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Post by Liu Bei on May 30, 2006 0:14:32 GMT -5
The dome of a man, a dragon, a Kingdom like none other. A large field of Stone sits behind the vast, extravagant walls and gates around the the large palace. Each stone, or rather brick was placed carefully around its fellow brothers, providing a flat plain for housing of the entire court, troops or other matters that lord Liu Bei would tend to. Eventually the brick rises up, rising to the sun, moving to a new plain, one in the heavens. A large, lavish compound exists on top of the plain, the first thing any will see is two guard houses, in between them is a huge building that none can compare to. Two incredibly large doors open to a world of pride, honor and luxury. The throne..
When entering the throne room, make sure to stand 100 paces away from the seat of power at all times. Or you will most likely not be accepted into my armies.
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Post by Liu Bei on Jun 3, 2006 13:59:36 GMT -5
((Note, no one is allowed to RP officially yet, I'm just starting stuff for the plot..))
The Mandate From the Heavens, Shu's Campaign, Liu's Campaign Against His Fading Empire's Image.
The lavish ruler sat high upon his perch, looking on with his officers and officials as the court was held, voices a hollering and men a chanting, it was quite fiery today. Today the courts would try to tilt the tide on a very large issue, the fate of this Kingdom, and whether truly they were up to battle, yet again. Dignified men shouted and angered others, some came close to blows, yet loyal servants of Xuande stood by, their armor fierce and their weapons sharp. The grand Liu's eyes plead with many, signaling his thoughts, his own pressing issues with this unfortunate issue. What would he do, he could only ask himself. Would could he do with the ongoing strength of Cao Cao, who seeks to break the bounds that have held him in Xiang Yang. And further more, his suspected friend, that of Sun Jian, living in Jian Ye, preparing a certain onslaught for Chu. His lands were as precious as that of the northern Chang An. Jing was to be a blood bath, all saw this clearly. The only way to act, was to truly act and tip over the scale, pushing his foes back. Yet with who, and with what drive? His kingdom lacked a drive, the other's didn't. Xuande tussled with the thoughts, reviewing ideas, plans and outlooks that rarely suited his situation.. A figure slipped during the messy court, going unnoticed as guards broke a near raging official, who'd just swatted a fellow man. Bei saw the man, noting his colors, noting the man next to him. And with that, the King stood up in all of his glory, his simple yet lavish robes shuffling with him, appearing above all. He but gathered alls attention within the moment he stood, his voice became demanding, fierce, as though he was brining a new issue to the table. The man to his side left him, going for the doors, looking for the man who'd entered..
"You fight like mere children, in a man's court! Shame upon those that seek to run for the hills and with draw our borders. Shame to those who think allying with the east will but keep this Kingdom alive. What did we do, far back when we were but roots in Yi, and Jing?! We struck out, took the world and our enemies by surprise. A Conqueror is always a Conqueror, know this, take it to heart, as we are all Conquerors, we are all men of chosen light, of the heavens, of the holy Han! Come with me, to our borders where we will push the enemy back! No longer will we give our enemy a chance to keep us down, the only way out of this wasting future is to take hold of the reigns and push on. We are no beat horse, but the grandest upon the land. Whether our borders realize it or not does not matter. They will learn in time!"
Liu Bei draws one of his swords as he finishes, striking the air as he goes about, his courts bursting into an uproar of cheers. They'd follow their lord to the end of life, to the end of the tunnel, whether hell or heaven awaited them. His eyes flashed for the crowd, looking to his officer, Shibo, famed Devil of the Jiang. He spoke with the man from the north, both men with a slight sneer about them. They left shortly, heading for Chang An..
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Páng Tǒng
Soldier
Grand Commander, and Prefect of Ba, ~Sh?yu?n~
Posts: 293
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Post by Páng Tǒng on Jun 4, 2006 11:16:52 GMT -5
((Meh, others are doing their intro's, so why not meh???))
As Liu Bei and Shibo, both powerful men in China at the time, began to leave, a single man was heard clapping. *Clap Clap Clap* In a slow, rythmic fashion.
The man clapping was of a different breed than Shibo, and Liu Bei both. Both were there to strive for excellence, with their proffered fields of expertise; Shibo, with his sword, cleaving men asunder for Liu Bei, and Xuande, Yuan-te, and Liu Bei, all the same man, all the same name, preffered his tongue, and his charisma.
