[Ruse]

I actually failed my night one action, because I was recruited. So i think me getting to rank 2 before you guys had to do with the timing of when the NA's were submitted

[Sukul Ankhadu]

Vote Telas

There you go.

[Path-Shaper]

(Day 7 half-day scene:)

Why have you played me false?" Liu Bei asked. "Lest you play me false, Imperial Uncle," Huang Zhong admitted at last, "I had to test you." Liu Bei then produced the secret edict. Dismay and indignation welled up in Huang Zhong as he read the Emperor's sacred words.

Next, Liu Bei handed him the loyalists' pledge bearing six signatures: Liu Bei, Imperial Uncle; Jian Yong, an official in the Ministry of Works; ________, commandant of the _____ command; ________, _____ counselor; ________, General of _______; and Ma Teng, governor of Xiliang. "Since the Emperor has charged you with the task of punishing the traitor," Huang Zhong said, "I commit myself to the cause and offer my fullest devotion." The two men continued talking until the fifth watch; then they parted.

To avoid arousing Yuan Shao's suspicions, Huang Zhong took to his back garden, planting and tending vegetables, keeping his purposes hidden. Wei Yan asked, "Brother, why have you lost interest in the great issues of the realm and given yourself to a commoner's toil?" "This is something you might not appreciate," responded Huang Zhong, and his brother did not ask again.



---

It is Day 7. 31 hours and 28 minutes remaining
8 Players still alive: Galayn Lord, Meanas, Omtose, Ruse, Spite, Sukul Ankhadu, Telas, Tulas Shorn

5 votes to lynch, 4 votes to go to night.

5 Votes for Telas ( Ruse, Meanas, Galayn Lord, Spite, Sukul Ankhadu )
1 Vote for Ruse ( Omtose )
1 Vote for Sukul Ankhadu ( Telas )

---

While Ma Teng was in the capital, Luo Yang, Ma Chao remained in charge of the Xiliang forces. Initially there were several skirmishes with the nearby forces of Zhang Ji from Chang'an, so both commanders lead their own armies to meet at An Ding. Zhang Ji presented many gifts to Ma Chao, and Chao saw the wisdom of a truce. The two armies settled their camps around the city and feasted each other every day. Once Zhang Ji retired drunk and discreetly asked his chamber attendants if there were any courtesans in the town. Zhang Ji's nephew Xiu whispered obligingly that he had noticed a rare beauty the day before. On Zhang Ji's orders Xiu took fifty armed guards and brought her back. She proved as attractive as Zhang Ji had anticipated. "To have met you today," Zhang Ji pronounced, "is a blessing from Heaven. I would like you to share my mat and pillow this evening and then accompany me back to Chang'an where you will enjoy luxury in tranquility. What is your answer?" Unknown to the Zhangs, however, this beauty was Ma Chao's sister, Ma Yunlu.

When Ma Chao learned of this development, he was infuriated and silently vowed vengeance upon Zhang Ji. The following day, he went to Zhang Ji's tent and said, "Many of my troops have run away. I request permission to station my men inside your camp lest more flee." Ji approved, and Chao moved into the encampment, divided his forces into four groups, and passed secret orders amongst his men. Ma Chao hosted Zhang Ji at that evening's banquet, entertained him attentively, and sent him home late and drunk. During the banquet, Ma Chao's cousin Ma Dai had slipped into the camp and stolen the weapons from Zhang Ji's tent.

Later that night, while Zhang Ji and Ma Yunlu were carousing, Ji heard voices and the sound of restless horses. He sent a guard outside who reported that Ma Chao's men were making night rounds. Zhang Ji suspected nothing. Toward the second watch there was an outcry: a cartload of hay had caught fire. "It's only an accident!" Zhang Ji shouted. "Don't panic!" Moments later fire broke out on all sides. Ma Chao's men were at the front gate, mounted and brandishing lances. Grabbing a sword from a nearby soldier as the enemy poured in, Zhang Ji advanced and cut down twenty men. The horsemen drew back, but the foot soldiers came forward. On either side spears poked up like reeds. Armorless, Zhang Ji fought on valiantly, taking scores of cuts. Then his sword cracked and he threw it aside. He picked up two of the enemy bodily and wielded them as weapons, felling eight or nine. Ma Chao's soldiers kept their distance and shot at him, but Zhang Ji fought on despite the pelting arrows. Another group of soldiers burst in from behind and speared him through the back. Three or four howls broke from Zhang Ji's lips. Then he expired, his blood soaking the ground where he fell. Even after he was dead, no one dared pass his corpse into the main tent.

Telas (Baudin) is dead. He was the Warlord Zhang Ji.

