Anime Decline of the Three Kingdoms XIII: Fame and Strategy

[RK47]

01 - Another Day in China

Spoiler

The year is 195 AD, peace is still a faraway dream.

This is the story of a lonely man who is in deep shit.

Dun eat me pls.

Eh, good dog. Wah you so black, I'll name you coffee!

*Hops around and dislocates its disc.* WHINE!

Eh cibai, what's wrong?

It appears your dog is paralyzed from waist down, perhaps you should consult a healer?

Walau. How much is this going to cost me?

A lot of coin, not a good situation for you to be in.

What you mean lah?

My name is Sima Hui, I'm here to deliver a message from the banks: Your father's estate is on the verge of bankruptcy. We'll seize his property if we cannot work out a payment.

Nabeh. How come? I give my parents money every month leh!

How I know lah? Your father business must've fallen on hard times. His debt accumulated to around 400,000 gold after 7 years.

Eh. Don't expect me to pay hor.

My friend, where's your filial piety?

Don't talk cock lah. I wanna help but I can't afford it. Declare bankrupt lah.

How can you let your family suffer the shame of bankruptcy? Imagine how your mother and sister would feel when your father's face is published on the daily papers!

Then tell them to cough up the gold lah.

A pity. Think up of a good solution... why not make the most of the chaos around you? Oh, looks like your dog can't control it's bowels anymore and just shit all over the street. Better clean that up before the guards come n turn it into stew.

Sorri lah. I really cannot lah.

Kanina. I need a plan. Quickly. What do I do? Currently I'm a freelancer. In chaotic times like this, fighting will pay. Maybe I can use my small capital to raise a private army and put down bandits to make quick gold?

Or do I enter the life of a trader and profit off fools?

There's always steady income coming from serving a lord.

It's slow-going, but ultimately will lead to greater things, if I could prove myself and attain higher ranks.

So...what should Shi Difen do?

 

[an Administrator]

Choose the path of trade $

 

[Irenaeus]

What gayme is this?

 

[an Administrator]

What gayme is this?

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

 

[Cudgel]

Go merchant, and sell your family to the bank.

 

[RK47]

02 - It begins

Spoiler

In order to start trading, we need to fulfill the prestige class conditions. The first condition is to remain a free officer. The second is to own over 1000 gold at some point of your career. The third is to own at least 3 specialties. So I head over to the nearest merchant to buy some goods.

Cheng Du has the Trading Post facility, perfect for acquiring high quality goods. But since I'm broke, I can only afford those wines.

The class requirements are fulfilled and the trader prestige class unlocks.

It won't be the last time I visit that store. Time to adopt the Trader prestige class.

There are no fame requirements to be a merchant, all you need is gold. Loads of gold.

Choosing a prestige class locks us there for 90 days. You can always swap back to others later. Or, if you get employed under a force, the prestige will be automatically disabled, allowing you to pick another one.

Don't sell me away, bro.

Don't worry, buddy. We'll get you cured.

Cibai. That's a lot of money.

I know! Nice right?!

How am I gonna get that much?

Ok. So I work alone, then as my business get bigger, I can expand and employ other people. I'm ready.

Ready to make some money, Kopi?

Woof!

 

[laclongquan]

New DLC?

 

[RK47]

Yeah, it's the new DLC

03 - The First Sale

Spoiler

I don't really have much to sell now, but I guess I'll put up the most expensive wine for sale.

It takes 20 days to conduct a sale. And the profit margin is determined by the character's governing skill and his estate's commercial rating. High value items also fetch higher prices.

And so our hero begins peddling his ware in the streets of Chengdu.

Not bad. I bought if for 800. That's 50% profit! Maybe I should sell more stuff. Eh, Kopi. What's wrong lah?

Walau. Why you so naughty go out of the city without me?

Sorry lah, but I want my toy back. *Whine*

Ok lah. I go try and revert back to you.

Yes, please revert the toy to me soonest.

Eh, it's a dog's precious toy lah.

What kind of argument is that? It's mine and it's up to me whether I want to sell it or not!

Then you leave me no choice.