The man, a hermit-esque being, stood against a pillar, in the main walkway, clapping. Wrapped in his clasping arms was a staff, a gnarled green hulk of wood, meant for nothing more than bashing the skulls of people in. It held a magnificent red jewel at the top, a large orb, solid, and strong. At his hip, stood a sword, whos hilt formed intoa phoenix at the bottom, and one could only guess who this man was.
Stopping his clapping, and pushing himself with some effort from the wall, the lanky, man walked toward Liu Bei and Shibo. He had on multitudes of Robes, and upon his head, the strangest of hats. It was almost a sombrero type cap, but it was flat brimmed, instead of the upward curve of the traditional mexican attire.
Hanging from the hat was cloth, covering the sides of his head, and placed over all but his eyes and lower forehead, was cloth. A disguised man indeed.
Coming within 10 feet of Liu Bei, he stopped, and saluted, in traditional military manner, and then spoke.
So... The Virtuous Leader. I can see now why they call you that. Your a lot of talk mister.
Hey, how about, I join up with you guys? I mean, whats the worst that could happen?
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Post by Zhang Song on Jun 6, 2006 22:17:23 GMT -5
Zhang Song dismounted his steed and approched the seat of power where Lord Liu Bei was, once he was 110 feet away from the seat of power, he kneeled before Liu Bei, bowing his head low to the ground, his body shook slightly from how neverous he was, and his voice also reflected his neverous state as he spoke slowly and quietly
My Lord, you know me by name, but not by face, i am the stragiest known as Zhang Song, and after my long abesence, i have decided to bring my services to you, i hope you accept me into your ranks, i promise i will not fail you
As he finshed his speech, Zhang Song looked up, hoping to get a glimsp of Liu Bei's face to see what it would say
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Post by Huang Zhong on Jun 7, 2006 3:32:33 GMT -5
*As he approaches the large doors that lead into the magnificent throne room, Huang Zhong is deeply in thoughts. Many stories of this Virtuous Leader were doing their rounds through the city. But not alone the city, it was everywhere in Jing! Huang Zhong would not even be afraid to say even the people living under the rule of the other kingdoms have heard of this virtuous man and, maybe, even be praying the heavens to send this man to liberate them from the cruel and evil dictators that have been ruling their lives nowadays. But could it all be true? Could it not have been all propaganda, spread through the land by Liu Bei and his Ministers? Soon, Huang Zhong was going to find out about that. Cause even though he wasn't absolutely sure about this Liu Bei's intentions, something in his heart told him he was to serve Liu Bei. And, as the good man he is, he follows his heart and not his mind.*
*Standing in front of the large doors, which are still closed, clapping can be heard coming from within the throne room. There was nothing to think about now, anymore. Decisive, Huang Zhong steps forth and pushes open the large doors, that lead into the luxurious throne room. Here he sees many men, all looking at that one person in the back of the room, near the throne, probably the one called Liu Bei. When the room is calmed down, still one person can be heard clapping. Huang Zhong mangles among the officials in the throne room, to watch the happening here today, and await his chance to present himself to lord Liu Bei.*
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Post by Liu Bei on Jun 9, 2006 7:22:46 GMT -5
Liu Bei laughs at the attempt, holding his arm up slightly, keeping Pang Tong alive enough so he may enlist. His eyes wonder, looking to those around him, meeting eye to eye with officials, who plead for his acceptance of the two men. He speaks to Pang Tong, his voice commanding. He speaks as though he is familiar with Zhang Song.
"Few men, other then my brothers have ever been within ten feet of this throne. Consider yourself lucky, as your body is still breathing and working. I've heard of words about you from travelers before, it is good to know you are a man of strong repute, welcome to Shu.."
"Zhang Song, I am most familiar with your name, myself. Yi fell because of your struggles, I commend you for this! I have but a million mistakes, and you have an answer for everyone of them, by the heavens, I thank you for appearing upon my steps in this most righteous day."
Yet, the glimmer of another man's eyes brings attention the Xuande, as he scanned, looking for the man that troubled his mind. He met eye to eye with this warrior, never seeing the officials around him, only seeing his figure upon the court's floor. He points the man out, knowing of who he is from the earlier days..
