Jing Li

"Essence of Strength"

Fiction

Before Battle

"We have done well, thus far." Li looked around at the soldiers assembled. They were there to listen to him, and to spread the words he gave. His horse, like their's, was bred for war and none balked at the sounds of soldiers preparing for the morrow's battle. A slight breeze moved some of the banners. Campfires were starting for the evening. Many soldiers felt this might be their last meal and ate like it.

"Xiang, your riders have proven their use yet again. I feel we are better positioned because of the information you provided. Thank you." Li was sincere in his tone and clear in his intent. Those who worked hard were recognized. Going in to the battle they knew his eyes would be on them. Surviving the battle meant he would reward them accordingly.

"Jun, Cao, remember that Chang is a good leader. Follow his advice and we will all survive tomorrow."

"Chang, you have been given the bulk of the troops. Lead them well. We are out numbered but more flexible. Let them expect us to play their game. We have changed the game and already won!"

"Any questions?" Li looked around. He would have been surprised if there were questions. Not that the others were afraid to ask, but they had been planning this battle and working together for some time now. Each man knew the other's parts. Each of them could probably recite the plan batter than Li himself. Of that he was proud.

"See to your men, my friends. Tomorrow will be a glorious day for us!"

A Quiet Tent

Jing Li finally handed over his brushes and the scroll he was practicing on. His penmanship would never earn a job as a courtier but he practiced phrases from the great general each night. Not only did it improve his writing but his thinking. Li had studied the general's discourse on war as his path to success for the family. They were numerous, if not affluent. Jing Li was determined to help them along as he himself progressed.

"Yes, uncle." Nuo said as she cleaned his ink brushes. "I will make sure they are dry and well packed for the trip. Are we going far?"

"A very good question, niece." Li took his responsibilities as a commander to heart and even his nephews and nieces were not spared tasks and the responsibility to think on their feet. "We will be going far. I am not sure you will return to the city before it is time to return home. We will be on the move as much as we can and should pack accordingly."

"Qiang, you polished my armor nicely." Li opened the storage bag as he talked. "But I want to show you something new. Because we need to be ready quickly it should be packed in reverse order of wear. Here, let's practice." Li's own excitement for the coming command played itself out in preparation. He would drill himself and his men until they were the best unit in the army.

"Tunic. Light cover. Legs. Arms. Shell." He walked Qiang and Nuo through the sequence several times until they could each do it without being told. "Now let's pack it in properly, shall we?"

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Str +2, Int +1, Wis +1, Dex + 0, Con +2, Cha +2

Wood 13 Fire 14 Earth 16 Metal 15 Water 15

Level 3, HP 38,

Max Retainers: 6

AC 6 (heavy armor, skilled spear)

THAC0 9

Weapons:

Common: Basic

Unarmed: Skilled

Major: Basic

Sabre: (1d10 +2) Skilled

Spear: (1d12 + 2) Skilled

Military: Basic

Horse Bow: Skilled

Chi Powers

Iron Body

Feel No Pain: With a successful Wood save you may ignore the effects of being Wounded for a number of rounds equal to 1/2 level + con bonus. Gain hit points equal to the HD of your class.

Lightfoot

Rock-Steady: No penalty when standing on a narrow surface so long as it is stable (rock, gate)

Art of War

Drawn Breath: With a Wood save personally lead units may ignore the fatigue penalty due to a forced march or heightened alertness.

Gentle Rain: Negate the morale penalties due to lack of supplies. The unit must still make periodic morale checks due to lack of supply but the penalty does not increase with each period.

Spring Breeze: With a Metal saving throw the commander's calm demeanor suppresses the results of a unit's failed save or morale check for a number of rounds equal to half the commander's level. If the condition that caused the check persists at the end of this period the unit must re-check morale.

Proficiencies

Chi Power (Art of War)

Command

Diplomacy

Leadership

Language: Chinese (Native)

Language: Xiongnu (free)

Language: Buyeo

Manual of Arms (x2)

Military Strategy

Riding

Equipment

Medium warhorse

Good quality spear (+1 Attack)

Regular Quality horse bow and sabre

Armor, Heavy

Campaign clothes

Court clothes

Travelling clothes

Finances

Income:

Per month income: 5,000

Per month investment returns: 300

Expenses:

Per month family obligations: 300

Per month status upkeep: 2,500

Totals:

Per month net: 2,500

Banked, cash on hand: 10.000

Family Investments: 10,000

NPCs

Jing Qiang (m) young male servant

Normal 0, Move 120’, AC 0, HD 1d6, hp 3, Att 10+/10+, Saves: Wood 15+, Fire 16+, Earth 19+, Metal 18+, Water 17+, Init +0 Dmg: Unarmed(1d3-1 nonL), dagger (1d4-1) Str -1, Int -1, Wis -1 Proficiencies: Labor (servant), Skulking Weapon Masteries: Basic (Dagger), Unskilled (all) Chi Abilities: None Equipment: clothing

Jing Nuo (f) young female servant

Normal 0, Move 120’, AC 0, HD 1d6, hp 3, Att 10+/10+, Saves: Wood 15+, Fire 16+, Earth 19+, Metal 18+, Water 17+, Init +0 Dmg: Unarmed(1d3-1 nonL), dagger (1d4-1) Str -1, Int -1, Wis -1 Proficiencies: Labor (servant), Skulking Weapon Masteries: Basic (Dagger), Unskilled (all) Chi Abilities: None Equipment: clothing

Xie Zhao (m) adjutant

Military Officer 1, Move 120’, AC 5, HD 1d8, hp 8, Att 9+/10+, Saves: Wood 14+, Fire 15+, Earth 17+, Metal 17+, Water 16+, Init +0 Dmg: Sabre (1d6+1), Spear (1d10+1), Horsebow (1d6+1) Str +1, Con +1, Int -1 Proficiencies: Campaigning, Manual of Arms (Infantry), Riding Weapon Masteries: Basic (Common, Major, Military) Chi Abilities: None Equipment: Heavy armor, sabre, dagger, spear, light warhorse

Light Commanders:

Bo Zhan, Jiang Long, Shi Min

Heavy Commander:

Ping Qui

Less Capable Soldier:

Gang Zhi

Units

Swift Battalion 1 Heavy Unit @ 120 men 3 Light Units @ 120 men each

Light Infantry use leather armor and can use spears, halberds, sabres and round shields. They are able to fight in formation and to serve as guards and fight relatively well one on one or as skirmishers. They are still farmers though and when the fighting is over and they are released they will go back to their homes.

Heavy Infantry wear leather backed scale armor and are otherwise more elite light infantry. At this point they are professional soldiers who will not return to their farms.