The Fires of Chi Bi: Wei's Retreat

[Cao Zhi]

Cao Zhi's messenger came thundering from Cao Hong's camp grasping the instructions given to Zijian.
"You are to join us on the front lines and control my second regiment of soldiers."
Zhi rallied all of his trusted soldiers, who were all currently resting from the journey. The future was coming - and it threatened to run right through the Wei forces, who weren't ready to grasp the fact that they could be defeated after such a long series of victories.
"We're standing on the verge of death. I appreciate the fact that all of you are here today. We are protecting the future. If Cao Cao dies, then your families futures will be wiped out."
The small bodyguard units drooped down and their depression could be felt even in the light head of Cao Zhi.
"Come. We move to aid Cao Hong! Let's go!"
And with that Cao Zhi led his men across the soon to be blood splattered plain to Cao Hong's army. Zijian arrived to see Cao Hong's army being impaled by arrows, and he could also see horrid armies of Wu and Shu advancing on them. Creeping up and narrowly avoiding some arrows, he notified Cao Hong of his swift arrival.
"Where do you want us to be positioned? I also have brought a few extra of Xu Chang's free soldiers to help."
He said beckoning to the small platoon.
"Blood spilt onto the battlefield,
Never to return to it's owner again..."
He muttered under his voice, finally being infected by the depression of his soldiers.

[Zhou Yu]

The allied forces were looking to make it two consecutive victories against Wei as both began the assault with much vigor.

With Taishi Ci moving in on the right flank and Sun Quan in the center, it was up to Zhou Yu to take the left. Quickly, the young strategist ordered his men to form up with crossbows at the fore, bows behind, and then all other infantry with cavalry to follow.

"As soon as we are in range, let loose men" he yelled, urging his steed forward toward a hail of arrows. It was amazing that the beasts could be trained to rush to their own deaths.

"For Wu and Sun Q......." "Gwah..."

A rushing swordsmen was caught in the throat by an enemy arrow and his life was cut from existence. He would be avenged though and his allied ranged units were preparing to fire.

Men were dropping all around, but the crossbows stopped, loaded, and pulled back on their weapons readying an attack. Right behind them, archers also prepared an attack and they quickly aimed toward the enemy front lines.

They did not wait for Zhou Yu's command because many of the men were breaking formation and skirmishing. The Wei arrows were forcing the men apart, but it would be risky for someone of great charisma to enter the deadly metal rain.

The snap of the xbows and the twang of the bows rang out as thousands of Wu projectiles looked to seek revenge for the losses dealt thus far.

Gongjin's horse stumbled slightly as two arrows embedded into the ground ahead. He pulled on the reins and ordered the beast to halt while he quickly surveyed the field.


:::Actions:::

- Zhou Yu advances on Wu's left flank.
- Crossbows engage Wei front lines.
- Archers engage Wei front lines.
- Rest of army at rest.

::: Army:::

1000 Swordsmen
500 Spearmen
1000 Bowmen
1000 Crossbowmen
1000 Pikemen
750 Veteran Swordsmen
500 Scout Cavalry
500 Raiding Cavalry

[Zhao Yun]

A messenger arrived, carrying orders from Liu Bei. He handed over a scroll to Zhao Yun, who quickly read it, nodding to the messenger he could return to his lord. It was now obvious there was no more time to waste. The Wu army was approaching the Wei battle line, already engaging in ranged combat. It wouldn't be long before the two armies would meet head on and it was up to the men of Shu to reinforce Wu en deliver the final blow to their already demoralized enemies. Zhao Yun rode towards the men under his command, shouting orders as he passed.

"A body of scouts is to rush ahead and examine the enemy fortifications and possible ploys. Try to stay out of their arrow range unless it is absolutely necessary! The rest of you, on me!"

And so they rushed forward, a portion of scouts going ahead to gauge the enemy, while Zhao Yun led the rest of the army. While riding forward, he kept his eye on the nearby treeline. As he drew closer to the battle, he could make out Zhuge Liang, already engaging the Wei forces. At that point, Zhao Yun and his men started moving to the west, avoiding the front line and going around the Wei battle line. They didn't get too close to the enemy, to not get hit by their arrows, but would be able to close the distance rather quick when given the order.

From there on, they advanced at a much slower pace. Thanks to the Wei army being much smaller in numbers, it wasn't that difficult to flank the enemy. Zhao Yun now awaited the reports from the scouts he had sent out earlier and kept an eye on the army of Cao Hong. With a part of the Shu army already flaking his and more men on the march Cao Hong would have to decide wether he would send a force to counter, weakening his main unit, or keep his units together but expose his flanks and even his rear.