"You, old man! You have a warriors eyes, and a seasoned fighter's beard. Come, will you join the Rising Dragon, in my forever lasting struggle to the Heavens, and unification?"
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Post by Zhang Song on Jun 9, 2006 9:01:14 GMT -5
Zhang Song was relieved that Liu Bei had accepted him into service, his face showed it as well, he bowed low to the ground, then slowly stood up, he cleared his throat and brought his arms together, sliding his hands into his slevees, looking up at Xuande on the throne
"I Thank you for accepting what humble services i have to offer. i know i am in no postion to make requests, but my friend and fellow stragiest Fa Zheng is also in the captial, i believe that he should be arriving shortly, i ask you allow him into service as well, he is twice the stragiest that i am[/b]
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Post by Huang Zhong on Jun 9, 2006 9:05:08 GMT -5
*Startled by the mighty talent of this Liu Bei to pick him out of the crowd he is standing in, Huang Zhong begins to sweat, though no-one is able to see that. Without saying a word, he begins to walk forward, the officials moving out of the way, feeling they shouldn't stand in the way of this veteran. As he finally reaches the position that lines him up exactly one hundred feet away from the man on the throne, he stops moving. He makes a deep bow, still not having said a word, as he is desperately trying to buy time to think of the appropriate thing to say to this powerful man. Then, as he raises from his bow, he looks to wards the throne and again sees Liu Bei directly in the eyes, just like the leader did when picking him out of the crowd. And instead of acting humble and polite, Huang Zhong keeps staring back at him.*
"I would be honored to even carry your banner, my lord."
*As his sentence ends, he realizes he has not even told anyone his own name. He bows his head to Liu Bei, showing his respect to the man, giving him enough time to think of what to say next.*
"I, Huang Zhong, though in my later days, will still be as valuable, if not more valuable, as any other young man who enlists himself into your service. My life belongs to you, oh, First Ruler."
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Fa Zheng
Captain
Did you know you're on Close-Circuit TV? So smile at me.
Posts: 334
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Post by Fa Zheng on Jun 9, 2006 9:48:25 GMT -5
Even as his own case was being graciously forwarded by Lord Zhang Song, the man who had entered the city with such trepidation was now stepping into the audience chamber. Having remained in the city for a time, simply acquainting himself with the streets of Chang Sha after parting with Zhang Song, the strategist had heard of Lord Pang Tong's approach to Liu Bei. Having deduced that the Shu lord was now accepting visitors in regard to further employment, Zheng had opted to swallow his nerves, put aside any feelings and thoughts of the past, and make his way to the palace. The guards at the entrance had taken his twin blades to look after, and having been impressed by their courteous manner, Zheng had left Shao Jiang back at the entrance and made his way into the palace, alone. Now, as he stepped up to the large doorway, looking into the extravagant and impressively ornate room beyond, Fa Zheng listened to his friend's words, closing his eyes slightly and feeling a minute smile flicker across his face. He had been struggling to be his usual reserved, contained self, but now that his comrade was present, it became that much easier to keep a strangehold on his emotion, and so he stepped inside just as Zhang Song finished, speaking in his distinctly soft tone.
"You overestimate me, my friend- should I be of twice your ability, I should almost certainly reside in the heavens, not here, in a time of such strife."
He bowed to his friend, green and white robes draping off his slight frame loosely, and then turned to Liu Bei, who was busy greeting the others in the room. Zheng recognised several faces, including the generals Huang Zhong and Pang Tong, who had both partaken in the assault on Cheng Du. Indeed, the young strategist had seen them both there, though they might not remember him. Zheng bowed deeply to Liu Bei, and then walked to stand by his friend Zhang Song, placing his hands in his sleeves as his comrade did so. He waited for other to finish speaking before he injected his own greeting into the conversation.
"Lord Liu Bei. It is an honour. I must first apologise for my tardiness, it has been long since I have been in service, and I have been persuaded here by Lord Zhang Song. I have followed him here as a man of worth, and now, here I stand before you."
He stepped to the side slightly, his half-lidded eyes and relaxed face making him seem as though he was perfectly at ease, though his heartbeat was still fairly rapid in the presence of the Shu lord. He had last seen Liu Bei in the raging fires of Cheng Du, as Liu Zhang's forces had been cut off by a mere sideswipe of the mighty Shu army's blade. Fa Zheng might have fled into exile then, but he would do no such thing now. Though his strategies had not necessarily been heeded by Liu Zhang, Liu Bei was a different liege, in a different time- Zheng had to have confidence that the Shu lord would be markedly different to his western kinsman.
