Warlords: Three Kingdoms

Cao Chao wrote:(OOC: Open RP for all those officers in the service of Chu to volunteer for the Yangcheng campaign. I want to make my decision before the turn changes tomorrow.)

After he heard word that volunteers were being accepted for an invasion on Yangcheng, Jian quickly made his way to the command tent of the former mercenary Ji Bu. After straightening up his robes a bit he approached and bowed before introducing himself. "I am called Luo Jian, and I would like to offer up my services to the General, if he will have me," he said in a respectful tone.

Jin Shi wrote:Ma Su smiled at the mans humility. "Well that's unique around these parts." Upon hearing that he was a fellow officer, Ma Su laughed a friendly laugh.

"Excellent, a comrade then! I am Ma Su of Wei, also in service to our Hegemonic King." He bowed a respectful bow, and continued. "I am one of the military officers around here, I would assume you are a diplomat?" He joked.. "May I join you? I have some food here of my own." He reached out for his horse, but his hand flew the air as he forgot his horse was grazing. Chuckling at his mistake, he whistled for his horse who trotted over to him, and he removed some salted meat from the saddle.

Jian chuckled, "Diplomat? You must be mistaking me for my older brother." He would again chuckle as Su reached for the saddle bags of a horse not there, then nod his head when asked if Su could join him. "Of course, I'm always happy to entertain a fellow officer of Chu," he replied. Motioning toward a nearby stump he then eyeballed the salted meat before asking, "are you sure you don't want something a bit more...fresh? I surely can't eat this all myself, here, have some wine as well." With that he tore off half of the now finished rabbit and poured some of his wine into a bowl, both of which he then offered to his guest.

After taking a bite and washing down with a gulp of wine he asked, "so you're from Wei? What's it like there? Unfortunately I haven't been much farther than Chu."

Jin Shi wrote:Ma Su sized up Ji Bu now that he was essentially face to face. Ji Bu's physical size was large, but Ma Su suspected that he wasn't as strong as he put off. He was somewhat old after all, and Su was in his prime. Su briefly looked out at the mass of soldiers as Ji Bu did before he turned back to Ji Bu and replied

"I have served in combat for the past four years during the wars, as did you. I originally lead my fellow villagers as a semi-independent security force to keep the peace in Wei Province, but would later joined up with the Emperor's army. I was part of the Northern Campaign under Song Yi, later Xiang Yu, as a low ranking officer. I commanded 500 men by the end of the war, starting as a simple soldier at the beginning. I cannot say that I have been in charge of masses of troops like the group we have here, but I have plenty of small unit, tactical warfare experience. I also studied strategy on my own as a boy... I believe I am ready to command a large group of men such as this. I have gotten to know them better over the past few weeks when I drilled them, and I am confident I can lead them well."

Hoping he had not gone on for too long, he stood there silent and waited for Ji Bu's response, looking out at the soldiers from time to time.

"500 men before? Ridiculous," muttered the former mercenary general. Turning to regard Ma Su, Ji Bu spoke. "And now you believe you can command twenty thousand men? That's a forty-fold increase. Even when I first started out, my mercenary command only increased by slow increments. When I joined the now deceased master, Xiang Liang, and was promoted to command, I only commanded a few thousand men before being granted higher numbers during the Battle of Julu."

"Young man, there is a world's difference between small unit tactical warfare and that of mighty armies that we field," stated the general, quirking an eyebrow at Ma Su. "Are you sure you're prepared to handle the difference? Ready to lead them as their commander? As a general and not as some minor subordinate officer?" Ji Bu, closely looked into Ma Su's eyes, trying to locate any hint of steel and resolve necessary to be a great general. "Or will you freeze up . . . and lead these good men to be slaughtered?"

Shen Feng wrote:As Ji Bu berated him, Shen Feng bowed his head, if only to conceal the small smile that was forming on his face. Being talked down to was nothing new to him. For every person who was charmed by his pleasant demeanor, there was always another who felt threatened in some way by his good looks or positive nature. This was no different.

"General, I have fought in several pitched battles over the last four years, before coming to the Chu courts. I cannot claim to have taken dozens of heads in each fight, but the battlefield is not unknown to me. Back to my original point, even should I be rightly passed over for someone of superior skill, I would still remain here to watch. I am yet young, and there is much I can learn from seeing how you handle these men and the other applicants. I shall stay out of your way, if you wish it, but I do intend to observe at least before you depart. Surely you cannot be opposed to someone seeking self-improvement?"

Feng clasped his hands together before the general and awaited his reply. Should he still be angry, then there would be no recourse but to depart, but hopefully he would relent and permit the minister to watch at least. Particularly given the thus-far meager turnout, as it seemed many of the generals of Chu could not be bothered to report for duty.

"Get down off this pulpit and lead these men in a standard military drill then if you think you're so good," commanded Ji Bu coldly, regarding Shen Feng with an annoyed expression on his face. "Show me the so-called experience you've gathered in the pitched battles you've fought in and display that you have the slightest modicum of command talent in you . . . and perhaps I will reconsider my decision . . . If you fail, then there will be hell to pay."