This post has been edited by Path-Shaper: 19 April 2010 - 01:40 AM

[Path-Shaper]

One day when Wei Yan was away and Huang Zhong, now Imperial Protector of Jing, was watering his plants, two of Shao's generals, Yan Liang and Chunyu Qiong, led a score of men into the garden, summoning the Imperial Protector to the garden of the Prime Minister. There, a smiling Yuan Shao greeted Huang Zhong. "That's quite a project you have under way at home," Yuan Shao said in a tone that turned Huang Zhong's face pale as dust. Taking Huang Zhong's hand, Shao led hm to his own garden. "You have taken up a most difficult occupation in horticulture," Shao continued. "Just to while away the time," Zhong answered, relieved. "There is nothing else to occupy me."

Entering the garden, Huang Zhong was met by Zhang Xiu, who recently took over his uncle Zhang Ji's forces, but with pardon from the throne for Ji's atrocities. Xiu had just recently been promoted to Imperial Inspector of Yongzhou. "I was admiring the plums on the branch," the Shao remarked, "and having some wine just heated, I decided to invite Your Lordships for a drink at this little pavilion." Regaining possession of himself, Huang Zhong went along with Yuan Shao and Zhang Xiu. Delicacies had already been set out: a plate piled with new green plums and a jar brimming with warmed wine. Sitting opposite one another, the three men drank freely and enjoyed themselves without constraint.

The wine had enlivened their spirits when dark clouds appeared and overspread the heavens: a flash storm was threatening. An attendant pointed to what seemed like a distant dragon suspend on the horizon. The three men leaned against the balcony and watched it.

Yuan Shao turned to his guests and asked, "Do my lords understand the dragon's multiform manifestations?"

"Not in great detail," Huang Zhong replied.

"The dragon," Yuan Shao continued, "can enlarge and diminish itself, surge aloft or lie beneath the surface of the water. Enlarged, it creates clouds and spews mist. Diminished, it can veil its scaly form from view. Aloft, it prances triumphant in the upper realm of space. Under the surface, it lurks among the surging breakers. Now in the fullness of spring it mounts the season, like men who would fulfill an ambition to dominate the length and breadth of the land. In this respect the dragon can well be compared to the heroes of the age. You gentlemen have traveled widely and surely must be familiar with the great heroes of recent years. Please try and point them out for me."

"How can these eyes of mine sight heroes?" Zhang Xiu said. "Set your modesty aside," Shao urged. "Thanks to Your Excellency's gracious benefaction," Huang Zhong responded, "We each have succeeded in serving the dynasty. But as for the heroes of the realm, such things are more than we would know of." "Even if you do not know any personally," the Prime Minister persisted, "you should at least have heard of some."

"Liu Yao of Jianye?" Huang Zhong ventured. "His warriors are first rate, his provisions abundant. Would he be one?" "Dry bones," Shao laughed, "rattling in the grave. Sooner or later I will have him."

"Yuan Shu, then," Zhang Xiu suggested. "For four generations the Yuans held highest office and many officials served under them. Shu protected the Emperor, but also had a firm grip on Huainan, where he was supported by capable men. Would you count him?" "His expression was fierce enough," Shao said. "But his courage was thin. He enjoyed conniving but lacked decision. He played for high stakes but begrudged personal sacrifice, spotted a minor gain and risked his life. No hero he!"

Huang Zhong asked, "And how would you rate Liu Biao, a paragon whose reputation still stretches across the realm?" "Liu Biao?" Shao answered. "A name without substance, and no hero either."

"There is Sun Ce," Zhang Xiu suggested. "In his prime, he had the potential to sweep across the entire Southland." "Sun Ce," Shao replied, "stood on his father's reputation. He's no hero."

"Though he wandered with no lord or army, Lu Bu was still a fearless warrior who could ride a thousand li in a single day and slaughter a dozen men before dismounting. No man will ever match his prowess, what greater hero could there be?" The Prime Minister laughed "Lu Bu may be a great warrior, but it availed him naught in ruling the people and it was only a matter of time before his wanderings got him poisoned or strangled by the many he offended. One cannot call such a life heroic!"

"Cao Cao had many fine officers and administered Chen Liu with a strict and efficient government." "Cao Cao was prone to fits of anger, executing his officers and repenting later. Even if I had not conquered him, his followers would not have borne his temper much longer." came the reply.

"Fan Chou took over the armies of the fallen villains Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and Guo Si and none dared match his strength," Huang Zhong said, "surely he is a hero." "What Fan Chou had in numbers he lost in poor strategy and his indulgences to women and wine." was the Prime Minister's response.

"Zhang Lu administrated the dangerous region of Hanzhong for years and mastered many of the mystical arts of the great Taoist sages, surely he was a formidable hero!" proclaimed Zhang Xiu. "His administration was corrupt and his mystic arts were mere illusions," was the reply.

"Liu Bei is an imperial uncle and a benevolent leader to all his officers and people. When displaced, entire towns gave up their livelihood to follow him to his next settlement. How can such exemplary virtue not be worthy of the title of hero?" "Liu Bei is no hero," Shao declared. "He owns no land, holds no title and is disrespected by the lords across the realm. The people follow him only to their own demise."

