Imperial Palace of Zhao

[Lyle]

~Imperial Palace of Zhao~
The dome of a man, a warrior, a will like none other. A large field of Stone sits behind the vast, extravagant walls and gates around the the large palace. Each stone, or rather brick was placed carefully around its fellow brothers, providing a flat plain for housing of the entire court, troops or other matters that Emperor Zhutai would tend to. Eventually the brick rises up, rising to the sun, moving to a new plain, one above all else. A large, lavish compound exists on top of the plain, the first thing any will see is two guard houses, in between them is a huge building that none can compare to. Two incredibly large doors open to a world of pride, honor and respect. The throne..



The Arrival

A vast army of men within black armour, black steeds and black coated weapons appear suddenly from the fog, an eminent threat for Xu Chang.. There are four riders, their lead none other than Du Zhutai Jung, a noble warrior who would change the world. The next was Sun Yuan Ci, a famed horse lord who'd seen battle both night and day for constant years while living north of Xi Bei and to his right was the grand undebatable Lu Bu, a warrior that none could compare to upon any plain. Kyong Dao followed just to their right, a powerful war lord from the southern lands who promised to claim many in the name of Zhao. Another was close by, yet far away, his name Yao Chi, his mission the unit Jing and Zhao in a life of peace, proser pity and victory. All knew he would not fail, especially after recent events.. A call came from the gates just near Xu Chang as the armies neared to the weakly defended city.

"Who goes there!"

"It is I, Du Jung, grand general of the Three Spears of Zhao, the man who defies all!"

Said Du Jung, his spear low and holding his men in order and formation. Upon the wall the men began to think, several conversations erupting..

".. It... it is with great honor that we welcome you lord Zhutai! I did not know of your armies and your flags, I am sorry.."

"No Matter."

With that Du Jung continues on, his generals behind him as he moves forward, the armies following their commanders as they make their way into the city, men and women around them cheering them on, calling the new warriors their saviors. It had seemed that his plan had worked, the people respecting his order and moving to his cause, like he'd told his lieutenants they should be, nearly a week ago. Those two came forward as the forces paraded the city, making their way to the Palace and the barracks that surrounded them.

"All is prepared lord Du Jung, I shall gather the armies within the palace assembly."

Du Jung only waves his hand, the armies being ordered off ahead as the generals take another path into the palace with their lord. They eventually enter the throne room after moving into several corridors. A large fine lack cape exists upon the throne, a rather grand crown upon it, made of fine metal.

A New Empire, A New Age

Du Jung now stood before his people, upon the top step of the palace floor, over looking the stone courtyard where thousand and thousands of people and troops were standing, looking toward their new lord, who now was dressed in his armor, yet with a black cape upon his back and crown upon his head. He held a large bamboo pole in his hand, a black flag of the three spears tied to its top. His generals stood behind him. He raised the flagged pole while over looking his people, their eyes opening to him as their mouths closed. A servant appeared and took the pole, replacing it with another pole, black in color with a black flag upon it, Zhao reading in white letters. The other pole was taken and planted upon the very right end of the palace floor. Du Jung raised the new pole, and then gave it to another servant who took it to the left end of the palace floor. The King now drew a short sword, jewels embedded with it as it shined in the noon sun, it was the same weapon his brother Fengxian have recently given to him in Chang An.

The people were quite now, their breaths even lowered as their lord drew the sword and thrust it in the air. With this motion came his voice, over powering all, running through the air for seemingly miles, un touched, telling all his words..

"People, warriors, children of Zhao! I have seen Lou Yang, I have seen Chang An, I have seen the corners of our lands and I am angered with the clear ignorance of the Han to make changes. To turn from this age of old and thrive in a new born light. I had waited day after day year after year hoping my plea would be answered, yet nothing would come of it. So, it was with that, that I Du Jung raised a banner and sought the destruction of what stopped the true age of prosperity to rise. With my brothers and my generals at my side, I fear nothing in the name of our country, I fear nothing in the name of the Han, and I fear no other Duke, King or Emperor within China! It is hear by recorded today, that I, Du Jung form the Zhao Empire, and it is hear by recorded today that I, Du Jung become Emperor of my new Kingdom! The Han is over, the Empire of Zhao will send them to the deepest depths of hell!"


