The Fires of Chi Bi: Wei's Retreat

[Sun Quan]

The battle of Chi Bi shall be remembered today- and by none less than the final closing moments of the battle being replayed. Wu has just set Cao Cao's fleet ablaze, and now the Wei lord is making is retreat north. However, the alliance intends to give pursuit of Cao Cao's now beaten army. Cao Cao's only defense is the few generals that have managed to escape alive and dare to provide cover for their lord.

The Wu ships have dispersed to the coast and the army's are now engaging in a field battle. Cao Cao is moving north to make his escape, however the alliance is on his heels.

---

Sun Quan gripped the railing along the top tier of his flag ship, the olden wood pulsing in his hand as the sound of the war-drums permeated the ship. They had done it, and now Cao Cao was on the run... and they would do well to give chase. The lord of Wu gazed one last time out across the river, looking deep into the rich red and orange glow of the fires. It was breathtaking.. yet in reality those were his enemies, and they were burning.

This was war, and for a moment that stunning notion scared Zhongmou. This is how he was to deal with his foes.. those that moved against him- he'd burn them alive... Quan figured that such tactics would show the Wei how powerful Wu really was, and to what measures they would go to.. yet after all is said and done, could Wu truly managed to hold up the glory of this moment?

Was this their lucky break, or the start of something new?

Shou Shi yelled out to his lord, "Master Quan, we have landed on the shore! The army is filing out onto the land, what are your orders!?"

Sun Quan returned his gaze back to the ship and found his general on below on the deck. Shi's words had done well to bring his commander back to the situation at hand, and a second later Sun Quan leapt over the railing, landing on the deck below.

[red]"We attack now... Cao Cao must die!"[/red]

The entire ship begins to cheer and slowly like a raging inferno the calling rally captures the entire fleet.

They hurried as they ran forth up the coast, their army comprised mostly of foot units until they met up with their division of cavalry that had landed further east on the coast. The size of their forces was immense, not to mention that they sounded like they were three times their size.

Before long they rounded a bend near a hill and could see Cao Cao's army to the north, slowly moving on in their chaotic manner- Wu had truly struck a blow in their army for they could not even managed to make their escape by the looks of things. Quan also noticed that high above that clouds began to form across the sky.. a storm was brewing.

Wu Army:

• 4000 Swordsmen
  
• 2000 Spearmen
  
• 2000 Bowmen
  
• 2000 Crossbowmen
  
• 3000 Pikemen
  
• 2500 Veteran Swordsmen
  
• 500 Scout Cavalry
  
• 4000 Medium Cavalry
  
• 2000 Raiding Cavalry

[red]"Give chase! Cavalry on me!"[/red]

Sun Quan prodded his horse forward with his feet, feeling the wind rush through his air.. the moment was filled with glory- and honor. Behind him, several thousand troops ran forward, seeking the blood of Wei..

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

<I'm somewhat busy at the moment, this is a placeholder post that also includes the Shu Army's numbers for the battle. SOmething more appropriate will be up this evening after I've had dinner I hope>

7,500 Spearmen
5,000 Bowmen
3,500 Crossbowmen
3,500 Veteran Swordsmen
2,500 Swordsmen
2,000 Pikemen
500 Medium Cavalry
350 Scout Cavalry
150 Cavalry Archers

[Cao Cao]

Historical adaptation of the retreat with a battle zone area



(This battle is going to be very simple and very fast. Wei will be hugely out-numbered so it is a simple matter of ‘how long I can last’ the victory has already been determined, however – rewards are still given to those who participate and do well. Even if you get beaten you’ll still be well rewarded depending on your actions.)

---

From the vantage of the rising tide, the remains of what once stood a pride people now seemed to desolate to compare even to the generic thugs of organised crime. It was like watching a tiger fall before the clever ploys of an eagle, it just didn’t make sense – and yet as they watched it, it somehow did.

There was no real expectation of what to do, orders were called for and Cao Cao had been hasty enough to issue them before his own ship had been burned. But now, on the shore-line, he wasn’t so sure what there was to do.

