The Battle Of Hu Lao Gate

[Lu Xiang]

His eyes tossed left and right, scolding the delicate skin of his followers; the fire is his eyes burning their putrid flesh; even through the armour they were weak..without him every single one of them. Their hands moved with the tools they had brought; saws ripped through the bark.. hammers pounded against the wood. Lu Xiang turned his intentions away from the siege production before his men threw up the foundations for a tent, concealing the work from within.

Though his ordeals and ideas were harsh, he was producing results. Making clear progress unlike the rest of the pathetic whelps. Whilst they toiled and claimed for their fame at the main camp; Lu Xiang was securing a reputation and a footing to end this battle as quickly as it came.

"We close their eyes, now hurry up!"

He exclaimed, the support was tied down to the ground before pounded into the ground and several pools scattered around the place before animal furs that had been brought along placed on the floor for Lu Xiang. He stepped down from his horse before entering the small structure.. it wasn't much. But it would do for him. The men carried on preparing the secret weapon; though from the outside it was uncertain what Lu Xiang was up to.. clearly a man with knowledge would know he was preparing siege. And with all the wood being collected it was clearly wooden based. The tent was pulled once more before the lower layers swayed gently in the light wind.

Lu Xiang rolled his tongue around his mouth, preparing himself in the state of mind. Every man had his fears, he who lied was a fool. Inside there was always someone or something that persisted. Guilt? Shame? Fear? Demons followed everyone; everyone had a different way of dealing with it. Lu Xiang lifted his demons upon his shoulder.. why remove such powerful emotions? They assisted him. His armour was stretched across him; clicking into place with elegance. A huge clasp tucked around his throat, gauntlets defending his wrists before the grand sword placed into his hands.

Eventually a small man presented himself before Lu Xiang who was now with his back facing the open world.

"My lord, we are ready."

Lu Xiang raised an eyebrow, clutching his sword a little. Flicking i up and looking down the piece of blacksmith mastery. So light, yet so powerful. He nodded; his forces were ready. This is what all the training had been leading up for. He tucked his sword into his sheath before stroking his hair away from his face; taking a cold-hearted icy breath. He turned around, slowly extending his hand and running it across the weapons.. his hand stopped. It wrapped around the blade. Grabbing a pole-arm and spinning it around almost carelessly. This would be the one. He foot found back onto the huge black steed, lifting his body weight ontop of it before gripping the reigns and steering his horse out of the siege camp.

"Double the watch, keep production up. Await for my return or the appearance of Master Xiang Yu."

He announced, before placing the leader of the company in-charge for now before sweeping his cape over his shoulder and riding out towards Hu Lao gate.

Cousin... i'm coming.

[Cao Cao]

Zhi watches as the scouts move up the mountain pass and out of his sight. There was not much more for Zhi to do right now except to wait for the scout's report. So Zhi waited their queitly, waiting for his scouts to come back with news on if the pass is clear or not.

(Sorry for the short post!!)

[kaihime]

Kaihime felt her body fill with excitement and adrenaline as she was given the order to move out. "right, i wil make sure to prove our force on the battlefield" Kaihime smiled to her lord (Rui Takiri) before whistling and waving her men into formation behind her. "alright it's time for us to prove how strong we are!! let's go men and be sure to kick some ass on the battlefield" Kaihime rallied her troops before leading them out of the main camp.

((she has most of her troops with her: 100 light cavalry, 100 volunteers, 25 messengers, 100 archers, 200 swordsmen.))

((She left 25 messengers behind so as to be able to communicate back and forth with the main camp))

Kaihime set her sights on the seige camp that Lu Xiang had taken, she knew that being who he was that he wouldn't want aid. However It made logical sense to move to that location in Kaihime's mind. Once the seige weapons were prepared and the forces ready to lay seige to Hu Lao Gate she would aid them in doing so, or if needed protect the base.

((Summary: Kaihime has left the Main Camp and is heading to aid Lu Xiang at the Seige Base. She has with her: 100 light cavalry, 100 volunteers, 25 messengers, 100 archers, 200 swordsmen. She will arrive next turn??))

[Zhang Smith]

Looking around Smith could see barly any activity. There was a small path leading up into the mountains. "Hmm, I wonder were this leads us... Hunter small detour Hu Lao Gate can wait, lets check out this path." Smith started to advance through the path in the mountains. "Men stay alert this is a good place for an ambush." Hunter looked at Smith and let out a smirk. He raised his hand and when he lowered it, he and his 100 archers began to sprint. Even though it was a small path and they couldnt move fast, they wanted to clear the way for Smith.

