Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide (Savage Worlds)

Ultimate Three
Kingdoms Guide
Ultimate Three
Kingdoms Guide
BY
Christopher J.N. Banks
EDITING
Aaron T. Huss, Jeremy Stromberg
LAYOUT
Aaron T. Huss
COVER ART
Alexis Puentes/Shutterstock.com
INTERIOR ART
windmoon/Shutterstock.com, ylq/Shutterstock.com, Wikimedia Commons
This game references the Savage Worlds game system, available from Pinnacle
Entertainemnt Group at www.pegin.com. Savage Worlds and all associated logos and
trademarks are copyrights of Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Used with permission.
Pinnacle makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, viability, or suitability
for purpose of this product.
No portions of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of Mystical
Throne Entertainment other than for review of journalistic purposes.
2013 Mystical Throne Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide 1st Edition May 2013
MTEUG004
Permission is granted to print this eBook. No site license if provided.
Contents
Legacy of the Dragon 5 Shields 12
History 7 Melee Weapons Table 13
Timeline 7 Ranged Weapons Table 13
Equipment 9
Armor Table 13
Hand Weapons 9 Barding Table (For Horses) 13
Bows 9
Army Tactics 14
Chu-ko-nu 9
Square 14
Crossbows 9
Circle 14
Dao 9
Awl 14
Dagger-axe 10
Flight 14
Guan Dao 10
Basket 14
Gun 10
Hook 14
Jian 10
Eight-Fold Maze 15
Qiang 10
Dispersed 15
Swords 10
Close 15
Tassel 10
Zhanmadao 10 Martial Arts 16
36 Stratagems 16
Vehicles 11
The Three Kingdoms 19
Balista 11
Chariots 11 Wei 19
Armor 12 Wei Rulers 20

Barding 12 Generals and Commanders 20
Corselet 12 Cao Cao 20
Hide Armor 12 Cao Pi 20
Lamellar Cuirass 12 Cao Ren 20
Leather Armor 12 Cheng Yu 20
Liang-tang 12 Guo Jia 21
Paper Armor 12 Sima Yan 21
Sima Yi 21 Huang Zhong 27
Xiahou Dun 21 Liao Hua 27
Xiahou Yuan 21 Liu Bei 27
Xu Huang 22 Liu Shan 27
Xu Shu 22 Ma Chao 27
Xu You 22 Pang Tong 28
Yu Jin 22 Wei Yan 28
Yue Jin 22 Zhang Fei 28
Zhang He 22 Zhao Yun 28
Zhang Liao 23 Zhuge Liang 28
Wu 23 Rank and Army Structure 29
Wu Rulers 23 Types of Units 29
Generals and Commanders 23 Archer 29
Chen Wu 23 Crossbowman 29
Ding Feng 24 Lancer / Cavalry Regular 29
Gan Ning 24 Spearman 29
Huang Gai 24 Swordsman 29
Ling Tong 24 Rank Structure 29

Lu Meng 24 Generals / Commanders
Ranks 30
Lu Su 24
Grade 1 30
Lu Xun 24
Grade 2 30
Sun Ce 25
Grade 3 30
Sun Jian 25
Grade 4 30
Sun Quan 25
Grade 5 31
Taishi Ci 25
Expeditionary Titles 31
Zhou Tai 25
Missionary Titles 31
Zhou Yu 25
Honorary Titles 31
Shu 26
Civilian Ranks 31
Shu Rulers 26
Everyday life 32
Generals and Commanders 26
Numbers 32
Guan Yu 26
Colors 32 Liu Cazen 50
Animals 33 Huan Lam 50

Zheng Guo 51
Religion and Values 33
Assassins 51
Confucianism 33
Scouts 51
Taoism 34
Buddhism 34 The Plot 51
Womens Roles 34 The Prize 53
Legends 53
Major Battles 34
Xiahou Duns Eye 53
Timeline 34
Battle of Changban 54
Descriptions 35 Gan Nings Night Raid 54
Character Options 42 Zhuge Liangs Brilliance 54
Archtypes 42 Guan Yus Conditions 54
Guan Yus Return 54
New Hindrances 43
Three Brothers 54
New Edges 44 Three Brothers Fight Lu Bu
55
Background Edges 44
Epilogue 55
Combat Edges 44
Leadership Edges 45
Professional Edges 45
Pre-generated Characters 46
Guan Bao 46
Tian Chi 47
Wu Du 48
Quick-use NPC Archtypes 49

Savage Tale 50
Gatecrashers 50
The Preview 50
The Players 50
Legacy of the Dragon | 5
Legacy of the Dragon

Zhang Lei had never been a very good soldier. Hell, hed never really been a very good
anything. In pretty much every instance in his youth, there had always been several other
boys, and in some cases girls, who outshined him. It wasnt that he was terrible at most
things, just a little below average. Unfortunately, that made him unnoticeable to pretty
much everyone. The girls wanted the stronger and more attractive boys; the boys wanted
teammates who could jump, run, and play at a higher level than he could; he was usually
picked last in class, and forgotten by most of the world. Even at home he was the fourth
of six boys, utterly forgettable.
On his fourteenth birthday, Lei waited for someone, anyone, to acknowledge his
celebratory day. But people were too busy and he was too invisible for anyone to notice.
That night he left after dinner with the intent of running away from home. He never
would, of course, he just wasnt brave enough, and like everything else, he lacked courage.
Lei did make it to the edge of the forest, the trees cloaked in shadow beckoning him in. He
made it to the tree line before turning around. Hed head home and resume his below
average life, marry a below average girl and have below average children while raising
below average crops. Then suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. Something deep, dark and
terrible rose in the pit of his stomach. His anger had always been predictably average, but
something was different now. With a sudden clarity Lei saw his future and it sickened him.
In a rage he turned on the nearest tree and slammed his fist into it. No curses or bellows
escaped his lips, just red hot rage channeled into his fists, exploding bark off the hapless
tree. He beat on that tree over and over again, his knuckles turning raw under the strain.
Blood slicked his hands and still he crashed them into the wood. With one last vicious
blow, Lei murdered the tree, realizing at the last moment there was a sharp snap and his
tall adversary crashed toward him. Frozen with fear and unable to move, Lei waited for
the beast to crush him; a fitting end for his utterly average mortal life.
Move kid! The high pitched yell came from a cloaked traveler who leapt out of the
tree. Lei watched the figure streak in and tackle him, rolling out of the way as the tree
crushed the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust. Lei caught his breath and looked up into
the most beautiful face hed ever seen: perfectly angular and soft, with full red lips and
round blue orbs, the face of the angels. Just then he experienced a welling of previously
unknown feelings and was enchanted as the womans chest pushed down on his. The
moment ended far too soon and the woman stood, dusting herself off. Are you crazy?
she asked. She tilted back her traveling hat and the moonlight reflected perfectly off her
light tea-colored skin. It reminded Lei of an agate hed found in his youth, sparkling in the
sun. Are you mute too? the woman asked.
Mute? he asked her. Umm, no. He managed to stammer. The woman recognized
the pain and confusion in his face and softened her demeanor; it only made her look more
beautiful.
Come along, let me look at those. She moved over to a nearby rock and motioned to
his hands. Lei shuffled over, never taking his eyes off of hers. He tripped lightly over a loose
root, but paid it no attention. The woman took out a wineskin of water and washed away
the blood on his knuckles before wrapping them in strong leaves from a side pack she
carried. There, that should be better. Im Ci Maho.
6 | Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide
Lei. He stammered. Zhang Lei.

You from around here? Maho asked concerned. Lei nodded, still dumbstruck. What
did the tree do to you, and how did you do that?
Only then did Lei realize hed felled a rather large tree with his bare hands. He shook his
head and looked from the tree to his hands and back again. I dont know. I was just so
mad.
So much anger. Maho said more to herself, then to Lei. It can be dangerous. Lei
looked down, ashamed at his rage. Maho raised his chin with her hand and smiled. There
is nothing to be ashamed of. Have you no training?
Training? he asked.
She nodded. I guess not. The anger inside of you, it is neither good nor bad. It exists
alongside serenity in balance with the universe. She raised her palms and then clasped
them together. When one is out of balance, a person is out of balance. Do you often get
angered?
Never. He told her. I just I just know what my future holds; a life of mediocrity and
boredom. I- I didnt like knowing that.
Maho thought on the boy for several seconds and then nodded. This wont do. She
stood and took his hand in hers. Lei let out an involuntary smile at the touch. Come, show
me your home. We have business to discuss with your family.
For nearly four-hundred years the Han Dynasty ruled over a unified China in relative
peace and security. During this time Chinas economy flourished and technology moved
forward in leaps and bounds. All this came to an end during what would become to be
known as the Three Kingdoms Period. This one-hundred year period saw dozens of petty
warlords fight for control over the vast nation. It was a time of heroes and villains, deceit
and honor, warfare and diplomacy. Popularized by the novel Romance of the Three
Kingdoms, this period has spawned dozens of movies, video games and stories. It is the
perfect setting for high adventure in the ancient Chinese tradition.
History | 7
History
The Han Dynasty was formed in 206 BCE during a period of relative peace and tranquility.
However, over time, more and more power was siphoned off by court eunuchs at the
expense of the emperor until corruption was so profound it resulted in a massive
rebellion by a group of men who took on the name The Yellow Turbans. The Yellow
Turbans reportedly had hundreds of thousands of followers throughout China and over
thirty-six regional bases. The Han Imperial Army was dispatched to deal with the Yellow
Turban army with the support of local regional governors who had nearly full control over
their domains. During this time, the young emperor was convinced to allow full military
control to the local governors in the domains as well. This ultimately led to dull
decentralization of the Chinese government as local governors began to act more
independently. Eventually, the far western province of Yi severed all ties with the imperial
government. It wasnt long before other imperial governors did likewise.
This event coincided with the death of the emperor, further weakening the imperial
regime. With the emperors death, the court eunuchs began plotting to put onto the
throne a member of the imperial family whom they could better control. This precipitated
a member of the imperial family, He Jin, to order general Dong Zhuo to return to the
capital with his elite northern military forces. However, the eunuchs learned of He Jins
plot and had him assassinated. Once Dong Zhuo arrived, he slaughtered all those that
opposed him and effectively became de facto warlord. Once word reached the outlying
provinces of this transgression, a coalition of governors and their armies moved against
Dong Zhuo. With defeat imminent, the warlord burned the imperial capital to the ground
and forced millions of civilians to migrate to his new capital to the west. A year later Dong
Zhuo was killed in a coup by his most promenate general, Lu Bu.
At this time all of China was fractured into minor states, all ruled by provincial
governors more interested in increasing their military and economic power than imperial
reconciliation. For the next fifteen years the regional warlords were slowly absorbed and
defeated until finally only three remained; Cao Cao of Wei in the North, Liu Bei of Shu,
who wished to restore the Han Dynasty in the southwest, and Sun Quan of Wu in the
south central and east. These three kingdoms vied over the course of the next sixty years
until the Wei and Wu states were finally defeated in 280 CE.
Timeline
184 CE Corruption and epidemic lead to a massive rebellion of some 100,000
commoners under Zhang Jiao and his brothers Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang.
189 The current emperor of the Han Dynasty dies. The corrupt court eunuchs yield
their power to place a young, controllable member of the imperial family on
the throne. General-in-Chief He Jin, also a member of the royal family, hears
of the treachery and returns to the capital to take charge. While there, the
eunuchs have He Jin assassinated. Dong Zhuo, in charge of the coalition
against the Yellow Turbans, brings his troops to the capital to aid against the
eunuchs. Once there, he discovers He Jins assassination and takes control of

the court with his army, putting to the sword the corrupt eunuchs.
190 During the next year, Dong Zhuo begins to consolidate his power until he
disposes and assassinates the current emperor. He is the de facto power in the
court and begins to murder or exile any who speaks against him.
191 A coalition is formed of regional warlords against Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo,
alarmed at the coalition force, evacuates the capital, burns it to the ground
and retreats west to establish his new capital at Changan. However, with
central control of the country destroyed, regional warlords begin to plot for
their own gain. The coalition fails and warlords begin to eliminate rivals and
concentrate their power.
192 LBu,DongZhuosgreatestgeneralinforceofarms,killsDongZhuoandtakes
over command of his forces.
193-200 During these years, more and more warlords consolidate their control. In 198
LBusforcesaredefeatedbyLiuBeiandCaoCao.
207 Cao Cao defeats his rivals and unifies northern China. He establishes his capital
at Luoyang.
208 Battle of Red Cliffs: The three most powerful warlords, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, and
Cao Cao, face off on the Yangtza River. Liu Bei and Sun Quan join forces to
repel Cao Cao.
209-215 Cao Cao completes his conquest of the far northwest provinces and
establishes the Kingdom of Wei. Liu Bei has defeated the last major warlord in
the southwest and establishes the Kingdom of Shu. Sun Quan has formed the
Kingdom of Wu in southeast and south-central China.
220 Cao Cao dies and is replaced by his son Cao Pi. On his fathers death, Cao Pi
forces the last emperor of the Han Dynasty, in his captivity, to abdicate, thus
officially ending the Han Dynasty.
223 Liu Bei dies and is succeeded by his son Liu Shan.
226 Cao Pi dies and is succeeded by his son Cao Rui
239 Cao Rui dies and is succeeded by his adopted son, Cao Fang
249 Sima Yi, senior strategic advisor of Wei, seizes power and installs Cao Mao as
emperor.
252 Sun Quan dies and is succeeded by his youngest son Sun Liang.
260 Cao Mao is killed and Cao Huan becomes emperor.
263 Wei completes the conquest of Shu. Shu, weakened after years of struggle
against southern rebels as well as Wei, submits to Wei authority. A great deal
of Shu nobles and supporters flee west into Persia.
265 Cao Huan is defeated in a coup by Sima Yan.
280 Wei, now called the Jin, completes the conquest of Wu and unites China under
the Jin Dynasty under Sima Yan.
Equipment | 9
Equipment
During the majority of the three kingdoms period, most troops were unarmored and had
little training. Instead, warlords relied on their chief asset: manpower. Armies of this
period typically numbered over 50,000 troops, although most of these were simple
peasant levies. On the other end of the spectrum were the professional soldiers, officers
and warlords who relied on some of the best armor and weapons in the world up to that
time. What follows is a list of weapons and armor used during the timeframe with a
description of their use and popularity.
Hand Weapons Crossbows

