The Battle Of Hu Lao Gate

[Diao Chan]

Troops = 500
----------------------------
300 Militia
100 Halberdiers
100 Archers
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Diao Chan had finally arrived to the battle; She rode up, behind her Lord, and his many fine Generals. She knew she would not see Lord Dong Zhuo here - He was too conceited a man to arrive in battle, he would send his officers to do the work, at least for the time being. She wondered why they were so loyal to this tyrant.

Regardless of her feelings, now was a time of war, something she hated. There would be much bloodshed on this field. She knew it already. She rode up to Lu Bu, and got off her horse; Then appearing behind the commanders of the battle.

She had been ordered to stay put during the battle and defend the gate, like most were to do. She wondered if her lord would go out to battle by himself, without his loyal officers. She wanted to accompany him, but it was all too dangerous.

"I have arrived, my lord."[/b][/color] She said to Lu Bu.

"So it has began, and it will end with Dong Zhuo still in power; We will not let them get past!" She chanted to the crowd beside her.

This will be a long battle.

[Stationed next to Lu Bu on Hu Lao)

[link]

The siege camp was up ahead. Though if they were to do anything, they would have to move faster. Waving his hand to the cavalrymen, the latter immediately obeyed to his usual sign as they sped forward, leading the way; not too fast and uncatchable, yet fast enough to speed up the process of moving forward. It wasn¡¯t a large army that they formed; moving wouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem as long as they actually worked on it. And by now it should only be proper to simply explain how Wei Yan and his army exchanged words.

It was a known factor that Wei Yan was quite... impaired in the speaking of proper Chinese, at least that of the mainlands. And it was also known, to himself, that after his loss of followers in the west, all of his newly recruited, fresh army was formed of men of Zhongyuan or He Bei, which in turn meant that the soldiers did indeed speak properly. This basically meant that there would be no trouble in talking with other units through the means of messengers. However, with himself and his own troops, it was a different story.

Of course, Wei Yan could indeed hand out basic orders in the broken form of Chinese that he spoke, but that dialogue wasn¡¯t really convenient to understand in most battlefield situations. Thus, a large roar or a simple word such as "GO" or "CHARGE" would be enough to boost his army forward. They had basically been forced to get used to their leader¡¯s means of conversation, his signs and grunts, loud battle cries and split dialogue. Sometimes misunderstanding would happen, but with what limited tactics Wei Yan used, there wasn¡¯t much of a problem, really.

"Hurry... capture... siege base... Get... inside... now!"

----
Wei Yan's unit increases its pace to the northeastern siege base.

[Zhang Smith]

Just Outside Yuan Shao's Main Base. Smith looked around to see if there were anyways of sneak attacks. Looking around Smith could not see anything and begun to advance closer to Hu Lao Gate. When he was getting closer he could see other generals advancing on Hu Lao Gate. "Hmm... So this is Hu Lao Gate." Smith tuned to face his troops. "Men get ready for this, We are a big family all of us, I want you to fight your hearts out for everyone here, watch each others backs. Stay in formation and this battle should be a breeze. You are the best troops all in China time to live up to that! Smiths attempted a moral speech. He didn't know if his men were the best, he believed if he got them to think that they would fight like their are the best.

Summary: Smith is advancing on Hu Lao Gate
Smith tried a moral speech.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui turned his head after hearing Kaihime's voice. He looked at the young lady and bowed his head towards her before straightening himself up again. "Currently we have had no orders issued to us so we will remain in the main camp as back up for the time being. Our numbers are pretty good so as a second wave of troops that would be best for our mission. Let those high head jockeys go first and get themselves killed before we move in." Rui spoke, it meant he had time to think things through before making his move.

He was indeed cold since he was not used to snow but looking at Tsuki he knew that such weather did not affect everyone in his crew. Tsuki continued to strut about with blood lust in her eyes, it scared even Rui and Kenshi just looking at the woman. Kenshi remained at the rear with his men and awaited further commands. There was very little for the pirates to do currently.

[Lü Lingqi]

Lu Ling Qi finished attaching her gauntlets to her forearms. She always felt more whole when holding her katars, knowing that on a whim she could take someone's life away. It was the emboldening power of strength that she inherited from her father, Lu Bu. She prepared herself mentally for the fight, there was nothing more she wished for than to fight alongside her father again. There was a strong possibility that Lu Bu wouldn't lead the defense of the threshold when it fell. Lu Ling Qi decided to take up that task without consulting her father.

