JCC: Romance of the Three Kingdoms 三國演義 Cao Cao Dossier 曹操
Crisis Director: Matthew Owens, Charles Miller Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Chair: Harjot Singh Email: [email protected]
Table of Contents: 1. Front Page (Page 1) 2. Table of Contents (Page 2) 3. Introduction to the Cao Cao Dossier (Pages 3-4) 4. Cao Pi (Pages 5-6) 5. Cao Zhang (Pages 7-8) 6. Cao Zhi (Pages 9-10) 7. Lady Bian (Page 11) 8. Emperor Xian of Han (Pages 12-13) 9. Empress Fu Shou (Pages 14-15) 10. Cao Ren (Pages 16-17) 11. Cao Hong (Pages 18-19) 12. Xun Yu (Pages 20-21) 13. Sima Yi (Pages 22-23) 14. Zhang Liao (Pages 24-25) 15. Xiahou Yuan (Pages 26-27) 16. Xiahou Dun (Pages 28-29) 17. Yue Jin (Pages 30-31) 18. Dong Zhao (Pages 32-33) 19. Xu Huang (Pages 34-35) 20. Cheng Yu (Pages 36-37) 21. Cai Yan (Page 38) 22. Han Ji (Pages 39-40) 23. Su Ze (Pages 41-42) 24. Works Cited (Pages 43-) Introduction to the Cao Cao Dossier:
Most characters within the Court of Cao Cao are either generals, strategists, administrators, or family members.
● Generals lead troops on the battlefield by both developing successful battlefield tactics
and using their martial prowess with skills including swordsmanship and archery to duel
opposing generals and officers in single combat. They also manage their armies-
comprising of troops infantrymen who fight on foot, cavalrymen who fight on horseback,
charioteers who fight using horse-drawn chariots, artillerymen who use long-ranged
artillery, and sailors and marines who fight using wooden ships- through actions such as
recruitment, collection of food and supplies, and training exercises to ensure that their
soldiers are well-trained, well-fed, well-armed, and well-supplied.
● Strategists develop strategies that not only give generals a military advantage but gives
the realm a political advantage. This includes actions such as developing new formations,
battle tactics, or even technologies. They could also serve as politicians, court officials,
and diplomats in order to best serve the realm or to serve their own personal agenda.
● Administrators, Governors, and Inspectors are responsible for the administration and governance of various counties, commanderies, and provinces across the realm through
the recruitment of soldiers, tax collection, and collection of food for the military as well
as the construction of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure as to ensure that the
people are well-content. ● Family Members are delegates who are directly linked via family ties to Cao Cao, and
they can use their connection to receive new positions, lands, and titles while additionally
having an impact on crises that affect their ruling family.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, money would more or less become a minimal factor in public or private directions. Just be reasonable in how you spend said money. Actions such as recruiting troops, investing in new technology, taxing the region under your control, bribing corrupt court officials, or paying assassins to do your dirty work could be done via private directive while large projects such as strengthening your border defenses or constructing an island of meat surrounding a lake of wine would require a public directive.
As many of these individuals would have the same generalized responsibilities- depending on their position as either a general, administrator, or strategist-, the chairs and crisis directors would be looking for delegates who can write detailed, well-thought, and unique directives in order to solve the crisis updates and carry out their own narratives. As a result, feel free to be creative with your portfolio powers: whether they be used to benefit only yourself or the committee as a whole! Additionally, feel free to ask Crisis whether or not you can do anything or use any asset not explained in the dossier.
Cao Pi 曹丕 (Zihuan 子桓)
● Biography: Cao Pi- also known with the courtesy name Zihuan- was born in 187 CE in Qiao County as Cao Cao’s first-born son to his current concubine: Lady Bian (Theobald).
As of 197 CE with the death of Cao Ang- Cao Cao’s son to another concubine-, Cao Pi
has become the eldest son in the family. Cao Pi has shown expert swordsmanship that
allows him to fend off enemies, intellect that allows him to excel in court politics, and
connections with figures such as his wife- Lady Zhen- that allow Cao Pi to influence
various court officials (Luo Guanzhong). Despite these advantages, Cao Pi has not
received any significant responsibilities until very recently. He has been assigned to help
govern Cao Cao’s capital city: Xuchang. With such a valuable position and connections
with prominent courtiers and officials such as Cheng Yu, an opportunity remains to
receive his father’s favor and even become his heir to rule all of China.
● Portfolio Powers: Skilled Swordsman and Orator, Many Political Connections, Leads 20,000-strong Xuchang Garrison
○ Cao Pi has proven himself to be a talented son who is skilled with both the sword
to protect himself from enemies on and off the battlefield and his words to
influence other members in court. Despite not being as physically strong as Cao
Zhang, his abilities with the sword allow Cao Pi to defend himself against armed
assailants. Despite not being as crafty with words as Cao Zhi, his abilities with the
brush are perhaps mightier and more persuasive than his abilities with the sword.
Additionally, his connections with members of his father’s court and his own
intellect could still be used to good use as influencing the court would allow Cao Pi to gain power amongst the internal affairs of the Imperial court such as being
granted land, revenue, and official titles by either the Emperor or the Prime
Minister. Outside of his own natural talents, Cao Pi can rely on Lady Zhen, his
wife who had already bored him a son, for council or as a reminder of the
importance of filial piety and other important Confucian morals.
○ Cao Pi currently remains within the city of Xuchang- Cao Cao’s capital- to defend
the city from treasonous rebels. To help defend the city, Cao Pi has the assistance
of Cheng Yu- a trusted advisor- to help assist in the training and recruitment of
the 20,000-strong garrison. Yet, these troops lack battlefield experience and serve
as more of a police force than a professional army. Nevertheless, Cao Pi’s
proximity to both Cao Cao’s state court and the Han Imperial court allows him to
influence city or even state affairs for the benefit of himself and the Cao clan.