Crossbows played a large role in warfare
during the Three Kingdoms Period. The
Bows simple crossbow was a stunted bow
Although the crossbow was by far the mounted on the end of a wooden stock.
preferred ranged warfare weapon during The bow string was pulled back to provide
this period, the bow was utilized by states tension and fastened to a trigger
with less advanced construction ability. mechanism. The effective range was
While bows were easier to manufacture, around 60 meters, but a maximum range of
they were much harder to master than the upwards of 300 meters was possible.
crossbow. The Chinese bow during this Because of their ease of use, conscripts
time was predominately a composite bow could be trained in a manner of hours and
made of wood and long-siyah bows. Bow proficient in just a few days. When properly
use was more of an art practiced by the employed, however, they could only
social elite. reliably be fired at two bolts per minute.
Chu-ko-nu Dao
The famous Chinese repeating crossbow The dao, or sabre, was a single-edged,
was able to fire several bolts at once in curved blade primarily utilized as a slashing
rapid succession. In this manner, up to ten weapon. As with the jian, the creation of
bolts could be fired before the user had to these weapons was not standardized and
reload the magazine. Like the typical numerous types exist, although they were
crossbow, the Chu-ko-nu had an effective often created with roughly the same blade
range of 60 meters, but had a much shorter lengths as the jian. The hilt guard was disc
maximum range of around 150 meters. shaped. It was known formally as The
General of All Weapons.
Dagger-axe additional training to perfect, the Jian was

The dagger-axe was a polearm with a traditionally known as The Gentlemen of
unique blade. It consisted of an iron, spear- Weapons.
like blade on the end of an 8 18 foot shaft. Qiang
Additionally, a perpendicular, dagger-like
The King of Weapons was a straight piece
blade is set against the spear point. In
of wood topped with a small, metal blade.
combat it could be used as a piercing
Usually from seven to thirteen feet in
weapon or slashed across the enemy with
length, these spears were easy and quick to
the dagger blade. The dagger axe was easy
produce and just as easy to acquire a basic
to train with and provided its wielder with
skill in use.
a long reach than the typical, Western pike
vein. Swords
Chinese sword making was roughly 1,200
Guan Dao
years more advanced than its Western
The guan dao was an iron polearm similar
counterpart. That is, the Chinese were
to the Western glaive. It consisted of a
crafting strong, reliable steel swords 1,000
large, sharply curved, heavy blade atop a
years before Europe. Sword making was
five to seven foot pole. Its chief strengths
not an institution in China, but instead an
lied in its long range and heavy
art form with the blades created by skilled
construction allowing for powerful strikes.
decentralized craftsmen.
The tip of the blade was usually hooked to
assist in disarming the enemy. The weapon Tassel
was often extraordinarily heavy with A tassel was often attached to the hilt of
versions weighing upwards of 150 pounds, Chinese melee weapons, most commonly
though they would typically be half this the jian or dao. The tassels had several
weight. purposes in combat. First, the tassel could
be attached to the wrist to make it difficult
Gun
for the wielder to become disarmed in
The gun was a simple staff weapon
combat. Second, they were often
designed to be five to six feet in length.
employed as a distraction method or to
Known formally as The Grandfather of All
impair an enemys vision.
Weapons, the gun tapered slightly toward
the top and served as a cheap weapon in Zhanmadao
ancient China. It was typically made of The Horse Chopping Sabre was a variant
wood cut directly from any one of the of the dao, which greatly increased its
many trees in the Chinese countryside. overall length. The weapon measured an
impressive 150 cm in length with a full 120
Jian
cm of that being a long, single blade. The
The Chinese word for sword, jian, refers to
blade curved slightly near the end and
a straight, double-edged blade. They were
employed the same type of guard as the
predominately one-handed weapons with
traditional dao. The zhanmadao was used
an overall length of 39-40 cm and a blade
as an anti-cavalry weapon and needed to
length of about 75 cm. The nonstandard
be wielded with two hands to be effective.
methods of their creation led to numerous
variations and types. A hilt guard protects
the hand in combat and the handle was
finished with a pommel for balance.
Because the double-edged blade required
Equipment | 11
Vehicles such, they were more commonly found in

sieges rather than field battles.
Balista Chariots
Essentially a large crossbow, ballistas used Although chariots were largely falling out
tension technology to launch massive iron of style by the time of the Three Kingdoms
bolts at groups of enemies. The ballista was period, they were still occasionally present
constructed of two wooden arms with on the battlefield, usually by commanders
ropes attached to each. These could be or strategic advisors. They allowed for
twisted back to create tension which could increased mobility across the battlefield
then be used to fling the bolts semi- while leaving the passenger to observe the
accurately at about 300 meters with a battle without need to control the mount
maximum range of around double that. and ride. Additionally, chariots could be
The winch was usually manned by two men used as mobile platforms for archers.
and weighed around 2,000 pounds, However, by the beginning of this period,
requiring animal labor to maneuver. As the typical war chariots of ancient China
were in decline in favor of mounted troops.
Armor Lamellar Cuirass

A chest piece made of roughly rectangular
plates strung together into horizontal rows
The typical levy army was largely
was suspended with cords over the
unarmored. The cost of outfitting such
shoulders. A coat was used to protect the
large armies, mostly unskilled in the art of
chest and back, but had no protection for
war, made raising new troops much easier
the arms or neck.
than manufacturing protection for the
existing troops. When the occasional Leather Armor
infantryman was armored, it was with Leather armor was created of laquered
simple hide armor or boiled leather. Of pieces of leather strung together to form
course the lack of high quality armor did basic protection. It was easier to create
not extend to the professional soldiers and than iron or plate armor, but had the
officers. Instead, these men relied on disadvantage of being both inflexible and
heavier armor typically made of metal heavy.
plates. A few of the designs are detailed
Liang-tang
below.
Liang-tang was a double-faced armor that
Barding consisted of iron or steel plates in the front
Barding, or horse armor, was a rarity during and rear connected with braces around the
the time period. Elite commanders were shoulders. The shoulder was also protected
able to field a few small sets. This was by a small set of attached plates.
simple padded armor made of cloth, light
Paper Armor
leather or treated animal skins covering the
Paper armor was a cheap way to offer
horses chest and neck. However, some
minimal protection during battle. It
important leaders were able to field coats
consisted of rows of paper one to three
of plates for their mounts, despite the cost.
inches thick set in a lamellar fashion. This
Corselet armor was light weight and had the
Similar to a set of lamellar, the corselet was advantage of becoming tougher in
a simple breastplate made of iron or steel. precipitation. For this reason, it was more
It differed from the lamellar as each side popular in the wetter, southern regions.
was generally one solid piece rather than
Shields
scaled together pieces.
Shields of the day were small, round affairs
Hide Armor created of wood with a metal
Hide armor was made of cured hides and reinforcement attached to the center and
cut into protective pieces for the chest and outer edges. In some instances bucklers
back. It was cheap to create given the could be attached directly to the wrist as to
necessary skills to bring down large game. not impede the use of two hands in
combat, such as when wielding a crossbow.
Equipment | 13
Melee Weapons Table

Name Damage Wt Price Notes
Dagger-axe Str +d8 15 400 2 hands, reach 1
Dao Str+d6 5 200
Guan Dao Str+d10+2 75 2000 2 hands, reach 1, Parry -1
Gun Str+d4 8 20 2 hands
Jian Str+d8 8 400 Parry +1
Qiang Str+d6 10 100 2 hands, reach 1
Zhanmadao Str+d10 12 500 2 hands
Ranged Weapons Table

Name Range Dmg ROF Cost Wt Shots Min Str. Notes
Chu-ko-nu 10/20/40 2d6 1-3 800 12 10 d6 AP 2, Special*
Bows 12/24/48 2d6 1 250 3 - d6
Crossbow 15/30/60 2d6 1 200 10 - d6 AP 2, 1 action to
reload
Heavy 30/60/100 2d6 1 200 15 - d8 AP 4, 2 actions to
reload
*The Chu-ko-nu can be fired in rapid succession up to three times per round. Every
additional shot beyond the first instills a (-1) cumulative penalty on the attack. A chu-ko-
nu magazine has ten shots in it before it must be reloaded. Reloading with an already-
loaded magazine takes 1 action. Otherwise loading an empty magazine takes 4 actions.
Armor Table
Name Armor Wt Cost Notes
Paper Lamellar Cuirass +1 5 10 Covers torso, Special*
Hide Lamellar Cuirass +1 20 40 Covers torso
Leather Lamellar Cuirass +1 15 50 Covers torso
Steel Corselet +3 15 200 Covers torso, arms
Liang-tang Plate +5 25 500 Covers torso, arms, legs
Shield - 10 50 +1 Parry, +2 Armor vs. ranged shots
*Paper armor receives a +1 Armor bonus when soaked. However, this process doubles the
weight and the armor has a 50% chance of being ruined at the end of combat.
Barding Table (For Horses)

Name Armor Wt Cost Notes
Cloth +1 10 200 Covers torso, legs
Leather / Hide +2 20 500 Covers torso, legs
Plate +3 30 1300 Covers torso, legs
Army Tactics
Exact military formations and tactics for the time period are rare. Written records from
Chinese historians were usually from scholars and not military minds. Thus, while we have
dates and locations of existing battles, exact formations and troop composition are
relatively unknown. We do have some basic information as well as written stratagems
based on battles of the Three Kingdoms time frame. However, with so few sources, many
of this is open to interpretation. The historical authenticity of these formations, including
their use and manner, is open to debate. What follows are the basic force formations for
the time period as well as a few known formations from records.
Wu: Five man squad in a line
Dui: 10 Wu, 50 men, 10 across in 5 ranks
Bo: Two Dui, 100 men in a square, 10 men across with 10 ranks.
Qu: Two Bo, 200 men in a rectangle, 5 men deep and 40 rows across.
Square
A square is comprised of several rows of Qu with the commander in the center of the back
row. The stronger or more experienced Qu were placed on the flanks. This allowed the
center Qu to feign retreat, allowing for the Qu on the flanks to envelope the attacking
enemy when they pushed too far.
Circle
Circle is a defensive formation when Qu were reformed into rings. Ranged units and
commanders would be in the center of the circle.
Awl
An awl is a wedge formation with the point toward the enemy. This is an offensive
formation that allows an army to better penetrate defensive ranks. The most experienced
or strongest soldiers are placed at the front and center of the wedge.
Flight
Similar to birds flying together, flight is an offensive formation consisting of two wings
with the commander in the center. The wings can be used to envelope enemies.
Basket
Basket is an inverted flight formation
softened into a U shape. This defensive
formation is used to lure enemies into its
center before attempting to envelope
them.
Hook
Hook is a long line of men with their edges
turned inwards for greater flank
protection. It is excellent for use by ranged
units.
Equipment | 15
Eight-Fold Maze
The eight-fold maze, also called the eight trigrams, is an ancient formation that uses
redundant pillars to support one another. It consists of nine divisions of soldiers in
triangle and trapezoid shapes surrounding the commander and his staff. Each division
had a specific name and purpose. The inner and central divisions could engage the enemy
while supporting one another while the outer and rear divisions could envelope and
attack vulnerable flanks. It often used a small force of cavalry to screen its maneuvers.
Dispersed
Dispersed is not a full formation style, simply any formation where the distance between
soldiers is increased. Also known as a loose formation, dispersed makes ones forces
appear larger and increases survivability against ranged attacks.
Close
The opposite of dispersed, soldiers close ranks and decrease the spacing between them.
This allows for greater resiliency in melee combat and allows ranks to better support one
another.
Regardless of what formation is in use, Chinese militaries employed a combined arms
approach. Troops armed with polearms, spears or swords defended and were supported
by crossbowmen or other ranged units. Cavalry were used less than in Western armies,
but still utilized as shock troops, to exploit flanks and to chase routing forces. During the
Three Kingdoms period however, there were so many different generals training dozens
of different forces that each force took on the traits of their individual commander. As
such, there were no standardized formations of military tactics. However, the very basic
structure was a large number of spear and halberd men supporting crossbowmen and
archers and backed up by better armed swordsmen. Cavalry were used on the flanks and
to pursue enemies in flight.
Cavalry troops were a small, but important portion of Chinese armies. Their roles
ranged from screening the army and scouting for the main force, pursuing routed forces,
raiding enemy weak spots and supply lines and as a mobile shock force. However, they
were most often employed to counter the enemy cavalry. When not countering the
enemy horses or after completing this task, the cavalry troops provided a hammering
force to crush into the ranks of mostly peasant soldiers, striking fear into their enemies
and rallying their own forces. The majority of cavalry were recruited from either very
northern China or the nomadic people in the steppes beyond. For this reason, northern
commanders were able to field a greater number of mounted troops then their southern
kin.
The numbers of troops involved dwarfed Western standards. Commanders could field
armies of 50,000-100,000 men. These were largely conscripted commoners, but the
sheer number of men on the field of battle must have made logistics an absolute
nightmare.
Naval warfare was nearly as important as ground battles. Unlike Western Europe, naval
warfare in China was performed on the wide waterways of the Wei, Yellow, Huai and
Yangzi Rivers. Strategic control of these waterways was responsible for highly defensible
positions. Cao Caos inability to break the combined Wu and Shu forces during the naval
battle of Red Cliffs was a disaster for Wei. Chinese naval forces however, were merely
extensions of land battles. The ships were really just floating fortresses used to house
masses of archers and the occasional boarding party. Three Kingdoms naval tactics called
for a massive use of missiles against the enemy naval parties until the opposing ships
were either too damaged to remain afloat or too undermanned to resist boarding, often
using barrages of fire as a favorite tactic. It cannot be understated how large these vessels
became during the Three Kingdom period. The ships had tall castles on the fore and aft
of the ships with which to rain down arrows and employed trebuchets to launch larger
missiles. Texts indicate that a vessel able to carry one hundred horses on it was only
considered of meager size.
Private, professional soldiers, known as buqu, became popular during the later Han
Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period. These men worked directly for individual warlords
as personal guards and elite strike forces. Buqu was unique in that it was a hereditary
relationship. If a buqu soldier died, a family member was expected to inherit his rank and
position. Payment was often in the form of farmland which the soldiers family was
expected to work. Buqu served for life and were expected to marry into each others
families to maintain the status and effectiveness of the buqu force.
Martial Arts
As one of the birth lands of martial arts, Chinese martial arts are traditionally referred to
as wushu or kung fu. Indeed no fighting system in China would be complete without the
addition of a martial arts system. However, the vast territorial and cultural differences
within China spawned a vast difference in martial arts techniques. In a general manner,
these forms can be split into hard and soft techniques, each with a yin or yang
component. Hard techniques emphasized vicious, powerful, straight forward assaults
while soft techniques rely more on fluid motion and balanced movements. For a Savage
World setting, it is appropriate to add a martial arts suite to the existing Edges. These are
discussed later in Character Options.
36 Stratagems
The 36 Stratagems are a written account of various military tactics employed by the
commanders of ancient China. While not specific to the Three Kingdoms period, they
would have largely been in use during this turbulent time. These stratagems come to us
from the Biography of Wng Jngz. The stratagem names and a brief description of their
use are summarized below.
1. Deceive the heavens to cross the ocean: Mask your true goals by promoting the
agenda of a fake goal until the true goal is achieved. Essentially, if one acts on
the faade over and over again, then when you act on the real goal, most will
consider the true goal to be the fake.
2. Besiege Wi to rescue Zho: Never directly attack an enemy superior in
strength. Instead, strike at his weak point, as every foe has one.
3. Kill with a borrowed knife: Use another weapon, especially one not affiliated
with you, to strike at your enemy.
4. Wait at leisure while the enemy labors: Attempt to fight an enemy while he is
tired and you are rested. Choosing the site of your battle will ensure that you and
you alone know the place of your conflict.
Equipment | 17
5. Loot a burning house: Attack an enemy when they are beset with other
difficulties. Rebellion, attacks elsewhere and disease are all excellent
distractions for when to strike.
6. Make a sound in the east, then strike in the west: Feign assault in one place to
get your opponent to concentrate his forces there while you strike at another
location.
7. Create something from nothing: Use illusion, deceit and trickery to make your
opponent believe there is something there when in fact there is nothing of value.
Alternatively, do the opposite and mask where an asset is.
8. Openly repair the gallery roads, but sneak through the passage of Chencang:
Show your enemy you are attempting one endeavor while actually going on the
offensive in secret.
9. Watch the fires burning across the river: Wait until all elements in contention
have exhausted themselves before entering the fray yourself.
10. Hide a knife behind a smile: Use diplomacy and false good intentions against an
enemy to lure him into your trust. Then, strike at him when he least expects it.
11. Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree: Sacrifice your short term
objectives to secure long term goals. This can be applied to troops, territories or
any number of strategic objectives.
12. Take the opportunity to pilfer a goat: During the course of a campaign, be
flexible to take advantage of any other profitable opportunities that present
themselves.
13. Stomp the grass to scare the snake: Make a distraction or provocation to get
your opponent to give away vital pieces of information, such as location or
strategy.
14. Borrow a corpse to resurrect the soul: Appropriate for your own goals a
strategy, technique or other element that has been abandoned or forgotten.
15. Entice the tiger to leave its mountain lair: If an opponent receives his strength
from his defensive position, only engage him away from the source of his
strength.
16. In order to capture, one must let loose: Having a desperate enemy is not
advantageous. Allow him a false avenue to escape. This will allow you to defeat
your enemys morale easier.
17. Tossing out a brick to get a jade gem: Create an incentive for your enemy to
react or reveal himself. In this way you can offer something less valuable than
the information you gleam.
18. Defeat the enemy by capturing their chief: An enemy is often overcome simply
by removing its commander. Strike at the head of the snake and the body will
wither and die.
19. Remove the firewood from under the pot: Strike at and remove the source of
an issue for best results.
20. Disturb the water and catch a fish: Confusion on the battlefield can be used to
your advantage. An enemy is rarely at his best when faced with confusion and
distraction.
21. Slough off the cicada's golden shell: When in retreat, mask yourself with
distraction and disguise.
22. Shut the door to catch the thief: If you wish to capture your enemy, take your
time and plan accordingly. Remove all possible escape routes before striking.
23. Befriend a distant state while attacking a neighbor: The best allies are those
that are distant to you, but bordering your enemy. They have little incentive to
attack you but all the reason in the world to aid you against your common
enemy.
24. Obtain safe passage to conquer the State of Guo: Use an allys resources and
provisions to attack a common foe.
25. Replace the beams with rotten timbers: Attempt to sow disruption within your
opponents ranks or typical activities to weaken the force arrayed against you.
26. Point at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree: Use innuendo or
vagueness when accusing a powerful or protected enemy. Make all know the
source of your ire, but leave the specific name to the wind.
27. Feign madness but keep your balance: Mask your intentions as those of a fool
to keep your true inentions secret and make your enemy underestimate you.
28. Remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended to the roof: Attempt to lure
your enemy into a dangerous or precarious location, then remove any avenue
he may have to return to more familiar surroundings.
29. Deck the tree with false blossoms: Use deception and disguise to make
something seem opposite of what it is; value to valueless, weak to threatening,
pivotal to useless.
30. Make the host and the guest exchange roles: Take command of anothers forces
or resources in the guise of a subordinate.
31. The beauty trap (honey trap): Send beautiful women or other coveted
distractions into the enemys camp to sow distrust amongst the ranks and
distract the command staff.
32. The empty fort strategy: If you are facing a superior enemy, remain calm and act
in control. Your enemy will fear an ambush and may hesitate.
33. Let the enemy's own spy sow discord in the enemy camp: Do your best to cause
a rift between your enemy and elements he considers friendly. Then strike when
he is preoccupied.
34. Inflict injury on oneself to win the enemy's trust: There are two possible uses
for this stratagem. First, feign injury to lull your enemy into a false confidence.
Second, claim an injury to your enemy against a common enemy to get him to
sympathize or plot with you.
35. Chain stratagems: When possible, consider using several strategies in tandem to
add confusion to your true plans.
36. If all else fails, retreat: When all else fails, retreat, regroup and reassess. Escape
is not defeat, but rather the prolonging of a campaign.
The Three Kingdoms | 19
The Three Kingdoms