Kao Ba appeared again by her side, as quiet and swift as ever. He appeared more at ease, now that Lu Ling Qi had decided to stay and fight. There were now no uncertainties. Lu Ling Qi studied Kao Ba, the bodyguard of Ba Zeng and Lu Ling Qi whenever the situation called for it. No doubt Ba Zeng required his services, but Lu Ling Qi was more than capable of handling herself. She still enjoyed the idea of fighting next to Kao Ba, she had seen him fight only once, but was forever entranced by his style. Perhaps it was an odd form of battlefield affection.

Regardless, Kao Ba had changed into his usual battle attire. His black leather armor covered him from chest to feet, a large black cape made of light cloth hung around his shoulders, and covered his body. His sai, though unseen, were no doubt clinging to his waist. Kao Ba's face was covered by a black cloth. Lu Ling Qi didn't know why the man covered his face from nose to chin. She asked Ba Zeng once and he joked, saying that Kao Ba had an embarrassing deformity on his face. Despite that, Lu Ling Qi noticed that the man had a flawless pale face above his nose, with sharp eyes and shaggy jet black hair.

Lu Ling Qi almost turned red realizing that she was admiring him. "Where is Master Ba Zeng?" She asked whilst clearing her mind.

Kao Ba leaned against the table which was used as a make-shift armory, his arms crossed, he spoke but his voice was somewhat muffled because of the cloth, "He's still in Dong Zhou's camp, but he should be leaving for the rendezvous point very shortly..."

He trailed off preparing to ask the next question, "Are you sure you want to leave your father...?"

Lu Ling Qi pretended to be fiddling with her gauntlets when Kao Ba asked that question. She had been placing her thoughts on that heavily until now. Leave her father, and make a name for herself as a great fighter, or stay with Lu Bu, dependent on his strength. Lu Ling Qi slowly turned her gaze towards Kao Ba, her eyes showing uncertainty.

"I..."

[Lu Xiang]

Lu Xiang was death himself, not as a physical representation.. but he reeked of it. Harbringer of the bestowed imminent fate of the living world; his hooves pounded, cracking the hard ice which only just managed to hold his weight launching himself to the front of his battalion. His iron thralled knuckles running down the hilt of his blade whilst the other hand rested upon his reigns. His shackled sabatons cursed and embedded within the stirups of his steed.

"Surround the siege camp!"

He shouted, gripping and pulling at the reigns as the snow slid from beneath the hoofs as it was halted to the stop. The company rushed inside; several men standing around the outside holding a good defensive position to keep spies or thieves out whilst the others rush on with the plan. They were men of miltia, tradesmen at best. They had only recently been trained in basic combat which meant their pasts would serve them well. A simple construction.

"Rip down this oak, prepare something to breach the gates of hell itself.. and be snappy about it."

Beckoned his Iron Crown, the cold blue words dripped from his mouth before running down his tainted armour. The troops didn't dare disobey him.. death was an honour to receive from him.. not obeying him would result in something worse. They worked, using what tools they had brought; hacking at trees nearby. The snow slowed them down a bit but they had plenty of time from the looks of things.

Lu Xiang himself peered at Hu Lao gate; before laughing. His cousin would be there.. his ego wouldn't allow him to be anywhere else. They settled this today. His fists pumped, both around his sword and his reigns. A sense of a rival and revenge was overthrown him. He wouldn't kill his cousin; Lu Bu.. no. He was a good warrior; it would be much more pleasurable of stripping him off everything he had ever had - even that pathetic wench he now associated with. Lu Xiang begged for his knife to connect to that womans neck; just to see the heartbreak within the mans eyes, to see the fire burn within his cousins eyes. With rage, with passion.. knowing he had turned his own cousin into something close to what he was.

"Quick slacking!"

He yelled, slowly waltzing into the siege camp - towering over everyone upon his horse he burned his eyes upon them to speed up the production. They gulped in fear, but were also motivated. Though an almost dictatorship run by fear could be considered cruel.. it produced results.. especially in tough times. Lu Xiang knew how to get results and wasted no time with things.

[kaihime]

"Currently we have had no orders issued to us so we will remain in the main camp as back up for the time being. Our numbers are pretty good so as a second wave of troops that would be best for our mission. Let those high head jockeys go first and get themselves killed before we move in."

Those were her lord's (Rui Takiri's) words, his orders to remain in the main camp until the time came to move out as back-up. Kaihime nodded her understanding and agreement with his words before turning and leaving him to his thoughts. She knew it was a good plan and best idea however she couldn't quite quel the urge deep within her to get out and fight.

Seeing as how she would no doubt be waiting for some while Kaihime decided to amuse herself while she waited. Flopping down upon the snow covered ground rather clumsily Kaihime soon began to roll up a large snowball. Scooting to her knees she pushed the ball around the camp, it picking up the snow upon the ground as it went rapidly growing in size.

((for those that dont understand what she is doing she is making a snowman to keep herself occupied while she waits for the order to move out.))

