The Battle Over Wan

[Sun Quan]

Wan's walls have stood tall for a long time, yet the new to be general of Wei Huang Zhong intends to shake them till they fall down!

[The battle will begin once Cao Cao puts put up the battlefield map, the first post may goto Huang Zhong then]

Remember, there is more than one way to claim a city.

[Cao Cao]

Map



Mod: Lyle!

[Huang Zhong]

(I assume I start from the north east, but if I am able to approach from the east of the city, I would like to do so.)

The day in Wan was fair, with few clouds painted across the sky. The wind blew softly, swaying amongst the tall grass. The sun's warm rays shone brightly, the crops happily taking the nourishment it provided. And yet, throughout the city state, tension abounded. People were nervously locked up in their houses, or looking to the sky as if it would rain fire at any time. Town militia were perked on top of the walls, their eyes carefully gazing out on the horizen, their senses sharp. Even on such a day as this, the people of Wan could not feel at ease, and with good reason; Wei was on the war path, and news had spread fast that Cao Cao wanted Wan under his control.

Huang Zhong rode at the head of the column, his steely gaze piercing onward. The men behind him were good men, but some were unused to Huang Zhong; he had barely been in the capital a day before being given this fresh assignment to take a city. Many were unsure of his ability or his methods, but all were ready to give him a chance. If the Lord Cao Cao had confided in him his trust, certainly, there was ability to be had in his old body and mind. He rode with an air of confidence, his head held high, his form composed. His green battle robes fluttered gently in the wind, his armor glistned in the sun.

The old man was pondering how he would approach the city. No doubt, they would be uneasy at the news of his approach. Even though Huang Zhong enjoyed a good fight against warriors of high calibur, he had a distaste for invasions. It brought much pain, much suffering and death. But as a soldier, it was his duty to follow orders. He was to take the city any way he could, and if that meant busting down the walls, then he was going to have to use the siege engines that currently accompanied his troops. As his army marched, Huang Zhong called for a messenger with a wave of his hand, and soon, a lightly cloted man in good running shoes approached him and jogged alongside his mount.

"Go to the rear of the column and tell the scouting riders to ride ahead . I want at least ten or fifteen of them to go out and fan ahead for threats of ambush or traps. Tell them to look for unusual markings; broken tree limbs, disturbed bushes, foot prints, or loosely dug soil covered with too many branches make them carry the banners we prepared, and tell them to make haste!"

The messenger nodded and ran off. Soon, the riders Huang Zhong had called for were running out ahead larged, rolled up banners under their arms. Written on each of the banners were the words "Wei For Peace", showing Huang Zhongs intentions. With the riders ahead, Huang Zhong continued to lead the rest of his army toward the city, hoping that the outcome of the day would not turn for the worst......

Huang Zhong's Army

2000 Swordsmen
2000 Pikemen
200 Scout cavalry
2500 Medium cavalry
300 Heavy cavalry
2 Catapults
2 Siege Rams
10 Siege Ladders

[Sun Quan]

(Screw it just come from the east, sorry for the late reply too)

The Wei army had tried to be covert, yet they were almost too easy spot- their numbers being too numerous. Their banners said peace.. but the one man that they needed to prove that too, wouldn't believe it.

"My Lord.. The Wei army is far too much for our forces, and they bring peace.."

[white]"Aha, so we surrender? What did Sun Quan do, when the bustling Wei army came upon his lands? Did he bend over and let Wei have their way like he was some cheap whore?! Guards! Take this man from my sight.."[/white]

The foolish minister was taken by the Chief magistrate officer Zhao Ti and throw from the castle walls, where he would surely plummet to his death. His commander, the fiery Mi Zhang spoke up further, [white]"Cao Cao must be taught his time is no more."[/white]

Off to his side, a man of somewhat equal power, the head of the city's council, stood appalled at the city's ruler's actions.. This was insane, Wei was too large, and he'd often admired their abilities. Surely Wan would prosper under Mengde's guiding hand.. But alas, he could not weigh in on this situation yet, not if Mi Zhang's actions. He would wait though, bide his time till he could indeed make his move.

The gates to the city shut as the war drums echoed off, putting the city on lock down. The guard had already been put in their positions on the wall, while the militia was being readied further back in town.