Ah, the debate 2.0 - it's a Rock Scissor Paper game with a twist.
The diagram on the top of the choices should make it clear that
Assert > Provoke
Provoke > Retort
Retort > Assert

You pick an action every round. The debate ends after 5 rounds.
You cannot do the same move twice in a row. (Assert > Assert)
You also have a wider variety of action depending on your INT.
INT also increases the 'damage' you inflict from a successful attack.
Actions with + also adds more damage when executed.
Ignore is a special action that literally ignores what the opponent said this round.
The game also helpfully shows the outcome of the opponent's pick depending on the choice you highlighted.
For example highlighting Provoke+ on round 1 gives me this:

(I will only lose this round if my opponent picks Assert. Sounds good. I'll do that.) Oi, you wanna fight is it?!

I'm only here because someone's dog lost its toy!

Cibai. He picked the ONLY move that countered my provocation!

I take damage as a result. A used card is no longer available for the rest of the debate. The remaining Provoke is unusable for this round. The opponent can use only Provoke or Retort. While I'm down with Assert or Retort. It's 50-50...unless.

LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

Ninabeh! Wasted my breath!

Ignore does no damage, but you also take no damage. Good to waste an enemy's move.

With the enemy down to just Retort, Provoke+ will surely win this.

Ha! You're out of options! Eat this!

HEY EVERYONE THIS GUY IS BULLYING MY CRIPPLED HARMLESS DOG!

Wei! You don't anyhow say leh!

That dealt a lot of damage. Victory is assured.

Thanks, I'll pass this toy back to my dog.

 

[RK47]

04 - Shit Happens

Spoiler

News of the Emperor's escape was brought before Cao Cao...

It was said that Yuan Shao was also given the same opportunity. But he was swayed by his advisors' words and deemed the fleeing Emperor to be too much of a 'burden' to bear.

But right now, it doesn't really matter to our hero and his dog.

 

[RK47]

05 - More Shit Happens

Spoiler

Cheng Du is really kind to me. I'll sell this tome first for a profit and use the profit to buy the Chaoxian Carrot!

(Wah, this guy looks sick. I better stay away.)

Hmm. Still not enough gold? Time to sell off some junk I don't need.

Alright. That should suffice. Hey, shopkeeper! Give me that Chaoxian carrot!

Elsewhere...

With the Emperor under his guardianship, it is a simple matter of preparing an imperial order and have the Emperor stamp his approval. In doing so, Cao Cao can manipulate other warlords into fighting each other.

 

[RK47]

06 - Fools part with their valuables

Spoiler

Back in Chengdu...

(Why this fatface won't go away from my stall sia?)

WAH SO MUCH AH? Uh. I mean...

I'm starting to think the victi- I mean customer's INT has a bearing on how much I can gouge. And this is all RNG of course - but Liu Zhang is not a very intelligent man. That's a nice boost of cash.

Wah, that was Lord Liu Zhang of Chengdu. I better butter him up for more easy cash! But first, let's spend some of this capital...

 

[RK47]

07 - It's hard work earning fried chicken.

Spoiler

Elsewhere...

Cao Cao fled on foot, but his pursuers were catching up and his men fell one by one.
All appeared hopeless until his son, Cao Ang arrived to offer his steed.

Milord, you are both virtuous and full of honor. I accept!

 

[RK47]

08 - Finding Help

Spoiler

While walking around Chengdu, Shi Difen heard rumors of promising men of talent seeking work. Remembering what Sima Hui said about expanding business, he decides to follow on a lead.

(This guy Wang Fu seems like a decent chap. His forte is Commerce. That will surely help in running my business.)

Only men of Virtue can approach a random stranger on the street for a conversation. For lesser men like Shi Difen, cheap wine and a banquet at a local tavern would have to do.

Welcome. I am Shi Difen and this is my dog, Kopi.

Other guests attended the banquet as well. Some are free officers while a few serve under Liu Zhang.

Banquets are a good way to meet new people.
And with that done, we can now send a letter to our new acquaintance.

Letter writing is a new feature for RTK13 Expansion, it allows you to build a bond between your existing friend and another officer. What good does this do? Well, this allows that officer to be added to your circle of comrades as you go about your daily business instead of having to visit and build up relationships yourself.

