Counter attack (quest)

[Zhou Yu]

Who would lead the counter attack, who among all the lords of the land had the courage to stand up to the Yellow menace. Who would without fear face down the endless wave of humanity crested by the insane religious faith of Zhang Jiao and his devoted? Cao Cao perhaps or Yuan Shao both men with famous names but were too busy plotting and scheming. No the only two men with the pure courage and perhaps recklessness were Gongsun Zan and Lu Bu. They alone no together would face down the savage enemy first and show the Han that they could be beaten. Perhaps then the others would find their hearts and decided they too were men not mice. Deceive action was needed now, sword and spear blows not words.

“I challenge you Lu Bu.” Gongsun Zan said arching an eyebrow and his gave his compatriot a one sides smile. They road together down the main road into the village just ahead. Reports said a large yellow turban force has recently occupied it. By which the meaning of it looted everything not nailed down and were getting ready to burn it. Serious looters never left until they felt the lick of the flame on their heels, it was usually there for the officers that set the fires.

“I bet I can kill more of the enemy than you.” Gongsun Zan said his voice cheery as he smiled broadly laughing. Clearly he was eager, very eager to be facing the enemy at last. This would be his first real right in main land china, finally a chance to win a great victory when the Emperor was watching. Like all paramount warriors he desired glory, a trait he was sure that Lu Bu possessed as well. He doubted he would win this challenge but he looked forward to trying anyway. He could tell that from the armour they both wore which were very ornamental. The reason being they needed no protection for such weak foes instead they wore it like jewellery to show off and let everyone on the battle field know where they were and who they were. He laughed again the enemy would not know what hit them until it was too late.

Up ahead they could see the village. It was right along the main road the emperor’s highway toward Chen Liu. A forest dominated the approach from the right side and low fields to the left. They could see the clouds of ash rising from where fires were already being set. It was such a waste and an almost ironic joke that the yellow turbans had the audacity he call themselves the way of peace. He would have felt sorry for anyway that would meet him and Lu Bu at once but not these scum they would get exactly what they deserved. He knew in his heart they had some right the Han court was failing but this was just no they way to solve things. They instead spread chaos that hurt the people not those responsible for their woes in Lou Yang. It was not in Gongsun power to solve that problem but he could do something about the Yellow turbans right now. With a crystal clear ring of metal he drew his two duel blades.

“I will lead cavalry in from the west via the fields and cut around the rear to cut them to pieces if they withdraw.” Gongsun Zan said making a guesture with his sword. His cavalry road out off the road into the nearby fields sensing his intention. Clearly cavalry would be poorly used in a head on assault. He suspected Lu Bu would want that honour for himself anyway for the man was a war god reborn.

[Lu Bu]

"Hmph, your on Gongsun Zan!", Bu said with a smirk.

Lu Bu's ushered his army forward from high atop his trusty horse, Red Hare. He ordered his infantry to lead the way, Halberdiers up front with their Halberds forward, followed by the Swordsmen, then Lu Bu and the Cavalry. They marched forward at a light jog.

He slowed his army to a walk once they got close to the village. Lu Bu looked towards Gongsun Zan's Banners and scowled. He scanned the landscape around him and drew his weapons.

"Something doesn't feel right. Men! On your guard!"

[Lu Xiang]

[Pei Yuan Shao]

"My lord, more women have been seized for you!"

A small, thin Turban officers said before saluting and several women were brought forth - obviously captured inside the village. All shackled by rope and bound at the more definitive parts of their bodies, screaming and crying for mercy. Rather then having the easy way out of death, they would be the slaves and suffer at the fate of their enemies. The ones who couldn't defend themselves.

"Excellent."

He laughed, before removing his helmet and standing up to inspect the wares of the women. Brushing their faces. Before grabbing one from behind.

"Keep them under tight watch, I will play with these later."

He said before dismissing them.

"Yes my lord!"

He said before the group dispatched themselves and dragged the crying and pleading women to the closest thing to a cell the women had. The bodies who abused and tried to escape were stacked up. The people who didn't fight were made into warriors for the Turbans everyone else was cast aside or used.

