru like he was a mad man. Which was perhaps cruel since he just did not understand the situation. He was a surrendered general and had done so for two reasons. The first that he wanted to live the second Huang Xi abused and did not trust him. Either of which was reason enough to refuse his order. “Please general take these words at heart for if your plan would work I would do it to gain favour with General Cao. However I already sent word the bridge was lost for one thing. For another Huang Xi’s most loyal men hold the city. They do not trust me any more than he they are as likely to shoot me as open the gate at this point. I cannot do this for you.”Huang Xi/Dian ShiDian Shi men final arrive at the top of the hill they had not been attacked by the enemy thankful and could rejoin with their comrades at last. Dian noted spitefully that Huang Xi did not praise his actions but ignored him for taking a risk that saved his men’s lives. “HaHa the enemy will never take this position from us let them come they can but die now.” Huang Xi laughed aloud as he twirled his beard with his off hand. It was clear he was not going to give any further orders at this point. Dian Shi decided to do so for him, he had final come to the conclusion it was just better to do something that ask his lord first. He would just take credit for it if it worked later anyway. “Deploy behind the ridge of the hill. The enemy will not be able to fire on us.” Dian Shi said gesturing for the army units to withdraw behind the ridge line of the hill. They would be out of sight and shot of the enemy. He himself and a few others of course stayed on top of the hill there own units could be recalled to the top of the ridge in seconds if needed. It was perhaps the first intelligent action of the day but Huang Xi ignored it just staring off into space as usually picturing his future victory. Dian Shi decided that no matter what once this was over he would quit his lords service. City commanderAlarm spread into the city as the forces of Zhang Liao were spotted moving toward the gates. The city’s commander gave the orders for all their reaming troops to mass on the city walls. With so few they were spread terribly thin of course. Actions- Xien Lu refused to do as ordered pointing out he feels the plan will only get him killed - Dian Shi orders Huang Xi’s army behind the ridge line off the hill, they cannot be shot by archers of Balista. Possible Trebuchet or catapult but as they cannot be seen it would take a lucky shot. - City defenders rush to wall tops Map Update Summary: Zhang He and Tsai Ru march toward the city keeping to the river side after leaving a small force to guard there prisoners. Xien Lu however refused to go along with their plan. Cao Cao and his two support generals set up there siege weapons in range of the hill Huang Xi is occupying. However he simply withdraws behind the ridge line and there fire misses. It seems they would have to climb up to fight him or rely on a very slow barrage with trebuchets which may well miss and is not likely to kill many of the enemy. Zhang Liao races for the city gates bypassing the hill. Spotting his force the city defenders prepare for battle. Troop losses: Zero New turn can begin.
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Post by Cao Ren on Jun 23, 2010 0:38:03 GMT
Cao Ren watched in utter silence behind Cao Cao's unit as he witnessed the withdrawal of Huang Xi's troops from the ridge line of the hills, disappearing out of sight and of course proper reach of any fired projectile. It would only take a lucky blind shot to hit any part of their army back there. And then again climbing the hills would be complete suicide, and he wouldn't serve as a failure and a wipeout by walking up there while all sorts of who-knows-what rained down on him. No, it wouldn't do to try and attack in that manner.
Well, of course, the same strategist that had previously showed an orderly form of retreat was once again leading the withdrawal from the ridge line. Indeed, the man must be much more talented than Huang Xi, which honestly wasn't too hard to be, but still... There was still a chance of winning the man's favor. And once that would be done, it would be nothing to take over the rest of Huang Xi's poorly aligned army and city.
There was no risk in doing what Cao Ren was doing. Zixiao personally called a young private to him, one standing nearby and ready to provide any possible service. Nodding him closer, Zixiao leaned down before whispering to the young man:
"Go before the enemy behind the hills and inform the enemy officer, the one serving Huang Xi, that he is given a chance to join our cause and get rid of this man of stupidity known as Huang Xi together. He will find himself in much more if he serves Lord Cao Cao. And he shall be greatly rewarded if he does.
"And don't let Huang Xi know of your presence."
A nod of approval before the messenger scurried off. He could or could not succeed; the officer might just kill him if he felt like it. But it wasn't the end of what Zixiao might attempt to pull out of his sleeve.
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Post by Tsai Ru on Jun 23, 2010 7:51:13 GMT
Tsai Ru
"Do you wish to gain favor with Cao Cao? Then you will fight with us. Your men will bolster mine. But tell me this: you know the city, are there any postern gates of some sort? If there was any way for us to enter the city, there would be less casualties upon the people." Tsai Ru meant what he said. He didn't want to hurt the people. It would end up like Luo Yang, before they helped restore it.
"Spearmen, you know your orders. Move to the eastern side of the hill. I want the militia to fortify them." Ru pointed towards the knoll. The infantry began to march towards the hillside.
"Xien Lu. I'd recommend you tell Zhang He and myself anything you know. General He isn't as merciful as me."
__________________________________________ Zhang He
He smiled at Tsai's words. It was true. He would happily slice him, for any reason. Pain wasn't just a feeling, it was an art form. And if done properly, it was beautiful. The crossbowmen ahd swordsmen had already begun to march souch towards the road, the siege weapons following closely behind. He stared at Lu intently. Make a mistake. Make the wrong move. I'll cut you down now.
"Ru, let me take the general and his men and we will lay siege to the city. You can focus on surrounding Huang Xi." He smiled.
_________________________________________ Tsai Ru
Zhang He was of a higher rank and had more experience. What he wanted took precedent over Ru. "You do not have to ask me. You will assault the Eastern gate." Zhang He laughed. Ru would turn his attention to Huang Xi. "Now, Xien Lu. Tell us what you know."
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colby
Full Member
I would rather betray the world, than let the world betray me
Posts: 216
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Post by colby on Jun 23, 2010 10:44:57 GMT
Cao Cao sat upon his horse, becoming rather bored is this pathetic mans withdrawal techniques. Withdrawing for a purpose was okay, but he was doing nothing more then shivering behind his troops upon a hill. He launched a few more boulders towards the mound to keep them trapped and pinned down - suppression fire before signalling the attack. Attack a well fortified position up-hill was against the rules of strategy, but these men were not prepared, if they were spending their time low because of bombardments from the trebuchet which kept coming they had no idea what was coming.
His calvary would be of no use here, the terrain would slow them down. He moved his archers and his footmen across the bridge before another boulder rocketed over. The footmen stoop at the bottom of the hill, it wasn't huge but it would provide a steep climb. Cao Cao also moved across the bridge, leaving a handful of troops to function the trebuchet.
Cao Cao looks at the hill, if they move they will get crushed by boulders. He laughed before signalling the advance upon the hill by his own men. Ready for a fight but told to remain silent and to keep low, making their advance on several fronts before throwining themselves down to the ridge and scaring the bastards to death. Literally. The archers would keep out of contact whilst the trebuchet would keep firing until the troops were too close to take a shot.
Cao Cao knew the risks of going into something like this, however the leading officer was untrained and his capture would win the battle. A little over 900 men started ascending the hill in a open formation, prepared for the offensive.
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