Rise of Xia

[Dark]

White banners, with various black symbols, flutter in the cool breeze as two large armies approach the city of Jiao Zhi from the southeast.

The first, under command of the leader He Zi, forms up with missile units at the front to defend against a possible sally attempt. A catapult can be seen moving slowly from the rear ranks, if a siege is necessary, as well as the second army under command of the Phoenix. The warrior, unmatched in skill, had just joined armies with the Black Scorpion to create an indomitable force. Surely the land would fall whether by their sharpened blades or even sharper tongues!

Raising his right fist, while gripping the pommel of his katana with the left, He Zi orders the armies to halt the advance. He would, after all, rather take the city without a fight to spare his troops from the pain of a siege. However, if the current 'rulers' decide to fight than there would be no other option than to attack.

"I want an envoy to move into the city" he says from under a black mask while pulling on the reins of his war steed.

"Offer my terms of surrender to the people before we assault the city."

A captain, close by, nods and quickly moves to choose the appropriate soldier for the job. Zi was not about to enter the city himself without any information on the enemy or their numbers. Hopefully, even if denied in his mission, the envoy could get an idea of defenders as well as meet with the current leader.

Army:

200 Marine Pikes (pikes)
200 Marine Swords (scimitars, thatch shields)
100 Marine Hunters (hunter bows)
100 Militia Xbows (crossbows)
100 Militia Mounted Archers (horses, short bows)
100 Militia Cavalry (horses, swords)
175 Militia Swords (swords)
25 Unarmed Militia
1 Catapult

[Dark]

guanshao said:

The lord of Jiao Zhi looks incredulously from his throne. He stands up, candles around him blowing in different directions, as though his fury knew no bonds. He was a large, hairy man, a helmet made from the skull of some poor animal bedecking his head, a large bastard sword, which was more or less a giant meat cleaver, held in one large grotesque looking hand, a hand that has seen grime and blood more than any other.

He continued to walk forward, a look of stupefaction upon his grimey face, until he nearly burst out laughing. Spit flying everywhere, he doubled over, and immediately, guards were aiming spears at the envoy's throat.

Tell your lord he can suck a chicken head. He ain't gettin MY TERRITORY!

The guards began to turn the envoy away, however, the lord stopped them.

Hold... Lets leave him with a message.

Two guards immediately grabbed the man, and brought him over to a table, where the large lord, who's name was found to be Jiangzhuo Duosi, lifted his cleaver into the air, and smashed its rusty blade down upon the hand of the envoy, severing it roughly midway through the hand, creating a stump. Blood began to spew everywhere, and the gruff man spoke once more.

Tell your lord Jiangzhuo Duosi means business! HE"LL NEVER TAKE MY LANDS!

They forced the bleeding man out, the only remaining extremity on his right hand his thumb, which had grown numb from blood loss...

The man was carried out of the city, and given a rag. He was forced to walk back to his camp....

The gates of Jiao Zhi open to reveal a staggering envoy, the soldier that was sent to offer He Zi's terms to the current ruler. A few guards can be seen laughing and one throws down a rag to which the envoy picks it up and wraps the cloth around his bloody 'stump'. One would think the defenders either extremely confident or complete morons for this blatant disregard for their own lives. Only time would tell.

"My...my lord.."

Blood drips from the envoy's right hand as he informs He Zi of Duosi's response. His horse, which he could not mount with one hand, stands by and neighs to its injured master.

"Jiangzhuo Duosi has done this to me!" he screams to his lord so that vengeance could be served.

Vengeance would be had, there was no doubt. However, not for the weakling soldier but for the honor and name of the Black Scorpion!

He Zi dismounts his war steed as the envoy continues to cry about the wound. The leader approaches and backhands the man across the face!

"Your task was simple and the risks obvious!"

"You think that i care about your hand?" the Scorpion exclaims to his soldier who was now sitting on his ass, in the dirt.

Words could be heard by the envoy but not seen leaving his lord's lips. A black rag, or fine cloth, is wrapped around his face from nose to chin. The mask has golden symbols embroidered upon it but their meaning is unknown to any but Zi.

"Clearly you have failed and are more useless now than ever before!"

Unsheathing Venom, a quick slash ends the envoy's life. Such a terrible day for the poor soldier, but his lord's honor has been spat upon and he made a mistake by not reporting his duty; instead of his own injuries.

