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You recuperate your forces at the coastal village for a few days. The populace has mixed feelings about your presence; while some are gracious to you for the defeat of the bandits, other are more concerned about a rogue army in their vicinity. Your supplies are plentiful from having taken the bandit camp’s loot and your soldiers in good morale after their outstanding victory. You have 150 taels of gold to spend on troops, supplies, or personal items. The soldiers respect you as a warrior and a leader.

With your forces replenished, what do you plan to do? You hear that besides small looters and thieves, the area around Xuchang has become safe. In the north the Yellow Scarves are moving to attack Imperial forces that are desperately attempting to rally their forces. Banditry seems to be more common where looting and skirmishes have taken place near the Imperial forces and rebels. The south maintains solidified peace unlike the Central Plains.

>move your army to [choose a location]
>maintain your army at the current position and expand your forces for a month

>>223953
Awww yeeaaahh

>>223957
>maintain your army at the current position and expand your forces for a month

Now that we've bled them a little we should capitalise on that and expand and train. I'm not sure how many competent bowmen we can churn out in a month though, with all that tael we could surely hire hunters or trainers of some sort?

>>223953
https://twitter.com/RainsArpeggio

>>223957
>maintain your army at the current position and expand your forces for a month

As for our next move, if we are looking at any expansion or opportunistic land-grab as it were then the North is the place to go. The Yellow Turban movement has doubtless left many lordless villages in it's wake, with the local nobility and officials likely executed there would be no one to dispute our claim as this area's 'protectors'.

Alternatively we could remain in the Central Plains and focus on defending our own men's homes as the fighting draws closer.

Since we seem to have the spare coin I'd advocate investing in some nice armour for ourselves. This is all just me spitballing.

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Using the knowledge of the defeated bandits, you hope to recruit more troops in to your army and further maintain your equipment. You send out missives and send recruits to the village and local areas. You send other soldiers to chop wood at the local woods to begin crafting bows and arrows. Other soldiers gather fish from the river and find game in the wilderness. The days are mostly peaceful, unlike the north where you hear dire news of the Imperial forces.

It seems the Yellow Scarves have beaten the Imperial troops on the first stages of the war. You hear of Generals Zhu Jun, Huangfu Song, and Lu Zhi having their positions overwhelmed from tens of thousands of rebel troops. Though defeated, the generals have soundly retreated and they begin to reform their ranks. You hear other Imperial troops have successfully rallied together and plan several counter attacks against the rebels.

The month you spend have greatly expanded your force. Your troops now number 800 from fresh recruits; mostly young men who hear of your deeds and join you. Your men have crafted short bows and arrows so that your army now has ranged support. Half of your army has good iron weapons and leather armor, the other half blunt weapons they've crafted and what scraps they could pick up as armor. Perhaps you may wish to spend more money on equipment.

In any case, news of your forces expansion is heard from the official of the village. He demands your presence at his office and when you appear he seems quite infuriated.

"Zheng Li!" he says pointing at you intensely. "I have allowed you to rest your men here and I have told you to keep quiet. Yet you recruit the local youths and make weapons of war. do you know how many families have come to complain that their sons have left the fields and boats to join your damned renegade forces? Your troops are now nearing a thousand! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to keep you around here!?" he says with a slam of his hand on his desk.

"I demand you leave our village. We can tolerate your presence no longer."

The official is quite displeased. You nearly grimace at the damnable man. What do you do? From having been in the village for a month, you know the village only has about a hundred guards. You could easily kill this fool and take over this village. Perhaps this may be the opportune time to begin your rise to power?

>Kill him and order your troops to take over the village
>leave the village as he requests
>refuse to listen to the official and stay in the village

>>224013
>leave the village as he requests
Lets go out and keep making a name for ourselves. Don't want to be the bandits we were just fighting eh?

>+500 recruits

Sweet. If it took 50 tael to equip 300 men with steel and leather I think we can fork out another 50.

>>224013
>leave the village as he requests

We are no petty warlord, and it's time we were moving on anyway. We should also point out (as sickenly politely as possible) how aggravating someone who outnumbers his forces 8 to 1 is quite foolish.

>>224013
>>leave the village as he requests
but as ou leave tell him that next time someone has a shit load of more solders then him to try to ask nicly couse the next people he bitchs at might just kill him and take over the place

>>224013
>leave the village as he requests

>>224013
>>leave the village as he requests

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>>224013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvJsG4F2Img

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While the temptations to simply kill the man scratch at your nerves, you decide for the better and act in more humility. You did not raise your band of forces to become the next set of bandits. You let out a small sigh as you clasp your hands together and bow to the official.

"Very well. By your request the Dawn Wolves shall leave."

"Good. We never asked for mercenaries and we don't want them now," he says as he shoos you away.

You take a few steps back and stare at the official. A small smile comes across your face as you place your hand on the hilt of your sword.

"Perhaps you should speak more nicely. I hear that those with sharp tongues tend to meet sharp blades," you tell the man.

The official looks flabergasted. He takes a lurch back and for a moment, he looks to be in fear. But anger overtakes his fear and he shakes his fist at you angrily.

"Y-You would dare threaten me!? A government official!? How dare you!"

You let the man scream and throw his tantrum as you leave his office. You quickly make way to your troops that are awaiting you at the front.

"How did it go Brother?" Hao Xian asks. You shake your head in response.

"We have been forced to leave. We shall depart at once and seek our fortune elsewhere."

Yang Jing furrows his brows. He raises a fist in the air and starts yelling at the governmental complex.

"You damnable pighead! I ought to drag you out and whip you good in front of the village!"

