As the young head of a very minor gentry family in a rural backwater of ancient China, you must navigate, and survive, the tumultuous last years of the Han Empire. Only the strong, cunning, valiant and lucky will be blessed by Heavens and prosper in such an era.
It is Fall, in the year 183 CE. For centuries, the Middle Kingdom has prospered under the rule of the Han Dynasty. The Han spread its borders further than any Empire before it, and great technological and societal advances brought about a long lasting golden age. The people have grown wealthier and happier under the bounty of the Han, enjoying generations of relative peace, stability and prosperity.
However, as prescribed by the Heavens, all Empires that have long been unified, must one day become divided.
People whisper that the Mandate of Heaven has left the Han, that the sun is setting on the Empire. Countless natural disasters rock the realm - locusts, plagues, famines, cataclysmic flooding, with no relief offered to the people from the Imperial Court. Vast masses of common folk are displaced from their lands, some forced into banditry or beggary, others finding their families absorbed as retainers of increasingly powerful noble clans. Rebels rise their banners in revolt on the fringe commandaries of the Empire, and barbarian tribes probe at the frontiers and borders of the far north and west. The only standing, professional army of the Han, the Northern Army, is stretched thinly, meaning the authority of dealing with internal revolts and uprisings is increasingly given to local governments and the wealthier noble clans.
Whilst rebellions have so far been minor, isolated affairs easily dealt with, there are dark clouds gathering east of the capital of Luoyang. It is said that a Daoist movement is spreading and gaining traction in the Central Plains and north of the Yellow River, lead by a charismatic religious leader said to know secrets of magic and healing. Offering succor to a beleaguered populace, this man, Zhang Jue, and his brothers spread the teachings of the Way of Peace. Despite warnings of the zealous fanaticism and militant nature of this new faith, the Han court has yet to act accordingly.
In the Imperial Capital of Luoyang, Emperor Ling is far more preoccupied with enjoying luxuries and feasting than he is the affairs of the realm. The city has become a hotbed of corruption and excesses. Bribery of officials and ministers is commonplace, practically an everyday occurance. Civil and military officers alike are dismissed, demoted or exiled on the slightest of whims, with sycophants and the corruptible replacing good, talented men of the Empire. The court squabbles between power struggles between two factions. The Eunuchs, having gained immense political control and wealth in recent years, wrestle He Jin's family for influence over the Empire. He Jin is the brother-in-law of the Emperor and the Grand General of the Han, with lofty ambitions perhaps beyond his own questionable abilities.
Furthermore, the grip of the central government is ever weakening, as more and more power is given to local officials and leaders. Landowners are getting increasingly independent, taking under their wing masses of displaced commoners and raising up personal armies, buqu, allegedly to protect their own estates. Powerful noble clans such as the Yang and Yuan use their influence and fame to place retainers, in laws and relatives in positions in both the central and local governments, slowly spreading their dominance throughout China.
The Han lies at the precipice, history is reaching a tipping point. Despite the unrest, the chaos and upheaval, there will be those who rise. Heroes and men of talent, brilliant warriors and generals, cunning strategists and politicians, who will use their ambitions and abilities to prosper in a time of carnage and confusion. Men whose names will be inscribed in legend are fated to rise from the ashes of the Han.
You are Liang Shu. You are a youth from a minor, obscure noble clan with a meagre estate on the outskirts of a mostly unknown village. Despite your young age, you have been trusted into leadership of your small family following the sudden, premature death of your father. In this age of heroes and chaos, can you prosper and survive, even thrive? Or will you just be one of countless nameless souls washed away as the Han Dynasty finally crumbles?
You were born in the year 169 CE, making you 15 years old by Chinese reckoning. You are very much considered a youth still, with incomplete education and training. Still, as a son of a noble clan, even a minor one, you have been gifted far more learning than your average commoner would have received. Your father, Liang Qi, was a military man, serving in both the Northern Army and various local forces throughout China. As a result of the merits gained during his service against tribesmen and bandits, he was granted the office of Prefect of Xinshen County in Shangdang Commandery. He also established an estate in the county, cashing in favours to buy a modest parcel of farmland in the countryside. Throughout your childhood, your father was eager to teach you martial arts, much as your grandfather had taught him. As such, much like many other noble youths, you already have a keen interest in blades, fighting and hunting.
When you were a child, you had a lofty, vivid dream one night, and convinced yourself it was an auspicious one. You dreamed of yourself as -
[] An unmatched warrior, undefeated throughout the land
[] A peerless genius, able to control the fates of an Empire with a stroke of a quill
[] One who was impossibly wealthy, with unimaginable wealth and luxury
[] An Emperor, sitting in the Imperial Palace and ruling the realm
[] A conqueror, winner of countless battles
[] A famed hero, beloved far and wide
[] A humble hermit, living far away from the troubles of the world
As you grew up, aside from your martial arts training, other tutors would come and go to give you the best education your family could afford. Still, the topic you prefered most was -
[] Military tactics and strategy
[] History and the classics
[] Politics and governance
[] Art and writing
[] Studying was boring, you prefered physical training instead
[] You tried to learn a bit of everything with no real focus
As you got a little older, you desired more than just the solace of books and studying. You found comfort in -
[] Travelling the local region, seeing as much as you could
[] Learning how to manage your family's estate and finances
[] Following your father in campaigns against bandits and brigands and learning from his lead
[] Getting in fights and brawls with other local youths
[] Doing all you could to help the needy through charitable means
[] Making as much friends as you could
[] Shutting yourself off from the world, studying even harder on your own
Of course, it would not just be your father you would learn from. Your mother, too, would help raise you, and her own relatives would give you new perspectives. What kind of family did your mother come from?