Cao Zhang 曹彰 (Ziwen 子文)
● Biography: Born between 187 and 192 CE, Cao Zhang- also known with the courtesy name of Ziwen- was the second-born son of Cao Cao to Lady Bian (Theobald). While his
brothers have political or poetic talents, Cao Zhang’s achievements and aspirations are
purely in serving in the military. Cao Zhang excels in archery, horseback riding, sword
fighting, and martial arts: even having the ability to fight wild beasts when he was young
(Luo Guanzhong). However, his martial skill resulted in a lack of academic prowess:
lamenting his studies at an imperial university. After all, real men command armies and
fight on the battlefield rather than get some academic degree and some comfortable
bureaucratic position. With such military prowess, Cao Zhang would surely do all he
could to benefit his father, his clan, and himself.
● Portfolio Powers: Talented Swordsman, Archer, Horseback Rider, and Martial Artist, Leads 1,000 Cavalrymen in Xuchang
○ Cao Zhang has always aspired to become a prominent general in the military, and
his ambitions show. He is an expert in swordsmanship, archery, horseback riding,
and martial arts. As such, Cao Zhang has multiple ways to effectively combat his
enemies on the battlefield. However, Cao Zhang has also shown himself as a
capable leader of soldiers. Cao Zhang’s lack of academic prowess means that Cao
Zhang has been less capable in creating innovative strategies and tactics than
other compatriots in the military. However, he has nonetheless proven himself as
capable of leading the soldiers under his command on the battlefield and leading
by example of his many martial talents. ○ Due to being a low-ranking officer, Cao Zhang has relatively few responsibilities.
However, the responsibility that he does have is still an important one: leading a
1,000-strong cavalry force to defend Xuchang. Unlike the rabble under Cao Pi’s
command, these troops mounted on horses is a comparatively elite fighting force
with military experience: already well-trained and experienced in fighting against
the enemy. However, with such power, Cao Zhang has also been granted the
responsibility of managing this force through recruitment, training, and ensuring
that the men are well-fed and well-supplied. Cao Zhang has the responsibility of
defending his father’s capital of Xuchang from outside threats, which could also
be extended to recruiting more soldiers into this force, training the soldiers under
his command, and eliminating any internal or external threat to Cao Cao’s capital.
Despite this seemingly menial task, Cao Zhang may yet find himself the
opportunity to rise through the military ranks.
Cao Zhi 曹植 (Zijian 子建)
● Biography: Cao Zhi- also known with the courtesy name of Zijian- was born in 192 CE in an unknown birthplace in China as the third-oldest son of Cao Cao and Lady Bian
(Theobald). At a young age, Cao Zhi’s outstanding skill has been in the literary arts. He
is able to recite over 10,000 verses of poetry including the Shi Jing- the oldest existing
collection of Chinese poetry- and the Analects- a collection of phrases and sayings from
Confucius himself-: acts which have made initially Cao Zhi his father’s favorite due to
his incredible intellect and ability to recite ancient works of poetry (Luo Guanzhong).
However, Cao Zhi is a man with little self-discipline: often with an eccentric behavior
and only tied to good wine and loyal servants rather than receiving wise counsel from
men of academic or governmental prowess. While this nature might have lost him Cao
Cao’s favor, there still remains a chance for Cao Zhi to fulfill his aspirations as his
father’s successor.
● Portfolio Powers: Expert Orator with Remarkable Memorization and Many Connections, Alcoholic who lacks Discipline
○ Cao Zhi’s poetic capabilities are beyond renown and his memorization skills
regarding poetic and philosophical texts far exceed those of any of his brothers.
However, Cao Zhi’s fondness towards alcohol has meant that Cao Zhi has set a
track record of not fulfilling his various responsibilities due to indulging in earthly
pleasures. Despite lacking the self-discipline to expand his influence in court or
fulfill any of his responsibilities in government, he still has a small clique of
supporters, friends, and advisors that can aid his ambitions to succeed his father. Cao Zhi could potentially call on the members of this clique to assist in his
attempts at court intrigue such as increasing his presence and thus his influence in
court.
○ Despite not having any official titles or positions, Cao Zhi’s poetry is so expertly
written, it is said to move the hearts and minds of all who listen to it. Such ability
could potentially be used to his advantage by rallying the people to support his
father’s or even his own ambitions. His position in Xuchang- Cao Cao’s capital
city- could also provide ample opportunities for Cao Zhi to mingle with important
figures in both Cao Cao’s and the Imperial court including many poets and
members of the intellectual elite.
Lady Bian 卞氏
● Biography: Born to a poor family in 159 CE in Qi Commandery, Lady Bian- also known as Bianshi- started off as a courtesan in a brothel before she was taken by Cao Cao as a
concubine in 179 CE (“Empress Dowager Bian”). In 189 CE, rumors began to circle that
Cao Cao was killed after the failed assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo in the Han
imperial capital city of Luoyang, and yet Lady Bian was not quick to believe in such lies
and to abandon her husband (Luo Guanzhong). She persuaded many of Cao Cao’s
supporters to not desert him, and thus they were impressed by Lady Bian’s insight and
loyalty to Cao Cao when the truth was revealed. With the death of Cao Ang- Cao Cao’s
eldest son- in 197 CE, Cao Cao’s wife Lady Ding left her husband. This allowed Bianshi
to rise through the ranks to become Cao Cao’s wife by raising four sons: Cao Pi, Cao
Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong. She has become a wise motherly figure for all of her
children and her familial ties with her children and with her husband grant her significant
influence within family affairs within her current presence in Xuchang.