He had sailed for over a week, blockaded the docks of Wu and had laid siege to their great fleet, he had outnumbered them 3 to 1 and now here they chase him like cats chasing mice, they chase in with an army ratio of 2 to every 1 of his own.

How? That he did not understand, it all went far too quickly, from raising the flags of war to calling for the horns of retreat, the events that took place in-between were like a motion picture that was made up entirely of blur. It made no sense and yet he still remembered something.

“Men, fall back to Xiang Yang!”

The armies advanced further as he spoke and they could only cringe as their enemies gained on them ever few hours. Before long they’d catch him and he’d be forced into a battle he knew he could not win. It was a shame, truly ...

“My Lord, I’ll call the vanguard and secure your retreat, we’ll meet again in Xu Chang.”

And so they divided and Cao Cao continued moving.

---

Cao Hong had assembled what little was left of the army and had set up a very basic fortification between the city of Jiang Ling and Xiang yang. It would be fine, for now. Wu Had only just recently landed ashore according to the reports given in by his scouts, who were now far too few to be of any further use to him.

He had lost men in building the small fortifications, and all it had consisted of was a small wooden fence and a few stacks of wood and hay that had laid scattered across a small perimeter in-between the open fields and the mountains that slowly stretched across the Jing province. It would suffice, he thought – and pushed his fear away. He would fight, he repeated, he would stand and he would kill, just as Cao Cao would expect.

“Men!” He called, for a reason only known to him. The men were so few that it did not take long for it to reach every last platoon that had been drafted in preparation.

“We fight with the memory of Wei in mind, for the memory of our continuous victories over Zhongyuan, so not fall behind and never leave the side of your ally. Today we will show Wu just how great we are on open plains, they’ll fear in the name of our heavy cavalry!”

The men smiled, yet very few cried a cheer, it was not the fact that morale was low – men had prepared to die for Wei, they had accepted it honourably, knowing their sacrifices would make their esteemed households richer. But they had began to fear what Wu could do, for years they had squashed their opposition with an iron fist – and yet now they seemed to be the ones being destroyed. Either Wu were a true match for Wei or they were incredibly lucky – and no man that day felt it was the latter.

Wu would win, no one doubted that fact, the only hope and courage they could string together was for ‘how long’, long enough – they prayed, for their ruler to return safely to Zhongyuan and act to this defeat. If not, then they were doomed – as was their ruler.

“STEADY THE LINES!” and it became time, time to stand, time to hold and time to kill. Cao Hong at the fore, his men at the back. It was time.

Wei’s Army

• 2000 Swordsmen
  
• 600 Spearmen
  
• 800 Bowmen
  
• 200 Crossbowmen
  
• 1000 Veteran Swordsmen
  
• 1000 Pikemen
  
• 100 Scout Cavalry
  
• 500 Medium Cavalry
  
• 2000 Heavy Cavalry
  
• 3000 Armoured Lancers
  

[THE Justin]

Taishi Ci held his spear in hand, gripping the shaft with whitened knuckles. He perspired; it was not a cool day, and the strain of the armor weighed on both his body, and his mind. He did not mind battle; he was good at it, and he relished the times spent in battle.

He smiled, however. His lord was giving a rousing speech; a few words, nothing worth anything as was Quan's style. The man was nowhere near as eloquent or battlehardened as his brother; the man Taishi Ci had looked up to more than any other.

He kicked the side of his horse sternly, and the beast began trotting forwards. The men behind him fell in step. He looked up at the darkening sky.

"Well, thank the gods that we'll at least be fighting in the rain."

The men around him laughed; no one wanted to fight in the rain. It would cause sickness to spread after the battle as men shivered in wet clothes on the march home. However, it was a bit easier to stay less winded when the rain was pouring.

The horse trotted and the men around him picked up pace; a light jog. Taishi was at the vanguard with his Lord Quan nearby; not too close, as the lord would not be put in jeopardy. If anything, he expected Quan to peel off at the last second and retreat to the back lines, and he thought no less of him if he did; he was necessary to continue Wu.