[] A fairly influential and prominent noble clan
[] Artisans and craftsmen
[] Merchants and traders
[] Soldiers and military officers
[] Warriors and martial artists
[] Scholars and teachers
[] Poets and artists
[] Officials and politicians
[] Humble farmers and labourers
Your family was also blessed by your two younger siblings, fairly close to you in age, who look up to you and adore you utterly . Your siblings are - (Pick Two)
[] A martially minded brother
[] A martially minded sister
[] A brother wise beyond his years
[] A sister wise beyond her years
[] A charming and charismatic brother
[] A charming and charismatic sister
[] A shy, bookish brother
[] A shy, bookish sister
[] A kind, humble brother
[] A kind, humble sister
You are now known for standing out at least somewhat from the average youth, even among other nobles. Pick two traits that best describe you -
[] Handsome features
[] Fit and healthy of body
[] Popular and well liked
[] Diligent at studies
[] Ambitious and driven
[] Sneaky and subtle
[] Frugal and humble
[] Law abiding and just
[] Energetic and athletic
[] Respecting of elders and authority
[] Born leader
However, as with all youths, avarice follows merit in equal measures. Pick one of the following traits -
[] Lazy
[] Unfocused
[] Frail and sickly
[] Poor self-esteem
[] Rude and disrespectful
[] Arrogant
[] Unsocial and sheltered
[] Physically ugly
[] Rebellious, criminal streak
Please vote in plan format for Character Creation. Another phase of Character Creation will follow this.
A/N - Hello there. Welcome to my first quest! To Establish Peace is based on the fall of the Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Influence will be taken not only from the historical Records of the Three Kingdoms, but also Luo Guanzhong's classic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Hell, expect some minor influences from other adaptations, such as Dynasty Warriors as well! As such, this quest can be considered a fairly loose adaptation of the period, events will broadly follow history, but expect some characters and their personalities to be changed. Feel free to ask me any questions about the setting!
Each character has five Stats that govern their strength and weaknesses. In order, they are LEA, WAR, INT, GOV and CHA. They range from 1-100, with individuals at both extremes of the spectrum being very rare.
LEA - How well you can command others, particularly leading soldiers, both in and out of battle. With higher LEA, you can more comfortably command larger groups, and ensure your orders are carried out. Troops can be drilled and trained better by someone with high LEA, who can also keep discipline and morale high. LEA is a vital stat whether leading a small unit or commanding an entire army.
WAR - Physical strength, prowess, athleticism and skill with weapons. Lets you fight harder, run faster, jump higher. Those with high WAR can win duels and single combat more easily, and are also more resistant to disease and poisons. A battle can be swung by a warrior slaying the champions of their rivals, or by having a master fighter in the vanguard, cutting their way through troops like chaff.
INT - How learned you are, your intelligence and ability to quickly adapt under pressure. Those with high INT can outsmart their enemies with traps, ploys or even debates and philosophy. They can conjure plans that can topple cities without expending any soldiers, and are likely well read in texts such as The Art of War.
GOV - Those with high GOV can administrate with expertise, from developing a humble estate to a sprawling town, to transforming a city into a bustling trade hub. Management of resources, finances and agriculture comes naturally to one with good GOV, as does the development of new buildings and the maintenance of city walls.
CHA - Charm and personal magnetism. CHA is the best stat for those who want to woo over the masses to their cause, those who want to sway the loyalties of even stalwart enemies, and build a regime on their own magnetic aura. Developing poetry, music and art is also factored by CHA.
Liang Shu's stats will start off fairly middling, but can quickly be developed over the course of the quest. Taking actions to train a stat, or finding a tutor can raise one slowly. Alternatively, performing daring or great maneuvers, and taking a risk will also bolster stats, sometimes significantly. The higher a stat is, the harder it is to raise.
Having high stats will increase the amount of options available for certain votes. For instance, Liang Shu will not be able to attempt many strategic ploys on his own if his INT is only average.