He Zi cleans the bloodied blade on his brown robe which covers light armor beneath and he orders the army to prepare for war!

Most of the soldiers knew of their lord's ruthless nature and the ones who did not would learn quickly. Twas not that the leader did not want battle, for he lives to trim the heads of his enemies, but instead that he wanted to preserve soldiers for future attacks. A siege battle is costly unless one has superior tactics and equipment.

Turning to face the army, Zi orders the attack to commence.

"Take down the wall so that i may add this Lord Duosi's head to my collection!"

At the wave of his katana the projectile is launched toward the city gate!

"Crossbows first, archers second, and horse archers on the flanks!" he barks while moving to remount Chaos.

The infantry would stay to the rear with their lord and the pikes form up behind the missile units.

*

Attack = 1 boulder toward the wall

[Sima Mao]

The Vermilion Phoenix stood next to He Zi as the other man cut down the messenger. The Phoenix laughed at the now useless man, and how He Zi treated him. The Phoenix's own mask was more a vibrant red, and shaped like the head of a bird. Only his dark eyes could be seen out of it. Eleven spikes surrounded the mask, and pointed back. At the end of the spikes, they turned white. He woar no other protection on his head, either because he was very arrogant, or he just thought he didn't need it.

He bounced his trident up and down on his shoulder as he watched the large stone ramble towards the wall. He gave a nod to his militia swordmen to get prepared to move out. In their hands were 15 seige ladders, which they would use to scale the walls. The Phoenix tapped his chin, which was exposed, as the mask extended from his nose, to above his forehead. Even his ears were exposed. He turned to He Zi.

"I do believe we out number the fools, though by how much, I am not sure." He squinted at the ramparts. "And seeing you forgot to ask the fool how many they had before you killed him." The Phoenix smiled, as he looked at He Zi. No other man would dare comment on what the Dark Scorpion had just done, but then again, the Phoenix was just as powerful as He Zi, and held no fear.

He then looked at his men, nodding his head, they started to move out. He then looked at his archers, and held up his index finger, and his ring finger. The Major in charge, who nodded and followed the swordmen. The rest of his army followed as the Phoenix moved out. "Come men, war awaits!" A cheer went through the army.

*Swordmen infront with SL*
*Archers behind them*
*Rest of the army behind them*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army:
350 Marine Pikemen
150 Marine Sabermen
300 Militia Swordmen
200 Militia Crossbowmen
15 Siege Ladders

[Lyle]

(I shall do the battle then. Unless Justin wants to take over after this post.

As stated, your coming from the southeast. )

"Ahahaha! They throw stones against my walls! Stupid fools, they will never get anywhere! Archers, fire when I give you the order. Captains, rally your troops!"

Yelled the chief like lord as he held a large sword high above him, signaling his positioning for his foes with the catapults, simply just to spite them. The first rock was just short of the southern wall and simply rolled and hit the base of the large stone structure, only rattling it for but a moment. The King laughed again as his archers cheered upon the steps leading up the the top of the wall. At the other gates a large cavalry force exited and an infantry force prepared to move out. The cavalry swept across the south western wall and kept on going till they were near the crops, which they lit upon site. They could stat over after this battle if needed, their land so fertile it wouldn't matter much to burn the current supplies down. They then went north, effectively cutting off the gate they'd came from..

150 Jiao Zhi Riders [Marines] (Spears-Thatch Shields-Leather Armour)
100 Jiao Zhi Infantry (Swords-Daggers-Leather Armour)
400 Jiao Zhi Bowmen (Crossbows)

[Dark]

He Zi was not impressed by the work of his unarmed militia operating the siege equipment. The boulder had fallen short, hitting the lower wall and doing little to no damage.

"Hmph"

A stare from the Black Scorpion makes the captain of the siege group almost shit himself. Luckily his lord's attention was diverted by the Phoenix who begins to move in for the assault.

After watching his comrade ride off, with a large force, Zi turns his gaze back toward the siege group.

"Make the corrections and attack again!"

The militia do just that, moving the catapult forward slighty, and a second rock is sent toward the wall; shaking the defenders upon it to their core.

It was at this point that movement to the west catches the commander's eye.

"Left flank riders, harass those men if you get the opportunity!" He Zi barks to the Mounted Archers on the left; 50 strong.

"Stay out of enemy missile range!"