"There is Dong Cheng," Huang Zhong put in, "he is a noble man, of the Empress' lineage and serves the realm with virtue and justice." "Dong Cheng appears noble but will use dishonourable means to satisfy his own ambition," was the reply, "surely you would not consider such a man a hero!"

"Yan Baihu's fleet knew no equal across the entire Great River," suggested Zhang Xiu. "To clash with him upon the water was to lose. Would he be a hero?" "Yan Baihu had many ships, but not the will to hold them," was the Prime Minister's reply. "He was replaced as easily as a knife splits bamboo and the fleet is now in Liu Yao's hands."

"Liu Zhang," Huang Zhong said, "perhaps he could be considered." "Though connected to the royal house," Yuan Shao said, "he was nothing but a watchdog by the gate and hardly deserves the name of hero."

"Then," Zhang Xiu continued, "what about the great generals Yang Feng, Han Sui and Ma Teng of the west, the Gongsuns Zan and Du of the far north, and Wang Lang of the south-east?" "Or," added Huang Zhong, "the Imperial-appointed Governors Tao Qian, Kong Rong, Liu Dai, Jin Xuan, Zhao Fan, Lu Kang and Liu Du? Each of these men has ample land, valiant officers and could raise an army at a moment's notice." Yuan Shao clapped his hands and laughed. "Petty mediocrities,"he said, "beneath our notice."

"Truly," said Huang Zhong, "I can think of no one else." Zhang Xiu agreed.

"Now," the Prime Minister went on, "what defines a hero is this: a determination to conquer, a mine of marvelous schemes, an ability to encompass the realm, and the will to make it his."

"Who merits such a description?" asked the two lords.

Shao pointed first to Huang Zhong, then to Zhang Xiu, then to himself. "The heroes of the present day," he said, "number but three - and they are each at this very table."

---

Yuan Shao's faction has dominated Han China and won the game!

Gem, Gwynn, Bubba and PB win, with assistance from The Dude. Mentalist and Shinrei get special mention for surviving!

The Three Kings will be: Yuan Shao, Zhang Xiu and Huang Zhong

This post has been edited by Path-Shaper: 20 February 2010 - 04:31 PM

[Omtose]

I can has recruit, plz?

[Omtose]

le BOOO! sigh

[Sukul Ankhadu]

I had a deal with D'rek that I wanted to recruit everybody left, so I imagine everyone left now wins with me, at least that's how I see it.

This post has been edited by Sukul Ankhadu: 20 February 2010 - 03:55 AM

[HoosierDaddy]

Finish Him!

Lu Boba Fett wins!

[Omtose]

bah. YOu should've re-recruited me as soon as I revealed that I was stolen away from you.

btw, Did I read spoilers accurately? was I at negative 2 power level for most of the game?

[Path-Shaper]

Sukul Ankhadu, on 20 February 2010 - 03:55 AM, said:

I had a deal with D'rek that I wanted to recruit everybody left, so I imagine everyone left now wins with me, at least that's how I see it.

I figured I wouldn't make any statements about who gets the W and let D'rek decide. Personally I wouldn't allow the 'all survivors win' thing, but it's not my place to make that call.

Sir Thursday

[Path-Shaper]

Omtose, on 20 February 2010 - 04:06 AM, said:

bah. YOu should've re-recruited me as soon as I revealed that I was stolen away from you.

btw, Did I read spoilers accurately? was I at negative 2 power level for most of the game?

Nah, the lowest power level is Level 1. There were no negatives in this game.

[Sukul Ankhadu]

No, she said that I could post a plan for who to recruit and who to lynch, and then me and my subs would agree on the plan, and then she'd resolve the win from that plan.

[Meanas]

AFA i see it, all remaining players win due to recruitment.

Good game! Will read spoilers later

[Sukul Ankhadu]

Yeah, good game everyone! Special thank goes to my sub Meanas, who really served me well.

Also, this game might have finished sooner if I hadn't messed up the first night action by missing to send in one. Yeah, that's me for you.

This post has been edited by Sukul Ankhadu: 20 February 2010 - 04:23 AM

[Meanas]

Well I hated you so much for recruiting me but decided after a while to make the best of it.

[Sukul Ankhadu]

Meanas, on 20 February 2010 - 04:24 AM, said:

Well I hated you so much for recruiting me but decided after a while to make the best of it.

Actually I had decided to recruit you pretty much from the start, I knew you would do a good job.

[Meanas]

I'm going to take that as a compliment! But why did you make me offensive?!

[Sukul Ankhadu]

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Yeah, I dunno.

This post has been edited by Sukul Ankhadu: 20 February 2010 - 04:40 AM

[Gwynn ap Nudd]

All in all that was a great game, well done by PB on steering the lynches. I may have to start a list now, beginning with the Dude.

Much thanks to Drek, as the set up was a great idea and worked well, even if I did manage to pick it out on day one.

[Tulas Shorn]

Good game people. Too bad I couldn't seem to wrap my thinky meatz around a brilliant plan to become Jet Li and be the coolest kung fu star ever.