Rank/Titles:
Xinshen County Commandant (LEA +1, WAR +1)
Stats: LEA: 85* (+11 since Chargen) *+2 from Gear, +1 from Rank/Titltes
WAR: 84* (+11 Since Chargen) *+2 from Gear, +1 from Rank/Titles
INT: 73 (+10 Since Chargen)
GOV: 62 (+4 Since Chargen)
CHA: 69* (+18 Since Chargen) *+2 From Gear
Equipment -
Weapon - Dawnfall (Quality II Ji) - Favoured weapon of your mother, now passed on to you. Seems perfectly balanced to suit your fighting style. Sidearm - Paired Blades (Quality I Paired Jian) (WAR +1) - Twin swords, designed to be wielded together. Ranged -Wolf's Eye Crossbow (Quality I Nu) - A fine crossbow "liberated" from Bo Rao. Armour - Lunjian Bronze Cuirass (Quality I Armour) (Lowers chance of injury to arrows) - Treasured relic of Lunjian Village, said to be blessed by a local pig spirit. Clothing - Gentlemanly Robes (Quality I Hanfu) (+1 CHA) (Male Only) - Stylish, formal clothing that will surely draw attention Mount - Horizon Strider (Quality I Warhorse) (Pursuit I Trait*) - A speedy stallion liberated from a bandit chieftain. Misc - Antique Kettle (Tier I Misc) (Boosts chances of raising Rapport) - A classical tea kettle that is sure to impress guests.
Bronze Soldier (Quality I Misc) (+1 WAR, +1 LEA) - A carved statuette of a warrior.
Wooden Horseman (Quality I Misc) (LEA +1) - A figurine of a cavalier.
Book of Shangdang Folksongs (Quality I Misc) (CHA +1) - A collection of songs and ditties local to Shangdang.
Others/Unequipped - Trusty Staff (Quality I Gun) - This simple weapon saw you through the Winter Tournament. You have gotten quite proficient in it's use. *Becomes Generic in the hands of anyone but Liang Shu Warhorse - "Dappled Cloud" 騨云 (Quality II)
Cavalier I You are adept at fighting on horseback, as well as riding. You are also skilled at leading other horsemen, and have knowledge of mounted formations. Grants a +5 bonus to leading cavalry, and battling when mounted.
Cavalier II
Your skills at riding and leading from the saddle are improving. You are more than capable of countering other horsemen. Bonus to fighting enemy cavalry.
Handsome
You are good looking, which will certainly help with social interactions, particularly to those who would find you attractive. Provides a narrative bonus to interacting with people, getting recognised, etc.
Martial Artist I You have been trained in martial arts, and can fight decently. Your training can easily allow you to overpower foes with lower skill. Duels are fought with a penalty without this trait. Upgrading it provides bonuses.
Ji Favouritism I
You are trained in the use of a Ji and are well versed in wielding it both on and off a horse. Provides a +5 bonus to fighting with a Ji, and doubles the Quality bonus of an equipped Ji.
Vanguard Commander I
You are adept at leading the charge personally, and being at the forefront of an attack. Provides a +5 Bonus if commanding the vanguard, and +5 to leading a charge.
Vanguard Commander II
You find yourself at home leading a charge from the front. When leading a charge, mobility of your unit increases.
Break the Cage
A bird never truly loses his freedom. At moments of desperation or severe disadvantage, your willpower and sheer determination can help you make a stand against the odds. When at a disadvantage against a superior foe, provides a +1d20 bonus to a roll that follows a failure.
Patriarch of the Liang I
As the proven leader of your clan, not only will you gain bonuses to marriage prospects to yourself and all your relatives, but you have secured your leadership over both your forces and your holdings. Bonuses to securing marriages, +5 to all Estate Turn Actions, +5 to battle rolls when commanding the Azure Lances.
Hawk and Hound in Accord
You have sworn yourself to Lu Lingqi, and will not break your promise to her. No matter what. +5 to all interactions with Lu Lingqi's family. +5 bonuses to Aid Lu Lingqi, and vice versa. Morale bonuses if in the same army as Lu Lingqi. If in battle and Lu Lingqi is slain, Liang Shu's unit morale will become Unbreakable, and he will go berserk.
Flank Breaker I
You have a keen eye for exploiting exposed and weak flanks on the battlefield, and can use your manoeuvrability to your advantage. Enemy units suffer an additional -2 Morale if you successfully outflank them.
Flank Breaker II
You know not to just strike a flank, but to keep going to exploit further vulnerabilities. When charging an enemy flank with cavalry, your momentum is slowed less.
Like the Wind I
Acting swiftly is one of the fundamentals of warfare. All units you personally command move slightly faster. Pursuit I*
You have a knack for chasing down foes, and ensuring they cannot escape. Grants a +5 Bonus to chasing down fleeing enemies.
Fame - Throughout Xinshen County, there are few who do not know your name. In a startlingly brief time, you have performed deeds that are causing your fame to grow. You are a local hero. Also thanks to your astounding efforts in the Winter Tournament, your name is starting to slowly spread across Bing Province. As a result of your speech to your peers, you are now seen as a leader among the clans of the county. After your astoudning series of victories against the Heishan Bandits, recognition of your name
In the time of the Latter Han, China is split into various levels of local administration. The Province, Commandery, and the County as the smallest district. Counties and commanderies would often be renamed, split, merged and be formed anew over time, depending on population, economic factors and the whims of an Emperor. When Imperial control finally falls apart, the various warlords will divide up and rename these districts to benefit their own spheres of influence and authority - with various stages of recognition from their rivals. Over time, even the Provinces will be subject to dividing, splitting and renaming.