"Enough," you tell Yang Jing as some of the guards and populace look towards your direction in fear and agitation. "We leave at once."

You and the Dawn Tigers leave the village. Yang Jing looks furious as your troops march out. Hao Xian comes by you.

"What now, Sir Zheng?" he asks. "I suppose we can only go north. Do we keep out of affairs of the war?"

>we join the Han forces to defeat the rebels
>we join the Yellow Scarves to eliminate the corrupt government
>we keep out of their affairs and combat bandits

It's good to see another Three Kingdoms quest, especially since the old one died for such a dumb reason.

>>224026
We should see about finding another bandit camp. Or someone who is wrecking havoc in the area.

We also need to find a way to keep earning income. And training our troops. Numbers is great, but having better trained soilders is better. Means we get more out of our investment.
The least we can do is have our best few soldiers train the men under them. While we politic in the area if we can't find any bandits or threats we can deal with.

>>224058
>we keep out of their affairs and combat bandits
And any Yellows or Han that are going full loot-mode, I imagine.

>>224058
>we keep out of their affairs and combat bandits

>>224061
This

>>224058
>>we keep out of their affairs and combat bandits

Eventually looks like we're going to be joining one side. But in the mean time we will be doing "good" for now. I am sure we will run into a corrupt goverment official we need to take care of. Doubt we will run into yellow turbans this far south. By cleaning up small messes in the imperials back yard. We leave them to fight the bigger mess.
We may even be able to destroy a lot of shitty officials.

Holy fuck you guys are so fucking boring. Is this even a three kingdoms quest? Herp derp im gonna spent our entire time fighting fucking bandits than interact with people like Cao Cao.

Fucking boring. Tell me when interesting stuff happens then trying to do a boring generic kill bandits as neutral good guy.

>>224083

You literally did not vote to join the han or yellow turbans so you can't complain.

What if we fight both.
Just act as a third party army and fuck with both sides.

>>224058
>set up camp in and around tiger trap pass

Not far off, and holding on to a strategic location such as that may give us some leverage.

>>224093
Or in the tai mountains

>>224083
Hey. fuck you


>>224091
We're too small fry at the moment, but I'm all for this if we continue to establish ourselves as Hero of the Central Plains.

>>223953

OP do you have a picture for our protagonist? I'd like to play as him in ROTK13 when it comes out.

>>224088
Yeah because the decision isn't already made at this point.

Seriously can you give me a reason why we aren't participating in the main story and just fucking around in the side? If this was a Marvel Civil War quest you guys would be like "nah fuck the heroes figting. We gonna stop that hobo robbing that old lady."

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>>224103
Somebody has to stop the hobo from robbing the old lady.

>>224083
So pick a side. And explain why to make people go that way.

I am doing this so when we do join a side we're not a 1 in a million they could just throw into an army and forget about.
Once we have a small reputation and at least 1,000 soldiers equipped along with battle experience. If we do join we could make a difference.
Some one will eventually take notice of us. And offer something.
TLDR:We're building our way up to greatness.

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>>224103
If not us, then who?

>>224103
I'm with you on not just dicking around with bandits the whole quest, but it couldn't hurt building up our power some.

I think hiring ourselves out independently to cities wouldn't be a bad idea.

>>224103
In addition to immersing in our characters
>and immersing your sorry ass.
How bout we let op give us the opinions of our two best buds in this fiction realm so kindly created.

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"I still do not wish to participate in a side" you tell Hao Xian. "If possible we shall keep out of the politics. We raised this army to defend our homes not to become soldiers serving some lord's agenda. We will continue to keep the peace between the lands."

For the next few days your army marches in to the Central Plains. A few times you witness hordes of Yellow Scarves troops marching northward and you avoid them to keep out of trouble. It seems Xuchang has fallen under control of the Yellow Scarves and you march away from their vicinity. At nightfalls our army makes camp in the fields outside of the roads as to keep trouble. Your army passes by a traveler, and asking him of any local troublemakers, you hear that a man has raised gangs and thugs in the northeastern area. He has become employed under a lord named Tao Qian, an administrator of the city of Chenliu. Apparently Tao Qian is a weak man who allows this gang leader to do whatever he wants as he is defending the city of Chenliu and the local areas from the Yellow Turbans. You hear that the gang is around a thousand strong and properly armed. They harass villages and take supplies freely.

What do you do with the news?

>march your army to defeat this thug army
>go and try meet with the gang leader
>meet with Tao Qian to speak of the gangs' deeds
>avoid Chenliu and head further north

>>224136
>>meet with Tao Qian to speak of the gangs' deeds

Shouldn't be much of a problem replacing them.

>>224136
Can we write in op?
>if so we will sneak up on this bastard during night time

>>224136
>meet with Tao Qian to speak of the gangs' deeds

>>224136
>>meet with Tao Qian to speak of the gangs' deeds

>>224136
>meet with Tao Qian to speak of the gangs' deeds

Your army is big enough to be recognized and it may be hard to pass by Zang Ba's forces and reach Chenliu.

Roll 1d100. Three rolls for success.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>224150

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>224150

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>224150

>>224150
Get crushed

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"We shall go speak with Tao Qian on this matter," you tell your comrades. "We cannot allow this man to harass the populace any longer. But if we can prevent battle we may as well try."

Scouts are sent out to observe Zang Ba's force. You bid your time hiding in the local woods and when news arrive that Zang Ba has moved his troops out of your way to another region, you quickly set out. You avoid the local villages so that guards and any of Zang Ba's outriders may not discover you. You also learn that Zang Ba's troops are composed of a hundred mounted riders and the rest equipped with standard leather armor and blades. They also have some reserves of bowmen.