However, Ci was not, but Ci had no plans on dying. He lifted his spear high into the air, it's blade glinting in the sun, it's five points creating a rallying point for the army.

"Men of Wu!" His voice boomed, drawing glances and agreements from the surrounding men. "We strike forth at the rear guard of our enemy Cao Cao. The man in charge is Cao Hong... and I shall have his head! It is your job to make sure that no one else gets in my way, understand? I know, its a pretty easy job for Wu's Grand Army, but I could really use the help." Laughter rolled from the charging men, and they were inspired.

But Taishi's face hid nothing; determination etched every line of his face, his eyes set dead ahead to the flag with Hong's name on it. He stood at the center of his men, Taishi at his.

Soon, the two great rivers would meet... and the Wu river was moving faster.

[Zhuge Liang]

The battle of Chi Bi has been won. Thanks to the efforts of both Shu and Wu, Cao Cao was now retreating after a crushing defeat. This marked the beginning of a struggle that would forever change the fate of the land. "Now is not the time for talking" Zhuge Liang said as he oversaw the battlefield from forest. There was a reason why he left Chi Bi after summoning the winds: To get a better understanding of the terrain.

"Cao Cao is a dangerous man. If he escapes then Wei will retaliate with a great amount of strength. He must not be allowed to escape." Kongming muttered as he raised his feather fan to signal the troops located outside the forest. His troops replied to his signal by raising one of their banners.

"Good." Zhuge Liang vigorously fanned his face as he left the forest. "Everything should go as planned. Hopefully." He smiled as he once more joined his forces.

[Cao Zhi]

Coming from the north, the voice of a poet could be heard attempting to entertain his men from the long boring ride from Xu Chang, a supply train trailing behind them carrying not only supplies... The horses hooves were hard on the ground and the mood was solemn, and the faces were stone hard, they couldn't be changed. Each face wore a feeling sorrow, anger and distress for Cao Cao and Cao Zhi. They weren't in any mood for Cao Zhi's poems.
"... A white horse, in a halter of gold,
Galloping swiftly to the northwest..."
Most of Zhi's men looked at him with pity and disgust, why did such a loser drinker have to lead them into a battle? They all thought of his father, how Cao Cao must've been feeling. He must have been very embarassed to lose to such an army. It had to be very hard for Cao Zhi. A lot of his men also thought he was being derranged moron, attempting to be a knight.
"...Ask which family's son is the rider -
A noble knight who hails from You and Bing..."
Cao Zhi stopped reciting his lines after he had some glares shot at him, and brought his thoughts back to Xu Chang, when he heard his father's massive fleet had been defeated.
-----------------------------------------
He was drinking wine, feeling slightly light headed and humorous. His father had recently left to dispose of the disgusting scum of the South - the Wu forces - led by the pathetic Sun Quan who had no achievements to date like his late father and brother. Then there was Liu Bei, who led the Shu forces who managed to slip out of Zijian's father's hands. That was what made Cao Zhi laugh, how could such a combination possibly be deadly? He was so euphoric that he allowed some men to leave service from him, he gave them money to help support their family, and he gave them all wine to toast to his father's victory ahead of time. While they were all ravaging their delicious meat and imbibing their drinks a messenger arrived - apparently from Chi Bi - bearing some grave news.
"Lord Cao Cao... He's been defeated at Chi Bi, devestated by a fire attack, he will need assistance!"
The man yelled before collapsing; a single arrow was pierced in his back. Cao Zhi was awe struck. How could such a large army be defeated by a measly 50,000? Nevermind that, Cao Zhi had to do something to help his father, he might not have been the most skilled at war in his family, but he had to do something. From Xu Chang he took his own private bodyguard unit and a supply train (loading it with all kinds of things he would find useful) to help Cao Cao and Cao Hong (who was apparently holding the Shu and Wu forces back), and headed to Xin Ye to hire boats that could take them across the river. It costed them a bit of money to get them across, but at least they would be able to cross the river. They had trouble getting the Supply Train across, but somehow they miraculously crossed the rushing river to arrive in a green plain of Xiang Yang.
---------------------------------------------
Starting to recite lines again, a lot of his servents started to groan.
"...Giving up his life for the sake of his country,
He looks toward death as a journey home..."
That sentance rang out to the men. They were tense, quite demoralised and unable to fight properly - however, now they would be able to help to defend against the assault. Cao Zhi's men galloped and sprinted, trying to reach their destination. Cao Zhi squinted and tried to see some of his allies - all in vain. On his way towards Cao Hong he saw his father on the other side of the plain running into the distance with the brave men his father had.
"I'll do my best, father, I'll protect you!"
Then Zhi looked back to his soldiers and the supply train.
"Keep those supplies safe! They're our only chance for survival! Come on, keep up, we must help hold the line!"
They stopped about 2-3 miles away from Cao Hong's position, while Cao Zhi sent a scout cavalry as a messenger to give a message to Cao Hong.
-------------------------------------------
A few minutes later Cao Zhi's messenger arrived where Cao Hong were. The messenger rode up to Cao Hong:
"Lord Cao Zhi has arrived with his forces, and is awaiting orders."
The messenger said said, signalling to the small force and the supply train behind him.
"Lord Cao Zhi also wishes to know if you have a plan."
-------------------------------------------
"We need to hold out, reinforcements should be arriving soon to help us"
Cao Zhi said trying to be optimistic. The tiger and dragon had made an expected alliance - and they were chasing the humans out of their domain... Victory would be far from their grasp, but they had to fight, for their lord, for their families, for their honour.
"...He's staked himself on the edge of his sword;
How can he treasure his life?..."