You cannot write a letter for yourself. Why? Ask KOEI lah, not me.

 

[RK47]

09 - Old Folks

Spoiler

Sian. Doesn't look like there's any good stock in town this month.

Sometimes when good stuff just don't appear on shops, you can hunt for the good stuff yourself. There's a risk of ending up with duds. It's a gamble.

Well, they're not that great to be honest. That's a waste of 20 days. Time to head back to Chengdu and be in time for a monthly restock.

Oh?

Goddamn. This is it. The good stuff.

Eh, you don't cibai lah, Auntie.

Bargaining session can also be triggered when making a sale. INT plays its part here.

Ha, this old lady will get no mercy from me.

It's over by round two.

Enjoy your purchase!

 

[RK47]

10 - Danger in the City

Spoiler

Uh...can I help you?

Wah, lucky.

Thanks man, what is your name?

My name is Liu Kui. And you are?

Shi Difen. I must thank you for saving my purse from that bandit. Come, let's have a banquet in your honor.

Uh that won't be-

I insist!

Ah, the guest of honor has arrived! Everyone, a cheer to this heroic man!

(A merchant life isn't so hard after all.)

 

[RK47]

11 - Jackpot

Spoiler

Score. This is gonna make me rich.

High value goods often have bonuses attached to it. I'm not really keen on dueling, so I can afford to let go of the axe.

Elsewhere the exchange of letters bore fruit and Wang Fu finally befriended Kopi.

This allows the addition of Wang Fu to the circle of comrade.

Gathering comrades will grant attribute bonus. Civic officer will grant GOV, Strategists will grant INT, Warriors grant WAR, while Commanders grant LEADERSHIP.

I can also give order to Wang Fu to improve my humble store.

Doing an Add-On will increase profit margins when doing sales.

Enjoy. Time to sell the axe!

I'm making big money sia.

 

[RK47]

12 - The warrior

Spoiler

Hmm. Pockets quite full but the goods are of low quality this month. Maybe I can take a month off. It's new year anyway.

Eh. That man seems to need assistance in training his men. Maybe I can help.

So, what you need me to do?

Can you train them to lift weights?

Uh...

Never mind, you help me pack their lunch lah.

A few days later...

Thank you, you are a big help. I'm Alkeides, I serve Lord Liu Zhang.

Oh, I've met him. He's a very rich lord.

Yes, he's very rich.

But I wouldn't say a very capable ruler...

Perhaps such conversation is best held in a more private place, don't you think?

I agree.

Men! Dismissed!

Later at Alk's residence

Hours later...

Mmm. Me too. We should meet up again sometime for dinner.

Yes, perhaps we shall.

What a skillful warrior and intelligent too. With that kind of brawn and brains, he'd succeed anywhere! I must befriend him!

Eh? What a coincidence! I was about to buy something-

Erm..now is not a good time lah..

Why leh?

Ulp. P-please don't hurt us.

!! Woi, what do you think you're doing?!

Eh fuck you lah, people work so hard and you just gonna take their stuff like that? Have some shame!

Woi, fatty! You shut up okay! Else I'll smash your face! And don't even think about talking me down! Come outside and I'll spit roast you like pig!

Come lah!

Aiyoyoh...

Duels are fatalistic affairs in battle, I don't think I'd die from an event duel like this - who knows?

The fighters actually exchange six blows - the first one is free and is a basic WAR check. The higher WAR will always win this exchange and has an advantage going into the 5 rounds.

Nabeh. This is hard. But I gotta try to save some face at least.

Yeah, you cannot do a play-by-play move like debates. It's basically set 5 moves in advance and let it rip. Attack beats Unbalance. Unbalance Beats Defense. Defense neutralizes attack and enables Knockout. Knockout beats both Attack and Unbalance.

Got it? Time to get slaughtered.

First, I'll de-

I'm fucked. I picked Defend as an opener and he scored an Unbalance.

Truly fucked.

Difen! Are you okay?

Did he take my purse?

No, he just took my stuffies...

Good. I'm okay.

 

[RK47]

13 - Know Nothing

Spoiler

What happened to your face?