The crowd awakens in cheers, chanting the name of their new Emperor and Empire..

The Armies of Zhao have formed an Empire under the Emperor Du Zhutai in Xu Chang. The Zhao Empire has been formed![/color][/size]

[Zhao Ping]

Lu Bu rode alongside his brothers,but had no glory in this conquest.The dynasty Zhao was now in place,and as Lu Bu was right beside his brother during the ceremony,he only thought "What are the pigs of the Han planning,and what of those damned pirates of the north"?After the crowd got done cheering and a party began,Lu Bu walked out of the palace,dressed in a black cloak.He walked down the street,covering his face,as he has heard that his messanger is near by.Both messangers hid behind a tavern that was closed for the nigh.They both got on one knee and bowed their heads to their master.

"So,what have the two of you found out about the forces of the north and the tavern near Luo Yang"?

"My lord,I was sent to Ye to find out what was happening there,and it was exactly as you thought,a traitor to the pirates was killed.His name was Zhou Yu,a cowardly tactition who deserved to die by the hands of pirates.When I was riding back I rode through He Nei and heard great news.Lord of the Han,our adversary,Liu Bei,has been killed."

"Hmm....killed you say?How did such a blind peasent male prostitue such as he die?By fire?poison?a blade?Or by a assassin"?

"He died by both a assassin and blade.Liu Bei was heard to be trusting,and this proven it.I never saw the action myself,but the rumors are that he was meeting and Wako officer in a small hut and the officer had a bodyguard outside and a small blade inside,concealed.Liu Bei was stabbed to death by the bodyguard,but blinded him also.Liu Bei died and the bodyguard committed hara kira.Right after that they say that a tyrant,yet weak,officer of the Han has taken his position.Oddly enough the man who is taking control is the father of the Wako officer."

"So,a conspiracy perhaps?No matter,Liu Bei was a weakling and deserved no position of power,and this new comer will die in the same manner"Thought Lu Bu before he continued speaking."Well,good job indeed,no go back to your post and await further orders."

Lu Bu proceeded to walk away before the other messanger stopped him.Lu Bu was about to strike down the inferior soldier until the soldier told Lu Bu two things.One was that he got the wine Lu Bu wanted for himself and his brothers.The other was a assassin by the name of Jin talked to him,mistaking him for his master.

"This Jin spoke of how powerful you are and then changed his mood when he found out I wasn't you.He told me he was trying to kill my master now.The fool retreated south to the powerful Cheng."

"Alright,this Jin is of no matter.A assassin who uses tricks and disguises is a fool and a coward.And he definetly is a fool if he thinks you to be me.Go back to the party,enjoy yourself soldier."

"Sir"!

Lu Bu walked back the palace.He threw off his cloak and carried it into the chambers.Inside was a celebration for this momentious occasion.Lu Bu walked up to the steps of the throne and stood next to it,as a bodyguard for his lord.He leaned down and whispered great news to his lord,about the death of Liu Bei.

[Kyong Dao]

Parade of the Vicious

The road to Xu Chang from Chang An was short, at least in comparison to the journey from Hui Ji to the latter, but that did not mean that it was without its rewards. Having no reason to uphold any sense of formality or code of civility, the Shanyue that marched to join the ranks of their fellows in Zhao were ordered to forage. Happy to do so, they spread out, slowly but surely forcing themselves over the countryside between where they had been and Xu Chang, killing and taking what they wished from small communities and farmlands as they were able. Only Xu Chang and the land around it was spared, if for no other reason then it was thought that perhaps such acts would lead to disorder on the part of the common folk.

Not that having barbarians stride into their city did not cause disorder in and of itself. Holding head head high and enjoying the surprised gasps and stirring among the masses, Kyong Dao, the Shanyue Warchief led his band of men into Xu Chang in a manner befitting a victorious conquerer. Though not nearly as many came to witness the barbarians as they did for Zhutai or Fengxian, a small collection was able to indulge them.