[white]"I will go and see what their intentions are- Shi Mao, you will do well to come being the head of our city's council."[/white] Just then, the rulers right hand man and magistrate acted again, speaking out, [black]"My lord, I shall be your shield."[/black]

Mi Zhang would have none of it, though, and brashly spoke out against his general, [white]"No such thing, who will guard the city if I am to fall? You shall stay here, and if need be, avenge me!"[/white] He turned to Shi Mao, the councilor, [white]"Come, we shall go meet the snake in the field."[/white]

Shi Mao tried to smile, [yellow]"Yes.. lord Zhang."[/yellow] He wasn't too pleased, but whatever, he would meet the Wei general, and maybe if he was careful, he could somehow allow this to come out in his fortune.


Eventually the gates roared open again, expunging a small unit, Mi Zhang, Shi Mao and six horsemen. They rode forth to the halfway point between them and the Wei army and waited. Behind them seven hundred pairs of eyes hidden behind bows and arrows watched on. They had no shot, but if the Wei army charged, they'd be prepared.

[black]"We must prepare for the enemy!"[/black]

500 Spearmen
250 Veteran Swordsmen
400 Bowmen
200 Crossbowmen
100 Veteran Bowmen
250 Lancer Cavalry

[Huang Zhong]

(I feel obligated to point out you have 700 arrow units listed, rather then 800. So it would be "seven hundred pairs of eyes behind bows")

Huang Zhong was still mulling over the terrain of the upcoming battlefield when one of the scouts returned. He could tell instantly by his flustered face and excited body language that something of great importance was occurring. He motioned for his army to halt it's advance, and they did so without chaos, in an orderly fashion. Many gripped their weapons tightly in anticipation. Would there be war? Or would the old man be able to end this conflict without blood being spilled? Only the messenger could say as he rode up, pointing excitedly toward the city.

"The city is on lock down, but a small entourage approaches. Eight men. One is dressed in an officer's armor, the other one, in the robes of an advisor. What shall we do?"

Huang Zhong rubbed his chin thoughtfully. No doubt the city's prefect and some tag along. He was unsure of how this would end; he had heard that the prefect of Wan, Mi Zhang, was a very stubborn man, rough around the edges. No doubt he would not be pleased about Wei's advance, but the old archer had nothing to loose by trying to speak peace terms. Finally, he nodded, turning to his army.

"I want six heavy riders with me. We'll go out to meet them. The scout riders are to continue surveying the area; any unusual movement is to be reported to the main army. We shall try and talk sense into them. Until then, stay alert!"

His riders assembled, his sword and bow strapped firmly to his person, the aged general rode forth to meet Mi Zhang at the half way point between the city and his army. He made sure his sword was sheathed; he did not want to ride at the people he was attempting to convince with naked steel in his hand. When both parties were face to face, seperated by a few meters between them, Huang Zhong spoke.

"I am Huang Zhong of Wei, here by Lord Cao Cao's command. It is my duty to pass along this message to the people of Wan; he would extend his hand in friendship and good intention, and he means no harm. War is a sad reality in the world of ours, in these times of chaos. The Han Empire has crumbled, and can no longer support it's people. Cao Cao offers to you secruity; soldiers of Wei will be posted to guard your borders, your trade routes, your villages and cities. He offers promoted trade with other regions of our Kingdom, to allow Wan to prosper like never before. And Lord Cao Cao rewards those who rule justly and show valor in his service; much reward can be had."

Huang Zhong paused silently for a moment, to allow these words to sink in to all that heard. Even if he could not convince the prefect, perhaps he could reach the men the accompanied him; even common soldiers had needs, and talk amongst soldiers could spread like wild fire. Only time could tell. With any luck, Mi Zhang might see the light and decide to accept. If not.....events would play out as they unfolded. He spoke once more, to clarify his intentions, and the intentions of Wei.

"All of this can be achieved without bloodshed; it is Lord Cao Cao's ambition to quell chaos and bring order, for the good of all people. Please, consider this carefully; there is no need to waste any lives this day."

Overview:

1.Huang Zhong has gone ahead with 6 Heavy Cavalry as escort to talk peace terms with Mi Zhang. Hopefully, he can reach him or the men under his command....

2. The main army has halted it's advance for now, awaiting the old general's return.

3. The scout riders sent ahead continue to watch the city and the surrounding area for any suspicious activity.

[Sun Quan]

(Aye, I edited to make it 700.)