The Yellow Turban forces were gathering at Chen Liu, the close frontier towards Luoyang. The one place in which they could flock across the great plains and seize the Han and destroy it once and for all.

[Zhou Yu]

Gongsun Zan’s army moved off the road and into the fields near the west side of the village. It must be getting on for harvest time but no one was working in the fields. Worse he could make out faint screams from the village. What were those Yellow turban scums doing to the villagers. He clenched a first his anger rising a quick look around showed him his men felt the same way. They could not afford to let it get the best of them.

“Control yourselves men if your anger make your reckless burry it, if it fuels your wrath use it either way follow me we go in now. I don’t know what we will find inside but if you see an enemy don’t hesitate kill them all, we will send a message today to Zhang Jiao. You have your orders carry them out and don’t let the Gongsun clan down.” Gongsun Zan spurred his horse forward toward the lead unit of his cavalry. He dipped his helmet down and raised his swords ready for action. Seeing his signal his army began to advance on the west flank of the village. His infantry stayed as a block but his vaguely divided his cavalry into 8 groups each of 100 riders. It was time to get things underway. He assumed while he led this attack the enemy would be distracted by Lu Bu’s men attacking down the main road.

“Charge.” Gongsun Zan yelled as the group of cavalry he lead charged toward the flank of the village. Separate from them the other group’s charged at other locations down the west side of the village. His men made no attempt to be stealthy it was hard to miss his charge anyway unless the Yellow turbans were less competent than he could even imagine. They yelled their war cry’s at the top of their lungs. After all nothing was more terrifying to infantry than a cavalry charge.

“Now.” Gongsun Zan yelled laughing loudly as he pulled on the reigns his cavalry suddenly turned away just before they would charge into the village and the enemy. Having got close they threw there spears like javelins at the enemy. Behind them there advance covered by his cavalry his crossbow had moved in close and opened fire with a volley. The enemy could not possible charge down his bowmen without his cavalry turning and riding them into a red ruin on the flat fields. Down the flank of the village his cavalry groups repeated his tactics peeling off the last moment and throwing weapons only to reveal his infantry forces which then charged or fired at the scared and confused Yellow turbans. He had seen even trained troops flinched under such an assault never mind un disciplined peasant militia. Cavalry was not be used for full frontal charges it was foolish, with their super speed hit and run tactics to confuse and weaken the enemy was more affective. None knew cavalry in China at this time more than Gongsun Zan.

“Again.” Gongsun Zan yelled pointing his blades toward the village again. His cavalry wheeled and as one unit charged into the village again. This time they did not pull the blow but struck threw the streets to slay some of the enemy. Gongsun Zan slashed with his swords cutting down the enemy around him a hail of blows. Along the line some of his cavalry units repeated this while others did not. The enemy result fear and confusion with no one able to tell exactly what he would do when. His horn blower blew the single and again they pulled back before the enemy would have time to organise. The brief fight had lasted perhaps 30 seconds and then his cavalry was gone again. His cavalry had reached the rear of the village now while his infantry pressed the attack on the flank of the village supported by crossbow fire.

“Follow me to victory.” Gongsun Zan yelled as his 800 cavalry more or less minus casualties reached the rear of the village. He was splattered with blood now, none of it his own. At a gesture his horn blower gave the signal. His cavalrymen charge into the rear of the village to ride down the enemy in a charge at last. The most cowardly of the enemy would by now have fled to the back and would have to meet his best troops with their worse. He would crush them and force them back into his infantry and Lu Bu blades.

[Lu Bu]

Lu Bu noticed Gongsun Zan's cavalry charges and smirked as he reared Red Hare.

"Forward! We cannot let Gongsun Zan out do us!"

Fengxian and Red Hare sped in front of his cavalry unit as they galloped towards the village. He held out his large weapon as he neared the enemy soldiers. He began to slaughter any and all Yellow Scarves he found, his Cavalry soon followed. Lu Bu and his cavalry did not stop and simple moved from enemy to enemy in their rampage.

Lu Bu's infantry moved towards the entrance to the village and killed any Yellow Turbans that neared them, cutting off one of the enemy's escape routes.

[Lu Xiang]

"What on earth is all that bloody noise?!"