"Be ready men, we attack soon..."

[Liang Zhi]

Cao Xiu is camped at Xiangyang, and is preparing for the last dash, he arrives next turn.

[Sun Quan]

The sky before him blanketed for moments, and then pain was brought upon his front lines. Yet Quan remained untouched. Why- why one might ask? So he could bring retribution.

Holding onto his horse and pulling in tight, the lord continued to speed up upon the Wei lines, his wrath imminent, he could practically already see the first man he'd kill, this was it. Behind him several thousand troops rallied, and his powerful line of cavalry still rode on strong, the arrow attack doing damage to them but not enough to hold them down. No, they would not stop till Wei learned to never count Wu down!

In a fiery cry, Sun Quan drew his blade at the last moment, time itself flashing before him as he swung his blade down upon a soldier defending himself with a spear. The powerful blade he held made easy work of both the wooden pole and the man's upper shoulder, shattering them with a loud crack. He did not spend much time on this one, as he struck down another man, his horse finally slowly down as the crowd of men became very thick. The Wei lines appeared deep, despite their weak numbers. Behind him Shou Shi dealt the Wei lines his own sword as he too began knocking skulls. All around them the Wu cavalry pushed further and then- like as if planned, they began to swarm the Wei army, the flanks riding out to the sides and punching holes through the enemy line.

[red]"For Wu, we shall not allow any man of Wei to leave this battle alive!"[/red]

Quan yelled, extinguishing the Wei morale around him and throwing more gas on the fire that was Wu. Again he took another crack and ended another man's life. He thought nothing of the act, either, something that would surprise him upon recollection. Around him his army fought incredibly hard, trying to make sure their lord was not in danger, and trying to push further than him.

As the cavalry began to 'settle in' another hell appeared for the Wei troops, this time in the form of a Spearmen and Pikemen. They hammered into the Wei lines with a running start and screamed out in anger as the Wu forces further rallied on the position. Off to the distance Zhang Di could be seen, preparing his troop of swordsmen, nearly half of them veterans even.

Perched tall upon Quan's carriage, Zhang Di spoke loudly, [white]"Your lord, Sun Quan, him very self, his risking his life upon the enemy lines! Fighting for the very soul of Wu, fighting for you! Let us show him our appreciation! Tonight, we dine in hell! FIGHTTTT!!"[/white]

Very much out of character, Zhang Di grasped the reigns of the carriage and sped off, his army of swordsmen aiming for the chunk of line between Zhou Yu and Cao Cao. To the front of the unit stood the weaker swordsmen, the middle being made up of the poweful veterans who would deal the most damage.

[Ling Tong]

Ling Tong arrived coming from the rear of Sun Quan, with troops behind him as they rushed to aide their Lord. In the distance, he saw two known officers, Taishi Ci and Zhou Yu who were already fighting, "Lets do our part now Men! The moment we have all been waiting for", he paused as he raised his sword and bellowed, "For WU!!". As he finished, his speed increased and so did the troops as they arrived behind Sun Quan's unit.

[Cao Cao]

Reserved for my post.

NO ONE CAN POST UNTIL I'VE DEALT THE DAMAGE AND MOVED ONTO A NEW ROUND.

Unfortunately, this battle should have been done with 2 boards, Wei vs Wu and Wei vs Shu at different locations, I'm finding it hard to do what Ryan does and keep track of everyones posts lol. I'm just not into doing that. So this battle won't last long unless Sun Quan also calcs the losses.

[Cao Cao]

OOC: Okay, so this is how it’s going to go. The shu officer that tried to go to the ‘right flank’ needs to sort of pass Wu to do that AND go around a mountain. So I’m going to ignore that post since I couldn’t quite come to grips with what every single person is doing. Also, I demand SUMMARIES! I am NOT RYAN, I am not that badass, I just wanted a little story/starter battle, I can’t cope with all the posts its killing me. So make it easier and just make summaries, unlike certain admins I am working 24/7 so please bare with me or fire me, your choice! Okay, time to post.

---

Cao Hong watched as volleys were exchanged, as cavalry units forged together into mass formations and plummeted through the earth. He watched as the soil turned from its granulated form and was soon a compact sledge of dirt, moisture and grime. He watched it all with a smile on his face, with the feeling of needing and wanting in his belly.