Soldiers (Am I supposed to use the troops that Cao Cao posted a while back?)
Command Unit:
50 Scout Cavalry
100 Pikemen

Main Unit:
500 Veteren Swordsmen
1000 Armoured Lancers
600 Crossbowmen
500 Heavy Cavalry
200 Swordsmen
100 Pikemen
EDIT2: Used the troops from Cao Cao's previous post.

[Zhang Fei]

The last flames would be devouring what's left of Cao Cao's once mighty navy now. Last night the beginning of a new era was set in as Cao Cao was defeated by both wisdom and luck. His soldiers were not able to fight on the deck of ships nor were Liu Bei's men, but luckily he had sided with the southern forces of Sun Quan, who were borne in water. The enormous mass of men that Cao Cao had brought along was destroyed and as Zhang Fei sat on top of his steed, he could clearly see the remnants of the army run north for their lives. There was no time to spare and Zhang Fei was not prepared to wait for any orders from the higher authorities. He raises his spear in the air and behind him a band of loyal followers on horseback notice their leader is calling their attention.

"Men! Before us are our enemies. They are running before our might. Pursue and destroy each last one of them!"

The enthusiastic roar that his soldiers cry out brings a smile on his face. They had witnessed the destruction of Cao Cao's army from the shores and now they would have the privilege of cutting down hordes of downhearted, fatigued soldiers. Not even thinking about any consequences, Zhang Fei and his troops charge forth, in pursuit.

[Liang Zhi]

Cao Xiu's army is camped at Fan and will reach Xiangyang next turn. Time until arrival at the scene, one turn.

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu and company reached the shore after the naval slaughter of Wei was over. Immediately he ordered the surrounding men to grab left over wood from Wei's abandoned and destroyed ships to construct defensive spikes along the shore.

In the near distance he could see Sun Quan and most of the Wu army forming up for battle. Every minute or so more soldiers were hitting the beach, ready to give chase and annihilate the Wei army.

"Quickly, let us erect some defensive structures and then move to aid our allies!"

Zhou Yu's horse was brought over to him and he mounted it before moving toward Sun Quan. Behind him an ocean of red banners and uniforms were spreading across the beach.

"Though they are on the run, please exercise caution my lord. Cao Mengde is a dangerous man and his men skilled. You know what is said about a cornered tiger....."

War drums started to sound off along the shore after some of the many units formed up. Morale was at an all-time high for Wu and that alone could be the deciding factor in the coming engagement.