Some thug robbed a store I was visiting.

That's terrible! Tell me what he looks like and I'll send out a patrol to hunt him down.

No really, it's okay. My purse wasn't taken. Besides, thugs like him are everywhere. Catching one won't matter.

What you say is true, but there's no reason to let such crimes unpunished. Chengdu is supposed to be our provincial capital city!

That's why I'm here. I wanna work with you. Get shit done.

What do you mean by that?

I've heard the rumors of bandit lords ravaging the southwestern borders. Ma Teng and his Xiliang cavalry are assailing the northern borders. How's your lord is handling all this?

He... we'll need all the help we can get. Lord Liu means well but I'm afraid he's not up to the task at times.

Then that settles it. I'll see you again in a few days. We'll talk, and then I'll decide whether I can work under your boss.

Thank you. I'm sure we'll work well together!

A few days later...

Say no more, you want to find out if he's okay, but duty calls and you can't leave your post.

Yes, he's last seen heading towards Yuesui, to the southwest. Be careful on the road.

I'm off.

What a large army. And well trained too. Are they expecting an attack from Chengdu?

Is everything alright?

That's great. Innkeeper. I'd like to order lunch please.

Two pieces of chicken and some rice.

Suddenly, a warrior seated himself across Difen.

Uh... okay? Shoot.

Liu Bei has his sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Lu Bu, despite his might, lacks intellect and tact.

Liu Bei's stronger. No doubt about it!

WRONG!

Good luck. Hope we'll meet again some time. I'll test you again.

Yeah, nice meeting you.

The chicken tasted worse than usual that noon.

Friend, with your help, I'm sure make a better world out there!

 

[RK47]

14 - Welcome to the Company

Spoiler

Why, it's you! The man who sold me those exquisite items!

I've been meaning to recruit you, but I kept forgetting your name.

It's Shi Difen, actually.

Yes, Shi Difen. Welcome to my court!

Alkeides! This is your friend? Marvelous. The two of you might be able to do it!

Do what?

You're kidding.

The problem cannot wait. We have to take the initiative before the other bandit lords ally with each other.

I shall grant you the Gatekeeper title. Serve me well, and more titles shall be granted.

Thank you. Lord Liu Zhang.

The Chengdu army marches westward. Fatigue begin to build up by the week's end and they were forced to rest midway through the march.

You said there are more bandit lords out there?

They're all fearsome leaders. We're facing Ah Zira first, but the other two are no less threatening. Iron Yuri, Darth Roxor and Tu Ri Sas are menace that must be put down.

That sound..a horn blown?

Break time is over. We march on.

Hey, wait. I never been on a battle before.

Don't worry. I'm sure you'll manage. I heard you played more video games than me. Just keep the morale up and stick together.

(That's not a bad plan. But...if the enemy doesn't go there - we can't take advantage of it.)

Excuse me.

What do you want, fatso? Hungry before a battle?

Hmph. Our men is still tired from the march and the enemy has enjoyed days of rest prior to this battle - why not rest up a bit. Play some battle drums on the other camp?

And then we'll deploy your units like so... closer to the enemy. And have an archer's trap ready in the mid map so we can catch them in a flanking action?

...

I've never seen a newbie have so much guts to override a commanding officer on his first sortie. Fatso! What's your name?

Shi Difen.

Commander Huang Quan. I've served Liu Zhang longer than you. So you better listen to me and-

What if I could convince you?

We should give him a chance.

Pui. Fine. I'll humiliate you.

I ignored his first reply and immediately provoked him into action.

Do you even care about your men? They're in terrible shape!

Look, we outnumber them two to o-

And that's why you'll lose more than half your men, losing all your advantage by the time you get to the city!

Why you-

The soldiers murmur got louder and louder. Huang Quan knew he was totally beaten and finally relented.

Nicely done. Drinks on me when we're back in Chengdu!

 

[RK47]

15 - First Blood

Spoiler

My life and my troops' are in your hands.

Ugh...that stronghold is going to be troublesome.

Okay. Men! Beat the drums in that camp! Raise your spirits!

Wait. Where the fuck are they going? They haven't even rested to hear the drums!