Wei
The Kingdom of Wei was established by the warlord Cao Caos son after his death. It was
the largest and strongest of the Chinese states during the Three Kingdoms period. Its
official foundation date was 220, though the roots of the state go back further to Cao
Caos pacification of the north. The Kingdoms name is derived from Cao Caos personal
holdings, called Wei, during the Han Dynasty.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Wei waged successful, albeit stalemated, conflicts
with both Wu and Shu, who were often allied against the large state, as well as successful
incursions into what is present day Korea. Wei widely implemented and practiced a
policy known as Tuntian. These were agricultural colonies with the direct purpose to
support Wei military campaigns. Garrisoned units, especially in calmer locations unused
to attack, were expected to farm the land. Many of these tenants turned to Buqu after
years of practice. Additionally, Weis close proximity to the nomadic people in the north
allowed them to field a greater cavalry force than the states of Shu and Wu. These
nomadic people were given lands to settle in exchange for military service.
Wei eventually succumbed to coup by the powerful Sima family. In 265 the last Cao
ruler was disposed and the Sima family founded the Jin Dynasty. This dynasty would
eventually defeat the last remaining state of Wu and unite China under their rule.
Wei Rulers
Pre-foundation Cao Cao: Feudal warlord under the Han Dynasty
220-226 Cao Pi: Second son of Cao Cao.
226-239 Cao Rui: Son of Cao Pi.
239-254 Cao Fang: Adopted son of Cao Rui.
254-260 Cao Mao: Grandson of Cao Pi, son of Cao Lin.
260-265 Cao Huan: Son of Cao Yu, youngest son of Cao Pi.
265 Sima Yan: Son of Sima Yan, grandson of Sima Yi, founder of the Jin
Dynasty.
Generals and Commanders

Cao Cao
Born into the court of the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao was well trained
in the arts of ancient China: warfare, poetry and diplomacy. During
the Yellow Turban Rebellion he held a command in the Imperial
Army and it was he who secured a formidable rebel armys
surrender in 192 in Yan. After this, he was a key figure in bringing
about the end of Dong Zhuo after the warlord seized power. Later,
Cao Cao defeated the substantial armies of Yuan Shao to unite the
north under his rule. Although he did not formally declare himself
an independent state, the state of Wei was created under his reign.
Cao Cao was brilliant, but often cruel. He organized farmer-
soldier communities to ensure his army was well fed and well-
staffed. He died in 220 of disease.
Cao Pi
Cao Pi was the second son and successor to the warlord Cao Cao.
Although not a particularly bright general or administrator, he was
a cunning opponent in the royal court. It was Cao Pi who forced the
last Han emperor to abdicate to him, ending the Han Dynasty and
creating the state of Wei. During his reign he increased
centralization of the government and focused on administration
issues and strengthening Weis power base. He made few gains
against the states of Wu and Shu during his lifetime. He died in 226
and was succeeded by his son Cao Rui.
Cao Ren
A top General, Cao Ren was Cao Caos cousin and was renowned
for his daring and skill, leading Cao Caos vanguard into numerous
engagements. He was instrumental in several important battles
which would come to pacify the north under Cao Caos control.
After Cao Caos death, he served Cao Pi as the general in charge of
several provinces. He died in 223.
Cheng Yu
A trusted advisor to Cao Cao, Cheng Yu was one of the men directly
responsible for Cao Caos success in the north. His guidance and
strategic mind was of great use to Cao Cao and assumed the role
of chief advisor in battles for Cao Cao and Cao Pi. He died in
retirement in 220 at the age of 78.
Guo Jia
Guo Jia was a minor administrator in the Han Government and
renowned for his intelligence and strategic mind. He served Cao
Cao as a chief strategist and was responsible for many of Cao Caos
plans in the early years. It was often said he could predict the
outcome of an event far further and more accurately than anyone
of his time. At his death in 207, Cao Cao grieved openly and spoke
of ways Guo Jia would have changed his course had he lived.
Sima Yan
The grandson of Sima Yi, Sima Yan fulfilled his grandfathers
ambition and usurped control of the Kingdom of Wei from the Cao
clan. It was Sima Yan who finally bested the state of Wu and
unified China under the Jin Dynasty. However, in doing so he
decentralized the government and empowered the regional
commanders. Legend tells of his great indulgences such as feasting
and over 10,000 concubines. He died in 290 at the age of 55.
Sima Yi
Sima Yi was the great strategist and advisor to the state of Wei and
instrumental in its defense against attacks from Shu. He served
Cao Cao and his sons in the creation of Wei and matched wits
against the Shu mastermind, Zhuge Liang, on numerous occasions.
He died in 251 at the age of 71.
Xiahou Dun
Brother of Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun served under Cao Cao during
the war with Dong Zhuo. He was also known as One-eyed as he
lost his left eye during the Battle of Xiapi. Xiahou Dun led the
vanguard during Wei battles and was known for his hot temper
and fiery personality. He died a few months after Cao Cao,
following his friend to the grave.
Xiahou Yuan
A childhood friend and distant relative to Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan
served as a general in Cao Caos forces during the attack on Dong
Zhuo. A fierce warrior and administrator, he headed the logistical
operations of Cao Caos forces. He died in 219 defending his camp
during the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Lei Beis forces.
Xu Huang
Originally a minor official, Xu Huang took up arms as a member of
a sect of the Yellow Turban Rebels until that rebel force fell in with
Dong Zhuo. He assisted in returning the emperor to the royal court
in Luoyang before turning his loyalties to Cao Cao. Xu Huang then
went on to make a name for himself as a general in the Battles of
Guandu, Jiangling, Tong Pass, Fancheng and a dozen others. He
was considered even tempered and disciplined. He died in 227
after serving both Cao Pi and Cao Rui following Cao Caos death.
The great author of the time, Chen Shou counted Xu Huang as one
of Cao Caos Five Elite Generals.
Xu Shu
Xu Shu was a strategist and general for the state of Wei known for
his cunning intellect. He studied together with Zhuge Liang and the
two indulged in debates for sport. The man died of illness as an
Imperial Secretary.
Xu You
A strategist and friend of Cao Cao, Xu You was instrumental in the
Battle of Guandu. He was executed by Cao Cao in 204 after
mocking the then defeated Yuan Shao.
Yu Jin
Yu Jin was a military commander who fought against the Yellow
Turban Rebellion before falling in with Cao Cao. He distinguished
himself on the battlefield and was well known for his level-headed
leadership qualities. He served in the vanguard when the army
progressed and the rearguard during retreat. He fell to the Shu
general Guan Yu and was held in captivity until being returned to
his former lords son, Cao Pi, in his elderly years. He died in 221 and
is considered one of Cao Caos Five Elite Generals.
Yue Jin
A military general under Cao Cao, Yue Jin was renowned for his
bravery and skill despite his short size. He distinguished himself in
the Battle of Guandu and served the warlord through multiple
campaigns. He died in 218 and is considered one of Cao Caos Five
Elite Generals.
Zhang He
Zhang He was a military commander who began his career under
Yuan Shao, but defected to Cao Cao after the Battle of Guandu. He
was a powerful warrior and known for his ability to complete
campaigns, even on limited resources. He served Cao Cao and his
successors in multiple battles, defending against incursions by Shu
in the later years. He was killed on the field of battle in 231 and is
considered one of Cao Caos Five Elite Generals.
Zhang Liao
A minor government official turned General, Zhang Liao first
served Dong Zhuo then Lu Bu after the former was killed. He
fought with Lu Bu until the man was defeated and executed by Cao
Cao. Liao then transferred his loyalties to Cao Cao and became a
trusted general. The man was known for his intelligence and
martial brilliance and fought in numerous battles for Cao Cao. He
eventually fell to illness in 222 after the Battle of Dongkou. He was
considered one of Cao Caos Five Elite Generals.
Wu
Wu existed in the south-central and southeastern portions of China and was one of the
three major kingdoms established during the Three Kingdoms period. Its name was
derived from the Wu province in which it originated and was created and shepherded by
the Sun family. The Sun family was one of the first to begin expanding its base of power
in the south by defeating rival warlords during the Yellow Turban rebellion. As such, it was
well situated to defend its holdings as well as continue to expand south.
Wu formed a tentative alliance with Shu to stave off the numerically superior Wei
forces. Wu was known for its superior navy and its troops were well trained in marine
warfare. Thus, Wei was unable to gain any territory south of the Yangtze River. After Sun
Quans death, his sons were unable to hold the kingdom together as they vied with one
another for power, weakening the regime.
After the fall of Shu to Wei, Wu was living on borrowed time. Eventually, Wei invaded
from multiple fronts and soundly defeated the Sun family. Because Wu so quickly
established dominion over its lands, it was able to fund various projects to develop the
area in the south both economically and culturally. However, even these advances could
not withstand the Jin Dynastys manpower and economic superiority.
Wu Rulers
Pre-foundation Sun Jian: Warlord and general, fought against Dong Zhuo.
229-252 Sun Quan: Second son to Sun Jian, formed the Kingdom of Wu.
252-258 Sun Liang: Youngest son of Sun Quan.
258-264 Sun Xiu: Son of Sun Quan.
264-280 Sun Hao: Son of Sun He, son of Sun Quan.