Pei Yuan Shao shouted, grabbing his spear heading outside. Almost to find his head cleaved by a horseman. He run the horse threw, sending the man sliding to the ground in front of him before stamping his head into the ground. Pathetic.

"The Han is attacking....the Han is attacking what should we do!?!?"

Pei heard cries from his Turbans, he growled in anger. Smashing another and another off their horses. Before signalling for the men to retreat a little and prepare themselves.

"Archers to the walls, they are still upon horses. Spearmen and ground units come at them from all sides, use the buildings for cover."

They would move more guerilla upon their foes and use the enviroment around them. With most of the enemy being or horses, the would be at a disadvantage is closed off spaces and would be stuck to move with the archers firing upon them from the walls, the walls that were too weak and thin for horses to travel upon.

Pei Yuan Shao continued slaughtering horse after horse outside his office, smashing them down with his huge spear. Part of the reason he was a general was for his fierce and brutal fighting skills.

[Zhou Yu]

(it is a village so its not gonna have a wall colby if it did you should have said as much in your first post bit late now)

Gongsun Zan stopped too wipe the spray of blood out of his eyes as he found a moment of calm in this storm of chaos. All around him battle raged as his horsemen slaughtered any yellow turbans along the main road of the village. They kept out of the shadowy alleys and buildings he had an infantry man for each rider they could clear them. It seemed the enemy were fleeing his cavalrymen and trying to get in between the buildings as they were rallied by some officer further down the village. He snared and punched his horn blower on the arm to get his attention. He blew a long note to signal his infantry to push forward with all pace.

His infantry that had pushed into the flank of the village and its building on that side increase the rate of their aggression. They pushed into the alleys the enemy was fleeing into and drove them out with weight of spear and sword. In disciplined ranks they worked together to overcome their untrained foes. They started to push them back all along the flank of the village pushing them back into the main street where they were easy prey for the cavalry. All along the sides of the buildings where they found doors they kicked them in. If they found Civilians they dragged them outside the pushed them into the fields away from the battle if they found Yellow turbans they slaughtered them. Once they had taken the buildings His crossbowmen rushed into and up to the roofs if the building did not have a path to the roof they made it knocking down part of the ceiling. Once on the roof they can fire at the enemy on the other side of the streets.

“Advance we will crush the enemy in a pincer between us and Lu Bu.” Gongsun Zan’s voice cut across the chaos of the fight as his horn blower blew the call to charge again. They levelled spear’s like lances and ran down the disordered and disorganised enemy that his infantry was pushing out of the building’s and alleys. It could not be described as a fight it was simply a cavalryman’s dream disorganised infantry to slighter and make their name is a blaze of glory. Many of the me laughed aloud like Gongsun Zan now.

“Infantry cross the street and clear out the other buildings force them to flee the village or into the street where the cavalry can murder them.” Gongsun Zan yelled encouraging his infantry to move out of the west side of the village and drive the enemy out the rest of the buildings. They advanced under a screen of swordsmen with shield’s raised and his crossbowmen on the buildings who added their own counter fire. It would not doubt be a bitter fight but Gongsun did not doubt there enemy would break first. Now he just wanted the enemy leader. He would leave 7 companies (700 men) of his cavalry to support his infantry charge by mopping up any enemy on the main street while some worked the way of the fight and around toward the wooded side to kill any enemy that tried to flee. He meanwhile would take his own company of 100 riders and see if he could not assist Lu Bu in defeating this enemy commander. No doubt much of the Yellow turban forces would have centered around the front of the village anyway.

“Is there none that would face Gongsun Zan?” He yelled as he spurred his horse down the main road toward where the saw the enemy commander. He raised his sword and screamed his battle cry.

[Lu Bu]

(Yeah, I was under the impression that villages had no walls D:)

Lu Bu's horsemen were deep in battle with the enemy. Dead horses and men littered the ground in the village. The Yellow Turbans began retreated into the denser areas to funnel the cavalry into bottle necking.

Fengxian stopped his slaughter of the enemy for a moment and moved himself out of the direct fighting. He called out to all of his soldiers in a violent tone.

"If they insist on hiding, BURN THEM OUT!"