[Sun Quan]

Despite the thoughts of others and the reasoning that the battle was coming to it's end, Sun Quan was still riding at the front of his very large and bustling cavalry army. The feeling was.. electric, not being able to even properly think with the sound of several thousand horses and their riders flashing across the land in a scene that provoked men to simply run away in terror.. yet today he fought a veteran enemy, and by the likes of it, they knew what was in store. Their force was small, yet they were dug in..

Sun Quan rummged around his saddle and drew his sword yet only so he could hold it off to the side. His enemy was still quite the ways away and he could barely even see the whites of their eyes. Plus, who was to say he would get there? Would they not strike him down with their ranged weapons? Surely Wei had manged to save some of their archers from the fires.. Whilst deep in thought Sun Quan did not notice his prized bodyguard, Shou Shi, pull up to his side, appearing from the deep masses of Wu horsemen. Riding a find, stout horse and dressed in full battle garb, he looked something like a brightly colored demon. His hand grasped Quan's sword hand, and he yelled out to his lord.

Quan stared blankly at Shou Shi, he hadn't even noticed him yet, and he certainly couldn't hear him over the sound of his men behind him. The look in the warrior's eyes told him enough though. He should be back near the rear, watching from afar. Not even 'Cao Cao' was here himself to fight off the soon to be invaders.. Quan's vision focused on an image far off to his right though, and saw immediately the titan Taishi Ci. He was gaining on Quan as his army was pealing off to the right and making their way to the front of Cao Hong's lines.

A man to be admired, that Taishi Ci. But Quan would not allow him only to lead by example on this day. Today, he had to prove himself.

He cried out in anguish, tired of the stupid rules that accompanied his job. Thrusting his sword high and forward he aimed for the Wei lines and sped on further. Shou Shi- realizing he couldn't stop his lord, kept up with his pace and drew his sword as well. Behind him the Wu cavalry pushed on too, waiting for the moment to strike, living for the destruction that was about to come, yet not even thinking about losing.

Behind the large, well oliled parade of horses was a powerful force of elite ground units. Both units, the cavalry and the foot soldiers were put into block units, though the cavalry's line had a tip, of sorts, where Sun Quan had begun to tare away from the line. Behind them was a mass of Pikemen and Spearmen combined, ready to be the second strike. Off to their left was a large group of Veteran Swords, who guarded the royal carriage. Upon the carriage could be seen Zhang Di, who surely had a trick up his old, wily sleeves. It was not clear what was behind the cavalry because of it's immense size and massive dust cloud it kicked up. Also, behind the large group of veteran swords was a hiding army of raiding cavalry... another ace Zhang Di had in his hand?

Positioning:
[Cao Hong]

[ZY][SQ][TC]

SPOILER: Click to show

[/b]
[li] 2000 Swordsmen
[/li][li] 500 Spearmen
[/li][li] 1000 Bowmen
[/li][li] 1000 Crossbowmen
[/li][li] 1000 Pikemen
[/li][li] 1000 Veteran Swordsmen
[/li][li] 500 Medium Cavalry
[/li][li] 1000 Raiding Cavalry

Zhou Yu:
[/li][li]1000 Swordsmen
[/li][li]500 Spearmen
[/li][li]1000 Bowmen
[/li][li]1000 Crossbowmen
[/li][li]1000 Pikemen
[/li][li]750 Veteran Swordsmen
[/li][li]500 Scout Cavalry
[/li][li]500 Raiding Cavalry

Sun Quan: (If more Wu generals join the cause they will receive troops from my army)
[/li][li]1000 Swordsmen
[/li][li]1000 Spearmen
[/li][li]1000 Pikemen
[/li][li]750 Veteran Swordsmen
[/li][li]3500 Medium Cavalry
[/li][li]1000 Raiding Cavalry[/li][/ul][/spoiler]

[Zhao Yun]

Together with the thousands of men that stormed off the ships, onto the beach, was also Zhao Yun. As soon as there was solid ground under his feet, he called out for his horse and made sure he was still properly equipped for the battle ahead. When he mounted his steed, he did not, like most generals, charge forward to reach the Wei army as soon as possible. Instead, he organized a unit to move at a slower pace, staying just a little bit behind the main army. Although this seemed like a won battle, it was always a wise idea to keep some troops in reserve. Should any daring Wei attack be attempted, there would be fresh units to counter it.