Positions of local government will almost always be distributed by the capital, however other local leaders can also recommend individuals to posts, especially in times of crisis. The following is somewhat simplified, for ease of understanding. Counties are governed by Prefects, which is usually the highest rank of local authority that can be given to someone who has not spent time as a cadet in Luoyang. Prefects are responsible for local law enforcement in their county, policing the villages and keeping them safe from bandits and criminals, and local-level administration and oversight. Notable towns and cities may also be magistrated by a Prefect. Commanderies are governed by Grand Administrators, who hold a degree of responsibility over all Prefects under them, and are ultimately responsible for overseeing them and their counties. Grand Administrators have various executive powers to deal with uprisings and bandits in their territory, which has only increased as the authority of the central government has waned. The development and safety of their respective Commandery is the highest priority of a Grand Administrator, at least in theory. In the time our story begins, more and more of these posts are being held by corrupt or inept men, who received their rank through bribery or familial influence rather than merit. As such, many Commanderies are poorly managed and ill prepared to deal with internal matters. Provinces are overseen by Inspectors. Despite being a "higher" rank they actually receive a lower salary than their Grand Administrator subordinates. Their main task is to provide a "checks and balances" system throughout their Province, ensuring each Administrator does his job and none get too powerful or independent. They will give guidance and orders to the Adminstrators but cannot personally intervene - however their most important role is that of sending recommendations to the Imperial Court. Inspectors are quick to send reports to Court about incompetent, rebellious or corrupt Prefects or Administrators, and to keep the Ministers well informed about talented and noteworthy individuals in their province who may be recommended for service. Inspectors on the frontier regions and far from the capital often do get greater authority, especially in regards to security and maintaining garrisons.
Although it is not a rank currently in use by the Han, the Governor is a rank that has been used in the past, and may well soon see an recurrence. Higher than a Inspector on a Provincial level, the Governor holds executive authority over a Province, particularly in regards to taxation and raising troops. Typically, due to the fact the mere use of this rank weakens Imperial power, it is only granted in times of great crisis, when the Empire is in such dire straits that authority and new armies in the provinces are needed without the usual red tape that mires down bureaucracy. Sili Province, the home of the capital of Luoyang and other cities of importance to the central government, is overseen by a Director of Retainers rather than an Inspector. Holding similar powers to a Governor, he is also responsible for inspecting, investigating and holding judgement on the ministers and officials of the court.
Each of these local governments would have their own retinue of civil servants and military officers, some appointed by the Central Government, others recommended by Administrators or Inspectors.
(Please ignore the giant "Wu, Wei and Shu" labels on this map.)
Another Commandery map. The numbers are rough population counts for the adult, Han Chinese citizens in each. The map is from about 100 or so years before the start of our story, so numbers will be inaccurate.
Adhoc vote count started by Gaz on Sep 10, 2018 at 3:20 PM, finished with 38 posts and 14 votes.
[X] Plan Power In The Shadows
-[X] One who was impossibly wealthy, with unimaginable wealth and luxury
-[X] Politics and governance
-[X] Making as much friends as you could
-[X] Soldiers and military officers
-[X] A martially minded brother
-[X] A charming and charismatic sister
-[X] Ambitious and driven
-[X] Born leader
-[X] Frail and sickly
[x]plan great empereor
-[X] An Emperor, sitting in the Imperial Palace and ruling the realm
-[X] Military tactics and strategy
-[X] Learning how to manage your family's estate and finances
-[X] Warriors and martial artists
-[X] A sister wise beyond her years
-[X] A charming and charismatic sister
-[X] Handsome features
-[X] Born leader
-[X] Poor self-esteem
[X] Plan The One Who Could Conquer The Heavens
-[X] A conqueror, winner of countless battles
-[X] Military tactics and strategy
-[X] Following your father in campaigns against bandits and brigands and learning from his lead
-[X] Warriors and martial artists
-[X] A charming and charismatic brother
-[X] A sister wise beyond her years
-[X] Fit and healthy of body
-[X] Diligent at studies
-[X] Rude and disrespectful
[X] Plan Chinese Gilgamesh
-[X] One who was impossibly wealthy, with unimaginable wealth and luxury -[X] You tried to learn a bit of everything with no real focus -[X] Travelling the local region, seeing as much as you could -[X] A fairly influential and prominent noble clan -[X] A kind, humble brother
-[X] A sister wise beyond her years
-[X] Handsome features
-[X] Born leader -[X] Arrogant
[X] Plan The Spearest Spear-wielder to ever Spear!
-[X] An unmatched warrior, undefeated throughout the land
-[X] Studying was boring, you prefered physical training instead -[X] Travelling the local region, seeing as much as you could
-[X] Warriors and martial artists
-[X] A charming and charismatic brother
-[X] A sister wise beyond her years
-[X] Ambitious and driven
-[X] Energetic and athletic
-[X] Unsocial and sheltered
[x]plan great empereor
-[X] An Emperor, sitting in the Imperial Palace and ruling the realm
-[X] Military tactics and strategy
-[X] Learning how to manage your family's estate and finances
-[X] Warriors and martial artists
-[X] A sister wise beyond her years
-[X] A charming and charismatic sister
-[X] Handsome features
-[X] Born leader
-[X] Poor self-esteem
Call it the lofty dreams of a child, or arrogance, or wild ambitions, or even treasonous thoughts, but you always dreamed of sitting on the Imperial Throne yourself, ruling over the entire Middle Kingdom. Even, as someone not from the Liu clan, this seemed impossible, you still devoted your younger years to the idea of becoming a leader.