And what a sight they were! Standing a good half a head taller then most, and with a much bulkier frame, the Shanyue wore their long hair unkempt and loose, disdainful of proper trimming; many of them appeared to have veritable manes of ebony spilling out of their heads. Their skin was several shades darker then the average Chinese, and even though they wore armor of Chinese make, they adorned themselves with the pelts and bones of wild beasts to silently acclaim their valor in battle. Kyong Dao himself had a cape made of tiger pelt and a sash made of wolf. His halberd, a crude but none-the-less effective variation of the weapon, jutted from his back into the sky creating for itself a place of honor upon his back.

Halting in front of the grand entrance to the palace, Kyong Dao allowed his lord and his brothers to ascend first, and then rose his halberd along with this voice, adding to the masses and prompting his men to do the same, their war cries adding a foreign timbre to the crowd.

Zhutai delivered his speech, bolstering his allies and providing the peasants that supported him with a cause to rally behind, if only for that moment in time, and as Dao was about to rejoin the response, he heard someone dismount beside him. Combat instincts taking hold of him, Dao whirled to find a welcome sight in the form of a familiar face.

"Father, it is good to see the fortunes of battle have not deserted you."

"It is good to see my son carrying himself as a warrior, bringing honor to his name and his family," Dao replied, clasping his son by the forearm in an informal greeting of sorts. "Have you come with the mercenaries?"

His son nodded and flashed his father a feral smile.

"I managed to convince a few of them to earn glory in our camp. I believe you will find them satisfactory?"

"Have they been tested?"

"Yes father."

Dao nodded and mirrored the smile of his son.

"Perfect. We will find good use for them here, though the sooner we can start recruiting men from our own ranks, the better. I do not want to have to rely upon Chinese any more then needed."

"Mm, agreed. So, what is in store for us here?"

"What we seek Ryong, what we seek."

Kyong Ryong nodded and moved to stand on the right side of his father. From there, he would display his leadership abilities, and Dao had no doubt that one day he would make a fine warchief himself, though that would not be for some time. Before they could think of splitting the tribe, there was much honor to be gained, much wealth to be acquired, and many, many Chinamen to kill.

[Sun Xiong]

~Spear and Will~[/color]

*The formation was unbreakable, though it contained four men. They rode as kings this day, even though a year before they were nothing more then men. Du Jung’s story was one of rags to riches. He was a man, a man who was born to defy a corrupt empire. Now, he rode to Xu Chang to curl his fingers around the arms of his throne. His throne. The head of his empire. The head of his dynasty.*

*Lu Bu, the fierce man to Zhiyun’s right, was born a warrior, and put aside all who doubted him. Never in his childhood years did he expect to see himself where he is now, with royal armor coating his skin and two brothers with a common will to destroy the foundation that destroyed China.*

*Kyong Dao, the Shanyue barbarian who just joined this band, was nothing more then a barbarian. Sun Yuan Cu knew, however, when he joined, that it would not be long before he grew civilized as a king of China, as that is what they all were soon to become.*

*Zhiyun was riding with Mongolians in far off lands. They all died, and Zhiyun ventured back to China, his homeland, without any dreams or goals. His first day in Luo Yang, he found them when a man in black was seen surrounded by the emperor’s lapdogs. At that moment, he understood the man, and the man understood him. It was no coincidence that now, he was following the same man to their empire, himself as the right hand in conquest.*

*They came to the gates of Xu Chang. They were tall, rebuilt when they took over the city. Once, they were nothing more then hard metal kept close with planks of wood on the inner side. Now, they were royalty themselves. A mesh of gold and silver encompassed the gate, while three molded spears erected from the bottom, a symbol of the mighty men who formed the empire. The guards defending this main gate were donned in armor worn by demons, each with a cape, each with a helmet with a facemask that struck fear into the eyes of the enemies.*

*Now they entered Xu Chang, and never did Zhiyun see a more perfect city. It appeared as if the building, each one, was paved in silver, with rooftops of gold. The people walked the streets in flocks, showing the mass population. The air itself was a pleasure. They continued their journey to the palace, when inside Zhutai gave his speech.*

*Sun sat on a chair off center, where Jung was located. His fingers were curled, his back hunched over so his face could rest on his hand. He looked up at his elder brother, and when his speech was complete, he stood up himself, lifted his fist.*