You reach the city of Chenliu unhindered.

"Halt! Who are you and why do you bring an army here?" the guard calls out.

"I am Zheng Li, leader of the Dawn Tigers. We are a volunteer force that defends the local regions during these turbulent times. I am here to speak with Lord Tao Qian in matters of importance."

The guard turns to the other men and they discuss the situation on hand. He looks back at you.

"Your army will stay here and you will be allowed to see Lord Tao Qian. We will not have a band of rogue troops in our city during these chaotic times. Move your troops away from the walls and we shall open the gates."

How do you reply?

>agree and see Tao Qian
>you and your army are one, all of you shall enter
>refuse and leave at such an insulting request

>>224155
Noice.

>>224165
>>you and your army are one, all of you shall enter

>>224165
>you and your army are one, all of you shall enter

>>224165
>agree and see Tao Qian

>>224165
This bastard is going to have our army squished at the walls when he calls those bandits over.
>go in by yourself but have your troops screen theme selves with their spears to make ditches facing opposite of the walls in order to attain a rudimentary defense, we can fill it in even faster if need be.

>>224165
>you and your army are one, all of you shall enter

>>224165
>you and your army are one, all of you shall enter

>>224165
>>agree and see Tao Qian

Our men should be fine in the hands of our seconds. We must insist on a few guards tho.

>>224165
>>agree and see Tao Qian
We are still unknown. I feel we can trust our 2 friends to lead the army while we talk.

>>224189
Good point
>I change my vote to this

>>224165
>agree and see Tao Qian

(Also sorry, the city is Xiaopei, not Chenliu)

You agree to the request and you motion for the rest of your troops to back away and make camp away from the walls. Once your troops move out the guards open the gates and you are allowed to enter. The guard informs you where the main palace is and you move to see Tao Qian.

The city of Xiaopei is large and peaceful. It seems the fighting has not reached in to heartland of the city yet; perhaps since the enemy gang troops you heard about are keeping the borders safe from Yellow Scarves. The market is bustling and the population is strong. This would make for a good base of operation for any lord, but you remember hearing that Tao Qian is a relatively weak man with little ambition. Though he is a good person, he is not someone who could take advantage of the times.

When you find the governmental complex, you are quickly ushered in. You are led in to the top palace balcony where rows of plants and flowers are neatly placed on the sides. The walls are well-furnished and below the balcony is the gardens.

An elderly man greets your presence,

"Oh, a visitor? Zheng Li was it? Please, have a seat," he says motioning for you to sit at a table near the balcony. You do so and he pours you a cup of tea with a gentle smile. He is old, with a long white beard and grey eyebrows. He wears a light green robe.

"I hear you are the leader of the Dawn Tigers? I am afraid you gave some of the soldiers quite an alarm with your visit," he says with a small laugh. "But looking at your eyes I can see you are a good person."

>thank him for his kindness and make small talk
>give the old man praises and schmooze him
>get to the matter at hand and talk about the gang army

>>224213

>thank him for his kindness and make small talk

>>224213
>get to the matter at hand and talk about the gang army

>>224213
>thank him for his kindness and make small talk

Even if he is an affable muppet, it's better than dealing with that official.

>>224213
>>thank him for his kindness and make small talk

>>224213
>>thank him for his kindness and make small talk

>>224213
>>thank him for his kindness and make small talk
Warm him up before we get down to business.

>>224109
Hey, Newsradio! I loved that show when it was on tv.

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"I thank you for your hospitality Lord Tao Qian," you say bowing to him and accepting his cup of tea. You drink, and you compliment the tea.

The two of you talk for a bit on how each of you are doing. Tao Qian asks how you came to be a leader of your band of men and you tell your story. He compliments you when you tell him about the way you killed the bandit champion in a duel.

"To keep the peace of the country during these times. Truly you are doing good," he says with a bow.

"We must each do our best in these trying times. I hear that you treat your people kindly and seeing this city of Xiaope tells me of your able administration. Which yet, brings me to my point.." you say. Tao Qian looks at you as your face turns serious.

"Lord Tao, recently I have heard of a local gang of thugs that you hired. They harass the people, take supplies, and do whatever they wish with their authority. Can the rumors of these news be true?"

Tao Qian frowns, and then lets out a small sigh. He slumps in his chair.

"I see Zang Ba has been at it again," Tao Qian says. "Truth me told Zheng Li this city only holds a thousand of my own soldiers and a few hundred city guards. The rest have marched to join General Huangfu Song in the fight against the rebels. The gang you speak about is a volunteer force, must like your own. Their leader's name is Zang Ba and he is a fierce warrior as is his troops. He asked me the task of defending my borders and I consented to let him be Marshall of Xiaopei. I have to keep my soldiers here to keep the city of Xiaopei safe and orderly, so his coming felt like a blessing to me. Yes, it is true that he wherever his army goes he commands the villages to give him supplies and I hear he throws banquets every week with the villagers having to supply the goods. It is a bit troublesome," Tao Qian says.

"But what can I do? The man is keeping the peace. And while he may take supplies and throw himself in lavish parties, I have yet to hear him do any vile things such as murder or actual pillage. I think it may be better to allow him to do what he wants for the sake of peace."

What do you make of the situation and what do you tell Tao Qian?

>to allow Zang Ba to abuse his authority is weak and foolish
>perhaps this is for the best

>>224252
>>to allow Zang Ba to abuse his authority is weak and foolish
Even in turbulent times we must maintain standards of decency, otherwise we lose what makes us civilized.