"Do not move too hastily men", Zhao Yun cried out, "but let's not fall behind either!". And thus they moved at a decent pace, slightly loosing formation, but orderly enough to regain formation and be ready for orders in almost no time.

(I guess Liu Bei will divide the troops)

[Cao Cao]

NEW ROUND – ROUND 2. IF YOU HAVE NOT POSTED IT IS TOO LATE TO DO SO NOW UNLESS CONFIRMED BY ADMINISTRATION AS A REINFORCING UNIT, SUCH AS CAO XIU.

NO ONE IS TO USE THEIR PERSONAL ARMIES. ALL ARMIES GIVEN IN THIS BATTLE ARE FOR THE DURATION OF THIS BATTLE ONLY, ALSO – NO ONE IS TO INVENT TROOPS WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION!

---

Cao Hong gazed ahead as the impeding army approached on all sides. He had wondered if the forest would have benefited him, but after having paid a closer inspection to the lands topography he had decided to remain on the outskirts where he could build his basic defences.

“Men fire at will!” He turned to the archers and crossbowmen of his army as he spoke, and they forged lines at the very front, just behind the small fortifications they had established where they prepared bundles of arrows for the volleys.

They soon readied their weapons and arrows and bolts were shot into the air, whether it struck or not depended on the speed Wu attacked with, but that didn’t concern him. He was prepared to meet Wu head on, even looking forward to it- should they desire it.

He called the army to prepare their battle lines behind him and watched from his vantage as Wu moved across the great fields, their horses crushing whatever life existed in the flowers that had grown in the wilderness.

“Cao Hong, you have a message from Cao Zhi.”

Cao Hong took the message from the scout, bid him farewell and then gazed back at the army. “Send a messenger to Cao Zhi.” He said, and a new scout got some ink from his bag and a slab of wood from his pocket.

“He is to join me on the front lines and control the second regiment. We must last long enough for our reinforcements to arrive.”

He grasped his sword as the messenger bowed and retreated and held it up high, “PREPARE YOURSELVES, WE MUST PROTECT LORD CAO CAO!”

---

Meanwhile....

Cao Cao has split into 3 groups and has set out for Xiang Yang. They will arrive in 6 rounds.

---

Objectives

Wei: To win you must hold off Wu and Shu for 6 rounds. Cao Hong, Cao Zhi and Cao Xiu cannot be defeated.

Wu and Shu: To win you must kill Cao Hong in fewer than 6 rounds and defeat the Wei defending army.

[Liu Bei [Ret]]

SPOILER: Click to show

Zhuge Liang: Main Body
1,500 Swordsmen
700 Bowmen
200 Crossbowmen
300 Pikemen
400 Veteran Swordsmen
10 Scout Cavalry

Zhang Fei: Right flank
300 Swordsmen
500 Medium Cavalry
500 Pikemen
500 Veteran Swordsmen
40 Scout Cavalry

Zhao Yun: Vanguard
1,800 Lancers
1,500 Heavy Cavalry
30 Scout Cavalry

Liu Bei: Reserves
20 Scout cavalry
500 Heavy Cavalry
200 Lancers
200 Swordsmen
100 Bowmen
100 Veteran Swordsmen
200 Pikemen

Looking from his vantage point as the Wu and Wei armies assembled, with his own men assembled in formation behind him, and his valiant generals commanding their armies, Liu Bei examines the field and sends a rider to Zhao Yun.

"Find and gauge the enemy, then await Yide and strike their rear or flanks as possible!" was the order scrawled rather clearly on a scroll the rider offered to Zilong.

To the right another missive was sent, to Yide: "Support Zhao Yun and flank the enemy, striking from the rear!"