Shi Mao felt troubled, he wanted to be back home, sitting in his den while sipping some whine, thinking about the old times.. When he'd first came to Wan Mi Zhang had just gone into power, he'd gathered great minds and built a large army, parading around and doing true justice to the nation of Wan.. yet now thing has just become bitter and everyone seemed to be putting on a show to make things seem like they were alright. Rebellion, was it around the corner?


Ducked out in fine armour, Mi Zhang didn't look like an old prefect- per say. Even though the castings he wore were fine, they were still well worn. Zhang had fought to achieve the position he'd held for so long in Wan and he would do fine with fighting for it again. So was the way of an old warrior, you could never count him out till he was buried under the ground. And as further testament to his fiery nature, he came up holding a large pole axe, a weapon that looked just right for the tall, and burly general. Behind him, Shi Mao sulked.

"All of this can be achieved without bloodshed; it is Lord Cao Cao's ambition to quell chaos and bring order, for the good of all people. Please, consider this carefully; there is no need to waste any lives this day."

Mi Zhang simply stared the older, Wei general down. What were his intentions.. deciding he'd find out for himself, Zhang spoke out, his voice booming as he slowly moved his pole axe from side to side.

[white]"Cao Cao offers his protection? Has age really done that much harm to you? Have you already forgotten your embarrassment at Chi Bi? Wei's stamp has lost it's ink, what makes you think words can take you Wan?"[/white]

Behind him, the frowning Shi Mao tried to prevent the general as after all- Huang Zhong's words had sounded so fair to his ears. [yellow]"Lord Zhang, hear him out, Wei is a bustling nation that can rise and fall as much as it needs, we must consider our decision carefully.. think of the people"[/yellow]

Mi Zhang did not even look in his official's direction, more or less comprehend the possible truth behind his words. He'd been starring down Huang Zhong the entire time, slowly passing his pole axe around, stretching his arms as he went.

[white]"Maybe I am just an old bastard of a man, too greedy to dare give up my freedom. Call me crazy..."

"Huang Zhong, I will fight you here and now, and we will decide who claims victory now."[/white]

The once warrior, now prefect of Wan grinned like a shark, knowing if Huang Zhong accepted his challenge, then the old geezer was in for a fight.

[Huang Zhong]

Huang Zhong took notice of the reaction by both of the leaders present. Shi Mao, the robed statesmen, seemed to have a pleading look in his eyes as he addressed the old Mi Zhang. He took careful note; it was in him he would most likely have to place his trust. Mi Zhang, on the other hand, was a stubborn, obstinate man. The old archer held back a grin; in a way, Mi Zhang was much like Huang Zhong himself. Stubborn, defiant, ready to risk it all for what he believed in. But was Mi Zhang truly thinking about the people.

"....Very well. If that is how you want to settle it, I will not be shy to draw my weapon on you. May it be the only time today!"

Huang Zhong drew his blade from it's sheath with a ringing sound, the sun glinting off the cool, double edged metal. It was a good blade, and the old man's fingers gripped it firmly. Although he was old, Huang Zhong's prowess had not slowed any in his advanced age. He still had plenty of fight left in him, and if he had to fight Mi Zhang to get him to realize what was good for Wan's future, he would do so. His men stood by, ready to charge at save the old general should he fall, or prevent the other riders from interfering if Huang Zhong was the victor. He pointed his blade at Mi Zhang.

"I hope you are ready for a challenge! I may be old, but my spirit still burns brightly, and my resolve is a pillar with an unshakable foundation! Advance if you dare!"

Huang Zhong spurred his horse onward, and soon, he was galloping toward the old prefect, his sword grasped firmly in his right hand. His bow was untouched; as accomplished as he was in the art of the arrow, it had no place in a duel between two men. That sort of confrontation was left to steel, where men spoke with clashes and sparks. His sword was held firm and ready, and his eyes were focused steadily on his opponent, observing his every move. If he had any courage at all, he would not shirk away from his own challenge.

[Sun Quan]

Huang Zhong was a proud warrior too, that much was very obvious to Shi Mao. The fact was also very obvious to Mi Zhang, who scoffed at the general after parading his horse back and then charging at the old man. This action was very familiar to him, and he expected the same with Huang Zhong.

So he'd have to do well to get the jump on him. Luckily, he held a longer poleaxe in his possession, giving him the needed reach to steal an early victory. Or at least he thought.

Huang Zhong began to near him, and thinking quickly Mi Zhang positioned himself so Zhong would pass on his left, and in doing so took the poleaxe up, leading it with his left hand and then swung the blade horizontally, but in a way that it was diagonal to him. So the blade would attack his opponent's horse, and his pole weapon would block any possible attack from Zhong, hopefully.