● Portfolio Powers: Caring Wife of Cao Cao, Mediator Amongst Her Children ○ Lady Bian has shown herself as a caring figure to all of her children. As such, she
could position herself as a neutral mediator regarding any disputes between her
sons. She even stresses the importance of sparing all of her children from
execution while also keeping them accountable for their actions. Her connections
with Cao Cao has allowed Lady Bian exceptional influence in family affairs in
both the Cao and Xiahou clans. All the while, her intellect, charm, beauty, and
former experience as a courtesan could still be used to achieve her covert agenda. Emperor Xian of Han 漢獻帝 (Bohe 伯和)
● Biography: Emperor Xian of Han was born in 181 CE as Liu Xie- with courtesy name Bohe-, but his life in the imperial Liu clan was anything but peaceful (“Emperor Xian of
Han”). His father died of illness in May, 189 CE and his older brother was deposed 4
months later. Emperor Xian of Han then was manipulated by the ruthless warlord: Dong
Zhuo. After the latter’s death and the abandonment of the Imperial capital- Luoyang-,
Cao Cao granted the emperor protection. Over time, Cao Cao has transformed himself
from a loyal servant to yet another manipulative villain willing to do anything to increase
his own power (Luo Guanzhong). Such actions were seen in the execution of his favorite
consort- Consort Dong- after a covert imperial plot to oust Cao Cao from power
involving warlords such as Dong Cheng, Ma Teng, and Liu Bei was discovered in 200
CE. While Emperor Xian of Han remains in a gilded cage in Xuchang- Cao Cao’s
capital-, there could still be hope for the Emperor to once again overthrow another tyrant
and restore the Han Dynasty.
● Portfolio Powers: Emperor of the Han Dynasty, Issuer of Imperial Edicts and Administrative, Military, and Social Titles
○ The Emperor of the Han Dynasty is considered as the Son of Heaven with
unwavering authority to rule called the Mandate of Heaven and his word as good
as law. Yet, it is best to tread carefully as to not receive the ire of the most
powerful warlord in the Middle Kingdom. Nevertheless, Emperor Xian resents
being manipulated and under the thumb of men such as Cao Cao. He can rely on
his allies in the Imperial court including his empress Fu Shou as well as the many court eunuchs and bureaucrats to wield his influence in court as a means to
undermine any political opponents.
○ Emperor Xian is additionally- in name at least- the commander-in-chief of all
armed forces, has the sole right of appointing central government officials and
leading officials at the county, commandery, and provincial level, and held
absolute unlimited power over the country. As such, he has the power of
promoting or demoting men across China into or out of administrative, military,
and noble titles and all of the lands and revenue that come with said titles.
○ As the filial Son of Heaven, Emperor Xian of Han also has the power to issue
Imperial Edicts. Imperial Edicts are decrees that can enforce the emperor’s will on
areas such as but not limited to military actions and modifying the moral code
with the force of law. In committee, Imperial Edicts serve a mix between a
directive, a press release, and a communique as it has a target audience and calls
upon that audience to perform a certain action.
■ Example: “The Prime Minister Cao Cao appeared as a friend of the court.
Yet, his villainy has only caused misery to the realm. He has massacred
countless innocents and has defiled the court with his treachery. He is
truly a scourge to the entire world. Thus I decree: I, Emperor Xian of Han,
summon all heroes of the land including the heroes serving Liu Bei, Liu
Zhang, and Sun Quan to bring their forces to serve Heaven, to rid the
Middle Kingdom of traitors, and to restore peace, harmony, and greatness
to the Han.” Empress Fu Shou 伏壽
● Biography: Fu Shou was born on an unknown date and in an unknown place, but is a
woman who was descended from Han officials, Confucian scholars, and even emperors
of the Han Dynasty (“Fu Shou”). With such connections, Fu Shou has risen to become a
prominent lady of the Imperial court. When the villainous Dong Zhuo forced Emperor
Xian to move the capital west from Luoyang to Chang’an in 190 CE as to evade the
coalition against him, Fu Shou rose to become an imperial consort. By 195 CE, she rose
to become the empress of the Han Dynasty. Simultaneously, her father- Fu Wan- was
appointed as the Imperial empress consort: albeit while Emperor Xian was still largely
under the influence of Dong Zhuo’s subordinates. This would change when Cao Cao
rescued the Imperial court and brought both Fu Shou and Emperor Xian to Cao Cao’s
capital city of Xuchang (Luo Guanzhong). While the imperial court was materially more
well off under the protection of Cao Cao in Xuchang, Empress Fu has shown her
displeasure of Cao Cao’s manipulation of the court and her husband. The execution and
strangling of Consort Dong- Emperor Xian’s favorite concubine- for conspiring with
those loyal to Emperor Xian of Han such as Ma Teng and Liu Bei is only one instance of
Cao Cao extending beyond his authority and such infringements on the emperor’s
majestic reign cannot be tolerated.
● Portfolio Powers: Empress of the Han Dynasty, Paragon of Chinese Social Values ○ Empress Fu Shou has been an avant supporter of her husband, despite the constant
acts of humiliation and manipulation by Cao Cao. As such, she would want to
either overtly or covertly expand the emperor’s influence over that of the Prime Minister’s. While the Empress is a position with minimal political power, her
status still means that Fu Shou has significant amounts of influence in the
imperial court: especially amongst the many concubines aspiring for the attention
of those in power. Such influence could allow Fu Shou to communicate and
influence court officials for the good of the Han Dynasty. However, some of those
same concubines aspire to become Empress and thus may not be fully
trustworthy.
○ As the Empress of China, Fu Shou has the responsibility of being a prime
example of how women should behave in Chinese society, and thus follows
cultural norms such as being faithful and loyal to her husband: the Emperor of
China. As such, her words and actions could have a significant impact amongst
the hearts and minds of the common people.
Cao Ren 曹仁 (Zixiao 子孝)
● Biography: Born in 168 CE in an unknown place, Cao Ren- also known by his courtesy name Zixiao- has been an early supporter of Cao Cao- his older second cousin- ever since
the campaign against Dong Zhuo in 190 CE when he and Cao Hong supported Cao Cao
with 1,000 followers each (Luo Guanzhong). Over time, Cao Ren has risen to become a
prominent military general through countless conflicts of fighting alongside Cao Cao
against rival warlords such as Lu Bu and Yuan Shao (Theobald). After Cao Ren
accompanied Cao Cao in his retreat after the Battle of the Red Cliffs, he along with Xu
Huang, Yue Jin, Xiahou Dun, and many others were deployed to Jing Province as to
protect their lord from Liu-Sun alliance forces who sought to take advantage of Cao
Cao’s defeat. While Cao Ren was able to hold off Zhou Yu’s attacks for some time, Cao
Ren’s force suffered heavy casualties as well and was eventually forced to retreat from
Jing Province and allow Jingzhou and Xiangyang to fall into Liu Bei’s lap (Luo
Guanzhong). For Cao Ren’s bravery and talents in the Battle of Jiangling, he has risen to
become a prominent general of all of Cao Cao’s forces. With plenty of experience and
personal talents, Cao Ren has the opportunity to rise further through the ranks to serve his
lord, his clan, and himself faithfully.
