Chapter 1

Spring 194

The tensions in China are again rising since the conflict against Dong Zhuo. This time the tensions are due to the ambition of the various Lords and Prefects around China. In the north, the Lord of Xiang Ping, Gongsun Du, looks on as Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao bandy words, disputing who should rightfully rule over Jizhou. The conflict in Jizhou should also drag in the surrounding lords, Liu Yu, Liu Bei, Kong Rong, Han Fu, and Zhang Yang.

In the Central Plains, Cao Cao was solidifying his power in Chen Liu when the murder of his father sparked his rage. He is now contemplating total war against the Xu Province and its Lord, Tao Qian. Tao calls upon his allies Kong Rong and Liu Bei for aid. Lu Bu has also taken the city of Pu Yang from its governor, Zhang Miao, and set up rule there. His intentions are completely unknown at the moment. Liu Dai and Kong Zhou remain neutral to the entire situation. Their aims are not yet known.

In the East, Yuan Shu has given Sun Ce control of a force of 3,000 men to conquer the territories of East Wu. The Sun family is essentially free from Yuan's rule. Liu Yong, Yan Baihu, and Wang Lang, the governors of the Wu region, are obviously staunchly opposed to having their lands taken from them, and ally themselves with each other to oppose the coming threat.

In Jing, the Governor of the province, Liu Biao is quite strong, and has some able generals under him. Although he is not hostile with any Lord of China, the Sun family could become a threat, as they are most likely bitter at the death of their patriarch, Sun Jian. Shi Xie in the south also fosters his power in Jiao Zhi and Nan Hai.

In Yizhou, Zhang Lu has risen in rebellion against the Han, and Liu Zhang seeks to maintain stability in his domain. The stuation there is nearly to the point of war.

In Liangzhou and Chang An, Guo Si and Li Jue, the two petty despots are in control of the court, however, the two are prone to squabbling and they have set up different camps, but they are officially allied to one another. Ma Teng and Han Sui, although against the Han Court, also oppose the dictatorship of Li Jue and Guo Si, and the Court is therefore viewed as the lesser of two evils.

Suggestions:

Cao Cao

What will you do concerning Xuzhou? Tao Qian is requesting the aid of Liu Bei and Kong Rong, and the three together could make a formidable foe.

Kong Zhou, Liu Dai, and Lu Bu must also be dealt with. If they threaten you while you are in Xu, you could lose everything.

Yuan Shao

The situation with Gongsun Zan grows worse by the day, but diplomacy is still a viable option. How will you settle the matter?

Liu Yu, Han Fu, Liu Bei, and Kong Rong, your other neighbors, must also be thought about.

Han Sui

Your three neighbors, Guo Si, Li Jue, and Zhang Lu are all enemies of the Han Court (which, technically, puts them in your boat). What will you do about them?

Liu Bei

Your neighbors are Yuan Shao, Han Fu, and Kong Rong. You must figure out a stance with Yuan Shao's conflict with Gongsun Zan, as you are highly respected by both men. Han Fu is also a threat in Ye. Kong Rong is officially allied to you, and no action need really be taken against him.

Kong Rong

Your position as a descendant of Confucius is known all across the land, and you are respected because of it. Tao Qian to your south is your ally, as is Liu Bei to your east. The only possible threat is Yuan Shao. How will you deal with him?

Li Jue

You are hated far and wide for being a confidant of Dong Zhuo. Your neighbors are Zhang Lu, Ma Teng, and Han Sui. How will you deal with them?

Sun Ce

You have been granted your troops and the Wu territory now openly opposes you. They do not seem inclined to make advances on you. Yuan Shu to your north is allied with you. How will you deal with Liu Yong, and his alliance, as well as Liu Biao in Jing, your mortal enemy?

Han Fu

No one knows your stance on politics in the region, and Yuan Shao is said to be looking upon Ye with covetous eyes. Liu Bei to the East is virtuous and reliable, and Zhang Yang seems to have taken up with bandits in the western hills. How will you deal with the Gongsun Zan/Yuan Shao situation, as well as the threat of Lu Bu to your south?

Liu Biao

You are on bad terms with Sun Ce. Shi Xie seems to be in opposition of any Chinese Lord, including the Emperor. Liu Zhang to your west is a member of your family, and thus, shouldn't be a threat, atop the fact that he is not known as an expansionist in the least.

Zhang Lu

Liu Zhang has announced you are a traitor to the Han and should be executed. Han Sui to the west shows no aggression toward you and may be worthy of your help. Li Jue, to your north is a petty despot who has the Emperor clutched in an iron fist. How will you deal with all of them?

Shi Xie

The Lords of China don't really view you as a threat. Or at all for that matter, as you are so isolated from everything that is more centrally located. How will you deal with Liu Biao when the time comes, or perhaps, the Lords of Wu? Better to plan ahead.

DEADLINE FOR DECISIONS IS SEPTEMBER 21ST.