>>224252
>>to allow Zang Ba to abuse his authority is weak and foolish

Perhaps a new marshal could be found? Who ever could fill in that roll?

In the process we may be able to absorb some of Zang Bas followers into our own force, perhaps we may even be able to place Zang Ba under us as well.

>>224252
>to allow Zang Ba to abuse his authority is weak and foolish

This sort of laxness is exactly what gave rise to the Yellow Scarves. How long does Tao Qian expect his people to remain without thoughts of rebellion when those who act in his name abuse it in such a manner?

Also QM, we ever gonna get a little background on our clan? Those cousins and such you mentioned

>>224264
The cousins are no name individuals that you can marry off. They are not really important more than that.

>>224265
So less annoying than actual cousins. Cool.

>>224265
I see. Was figuring we might be able to get another able follower out of them or something along those lines.

>>224267
Speak for yourself anon

>>224252
>>to allow Zang Ba to abuse his authority is weak and foolish
Shit is hard for everybody it doesn't need to be worse.

>>224267
That's a shame, anon.

>>224273
>>224278
My family is Catholic, can you comprehend how many cousins that is?

Though Tao Qian explains the situation and tells you that Zang Ba is not doing anything atrocious, you cannot abide him.

"Lord Tao Qian, you are the administrator os Chenliu and Xu province. To allow those under you to do as they wish not only distorts your good image, but it breaks the law and orderly conduct that this land needs. If Zang Ba is allowed to continue as he wishes, at what point shall he stop from committing further treason? Who is the lord of Chenliu, Zang Ba or Tao Qian?"

Tao Qian looks away for a moment sadly. You can tell that he understands your words.

"It is certainly true what you say," Tao Qian remarks. "But what would I do?"

>tell Tao Qian to issue a command for Zang Ba to stop
>ask Tao Qian for a couple of troops and arms to stop Zang Ba
>tell Tao Qian to send you to speak with Zang Ba on his behalf

>>224286
>other

Summon Zang Ba to the city. If he refuses, we know we can let loose on him, if he complies Tao Qian can bring him to an account here.

>>224286
>tell Tao Qian to issue a command for Zang Ba to stop.
And if Zang ba disobeys.
>ask Tao Qian for a couple of troops and arms to stop Zang Ba.
>>224293
Also this.

>>224284
I'm protestant and have hundreds of cousins in my hometown and surrounding area, ain't no biggie chief.

>>224286
>>tell Tao Qian to send you to speak with Zang Ba on his behalf

Won't hurt to have one of his officials accompany us though.

Also throwing this out there, we need to throw Yang Jing a bone next chance we get.

>>224294
It would also be wise to wait and see if he will commit worse crimes when he refuses the order.

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"Issue a command for Zang Ba to stop his acts. Summon him to the city and speak wit him. You are a kind lord and I am sure Zang Ba shall listen. If he does not, that you will be certain that he is uncontrollable and will be a thorn to your side. If the time should come, my men and I would aid you."

Tao Qian contemplates your suggestion for a minute.

"What you propose can very well alienate my subordinate. If Zang Ba should feel insulted and leave my service, who then shall keep my borders safe?"

You could possibly offer your service as replacement for Zang Ba should he leave. Do you do so? It would likely mean that you now serve a lord rather than maintaining your own autonomous force.

>offer to replace Zang Ba if he leaves
>tell Tao Qian he must risk this to be a respectabe lord

>>224321
>>offer to replace Zang Ba if he leaves
We will work under him to get some rep and exp. Till we can get a replacement. I think it will be good for us.

>>224321
>>offer to replace Zang Ba if he leaves

Perhaps on a contract, not saying that we should swear fealty.

In any case, we shouldn't have much issue in being the power behind the throne in a way.

>>224321
>I cannot swear allegiance to you should he leave, i have promised my men i shall protect them from the war, but i can swear protection to your people as i have done to mine.
>>224330
the contract is a good idea.

>>224321
>offer to replace Zang Ba if he leaves

Personally I'd prefer to work for Good Guy Tao rather than cling to either the Imperial or Yellow cause.

I agree with the contract idea.

"I would take responsibility then," you tell Tao Qian. "The Dawn Tigers and I would be willing to work for you, though we wish to remain an autonomous force. If you were to supply us with gold and supplies, we would be willing to safeguard your lands and keep the peace."

Tao Qian looks at you for a few seconds and he seems to be deciding if he should trust you. Your words could be considered suspicious by others and a dirty way to gain power. Yet, Tao Qian is a trusting old man and he nodes to you.

"Very well. I shall summon Zang Ba and speak with him."

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>>224348
A few days pass when Tao Qian sends the command. Your troops are allowed inside the city and they are allowed to rest in the city barracks as you wait for Zang Ba’s arrival. You are treated kindly with hearty meals given to your room every single day and the next few days are filled with comfort. Whatever people may say about Tao Qian, he is certainly a hospitable and kind man. Perhaps it is men like him that this country needs? You ponder if it is right for people to criticize him as a weak man.

You hear news one day that Zang Ba has arrived. He has kept his troops outside the gate and he presents himself before Tao Qian at the audience hall. You stand in the corner of the room as Tao Qian and Zang Ba speak. Zang Ba pays his respects and Tao Qian treats him kindly. But after a few seconds Zang Ba speaks up in a haughty tone.

“Lord Tao Qian, let us dispel of the pleasantries. You have summoned me here and demanded that I stop feeding my men the supplies they need. You would ask me to leave my soldiers on an empty stomach?”

“Zang Ba, it is not that I wish to starve your men. But I have heard that you have been taking food from the populace.”