Chen Wu
General and officer in charge of the Wu house guard, Chen Wu was a lighthearted man
said to have always fought with honor and valor. His death came in an attempt to rescue
his lord at the Battle of Xiaoyao Ford in 215.
Ding Feng
An apt soldier, Ding Feng rose through the ranks to become a
general in the Wu army under Sun Liang. He was instrumental in
promoting Sun Hao to leadership in Wu over his fathers wishes.
During his latter years, he was blamed for several military losses
and exiled by the same man he once helped place on the throne.
Gan Ning
A bandit in his youth, Gan Ning settled in with the Wu forces and
served Sun Quan in multiple battles. During his service he was
renounced for many acts of valor including facing down the
famous Wei general Guan Yu and raiding Cao Caos army camp.
The exact death of his date is not known, but is estimated around
221.
Huang Gai
A general under the Sun family, Huang Gai is credited for lighting
Cao Caos fleet ablaze during the Battle of Red Cliffs. He was well
respected by enemies and allies alike. The date of his death is
unknown.
Ling Tong
Ling Tong followed his father Ling Cao into Wu service and was
renowned for his generosity, valor and wit. He led Sun Quans
vanguard in multiple battles and defended admirably against
overwhelming assaults from Cao Cao. He died of illness in 237 at
the age of 48.
Lu Meng
A commander of Wu forces, Lu Meng came from a minor family,
but proved himself worthy on the battlefield. He was an
accomplished naval general and was important during the Battle
of Red Cliffs, Lujiang and Wancheng. He died from illness at the age
of 41 in 220.
Lu Su
Lu Su was an administrator and eventually became the battlefield
commander for the kingdom. He was instrumental in drawing up
Sun Quans plan for a three state system and brokering the various
alliances with Liu Bei. He died with honors in 217 at the age of 45.
Lu Xun
A general and administrator under Sun Quan, Lu Xun was from a
famous family and known for his work against the southern tribes.
He believed in a more peaceful manner of administration and
attempted to win over the population through good deeds. He
married into the Sun family via Sun Ces daughter. He died at the
age of 63 in 245.
Sun Ce
The eldest child of Sun Jian, Sun Ce was originally a Han Dynasty
general who worked to put down the tyrant Dong Zhuo. He was
active in pacifying the south and began to form the foundations of
the country of Wu. He was ambushed and killed by an arrow in 200
at the age of 25. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Sun
Quan.
Sun Jian
Sun Jian was the father of Sun Qian who would later come to found
the nation of Wu. He was an official in the Han Dynasty and later
formed an army to combat the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He was
renowned for his bravery and resourcefulness. Later on he fought
in the coalition against Dong Zhuo. He died in combat in 191 and
was succeeded by his sons.
Sun Quan
Sun Quan was the second son of Sun Ce and established the
kingdom of Wu. He excelled at building on his familys legacy and
attracting superior men to his cause. Additionally, he built upon his
forces greatest weakness, river warfare, and urged his
commanders to drill their seamen relentlessly. Throughout his life
he managed the delicate balance of power between Shu, Wei and
Wu and fought off incursions from Wei on numerous occasions,
most famously at the Battle of Red Cliffs. He died in 252 at the age
of 70, succeeded by his son Sun Liang.
Taishi Ci
Taishi Ci was a brilliant warrior who served under several smaller,
regional lords before finding service in Wu. He fought to suppress
the Yellow Turbans and worked as an administrator and
commander. He was said to hold honor in the highest regard and
faithfully served Sun Ce and Sun Quan until his death in 206 at the
age of 41.
Zhou Tai
A supposed former pirate and apt naval commander, Zhou Tai
came to serve Wu and was renowned for his bravery. He saved Sun
Quans life during a small skirmish and participated at several
important battles. He died as a high ranking general around 225.
Zhou Yu
The victorious naval general at the Battle of Red Cliffs, Zhou Yu
served under Sun Ce and then Sun Quan. After Sun Ces death,
Zhou Yu was placed in direct control of the military affairs of Wu
and contributed to the success of numerous key battles against
Cao Cao. He laid out several diplomatic affairs before his death in
210 at the age of 35.
Shu
Shu was the third and smallest state to vie for contention during the Three Kingdoms
period. It was headquartered around the historical Shu province and was thusly named.
The Shu kingdom was created by Liu Bei who was said to have a direct lineage from the
Liu emperors of the Han Dynasty. In literature, Liu Beis struggles are in order to
reestablish the defunct Han Dynasty. Liu Bei was greatly supported at the outset by his
sworn blood brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, names that have passed into legend. Lei
Bei also suffered the most hardship, moving his base from northeastern China, into exile
and then finally into the southwest where Shu was established.
Shu was able to survive due to its strong alliance with Wu, tactical genius, Zhuge
Liang, and its stalwart generals. However, the death of Liu Beis blood brother, Guan Yu,
at the hands of Sun Quan broke the alliance and Liu Bei launched an ill-advised attack
against Wu in retaliation. The attack failed and further weakened the state. After Liu Beis
death, his son, Liu Shan succeeded him, although most civil affairs were undertaken by
Shus military genius, Zhuge Liang. Shu launched several invasions against Wei that
proved unsuccessful. Eventually weakened, Shu fell to a Wei invasion.
Shu was beset during its time by rebel tribesmen in the south and took great
aims to pacify the people. Additionally, it greatly increased the logistical ability of
southwest China including roadways, damns and other public works.
Shu Rulers
221-223 Liu Bei: A minor governor during the Han Dynasty with distant links to the
Imperial Family. He fought against the Yellow Turbans and eventually formed
the Kingdom of Shu in an attempt to re-establish the Han Dynasty.
223-263 Liu Shan: Eldest son to Liu Bei, he was wise enough to leave most military and
civil affairs to Zhuge Liang. He was captured after Weis successful invasion
and lived the remainder of his life in comfort in the Jin capital.

Guan Yu
By far the most famous general to serve in this period, Guan Yu
originally joined Liu Bei in fighting the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
The general was with Liu Bei at the beginning and the two formed
a famous blood oath with Zhang Fei, swearing brotherhood to
each other. Guan Yu briefly served Cao Cao in putting down Dong
Zhuo before returning to Liu Bei.
During his career, Guan Yu was renowned for his strength of
arms and honorable reputation. He was said to wield a one-
hundred pound guan dao named Green Dragon Crescent Blade,
originating the weapon that would be named after him. Guan Yu
served Liu Bei and Shu faithfully until his capture and execution by
Wu in 219. He was later deified as a God of War and known as
Emperor Guan. He was considered one of Liu Beis Five Tiger
Generals.
Huang Zhong
A military general under the warlord Liu Biao, Huang Zhong was an
older general renowned for his youthful vigor and fighting
prowess. He joined Liu Bei once the man formed the kingdom of
Shu and fought valiantly in several key battles against Cao Cao. He
died in 220 and was considered one of Liu Beis Five Tiger Generals.
Liao Hua
An officer in Guan Yus army, Liao Hua served the kingdom of Shu
faithfully for several years. He was known for his persistence and
determination and fought in many campaigns. He died at the age
of 70 in 264.
Liu Bei
Liu Bei was the first emperor of the established state of Shu. He
was said to be descended from the Han Emperors of old and is
depicted in literature as a virtuous ruler who fought to restore the
Han Dynasty. In his early years he fought against the Yellow
Turbans and Dong Zhuo. Eventually Bei was forced to retreat to the
southeast where he established the kingdom of Shu.
Bei relied heavily on his powerful generals and renowned
advisors to help sculpt his policy and decision making. In 222 he led
an invasion against Wu to avenge his blood brother Guan Yu, who
was executed by his former allies in Wu. However, the invasion of
revenge was ill-prepared and ended in disaster. He died the next
year at the age of 62, and was succeeded by his son Liu Shan.
Today he is worshiped as the patron of shoemakers.
Liu Shan
Liu Beis son and successor to the Kingdom of Shu, Liu Shan was
only 16 when he took the throne. He was considered a competent
ruler who understood the merit of wise people and delegated his
tasks wisely to the smarter and stronger men around him. After
Shu was conquered by Wei, he was brought to the Wei capital in
Luoyang where he spent the rest of his life in relative comfort as a
duke. He died in 271 at the age of 64.
Ma Chao
The son of the warlord Ma Teng, Ma Chao served his father until
Cao Cao overran his familys lands while consolidating his power.
He then joined Liu Bei and led as a cavalry general under the Shu
banner. He was known as one of Shus Five Tiger Generals and died
in 222 at the age of 47.
Pang Tong
An administrator in the Han Dynasty, Pang Tong was known for his
intellect and ability to assess a persons character and merits. He
later served Lei Bei as a military advisor alongside Zhuge Liang. It
was Pang Tong who advised Liu Bei to conquer the southeast to
better compete with the vast resources of his rival Cao Cao in the
north. He died at the age of 36 in 214 of an arrow wound.
Wei Yan
A member of Liu Beis personal guard, Wei Yan eventually rose
through the Shu ranks to become a general. He fought for Shu and
distinguished himself during the Northern Expeditions. He died in
battle in 234.
Zhang Fei
Zhang Fei was the third blood brother to Guan Yu and Liu Bei and
was a fierce warrior, said to be without equal. He had a fiery
personality and temper which often got him into trouble on the
battlefield. Together with his blood brothers, Zhang Fei battled
against the Yellow Turbans and Dong Zhuo before helping to
establish the Kingdom of Shu. He led as a general in multiple
campaigns and was highly recognized by his ability to lead men. He
died in 221 of assassination and was considered one of Liu Beis
Five Tiger Generals.
Zhao Yun
A warrior and later general under Liu Bei, Zhao Yun first served
under Liu Bei during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The general then
followed Liu Bei as he defended against Cao Caos incursions. He
was instrumental in numerous battles for Shu and Liu Bei trusted
the man with his life. He died in 229 of unknown causes. Like Guan
Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong, he was considered one
of Shus Five Tiger Generals.
Zhuge Liang
One of the most brilliant strategist and statesmen of his time,
Zhuge Liang served Liu Bei as his primary advisor and head of state.
He was behind almost every military aspect of Shu from 208 to his
death in 234. Under Liu Shan he was the boys regent and
continued his role as chief military advisor. His campaigns against
Cao Cao are the stuff of legend, although ultimately unsuccessful.
He died in 234 of illness at the age of 54. He is credited with
creating a unique, repeating crossbow as well as a number of other
inventions.
Rank and Army Structure

Types of Units
It would seem that the majority of the armies during the Three Kingdoms period were
constructed of spear or pike soldiers and crossbowmen, supplemented with elite sword
and shield infantry (shields being either smaller, round rattan shields or larger tetrahedral
shields, like towers, for front line work) and a good mixture of heavy and light cavalry for
shock, flanks and harassment.
The following units were present and in wide use during the Three Kingdoms
period. Although the manner of their equipment might vary from region to region, they
are a valid representation of the average soldier for the era.
Archer loaded by sitting on the ground and bracing
Archers equipped with short bows were the contraption with the feet. Their quiver
common when crossbows were not readily would hold enough bolts for immediate
available. Like their crossbow yielding kin, engagements with additional being
they were usually unarmored, though they available in the rear supply train.
could be issued robes of like color to Lancer / Cavalry Regular
distinguish forces on the battle field. A
The regular cavalryman, a minority on the
simple dagger would be their only sidearm.
battlefield, was equipped with a jian or
Archers were occasionally mounted to
spear and wore iron or steel cuirass or
provide a mobile, ranged force, but this
liang-tang armor.
was rare unless employing one of the
steppe tribes from the north. Spearman
Spearmen would wield either spears or
Crossbowman
halberds, especially the dagger-axe, and be
Crossbowmen were largely unarmored,
armored in either a leather lamellar cuirass
although it wasnt unheard of for missile
or unarmored.
troops to be armed in light armor by armies
rich enough to equip them. The Swordsman
crossbowmen would carry their crossbow, The typical swordsman was used to
of which there were dozens of different support polearm wielders and equipped
models ranging from small hand crossbows with dao, shield and leather lamelaar
to massive contraptions that could only be cuirass, hide armor or paper armor.
Rank Structure
Each of the kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu used similar rank structures as those
established during the Han Dynasty. It consisted of grades of commanders, or generals,
who utilized an officer corps over the rank and file. In addition, honorary titles were
common and given to men who were expected to fulfill specific roles or while on
campaign. Additionally, some military men were given civilian titles when placed in the
role of provincial governor. It was not uncommon for a high ranking official to carry
several titles covering both a military and civilian range. Also, the titles were largely
historical and did not always correlate to a specific role. For instance, it was quite likely
during the Three Kingdoms period that the Chief Chariots General employed no chariots
in his force.
Generals / Commanders Ranks

Generals and commanders were awarded ranks in the same manner that titles were
bestowed upon nobility in the Western world. These ranks were often a mixture of
ceremonial and official with little clarity on duties or responsibilities. The Grading system
was used to provide a hierchy of ranks when neccessaery, with the lower grades deferring
to the higher. Some titles occupied the same objectives, with higher grades only being
used if there was a suitable General of that rank. For example, the Chief Kingdom Defense
General, Grade 2, was in charge of overall kingdom defense. This is the same role as given
to the Kingdom Defense General, Grade 3. It was not necessary to have both a Grade 2
and Grade 3 general in this role, but rather the increased rank would be used if the Gernal
was worthy of that honor.
Grade 1 Kingdom Defense General: In

Chief General: Supreme General charge of overall kingdom
of an army or force. defense.
City Defense General: In charge of
Grade 2 defences for a specific city or
Chief Cavalry General: In charge location.
of mounted forces.
Chief Chariots General: Historical Grade 4
title for general in charge of Troop Defense General: In charge
mounted forces. of an armys defensive objectives.
Chief Protectorate General: In Martial Defense General: In
charge of defense at a remote charge of an armys infantry
location. regiments.
Chief Garrison General: In charge Central Defense General: In
of a specific garrison charge of central army defense.
Chief Kingdom Defense General: Central Fort General: In charge of
In charge of overall national central garrison defense.
defense. Left Defense General: In charge of
an armys left flank defense.
Grade 3 Right Defense General: In charge
Guarding General: In charge of of an armys right flank defense.
defense of a specific objective. Front Troop General: In charge of
Vanguard General: In charge of an armys front rank infantry.
armys lead vanguard. Left Troop General: In charge of
Rear Guard General: In charge of an armys left flank infantry.
amrys rear guard. Right Troop General: In charge of
Left General: In charge of the left an armys right flank infantry.
flank. Rear Troop General: In charge of
Right General: In charge of the an armys reinforcements.
right flank. Brave Cavalry General: In charge
Garrison General: In charge of a of an armys cavalry regiments.
garrison. (Lesser title than above.) Strong Bow General: In charge of
Garrison Protector General: In an armys missile troops.
charge of an exteral garrison.
Grade 5 Honorary Titles