It came to you naturally.
Through a combination of hard study and raw talent, you picked up the fundamentals of warfare and of commanding others quite easily. Often, your father would return to the family estate, only to find his labourers and retainers lined up in rigid formations, then being ordered to march up and down by you. You could imagine yourself as a great general, and these workers as your soldiers. You would have your servants line up in various formations, or even have them fight mock battles before a senior retainer or your father put a stop to your fun.
You also took to learning about how to running your family estate. As your father was of the Grandee noble rank, he was permitted to raise his own modest stipend from the local area. You would be taught ways in how to potentially invest these funds, such as using it to pay for the services of more labourers, or even distributing it to the hungry and needy in times of poor harvest. Truthfully, the modest Liang clan had very little means to expand the size of its holdings at the moment, but even your small holdings could certainly support some of the peasants displaced by natural disasters, which in turn would grant labourers and farmers for your lands.
Situated in a small valley in the south of Shangdang Commandery, near the village of Fenshan, the Liang family estate slowly began to grow wealthier. With your father devoted to his office as County Magistrate, you would often get first hand experience in managing the estate yourself.
In addition to its fields of millet and livestock, you watched your estate also develop into other aspects as you grew up. Select one feature.
[] A system of regularly training and drilling the labourers in case of bandit attack
[] A series of high walls around the perimeter
[] A pasture that bred and raised horses
[] A small forest, and logging facilities
[] Deep wells to always provide fresh water
[] Fields that were especially fertile
Your mother, Ce Xiang, was a lady from a family of martial artists, warriors, and xia - wandering knights-errants and adventurers. Some of your cousins and uncles had reputations throughout the region as strongmen and heroes, and your relatives could very well be called upon to act as "fangs and claws" should their blades be needed. Your mother herself was a highly skilled martial artist, even more than a match for your father, and although she passed away before your tenth winter, she would still impose a training regime upon you that would install discipline and skill. When she passed, your aunts and uncles would take up your training in martial arts on occasion, whenever they visited.
The warriors from your mother's family especially specialised in a single fighting style, that you too picked up on and thrived with. Select one.
[] The jian, the straightsword. An elegant, gentleman's weapon favoured by the nobility.
[] The dao, the sabre. Excellent when paired with a shield, or on horseback.
[] The ji, the halberd. An officer's weapon, used by duelists and cavaliers alike.
[] The mao, the spear. Easy to learn and use, deadly in the hands of a master.
[] The bow. Practical for both hunting and self defense. Takes longer to master than a crossbow.
[] Unarmed combat. You can defend yourself even if unarmed, and can take foes by surprise with your fists and feet.
[] Write in for a more exotic Chinese weapon. Must be approved if it's super obscure.
As you grew up, people took note of your especially attractive and handsome features - traits that ran in both sides of your family. Your younger sisters two were noted throughout the local village as being striking, perhaps one day rivalling the beauty of their late mother. The elder of your sisters, Liang Mi, was a very learned and scholarly girl, able to recite histories and philosophers at a remarkably young age. The younger, Liang Zhen, was less inclined for scrolls and texts but was charming and open and seemingly always knew what to say to everyone. Both of them loved you dearly, even if Zhen was prone to tease you or play tricks.
As the Prefect of Xinshen County, your father was known to be a good and just magistrate, particularly devoted to rooting out ruffians and troublemakers. The small county remained stable under his tenure, and relatively unmolested by the plagues and disasters that ravaged other parts of the Empire. The Inspector of Bing Province, Ding Yuan commended his efforts and even memorialised the court suggesting that he be given a more prestigious post. It seemed that the star of Liang Qi, and your family, was on the rise.
However, a year ago, tragedy struck. Your father suddenly passed away, thrusting the fate of your clan to you, a mere boy. You would have to grow up, fast, not just for your sake, but for both of your sisters.
How did Liang Qi, Prefect of Xinshen, pass away?
[] On campaign against bandits in the hills
[] Of sudden illness
[] Found dead in his sleep, knife in his throat, his killer unknown
[] In a drunken brawl at a banquet that got out of hand
[] Write in
His post was soon taken by a man named Leng Jun from the south, a man who was promoted by the court rather quickly after your father's death. He has proved to be a rather more middling Prefect, certainly not a military man like your late father. He treats your family with indifference at best, and suspicion at most.
As tradition, your family undertook a period of mourning for your late father. As per his wishes, several of his friends and formal retainers have pledged themselves to aid you and your estate - but you are still the head of your clan. Although you are too young to be considered a man, you may as well be an adult as far as things are concerned. As your father was the oldest male, cousins and inlaws and other relatives on both sides look up to you as their elder and superior, but due to your youth you will have to work hard and fast to secure their support and respect. Your months mourning your father were not just spent in quiet reflection and tending his shrine, however. You had time to train yourself, in preparation for whatever lay ahead.