“Of course,” Zang Ba replies. “Is it not right that the people I protect supply me with food? What is a few sacks of grains and some sets of wine compared to the looting that the Yellow Scarves would do. How is it comparable to the villages burned and the hanging of governmental officials?”

To this Tao Qian has no reply. Perhaps you should speak?

>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people
>intervene and state clearly Zang Ba is being a sophist twisting the truth
>do not intervene

>>224349
>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people

>>224349
>>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people

It must be clarified that he has been taking more than he needs, feeding his men is one thing. Throwing feasts everywhere he goes is another.

We should do our best to solve this diplomatically, the man could well be a valuable ally/subordinate. Bringing things to blows would end badly for all involved.

>>224349
>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people

The people are already taxed. Those taxes go to Tao Qian, to take anymore is theft and nothing less. Zang Ba's role was to prevent the misdeeds that would be inflicted by the Yellow Scarves not merely be less shit than them.

>>224349
>>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people
He's organizing banquets, not just feeding his troops. He's a snake.

>>224354
If it comes down to it I'd prefer we challenge Zang Ba to a duel rather than risk open battle or rampant looting by letting him regroup with his men outside the city.

The question is, do we really want Zang Ba to concede to Tao Qian's wishes or do we want to provoke him into doing something foolish?

>>224361
We should have him concede, destroying a potential ally is foolish.

>>224360
He's a snake, poisoning the land, riling up the people Against their lord.

>>224361
>doing something foolish?
Yes! Destroy him and take his place!

Furthermore, can one of the terms in our contract with Tao be to provide a safe haven to our family and men's families in the countryside if the situation in the Central Plains gets truly buggered up?

>>224365
If he does concede to Tao and become the loyal keeper of the peace won't that mean Tao Qian has no need of us?

>>224366
>riling up the people Against their lord
Not intentionally I'd say, but he certainly isn't doing the Tao's reputation any favours.

>>224361
Taking him to a duel would be the most preferable course of action, and even then simply to establish our dominance over him.

It may pay to provoke him to it, but if we can solve it with words it's all the same.

>>224366
Well, one might make the case that he is simply working far above his station. I'm sure the man would make for a great lieutenant, but it would seem he needs someone to keep some degree of watch over him.

>>224370
Yes, but it is the right thing to do.
However, nobody got anywhere by only doing the right thing. Sometimes you must play the puppet master.
I am conflicted.

>>224370
>Furthermore, can one of the terms in our contract with Tao be to provide a safe haven to our family and men's families in the countryside if the situation in the Central Plains gets truly buggered up?

Well, we are close enough to it that it would be sensible. Encouraging the man to expand his good will to those around him? With us to help him do so? Why not?

>>224375
>With us to help him do so
We'll replace all his advisors with ours. He will do what we want.

>>224374
I think we've established ourselves as someone who has genuine concern for the people, not just using that as a prop to rally people behind us.

>>224372
>great lieutenant
He's independent for too long, no? He will backstab us. Vanquish him!

>>224349
>intervene and tell Zang Ba it is wrong to take from the people

>>224393
Personally, I agree if this results in confrontation. One who has not only tasted power but indulged in it is unlikely to perform leal service.

>>224391
>I think we've established ourselves as someone who has genuine concern for the people

OUR people. Could be said that we'd have to make use of others in order to benefit our own.

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"Sir Zang Ba," you say walking up to the front and bowing to him. "Though in times of war the soldiers and men must be supplied, those come from taxes and the city. Xiaopei is a plentiful city and it should be providing you the supplies that you need. Though it is true that you protect Lord Tao's borders, to take what is more than needed is the reason why the Yellow Scarves are in rebellion today. I implore you, please listen to our lord's command."

Zang Ba gives you a look of contempt and he scoffs at you.

"I have heard that a certain weasel has made his way in to court and this was the reason for my summons. So you are the man who has been poisoning the ears of my lord."

He points his finger at you.

"You are a sniveling coward. A tattle tale. A bastard son of a dog looking to worm your way in to power. What kind of man tries to speak ill behind his contemporary? If you were a real man you have spoken to me rather go behind my back, coward. You are no better than the eunuchs that cover the Imperial court. In fact I would take bets that you have no balls or a shaft at all."

Zang Ba insults you and condemns your actions. He disparages your honor and calls you a power monger. How do you respond?

>take offense and insult Zang Ba back as a lawbreaker
>try to respond politely and say you have no ill will

>>224398
The means justify the ends!

>>224401
Respond politely but aggressively, warn him of the consequences of such insults and accusations.

>>224401
>politely challenge him to a duel

>>224401
Take offense! He's a bandit!

>>224407
His anger and impulsiveness will be his downfall, allow him to come to you. He will strike first in anger, undisciplined and sloppy.

>>224401
>other

Ignore him, address Tao Qian instead (that will probably piss him off even more).

Something along the lines of pointing out to the Lord that we are not saying this behind his back. We are now saying it to his face. Bitch.

>>224401
>>try to respond politely and say you have no ill will
O eat a dick. We're just here to fix shit that is falling apart.

>>224401
>try to respond politely and say you have no ill will

>>224423
>no ill will
He's still little better than a bandit! He should be ashamed!

Michael if you're in here hit me up breh

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>>224404
>>224412
>>224435

Man, you really hate bandits.

Roll 1d100, three rolls. Cha and Pol stat impacting success of convincing Zang Ba.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>224440

>>224441
off to a great start.

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>224440
I'm not even sure what I want to roll, I kind of want to stab him in the fa-oh wow haha.
>>224441

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>>224441

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>224440

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>>224446
>>224441

>>224452
>>224448

What's the big deal? This roll was to convince Zang Bangarang the error of his ways with words, now we can stomp on the aggravating little shit if Lord Tao gives us the go-ahead.