Summary
-Smith begins is advance into the mountain tops.
-Hunter takes off ahead to clear the way

[link]

Back to the communication bit again. So maybe Wei Yan's grunts, screams, and gestures easily got the soldiers through battles, tight situations, and even the fiery flames of the inferno. But what did often get in the way was strategy. The passing on of strategy, the sharing of devised tactics, it was all too much for the limited means of communication that Wei Yan and his troops had. Well, of course, it wasn't like Wei Yan could even think up too complicated of a plan in battle; it was usually just head-on bashing.

But then, sometimes some things were needed to get past obstacles. Such as in this case; Si Shui Gate was the obstacle, it was too late to head back to Hu Lao and rejoin with the multitude there... And he didn't want to do that, anyway. But with the few numbers that he had, he would have to do this carefully. What was "this," you ask? Simply put, the construction of siege weapons and their successful usage in the process of getting into Si Shui Gate. If that would work before their possible wipe-out or retreat on Wei Yan's part, that was.

But what had to be done, had to be done.

"Siege... ramps... Make... ladders... One... ram..."

Quite a display of words there; Wei Yan silently grinned to himself as he noticed his own improvement in the Chinese language. Now only to get a more fluent grammatical variety of skill.

"...Hurry...!"

(I didn't put a certain amount of ramps and ladders I'm making, other than the single siege ram. This is because I'm actually asking of the mod to simply put down the reasonable amount I can produce within a... time of about... two turns? And yes, I don't know reasonable amounts myself, being ignorant to sieges in the past. -.- ...Uh, 3 ramps and 6 ladders? o.O more or less?)

[Cao Pi]

Yuan Shao had recieved a letter from master Xiang, he opened it and began to read. After finishing he was approached by just the man he was going to set off to find.
"I'm ready when you are, Lord Yuan Shao. Just tell me where you need me to be."
Hiei said as he approached Shao.
"Ahh Hiei i was just about to come and find you, please go find master Yu and hand him this letter." Shao quickly jotted down a reply to his letter ((Check Mail)) and handed it over to Hiei.
He placed his right hand on his left shoulder.
"He will explain everything, please be careful" Shao said as he released his hand from the shoulder and left to find Yuan Shu.

Shu was not far from Shao based just outside the palace, he walked outside as Tsuki was leaving with a small army to attack Hu Lao. He watched them move as he walked up to Shu.
"Ahh brother, not so smug now are we. I was always the greatest out of the Yuan family. You want to prove yourself? Collaborate with Tsuki and defeat everyone at Hu Lao gate, go now."
Yuan Shao didnt wait for a reply he just left him to do what he had been told. Yuan Shao lost a massive amount of respect that he had for his brother, now he did not care if he was killed. He returned to the palace to have some tea and wait for Wen Chou to arrive with reinforcements.


((Wen Chou to arrive in 3 turns, when he arrives i will post my troops))

[Lu Xiang]

Turn 4


Turn Summary
Lu Xiang rides out towards Hu Lao alone.
Yuan Shao recieves the letter and replies to Xiang Yu.
Kaihime and Tsuki are ordered to advance.
Wei Yan created five ladders and a single battering ram.
Zhang Smith is quickly approaching the scouts send by Zhi.

Troop Losses:

None

Reinforcements:

Wen Chou 3 Turns


Turn 5 may commence!

[Nohime]

Nohime sighed with relief when she saw the others finally begin to move. She turned to her troops and looked them over. "I want fifty of each division to accompany me, the rest shall stay behind and help protect the main camp!" she shouted, then turned away from her troops and began to ride into the mountains, close behind Zhang Smith. She was mostly following him because she felt obligated; after all, he was a warrior of Wu, and no matter what, in Nohime's mind, her loyalty to Wu always came first.

She rode off from the main camp gates to the point where she was just at the opening of the path into the mountains. Her cavalry was following quickly, but the others were a bit slow which was to be expected. She then turned her head to face down the path as she waited for her troops to catch up to her. She thrusted her arms outward, causing her trademark weapons to spring forth. She chuckled to herself a bit. "I can't wait to sink my teeth into Dong Zhuo's troops..."

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui grinned as the girls disappeared off into the distance with the troops, the pirates were going to show up everyone else, or at least Rui hoped so. He hoped to form allies with as many Lords as possible at the end of all this conflict and also exact revenge upon Lu Bu for Kouji's sake.