● Portfolio Powers: Capable Military Commander and Warrior, Leads 120,000
soldiers across the entire border.
○ When Cao Ren was young, he not only had fondness of activities such as archery
and horseback riding, but also received experience of leading soldiers. Over time,
Cao Ren has proven himself as a capable military commander able to develop battlefield strategies and to inspire common soldiers and subordinate officers
alike. Even with his leadership and strategy skills, Cao Ren is still a powerful
warrior in his own right: able to duel with enemy officers on the battlefield. Cao
Ren can also rely on both his fellow commanders and various family members
such as his cousins Cao Cao and Cao Hong and brother Cao Chun for support.
■ Cao Chun- Cao Ren’s younger brother- is a military officer leading the
“Tiger and Leopard Cavalry”: an elite mounted cavalry unit consisting of
5,000 battle-hardened and experienced veteran soldiers (Theobald).
○ During the Battle of Jiangling, Cao Ren has been promoted to “General Who
Attacks the South”. As a general, he is responsible for developing successful
battle strategies and tactics and managing the army under his command through
actions such as recruitment, training exercises, and directing where the army
would move to both during a battle and on a campaign. With the “General Who
Attacks the South” position, Cao Ren has as many as 120,000 soldiers under his
command with his headquarters in Fancheng as well as the 1,000 ships that
survived the Red Cliffs Campaign to protect Cao Cao’s entire southern border
against attacks by the treacherous rebels: Liu Bei and Sun Quan.
Cao Hong 曹洪 (Zilian 子廉)
● Biography: Cao Hong- also known by his courtesy name of Zilian- is a younger second cousin to Cao Cao who supported his relative ever since the campaign against the
tyrannical Dong Zhuo in 190 CE with over 1,000 volunteers alongside Cao Ren (Luo
Guanzhong). During the campaign, he even saved Cao Cao’s life by offering his horse for
Cao Cao to escape. Cao Hong stated to Cao Cao that “The world can do without Cao
Hong, but it can’t do without you” (Luo Guanzhong). Over time, Cao Hong has risen in
military prominence with actions such as helping retrieve the Emperor Xian of Han and
participating in campaigns against warlords such as Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, and Liu Biao
(Theobald). Despite campaigns against the former Governor of Jing Province, Cao Hong
never participated in the Battle of the Red Cliffs, but did participate in defending Yiling
and Jiangling from the forces of the Sun Quan-Liu Bei alliance.
● Portfolio Powers: Capable Commander and Duelist, Leads 20,000 troops near
Xuchang
○ Cao Hong has proven himself as a capable military general: both able to lead men
with successful strategies and able to defeat opposing officers in duels. As a
commander, Cao Hong is responsible for managing the troops under his command
through actions including but not limited to recruitment, training soldiers in
formations, and developing strategies to win battles. As a duelist, Cao Hong has
the ability to use his blade to strike down opponent officers in duels that could
determine the fate of entire battles while also minimizing casualties on both sides. ○ Cao Hong has been assigned to train a force of 20,000 reserve troops near his
lord’s capital city: Xuchang. Currently deployed on the outskirts of the capital,
these troops are in a position to either defend the capital from internal or external
threats or be deployed as extra troops that could turn the tide of any battle on the
border with Liu Bei and Sun Quan. With this power, however, Cao Hong has the
responsibility of overseeing these troops and ensuring that these soldiers are
well-paid, well-fed, well-trained, and well-supplied. This is done by actions
including but not limited to ensuring that money, food, weapons, and supplies
reach his soldiers, training exercises, and working with strategists to develop and
train the troops in strategies, tactics, and battle formations.
Xun Yu 荀彧 (Wenruo文若)
● Biography: Xun Yu- also known by the courtesy name of Wenruo- was born into a family of government officials in 163 CE in Cao Cao’s capital city of Xuchang
(Theobald). While his talented intellect landed Xun Yu into a position in the imperial
civil service in 189 CE, Dong Zhuo’s seizure of the capital of Luoyang has forced Xun
Yu to resign his position out of fear and flee to his home in Ji Province. While initially
serving Yuan Shao, Xun Yu came to support Cao Cao in 191 CE as an advisor. Xun Yu
has been invaluable while in service under Cao Cao. Xun Yu has not only participated in
numerous battles as a strategist including those against his former lord, but has also been
responsible for recommending other prominent strategists and advisors to Cao Cao. Xun
Yu even provided the brilliant plan of aiding the emperor in crushing the rebellious, even
if the rebellious spin lies of Cao Cao holding the emperor hostage for his own malicious
purposes (Luo Guanzhong).
● Portfolio Powers: Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Skilled Civil Administrator and
Military Strategist
○ Through years of service, Xun Yu has become a trusted advisor to Cao Cao on
civil, military, and courtly affairs. As such, Xun Yu’s bond with Cao Cao has
made him an influential member in court and- like many of his family members-
even able to potentially influence Cao Cao’s policies. However, since Xuchang
was the place of Xun Yu’s birth, Xun Yu is often connected with nobleman,
administrator, and commoner alike. As such, the social networks developed over the years could potentially be used to good use to spread Cao Cao’s or even his
own influence within Xuchang.