Yet he was not a crazy man, nor was he foolish enough to engage in combat against so many numbers, but Wu had done it, they had made such a vital error that it sang out to him from across the field, giving him ample time to move in an take it by the reins as swiftly and as precisely as he could.

“SPEARMEN!”

He screamed the order, and then watched as Cao Zhi’s men merged with that of his own, supporting the front lines and awaiting their enemy’s initial charge. They would all come, soon, but for now they would watch and wait – Sun Quan was upon them, his cavalry charging with ferocity, but such a fool this man was, that even Cao Hong, for a brief second thought about glimpses of victory – of prosperity and fame.

The ideal couldn’t last forever, even he realised that – but for now the visualisation of his enemies made his heart skip a beat, made his legs whimper and his body tense with sudden emotion. His soldiers felt the same, they had prepared spear walls and barricades and had even listed the aid of crossbowmen and archers alike for supportive, covering fire and yet still they came, unafraid and undaunted. It was both awe inspiring and annoying to watch, but still he did – captivated by it all.

“Spearmen to the front, archers – don’t stop firing. Cao Zhi, support the main unit, protect the battle lines!”

He raised his sword as another volley shot over-head, he had seen wu and shu fall to his arrows, just as he had seen his own men fall to theirs. But now he would watch the stampede of a cavalry charge, watch them as they toppled over, cried and died. He would watch them with a smile on his face, a smile of pride – victory and praise.

“ENGAGE!”

His spearmen and pikemen were ready and waiting near their stockades, watching as the cavalry drew closer. Soon, soon...and then it occurred. The cavalry charged into the first of the spearwalls, horses, men and piece sof metal shattered the ground, some horses moved around the steadied spears – but they too fell victim as the pikemen positioned themselves around the barricades, thrusting out their poles and killing off the horses. They aimed not for man, but for the beat that men rode upon – for they were the easiest targets.

Swordsmen huddled behind as the archers steadily withdrew, constantly firing in return to their enemies demands. Soon – the whole field would be a battle ground, yet it was not over yet. The armoured lancers steadily began to move as Wu tried to push deeper and deeper into lines that were not yet ready to break.

NOTICE: WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Give me a reason and I will kill whoever falls for my tricks I iz ready and waiting INIT

Also, I do apologise if I missed people out, the only person who hit me directly this turn I believe to be sun quan, but what I did to him also applies for most people that hit me head on. Just so you know.

---

My 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's men hit the wall way before any horse even beighed near a Wei soldier. His spears were knocked aside as the Swordsmen and their Veterans waded amongst the poles, slashing and stabbing at the pikes. The horses moved further around the side of the Wei formation, reeling around to the rear.

It was here that they struck.

Immediately, deep into the ranged ranks of the Wei forces, men who were once hidden behind their friends with sticks, now bitten into by cold hard steel of the Wu cavalry.

On the front, Taishi Ci slashed away multiple enemy pikemen, his own pikemen folding out of the rear of the formation and onto his army's right flank, where they stood to deter enemy cavalry movements. Archers rained down into the middle of the Wei formation, where Cao Hong kept his swordsmen and rear Pole ranks. They would die, sandwiched between horses in the rear, and the cold steel of Taishi Ci and his men in the front.

# 2000 Swordsmen
# 500 Spearmen
# 1000 Bowmen
# 1000 Crossbowmen
# 1000 Pikemen
# 1000 Veteran Swordsmen
# 500 Medium Cavalry
# 1000 Raiding Cavalry

SUMMARY!
-Taishi Ci's foot units close the gap on the Wei formation, which bristles with Spears. However, the swordsmen weave between them or knock them away with shields.
-Wu cavalry with Guan Shao at their lead move around the back of the Wei formations, where they struck the exposed Archer units of Wei!
-Taishi Ci is championing on the Wei Frontlines, still looking for Cao Hong!

[Zhuge Liang]

Zhuge Liang watched Taishi Ci's valiant charge as they clashed against the lines of Wei soldiers despite being hit by a volley. "A reckless move." He covered his mouth with his massive feather fan. "I admit that he's a powerful warrior, but that charge has left his flanks vulnerable." Zhuge Liang raised his fan over his head. "Good thing we're here to help them. Swordmen, advance. Support the Wu's troops."

Two groups of 700 Swordsmen (1400 in total) advanced towards Taishi Ci troops, ready to support them against Wei. "Formation, advance! Veteran Swordsmen, protect our left flank! Scout Calvary, go into the forest and scout!" Without saying a single word or objection, Kongming's troops began to do as they were told. "Lord Zhao Yun, Lord Zhang Fei... Now is your time to shine."