A messenger rode up to Rui and handed him a letter. A large smirk creased the Pirate King's lips. "Excellent... Wei Ning is coming to aid this fight!" Rui shouted so all his men could hear, Wei Ning was Rui's right hand man so was well known within the crew of pirates. "He'll be soon, we shall soon over run this battle field and wash it in blood!" Rui let out a long howl to help rally moral within his men.

~~

Tsuki moved swiftly across the battlefield whilst keeping close to Kaihime's army. Tsuki seemed like a demonic entity from any distance, a secret weapon of the pirates, she was someone not to be under-estimated on any level. "I will devour Dong Zhou's heart and bask within the blood that spills from his torn body!" Tsuki hissed as she sped towards the Seige Base in hope of enforcing aid to Lu Xiang.


((Wei Ning's army shall arrive in 3 TURNS))

[Cao Cao]

Zhi was still waiting there, hoping that his scouts would return soon. In anticipation of his scouts arriving, Zhi yelled at his troops."Troops, get prepared to move up the mountain pass! We I to be prepared to leave as soon as the scouts return to me."The troops ran around, getting into a staright line, with two people side by side right behind Zhi Fang and his mount. His 200 Calvary in front, and the rest behind them. Zhi hoped that the scouts will return soon.

[Lü Lingqi]

Lu Ling Qi gave strict orders to Lu Bu's captains as the rider from the siege camp rode across the snow field with haste. Lu Bu's men fell into four lines, they had no quarrels with following her orders. She was the daughter of their commander, perhaps an extension of his word. Or so they thought. Lu Ling Qi would perfer to distance herself from her father. He still remained there, Lu Bu, atop the gate, his gaze absorbing all of the happenings of the battlefield in front of him.

Saddling her spirited white charger, her favorite steed uncharacteristically named Fury, Lu Ling Qi rode in front of the lines watching the rider with great curiosity.

[kaihime]

((kaihime will arrive at the base to aid Lu xiang next turn ))

[Lu Xiang]

Lu Xiang halted his horse, steeling the reigns tighly wrapping them around his wrist before turning his gaze to the gate. The gate that would determine this battle, he smirked a little; brushing his hair back a little as the frost bitten wind whistled through the stray hairs. It didn't look much to him, but who was he to say - it would all burn. His eyes flared with pure destruction and hatred; the venom was infectious.

He laughed, first rather subtle just a small cackle. An arrogant laugh of comfort before laughing rather maniacally; ensuring he would be heard by everyone within several yards of the gate and beyond before spinning the pole-arm around; extending it forwards and twisting it around in the air; flailing it with brutal death but also elegance. The horse replied by rearing up its legs and letting out a heroic but mighty roar from its hooves upon the ground; shifting the snow.

Satisfied he had the attention of every last swine in and behind the walls of the sorry excuse of Hu Lao he trampled around a little bit. Whilst putting himself in danger, he knew his cousin would play fairly. Related or not; didn't change the fact they didn't like other people stealing their kills. The giant beast, hooved plodded gently and rather peacefully across the snow wastelands towards the gate; slowly before Lu Xiang presented himself within a decent earshot space; the echoes of the cliff would support his speech and also promote his speechcraft. The pole-arm gently lowered and rests; not lowering his guard however, earshot also meant arrow shot. His cape was prepared to swoop down and block as many arrows as possible to flee if things turned grim.

"Here stands Lu Xiang. I have come simply to remove the treachous ill-swined bowel who disrupt the order of my country and the Han. My war is not with you, however if you refuse to move; then you will be removed."

He said running the blade up gently, slicing at the snow before before pointing it at them; his cape thistling in the background a little.

"Nothing with this oversized stomach is worth living for, residing behind them walls brings you nothing but cold hard death. No mercy will be given to traitors; I will find every last fiend and his family - that sided with Dong Zhuo and grind them down to nothing more then bone dust."

"Come forth any who wish to challenge my bold claims, but I am a man of my worth. This is your last chance to throw down your weapons; or I will cut them from you."

He culled out; maybe to provoke the enemy into making a move. Maybe to distract them - maybe to grant his allies more time to move around and prepare, maybe to demoralize the enemy. Whatever the reason; he was on their doorstep. His pale face, gently coiled around in his finest armour; if the enemy stalled they would be weakened believing that Lu Xiang was more than he appeared. If they rushed out and underestimated their foe they'd be humilliated. Defence was for naught under Lu Xiang's terms.