Summary: Kaihime is stationed in the main camp along with the rest of the pirate forces.

[Yuan Shu]

-------------------------
Troops: 400.
100 Swordsmen.
100 Spearmen.
100 Archers.
100 Cavalry.
NPC: Ji Ling.
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Yuan Shu had traveled far and wide from Chen Liu to reach this field; The field leading to Hu Lao Gate. The bloody battle that will be fought here made even he shiver with the thought.

He looked forward, and what he saw was the Coalition's main camp - Nothing too impressive; not too big nor too small, but heavily crowded nonetheless. He thought, as his most trusted General, Ji Ling informed him.

"We are coming to the Main Camp, my liege!" The General said, as he rode up right beside Shu.

"Very good. Let us finish this quickly, no?"

Ji Ling nodded as they approached the camp, Yuan Shu's army close behind. He knew it wouldn't make an impression at first seeing as how it was less bulky, unlike the other regional lords' armies, but just wait 'til his men take the field. Quality over Quantity, right? Ha Ha Ha.

As Shu entered the camp, he saw few familiar faces, most notably his brother's; He was not on the best term with Shao at the moment, though unfortunately his army was much larger than that of Yuan Shu, and even more sad is that Shu would be commanding under his brother. He sighed at this.

He knew that many battalions of troops had already set out for the Gate, where Dong Zhuo's forces lay; Most notably the guardian of Hu Lao gate, and a beast of a man, Lu Bu.

This was a daunting task to some, not so much to Yuan Shu.

"Ready the troops. We must make haste!" Shu ordered Ji Ling.

"Yes, My Lord."

He said quickly, and rode off. He would return soon enough.

Gonglu pondered for a moment:

"Chivalrous leaders and generals ban together on this day; and by tonight, Dong Zhuo shall be slain, and the chaos shall end."

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Summary: Yuan Shu has arrived in Coalition Main Camp; Ji Ling has left to ready Yuan Shu's soldiers.

[Xiao Hua]

Xiao Hua will arive in two turns. ((She is late cuz I am XD))
Troops: 400.
100 Swordsmen.
100 Spearmen.
100 Archers.
100 Cavalry.

[Xiang Yu]

Xiang Yu breathed heavily as Lu Xiang forwarded his message. He had not said much, but his voice had heightened when passing over the message. A signal or sign from the boss that the contents were of some us to the coalition and its leader, Yuan Shao. It would do, or at least it would do long enough to keep the young scholar content as he shifted his horse back to the main camp.

“Your order is my command.” He stated, smiling.

He turned then, shifting his feet before kicking the steed into a steady canter back to the camp. Yuan Shao would welcome the man in black, though he was not certain whether or not it would be graciously.

He moved past a home guard, taking a dip of the head in return for some basic directions around the perimeter. He cursed as he turned the other way and following the dim trails presented. He had wished he had studied the maps longer.

The camp arrived sooner than he had imagined, and he boarded the horse up before taking his leave from the stables. Walking casually to where the great commanding tent had been erected. Maybe Yuan Shao would be busy, but he did not care.

He took the platform leading into the open camp and stood by the table where maps and scrolls had been fashioned. Then, after a small dip of the head he passed a message to Yuan Shao.

“A message from my master.”

[check you PM box Yuan.]

[Cao Cao]

Zhi looked to the North. He saw the mountain and he realized what he needed to do. He turned around towards a group of 50 Peasents. They would be perfect for what Zhi had in mind."Men, I want you to scout out the mountain pass to the North. Check every part of it, and come back to tell me if there is any enemies up there or if it is clear. My plans depend on your report, go now!!"Zhi watched as his scouts moved towards the mountain pass. Now all Zhi had to do was wait until his scouts reported back to him.

Summary:Zhi sends scouts to scout out the mountain pass up North.

[Lu Xiang]

Turn 2



Turn Summary

Lu Xiang captures Eastern Siege Camp.
Wei Yan captures Western Siege Camp.
Zhi Fang dispatchs a scout unit up the valley.
Yuan Shu and Kaihime arrive.
Diao Chan appears alongside her lord.

Troop Losses:

None


Turn 3 may commence!

[Lü Lingqi]

"I...I'm certain now Kao Ba. Nothing can stop me from leaving..."

Lu Ling Qi felt a sudden rush of freedom, her future was filled with uncertainty. If she could just get passed this one battle, she would be free. Kao Ba nodded in reassurance. Lu Ling Qi felt no regret as she stole another glance at her father on top of Hu Lao gate. Perhaps his disloyalty passed onto me... she thought with sudden sadness. No, her sadness turned immediately into disgust, I have only inherited his strength.

For that I thank you father.