Rising Eagle General: Honorary Zheng Lu General: Honorary title.
title. Shu Expedition General: Honorary
Fiery Tiger General: Honorary title.
title. Light Chariot General: Honorary
Proclaim Might General: title.
Honorary title. Dragon Prance General: Honorary
Mighty Tiger General: Honorary title.
title. Tiger Tooth General: Honorary
Front Flag General: Honorary title. title.
Side General: Another term for an Leader Army General: Honorary
Assistant General. title.
Assistant General: Generals Aid Northern Defense General:
Honorary title.
Expeditionary Titles
Vanquish Di General: Honorary
General Who Conquers the East:
title.
In charge of offense in the east.
General Who Conquers the Civilian Ranks
South: In charge of offense in the Emperor / Empress: Supreme
south. Being in the empire.
General Who Conquers the West: Chancellor: High ranking advisor
In charge of offense in the west. that acted in the emperors stead.
General Who Conquers the Prime Minister: Administrator of
North: In charge of offense in the a large group of lands.
north. Chief Controller: Another term for
a Prefect.
Missionary Titles
Grand Chief Controller: Another
General Who Guards the East: In
term for a Grand Administrator.
charge of kingdom defenses in the
Grand Administrator:
east.
Administrator of several smaller
General Who Guards the South:
territories.
In charge of kingdom defenses in
Administrator: Another term for
the south.
Prefect.
General Who Guards the West: In
Prefect: Administrator of a few or
charge of kingdom defenses in the
one territories.
west.
General Who Guards the North:
In charge of kingdom defenses in
the north.
Everyday life
Pre- and post-Han Dynasty was a land divided between tradition and innovation. Family
history and clan prestige take precedence, but this period is riddled with men who rose
from lowly ranks due to acts of valor or cunning insight. While Liu Bei and Cao Cao can
trace their lineage to prestigious posts or dynastic claims, men such as Zhao Yun and
Taishi Ci gained fame from their art on the battlefield and heroism. In the same manner,
ultimate respect is paid to the Han emperor, despite him being in reality a political
puppet, discarded at the emergence of the three kingdoms.
During this time, Wei introduced an administrative practice known as Weis Nine
Rank System. This was a program designed to discover men of substance and put them
into ranks where their considerable skills could be used to great effect. The intent was to
try to bring the laymen into prominence; however, Wei was still tied to its traditional
roots and in practice only the rich were selected. In this same vein titles and military
positions were handed down from father to son much like western royalty.
It is important to remember that China was a large diverse country with regional
templates overriding any type of unified culture. Each subregion was popular for its
particular combination of people, goods and cultures. A well-known saying in China is,
the wind varies within ten li; customs vary within a hundred li. (A li was a
measurement of about 500 meters.) Thus, some of the following information would be
different from region to region, but this serves as a good primer on overall Chinese values
and superstitions.
Numbers
Numbers in Chinese society play an important role even today. Some numbers are
inherently considered good luck and others cursed. Lucky numbers include the numbers
two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine and forty-nine. Unlucky numbers include four, five
and six. The careful observer will notice that the numbers five and six are considered both
lucky and unlucky. This is due to the many different definitions some words have. While
the number five can be associated with the emperor (lucky), it is also associated with
being a negative. By itself it would be considered unlucky, but when used to modify
another unlucky number, such as six (to fall), it would mean not fall, which would be
considered a good omen and thus a good number in this connotation.
Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 49
Unlucky Numbers: 4, 5,6
Colors
Like numbers, certain colors are considered especially favorable or bring about certain
meaning in everyday life. Below is a small list of the most widely used colors and the
meaning behind them.
Black: The color associated with water as a neutral color. It was called Heavens
color and not associated with mourning or death as it is in the west.
Red: The color of fire represents good fortune and joy.
Green: The color associated with the element of wood came to represent spring
and nature. It was also associated with renewal.
White: The traditional color of mourning and death. It serves as roughly the
same purpose as black does in the west. Its corresponding element is metal and
also represents purity and brightness.
Yellow: Associated with the element of earth, it is seen as the imperial color and
also represents good luck and worldly freedoms.
Animals
Chinese culture was apt at spotting and developing animal characteristics in everyday
culture. Over time, animal symbolism took on a powerful role in Chinese culture. Some of
these animal symbols are listed below.
Tiger: Dignity, courage, strength and fierceness.
Phoenix: Luck, opportunity, virtue and good fortune.
Rooster: Reliability, advancement and achievements. Also used to ward off evil
spirits.
Horse: Loyalty, endurance and recognition of achievements.
Rabbit: Hope.
Monkey: Protector of evil spirits.
Magpie: Joy, marriage and family.
Crane: Longevity and passage to the next life.
Cat: Able to disperse and protect against evil spirits.
Lion: Energy, strength, valor and godly acts.
Goldfish: Wealth and gold.
Butterfly: Love and romance, beauty and long life.
Crab: Status and prosperity.
Dragon: Self-confidence, courage, abundance and good luck.
Religion and Values

Chinese religion has greatly influenced both civilian and military values. The religions of
Buddhism, Taoism and especially Confucianism are widely shared in nearly all regions of
China. Scholars touted the Taoist values and often ranked a ruler based on how well he
administered to these values. The promise of reincarnation and rebirth guided a rulers
decisions and influenced mens morale on the battlefield.
Confucianism
Derived from the teachings of Confucius from around 500 BCE, Confucianism revolves
around the core belief of humanism which teaches to be primarily concerned with the
world and ones family over the afterlife. Assisting ones community through altruistic
deeds is seen as honorable and just, the true meaning of life. It often holds no or little
regard for the worlds deities.
Taoism
Also referred to as Daoism, Taoism rests on three particular tenants: humility,
compassion and moderation. Great respect is paid for ancestors and other enlightened
people. It promotes simplicity over the complex and the concept known as wu-wei.
Wu-wei is known as action without action. In this manner Taoism extorts that the natural
world works its own way without human intervention and by acting against it we disrupt
natures harmony.
Buddhism
Buddhism derives from the teachings of Siddhartha in India around 500 BCE. It
encompasses several complex concepts such as Karma, Sasara, truths and nobility
through actions. In essence, Buddhism attempts to relieve and remove suffering from the
world through direct action. However, Buddhism is a deeply complex topic full of dozens
of tenants and virtues.
Womens Roles
Womens roles in the military were nearly non-existent. In culture they could be a driving
force given enough power and influence. History is riddled with mothers of royal children,
concubines to powerful men, promoting their childs ascension through careful plotting
and planning. That being said, the traditional role of the woman in society was very
limited. A treatise on womens roles entitled Lessons for Women outlines seven virtues
for women; humility, role as a wife, respect, womanly qualifications, devotion, obedience
and harmony. Although outdated by todays standards, these roles remained a powerful
force in ancient China.
Major Battles 204

205
Battle of Ye
Battle of Nanpi
208 Battle of Changban
Timeline 208 Battle of Jiangling
208 Battle of Chibi (Battle of Red Cliffs)
184 Yellow Turban Rebellion
211 Battle of Tong Pass
190 Battle of Xingyang
213 Siege of Jicheng
191 Battle of Yangcheng
213 Battle of Ruxukou
191 Battle of Jieqiao
214 Battle of Xiaoyao Ford
191 Battle of Xiangyang
215 Battle of Baxi
193 Battle of Fengqiu
217 Battle of Ruxukou
194 Battle of Yan Province
219 Battle of Mount Dingjun
197 Battle of Wancheng
219 Battle of Fancheng
198 Battle of Xiapi
219 Battle of Han River
198 Battle of Yijing
221 Battle of Xiaoting
200 Battle of Boma
222 Battle of Ruxu
200 Battle of Dushi Ford
228 Battle of Jieting
200 Battle of Guandu
229 Siege of Chencang
202 Battle of Bowang
234 Battle of Wuzhang Plains
203 Battle of Xiakou
244 Battle of Xingshi
Descriptions
DATE BATTLE NAME
First Force composition, Leader (Kingdom), and commanders
Second Force composition, Leader (Kingdom), and commanders
Description of battle and aftermath
184 YELLOW TURBAN REBELLION
Han Dynasty armies commanded by He Jin, Huangfu Song, Zhu Jun and Lu Zhi.
Yellow Turban Rebels under Zhang Jue, Zhang Liang, Zhang Bao, Zhang
Mancheng and Bo Cai.
Tens of thousands of rebels rise up due to famine and disease under the
leadership of the Zhang family, led by Zhang Jue. An Imperial Army gathers
supplied from mostly regional governors such as Cao Cao, Sun Jian and Liu Bei
led by General He Jin. The rebels were eventually defeated after several
engagements in early 185. However, this weakened the Han regime and
fragmented the local regional governors into individual warlords.
190 BATTLE OF XINGYANG
Han Dynasty warlord coalition commanded by Cao Cao with around 4,000
troops.
Dong Zhuos regional army commanded by Xu Rong of near equal strength.
Cao Cao was defeated by the much better trained army of Dong Zhuo as the
latter retreated to the west. Cao Cao lost several thousand men and was forced
to retreat. Dong Zhuo did not press an attack and continued his retreat west.
191 BATTLE OF YANGCHENG
Yuan Shaos forces commanded by Zhou Yu.
Yuan Shus forces under the command of Sun Jian.
Dispute between two northern warlords from the same clan after the coalition
against Dong Zhuo began to disintegrate. This marked the first inter-warlords
skirmish and a new era of regional warlords attacking one another for personal
gain.
191 BATTLE OF JIEQIAO
Yuan Shaos forces commanded personally. Roughly 40,000 infantry and missile
troops.
Gongsun Zans army commanded personally. Roughly 30,000 infantry and
10,000 missile troops.
Yuan Shaos troops used superior tactics against Gongzun Zans advancing force
and routed the attack. Gongsun Zans army lost a few thousand men before
routing and regrouping in a friendly province. Yuan Shao begins to assert his
northern dominance.
191 BATTLE OF XIANGYANG
Liu Biaos army commanded by Huang Zu.
Sun Jians army commanded personally.
Sun Jians forces fought against Liu Biao as the two were allied with belligerents
Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao. Sun Jian routed Huang Zus forces, but was killed by an
arrow in combat. With the loss of their leader, Sun Jians forces retreated home.
The loss of Sun Jian would forever shape the Kingdom of Wu.
191 BATTLE OF FENGQIU
Yuan Shus army of roughly 12,000 infantry.
Cao Caos army of roughly 30,000 infantry and missile troops.
Deprived of his storage base, Yuan Shu attacked Cao Caos much larger army in
hopes of breaking through. Cao Caos forces won decisively and many of Yuan
Shus forces were slaughtered. Cao Cao begins to remove Yuan Shus base of
power and advances north.
194 BATTLE OF YAN PROVINCE
Lu Bus uprising attracts several young generals who raise or defect roughly
6,000 troops.
Cao Caos army of roughly 10,000 infantry troops.
Several rebellious officers under Cao Cao joined Lu Bu as the warlord conquered
his bases in Yan. Cao Cao responded by regrouping and attacking the rebels.
After a protracted battle and subsequent siege, Lu Bus forces were forced to
retreat due to lack of supplies. However, Cao Cao was unable to pursue due to
the length of the siege and legend of Lu Bus might.
197 BATTLE OF WANCHENG
Zhang Xius forces commanded personally.
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Dian Wei.
Zhang Xiu launched a surprise attack on Cao Caos forces and quickly
overwhelmed them. Cao Cao fled in the fight, but his son Cao Ang and General
Dian Wei gave their lives so he may escape. Wei is deprived of a famous general
and its base of operations shaken.
198 BATTLE OF XIAPI
Liu Bei and Cao Cao join forces and command their armies personally.
Lu Bus forces commanded personally.
Lu Bus forces are defeated and pushed back to their base city at Xiapi. After a
month-long siege, Lu Bu surrendered and was executed. Many of his officers
switched sides to Cao Cao after his death. Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Feis
legend grew thanks to their exploits.
198 BATTLE OF YIJING
Yuan Shao forces commanded personally numbering over 60,000 troops.
Gongsun Zans army commanded personally numbering nearly 100,000 troops.
Yuan Shaos forces successfully laid siege to Gongsun Zans heavily defended
home fortress after defeating several smaller ambush attempts. Gongsun Zan is
killed when the city falls in complete victory for Yuan Shao. Gongsun Zans lands
and forces are absorbed by Yuan Shao.
200 BATTLE OF BOMA

Yuan Shao forces commanded by Yan Liang numbering around 10,000 troops.
Cao Caos army commanded by Liu Yan and Guan Yu numbering around 5,000
troops.
Cao Caos forces marginally defeated Yuan Shaos forces, but are forced to
retreat after the battle. Yuan Shao lost their famous general Yan Liang to Guan
Yu in the assault. Guan Yus legend continued to grow.
200 BATTLE OF DUSHI FORD
Yuan Shao forces commanded personally numbering roughly 5,000 troops.
Cao Caos army commanded by Yu Jin and Yue Jin numbering around 5,000
troops.
As Cao Cao retreated after his success at the Battle of Boma, Yuan Shao attacked
his rear. However, the Wei generals were not only able to hold their positions,
but also sallied out and raided Yuan Shaos camp, effectively allowing Cao Caos
forces to retreat in an orderly manner.
200 BATTLE OF GUANDU
Yuan Shao forces commanded personally and under Guo Tu numbering around
100,000 troops.
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Cao Hong numbering around
40,000 troops.
The famous battle at Guandu was carried out after a prolonged siege of over ten
months. Yuan Shaos forces were unable to overcome Cao Caos defenses. With
both sides running low on supplies Cao Cao led a sortie to destroy Yuan Shaos
remaining supplies. Additionally, Cao Caos men were able to destroy the relief
force carrying additional supplies while his generals held off a direct assault on
his base. With the loss of the supplies, Yuan Shaos forces were demoralized and
fled, losing many tens-of thousands of men in the rout. Yuan Shao escaped with
his personal bodyguard, but his forces were nearly broken.
200 BATTLE OF BOWANG
Liu Beis forces commanded personally.
Cao Caos army commanded by Xiahou Dun.
Liu Beis forces, working for Liu Biao, were sent to defend against an invasion
from Cao Cao. Liu Beis forces feigned retreat and handily defeated Xiahou Duns
army as he rushed to pursue. Cao Cao was dealt a severe blow setting back his
southerly attacks dramatically.
203 BATTLE OF XIAKOU
Sun Quans army commanded by Ling Cao numbering around 5,000 marines.
Liu Biaos army commanded by Huang Zu numbering around 31,000 marines.
A naval battle involving Sun Quans assault into Liu Biaos territory. The
numerically superior force was able to rout Sun Quans navy and force them
back into their own territory.
204 BATTLE OF YE
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Cao Hong with roughly 15,000
troops.
Yuan Shangs army commanded personally and under Shen Pei numbering
around 20,000 troops.
Cao Cao invaded north into the territory of Yuan Shang, one of Yuan Shaos two
sons who are embroiled in a succession war after the death of their father. Cao
Cao besieged Yuan Shangs home and outmaneuvered the relief force sent to lift
the siege, crushing them. Yuan Shang was forced to abandon his home and flee
north. Cao Cao became in charge of nearly all of northern China.
205 BATTLE OF NANPI
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Cao Chun.
Yuan Tans army commanded personally.
Cao Cao invaded and pushed Yuan Tans forces out of their home base. He
pursued them north and eventually the two sides fought a fierce battle. Cao Cao
won, but only after heavy losses on both sides. Yuan Tan was essentially
removed from power and Cao Cao effectively became ruler of the north.
208 BATTLE OF CHANGBAN
Liu Beis army commanded personally and under Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun
and Zhuge Liang.
Cao Caos army commanded personally with 5,000 elite cavalry and retainers.
Liu Bei was relocating the population of the city of Xiahou as Cao Cao advanced.
Liu Beis generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were able to hold off the assaulting
forces long enough for much of the population to escape.
208 BATTLE OF JIANGLING
Liu Beis and Sun Quans army commanded under Zhou Yu and Ling Tong
numbering around 40,000 troops.
Cao Caos army commanded under Cao Ren numbering around 100,000 troops.
In numerous engagements, the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei inflicted
heavy losses forcing Cao Cao to retreat. Liu Bei established his kingdom of Shu
and the Three Kingdoms period officially takes shape.
208 BATTLE OF CHIBI (RED CLIFFS)
Cao Caos army commanded personally numbering around 200,000 infantry and
marines.
Liu Bei and Sun Quans forces commanded under Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu and Liu Bei
numbering around 60,000 marines and infantry.
Perhaps the most famous battle of the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao
launched a massive invasion into the south. As he prepared to cross the Yangtze
River, the allies manage to burn the majority of Cao Caos fleet through trickery.
In the rout, Cao Caos forces lost even greater numbers from disease and
disorganization. The defeat seriously set back the Kingdom of Wei and allowed
a three-way stalemate between Wei, Wu and Shu.
211 BATTLE OF TONG PASS

Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Cao Hong, Jia Xu and Xu
Huang numbering around 70,000 troops.
A coalition of Guanxi forces commanded by Ma Chao, Cheng Yi, Zhang Heng and
Han Sui with around 100,000 troops.
Cao Caos invasion of the northwest was met with stern resistance by a coalition
of warlords led by Ma Teng. Cao Cao was able to score several critical victories
before fracturing the coalition. This led to an ultimate victory for Cao Cao.
213 SIEGE OF JICHENG
Ma Chaos army commanded personally and under Zhang Lu with roughly
10,000 troops.
Cao Caos army commanded personally.
Ma Chao led the remainder of his forces to retake the city of Jicheng after Cao
Caos initial success. Ma Chao was successful in retaking the city after a long
siege. However, the length of the siege allowed Cao Cao to reorganize his troops.
213 BATTLE OF RUXUKOU
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Sun Guan numbering over
350,000 troops.
Sun Quans army commanded personally and under Lu Meng, Zhou Tai, Gan Ning
and Ling Tong numbering a little over 100,000 troops.
Cao Cao launched a general advance into Wu territory with only minor victories
which were all eventually turned back. Cao Cao was forced to retreat and
regroup back to his home province, unable to contend with the superior Wu
navy and their personnel.
214 BATTLE OF XIAOYAO FORD
Cao Caos army commanded by Zhang Liao, Yue Jin and Xiahou Dun numbering
Sun Quans army commanded personally and under Gan Ning and Ling Tong
numbering around 100,000 troops.
Sun Quans invasion into Cao Caos territory was repelled after several arduous
engagements. Losses were light on both sides as most leaders were weary of an
encroaching plague.
215 BATTLE OF BAXI
Cao Caos army commanded under Zhang He.
Liu Beis army commanded by Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei led a small force against Cao Caos forces led by Zhang He. Zhang Fei
was able to outmaneuver the opposing army and annihilate it.
217 BATTLE OF RUXUKOU
Cao Caos army commanded personally and under Lu Meng, Zhang Lioa and
Xiahou Yuan numbering around 350,000 troops.
Sun Quans army commanded personally and under Ling Tong, Xu Sheng and
Gan Ning numbering around 75,000 troops.
As Cao Cao began to prepare for another invasion into Sun Quans territory, Sun
Quan sent his general Gan Ning into Cao Caos camps at night to cause severe
havoc. This led Cao Cao to pull back his troops and postpone his attack.
219 BATTLE OF MOUNT DINGJUN
Liu Beis army under Huang Zhong
Cao Caos army under Xiahou Yuan.
Liu Bei invaded Cao Caos territory, but was resisted at Hanzhong for over a year.
Liu Bei eventually forced his way through and Cao Caos star general, Xiahou
Yuan, was killed in action.
219 BATTLE OF FANCHENG
Liu Beis army under Guan Yu with roughly 100,000 troops.
Cao Caos army under Cao Ren, Xu Huang, Pang De and Yu Jin numbering roughly
100,000 men.
Guan Yu assaulted into Cao Caos territories and scored several key victories.
However, as he returned home, his base of operations was compromised,
leading many of his troops to desert for fear of their families. With his escape
route compromised, he was eventually captured and executed.
219 BATTLE OF HAN RIVER
Liu Beis army under Zhao Yan and Huang Zhong.
Cao Caos army commanded personally.
Cao Caos retaliation assault after the death of Xiahou Yuan. However, Liu Beis
generals held fast and forced Cao Caos men into the Han River, inflicting heavy
losses.
221 BATTLE OF XIAOTING
Suan Quans army commanded under Lu Xun numbering roughly 50,000 troops.
Liu Beis army commanded personally numbering roughly 100,000 troops.
To avenge the death of his general and blood brother Guan Yu, Liu Bei invaded
Wu and scored several significant victories. However, his supply lines were
compromised, which led to demoralization and desertion. Shu lost heavily in the
retreat.
222 BATTLE OF RUXU
Cao Weis army under Cao Ren.
Sun Quans army under Zhu Huan.
Cao Wei sent Cao Ren to invade Sun Quans territories, but the invasion was
repulsed on several fronts. The famous Wei general Cao Ren was lost in the
failed assaults.
228 BATTLE OF JIETING
Shu forces commanded by Zhuge Liang, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi numbering
around 50,000 men.
Wei forces commanded by Zhang He and Cao Zhen numbering around 30,000
troops.
The invading Shu army was encircled due to negligence by its sub-commander
Ma Su. The defensive fort was set ablaze and most of the Shu army was lost.
229 BATTLE OF CHENCANG

Shu forces commanded by Zhuge Liang numbering around 100,000 men.
Wei forces commanded by Hao Zhano numbering around 2,000 troops.
Zhuge Liang and his expansive army invaded Wei and initially besieged
Chencang. However, the Shu forces were repelled from the walls due to superior
tactics and forced to retreat.
234 BATTLE OF WUZHANG PLAINS
Shu forces commanded by Zhuge Liang numbering around 100,000 men.
Wei forces commanded by Sima Yi numbering around 200,000 troops.
Zhuge Liang led a large force against Wei and was met by a sizeable army under
Sima Yi in a defensive position. Neither side was prepared to engage the other,
thus a stalemate occurred. However, when the famed strategist of Shu died of
illness, his army retreated back home.
244 BATTLE OF XINGSHI
Shu forces commanded by Fei Yi and Wang Ping numbering around 50,000 men.
Wei forces commanded by Cao Shuang, Guo Huai and Xiahou Xuan numbering
Cao Shuang sent an invasion force into the heartland of Shus territory. However,
the invasion was unable to take Hanzhong and was forced to retreat in the face
of Shu reinforcements.
263 INVASION OF SHU
Shu forces commanded by Liu Shan and Jiang Wei numbering roughly 150,000
troops.
Wei forces commanded by Sima Zhao, Zhuge Xu and Deng Ai numbering around
170,000 men.
In 263, Wei launched a final invasion of Shu. Wei had superiority in manpower,
wealth and tactics and was eventually able to take the Shu capital. Wu took
advantage of the situation and took several key territories in the east. Shu was
absorbed.
280 INVASION OF WU
Wu forces commanded by Sun Hao and Zhang Ti numbering around 220,000
troops.
Jin Dynasty forces commanded by Hu Fen, Jia Chong and Wang Jun with around
200,000 men.
Jin forces attacked Wu on multiple fronts from the north and west. Unable to
sustain defensive positions on all sides, Wu lost its strategic river defenses one
by one until the capital fell in early 281.
Character Options
Archtypes
While Savage Worlds is a system with lots of flexibility, it lacks standard archetypes.
However, some players may wish to skip parts of character creation and jump right into
a game. To facilitate this, here is a list of archetypes of warriors for quick play or creative
reference.
CROSSBOWMAN / BOWMAN OFFICERS RETAINER

Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6,
Strength d4, Vigor d8 Strength d4, Vigor d6
Charisma: 0; Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: Charisma: 0; Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness:
6 5
Skills: Fighting d6, Notice d4, Riding d4, Skills: Fighting d8, Intimidation d6+2,
Shooting d10, Stealth d6, Survival d4, Notice d6, Persuasion d6, Taunt d6+2, +2
Throwing d6. skill points
Hindrances: Loyal (Minor), Quirk (Minor), Hindrances: Overconfident (Major), +2
+1 Major Hindrance Minor Hindrances
Edges: Steady Hands, +2 Edges Edges: Command, Strong Willed, +1 Edge
CAVALRYMAN WU SOLDIER
Charisma: 0; Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: Charisma: 0; Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness:
5 5
Skills: Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Riding Skills: Fighting d8, Boating d6, Swimming
d8, Shooting d8, Taunt d4, +2 skill points d6, Piloting d6, +6 skill points
Hindrances: All Thumbs (Minor), Big Mouth Hindrances: Bad Luck (Major), Loyal
(Minor), +1 Major Hindrance (Minor), Poverty (Minor)
Edges: Beast Bond, Quick Draw, Sweep Edges: Alertness, Ambidextrous, Quick
NAVAL SOLDIER WEI SOLDIER
Charisma: -2; Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: Charisma: -2; Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness:
5 6
Skills: Boating d6, Fighting d6, Gambling Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d8, Gambling
d4, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Swimming d8, d6, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Taunt d6, +2
Throwing d4 skill points
Hindrances: Ugly (Minor), Wanted (Minor), Hindrances: Mean (Minor), Overconfident
Yellow (Major) (Major), +1 Minor Hindrance
Edges: Acrobat, Luck, Steady Hands Edges: Brawny, Combat Reflexes, +1 Edge
Character Options | 43
SHU SOLDIER
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, New Hindrances
Strength d4, Vigor d6
Charisma: 0; Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: HONOR STAINED (MAJOR)
5 The character has a history of personal
Skills: Fighting d8, Stealth d4, Streetwise and family dishonor. His clan is known far
d6, Survival d6, Tracking d8, +4 skill points and wide as dishonorable scum who act
Hindrances: Cautious (Minor), Heroic more like mercenaries than decent people.
(Major), +1 Minor Hindrance He suffers a (-2) penalty to Charisma and
Edges: Woodsman, Luck, Great Luck people are very unlikely to trust him once
they know his name.
POOR TRACKING (MAJOR)
The character has extremely poor hand-
eye coordination. Despite his best efforts,
he just cannot hit the broadside of a barn
from any distance. He suffers (-2) penalty
to all Shooting and Throwing rolls.
New Edges ELEPHANT TRUNK

Requirements: Seasoned, Two-fisted,
Strength d10+
Background Edges Your character possesses great strength,
especially in her arms. This allows her to
HAN BLOODLINE
wield two-handed weapons in one hand,
Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+
although taking a (-2) penalty to attacks for
Your character can trace his direct
doing so.
lineage to the Han Empire and this
knowledge is readily available to the IMPROVED ELEPHANT TRUNK
common folk. This bestows a +2 bonus to Requirement: Veteran, Elephant Trunk
Charisma, but also comes with many social The character no longer suffers the (-2)
advantages and disadvantages of being penalty for using a two-handed weapon
from a noble bloodline. People will expect in one hand.
the character to help those in need, act in
HEROS BELLOW
a regal manner and honor the ancestors. Of
Requirements: Seasoned, Intimidation
course, those who openly oppose the Han
d10+
will plot against him in a similar manner.
The character can intimidate and
bewilder normal men with sheer force of
Combat Edges will. As an action, he may flourish a weapon
CAVALRY EXPERT or act in another intimidating way to cause
Requirements: Seasoned, Riding d8+ all Extras within 10 to make a Spirit check.
Your character is an expert on Failure means they cannot advance on the
horseback. This grants him several unique character or attack them in melee. Those
advantages when mounted. First, he is able who fail are still free to defend themselves
to coax a little more out of his mounts and or attack others, as long as the attack does
thus increase their pace by +2. Second, not bring the Extra closer to the character.
once per round, the character may negate A failed check can be rechecked each round
a successful attack on his mount with a until successful.
successful Riding check. This check is a free LEGENDARY BELLOW
action and is performed immediately after Requirements: Veteran, Heros
a successful attack on the mount, but Bellow, Intimidation d12+
before damage is determined. If the Riding As Heros Bellow, but the character
check fails, damage is applied normally. may make a free second below if two or
Finally, the character does not suffer the more Extras fail in a single combat round.
(-2) penalty when using ranged weapons
while mounted. While this Edge typically POLEARM SWEEP
applies to horses as mounts, it extends to Requirements: Heroic, Improved Sweep,
camels, donkeys, chariots, wagons or any Strength d10+, Fighting d10+
other creature or vehicle the GM Polearm Sweep allows the character to
determines is reasonable. make a single Fighting attack and apply it
against all enemies within reach when
equipped with a polearm weapon. This
attack allows the character to avoid hitting
all allies within reach.
Leadership Edges serve their master faithfully. From this