"I last saw your face in the inferno that was Cheng Du, Lord Liu Bei. You conducted your forces very capably then, and though I declined the initial invitation, I now regret this. In the short term, I could not trust myself to be my usual rational self, hence my descent into military exile, apart from my peers. But now, having had time to reassess my goals, I have come to realise that which is most vital."
He paused for a moment, reflecting on how he might phrase his words, and then carried on, gesticulating slightly more than he had been.
"The difference between a city and a village is vast, and yet so small. In terms of social structure, yes, they wildly differ. But in regard to goals and aspirations, the two are surprisingly intertwined. In my sabbatical from military service, I came to realise that I should not bear any resentment towards your Lordship, as you were merely acting on behalf of those who could not. After all, personal glory must pale in comparison to the needs of the people, if a state is to succeed, I am sure that you will agree. And...this is why I arrive here, today. Though I would understand should you wish me to leave, owing to my past military actions against you, I do wish to seek employment under you. I believe that my talents might perhaps shine under the banner of the Shu forces, spearheading the will of those who cannot defend themselves."
It was probably the biggest speech that the usually so conservative Zheng would make. He stood back and bowed again, awaiting the response that would decide his fate, whether good, or fatal.
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Post by Liu Bei on Jun 9, 2006 12:28:40 GMT -5
Liu Bei casually nods to Zhang Song, already eying the next two guests. One he vaguely remembers in his travels, and another, Shibo, of his famed elite. He looks to both men, silently nodding to each, knowing why they were here. But then, as though for an eternity the Shu lord meets eyes yet again with the older man, a tiger of a man with eyes of fire and rage. Xuande forcefully blinks and then looks back to the man, choosing his words ever so carefully..
"Though I am not old, I have lived with the old.. I have seen these old fields, and spilt old blood upon them, with my own to swords... If there is one thing that I've learned in my life, it is to respect ones elders, as no matter whether they are friend or foe, they will always pass on their knowledge to you.. Huang Zhong, I announce you Grand Tiger of Shu, and in so, I ask you to please pass on your knowledge, in the ever so long years, to those of Wei, Wu and Zen, upon a battlefield of war.."
Fa Zheng appears now, speaking too many words for the situation. He layed everything out upon the table, giving Xuande many choices, something that'd confuse any two bit King. Liu Bei chuckled within his throat, noting that Liu Zhang would truly be a two bit man, and at most a one bit king.. Quelling his intrigues upon his older enemy, he looked up to Fa Zheng, again choosing his words carefully, the court again shut their mouths, wanting to here what their lord would say..
"..I am a man of second chances. From Bei Hai, to northern Jing, to what we have today.. I will forever look back upon this day and note this was my second chance of ruling a Kingdom. However, I will also note it will be my final chance as well. Today it is your turn, and tomorrow, after you've woken from a bed in this palace, you will be living within the same chance, the same turn.. I will not hand out a third chance, no matter how valuable an officer may be. If you are to join, then you are to sign a will of trust, with the same blood that runs through your veins."
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Fa Zheng
Captain
Did you know you're on Close-Circuit TV? So smile at me.
Posts: 334
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Post by Fa Zheng on Jun 9, 2006 12:38:05 GMT -5
Zheng nodded and smiled slightly. It was a good answer, and one fit for a leader with appropriate qualities and judgement. He had not been overawed in the slightest by repute, and instead had focused on the aspect of loyalty, always so crucial, an integral part of running a successful kingdom. Liu Bei was certainly displaying all of the right signs. Fa Zheng decided to keep it short, and to the point.
"You speak well, my Lord. I can assure you that no third chance will be necessary. Allow my strategies to guide you to the seat of prominence that shall assuredly await you. I shall gladly sign this a treaty binding me to the kingdom- hopefully it shall be the only blood of mine that need be spilt."
He bowed slightly once again, seeming almost half asleep, such was the relaxed look upon his face. But he had been carefully monitoring the reactions the entire time, and guaging a possible response- one which had been most favorable to him.