[Zhang Fei]

The Wei forces were engaging the main bodies of Wu and Shu and Zhang Fei could clearly hear the first cries of death as men were hit by arrows, swords, spears and whatever else what was used as a weapon. He and his mounted force were travelling around the right flank. No Wei banners could be seen moving towards him so there would be little traps to worry about. Zhang Fei looks behind him and sees all of his troops are still following him in an excellent manner. But what that? Zhao Yun seems to be coming this way aswell! He grins and turns back around to see ahead of him. Wei would get charged in the side and their futile resistance would be broken for the last time.

Seeing the oppurtunity to strike arise as the front lines meet in battle, Zhang Fei raises his spear in the air, so all his men can see it. Then he turns it and points it at the left flank of Cao Hong's army. Being at his right side already, the cavalry turns and heads straight for the left flank, charging, not even thinking about the consequences. One quick strike and their morale would plummet.

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun was happy to see Zhang Fei also joined the fight. Seeing as their enemy chose to maintain ranks, it would be easy to attack their flanks and rear, especially when Zhang Fei kept the frontline busy. Not wasting any more time, Zhao Yun ordered 500 Heavy Cavalry and 1,000 lancers to go around the Wei army to strike their rear, while he himself prepared his troops for an attack on Wei's west flank. Seeing that his troops were already positioned right, they only thing needed to charge the enemy was his order.

"Riders of Shu, the Wei army's morale is weakened and their spirit crushed! Our goal here is not to simply defeat them, but to so as swift as we possibly can. Honour will prevail today, lord Liu Bei shall win this battle, but most importantly, we, proud people of Shu shall bring peace once more! Charge!!"

And so, with an army of a thousand cavalrymen following, Zhao Yun charged the Wei flank. They lost no time in gaining speed, ready to deliver a devastating charge. Just before they hit the enemy line, Zhao Yun with a body of 100 men managed to gain even more momentum and plunge into the Wei flank, penetrating deep within their formation, before the main unit crashes into the remaining units.

By that time, the army sent to the rear had also begun their charge. 500 heavy cavalry, backed up by another 500 lancers went straight for the exposed and weaker units of the Wei army. With the Wei west flank surrounded, the weaker back line would fall rather easily.


-Summary-
*Zhang Fei's Cavalry attacks the Wei frontline. (west)
*1,000 Heavy Cavalry charge into Wei flank (west). 100 of those, with Zhao Yun, manage to gain more speed and go ahead penetrating deeper into the Wei lines.
*500 Heavy Cavalry and 500 Lancers attack Wei's rear, now effectively surrounding Wei's west flank

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu watched as Shu marched valiantly up the western side of the battlefield. Great generals such as Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang were all present adding to the strength of Liu Bei's army.

The Wu strategist took note of Kongming's men moving into the forest and he wondered just what was planned. Either way, he liked the idea of something sneaky going on.

Just as he was about to order men to support Zhuge Liang, he noticed a commotion ahead. It was more than just the raining down of metal and the screams of the dying upon the ground. No, it looked to be a magnificently armored warrior rushing into the fray.

Deep down Gongjin envied Zhao Yun for his military prowess. Yun was leading his men in a dash for Wei's western flank and that was risky, to say the least. He would need assistance......

Zhou Yu quickly urged his steed over toward Sun Quan and yelled out to him.

"Zhongmou" he exclaimed, steering his steed close to his lord.

"Wei is still strong, but soon they will be overwhelmed. Let us launch an all out attack and finish them for good."

With Zhou Yun trying to move around the west flank and the beast Taishi Ci moving in on the east, it was an opportune time to rape Wei up the middle.

:::Summary:::

- Crossbows and Bows are at the front sending volleys
- All other units are at rest near Sun Quan

::: Army:::

1000 Swordsmen
500 Spearmen
1000 Bowmen
1000 Crossbowmen
1000 Pikemen
750 Veteran Swordsmen
500 Scout Cavalry
500 Raiding Cavalry

[Cao Zhi]

(fricking hell, you guys are confusing me with your posts LOL.)