○ Xun Yu was appointed the position of Prefect of the Masters of Writing in 196
CE. In this position, Xun Yu has the responsibility of appointing and overseeing
Masters of Writing: calligraphers, civil officials, and low-level administrators
whose responsibility is to write down, record, and spread awareness of laws and
decrees approved of by Cao Cao’s court. However, despite currently being within
Cao Cao’s capital city of Xuchang, Xun Yu also serves as a military advisor
whose responsibility is to develop new strategies, tactics, and formations and to
train soldiers in such ideas as to make Cao Cao’s troops- whether it be
infantrymen, cavalrymen, missile troops, or the navy- more effective on the
battlefield and to make his generals more effective on campaign. However,
without the direct command of any armed soldiers, Xun Yu would need to
cooperate with military generals and commanders as to implement and train
soldiers in said strategies.
Sima Yi 司馬懿 (Zhongda 仲達)
● Biography: Born in 179 CE in Henei Commandery, Sima Yi- also known by his courtesy name of Zhongda- has shown both a great intellect with knowledge of
Confucian classics and a great sympathy for the people at a young age (“Sima Yi”).
While Sima Yi and his family initially lived in the old Han capital of Luoyang, they fled
to their country home in Wen County after Dong Zhuo took over the central government
in 191 CE. Over time, Sima Yi rose through the ranks of regional civil administration and
word of his talents and expertise in military strategies reached Cao Cao’s ears. While
Sima Yi was initially hesitant to support Cao Cao, the former ultimately ended up serving
as an assistant clerk and as a military strategist and advisor to the latter: especially after
Cao Cao ordered Sima Yi to be arrested if he dawdled.
● Portfolio Powers: Expert Military Strategist, Assistant Clerk to Cao Cao
○ Sima Yi was initially hesitant of supporting Cao Cao as seen when he did not
participate in the Prime Minister’s campaign in Jing Province. Some of his
detractors may call Sima Yi a treacherous villain who only pretends to be loyal to
Cao Cao, but is only interested in increasing his own power. However, Sima Yi
has proven to be one of Cao Cao’s trusted military advisors who could call upon
his lord to commit to various civil, judicial, or military policies. Besides, with his
brilliance in military and political strategy, are there any safer hands to keep Cao
Cao’s rule secure other than his own?
○ As a military strategist, Sima Yi is responsible for developing military strategies,
tactics, and formations that would make soldiers more effective on the battlefield and to direct generals on where they should move their troops as to achieve a successful campaign. Currently residing in Cao Cao’s capital city of Xuchang,
Sima Yi has the additional opportunity as an Assistant Clerk to influence the city’s bureaucracy and court to benefit Cao Cao or even to covertly benefit himself and his future descendents. Sima Yi could even build connections with various members of the Cao clan to his advantage.
Zhang Liao 張遼 (Wenyuan 文遠)
● Biography: Zhang Liao- also known by the courtesy name of Wenyuan- was born in Yanmen Commandery in 169 CE, and began his career as a minor official in his home
region (Theobald). However, he was eventually involved in machinations during the
crisis of the Han Dynasty. Zhang Liao ended up supporting He Jin, Dong Zhuo, and Lu
Bu in quick succession (Luo Guanzhong). With Lu Bu’s defeat at the Battle of Xiapi in
198 CE, Zhang Liao scorned Lu Bu for his cowardly behavior. When Cao Cao furiously
drew his sword to kill Zhang Liao after the latter mentioned a battle Cao Cao barely
survived, Guan Yu and Liu Bei pleaded to spare Zhang Liao before Cao Cao revealed
that it was a test and Zhang Liao honorably surrendered to Cao Cao (Luo Guanzhong).
Zhang Liao continued to prove his worth during campaigns against Yuan Shao’s heirs
and against Liu Bei: with Guan Yu surrendering to Zhang Liao under three conditions
(Luo Guanzhong). While Zhang Liao did not succeed during the Battle of the Red Cliffs,
he helped assist in crushing mutinies meant to demoralize morale amongst Cao Cao’s
soldiers and was one of the men with Cao Cao when Guan Yu spared their lives at
Huarong Trail. As such, his previous experience has proven Zhang Liao as a valuable
asset.
● Portfolio Powers: Honorable General and Duelist, Leads 20,000 Soldiers in Hefei
○ Despite having served previous warlords before submitting to Cao Cao, Zhang
Liao is nonetheless an honorable, loyal, and righteous general. Zhang Liao has a
deep respect of people who have similar traits: Guan Yu in particular simply due
to their many past encounters. Despite such admiration, Zhang Liao remains deeply loyal to his lord, and is willing to serve his lord with his natural talents of
leading troops on the battle and dueling enemy soldiers, officers, and generals
with his skills in martial arts.
○ Such loyalty and service has granted Zhang Liao the position: “General Who
Defeats Bandits”. With such a position, Zhang Liao has the authority to lead the
20,000 soldiers under his command with the primary objective of suppressing any
mutinies or rebellions occurring within Cao Cao’s domain. As a result, Zhang
Liao has the authority to direct his troops’ movement on the battlefield and on
campaign. Currently, he has the responsibility of leading his troops alongside
fellow generals Li Dian and Yue Jin in the defense of Hefei against Sun Quan’s
forces. Zhang Liao has the additional responsibility of administering his force’s
logistics through actions such as the recruitment of troops and ensuring that his
troops are well-paid, well-fed, and well-supplied. Yet, Zhang Liao is also capable
of fighting on the battlefield himself and able to duel any opposing officers with
weapon in hand.
Xiahou Yuan 夏侯淵 (Miaocai 妙才)
● Biography: Xiahou Yuan- also known by the courtesy name of Miaocai- was born in Qiao County on an unknown year and is both the younger cousin of Xiahou Dun and the
brother of Cao Cao due to the latter’s father- being a eunuch- adopting from the Xiahou
clan (Theobald). Like many other supporters, Xiahou Yuan was one of the first
supporters of Cao Cao and served as both a major and as a Cavalry Commandant during
the campaign against Dong Zhuo while also supporting Cao Cao with 1,000 volunteers
(Luo Guanzhong). Since then, Xiahou Yuan had received experiences in both
administering commanderies such as Chenliu and commanding troops in battles such as
Guandu. Xiahou Yuan was also effective in suppressing rebellions including Yellow
Turban rebels in Jinan. Now after the disastrous Battle of the Red Cliffs, however,
Xiahou Yuan now has the immense task of holding back any attempt by Sun Quan or Liu
Bei to invade his lord’s territory and to bring chaos to all of China.