“People, your trust in us is properly guided. I look to you, speaking from within my soul, and I tell you, none are better then us five to rule this land. My brothers and I stood in the gardens outside Luo Yang only months ago, and now we stand against them and their empire. I assure you all, this city is not one ruled by the Han. It is not one subject to corruption. It is the foothold of Zhao, the foundation of the new, the subjugation of the old. The Han is shaken after the foolish loss of Liu Bei, and the filth of Cao Cao has taken over. I see no bigger hole in their forces then that. The emperor has crawled into his giant palace, refusing to speak against us, allowing his general, Mengde to deal with us. If he is to deal with us, he is to die.

“Peace anew! We shall bring about peace anew after we reign supreme over all against us. May all who see our ways folly, perish beneath the trio of blades.”

[Lyle]

After the speeches had been finished and the crowd put to rest, the new Emperor approached his brother, speaking seriously to him.

"Zhiyun, brother I need your services in Lu Jiang. Si will not take lightly to this sudden crowning.."

He then turned to Fengxian, who had already been looking toward his way.

"And you brother, I need you in Wencheng, where we must prepare for bastards' proclamation."

"Our enemies are the Han, and unofficially Si. We will destroy the Han and its followers!"

(short)

[Zou Xian]

Zou Xian arrived after what seemed a grand festival and chuckled he was late for a party typical dont ask Si for directions again, But back on track he turned to his men and bowed "Wait here my friends as I will go see the lord of the city if we can stay here for a while and maybe take service only Lu An and ahem Si Shina shall come with me" With that he signalled the captains to set up camp and turned and marched to the palace gates "Sir Guard may I come to see your lord, May i have an audience with him?" He then bowed and waited for a reply

[Lyle]

The Guards part, only revealing ten men who take the guest towards the throne room, where he is placed 100 meters out from the throne itself..

[Zou Xian]

Xian kneeled down on the ground signalling the others to follow suit and spoke with a hint of pride "My Emperor Du Jung, I have heard of your name ringing through the land and I have wanted to join you for some time now allow me to do anything for you to join your forces." he then bowed making his head touch the floor

[Lyle]

Du Jung looked down to the man, and then to a high official upon his left. They spoke briefly, too quite for anyone else to hear. Finally, Zhutai turned and looked to the man.

"In these times, I need powerful strong warriors, not just men who can wield great axes and large pikes. No, men who can shoulder the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of men. Yet not just men either, women too, and children. Any that are loyal to the cause across the border.. Prove to me you are only so strong. Go, head to He Nai and raid the a village you come upon. Kill as many as possible and show them you mean business.. If you come back alive with your mind strait, you are a son of Zhao.. If not, then never enter my kingdom again.."

[Zou Xian]

Xian bowed once again and got up "I will not fail you my emperor" And turned off followed by Shi and Lu and collected there troops and packed up and started for He Nai

[jimmypop1]

Rise of the Silent Warrior[/u]

Who could have guessed that the young boy who used to chase butterflies down near the stream would turn into an accomplished general. Xu Sheng was already talented with the spear, and also had a reasonable gift at fighting battles as an officer.

* * * *

Xu Sheng flew through the air, harshly landing on the floor as his opponent stuck his blade to Sheng's face. The agile warrior was quick to recover, sweeping the man's feet away and flipping himself back up in an elegant dance, which soon ended up with a change of tide, the spear of Xu Sheng aimed at the forehead of his rival. Xu Sheng, however, was kicked in the chest, and the opponents sword swung up and chopped the simple spear in two. Sheng was kicked again, and fell back into a tree, once more the sword pointed at him, but this time much closer and at his neck.

"Haha, ok you win" the 15 year old Xu Sheng laughed and got up. "I'm going to have to make another spear now..." "You said you wanted it to be more real this time Sheng." Cheng Hui stated still in a victorious mood.

* * * *

Xu Sheng swung his spear from left to right aiming for the lower torso of the bandit, the attack hit and the enemy fell to the floor, gripping his crimson stained clothing. Xu Sheng looked stunned, it was the first man he had killed, but he had jumped out on him, what did the man expect. Sheng felt sick deep in his stomach at the sight and slowly backed away and carried on his walk to Xu Chang, he kept looking back to be sure he was indeed dead, and all the time seeing the lifeless body of the man he had some how murdered.