Plenty wanted to do that anyway.

>>224458
bruh it's a hair off crit fail

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>224440

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Despite the insults hurled at you, you remain calm and respond back politely to Zang Ba.

"I do not wish for any power of the sort," you reply. "I simply act for the good of the people. Law and order must be maintained for the land to be at peace. This means that even venerable vassals such as yourself must follow the law thoroughly. I do not ask for your position, nor do I wish to see you removed from power. I only wish to see the people keep their livelihood."

Zang Ba bursts in to laughter. His voice echoes throughout the hall.

"What kind of man is this? Does he actually lead a group of warriors? To take an insult from me and to reply in such a meek manner. Are you a woman perchance? Even eunchs have more bravado than you do."

Zang Ba laughs again.

"Please Zang Ba, enough," Tao Qian says. "I do not wish for any fighting here. I will give you gain and fifty casks of wine. This should help keep your army maintained."

Zang Ba only gives Tao Qian a glance before he looks back at you.

"So you are some kind of hero? A man of justice looking only for the safety and well-being of the people?" he says with a sneer. "Then I shall make you an offer. You and your Dawn Tigers shall become my subordinates. You will act as my secretary. You will write my letters and deliver them where I need. You will obey my every command. Agree to this and I shall obey every command Lord Tao gives me and still defend these lands from the Scarves.

So what will it be, 'Hero'?" he asks with a sneer. "Show me how much you care for the people."

>refuse his terms
>agree to his terms
>draw your blade and attack Zang Ba

>>224483
>refuse his terms

He will obey every command Lord Tao gives him. Or we shall kill him.

>>224483
Refuse his terms, he is not a man of the people and following him would be against everything we have stood for thus far.

>>224483
>>refuse his terms

Offer our own terms to him, to duel him among his own army outside the walls, with only Zang Jing as our second to decide command of both forces.

>>224483
Call him a cur, a coward and a bitch.

>>224488
I agree with this. It satisfies Lord Tao's wish for no bloodshed under his roof and will make our (hopeful) victory over Zang Ba all the more public and stunning.

Duel or no duel? In a situation like this, it will be a lethal duel and Zang Ba is a competent fighter.

>>224505
Duel in front of our armies.

>>224505
Duel.

>>224505
Aye, duel. But be as polite about it as possible. Killing a peer is all well good so long as we remember our manners while we do so.

>>224505
Duel to the death so when we die we can play as someone who isn't a noncomittal faggot

>>224505
Can we spare him?

Duel either way tho

>>224511
I like your butthurt.

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>>224511
bruh

>>224512
yeah when we almost defeat him offer him our terms....he and his forces would combine/merge if not then whoever want to join our forces will be posted here to defend the border of this chinese city

>>224512
>>224516

I don't see the point. If we kill him we can simply take command of his band as his replacement, it's what we would actually be doing after all. And I can't see having him as a subordinate as anything other than trouble.

>>224513
>>224514

I like your (you)s

>>224518
For one, keeping him around would help ease his mens integration with out own, it would also bring a competent fighter/leader under our control.

more men we get, more men we're going to need to lead them.

>>224518
this is the matter of seeing that old man that despite being in war there is still compassion....remember the heavens mandate will bless us with their grace and this is one of them that a chance to redeem himself to forge a history that this faggot general may achieve

my point is to appease this old coot without killing anyone.

For the first time your face twists in an irritated look and you firmly look at Zang Ba in his eyes with determination.

"I shall not submit to you, nor will I subject my men to dishonor as your subordinates. You may disparage me as much as you like, but you shall leave my men out of this."

Zang Ba smiles.

"Ahh, some bold words at last. It took you long enough whoreson."

You smile back.

"If you are the man you proclaim to me, than you shall not refuse what I will offer," you say. This makes Zang Ba raise an eyebrow. "We shall both duel out of the city gates so that we may shed no blood here in court. Lord Tao, your own soldiers and mine, and the people of Xiaopei shall bear witness to our fight. The winner will be in the right and no one may criticize him. The loser and his army shall follow the command of the winner in service of Lord Tao."

The people around the hall look up in surprise at your challenge. You are speaking very bold words in front of a large audience. Zang Ba rubs his chin, and a pleased smile comes to his face.

"Very well. I have killed dozens of men more stronger than you. I comply with your challenge and all here shall bear witness to my claims."

>>224521
>ease his mens integration with out own,
I disagree entirely. His presence will make that harder, not easier. They won't have lingering loyalties to a dead man.

>it would also bring a competent fighter/leader under our control
IF he was actually under our control I'd agree completely. But if we accept him into the fold odds are he'll never forget his old position of unfettered power.

>more men we get, more men we're going to need to lead them.
I agree completely, but this man is not the man we want. We must find someone else.

>>224525
I like the old man as well, that doesn't change the fact that Zang is trouble. Trouble that is only likely to hate us all the more after a defeat rather than react like Yang Jing.

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>>224528
You and Zang Ba go outside the city walls. The rules of your challenge has been spread. Your own band has been informed as well as Zang Ba’s force. Tao Qian and his soldiers lie atop the walls and gates to bear witness to your duel. Several interested parties of Xiaopei come outside to see your duel as well.

You and Zang Ba face each other. Both your armies are behind you and they cheer for their champion. Zang Ba twirls his moustache and on his other hand is a curved dao blade.

“I hope you are ready to see your ancestors,” Zang Ba says. “You have chosen an early death.”