The 50 light riders, equipped with short bows, move out to the west to engage the enemy soldiers if necessary. As they move forward, carefully, they can see the crops ahead beginning to burn!

"Attack them before they enter the city!" the captain of the group yells.

The archers roll out to the left, toward the river, but most likely the enemy group was too far away. Either way it was worth a try and if the enemy sallies forth again, they will be there to pelt them with arrows.

"Right flank, move!"

As was done on the left, the 50 horse archers on the right move north out of arrow range to await any enemy attempts to charge out.

Soon after the two units had left, supplies were ordered to the front for a fire attack.

"The walls are strong and damn the bastard engineers that did not put a gate on this side!"

A few of the soldiers, near He Zi, begin to laugh a bit. However, a quick snapping head followed by an evil stare shuts them up immediately.

After a fire attack the army would move the siege equipment to the southwest. By then, hopefully, the crops will have burned to the ground with minimal smoke for better visibility.

[Sima Mao]

The Phoenix raised his eyebrow as fire leached towards him. He sighed and shook his head, he was not sure which way the wind was blowing. Though he would bet it was against him and He Zi.

"Move into the river, men." He looked at his troops.

The river's current seemed low, but it was water, and they could simply walk around the fire. He watched the fire blaze in the fertile field, the crops for the current year. It was good to know the land was wealthy, this would prove benificial to the army of Xia, once it was formed.

As they came closer to the wall, Phoenix ordered his crossbowmen to fire on the wall, to provide some cover support, as the moved towards it. It would be only a short while now.

"Fire!" The Phoenix yelled, as the bolts went past his army. He also watched as He Zi sent his army out to engage and haras the enemy.

(I am assuming the rest of the army is in the city, except for the cavalry, right?)

[Wang Ping]

*Finally, after many days of long marching, Wang Ping and his comrades arrived near the city of Jiao Zhi. In front of them, they could see flames going up and battlecries filled the air. The unexperienced troops were impressed by this new hel they found at Jiao Zhi but they knew they were not to run, but to charge into the fray. At least, that was what they thought. As Wang Ping and his two Lieutenants were at the head of the army, they had a perfect view of what was ahead of them. Men were running near the wall, while large boulders collided into the massive defences of the city. And even though today was going to be the end of many men, this was only the beginning of terror that China was about to see.*

*Wang Ping looks to his left, to his brother Wang Do and at that same time, his brother looked at him. Wang Ping nods to him, but doesn't speak. They had been together for so long that words were not needed to tell each other what they meant. Wang Do nods back and then looks ahead of him and swallows. They were going to help the attackers. Messages from one of the followers of the leader of this 'white banner' group had been brought to Wang Ping and so he got convinced to move here. But everyone in the army was unfamiliar with the surroundings of the Jing province, as they never left the Central Plains. But now they were here and it was all a waste of time and energy if they were going to back out of this fight and return home. No, it was time for action and today the band of brothers would show the world what they were capable off. And so, for the first time since they banded together, Wang Ping grabs his Iron Spear and raises it high into the air, so all of his comrades could see it.*

"My brothers! There is no time for long speeches or legendary quotes. You know me, and I know you. Together we have swore to save our nation from destruction. So let us charge together, to help our allies claim this city for Justice!"

*The soldiers raise their weapons in the air and without needing some sort of signal for the charge, the troops, in perfect co-ordination with their leaders, charge forward, to meet any resistance from their new enemies.*

Army:
I. Militia Archer Division - 500 Militia
I. Marine War Axemen Division - 200 Marines
I. Marine Pikemen Division - 200 Marines
I. Marine Scimitar Swordsmen Division - 100 Marines


(I'm with Dark and Phoenix, but from my story, it would be more suited if my men appeared at the north. But if the mod wishes my men to come from the south-east aswell, please state, so I can mod my post a little.)