[Huang Zhong]

Huang Zhong knew he was at a clear disadvantage. His weapon was sharp, and his arm was strong, but he could not block an incoming pole ax, not without breaking his arm in at least three places. If he had his own pole arm, a spear or guan do, he could take him head on. But he was using a sword. Light, sturdy, but not enough reach to compete while on horseback. And so, that was what Huang Zhong had to remedy.


As he neared Mi Zhang, Huang Zhong tensed up, loosening one of his feet from the stirrup, he prepared to lunge. When Mi Zhang swung the pole ax, he jumped with all his might, roaring something fierce as he sailed the short distance towards he foe. He tried to aim in just right; he wanted to be in a position to land in a good place, while catching Mi Zhang off guard in mid swing. As he lunged, he also stabbed his sword forward, aiming for his opponent's heart. His left hand went for Mi Zhang's right arm, ready to drag the man with him in case he missed. He could only hope that if Mi Zhang was felled by his blade, it would be the only life that he needed to end today.

[Sun Quan]

((What is this DW? ))

Huang Zhong was a decisive opponent, it would seem. Yet being decisive wasn't much, especially when Mi Zhang was watching him the entire time, as the general masterfully prepared what surely had been an attack he'd done before. Would it be enough, to kill Mi Zhang..?

Shi Mao watched off on the sideline with the other troops, he seemed in awe by the scene before him. Mi Zhang was far too bold, to fight a duel for the city of Wan.

Huang Zhong leaped for Mi Zhang, something that surprised Zhang though he knew to expect something of the sort from the older, crafty Wei warrior. You just could not count him out, even though his hairs greyed and his bones ached. Such was the definition of a man. But even great men must sometimes die..

[white]"Fool!"[/white] taunted the Wan prefect as he furthered his strike as Zhong slowly slid through the air. He knew his blade would miss him but he also knew that if he didn't do anything that Zhong would stab him. So while quickly thinking Zhang slid as far right as he possibly could and in doing so brought his left hand up- thus moving the pole of his large weapon up as it connected with his opponents sword. The man was quick, but he wasn't quick enough to end a bout so soon. Mi Zhang did well to knock off his opponent's grapple as well, seeing as he was searching for his right arm, and he was most certainly out of range. Riding further out, he eventually turned around, departed his horse and then faced Zhong again. Slowly he began walking up, holding his weapon by its middle with his right hand. Down his neck and across his armour flew a river of blood. Zhong had managed to hit him, but it was not a fatal wound.

Mi Zhang pointed to the wound with his left as he continued his dauntingly slow pace, [white]"I will give you ten of these before I kill you."[/white]

[Huang Zhong]

(lol. It's not like I leaped 50 feet into the air. A simple sideways leap at close range to dismount, possibly stab. I'd imagine it's quite plausible.)

Huang Zhong tumbled to the ground, his first strike not going as well as he would have hoped. His kill shot had missed, although he felt the blade slice flesh. This didn't mean much if he couldn't kill his foe. He tumbled to the ground, instinctevly rolling to minimize his chances of getting hurt. While his legs and back were throbbing, it was nothing serious; he would be able to continue the fight. He turned and crouched into a defensive stance, by which time Mi Zhang had dismounted.

The fight was on foot now, which meant that Huang Zhong had a much better fighting chance. Here, rather then mounted on his horse, he had a much better chance of winning, for he had more options to choose from. His sword was much quicker then his opponent's pole ax, even if it's range was much shorter. He held it ready in his right hand, holding it out in front of him as he stood crouched like a tiger, ready to pounce. He began to taunt Mi Zhang, hoping that the stubborn, proud prefect would be wounded by the insult.

"Ha! Bold words, boy, but empty ones! You could not hit a sleeping bull with that weapon; you are far to clumsy! Perhaps I should fetch my wife! She'd be a much more fitting opponent for the likes of you!"

[Sun Quan]

Mi Zhang cackled like a jackle (+2 points!) through the old man's taunts as he made his way up to the man. A fool, this one was, he'd been lucky in life before fighting weaker opponents. Now he would face a challenge that he could not even understand.

Shi Mao cowered, knowing the ferocity of Mi Zhang. Could Huang Zhong save Wan from this beast of a man?