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

Post 5 rounds of tactics, one post, one tactic, first come first serve. Strike > Swing > Parry. Roll 1d100 as well.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>224533

Always go Strike baby!

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>224533
Strike.

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>224533
Parry

This duel will go on for 10 rounds. Reaching 0 HP means death, surviving with low HP can count as a loss and injuries. You can still win without a death, you can still lose without a death, and vice versa.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>224533
STRIKE!!

>>224532
>I disagree entirely. His presence will make that harder, not easier. They won't have lingering loyalties to a dead man.

Making him bend the knee will bring his men about well enough, outright killing him may well alienate a good number that like him.

The mans only crimes are being a glutton, a brazen and bold glutton, but simply a glutton. The mans obviously got potential to be reformed.

>>224542
>i just jizzed zang ba with his own blood

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>224533
Swing batter batter!

>>224544
>a good number that like him

That's the problem, anon. We don't want divided loyalties in our own camp, and they -will- be divided if it concerns someone with the arrogance to dictate conditions of obedience to his lord. Do you honestly think Zang won't try to claw back the independence he so long enjoyed?

You guys do realize Zang Ba was a badass that outlived fucking Cao Cao. He's probably going to kick our ass.

>>224544
yes this is what i mean...he can be redeemed

you see he is a good man although rambunctious in his action he can be disciplined by us just because his lord is an old man that doesnt mean he is bad deep down.

He only got his pride and we intend to crush his pride and that's it.

>>224551
I agree with this, Zang is too steep a price for his soldiers, and even if we keep him alive his soldiers will need adjustments to their behavior, they are too high maintenance due to the constant celebrations.

>>224558
this is where our resident warrior will enter

he may be a loud obnoxious motherfucker but he is our loud obnoxious motherfucker

>>224554
Early days of the war, he's probably had as little time as we to perfect his skills.

>>224551
Well, if he was truly an evil shit and not capable of redemption, as well as his men, why would he even bother being employed? The man has obviously got some quality to him, he only needs to see the error in his ways. If we can't redeem one man that likes his food and drink a bit much I'd say we're a man of poor quality.

Should we all roll twice?

>>224562
He's not an evil shit, never said he was. And obviously he's got plenty of qualities that saw him command some 1000 men. If he were capable of loyalty he'd be a great asset. I don't understand why you think he will be loyal to us though.

>>224562
well said brother...we recruit this man and see the error of his ways...reconcile with the old man and let him join our ranks while his good portion of his and our men to safeguard yhe borders of this city


i say this because of the long term investment

>>224567
He asked for five tactics, i assume five rolls as well.

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The wind picks up, and as soon as the horn for the duel is blown, the two of you dash at each with blades draw. Zang Ba makes strong and swift left and right swings at you with his dao blade and you match his blade with yours. You find openings in his heavy swings and manage to cut at his armor. As Zang Ba makes another slash at you from your right soldier, you manage to deflect his attack and hit your blade at his shoulder.

Your draw some blood, and it seems the advantage is on your side. Zang Ba however has a wide smile on his face.

"Oh? So you are good after all? But don't let it get to your head boy," he says as you both engage blades once again.

Zang Ba's words prove to be true. As you exchange blades Zang Ba manages to break through your defense and makes a cut at your belly; thankfully your armor protecting you. You attempt to counter him but he deflects your blade with a strong block and he follows up with a strong kick to your guts.

You are pushed back and you lose air out of your lungs. Zang Ba is clearly powerful and a skilled fighter. With a grimace, you charge at him with a loud scream and he meets you with a charge of his own. The both of you manage to wound each other; Zang Ba is cut at his side rib and bleeds. You are cut near the stomach and chest.

The duel seems evenly matched for the most part. But from your breaths you can tell you have the slight worst of it. The cut around your stomach will definitely need patching up and the wound may stay for a week. Things might not go so well the next bout. Should you concede or continue the duel?

>fight on, and 5 more tactics
>concede and give the victor to Zang Ba

Strike vs Swing (Zang Ba -12 HP)
Strike vs Swing (Zang Ba -15 HP)
Parry vs Swing (Zheng Li -15 HP)
Strike vs Parry (Zheng Li -13 HP)
Swing vs Swing (Zang Ba -11 HP, Zheng Li -14 HP)

Zheng Li: 58 HP
Zang Ba: 62 HP

>>224568
>I don't understand why you think he will be loyal to us though.

Despite his faults he has remained loyal to our employer, by demonstrating that we are more capable than him we may well be able to secure his loyalty. If not, well that'll come to that and he'll have to be dealt with.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>224576
>FIGHT ON

Parry that shit

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>224576
>>fight on, and 5 more tactics
Parry

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>224576
Strike FTW

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>224576
SO MANY SWINGS!
>strike.

>>224578
> he has remained loyal to our employer

He hasn't literally stabbed him in the back, sure. But Lord Tao had to bargain for his obedience, hardly a good indicator.

>>224582
Noice

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>224576
might as well dig our grave
>fight on
>slash

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>224576
Swing

>>224584
FUCK!

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>224576
Strike

>>224578
I don't know if we can really say he has remained loyal. To me it sounds more like he just doesn't see any reason to leave the man's payroll if he can rob him at the same time.

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>>224584

>>224584
Ayyy

>>224584
were doomed

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>>224584

>>224585
>He hasn't literally stabbed him in the back, sure. But Lord Tao had to bargain for his obedience, hardly a good indicator.

He could well have just went about as a full on bandit, the man has potential to be redeemed.

Guys, the rock paper scissors elements matter much more than the fucking numbers.

the 1 doesn't matter, none of this matters.