[Zhun Yao]

*Another cloud of dust could be seen, coming from the southeast, meaning yet another army would be arriving soon. In a matter of minutes, an army numbering thousand could clearly be seen, approaching the field of battle. At their head, sitting on horseback, rode the army commander, a man known as Zhun Yao. With a face like steel, he addressed his army to go forth, towards the struggle that would soon take place. At a certain moment, Yao raised his hand and at once, the entire army stopped and reformed their ranks. The march had tired them a bit, but not nearly enough so that they would be unable to fight and even if so, their spirit and vigor would've made up for it. Zhun Yao looked across the battlefield, quickly noticing it was a fight that had only two 'factions' participating. Although he was rather sure which side to join, by the messages he had gotten earlier and rumors he had heard before that, it was always possible he had been misinformed, but standing here now, it seemed it was the right choice anyway.*

*He ordered his horse to turn 180 degrees, so he would face his men. With the same unchangeable expression on his face, he overlooked his army and was glad to see them in such shape. They stood exactly as he wanted them to stand and as his glare passed over them, each soldier breathed in deep, raising their chest, a sometimes rather humorous sight, but still something to be proud of. For a little while, Zhun Yao was caught up in the moment, but the sounds of battle coming from behind him soon brought him back to reality. He quickly re-arranged his armor, although it wasn't really necessary and coughed one time, before he addressed his soldiers.*

"Men, today we finally see battle again, so it is time we show our true value and find a lord worthy to serve! Let us help those that are worthy, lay siege to this city and hope, that by the end of the day, our banners too shall share their colors and bear their marks!"

*After this, he turned around again and ordered them to march forward, joining up with the armies whose side they had chosen to fight on and although his speech had been short, his men were more than inspired enough to fight with everything they got.*

Edit...Troops...

500 Militia Swordsmen (Swords)
500 Marine Swordsmen (Swords and Embossed Shields)

[Dark]

"My lord!"

A horse archer, part of the northern group of 50, yells out to He Zi who is at the front of the main army. The rider had been sent word from another officer who had arrived on the field. It seemed many messengers were suddenly making haste all over the battlefield.

"Wang Ping has arrived to the north willing to aid our cause!" the soldier says, clearly overjoyed to have one thousand more troops.

The main army cheers when they hear the news of Ping's force appearing to offer help but they go into a frenzy when Zhun Yao also arrives!

"Truly a gathering of the mighty!"

He Zi whips his katana, Venom, around slicing twice diagonally across his chest. The powerful weapon sings a song of death as it cuts through the cool air; the melody acting as the final tune of the defenders.

"Now there are none who can oppose us and certainly not a few hundred unorganized ruffians!" the commander yells to rally his troops further.

Nodding to Zhun Yao, who had formed up next to Zi's force, the Black Scorpion orders a fire attack against the city. The projectile is lit and once ablaze it is sent into Jiao Zhi to cause havoc.

Riding forward, to call out to the enemy commander, He Zi halts out of crossbow range.

"My offer still stands!" he yells, Chaos neighing and stomping slightly.

"Surrender the city or perish!"

[Lyle]

(Be careful with double posting, that most recent post seemed like more than just a continuation of your previous one.
Erik, you can appear where that red box is in the north, or on the other side of the river, just west of it. If your coming from the north.
Matt, assuming your on the side where the fire is, which is where the crops are on the map.
Quite the cast we've got here, suppose I'll throw you all a good battle. )

"Hah, they come with allies and they believe they can take my city. Their simple rocks and weak minded tactics will not deter our power, nor the glory that we will obtain in victory. Archers! Look to your enemy, and give them hell!"



The Chief like rebel had turned around, looking into the eyes of his archers as they appeared from the steps, finally ascending to the top of the wall where they quickly moved into a loose formation. Only one division appeared, one hundred men armed with crossbows brought forth to hold the enemy, or do something to hinder their attack. They would not win the battle, and they new this. They would effect it, and they knew this. They would die upon these very walls, and they knew this. But most of all, the ideal that they kept to their heart was the people behind them; their families, lives and comrades. They'd die for them, and they kept this close to their hearts.. The King knew this too, and kept it close to his mind as he walked down the walls and immediately found a horse. He gave out two final orders and quickly left to meet his cavalry. One hundred men followed him, attempting to keep up with his horse's pace, though they only had their own feet to do so. Each held two swords firmly in their hands as they were grunts, men simply there to hack and nothing more.

Outside the cavalry retreated further to the gates, the numbers approaching them and winding around their fires causing this action. They knew they would most likely die, but they certainly didn't want to go without helping their lord out just one bit. They met at the gate, where they held up their thatch shields, repelling any arrow attack to their best of their ability. Behind them the doors swung open quickly, a hundred grunts shuffling out and moving around them, taking up their flanks while moving just ahead of them. This would be their last stand. Upon the walls two hundred crossbowmen stood, aiming and ready to fire at their opponents as soon as they came into range. Their defenders, the grunts, stood behind them, ready to repel whatever that was to come. The leader was with his cavalry, a sword in his hands..