Cao Zhi observed the enemy army advancing all over the Wei forces - as if they weren't there, which angered Zhi. Zijian noticed the Wu Forces advancing on the weakened side, where the archers weren't defended and exposed to an attack. Cao Zhi heard the order to support the battlelines, but he thought that the archers were more important. Conflicted over what to do, he had to ponder this for a few minutes - almost being struck by arrows a few times.
"That's it!" He yelled in the air, ignoring the groans of agony in the air. Cao Zhi lead a small, respectable group of men to eliminate the Wu forces attacking the archers. Cao Zhi advanced his small force to attack the cavalry, leaving the rest to fight against the enemy forces on the lines. Before attacking, Cao Zhi gave a word of advice - which was also an order. Knowing horses well, Zhi knew one of their greatest weaknesses.
"If the horses charge at you, kneel over, onto your arms, as if you're bowing. The horses will stop, then crossbowmen will fire, or we'll attack the enemy while they're in panic."
Zhi personally made sure that each man knew, by getting each man to pass on the message to everyone.
"MOVE! WE'RE GOING TO DECIMATE THE ENEMY FORCES!"
------------------------------
Summary:
>> Cao Zhi takes 200 Armoured Lancers, 300 Crossbowmen, 100 Heavy Cavalry, 250 Veteren Swordsmen and 100 Pikemen and heads to route the enemy Wu forces attacking the archers. He assumes this formation (cavalry units will break after they begin to engage):

HC HC HC HC - Heavy Cavalry (will break formation)
AL AL AL AL AL - Armoured Lancers (will break formation)
VS VS VS VS VS - Veteren Swordsmen
PI PI PI PI PI - Pikemen
CB CB CB CB CB - Crossbowmen

>> The rest of the forces are engaging the enemy forces.

[Liang Zhi]

A Bucket of Water To Quell the Fire

Riding for about three days now Cao Xiu's mind was fatigued, seeing fires scraping the clouds along the horizon he anxiously pressed forward. He had been patrolling Xinye when he saw the redness of the sky, he decided too ride down to offer aid - he feared the worst. His men had been given to breaks on their journey, that was for a meal and carrying dry rations they rode on ahead, the entire unit was made up of cavalry for quick travel.

After stopping at Xiangyang, Cao Xiu neared the field as he rounded a hill he saw allied banners in disarray fleeing the scene of the fire. Panic gripped Xiu as he rode forward at a gallop, his men slipped from curiosity to fear. Xiu rode closer to his allies and saw Cao Cao's banner, knowing his uncle was alive Xiu's mind eased as did the soldiers'. Xiu ordered his men to push on, they saw another bulk of allied banners ahead identifying Cao Hong and Cao Zhi, fighting furiously to hold back the combined forces of Liu Bei and Sun Quan. The size of his uncles army had evaporated in the fires.

Anger filled Xiu's expression as he thought of the 800,000 who were gone, he barked to his followers, "Kill every last one of them, avenge our brothers!" Xiu charged forward, and without Cao Cao's personal order drew up his lines behind Cao Zhi and Hong, not directly behind but close enough to assist them in holding back the overwhelming enemy while not getting caught in the confusing defence. He instructed Xiang Rui who was fuming, to take 1000 followers to support the front and Fang Mao the same. While he held his main force to reinforce either side.

Xiu's mind was distracted, engaging the pursuers was not the best course, but he had to buy time.

As Xiang and Fang moved into position they saw Zhao Yun breaking through the rear lines, and without hesitation they shouted in union, "Archers, Bring him down!" Both officers had their mounted archers unload on Zilongs unit with massed volleys, they drew up their other units to recieve the charge with their own.

Fang Mao volunteered to meet the enemy while Xiang held the archers. Both men were exceptionally brave and had supreme martial powers Xiangw as the better of the two but Fang was more than capable. Taking 200 Heavy Cavalry and 200 Armoured Lancers he leveled his agile spear and directed his unit forward and swung the shart under his arm and charged foward crouched in his saddle read to do battle. Once Fang Mao was close enough to engage Xiang halted his barrage and drew up his line with his archers on either flank, lanchers in the center, heavy in the van and raiders in the rear ready to assist.

(Using temperory Lieutenants so that they may do more reckless moves and avoid creating a Time Paradox.)
(I may have missed something,but there is too many posts to keep track of xD)

SPOILER: Click to show

Cao Xiu's Unit

• 400 Cavalry Archers
  
• 500 Raiding Cavalry
  
• 600 Heavy Cavalry
  
• 500 Armoured Lancers

TOTAL: 2000 Troops

Xiang Rui and Fang Mao's Unit

• 600 Cavalry Archers
  
• 500 Raiding Cavalry
  
• 400 Heavy Cavalry
  
• 500 Armoured Lancers

TOTAL: 2000 Troops