>>224594
Yea i went to check the last thread to see if it's an instant death, lucky me.

>>224594
Well the 1 makes it an auto-fail for that particular round I think. Which is still really bad.

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>>224594
>none of this matters.

>>224594
anon let us panic in peace

EVERYONE PANIC!!

>>224599
How much panic do you want? Hive queen quest levels of panic?

>>224596
>Well the 1 makes it an auto-fail for that particular round I think.

This is BS. The roll is merely for bonus damage. Granted, that will really suck if we won that round and end up doing barely any damage, but it's not an auto-lose.

>>224604
It's fair if we won a mismatched crit fail and did no damage, by averages we slapped some shit if the rock paper weren't completely in Zang Bas favor.

Speaking of the duels tho QM, do the weapons and disposition of characters have anything to do with the types of attacks they make?

>>224610
Stop trying to cheese rock paper scissors.

>>224610
Zang Ba -did- seem to swing almost exclusively that last round.

>>224614
Not trying to cheese, makes sense for a wild fucker to slam home with swings/strikes, a guy with a blunt weapon/axe to swing, a cautious guy to parry a lot etc.

>>224620
Or maybe the QM is rolling a die behind the screen randomly five times.

Or maybe he's railroading us. OOooooOOOoo

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>>224624
I like your spooky sound effects, anon.

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Zang Ba makes a lunge to attack you. Concentrating will all your willpower, you attempt to see through his attack. With a quick thrust of your own sword, you manage to deflect Zang Ba's blow and you make slash at his face. Your blade draws blood, but Zang Ba retaliates by smashing the side of your face with a counter blow.

You both stagger. You both attempt to recover, and using sheer willpower, you manage to get up first. You charge at Zang Ba in his opened flank. Victory is close at hands but...

The wound in your stomach gives. You fall to the floor, fresh blood coming out of your clothes and armor. The opportunity presented before you was lost.

Zang Ba manages to recover. He screams a blood curling yell and leaps at you with all his might. For a second, you feel that death has come to you.

No. Not yet. You have not accomplished your goal nor your ambitions. You cannot die here yet, a nameless man who never managed to bring his clan to glory as you dreamed.

With all your strength, you get up one one knee and meet Zang Ba's attack with your own. Zang Ba's blade cuts through the side of your chest, and your blade cuts through his lower abdomen.

The loss of blood and injuries are too much. You fall from your injuries.

Have you lost? Your eyes black out for a moment. But when you manage to get your vision, blurry as it is, you manage to see another man lying on ground next to you. It seems Zang Ba has collapsed as well.

You hear your men running to you, screaming your name."Help our leader up!" you can barely hear. "Zheng Li! Do not die!'

On the other side you can see Zang Ba's men running to help him. You close your eyes and fall unconscious.

Parry vs Strike (Zang Ba -12 HP)
Parry vs Swing (Zheng Li -10 HP)
Strike vs Strike (Zheng Li -13 HP , Zang Ba -13 HP)
Strike vs Swing (Crit fail, no damage)
Swing vs Swing (Zheng Li -14 HP, Zang Ba -12 HP)

Zheng Li: 21 HP
Zang Ba: 25 HP

War +3 for duel, Pol + 3 and Cha + 2 for mannerism with Tao Qian and Zang Ba

That’s the end of this session. Next session will likely be Monday night depending on my work. Thanks for playing.

Will update when I will be running at https://twitter.com/RainsArpeggio

Hot-diggidy-daffodil, we're not dead.

Cheers OP!

>>224631
Manly duel over disagreements to a standstill?

Rival who some people want to kill and others want to recruit?

Zang Ba, welcome to being this Three Kingdoms Quest's version of Sun Ce.

Woo, it's starting early!

>>224631
DOUBLE K.O.!

>>224633
The suspense

Been good QM, looking forward.

>>223953
Fuck im replaying ROTK 10 because this thread

>>224213
>Though he is a good person, he is not someone who could take advantage of the times.
The Archlich said that Tao Qian was historically a crime-lord though? http://the-archlich.tumblr.com/post/116567051097
Are we going to be subjected to hearing about Guan Yu's prowess as a God of War at this rate, or are you going to go a new angle with this quest?

>>223953
Also, could you start including what year it is in the opening post or the pastebin?

>>231323
Like, if we wanted to fight a corrupt official, look no further than Tao Qian.

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Will we get the chance to bang Lu Bu's daughter?

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>>231414
BENEVOLENCE

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Zheng Li?

Zhu Xing was here

Zheng Li is a pretender

>>233714
At least he's not pretending Lingqi is his husbando

>>231323
He said he's going novel romanticization first, history second.

>>235147
RIP in peace Zhu Ran, then.

So now that I know we're in the realm of fantasy, when can we get a laser sword?

>>235172
Ooh, we should ask either Kongming or Yueying for one!

>>235147
Question, does the novel romantization provide an explanation for why Tao Qian was such a cunt to Zhang Zhao and Lu Fan? Like, it's quite a stretch that a nice, weak man would start imprisoning and preparing to execute people who refuse to work for him.

>>235196
Doesn't Zang Ba go full bandit eventually? Maybe Tao Qian wisens up a shit-load.

>>235515
Not really. http://the-archlich.tumblr.com/post/60496978601

>>231323
>>235517
So, Zang Ba is someone who would be a welcome ally for our forces, and Tao Qian is one of the very things we sword to oppose. Can we get a do-over on this thread, or at least a sharp change in direction from this narrative that strokes Shu's ego?

>>235673
>one of the very things we sword to oppose
Was supposed to be "swore to oppose," but I suppose that works too.

No part 3?

>>244440
>>244601