150 Jiao Zhi Riders [Marines] (Spears-Thatch Shields-Leather Armour)
100 Jiao Zhi Infantry (Swords-Daggers-Leather Armour)
400 Jiao Zhi Bowmen (Crossbows)
100 Jiao Zhi Grunts (Swords-Swords)

[Dark]

The 50 horse archers, stationed to the north, await any movement from the gate. Not only would they volley the enemy but they would also ride to inform their lord of the situation.

He Zi, the catapult, and the main army move south toward the river. After buckets of water are filled the army moves toward the crops.

"Put out the flames of war!"

"So much for a free dinner" one of the allied soldiers mumbles to some others.

Infantry soldiers get to work on the blaze while missile groups cover them.

"Ready the catapult for when you have a clear shot!"

[Sima Mao]

The Phoenix smiled, watching the fire burn the crops to the ground. The grain was not his concern, no, getting inside the city was his major problem. He swung his trident about, and pointed it towards the gate.

He came so he would approach the gate near the forested area. He was flanking the enemy, spreading out their forces. He knew they had many archers, and would be able to use them to lethal effect, if they were paying attention that is.

"Move men, for tonight we shall eat their food, and sleep with their women. Let us give them something to defend!" The Phoenix roared, throwing up his trident, calmness was plasterd on his face. They knew his words to be true, for the men inside the city were going to fight to the death.

They came against the walls, ladders in hand. Crossbowmen returned fire with bowmen, as bolts and arrows wizzed back and forth. Then the infantry charged, holding the wooden objects. The ends of the ladders were sharp, and it had six men holding it. As they came closer to the wall, at 10 feet, they dug the bottom of the ladder into the ground, lifting it up on to the walls.

A Marine held on the top of the ladder, saber in hand, he screamed as he jumped up on the top of the wall. 14 others also lined the wall, holding back any who tried to push the ladders. Closer inspection of the ladder would revel that rope had been tied to the top, and that men on the bottom held it, making it even harder to push over. Quickly Marine Sabermen and Militia Swordmen scaled the walls, while the pike and spearmen stayed on the bottom, expecting the cavalry to come around and flank them. The Phoenix stayed down with the men, he would be up on the ramparts once the sword men were on top.

[Wang Ping]

*And as the battle continued around the city and more and mroe allied reinforcements appeared, Wang Ping and his comrades were running down the beach, with the river being their natural defence on their right. They knew they first had to wade through the river, but luckily, no man in the army had heavy armour. Actually, none of the men had any armour, so it was not going to be difficult to get through the river. But to defend against the rain of arrows send down upon the attackers from the walls would be a more difficult task. But Wang Ping knew he didn't have to worry for that. Not yet, at least.*

*Finally spotting some flat lands behind to mountains on the other side of the river, Wang Ping lets his men slow their pace. They were going to need much of their strength if they were going to swim to the other side of the river. It wasn't a large river, but nature was unpredictable. Especially for Wang Ping and his comrades, as they had never crossed a Jing River. But hopefully, not sorcerer was on the side of the defenders, who could use his magic to hamper their crossing. And so, to give the right example, Wang Ping moves his steed into the water. The animal had been trained to be able to swim with a rider and so it didn't show any fear in walking into the river. The men saw this and felt their spirits raise by seeing their leader move in as first. Then the Lieutenants moved into the water and soon the whole band was in the water and every man was doing the best of his abilities to get on the other side unharmed.*

"Perhaps we will arrive too late... But at least me and my friends will show the leader of Xia that we are very determined to get our little piece of the battle..."

[Lyle]

Post order:
Dark
Phoenix
Rebel (Jiao Zhi)
Wang Ping
Zhun Yao

[Dark]

Zhun Yao

Zhun Yao and his powerful army of 1000 swordsmen follow He Zi's army toward the river. Their orders, issued by the commander when they arrive, are to watch the rear guard of the main army as it puts out the fires in the crops and sieges the southern gate.

He Zi

Militia troops continue to put out fires in the crop area as the catapult readies to attack.

"Target the gate!"

Horse archers, crossbow troops, and infantry prepare to defend the catapult if necessary.