Choose two stats to train. You can select the same twice, but at diminishing results.
[] LEA
[] WAR
[] INT
[] GOV
[] CHA
Fortunately, even as you are forced to cut the mourning period short to see to the affairs of your family and estate, you have inherited several advantages that could help see you through these difficult times,or at least provide you with some support.
Select two.
[] An abundance of grain from previous harvests
[] A small, but dedicated force of buqu, warriors who are loyal to you and also work your estate
[] A few, but not insignificant promises of favours and support from other local clans
[] A talented and loyal advisor, an old friend of your father
[] Influence in the administration of the county, whose officials respected and loved your father
[] Support from the common folk of Fenshan Village and other nearby hamlets
[] A promise of support from Ding Yuan, Inspector of Bing Province, who your father once fought under
In addition, you inherited an item or heirloom off your late father, intended to be given upon you once you came of age.
Select one.
[] A finely crafted weapon
[] A suit of well made armour
[] A fine and expensive set of hanfu robes
[] A young and trained warhorse
[] Various valuable ornaments and trinkets (Increased starting Wealth)
As you take your place as head of your clan, how do you feel about the Han Dynasty, upon hearing of its current state, the corruption, the disasters? It would be akin to heresy and treason to say anything foul about the Son of Heaven out loud, but how do you feel, deep inside?
[] You are loyal to the Han, the people have enjoyed the bounty of the Dynasty for decades, why should that change?
[] You believe the Han needs reform and change, but it can improve and will endure.
[] The time of the Han is over. Something new must rise in its place.
[] You are indifferent for now. You are concerned with your family and your own affairs.
[] You will never forget the dream you had, of you on the throne. Perhaps that dream can be fulfilled?
Regardless of your opinions, as the new head of the Liang clan, it is time to start thinking of your immediate future. What are your goals for the short term?
[] To sit back, take it easy, and see where the rivers of fate flow for you
[] To finish your education and hopefully get recommended by the Han court
[] To ensure the safety and prosperity of your estate and sisters
[] To gain your father's Prefect rank and continue his path
[] You have lofty ambitions, you want to aim for a higher rank than your father had, even at your young age
[] Perhaps its time to work to rebel against the established government...
Again, please vote in plan format. This will be the final step of character creation.
[X] Plan: Horselord
-[X] A pasture that bred and raised horses
-[X] The ji, the halberd. An officer's weapon, used by duelists and cavaliers alike.
-[X] On campaign against bandits in the hills
-[X] LEA
-[X] WAR
-[X] A talented and loyal advisor, an old friend of your father
-[X] A small, but dedicated force of buqu, warriors who are loyal to you and also work your estate
-[X] A young and trained warhorse
-[X] You are indifferent for now. You are concerned with your family and your own affairs.
-[X] To ensure the safety and prosperity of your estate and sisters
Bandits on horseback had descended down to Shangdang Commandery from the mountains, and some of the villages being raided fell under the jurisdiction of your father. Gathering up his followers and the local militia, he struck back, and pursued the brigands into the hills. There, as he lead the charge from the front, he was struck by a stray arrow and fell off his horse, dying in seconds. His companions were able to retrieve his body and take it back to his home, but the ruffians responsible melted away into the hills.
Even as you donned the white garb of mourning, you did not rest. One day, as you lit the incense at your family shrine, scores of men came to pay their respects, also dressed in white garbs. These were soldiers who had fought alongside your father, and begged your forgiveness for not being able to prevent his untimely death. Although they had been given a chance to serve the new Prefect of Xinshen, these old companions of your father swore to serve and protect you instead. Upon quickly consulting your sisters, you agreed - in exchange for protecting your family and lands, they would be given fields of their own to till and maintain. These men loyal to your father brought with them their own families, and their sons, brothers and cousins would also make up your own personal force of companions.
Unit Obtained - Liang Shu's Mounted Companions
Troop Count - 55
Training - Veteran
Swords - Tier II
Armour - Tier I
Steeds - Tier I
Burning with a desire to ensure the protection of your family and all those on your small lands that relied on you, you trained. You learned cavalry formations and tactics, and practised weapons daily. There had been no reports that your father's replacement Prefect was doing anything about the bandits still lurking in Xinshen. If your own lands, or the nearby village were threatened, it would be down to you.
Your father's old veteran companions were impressed at how quickly you took to the saddle. From your pastures, you selected a young and energetic horse to be your personal steed. It was of great pedigree and stock, and you coudl feel a personal bond with it. Naming him "Dappled Cloud", he became a crucial part of your daily training routine.
Item Obtained -
Warhorse -"Dappled Cloud" 騨云
Quality II
During your time of mourning, and as you focused on training yourself, one man acted as steward over your estate and handled all your clan's affairs in your stead. He was one of your father's closest and oldest friends, who had come from the same home village even. Xu Tong had been a confidant, adviser and friend to you for as long as you remembered, and you considered him as close as family. He had been no stranger to assisting the management of your land, and as he had accompanied your father as a soldier he was no slouch at matters of combat and war either. As you helped your sisters through this difficult time, and matured quickly into the leader of the Liang clan, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride from him. His eldest son, Xu Jian, was about your own age, and was a solid friend throughout the trying year. He seemed eager to impress and enthusiastic - even if you did often best him during your sparring matches.