point on, if any followers are lost from
AMBUSH ARTIST combat or accident, they are automatically
Requirements: Seasoned, Command, replaced at a rate of one every 1d10 days.
Stealth d10+
When leading troops, any allies within Professional Edges
the characters Command Radius use her
Stealth score and do not have to roll their CAMPAIGN SCHOLAR
own, allowing her well-planned ambush or Requirements: Veteran, Smarts d8+,
sneak attack to avoid being fouled up by Knowledge (any two) d8+, Notice d8+
one of her troops. A campaign scholar learns from her
actions and the actions of those around
CAVALRY LEADER her. At the end of any game session when
Requirements: Veteran, Cavalry Expert, the GM awards Experience Points, a
Followers, Riding d10+ campaign scholar is awarded one
The characters ability to lead men on additional Experience Point.
horseback is unsurpassed. He may extend
the benefit of his Cavalry Expert Edge to all MASTER SCHOLAR
Extras under his command and within his Requirements: Heroic, Campaign
Command Radius. Each Extra is now Scholar, Smarts d10+, Knowledge (any
considered to have the Cavalry Expert three) d10+, Notice d10+
Edge, regardless of prerequisites. The master scholar is not only able to
learn at an accelerated rate, but can also
INFANTRY LEADER imbue this knowledge upon her traveling
Requirements: Seasoned, Fleet-footed partners while together. The Master
The infantry leader excels at leading Scholar may extend her Campaign
troops of infantry and ranged units. He may Scholar benefits to a single companion
extend the benefits of his Fleet-footed Wild Card after a campaign session.
Edge to any Extras under his command and
within his Command Radius. SEA CAPTAIN
Requirements: Seasoned, Ace, Boating
LEGENDARY HERO d10+
Requirements: Heroic, Wild Card, The character is at home on the open
Charismatic, Followers water, commanding on the seas and rivers.
Legendary heroes are known far and When piloting or commanding a boat he
wide. Their deeds are retold by traveling adds +1 to the Acceleration and +2 to the
bards and merchants, and they Top Speed of any vehicle under his
subsequently acquire followers much more command. Additionally, he is able to
easily. Upon choosing this Edge, a large successfully operate a sea vehicle with only
retainer of ten followers joins the heros half the required crew, to a minimum of
band. The followers are fiercely loyal and 1+1.
Pre-generated Characters
Guan Bao
Bao is the youngest of five sons born to a small farming family within the Guan clan. All
his other brothers were recruited into the regional army to assist in putting down the
Yellow Turban Rebellion. At 16, he was well old enough to serve, but was expected to
remain behind to assist with the familys farm. An apt hunter and skilled with the bow,
Bao considered it a great insult to be left behind.
His luck changed when a young lord, Cao Xi, came to the farm to seek shelter after
losing his troops to an ambush. That night, the rebels tracked Cao Xi to the farm. Bao
came to Cao Xis defense and with five well placed shots, scattered the rebels and saved
Cao Xis life. After that night, Cao Xi demanded Bao accompany him as part of his
bodyguard and compensated the family. Now Guan Bao rides at Cao Xis side, his faithful
friend.
Personality: Guan Bao is timid with a mild personality when not in combat. In battle
however, he is cool and precise, launching arrow after arrow where they are needed
most. His urban upbringing taught him to respect the poor and disadvantaged and he
routinely goes out of his way to help the poor folk he encounters.
Mannerisms: Baos hands are always at work, usually straightening a feather for his
arrows or using one to pick his teeth.
Distinguishing Features: Bao is never without a feather on him; so much so that the act
is nearly compulsive. When not manipulating one with his fingers, one usually adorns his
hair or is shoved behind his ear. He wears no armor and carries only a small pack, his bow
and quiver.
Environment: Guan Bao is usually in the company of the noble Cao Xi. He is loyal to the
man while Xi does good deeds. However, Xis noble nature often puts the two at odds
when Bao insists on helping the poor or turning down rewards.
Adventure Seeds: Bao likes Cao Xi, but the man is often a nuisance with his noble
blood. The two could be put at odds in the right circumstances which would end their
alliance. Additionally, Guan Bao is often on his own hunting or foraging for food while his
master rests.
GUAN BAO (NOVICE)
Bao is a young farmer turned archer of sixteen years. He helps the poor and
disenfranchised and yearns to make a name for himself during this time of crisis.
Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6
Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 5; Charisma: 0
Skills: Fighting d8, Notice d4+2, Riding d6, Shooting d10+1, Survival d6, Stealth d6,
Tracking d4
Armor: None
Weapons: Bow
Items: Quiver, arrows, pack, bedroll, 2 weeks of rations
Edges: Alertness, First Strike, Luck, Trademark Weapon (bow)
Hindrances: Code of Honor (Major), Illiterate (Minor), Poverty (Minor)
Tian Chi
Tian Chi is a scholar and historian who believes the best way to avoid the conflicts of the
past is to learn about and record the failings of the present. Chis youth and training are
lost to time, even he cant remember them. He remembers studying under a stern but fair
scholar, but at his advanced age cant recall many details. All he has now is his books and
his mind, the latter is failing fast.
Personality: Chi doesnt concern himself with good or bad, life or death. Instead, he
attaches himself to whom he perceives as great men and women and tags along,
recording their deeds. He will, of course, defend himself and realizes that the death of
these great men would be a severe blow to the harmony of the universe, thus he also
defends them as well. However, if the great man he is with falls, he is just as likely to
request to join the next one. At his age, Chi doesnt really care about dying. Hed rather
not, but has led a good life and is ready to go whenever the universe calls him.
Mannerisms: When not recording his thoughts in his tomes or making notes, which is
usually always, Chi can be found sleeping or dozing off. He protects his books at all times
and would rather die than see them destroyed.
Distinguishing Features: Tian Chi is in his elderly years with a completely gray beard
and hair. His vision is poor, but he has retained his excellent hearing. He carries a walking
stick for support and to assist in combat. His gray robes are often covered in more dust
than the road and his enormous pack is stuffed with books and journals.
Environment: Tian Chi is usually on campaign, traveling with what he considers great
men and recording their thoughts, deeds, and reactions. He maintains a small house that
he uses only as a book depository.
Adventure Seeds: Chi is likely to see a PC as a great person destined for great things.
He is likely to tag along and can make an interesting companion. He may also be in the
company of another great man, who falls in combat. In which case, he is happy to join the
next.
TIAN CHI (VETERAN)
Chi is a scholar and adventurer in his advanced age who believes the important
deeds of the present must be recorded for posterity.
Skills: Fighting d4, Investigation d12, Knowledge (Biology) d10, Knowledge (History) d10,
Knowledge (Nobility) d10, Notice d10, Repair d10, Streetwise d10
Armor: None
Weapons: Gun
Items: 2 pack, bedroll, lots of books, Gun
Edges: Campaign Scholar, Master Scholar, Charismatic, Hard to Kill, Harder to Kill,
Investigator
Hindrances: Elderly (Major), Loyal (Minor), Big Mouth (Minor)
Wu Du
Wu Du is a quiet man in his mid-twenties who practices the martial arts. He devotes much
of his time in attempting to make his mind and body one. In his youth his brother taught
him the basics of wushu and hes spent the better part of his life attempting to perfect
them. He is always on the lookout for teachers and enjoys adventuring for the express
purpose of honing his skills. Wu Du believes one day his true calling will be revealed and
he is determined to be prepared to meet it. In an effort to cleanse his mind and bring him
closer to perfection, he has put his past behind him and no longer associates with his past
family.
Personality: Wu Du is distant and seems cold. However, his heart is pure and he puts
the needs of the poor and downtrodden in front of his own. His distant nature is simply
due to his constant introspection.
Mannerisms: Silent with eyes that seem to pass through people, even in conversation,
Wu Du often gives people a chill just by talking with him. He rarely shows emotion,
attempting to suppress it and remain in control at all times.
Distinguishing Features: Wu Du is completely bald and has piercing blue eyes. He
wears a loose fitting green robe and carries no weapons. His ears are pierced with small
bars of silver.
Environment: Wu Du is constantly traveling, looking for teachers of wushu and honing
his skills. He can be found on any road or city, but rarely stays in one place long.
Adventure Seeds: Wu Du is always off on his quest to perfect his skills. He is just as
likely to respond to calls for help as he is to move on to the next town. However, he is
often swain by the needs of the poor.
WU DU (SEASONED)
Wu Du is a man with a mysterious past who lends his life to perfect his martial
arts skills. He is nearly emotionless on the outside, but is constantly suppressing
his emotions internally.
Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d10, Intimidation d6, Notice d4, Stealth d8, Survival d4,
Tracking d4, Swimming d8
Armor: None
Weapons: Bow
Items: Quiver, arrows, pack, bedroll, 2 weeks of rations
Edges: Acrobat, Block, Dodge, Fleet-Footed, Frenzy, Martial Artist, Improved Martial Artist
Hindrances: Vow (Major), Poverty (Minor), Doubting Thomas (Minor)
Quick-use NPC LANCER / CAVALRY REGULAR [VETERAN]

Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4, Spirit d4,
Archtypes Strength d8, Vigor d8
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 6; Charisma:
SPEARMAN [NOVICE] 0
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Skills: Fighting d8, Intimidation d4, Notice
Strength d8, Vigor d6 d4, Riding d10, Taunt d4, Tracking d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 5; Charisma: Edges: Sweep, Improved Sweep, Steady
0 Hands, Trademark Weapon (Jian)
Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d8, Stealth d6, Gear: Jian, backpack, wealth, Shield, Steel
Throwing d8 Corselet
Edges: Alertness , First Strike MARINE [NOVICE]
Gear: Minor wealth, Dagger-axe, Paper Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4,
Lamellar Cuirass, backpack Strength d8, Vigor d6
SWORDSMAN [SEASONED] Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 5; Charisma:
Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, 0
Strength d8, Vigor d6 Skills: Fighting d8, Throwing d6, Swimming
Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 5; Charisma: d8, Boating d8, Notice d4, Repair d6
0 Edges: Ace, Alertness
Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d10, Gear: Minor wealth, Dao, bow, backpack,
Intimidation d4, Notice d6, Swimming d6 swimming bladder
Edges: Trademark Weapon (Dao), Luck, OFFICER [HEROIC]
Sweep, Frenzy Attributes: Agility d12, Smarts d6, Spirit d6,
Gear: Dao, Leather Lamellar Cuirass, Strength d6, Vigor d8
backpack, Minor wealth, Shield Pace: 8; Parry: 8; Toughness: 6; Charisma:
CROSSBOWMAN [NOVICE] 0
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d4, Skills: Fighting d12, Intimidation d6, Notice
Strength d6, Vigor d6 d6, Riding d10, Shooting d8, Taunt d6
Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 5; Charisma: Edges: Fleet-footed, Infantry Leader,
0 Polearm Sweep, Sweep, Improved
Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d6, Notice d6, Sweep, Trademark Weapon (Guan Dao),
Shooting d8, Survival d6 Improved Trademark Weapon (Guan
Edges: Alertness, Trademark Weapon (Jian) Dao)
Gear: Jian, Leather Lamellar Cuirass, Gear: Guan Dao, Liang-tang plate, Jian,
backpack, Minor wealth backpack, Major wealth
Savage Tale
Provided here is an adventure intended to give the GM ideas for additional adventures
during the time of the Three Kingdoms in China. Full details are not provided to allow the
GM to tailor the adventures for any level or play, or insert then into an existing campaign.
They encompass the feel of adventures in ancient China and are intended to be run over
the course of one evening of play.
Gatecrashers
The Preview
The adventure takes place in one of the many, massive walled gates that occupy the
mountain passes in central and western China. Once inside, the PCs are recognized as
heroes of minor renown by the local governor. The governor has a problem in that there
are two armies from rival factions heading their way. Both have sent messengers that
they want control of the gate, but the governor is unsure what to do. Hed like the PCs to
help him decide which side to support.
The PCs question the governor and can either make their decision or question the
envoys from either side, after which the PCs are free to make their recommendation to
the governor. Once that is done, the other side sends assassins to kill the PCs to make a
statement about supporting the wrong side. The PCs fight off the assassins and the next
day the first rival army arrives. The governor sends the PCs out to inform the envoy that
they will not be surrendering the wall. Annoyed, the envoy challenges one of the PCs to
a duel. Depending on if the PC wins, loses or declines, the enemy army gets a situational
modifier (such as a boost to their morale).
The next day the army the governor is supporting arrives. He sends the PCs as spies to
the other army with a message that the garrison will sally out to aid them once battle is
joined. On the way, the PCs are ambushed and must fight off rival scouts. If successful,
the army the PCs are supporting is successful, but only with the help of the garrisoned
army. The PCs are compensated well for their service.
The Players
Liu Cazen
Liu Cazen is a middle-aged balding man who was placed in charge of the gate only late this
year. Since his initial placement, he has had no official orders and no imperial decree. He
has been stumbling along as best he can, but did not expect to have to govern every little
issue from the rather expansive town, which has sprung up between the walls. He is
desperate for guidance and takes whatever is offered. He constantly swats and hates
making decisions.
Huan Lam
Lam is a 40-something diplomat and scholar with straight, long, greasy hair. He is always
smiling, but there is something off-putting about his smile, as if hes pulling something
Savage Tale | 51
over on you. He has only one mission: to ensure his side is allowed access to the Gate. He
is not above bribing the PCs and offers them great riches for their support. His word is
rarely good, however, something the PCs discover by asking around. He hates Zheng Guo
with a passion and even asks the PCs to take care of him, if they arent above such things.
Zheng Guo
Guo is a young man just over the age of twenty. He has a wide eye wonder about him that
comes with youth. He is utterly devoted to his side as he believes it is the best side to
bring peace to the land. He doesnt know Huan Lam very much, but is wary of him as he
serves the rival side and has the experience of age. He tries to convince the PCs that his
side needs to win to safeguard lives. He cannot offer any money, but knows his lord will
reward their service.
Assassins
The assassins sent by the rival side, determined by whom the PCs support, strike from the
shadows and gang up on the weakest PC, attempting to incapacitate him before moving
on to the next. They work on ganging up with each other if possible. Use the statistics for
the Wei soldiers for quick use. If captured, they tell the PCs who hired them in exchange
for their lives.
Scouts
The scouts who attempt to intercept the PCs are irregulars from the opposing army. Use
the statistics for the Shu soldiers for quick use. They flee if they lose more than half of
their numbers in combat.
The Plot
The PCs have come to one of the massive gates that block the mountain passes. Control
of the gate means control of the surrounding region as the mountains are largely
impassable. Hu Lao Gate is a good example of this type of fortification. Effectively, it
consists of a small town walled in by the mountains on both side and two massive stone
walls on the other.
The PCs can be there for whatever reason the GM chooses. Perhaps there is a rare
apothecary residing there or a wise man the PCs seek an audience with. Regardless, once
they enter town and begin moving about, they are recognized as heroes who previously
performed a worthy task (something from the PCs past adventures or background). A
small group of guards takes note and approaches the PCs, requesting they follow them to
see the governor, Liu Cazen, who has a request of them.
Cazen informs the PCs that he needs help. Since taking the post of governor last year,
he has received no imperial decrees. He has tried to do the best he can, but isnt good at
making decisions. He has heard the PCs are honorable and has a request of them. There
are two rival armies approaching the Gate. Both have sent envoys demanding the gate be
opened for them. He isnt sure which side to support and would like the PCs to talk to
each of the envoys to feel out who he should support. In exchange, he offers a small
reward and waves the imperial tax on anything they buy in the town effectively giving
them a ten percent discount on items purchased. He gives them directions to the inn
where the two envoys are staying.
The PCs are free to meet with both envoys and determine whom they think the
governor should support. (See the individual descriptions of both Huan Lam and Zheng
Guo above.) Once the PCs make their determination, they return to the governor, but he
is unable to see them until morning, due to important matters of state. However, they
have been given free stay at the inn in town and can stay the night. That night, a group of
assassins attempts to break into the PCs room and silence them. If the PCs take any
prisoners, they readily admit they were hired by whatever envoy the PCs have decided
against supporting. The next morning the PCs give the governor their report. He agrees
with them and has a second request: whatever army the PCs chose not to support has
Savage Tale | 53
arrived and is outside the Gate. He wants the PCs to go out and inform the armys
representative that the Gate will not be surrendered.
The representative meets them in the open about three hundred feet from the wall.
Annoyed at the PCs insolence, the warrior challenges the strongest looking PC to a duel.
If the PC agrees, the warrior fights fairly until one of them is knocked unconscious
(Incapacitated). If the PC refuses or loses, it deals a severe blow to the morale of the Gate
defenders. If he wins, the opposing army witnesses their champion falling and thus loses
morale. Either way, the PCs are then allowed to re-enter the Gate after the duel.
The next day, the supported army arrives. The governor requests the PCs to sneak
around the opposing army and deliver the message to the supported army that the Gate
garrison will support them and attack once battle is joined. The governor promises more
renown and reward for their service. Outside, the PCs are able to take some of the
mountain passes with a little difficulty (imposing a (-1) penalty to Riding rolls if necessary)
to get to the army they are supporting. However, they run into an opposing patrol who
attempts to stop them.
The PCs continue on and deliver their message to the supporting army. The army
commander is happy for their help and the next day the army attacks. The GM is free to
have the PCs join in the battle, in which they should fight a small contingent of solders of
equal level to be challenging or become part of a Mass Battle. After the battle, the PCs
army wins, thanks to the Gate garrisons support. If the PCs won the duel earlier, losses
are light, however, if they declined or lost the duel, losses on both sides are severe (due
to a lack of morale). Either way, the PCs have been integral to the victory and are
rewarded well.
The Prize
The PCs are rewarded in several ways: first, as mentioned earlier, they can buy items in
the Gate city at a 10% discount. Second, they are known as heroes to the citizens of the
side they supported and receive a +1 bonus to their Charisma when dealing with them.
Finally, the general is impressed and offers a small amount of the booty taken from the
battlefield. The GM is free to hand out whatever wealth is appropriate for his campaign.
Legends
The Three Kingdoms period is a time of epic characters, both heroic and sadistic. It was a
time when legends were born that still exist today. The Chinese epic Romance of the
Three Kingdoms brings us many of these legends. What follows are a few of the many
legendary characters exploits. Use them to formulate how you want your hero to behave
and form what legends will be told about him.
Xiahou Duns Eye
One of Cao Caos star generals, Xiahou Dun the one-eyed, served Wei for over thirty years
and participated in nearly every major engagement with Cao Cao and his son Cao Pi.
Legend has it that during the Battle of Xiapi, Dun took an arrow to the eye. Unphased, he
removed the arrow and ate his own eyeball. The scene shocked everyone on the field of
battle and Xiahou Dun was able to kill the general who fired the arrow.
Battle of Changban
The Battle of Changban was famous for its legendary deeds. As Cao Cao advanced, Liu Bei
took the time and effort to relocate the citizens with him. The texts state that so
respected was Liu Bei, that the people would rather follow him into certain death then
work for another warlord. During this same fight, Zhao Yun rushed headlong back into the
enemy ranks to rescue Liu Beis infant son. He then strapped the lad to his chest and
fought his way out against hordes of enemies. Finally, Cao Caos troops were stopped cold
when they came across Zhang Fei standing alone on a bridge. Fei supposedly bellowed so
loud and brandished his sword with such menace that none dared approach and one
enemy general fell dead from dread. Once the two generals arrived home, Liu Bei tossed
his infant son to the ground and proclaimed that his own child was not worth the cost of
two of his best generals.
Gan Nings Night Raid
As Cao Cao invaded Wu with over 400,000 men, Gan Ning embarked with just one-
hundred cavalry and raided Cao Caos army with such ferocity that Cao Cao was forced to
sound a general retreat until morning. Gan Ning returned with each of his one-hundred
riders alive.
Zhuge Liangs Brilliance
Shus chief strategist was rumored to be the wisest man in the world. He was given credit
for several inventions of the time including; a repeating crossbow, the wheelbarrow, a
type of bread used for troops on the march, along with several scholarly works. He was
also given credit for his borrowing 100,000 arrows ruse in which the joint Wei / Wu
navy sailed vessels manned by straw soldiers along the Wei battle lines prompting
massive arrow fire. The arrows were then collected for use within their own army.
Guan Yus Conditions
Guan Yu was said to have complete loyalty to his blood brothers Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.
During the early years of fighting, Guan Yu was surrounded on a hill by Cao Caos forces.
When asked for his surrender, Yu famously announced three conditions to his surrender.
One, Liu Bei's spouses must not be harmed and must be well taken care of. Two, in name,
Guan Yu surrenders to the emperor and not Cao Cao. Three, Guan Yu is allowed to leave
and reunite with Liu Bei if one day he ever finds out the latter's whereabouts. Cao Cao
agreed to the terms and Guan Yu served for a few months under his command until he
learned of Liu Beis location.
Guan Yus Return
Once he learned of Liu Beis location, he made to leave Cao Caos service but unwilling to
part with the fierce general, Cao Cao would not grant him an audience. Frustrated, Yu
composed a letter and left on his own terms. Escorting Liu Beis wife, Yu made his way
toward Liu Bei. However, at each pass he was stopped by one of Cao Caos generals and
their men. Infuriated, Guan Yu killed each in turn, uncovering assassination plots and
ambushes one by one. By the time he reached Liu Bei, he had slain six of Cao Caos
generals who attempted to impede his journey.
Three Brothers
The three sworn brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei came together almost
haphazardly. After spending the day together and discussing how they wished to heal the
Savage Tale | 55
land from tyrants and rebels, the three swore brotherhood to one another under a peach
tree. The so called Oath of the Peach Garden is loosely translated as such; "We three; Liu
Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise
mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty. We will aid each other in
danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of
birth, but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, the all-
producing, read our hearts. If we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness, may
Heaven and Human smite us!"
Three Brothers Fight Lu Bu
Lu Bu was the most feared warrior in the land. After he rebelled against Dong Zhou and
set up his own fiefdom, Liu Bei and Cao Caos forces attempted to remove him from
power. However, Lu Bu struck down man after man until none dared to near him. Seeing
cowardice in the ranks, Zhang Fei galloped out and engaged Lu Bu. The two fought for
many bouts until Guan Yu rode out to his aid with Liu Bei not far behind. The three
brothers fought over a hundred bouts with the warlord until he tired and made his
escape. It was the first time Lu Bu had been beaten in hand-to-hand combat and
showcases both Lu Bus strength and the brothers loyalty to one another.
Epilogue
Zhang Lei watched the woman hed met all those many years ago sleep soundly in the bed
next to him. He thought of all their adventures together, how after several years their
friendship grew into much more, how she had taught him how to channel his inner energy
to become a formidable warrior, but most of all, he thought of the night they met.
Ci Maho knocked on his parents door with him standing obediently next to her. His
mother opened the door and looked from her to Lei. Yes, can I help you? Lei?
Maho bowed and put her arm around Leis shoulders in support. Good evening,
madam. I am Ci Maho. I found your son in the woods.
Leis mother looked stern and put her hands on her hips. Lei, what has gotten into you?
Get inside. Thank you for your-
You misunderstand me, madam. Your son, he is special. I wish to take him as my
apprentice and train him in my art.
Train him? A woman? Are you serious? Maho responded with only a slight smile and
a nod of her head. Fi, come here! the woman yelled over her shoulder. A man appeared
in the doorway with a large frame. Behind him Leis brothers came to investigate the late
disturbance as well. This woman wants to take Lei to train him. Leis father let out a
bellow of laughter, joined also by his brothers.
Listen to her, mother! Lei yelled.
The laughter subsided and Leis father grew angry. You show respect to your mother,
Lei. Lei lost all his courage and lowered his gaze. Lei get in the house. Be gone woman.
Maho held tight to Leis shoulder with her hand. Let us make a wager. She took out a
small, silk, yellow scarf from her pocket and raised it above her head. This is the quarry.
She then reached into a second pocket and took out a large pouch which jingled with coin.
This is the stake. If any of your family can take the ribbon from me before yielding, I will
go my way and give you this bag of gold as payment. However, if you yield while I still have
the ribbon, then I will take the boy with me to train.
What nonesense is this? Leis mother asked.

Not nonesense. A wager. Lei, do you agree to these terms? Lei raised his eyes and
nodded his agreement.
You wish to go with her? His mother asked.
I do, mother. He told her.
His mother looked to his father and the two whispered in hushed tones. A few seconds
later he bellowed, It is agreed. If any of my family can take the ribbon from you before
we yield, you will leave the purse and be on your way. However, if we cannot, Lei will
follow you, as he wishes.
Maho smiled and turned, walking to the middle of the yard. She smiled and dangled the
ribbon before her. Whenever you are ready. Leis father strolled out boldly and walked
over to remove the ribbon from Mahos hand. As he approached she deftly tucked the
ribbon to one side and weaved her hands in intricate arcs, never allowing Fi to take hold
of the ribbon. Annoyed, the man placed a hand on her shoulder to hold her still. Maho bent
slightly and Fi toppled over her shoulder to the ground. Maho skipped a few steps out of
his reach and kicked a cloud of dirt in his face for good measure. Must be faster than
that. She chided.
Boys, get her! Fi yelled.
Leis brothers came at her in a massive rush. Each was older then Lei, each bigger and
stronger from a youth of farmwork. The first barreled into her and she rolled with the
momentum to the ground, springing up and propelling him off into the brush with her
legs. The force of the push sent her to her feet and she met the next boy with a playful slap
across his face before sweeping his legs out from under him. Fi was there then, grabbing
at her arm and the ribbon. She shoved him backwards with a kick and turned her attention
to the next few brothers. The next she grabbed in a vicious headlock under one arm and
the one after she pushed to the ground with a free leg and held him there. The oldest had
gotten to his feet and rejoined the fray then, grabbing her arms behind her back. She
looked to Liu with a tiny smile on her lip as the youngest son, no more than ten rushed
toward her free hand holding the ribbon.
No! Lei yelled and ran out, tackling his young sibling before he could get there. Mahos
smile became a large grin and she fell to the ground, taking with her the boy in the
headlock and removing her arms from her rear assailant. On the ground she wrapped her
legs around the standing boy and dragged him down, rolling on top of him as she did. She
slapped him across the face as well and then stood and walked over to Lei.
Fi had straightened himself and he and his boys were preparing to rush the girl when
Leis mother yelled over the commotion, Stop! The men stopped and looked at her. You
truly wish to go with her? She asked Lei again. Lei nodded and took hold of Mahos hand.
His mother walked over and kissed him on the head. Then go. She then took the ribbon
slowly from Mahos hand and placed it around her sons arm. Take care of him.
I will. Maho said. They turned and walked off. Maho tossed the coin purse to Fi as she
passed. Lei felt the largest smile he had ever known take over his face as they left. It was
wide enough to cross the oceans with some to spare; certainly not average.
***
Savage Tale | 57
Ci Mahos eyes fluttered open and she looked up into the steely blue orbs of the man
Zhang Lei had become. More than she had ever anticipated, more then she had ever
hoped. Have you been watching me all night? she asked with a grin.
The bandits should be here soon, we should get ready. He told her.
We have time. She said softly. She took his hand and pulled him down to the bed,
enjoying his company one more time before they set off on yet another adventure.
The Three Kingdoms period of ancient China was born from the
decentralization of the Chinese government and the rise of regional warlords.
With the fall of the Han Dynasty, these warlords ruled their over their
provinces and battled for control of the land. After only three remained, the
three kingdoms of Wei, Wu and Shu were formed, but the battles did not end.
These new three kingdoms continued their quest for control of the lands until
only one remained, ushering in the next dynasty.
Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide is a detailed look at the kingdoms and warriors
of the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China. This period was a chaotic time
between the beginnings of the fall of the Han Dynasty to the rise of the Jin
Dynasty, roughly from 184 to 280 CE, commonly known as the Three
Kingdoms period. Step into the fray as the Kingdoms of Wei, Wu and Shu vie
for control of the lands.
Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide includes:
Historical equipment utilized during the Three Kingdoms period

A look at the three kingdoms
A listing of Chinese commanders and generals
A comprehensive timeline of battles during the Three Kingdoms period
New Character Options for making Chinese warriors
A Savage Tale
and more!
Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide is your source for building warriors like those
of history, or building the foundations of a historical or alternate history game
set during the Three Kingdoms period.

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Ultimate Three

Armor 12 Wei Rulers 20

Wu 23 Rank and Army Structure 29

Wu Rulers 23 Types of Units 29

Generals and Commanders 23 Archer 29

Ding Feng 24 Lancer / Cavalry Regular 29

Gan Ning 24 Spearman 29

Huang Gai 24 Swordsman 29

Ling Tong 24 Rank Structure 29

Animals 33 Huan Lam 50

Womens Roles 34 The Prize 53

Quick-use NPC Archtypes 49

Legacy of the Dragon

Lei. He stammered. Zhang Lei.

eunuchs. Once there, he discovers He Jins assassination and takes control of

Hand Weapons Crossbows

Dagger-axe additional training to perfect, the Jian was

Vehicles such, they were more commonly found in

Armor Lamellar Cuirass

Melee Weapons Table

Ranged Weapons Table

Barding Table (For Horses)

The Three Kingdoms

Generals and Commanders

Generals and Commanders

Generals and Commanders

Rank and Army Structure

Generals / Commanders Ranks

Grade 1 Kingdom Defense General: In

Grade 5 Honorary Titles

Religion and Values

Major Battles 204

200 BATTLE OF BOMA

211 BATTLE OF TONG PASS

229 BATTLE OF CHENCANG

CROSSBOWMAN / BOWMAN OFFICERS RETAINER

New Edges ELEPHANT TRUNK

Leadership Edges serve their master faithfully. From this

Quick-use NPC LANCER / CAVALRY REGULAR [VETERAN]

What nonesense is this? Leis mother asked.

Ultimate Three Kingdoms Guide includes:

Historical equipment utilized during the Three Kingdoms period

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