Trendkill wrote:After he heard word that volunteers were being accepted for an invasion on Yangcheng, Jian quickly made his way to the command tent of the former mercenary Ji Bu. After straightening up his robes a bit he approached and bowed before introducing himself. "I am called Luo Jian, and I would like to offer up my services to the General, if he will have me," he said in a respectful tone.

"And what skills and experience do you possess, Luo Jian?" asked Ji Bu, turning to regard the young man. "You look too young to have gained any experience in the campaigns of the Lord of Wuxian and under the Hegemonic King. What do you have to offer Chu on this campaign to cow the Middle Kingdom into subservience again?"

Cao Chao wrote:"And what skills and experience do you possess, Luo Jian?" asked Ji Bu, turning to regard the young man. "You look too young to have gained any experience in the campaigns of the Lord of Wuxian and under the Hegemonic King. What do you have to offer Chu on this campaign to cow the Middle Kingdom into subservience again?"

Jian puffed out his chest as best he could and stood tall before Ji Bu. Looking at him with confidence he then said, "I accompanied my now deceased father on a few campaigns, and learned much from him. I have seen the fields bloodied and littered with bodies, and have charged into enemy lines, undaunted by the fact that many times we were outnumbered. Death does not frighten me and, although I may be but a fledgling when compared to your experience, I assure you that I more than make up for it in courage and tenacity!"

Shen Feng looked up to Ji Bu with a steely glare, and briefly was tempted to do just as he asked. The problem was, the experience he'd had in those earlier battles had nothing to do with actual military drills. He hadn't used tactics or strategy or formations, he'd just been a soldier, trying to kill or be killed and fortunately doing the former much better than the latter. He turned and looked out over the vast army gathered, with some of the closer soldiers looking up to him and gossiping or snickering. Feng felt a wrenching on his heart, a worry over what his failure would result in, and he was sure if he blindly attempted to lead a drill he would fail. He simply didn't know what to do, which of course was part of the reason he wanted to watch today.

With a sigh, he looked back to Ji Bu, eyes downcast, clasping his hands once more before him. "I would not be able to do so adequately, General. When I fought it was as a soldier, not a general. I do not know how to put this quantity of men through drills to the standards you would expect. I... apologize for wasting your time." He bowed before the general and, unless Ji Bu had more to say, turned to depart.

Trend

Ma Su was pleased by the hospitality his new friend showed him. He wasn't in the habit of bringing wine with him wherever he went, it may be a good idea... He happily took the wine and half of the rabbit, as well as a small slice of the meat he had brought out, putting the rest back in his bag. "Thank you kindly, sir." He then sat down and started eating.

After taking a bite of the rabbit he said "Thank you, this is not half bad. Wei? It's a pleasant place to grow up. A little dry and deserty in spots, but overall very civilized. I've served both there and here in Chu, so now I feel like I have two homes." He took another bite of rabbit and drank half of his wine. "Is your brother here at Court? You have any other family around here?"

Campaign

Ma Su was prepared for this berating, and as such was not fazed by Ji Bu's barking. He had been criticized before for not having lead large groups of soldiers, but he had a strong conviction that he could do it if he was given the chance. He had led 500 into battle, he had drilled thousands, he had been at Julu, he was not a novice despite his years.

He looked back into Ji Bu's glare with the same look he had worn at his first battle, one of determination and confidence. He answered with an even, calm tone "Yes, I am prepared. A man freezes up due to fear and loss of control, I can say I have never done so in battle, and don't plan on ever doing so." He stated simply. He squinted slightly and said "Give me the chance and I will prove myself, general."

Cao Chao

Guang Kai made his way to where the army had been drilling, assuming that Ji Bu would be near them. So far his assessments of the former mercenary had proven accurate and led Kai to believe that this man would have a purpose to him later on. Considering their first meeting was under tense circumstances, Kai went to the training grounds hoping to erase first impressions.

Finding any idel soldier or servant around the area he asked for the location of Ji Bu and for them to show Kai to the general.

Trendkill wrote:Jian puffed out his chest as best he could and stood tall before Ji Bu. Looking at him with confidence he then said, "I accompanied my now deceased father on a few campaigns, and learned much from him. I have seen the fields bloodied and littered with bodies, and have charged into enemy lines, undaunted by the fact that many times we were outnumbered. Death does not frighten me and, although I may be but a fledgling when compared to your experience, I assure you that I more than make up for it in courage and tenacity!"

"Good, I like your enthusiasm," stated Ji Bu, nodding his head. "Chu can do with more individuals like you - afraid of nothing and eager to learn. Experience can be accrued . . . but the enthusiasm - the lust for battle cannot be acquired or learned. With a few years of fighting under your belt, you would undoubtedly go far in life and far under the Hegemonic King. Once we old geezers retire, the burden will fall upon youngsters like you."