The order was given; burn any buildings that the Yellow Turbans occupied. With that said, Lu Bu dove back into the battle atop Red Hare. Before long he noticed an officer with a large spear slaying his troops one after another. He rode up to him and swung his windmill of a weapon at him.

Pei Yuan Shao skillfully parried the blow that would've been dealt by Lu Bu. Fengxian trotted Red Hare around and issued a challenge to the Yellow Scarves' Commander.

"I am Lu Bu of Luo Yang! I will take your head today! RAAAAH!"

Red Hare lurched forward and Lu Bu began to deal blow after scathing blow towards Pei Yuan Shao, the surface area of his weapon would wound Pei's entire body if he did not defend correctly.

[Lu Xiang]

Pei Yuan Shao laughed at man on top of the horse, what a young and infantile man. Surely he didn't believe he could win. Either way Pei wouldn't play fairly.

"Hmph, I will post your head outside of Luo Yang when the Han collapses, you arrogant bastard!"

He shouted, lunging towards red hare before signalling his archers to fire upon the man. He had no intentions of playing fairly and his master orders were strict. The men fought on like guerillas coming out of hiding and then going back into it. The buildings were set on fire, but it didn't change much - the heat of the country was already unbareable due to the drought.

"Pathetic!"

Pei Yuan Shao shouted, jousting again and again towards the man upon the horse. His men advancing from alley ways and corridors - making use of their lack of discipline and order. Launching fire bombs made from alcohol into large pockets of stationed troops as well as stealing horses from the stables and meeting the calvary on many frontiers.

[Zhou Yu]

Gongsun Zan watched as Lu Bu’s men began to push the enemy back from the front of the village. The cowardly Yellow Turbans seemed more intent on hiding and using similar hit and run tactics to those his cavalry had used before. Against a un disciplined force it might work but Lu Bu would surely order his men and his own Gongsun infantry maintained formation and ranks as his crossbowmen above continued to fire at the enemy. He was a little surprised Lu Bu was burning the village, no wonder the man had a ruthless reputation. His own men for the moment refrained from using those tactics.

“Hit them hard they won’t stand against you.” Gongsun Zan yelled at his infantry that had already cleared the west side buildings. They rushed across the streets now toward the enemy held buildings. His swordsmen in front with raised shields. Any homemade fire bombs unless very well thrown hit the shield and burst into flame against the shield. It was hot for the man holding it but not deadly. His crossbow fired at the agitators throwing the fire bombs. Although most seemed to be directed at Lu Bu. Perhaps they wanted to pay him back for burning them. His infantry reached the alleys and spearmen in the second ranks thrust their weapons between the gaps between the swordsmen shoulders and into the enemy. His swordsmen would sporadically break there shield wall to slash at the enemy unexpectedly. Those they did not stab or spear they threw into the burning buildings. Any enemy’s in the buildings would eventually be toast so they would concentrate on the men on the ground.

Avoiding the fighting around the alleys and only fighting in the open his cavalry would make short work of the few enemy riders. Untrained horsemen they would be lucky to just keep their saddle never mind fight against the Gongsun cavalrymen . When his men reached the sable they threw burning brands into the hay to set it alight. Although he did not want to burn people homes the stable was another matter. The horses scream un nerved his cavalrymen, yet it had to be done.

“Don’t turn your backs on us lads.” Gongsun Zan laughed as he eyed the enemy around Pei Yuan Shao who were busy fighting against Lu Bu. He looked around at his 100 riders and decided to help out his ally. His cavalrymen charged at their rear to catch them between him and Lu Bu. They hit them from the side and then rode left or right jabbing and slashing across their backs as they kept moving to make themselves a hard target. Gongsun Zan angled for Pei Yuan Shao as much for the glory as to help Lu Bu. As he reached him he slashed out with both his swords to both sides so it would not matter which way his foe tried to dodge.

[Lu Bu]

The Black clad soldiers of Lu Bu were taken aback by the firebombs, which the Halberdiers could only try to swat away with their weapons while the Swordsmen blocked with their shields. The Halberdiers moved behind the Swordsmen as the latter advanced and cut down any firebomb throwers. Any stragglers were met with a Halberd through the throat.