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Páng Tǒng
Soldier
Grand Commander, and Prefect of Ba, ~Sh?yu?n~
Posts: 293
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Post by Páng Tǒng on Jun 9, 2006 18:57:33 GMT -5
Pang Tong nodded. He knew that Liu Bei remembered him. He had no choice. He was indeed, a great, conceited man.
Tipping his hat, but just barely, Pang Tong kicked the walking stick that he had, which doubled as his staff, into the air. It swung in his hand, and landed on his should. Walking, without the limp he normally acquainted with himself, Pang Tong stopped 20 feet away from Xuande.
So... The Virtuous Ruler accepts me, eh? Well, who said I accept the Virtuous Ruler? Bah... It'll be my job to keep this place running.... Or at least the parts he doesn't...
Liu Bei, know this. With me, and our friends here, Shu will rise above. Someone has to quell the chaos..... *Sigh* Might as well be me...
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Post by Huang Zhong on Jun 10, 2006 5:23:25 GMT -5
*Hearing such respectful words coming from the First Ruler's mouth, Huang Zhong bows deeply once again, not exactly knowing what to say. Usually the men younger then him would be disrespectful to him and laugh about his old age. But just like a good ruler, Liu Bei looked further then age and somehow knew the abilities of Huang Zhong. As he raises from his bow, he looks at Liu Bei, who is able to see Huang Zhong is very satisfied by his acceptance into the Shu Forces.*
"I thank you, lord Liu Bei, for such praise. I promise you I will not let your trust be in vain. In your name, many rebels will be destroyed, my lord. Everything so the Han may rise into the skies again."
*This said, Huang Zhong bows once more, signaling his leaving of the throne room. He was no officials, no scholar who could hang around the palace and throne room all day to discuss all kinds of affairs. But before he turns around and leaves to exit the throne room, he looks at his new lord.*
"Please excuse me, a throne room is not a place for a warrior. Good day, my lord."
*He turns around and leaves the throne room, walking past the many men watching him. Who knows what their thoughts would be about him? What could he possibly care? He was accepted by the great Liu Bei, and he would have to do something really stupid if he still wanted to mess up this trust in him. Now it was time to get some daily training. Or else the muscles would get rusty.*
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Guan Yu
Captain
Guan Yu of Shu
Posts: 381
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Post by Guan Yu on Jun 12, 2006 13:03:09 GMT -5
The big moment
Guan Yu had been allowed entry, god knows why, he didn't talk to the guards which much respect, yet he didn't think.... Now he was in the Palace, wondering which way to go, he was beggining to get nervous, yet he knew the worse thing that can happen to him wasn't so bad, so he calmed down and breathed heavily. He calmly walked around the Palace, looking for the Throne room, so he could confront his brother once more. He saw a couple of officials talking, so he asked then, he was given directions and he reached the throne room door, he took a deep breath, gulped, and entered. When he entered, his eyes caught Liu Bei's, he was making sure he took the officials advice, and stayed very far away, further than 100 paces no doubt, he then cleared his thought and spoke, once again in a loud, deep voice.
[Guan Yu] "My brother... No, Lord Liu Bei! I have come here to ask for you to allow me into your service, so I can fight for the banner of Shu, and for the Han, I am willing to do whatever is required of me, my life belongs to you, so long as you accept my plea."
He then awaited his answer, while bowing his head so low that his arms were above his neck level.
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Post by Liu Bei on Jun 12, 2006 14:00:22 GMT -5
Liu Bei was surprised his most loyal vassal would question his services in this own army. With a deep chuckle Liu Bei gazed upon the faces of all, and then looked back to his brother, a fire in both mens' eyes.
"Brother, you've always been here. I tell you, it has been too long since I've last seen you. Come closer, there is no distance between us.. you must know this."
"Yet, we do not have time for pleasantries. Shu, loyal sons of this Kingdom, of the Han! We take back what was taketh from us long ago. We rise again in our glory, so that we keep another kingdom in check! They meet in Xu Chang, a spy has told me, and they will wage over war and peace. When they are in the middle of it, we will strike back for the homeland, Jiang Xia! Our first capital, our grandest land will once again be ours! Our military might will seize that while Wu prepares for Wei. We will surround them in a full scale assault and take the city back. The gates themselves will open, as the people have told me they would do so. We must wait, but we will prepare our armies and make our way to Jiang Ling soon! For glory!"
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