● Portfolio Powers: Skilled General and Duelist, Leads 20,000 Soldiers in Xinye
○ Like many other generals, Xiahou Yuan has supported Cao Cao since the
beginning and is thus unlikely to willingly defect from his lord. Such loyalty has
been rewarded with past experiences as an administrator, lands, titles, and the
current position of “General Who Protects the Army”. This has allowed Xiahou
Yuan to lead up to 20,000 troops in Xinye County close to the border with Liu
Bei with the authority to administer over army matters such as recruitment and
ensuring that food, money, weapons, and supplies arrive to support the soldiers, to
lead the troops under his command into battle, and to even dual opposing generals and officers in duels with his mighty blade. Xiahou Yuan has become known for moving troops under his command long distances in short amounts of time as to best take his enemies by surprise. It is said that his troops can march 500 li (250 km/ 155 miles) in 3 days and 1,000 li (500 km/ 311 miles) in 6 days.
Xiahou Dun 夏侯惇 (Yuanrang 元讓)
● Biography: Xiahou Dun- also known with the courtesy name Yuanrang- was born in Qiao County on an unknown date and is the older cousin of Xiahou Yuan (Theobald).
Like many generals and officers in Cao Cao’s court, Xiahou Dun supported his lord as an
officer as early as during the campaign against Dong Zhuo in 190 CE, and continued to
support Cao Cao ever since (Luo Guanzhong). Such career came at a personal cost, for an
arrow struck Xiahou Dun in his left eye during a skirmish against Lu Bu’s soldiers.
Undeterred, he pulled out the arrow with the eye still attached, swallowed the eyeball,
and then charged towards and killed the subordinate of Lu Bu who shot the arrow (Luo
Guanzhong). Yet, the loss of an eye did not deter Xiahou Dun from faithfully serving his
lord against rival warlords such as Yuan Shao and Liu Bei. While Xiahou Dun and an
army of 100,000 troops was defeated by Zhuge Liang with the use of ambushes, fire
attacks, and water attacks in the Battle of Bowang in 202 CE, he continued his military
services to Cao Cao including helping defend Xiangyang in Jing Province for a time
against Liu Bei’s and Sun Quan’s forces after the Battle of the Red Cliffs (Luo
Guanzhong).
● Portfolio Powers: Skilled Commander and Duelist, Leads 20,000 Soldiers in
Luoyang
○ Like many of his compatriots, Xiahou Dun has proved himself as a capable
general. Not only has he proven to be a charismatic leader of men who is capable
of managing the troops under his command on and off the battlefield, but Xiahou
Dun has also proven himself capable of defending himself in duels against enemy soldiers, officers, and generals using his skills in martial arts. Xiahou Dun has
additionally proved himself as a scholarly man who respected music, culture,
politics, and learning. Yet, Xiahou Dun has also proved himself as having a fiery
temperament, with both traits being shown when he killed a man who insulted his
teacher when Xiahou Dun was only 13 years old.
○ While Xiahou Dun may not have any current official title in the military, he still
leads a significant force that he led defending Xiangyang from Liu Bei and Sun
Quan before Xiahou Dun was forced to withdraw from the city and allow it to be
taken by Liu Bei. Xiahou Dun leads a force of 20,000 battle-tested troops to
defend Cao Cao’s borders against Liu Bei or even potentially retake Xiangyang in
the name of the Prime Minister, and thus has the responsibility of ensuring that
the troops are well-trained, well-fed, and well-supplied.
Yue Jin 樂進 (Wenqian 文謙)
● Biography: Born in Yangping Commandery on an unknown date, Yue Jin- also known as the courtesy name Wenqian- started as a man who was short in stature but courageous
nonetheless (Theobald). Yue Jin brought 1,000 men from his hometown to serve
alongside Cao Cao in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, and was promoted to the position
of Major as a result (Luo Guanzhong). Over the next several years, Yue Jin served his
lords in conflicts against Lu Bu, Liu Bei, Yuan Shao and his sons, and even former
Yellow Turban rebels. His many acts of heroism were rewarded in the Imperial Court in
206 CE when Yue Jin was granted the position of “General Who Breaks and Charges” by
the Han Imperial Court (Theobald). Once Cao Cao solidified his control over northern
China and after he was defeated by rebel scum- Liu Bei and Sun Quan-, Yue Jin
participated in the defense of Xiangyang in northern Jing Province and successfully
managed to defend the city from attacks by Zhou Yu and Guan Yu for a time before
withdrawing into Yu Province and allowing Xiangyang to be taken by Guan Yu. He now
serves to defend the city of Hefei against Sun Quan’s attacking forces alongside his
fellow commanders: Zhang Liao and Li Dian.
● Portfolio Powers: Skilled Duelist, Leads 20,000 Soldiers in Hefei against Sun Quan
○ Yue Jin was one of the generals praised by Cao Cao as having possessed
unwavering courage on the battlefield: courage that inspires his troops to bravely
stand and fight to the death against their opponents. Such courage is exemplified
when Yue Jin dueled against Lu Bu’s general- Zang Ba- for more than 30 bouts
with neither combatant able to defeat the other. Alongside spears and swords used in hand-to-hand combat, Yue Jin has also proved his talents with the bow and
arrow as he is able to kill another of Lu Bu’s generals- Cheng Liang- and an
enemy advisor- Guo Tu- with only one arrow for each opponent. Such acts have
underlined Yue Jin’s skill in dueling against enemy officers and generals: skills
that could further inspire the common troops to improve their training and
abilities against the enemy.