It appears Commander Huang was only giving you lip service. Shall we abort this plan and back him up?

He can die for all I care. Beat the drums!

Hey! Ready yourselves!

The enemy is taking control of tactical points as well. But we can't move until the drums have restored our morale...

Our forces better hurry up and set up the trap in the middle.

Good. We ride!

It's you!

My turn to test you now!

Huh?!

NOW!

Let loose the nets!

Curses! Break out of the traps quickly!

Now what's worse than not being able to move?

... being shot by arrows?

Wrong. Wu Yi! BURN THEM!

FUCK!

Back off and engage when the fire has died down!

There! Fire's dead! Charge!

Huh? A friendly officer has been slain!?

We've got to avenge them!

Enemy cavalry, coming from our rear! Enemy spear unit fleeing! Orders?!

Follow the spear unit!

Elsewhere, the enemy commander Ah Zira is wiping out our force from the safety of his main camp.

If this keeps up, our morale will suffer!

Stay in formation, turn around and surround the pursuing cavalry!

Lost another unit. Goddamit. Don't rush things! Blow up their secondary camp!

Only the enemy commander unit remains. He won't leave his fortress, so burn it down!

Yeah, let's finish this!

Understatement of the year. We lost nearly half of our troops.

Not bad, Alkeides! You've taken top honors.

What about me, Sir?

You're third place, fatty. You got lucky. Here's some gold to fill your belly.

Hmph.

Gather the wounded and ready yourselves! We're marching to Yuesui!

 

[RK47]

16 - Ah Zira's Last Stand

Spoiler

Liu Zhang's Army of 30,000 continued their march to Yuesui.

(Cibai those crossbows emplacements along the walls are plenty strong.) Commander! Why don't we do it like this?

We should focus our force on the western wall.

Unfortunately, Huang Quan was in no mood to lose a debate that day.

The defenders are outnumbered 3 to 1! Victory is assured! Forward!

No shame in losing that debate. How about we follow our own plan?

Yeah. Ignore the enemy forward camps. Head straight for the walls. Take point. We'll be right behind you!

The two cavalry commanders rode ahead of the army and assailed the walls.

Siege ladder is up! Men, follow me!

The outnumbered defenders could do little to stop the fast offensive. Once inside, Alkeides lead his men down the walls again to set the gates open from inside!

Well played! Let's finish this!

The enraged defenders tried to regroup at their main stronghold, but Alkeides cavalry charge put a stop to their retreat. Cornered, one of their commanders charged at Alkeides.

They pulled off identical moves for five rounds on each other. At one point, both fighters took a defensive stance at the same time, leading to a wasted round.

What the fuck are you doing? You've got the advantage! Finish him!

Both fighters twirled their spears in response and charged.

Again. Both sides employed the same move! But Alkeides' martial prowess edged him slightly ahead. Only a fatal mistake on the final round could undo his advantage. Yet the decisive blow never came and the enemy officer had to accept a defeat after the fifth round was over.

The enemy fell into disarray, an all out attack was ordered.

Yosh! That's a job well done!

A great victory! Yuesui is ours! Gather around for merit calls!

Whoa. I don't even know what I did...

Well deserved!

With this victory, one of the southwestern bandit threats is put to rest.

 

[RK47]

17 - Beheaded Army

Spoiler

To the victorious army's surprise, their campaign was not over. Orders from Chengdu was to reinforce the offensive on Zangke.

Zangke, the stronghold of the notorious bandit lord Darth Roxor is currently besieged by a smaller army.

However, reinforcements could not arrive in time before the siege was repulsed. Looks like the second wave will have to finish the job.

As the army encamped themselves to recover midway, the first invasion force was routed and Roxor's army begin to rebuild their defenses. Days later, the assault on Zangke begins once more.

This time, General Huang Quan listens to Shi Difen's suggestions on strategies. Yet the army command remains divided in the battlefield.

The enemy is outnumbered 3 to 1, but they have the advantage of walls. I hope we have a spare siege ladder ready...

The attacker's advantage was slashed further more when Di Bens, an enemy officers brought fresh recruits from within the city.