Like a tiger Huang Zhong would pounce- so Mi Zhang attacked like a lion. His pace picked up as he neared the aging warrior and as he just entered striking range of his opponent he quick stepped to the left while drawing his poleaxe across, the shaft only being held by his right hand. Because of the way he attacked, he would now be more on Huang Zhong's right yet his blade would be attacking him closer to his left side with the pole stretching the distance between them. The attack was a weak one at best and meant to simply cause the general to think twice about pouncing forward.

As the large pole weapon made its way round Mi Zhang relinquished his grip and then swayed forward, his left arm coming forward and aiming for the general's head, while his right arm moved low hoping to grab Zhong's sword hand.

[Huang Zhong]

Huang Zhong had lived through many duels in his lifetime. Some had been won easily, his foe falling dead before they could fathom what was happening. Others he had struggled against, worthy foes whom he had clashed steel with several times before they fell. Mi Zhang was a tenacious opponent; strong, confident, and sturdy. His weapon outreached Huang Zhong, and he knew what he was doing with it. Action was what was needed to win, and Huang Zhong would take that action.

The old man sprang forward as the pole ax came across, bringing his sword up as he dodged the head of the pole ax by runing past it.. He ran the blade along the shaft of the pole ax, pushing against it with his free hand as he ran forward. He did not need to travel far this way; once he was inside the reach of the head of the ax, he had the advantage. He struck swiftly; with the flick of his wrist, he attempted to slice at the crook of Mi Zhang's right arm, a lightly protected area. His left hand would come out and snatch Mi Zhang's free hand, should he attempt to grab the elde archer's sword arm.

[Sun Quan]

Shi Mao feared Huang Zhong would be dead after this blow, yet the general did something that surprised him. He truthfully dodged his opponents blow and took it on from the front, more or less.

Mi Zhang was surprised too by the quick move made by his opponent. He didn't figure the general had it in him. Suddenly he felt the impending doom of the moment. Of course, you don't realize it then as soon as it happens, the brain is only so powerful- especially when firing off at all cylinders in another direction. But Zhang could feel the unease crawling up his spine. His left hand traveled its course though, and he struck Huang Zhong firmly. His right hand flung out in a quick manner to defend himself from the next attack.. but it was too late.

Zhong struck off the prefect's arm in one clean swipe, hacking it away like a piece of wood. The pain would be felt by the end of the bout, if he was still alive, Mi Zhang thought. He punched his opponent again, taking both of them off balance.

The blow connected and Mi Zhang fell to the ground immediately after. A torrent of blood flew from where his arm was cleaved off.

[white]"Old.. man.. you will not die in peace, a breed like us deserves nothing m.. more than this-"[/white] the dying general was already losing consciousness, and after his final words began to fade into his death.

Shi Mao, struck by the scene, was silent.

[Huang Zhong]

Blood flowed from Mi Zhang's arm like a current, his pole ax dropping to the ground. Thus it was final; Mi Zhang, prefect of Wan, was fated to die today, at the hands of the elderly general, Huang Zhong. But he did not go without a fight. As he fell, Mi Zhang threw two punches. One hit Huang Zhong in the chest, the other in the gut on the way down. The second punch made him stagger backwards, clutching his side in pain. Even if it was futile, such resistance to the end was a worthy end for a warrior.

Both Mi Zhang's party and Huang Zhong's party stood stunned by the events. The clash had been a short one, but in that brief period of time, they had seen the spirits of two true warriors, pitting their skills against one another in fiery combat. Huang Zhong made his way over to Mi Zhang, listening to his words intently as he picked up his fallen foe's pole ax, holding it firmly in both hands.

"I would not hope for a better end. A warrior's grave should be the battlefield. Rest in peace; I will carry on until it is my time."

Huang Zhong turned to Shi Mao as Mi Zhang slipped away, his gaze firm but full of sorrow. Mi Zhang's words were true; all warriors were fated to meet a bitter end on the battlefield, for they were dealers of death. They deserved no more then that. But as warriors, they also had their pride, and their honor. He could only hope Mi Zhang's subordinates would honor his word, and surrender Wan peacefully. The elder man adressed Shi Mao.

".....I ask once more that you surrender Wan peacefully to Lord Cao Cao's forces. It is unfortunate that Mi Zhang perished at my blade, but he did so doing what he believed was the right course. I ask that you honor his promise, that Wan's fate would be decided by our duel. No harm shall come to your people if it is honored."