[Yuan Shu]

As Yuan Shu sent off Ji ling to his duties, he proceeded to walk inside the camp, viewing, and not-so-much, admiring, the amount of soldiers and such in the base. They all seemed adequately trained.

Then he continued inside and finally spotted Yuan Shao... the "leader" of this coalition, speaking with one of his generals. He wondered why the officer was not out fighting, as he did just that.

He was then seen by his brother, and again the antagonism between the two glorious Yuans ignited.

"Hmph, yes. I shall do as you say, oh great commander... but let it be heard filth like you shan't command me outside this alliance."

He said with a scowl on his face.

He then turned around and went out of the camp. Yuan Shu was confident in his troops and most importantly his best commander, Ji Ling. He had a long history of loyalty to Shu and he deserved to help lead his forces.

As he left, he thought about Shao. The man was more like a nemesis then a sibling.

"He doesn't even deserve to carry the name Yuan..."

Nothing that could be done about that however. The bond that they had as children as since turned into a rivalry of sorts. T'is too bad.

He left and not far from the 2nd gate was Ji Ling and the majority of Shu's troops.

"Let us go, yes? I am getting sick being around such imbeciles. Ha ha ha."[/b]

"Yes sir. I will ready the troops, you do not need to worry about such matters."[/i] Ji said with a nod.

And not soon after that, they were to be off.

What lay ahead would be filled with loss & bloodshed. Whether it was good or not was yet to be seen however.

They had nary a plan, only ambition... which was powerful, indeed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary: Yuan Shu is headed away from main camp.

(however you have me positioned is fine, xiang.)

[Ryu Yin]

(( Alright since Lu Bu isn't posting neither are any of my other comrades in arms except Lu Qing and Zhi Fang. I'll take control over Lu Bu for now until someone else would like to have the honor in doing so. ))

[Ryu Yin]

Ryu sighed as he looked out to the snowy field infront of Si Shui Gate. The place was empty. The Coalition had completely ignored this path to Luo Yang. It angered him that Lu Bu and Hu Lao Gate was receiving all the attention. Ryu wanted to have a taste for battle. The power to send men to kill and slaughter whoever he points at. He wanted to experience those things for he has yet done so. Ryu had always worked alone as a Mercenary and Handyman doing whatever kind of job there is available for cash. Yeah sure he wasn't famous but he had some reputation mostly known by the small towns he was hired to protect or do work in. He only hoped that his cunning wits would be able to pull through and lead these troops and carry out his plans that he had set in motion since he received a letter from the enemy.

"Sir! We have finished collecting the Barrels of Flammable Oil from the Siege Base. We await further your further orders."

Ryu was interrupted by a Peasant from the Peasant Militia he had sent to gather Oil for defense a while ago. "I need a few Barrels to be dumped into the supply of Hot Oil. And the rest to be placed behind the ridges in the wall so that the enemy may not be able to see them and so Archers can use that Oil to light their arrows. Keep a few behind the gate where the Infantry are positioned. One final note, if it takes you as long as it did to gather those barrels I will not hesitate to kill all of you. Is that understood?" Ryu finished his last sentence saying it like he'll enjoy watching them die. The Peasant nodded, stood straight, his back stiff, and ran as fast as he could to relay the orders.

[Lu Bu]

(( Sorry if this is a little weird. I'm not used to this kind of character personality type. ))

Lu Bu came forth from atop Hu Lao Gate and stared at the man who challenged the warriors who were ready to defend Hu Lao Gate with their lives. "Warrior! You are welcome to take that Pig's head. But only if you can get past me for I want his head for my own Mantle. I Lu Bu the commander of all of those that stand before you at Hu Lao Gate accept your challenge on one condition. That you dismount your horse and send it away back towards your panzy filled army. We will duel on foot with no interruptions from our armies. I would like to say two more things before I hear what you have to say. If you do not agree to the terms of the duel and go back to your army I assure you that my men's moral and confidence will skyrocket and we will destroy you and the Coalition. You came here looking for a fight and in the process insulted us. You are in in my hands right now and you will play by my rules. Now what say you Lu Xiang? Will you run back to your mommy wait sorry I mean army but they are same really. Or stand and fight like a man." Lu Bu replied to Xiang's challenge in a rather threatening manner and after he finished he raised his hand and in doing so the Archers, Crossbowmen, and every ranged unit on the wall raised their weapon and put Lu Xiang within their sights and that of a path of which he would take to escape.