○ By the grace of the Emperor and the Han Imperial Court, Yue Jin was promoted
to the position of “General Who Breaks and Charges”. With this position, he leads
a force of 20,000 recently battle-tested soldiers. With his position in Hefei, Yue
Jin could either consolidate his defenses and hold back any offensive by Sun
Quan or even take the offensive in order to retake territory in the name of the
Prime Minister and the Han Dynasty. With great opportunities and power,
however, comes great responsibility as Yue Jin is responsible with managing this
force through actions including but not limited to recruitment, training, and
cooperating with strategists to develop campaign strategies and battlefield tactics
that would make the soldiers more effective.
Dong Zhao 董昭 (Gongren 公仁)
● Biography: Born in 156 CE in the Shandong Peninsula, Dong Zhao- also known by the courtesy name of Gongren- initially served as a civil servant for Yuan Shao before rising
in stature to becoming a military advisor and an administrator of several commanderies
under Yuan Shao’s control (Theobald). However, slanderous rumors about Dong Zhao’s
disloyalty led to Yuan Shao mistrusting him. Fearing for his life, Dong Zhao fled to
Henei Commandery and eventually became an official of Zhang Yang: a warlord ruling
the region. When Cao Cao asked for permission to cross into Zhang Yang’s territory to
retrieve the Emperor from exile, Dong Zhao convinced his lord to agree in 192 CE,
advised the Emperor to welcome Cao Cao with respect in 196 CE, and eventually
convinced many of Zhang Yang’s supporters to join Cao Cao once Zhang Yang passed
away in 198 CE. In 199 CE, when Cao Cao seized Xu Province back from Liu Bei, Dong
Zhao was rewarded for his service with the Governorship of Xu Province (Theobald).
Dong Zhao even served as a vital asset in Cao Cao’s campaigns against Yuan Shao and in
defending Xu Province against Sun Quan’s forces after the Battle of the Red Cliffs.
● Portfolio Powers: Governor of Xu Province, Leads 30,000 to Defend the Province
○ Dong Zhao has shown previous experiences as a military advisor- able of advising
generals on campaign strategies and battlefield tactics based on the works of those
such as Sun Tzu-, but his primary expertise is in civil administration. As such, he
has the authority to rule over Xu Province to best serve either his lord’s or his
own ambitions. Actions that could be done within Xu Province include but are not
limited to the recruitment of troops into the military, the collection of taxes and food, and the construction of infrastructure. Due to Xu Province’s proximity to
Sun Quan’s domain, Dong Zhao has the authority to lead a force of 30,000 troops to defend the province: albeit these forces are less trained and experienced, serve better in defending cities in Xu than engaging in pitched battles, and are restricted to only fighting in Xu Province rather than fighting in other parts of Cao Cao’s domain.
Xu Huang 徐晃 (Gongming 公明)
● Biography: Born in Hedong Commandery, Xu Huang- also known with the courtesy name Gongming- began his career in his youth as a minor official and then as a
subordinate officer for a Han general: Yang Feng (Theobald). While initially serving
subordinates of Dong Zhuo, Xu Huang managed to convince Yang Feng to escort
Emperor Xian of Han to the capital of Luoyang and was rewarded accordingly with the
position of Marquis (Luo Guanzhong). After Cao Cao defeated Yang Feng in 196 CE, Xu
Huang surrendered to Cao Cao and served his new lord faithfully in battles including
Guandu against Yuan Shao and the Red Cliffs against Liu Bei and Sun Quan. After the
defeat at the Red Cliffs, Xu Huang protected his lord Cao Cao as he escaped from enemy
troops and then stayed behind under the command of Cao Ren in order to hold back the
advances by Sun Quan’s forces.
● Portfolio Powers: Skilled Warrior, Commander of 20,000 Troops in Wuchao
○ Xu Huang has proven himself as a skillful warrior: able to successfully duel
against Xu Chu- another of Cao Cao’s officers- for over 50 bouts with neither side
holding an advantage (Luo Guanzhong). As such, Xu Huang is clearly capable of
overcoming any opposing officers and even some generals in a duel on the
battlefield using his talents in martial arts and his skills with his two-handed axe.
However, Xu Huang has also proved himself as a humble and self-disciplined
man who does not maintain a significant social network, yet is able to inspire his
men to fight on for glory and for their lives. ○ Due to his valiant service against Yuan Shao’s sons, Xu Huang was promoted to
“General Who Sweeps Across the Wilderness” by Emperor Xian of Han and his
Imperial Court in 207 CE. As a result, Xu Huang has the authority of leading the
20,000 troops under his command to best defend Xu Province from potential
incursions by Sun Quan and Liu Bei. Xu Huang also has the authority of doing all
necessary to maintaining the military such as recruiting soldiers and ensuring that
the troops are well-trained, well-fed, well-paid, and well-supplied.
Cheng Yu 程昱 (Zhongde 仲徳)
● Biography: Born in 141 CE from Dong’e County in the Shandong Peninsula, little is known about Cheng Yu’s early life (Theobald). Having served multiple positions
including Prefect of Shouzhang and Prime Minister of Dongping, Cheng Yu- also known
by the courtesy name Zhongde- ended up serving Cao Cao whenever the latter seized
control of the province the former was in. Cheng Yu rose to participate in campaigns
against Lu Bu, warned Cao Cao about the dangers of Liu Bei as a charismatic individual,
and served as both a general and a military advisor for the campaign against Yuan Shao
(Luo Guanzhong). Cheng Yu was also the mastermind behind a ruse to get Xu Shu- Liu
Bei’s advisor- to serve Cao Cao and was involved in the attempt to sway Guan Yu- one
of Liu Bei’s top generals- to serve Cao Cao as well albeit unsuccessfully. Yet, at the Red
Cliffs, his prediction of an alliance between Liu Bei and Sun Quan proved to be accurate
and his advice to be on guard of a potential fire attack were largely ignored to disastrous
consequences. Nonetheless, Cheng Yu has proven himself to be an invaluable advisor to
Cao Cao and to the Imperial Court as seen when Cheng Yu accompanied Cao Cao in his
effort to escape Liu Bei and Sun Quan and was present when Guan Yu graciously
allowed Cao Cao to escape at Huarong Pass (Luo Guanzhong).