Meanwhile, Lu Bu was busy attempting to deflect arrows. His massive armor made it nearly impossible to hit him however. He kept his armor clad shoulder in front of his face whenever he detected a volley flying at him. He could feel an arrow penetrate his leather every now and then, only to slightly pierce his skin, not enough to cause major damage.

He saw Gongsun Zan ride from the opposite direction and he quickly got into position. He galloped Red Hare towards Pei Yuan Shao from the other side, swinging his weapon so that it was veered towards Pei's neck. Zan would slice Pei's body, Bu would decapitate him.

[Lu Xiang]

The fierce blade of Lu Bu ripped at his throat, unfortuantly not powerful enough to rip his entire head off - leaving him disabled slicing his complete throat in half. Screaming for oxygen he fell to his knees, screeching in help before collapsing. Pei Yuan Shao, fell into a pool of his own blood. His yellow cloaks now a fine red stained colour.

"Our lord has fallen! What should we do?!?! RUN!"

The Yellow Turbans had a sudden change in morale, with the death of their leader.. they begun to flee run and surrender. Their faith ran away and with it so did they. The final fire bombs were tossed before they ran for their very lives - sprinting out of the village.

"Ahhh, Lu Bu is a monster- flee!"

Screams and cries beckoned the city, not just the Turbans but the civillians also. Being set on fire by Lu Bu in his search and destroy campaign. The smoke scattered the city, providing a veil for many of the remaining Turbans to escape as well as peasents and any other humans who had suffered during this encounter.

[Zhou Yu]

Gongsun Zan wiped his blade clean on the fallen bodies of the yellow turbans around him. The day was there’s as the enemy surrender or ran on seeing their leader killed. His crossbowmen on the roof tops fired at those than ran until they were under the cover of the smoke. They could not risk hitting civilians. Meanwhile his cavalry demanded that those that surrendered throw down their weapons and put their hands above their heads. 100 swordsmen, spearmen an cavalry would guard them. Not just in case they tried to run by in case the villagers decided to take some revenge on them. If he wanted to butcher them he would but not unless he decided to.

“Well done Lu Bu, your blade is a swift as the wind and infinitely more deadly.” Gongsun Zan said saluting the black armoured killing machine. Together the Yellow turbans had no chance against their blades. He almost felt sorry for them but then he remembered the fire bombs such low dishonourable tactics were disgusting. He glared daggers at the prisoners as he clenched a fist. But he stayed calm his mind ticking over as he decided what to do next.

“Go to the well and fetch water to put out the flames.” Gongsun Zan said ordering his cavalrymen to transport the water to the burning buildings. It was likely a futile effort but it had to be attempted. Otherwise they would have to bring more refugees back to Lou Yang.

[Lu Bu]

Wiping the blood from his eyes, Lu Bu surveyed the area and found the body of Pei Yuan Shao. He slid off of Red Hare and bent down to the corpse, cutting the head off. He rose it high in the air before proclaiming his might high to the heavens.

"Can anybody provide me with a decent challenge?!"

He held Red Hare by the reigns and the head with his other hand as he stepped over to his ally and new friend, Gongsun Zan. He smirked, his bloodlust was quenched for now.

"You have proven yourself a great warrior, Gongsun Zan, but as you can see...."

Fengxian motioned to the destruction and burning buildings on his half of the village.

"I have won our wager, ha ha ha! I shall take this swine's head today. When I stand before He Jin and tell him of this day, you will be credited just as equally as me!"

Before anything else could be said, a Han messenger sprinted up to the two with labored breath.

"My lords! Luo Yang is under attack by Zhang Jiao himself!"

Bu gasped and his eyebrows furrowed. He ordered that Pei's head be preserved and put in with their supplies for later. He mounted Red Hare again and looked down at Gongsun Zan.

"Come Gongsun Zan! We ride together, my friend! HYAH"

With that said, Lu Bu set out for Luo yang with his troops in tow.

[Lu Xiang]

Rewards

Gongsun Zan
250 Gold
25 Fame
3 Strength
5 Bravery
15 Leadership

Lu Bu
35 Fame
10 Arrogance
5 Bravery
15 Unfairness
20 Feared
500 Gold for defeating officer