And to Kongming a third rider was dispatched: "Support Wu as best you can."

With the letters sent, Xuande could only watch the battle from his position and hope that his generals conducted themselves properly.

Liu Bei's retinue consisted of the remainder of his scout cavalry as well as fifty of his heavy cavalry (67 men), and they, as well as the reserves, made themselves ready to move into position as each general gave orders to move their armies to engage the enemy.

[THE Justin]

Taishi Ci watched as Quan's orders were followed, men trailing behind the two generals that Quan had brought with him; the Grand Strategist Zhou Yu and the Grand Champion Taishi Ci. All three forms of the hierarchy were present, the law, the mind, and the sword.

With that knowledge, Taishi Ci was warmed; he would be allowed to focus on being his lord's sword, and he would cleave the Wei lines asunder while Zhou Yu did the tricky things he was known for. However, Sun Quan seemed adamant about screwing with Taishi Ci, as he charged forwards, his sword pointed towards the sky above the Wei lines.

What.

Taishi's face contorted in an expression of pure concern; if his lord were struck down, Wu would fall apart; there was no one in line of succession ready to take over, and no general held enough clout within the kingdom to take a stewardship.

Taishi then looked forwards, and saw as the Wei lines took up their bows, their arrows beginning their destructive rain amongst the Wu units, their aim set towards Sun Quan.
Ci growled, and kicked his horse, his men no longer in a nice jog, but a full run as they attempted to keep up with him.

The right flank of Sun Quan began to match pace and then overtake. The footmen were sent on a fast march, to keep them fresh, while the cavalry was ordered to peel off, all of it, circling around the mountain, clinging to its base. They were within arrow range, but moving much to fast, shields and speed their defense against any arrows. At their head, Guan Shao held his reigns, his armor bedecked with red ribbons, creating a streak of flaming crimson at the head of the cavalry column. They continued around the mountain, only turning about and forming up outside of the arrow range of the Wei units. They were on their left flank, exposed to the enemy, but unmoving, awaiting Ci's discretion.

The main body was now being hammered by arrows. Ci's own archers stopped at their maximum range, and fired, before charging forwards while reloading, firing again, not stopping now, letting their first volley be their power shot to sow discord and fear amongst the enemy troops.

Crossbowmen fell to their knees directly behind Ci, who stopped momentarily to point and scream, "FIRE!" Resuming his errant charge, leaping from his horse and charging with his men on foot, crossbowmen being overtaken by Veteran Swordsmen, who's shields were held aloft to absorb the impact of arrows, their dust kicking up, the true number of Taishi's men hidden as the snake of Wu writhed forwards, its fangs intent on piercing the Wei lines.

[Zhuge Liang]

And thus, Zhuge Liang troops were on the move. With 700 Swordsmen in each flank of the formation and 100 leading the front, the Shu Main Force advanced as a messenger from Liu Bei reached the formation holding a scroll with his orders. "Support Wu as best as you can." Kongming read out loud. A smile crossed his face as he returned the scroll to the rider.

Zhuge Liang then mounted his horse and raised his fan forward, his troops began to march towards the battlefield. "We must not allow the Wei troops to catch breath. They're tired after their defeat at Chi Bi." Kongming said to his troops as he saw a Wu officer charging with ferocity against the Wei frontlines. "So, that's has to be Lord Taishi Ci. Such ferocity in combat. Now, let's do our part! Archers and Crossbowmen, to the front. Pikemen, stand behind them."

The Crossbowmen formed a thin line in front of the main force, pointing their deadly weapons to the front. The Bowmen stood behind them and readied their arrows. Pikemen were behind the Bowmen, forming a wall of pikes with their weapons. However, for every four Pikemen in formation, there was a small hole in the column. "The pieces are in place. Now let's begin." Zhuge Liang said from behind the Pikemen as he raised his feather fan from above his head. "Archers, fire!" He then lowered his fan, pointing at the Wei lines as the Bowmen fired their missiles towards the enemy, but the Crossbowmen remained idle, not firing and waiting for their orders.