* * * *

Xu Sheng had grew up rather quick, now 21, with a powerful build of muscles and a firm weapon, his past taught him many valuable lessons, and now he would have to see if they had done him well. He had heard of a great building Empire a few months ago, but now that they had occupied Xu Chang and made it their capital, made it even more appealing to Xu Sheng.

It was said great officers were in Zhao, if this was so then Xu Sheng had to meet them, and learn from them for future events. He quickly grabbed his needed stuff, his armour, his weapon and his steed, and headed for the inner city to find the place to apply for the forces of Zhao, be it a regular soldier, or higher if they realised his potential.

It did not take long before he was confronted with a large building, towering himself many times, there stood several guards on duty, all making sure their mighty lord was kept secure in such chaotic times. He walked up to the gate, hoping to be granted access, his house was tied at the stables and he instantly gave the guard his weapon in a sign of peace. After a quick search for concealed weaponry he was granted access.

Xu Sheng entered the palace, quickly having to shield his eyes from a beam of sunlight which came from a small slit in the wall. He could hear speaking and so followed it to where it was coming from, until eventually reaching the man himself. Xu Sheng dropped to his right knee, holding his left fist in his right hand in a salute to the ruler of Zhao.

"Lord Du Jung, I have much of your rising power, and have heard you are after loyal, and hard working men to aid you in your cause. If I may get straight to the point I believe my talents may be some what helpful to you, and I would be deeply honoured if you would accept me as an officer of Zhao. I pledge my life to you and your cause, I shall let you down."

Xu Sheng bows his head after his speech, and hopes he had left a good impression on his potential new master. Xu Sheng's armour seemed freshly polished and even his long hair seemed to be well kept, his strong muscles showing under his thin cloth top and chain mail. Xu Sheng waits patiently for a reply, be it good news or bad news, he could only wait and hope he was accepted.


[[Hope you do not mind me godmodding your guards Lyle, just thought I would get that part out of the way for both of us, you can already see I have nothing to halm you.]]

[Lyle]

(100 paces out, I'll assume that's where you are now)

The walls are lined with gold, art and guards, fierce men with swords, leather armour and meager shields. Still, the fiery spirit of Zhao erupts through their very pours, soaking the large, lavish throne room with the protection of a thousand warriors and a thousand souls.. As the man talked, two officials within the court (that surrounded the room) spoke up quickly..

"You speak in no such way to an Emperor! He is no lord, but the grandest of all...!"

"..a true man above the Heavens, Emperor Zhutai!"

"Enough with the titles, this man is of a burning fire, that erupts even in my court. By the power of Zhao, by the will of my armies and people, you can only be with us or without us. You shall head to Xiangyang and secure our name in the region, in so allying with the Yuan who leads there. Come back whether you have succeeded or not. I needn't care, just do the deed.."

[jimmypop1]

Xu Sheng hears the person nearby speak up, making Xu Sheng bite his lip out of slight worry that he may have blown his chance to join Zhao, the army he had wanted to join since he was a teenager. However upon hearing the good news that indeed the Emperor wants him, Sheng immediatly nods in acceptance of his task. Ready Xu Sheng stands and bows his head once more out of respect.

"My lord I shall get right to the task you have entrusted to me, I shall do my best in persuading that an alliance is the best for lord Yuan Shu."

Xu Sheng once again bows and leaves the palace and to the gate where he is to recover his spear from the guardsman. Happy with his success, he goes to collect his steed and head over to Xiangyang to meet with Yuan Shu.

[[Short, but I have food]]

[Sun Qi]

*Sun Jian walks up to the guards of Zhao.*

Sun Jian: I wish to speak with the lord of Zhao.

(everything in He Nei with me, didn't happen)

[Lyle]

(If you do something stupid here, then I'd already be planning on which character you'll pick next..)

"Your weapons, we will be taking them."

Says one guard, several more appearing behind him, their weapons and armour fierce looking upon the elegant palace..