No sense in rushing. Focus on taking down their external camps before trying for the walls!

We've gained control of this point!

Beat the drums!

Alkeides, your cavalry is too few to survive a direct battle, instead you should focus on breaking down their camp while I make my way to the western walls.

Understood.

What is General Huang doing? He's fighting the enemy right in front of their gates! If he falls, morale will plummet!

Men! Kill this kurwa and burn their main camp!

The enemy ignored General Huang's unit and rushed for our main camp. We quickly doubled back to defend against this attack.

In the confusion, a little girl shouted a war cry, demanding for a duel.

No one took this bitch seriously until Liu Kui rode forth.

The outcome is as anyone has expected.

Who bitch dis is?!

That duel gave our army an unexpected boost of morale and we beat them back across the bridge with a few well placed fire attack.

Give chase! Do not let the last unit retreat into the gates!

Unfortunately, General Huang's unit has taken a severe beating while attempting to attack the front gates.

Curses!

 

[RK47]

18 - Desperate Assault

Spoiler

Their leader routed, the attackers take a severe blow to their morale. And losses are beginning to mount up. Their advantage is just a slight 13,000 to the defender's recovering 10,000.

Not good. What do we do?

You're in charge! Give us commands!

Fall back from the walls!

A quick status check reveals that only Liu Kui's unit is carrying a siege ladder. If he's routed, this siege is effectively fucked. The attackers smelled blood and charged forth from their gate.

Stay calm and fend them off with fire tactics!

We're taking too much losses. Fall back into the city to recover!

Now's our chance! Meet up on the west wall. Alkeides remain behind on the main camp!

Quickly! Set the ladders!

Kurwa! They're scaling the walls!

Push onward! It's do or die!

After a bloody battle atop the walls, Roxor fell back. The tides have turned.

Where's the enemy commander?

He's heading towards our main camp!?

Come forth, villain!

Can't risk him killing Alkeides! I've got to back him up. Out of my way!

Open the gates and charge back to our main camp!

Fire, fire!

You won't kill me, whelp!

Ignore the flames! Charge!

And just like that, the last of the defenders was neutralized.

Of the 26,000 attackers, only 10,000 remained.

The second bandit warlord was put down. Only two remain.

 

[RK47]

19 - Rejected!

Spoiler

Tell him I said my thanks.

Ah, Lord Liu has decided to move the capital? Very well.

Hard to believe I'm War Minister now. That's a lot of power under my control.

Was Ministers can order a march at any time, they also have the capability to recommend a diplomatic mission. There's no limit of command available to them. Domestic Ministers are limited to non military decisions and they cannot propose a diplomatic action. While Military Minister is limited to military actions but can still propose deployment of the army.

Hmm. I believe we captured a rather attractive warrior in our previous battle. Tell Lord Liu that I wish to attempt to recruit her.

Yes, War Minister.

I'll do this myself.

Are you serious? You're a woman!

And you're fat piece of shit. What's a matter? Scared?

How hard can this be? You're just a woman!

Hey, let's not take this too seriously...

Too late, fatso! Up yours!

H-holy shit.

It took just an initial exchange to end the duel.

Would you like to try again?

... uh.. Put her in the cell. I have high blood pressure today. Tell Lord Liu Zhang I apologize for my withdrawal from this task.

(Troublesome bitch. I'll get back at you someday!)

For now, Shi Difen has more important decision to make. As such, what kind of prestige class should he adopt?

Should he adopt the way of the Commander? Capable of raising his private army with his own resources and bolster his lord's army?

Or should he adopt the classic Civil Servant that can evolve into more Diplomatic roles or a high ranking Bureaucrat?

Or perhaps the ways of an Advisor is more suited for him? This role can evolve into a highly effective battlefield tactician or famed celebrity, capable of swaying officers to join his force?

Last but not least, the standard Military Official prestige that focuses on duels and martial skills. Win battles, duels, attain deeds and eventually be called the Ultimate Warrior or inspire his men to greater deeds as a Paladin?

 

[Irenaeus]

Can someone mod this game for Medieval Europe (or even Feudal Japan)? Game looks fun, but the ching ling settting puts me off.