Lu Ling Qi loved her father, but how he acted sometimes caused her to question their relationship. Her mother had instilled temperance in her, in a time where Lu Bu was drunk with power, and was serviced by many concubines.

She steeled her resolve, "Just one more battle with Dong Zhou, that's it." She promised to herself, but she said to Kao Ba as he nodded again. Lu Ling Qi already knew where she was going to station herself, in the front, alongside Lu Bu's halberdiers and spearmen. She had fought many battles with them, and they in turn had great respect for her. That was where she wanted to be.

Lu Ling Qi walked with Kao Ba into the long threshold of Hu Lao gate, and through the entire length they appeared on the other side of the magnificent wall. One could say, Dong Zhou's mighty bastion of defense. Lu Bu's halberdiers and spearmen filled the small gap left by the caltrops. They were in a position so that they would not get flanked by calvary, and even infantry would have a hard time advancing with ladders, if their feet were impaled by a steel caltrop hidden in the snow.

Off in the distance, allied forces started to take control of the siege camp opposite of Hu Lao Gate. It wasn't anything impressive, not a manufacturing facility, but merely a pile of timber and maybe some rope. Regardless, the allied forces planned on making some sort of siege weapon to assault Hu Lao Gate.

Whether they won or not, mattered not to Lu Ling Qi. Her future was not with Lu Bu or Dong Zhou either way.

"That banner over there," Kao Ba pointed out with an outstretched index finger, "belongs to Lu Xiang, a cousin to Lu Bu." He was pointed to the army across the snowfield, no more than ten hundred, a pathetic army at that, snowbitten, force-marched and filled with militia, they would have to wait for their allies to assault Hu Lao Gate with any chance.

Lu Ling Qi looked at him questioningly, "I'm related to the commander of that army?"

Kao Ba nodded, "You probably wouldn't want to meet him, he acts almost as bad-mannered as your father, and even more high-handed."

Despite that, Lu Ling Qi knew from that point that they were going to cross paths, one way or the other.

Summary: Lu Ling Qi has exited Hu Lao Gate's threshold and has taken position alongside Lu Bu's halberdiers and spearmen.

Troops:
430 Han Halberdiers (Lu Bu)
275 Han Spearmen (Lu Bu)

[Nohime]

Troops
300 Swordsmen
200 Crossbow
100 Light Cavalry
Total=600

Nohime sighed, feeling the cold wintery air touch her skin as she rode onto the battlefield with her white mare, her troops trailing behind her. She had finally arrived at the latest battlefield: Hu Lao Gate. She knew she was running late, and quite frankly, it upset her that she could have possibly missed some of the bloodshed. However, from the look of things, being just outside Yuan Shao's main camp, not much had happened. She sighed with relief. She would still get to have the opportunity to slice open a few of Dong Zhuo's men. Of course, the carnage wasn't the only thing on Nohime's mind when she arrived here, nor was the idea of crushing this tyrant. There was someone among the enemy ranks she had her venomous eyes set on.

Diao Chan. She had heard from many a citizen that Diao Chan was considered the most beautiful woman in China. Nohime, despite having not even met this woman, was incredibly insulted. She knew that she had to do something, whether it be making Diao Chan her primary target or...well, she didn't have many other ideas on how to handle the situation. The only other thing she could think of was somehow convince her to defect. Unfortunately, she didn't exactly have a clear way to do that, so making her be a target was Nohime's best bet. Then again, there was that warrior, Lu Bu. He would be trouble. Oh well, for now, she would simply have to settle with getting into the swing of things before she could come up with a plan.

As she snapped from her thoughts, she turned to the others that had gathered outside of Yuan Shao's main camp. She said nothing to them, merely nodded slightly, then returned her gaze to the mountains and the small path that led inside. Her fingers twitched as she held the reigns of her horse tightly. She was itching for her claws to sink into some poor fool's skin. She turned to the others and rode up a bit closer. She waited anxiously for some sort of command to attack. She looked back at the main camp, her impatience quite evident in her eyes. "What could be taking them so long?"

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui looked at both Kaihime and Tsuki Yomi before sighing heavily and giving out a deep laugh. "Girls, how about you join the fight. I'll join up later to lead the second wave but I think you two deserve to show off your skills as fighters. Tsuki, I'll lend you some troops to use then I want the both of you to head out." Rui grinned evilly, but his pride over the young ladies was very clear.

Tsuki grinned in a dark manner and ran forward with excitement in her stride. Rui sent 200 Swordsmen, 100 Spearmen, 100 Archers, 100 Light Cavalry and 10 Messengers with Tsuki to lead the first wave of the pirate army. He just hoped that it would keep the girls occupied and stop boredom from striking them.