Then, not least, were your beloved sisters. Liang Mi, the eldest, dutifully performed all the rites perfectly and solemnly - a wise girl, she understood why you trained, why you drilled with the cavaliers. She understood the burdens you endured, the hefty expectations on your shoulders. Mi did all she could to support you - performing religious ceremonies in your stead, helping to manage the family household and finances, ensuring the servants always ran a hot bath for you after a long day of training.
Your younger sister, Liang Zhen, had been clearly devastated - but soon began coping in her usual way. She was a charming and energetic girl and eager to make friends. She would play tricks on you, tell you jokes, anything to try and put a smile on your face. The support each of them gave you was invaluable, and you knew as time passed, each of your sisters would have a crucial role to play.
Bonds Forged!
Liang Mi
Style Name: N/A
Birth Year : 170
Bond: Tier 8 - Loved
- The eldest of your sisters, wise, cautious and respectable.
- Your father's best friend who has acted as your ward and adviser since his death. Also acts as a steward for your estate.
- Decent all around abilities, wields a jian
- Called "Uncle Xu" with affection by Liang Zhen
- Eldest son of Xu Tong. Eager to prove himself, if a bit naive.
- Decent warrior, still in training.
With that, as the Fall of the year 183 CE began, you ended your mourning period earlier than would be expected of you by tradition. You had work to do. Bandits swarmed through the surrounding lands, there were those who relied on you for leadership and protection. You had a father to avenge. You were ready to begin your path through this era of chaos.
Liang Shu 梁殳
Appearance:
Style Name: N/A Birthdate: 169 CE
Stats:
LEA: 71 WAR: 70
INT: 63 GOV: 58 CHA: 50
Traits -
Cavalier I You are adept at fighting on horseback, as well as riding. You are also skilled at leading other horsemen, and have knowledge of mounted formations.
Handsome
You are good looking, which will certainly help with social interactions, particularly to those who would find you attractive.
Martial Artist I You have been trained in martial arts, and can fight decently. Your training can easily allow you to overpower foes with lower skill.
JiFavouritism I
You are trained in the use of a Ji and are well versed in wielding it both on and off a horse.
Iron clashes against iron, spear against shield. Hooves on crumpled, dead leaves. Men shout and cry, as rain pours from the heavens. You wipe wet hair from your eyes and blink, as horsemen clash mere feet away from you.
==
It had been a simple trip. A quick journey to a nearby hamlet to visit the manor of a village elder, to pay your respects and thank him for gifts he had sent your estate. It was just one of your duties as a young landlord. Make connections with other families, respecting your elders. You found it rather boring and routine at this point. This was starting to happen with increased frequency. An elder, or a minor family would send you some trinket or offering, such as a pig for your farm or a cask of wine, and in return you would go and show them your gratitude. You suspected that people were starting to toady up to you, perhaps because you had your own small band of armed, mounted companions. Did they fear you, or did they seek your protection from robbers and bandits? Xu Tong had told you time and time again that it was all part of being a landowner, and forging solid friendships with your neighbours was an essential part of your duties.
It was starting to bore you. The repetitiveness of it all.
On the way to your estate, just a few li from home, as a cool autumn wind blew in the afternoon, there were rustlings in the trees on either side of the road, snapping of branches. The sounds of horses. Riders, carrying rusty hatchets and crude spears riding out from all sides, demanding your valuables. As you and the four retainers you had with you had not donned any armour for the journey, you likely seemed to be easy pickings for highwaymen. With your bright blue hanfu and well groomed features, they likely expected some lordling brat to just toss down whatever coins he had and scarper.
The bandits were wrong. With the merest nod from you, and another nod from Xu Tong, your men drew their swords and urged their horses forwards, rushing the bandits and surprising them. Horses circled and weapons clanged against each other. Your men were outnumbered, six bandits to the four of them, but they had caught them off guard. The ruffians with their bucked teeth, crude weapons and tattered clothes were likely the type to just threaten victims into giving them what they wanted, and hardly expected to try and rob veteran soldiers.
==
"Stay back, young master!" The venerable voice of Xu Tong shouts out as he duels with a bandit, each of them atop a stationary steed. His jian flashes, deflecting thrusts from the polearm of his foe. You look to your left - another of your father's companions engages a brigand. To the right, an aging companion swings a sword fiercely, with impressive strength for a man older than sixty, almost forcing a bandit off his horse in surprise.
"Gahhh! Get back, you villains!" Xu Jian yells from behind you in a high pitched tone, his dao swiping through the air in two horizontal motions, back and forth, but neither swing coming close to hitting anything.
As you sit on the back of your warhorse, watching the melee unfold, you have little doubt that your allies, even outnumbered, will make short work of these bandits. Their ilk are likely to flee once they realise they can't get an easy score. However, you can't help but feel this is your chance to do something, to get involved yourself. Xu Tong wouldn't approve, but...