Shen Feng wrote:Shen Feng looked up to Ji Bu with a steely glare, and briefly was tempted to do just as he asked. The problem was, the experience he'd had in those earlier battles had nothing to do with actual military drills. He hadn't used tactics or strategy or formations, he'd just been a soldier, trying to kill or be killed and fortunately doing the former much better than the latter. He turned and looked out over the vast army gathered, with some of the closer soldiers looking up to him and gossiping or snickering. Feng felt a wrenching on his heart, a worry over what his failure would result in, and he was sure if he blindly attempted to lead a drill he would fail. He simply didn't know what to do, which of course was part of the reason he wanted to watch today.

With a sigh, he looked back to Ji Bu, eyes downcast, clasping his hands once more before him. "I would not be able to do so adequately, General. When I fought it was as a soldier, not a general. I do not know how to put this quantity of men through drills to the standards you would expect. I... apologize for wasting your time." He bowed before the general and, unless Ji Bu had more to say, turned to depart.

"You've got some balls, kid," said the veteran, scarred general, shaking his head and chuckling to himself. "I'll give you that. Especially with your illness . . . Yes, don't be surprised that I've found it out."

"Given that, you should focus yourself not on actually leading soldiers and commanding troops, but formulating strategies instead," said Ji Bu, as he looked upon the young man. "You will not be outstrip the infirmities that hold sway over your body . . . but you should be more than capable of honing your mind to hone your mind for what you want it to do. Do that . . . and the next campaign that I, Lao Ji, lead, I will bring you along. That is a promise . . . I, Lao Ji, keeps his promises."

"Unfortunately," said the general, shaking his head again, "This time, the campaign isn't about strategies, ploys, and misdirection . . . but about brute force trauma. The people of the Middle Kingdom need to be reminded that defying the Hegemonic King will result only in death and destruction."

Jin Shi wrote:Ma Su was prepared for this berating, and as such was not fazed by Ji Bu's barking. He had been criticized before for not having lead large groups of soldiers, but he had a strong conviction that he could do it if he was given the chance. He had led 500 into battle, he had drilled thousands, he had been at Julu, he was not a novice despite his years.

He looked back into Ji Bu's glare with the same look he had worn at his first battle, one of determination and confidence. He answered with an even, calm tone "Yes, I am prepared. A man freezes up due to fear and loss of control, I can say I have never done so in battle, and don't plan on ever doing so." He stated simply. He squinted slightly and said "Give me the chance and I will prove myself, general."

"Then are you ready to follow my commands?" asked Ji Bu simply, "Are you ready to showcase the ferocity and brutality of the Chu to massacre the defense at Yangcheng?"

Made wrote:Guang Kai made his way to where the army had been drilling, assuming that Ji Bu would be near them. So far his assessments of the former mercenary had proven accurate and led Kai to believe that this man would have a purpose to him later on. Considering their first meeting was under tense circumstances, Kai went to the training grounds hoping to erase first impressions.

Finding any idel soldier or servant around the area he asked for the location of Ji Bu and for them to show Kai to the general.

"So it's you," stated Ji Bu, regarding the tall and skinny sycophant. "Why aren't you attending to His Imperial Majesty? What are you doing here?"

Ma Su grinned a wide grin.

"The walls of Yangcheng will be littered with those fools who stand in our way. I am ready for whatever comes."

He looked out at the mass of soldiers again and asked "So when do we march?"

(Sorry, illness? Did you confuse me with Rue Goung? So far as I'm aware, at least, Shen Feng is as healthy as can be. Did a low lifespan get rolled for me at signup or something? )

Feng glanced back to Ji Bu as he was leaving and heard out his last words. It reassured him somewhat to hear that his eagerness hadn't gone unnoticed, and he did have a point. If this was to simply be a brute force, smash or be smashed battle, then he certainly wouldn't have much to contribute. Though he wasn't sure what infirmities the general was talking about besides his small stature, the point nevertheless remained clear.

"Thank you for your time, General Ji Bu. I will do what I can to prepare myself so that I can contribute to a campaign in the future, from a position in the rear if needed. It was never my intention to try to take a spot from one more suitable. I have seen enough battles that I know arrogance like that will lead only to defeat and death. I shall do as you ask and improve myself, so that I will be worthy of riding alongside you one day and supporting your men in battle."

Feng smiled weakly, feeling a bit less deflated now, before departing and leaving the general to his men.

"Yes, it's me." Kai repleid pleasantly enough. He had gained some confidence since his audience with the Emperor. That meeting had allowed him to distinguish his ranking in the court's pecking order. As well, Kai figured he had a good understanding of Ji Bu's character so he didn't expect this conversation to take any surprising turns. "His Imperial Majesty has decreed that I attend the Hegemon King. And, as always, I'm looking for more ways to improve my worth to the Hegemon King. As towards that, I've come to volunteer my services here."