● Portfolio Powers: Expert Military Advisor, Advises Cao Pi in the Defence of
Xuchang
○ Cheng Yu has proven himself as a valuable military advisor despite not currently
holding any responsibilities on the front lines against Liu Bei or Sun Quan’s
forces. Regardless, his expertise in developing military strategies would still prove useful in helping strengthen the defenses at Xuchang. His proximity to the capital also allows Cheng Yu to take advantage of connections with Cao Pi and with the Imperial Court to promote his lord’s or his own agenda to rise politically.
Cheng Yu, despite being one of Cao Cao’s trusted advisors, has already stated his opposition to overthrowing Emperor Xian of Han in response of a secret Imperial
Decree against Cao Cao. Alternatively, Cheng Yu could cooperate with military generals to participate in military campaigns and to develop long-term campaign strategies and short-term battlefield tactics such as the “Empty Fort Strategy” that would allow soldiers to become more effective on the battlefield.
Cai Yan 蔡琰 (Wenji 文姬)
● Biography: Records debate on whether Cai Yan- also known by the courtesy name of
Cai Wenji- was born in 170 or 178 CE in Chenliu Commandery (Theobald). The
daughter of a Han Dynasty scholar, Cai Yan’s life fell into turmoil with the death of her
husband shortly after the marriage without bearing any children and with her capture by
the Xiongnu tribes when China entered a period of chaos. While captive, she married a
Xiongnu chieftain and bore two sons before Cao Cao paid a ransom to the Xiongnu in
order to release her in the name of her already-dead father in 207 CE. Now married to a
government official, now Cai Yan has the opportunity to use her various talents for the
good of her liege, her state, or herself.
● Portfolio Powers: Expert Calligrapher and Poet in Xuchang, Connections with
Xiongnu
○ Like her father, Cai Yan has proven to be an excellent calligrapher and poet with
her literary works being able to move the hearts and minds of men. Her poems
tend to have a tone of sorrow as to portray her sorrowful life as up to this moment.
However, outside of her literary talents, her knowledge of the Xiongnu way of life
and her connections with various Xiongnu chieftains and men of prominence may
be of additional use to Cao Cao and his supporters. Currently stationed in Cao
Cao’s capital of Xuchang, she could also use her meager connection with a
government official in order to potentially increase her presence and connections
within Cao Cao’s bureaucracy as to benefit her own agenda: potentially by allying
with the fellow poet Cao Zhi. Han Ji 韓曁 (Gongzhi 公至)
● Biography: Born in Nanyang Commandery on an unknown date, Han Ji- also known by the courtesy name of Gongzhi- is an individual descended from previous administrators
and even Han Xin: descendent of the royal family of Han during the Warring States
period (Theobald). After his father and brothers were falsely framed and executed for
committing criminal offences, Han Ji secretly plotted and succeeded in killing the man
responsible for the false accusation: Chen Mao. Han Ji tracked down Chen Mao,
beheaded the man responsible for his family’s death, placed the head as an offering to his
father’s tomb, and became a legend because of this incident. After that and some time in
the civil administration, Han Ji reluctantly served Liu Biao as a subordinate before
ultimately serving Cao Cao after Liu Biao’s death (Theobald). Initially serving in the
office of the Imperial Chancellor- a position equivalent to Prime Minister- and as the
Administrator of Laoling Commandery, Han Ji has been reassigned to become an
Internuncio: truly a position where he can continue his small part in the world.
● Portfolio Powers: Leading Figure of Cast Iron Industry in Xuchang set to Supply
Army with Weapons and Farmers with Iron Tools
○ As an Internuncio, Han Ji is a prominent figure within the cast iron industry: a
less-than-glorious but still vital industry responsible for the production of
weapons such as swords, spear tips, and arrow heads as well as iron agricultural
tools such as plows necessary to making food production efficient. The cast iron
industry is important for ensuring that Cao Cao’s military remains well-armed and
well-supplied with high-quality weapons and well-fed due to ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality farming equipment. While the industry currently relies on manual labor, the system is not as efficient as it could be. As a result, it is Han Ji’s responsibility to manage this crucial industry, maintain the vital supply of weapons for the military, improve the efficiency of this industry, and use this organization for his lord’s or even his own benefit.
Su Ze 蘇則 (Wenshi 文師)
● Biography: Born in Fufeng Commandery on an unknown date, Su Ze- known with the courtesy name of Wenshi- is known as a man of character: an upright and honest man
with a disgust towards villains (Theobald). While his intellectual nature granted him
many opportunities to join the civil service, he promptly turned down all initial offers.
When a famine forced Su Ze to flee into the refuge of a wealthy man named Shi Liang,
the latter’s lack of respect to the former initially made Su Ze swear to become an
administrator and take revenge on Shi Liang (Theobald). All this would change by 200
CE as he quickly rose in prominence as the Administrators of Jiuquan, Anding, and
Wudu Commanderies in Liang Province. He even forgave Shi Liang for his former lack
of contempt due to Shi Liang protecting Su Ze during the famine.
● Portfolio Powers: Administer of Wudu Commandery, Influence in Liang Province,
Leads 4,000 to defend Wudu Commandery
○ Su Ze is a man willing to serve the Han Dynasty currently under the guidance of a
man named Cao Cao faithfully and honorably. While not closely related to or
bonded with the new Prime Minister, Su Ze still provides an important role in
internal affairs. As the Administrator of Wudu Commandery, he has the
responsibility of administering over all internal matter including recruitment, tax
collection, crop harvesting, and constructing roads and other infrastructure. He
also leads a meager force of 4,000 volunteers in order to defend the commandery
from internal bandits and external raiders: albeit this force of untrained peasants is
no match for a veteran military force. His former posts also provide Su Ze influence over two other commanderies in Liang Province: a land distant from the capital in Xuchang and thus is more self-reliant. Nonetheless, the constant threat of Xiongnu raids and even internal unrest in the nearby Xiliang region may keep
Su Ze loyal to Cao Cao while also pursuing his own personal agenda.
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