Quickly, you weigh up your options. You left your Ji at home, as it was hardly proper to bring a polearm with you on a social visit. You do have a simple, iron jian at the side of your hanfu, however. Suitable enough for self defence. Also, you did bring a shortbow and a handful of arrows with you. You were hoping to find a rabbit or two on the way back, to give your sisters something a bit different to eat this evening. Or maybe you could...
"Rarghhh!" Your thoughts are broken for a moment as Xu Jian yells again, continuing to swing his dao like a man possessed, but not coming close to hitting its mark, as the bandit he was fighting was slowly edging away.
If you want to do something, it'll have to be now. You think fast.
[] Draw your sword and urge your horse forwards, engaging bandits whilst mounted
[] Dismount your horse and fight on foot with your sword, focus on trying to dismount the bandits
[] Take your bow and fire at any bandit that comes in your sights
[] Stay observant without entering the fray, shout commands and orders to your allies
[] Loudly demand the bandits flee or you will show no mercy
[] Use this opportunity to make a break for it and flee whilst your allies have the bandits distracted
[X] Draw your sword and urge your horse forwards, engaging bandits whilst mounted
Rain is now pouring down from the emptying Heavens, and dead orange leaves are scooped up by a cold autumn wind. They seem to swirl around you for an instant as you once again scan your surroundings. On either side of you, your veteran riders clearly begin to get the upper hand over the mounted bandit they are fighting. To your right, a wail pierces the air. The old rider defending you twists his sword, and you look to the face of the brigand he is engaging. It is rough, unkempt and coarse - you guess he is about half the age of the veteran he fights. Another wail. The face of the bandit contorts in pain, grimaces in agony. A howl this time. Another twist of the old man's sword. A flash of red catches your vision. The sword withdraws. A crude spear clatters to the wet ground. Spots of crimson flash on the edge of the withdrawn blade. Another howl. Blood spurts from the arm of the bandit who nearly falls off his horse.
Behind you, the yelling of Xu Jian is now almost rhythmic. You arch your head in his direction at the moment. He is swinging his dao in wide, sweeping arcs. You know he is strong, but rather untempered and prone to bursts of emotion. His swings may be sloppy, but they are strong, and the face of the bandit he is engaging twists in fear and worry, as he slowly backs his horse away from the wild swoops of the blade.
You blink. Strands of wet hair cover your eyes. With a swift flick of your left hand, they are brushed aside. Almost without thinking, your right hand moves to your sheathed sword. Another quick scan of your surroundings. All four of your men are fighting a bandit each, but you swore there were another tw- You see one. He is racing towards the flank of the venerable Xu Tong, who is close to cutting down one of the villains and seems too focused to react. Without thinking, your yank at the reigns of your steed with your left hand, whilst your right tightens on the hilt of your sword.
Your eyes narrow. Everything slows down for a moment. You see Xu Tong, too late, notice the danger coming from his flank. The bandit rushing him grips his spear and prepares to thrust. You horse lets out a snort. Your breath slows. You feel your teeth grit. Your right hand tightens, knuckles almost going white. You feel a yell building in your throat.
A single slash. A torrent of red. You feel your face and getting splattered by something - something that isn't rain. You hear the sound of someone gurgling. Then, you see it. Your sword, drawn. Stained red with blood. The bandit who had rushed the flank of your adviser - throat slit, gasping and spluttering as he raises his hands to it. A spear falls to the ground. Then, with a crash, the bandit falls off his horse. His eyes roll back in his head. You take another deep breath. Your right hand is gripping so tight it is starting to hurt. You look to your red blade. You look to the dead bandit. Everything seems quiet for a moment. You take another deep breath.
Then, with words of confidence that had swelled within you, without even thinking, you yell, "Villains, lay down your arms at once, or prepare for the same fate as him!" Your blade points to the dead man, and all eyes seem to be on you.
The rogue wounded by one of your veterans lets out another wail, a panicked one this time. Turning his horse around, he bolts down towards a by-road heading off the highway into the trees, not even looking back. There is a pause that feels like a life time, before the rest of the bandits resume their brawls with your allies. Before you can think of what to do next, you hear a cry from behind. You turn to see the sixth bandit rush out of seemingly nowhere, and dive off his horse mid gallop. He tackles the young Xu Jian in mid air and crashes into him. Moments later, the two are wrestling on the ground trying to get the upperhand on the other.
One bandit is fleeing, the rest are engaging your comrades. You have no time to think, only act!
[] Chase the bandit fleeing for the byroad, order your men to deal with the rest and aid Xu Jian
[] Focus on assisting Xu Jian first
[] Engage the remaining bandits, Xu Jian can likely handle himself
Regardless of your choice, what do you intend to do with the bandits? The usual penalty for banditry is death, and your father was incredibly strict in upholding this law. Still, you are not necessarily your father...
[] Banditry is a cancer on the land, and you are the blade that will cut it out. Show no mercy.
[] Kill only those you have to, if you have no choice
[] Let them go, you don't want anymore blood on your hands today
[] Leave none alive but one, someone has to survive to spread the word to others
[] Try and convince them once more to lay down their arms
[] Capture them alive if possible, so someone of authority can deliver punishment
