text: [Themes: historical]
  
  Three legendary warlords. One land. Who will rule?
  
  Warlords: Strategic Conquest is a story set in medieval China. Each choice you make will logically determine how your campaign proceeds. Clues to help you select the best choices are woven into the narrative.
  
  Background story:
  
  It is 907 A.D., and China has seen better days. Riots spreading like wildfire ended three hundred years of Tang rule. Ordinary citizens overthrew their local politicians, fed up with inept government and rising taxes. The central government responded by increasing the allowance of military power to each province. Amidst the political unrest and military buildup, ambitious warlords everywhere saw a chance to grab their piece of the pie. These absolute leaders, exercising both military and civil power, declared their independence from Tang authority, seized private property, fought each other, and turned order upside down.
  
  China's power vacuum longs to be filled by someone skilled enough to defeat his opponents and unite the country once again. Three particular warlords stand out:
  
  Governor Toleron
  
  Growing up in a poor Southern village, Toleron's childhood was marred by domestic violence. His seldomly employed father spent what little money his family had on liquor and gambling. The more he drank the angrier he would get at not being able to provide for his family. Toleron's mother would often receive the brunt of his father's drunken temper. Toleron stayed home for his mother's sake, but resolved to make a better life for himself. At the age of 20 he finally left home and started his own business as a fabric manufacturer. He worked hard and his company eventually became one of the most profitable businesses in the South. After transferring company ownership to his mother, Toleron joined the Tang army's civilian staff. Thanks to his knack for organization, he soon rose to a high administrative post. After the revolution began, a loyal following of soldiers urged him on to take over the provincial government. Toleron is highly regarded for his expertise in leveraging resources and logistics. Everyone serving under him believes he would make a wise emperor.
  
  General Nahru
  
  Abandoned by his parents at the age of three, Nahru spent his childhood learning the power of violence while fighting for scraps on the streets. After learning what Tang soldiers get paid to do, he immediately enlisted in the army. In battle, Nahru fought fearlessly against Korean revolts and Mongol invasions. After years of heavily decorated service, he was promoted to Supreme Commander of the Northern Forces. He sees the revolution as a golden opportunity to carve out his own empire. Famous for his ruthlessness and hot temper, Nahru inspires as much fear as respect among his own colonels, but that keeps them focused lest they make a career-ending mistake. He is confident that he will one day take over the entire world, and no one would bet against him considering his unblemished battle record.
  
  President Min
  
  Min was born into an affluent family in western China. An only child, his mother was overprotective and smothered him with attention. He grew up shy, awkward, and shunned by peers at school. His only constant companions were books. In addition to helping him make excellent grades, the books also cultivated Min's fanciful imagination. He started to notice people's body language and what it would indicate. Over time he honed his communication skills until he could impress anyone he came across. He talked his way into mayorship of a burgeoning western city only a few weeks after graduating from Soh Lin University. Over the years Min has built a reputation as a peerless diplomat. When the rebellions began, several admiring towns voluntarily incorporated themselves into his territory and elected him president. With a persuasive tongue like his, there is no limit to what Min can accomplish.
  
  Who are you?
  
  > President Min
  Your kingdom rests on a solid foundation. The masses find you agreeable. Your government workers like you. You are respected by both your soldiers and the Buddhist temple. Even your treasury is healthy. However, in order to make good on its potential, a solid foundation requires expansion. You are not very knowledgeable in the art of war nor of administration, so the best way for you to grow your influence is to create alliances with other warlords.
  
  There are three possible types of alliances you can make: the Arraigned Marriage, an unofficial and informal understanding that each party will wed their children to the other's, and which is usually ignored outside of the enjoined kingdoms; the Peace Agreement, an internationally recognized edict where the parties agree never to attack each other nor each other's allies, and furthers peace; the Military Alliance, an internationally recognized edict where, in addition to never attacking each other nor each other's allies, each party also provides troops and other military aid to the other as needed, and tends to increase involvement in war and violent conflict.
  
  Securing alliances will earn you much prestige and bring you closer to your goal of uniting China. Your two biggest rivals whom you will need to win over are General Nahru to the north and Governor Toleron to the east. Besides Nahru and Toleron, there are also less powerful warlords nearby who may help or hurt your quest depending on your relations.
  
  One day, an emissary from a faraway land visits your court.
  
  "I bring a message from Prince Yevgeni of Russia. He has not had any diplomatic relations with any Chinese politico, and would like you to be the first. He invites you to his court to experience one of Russia's famous winters.
  
  "Many big cultural events are about to happen. The New Year's celebration is legendary. Russians don't just celebrate from the 31st to the 1st- but from the 31st all the way to January 10th. No liver is safe!
  
  "Will you join the Prince at his court?"
  
  Your foreign policy advisors have informed you of this Prince Yevgeni. The prince is known as a good natured and naïve goofball who likes to have a good time. His father is the ruler of the kingdom of Russia, to the north of Mongolia and west of the barren wastelands.
  
  Russia has never meddled with the affairs of China. Perhaps the Prince would wish to begin a new policy one day when he himself ascends to the throne.
  
  Do you visit Prince Yevgeni, who has little political influence as of now, or ignore him and meet with two nearby warlords, Lord Kahn and Duke Dizen, who have more influence in China and are able to provide more immediate assistance? If you decline the prince's offer he will not make the same offer again.
  
  > visit Prince Yevgeni
  You enter Prince Yevgeni's court.
  
  Despite the wintry season, conditions inside his throne room are quite pleasant. His friends, courtiers, and jesters are all over the room. A couple of scantily clad young women lay at his side. Wrestling posters and bottles of Russian alcohol adorn the interior.
  
  How do you greet Prince Yevgeni?
  
  > say "Let's have a few drinks!"
  Yevgeni laughs. "You're pretty cool."
  
  After you both down a few shots, he says, "Let me guess, you want to make some sort of request of me."
  
  You smile and nod.
  
  He smiles back. "I'm smarter than I look."
  
  > say "Let's arrange a marriage of our children. How about one of your kids gets to marry one of mine?"
  "Hrrrrrm..." He considers your proposal.
  
  "Sure, why not? I don't have any kids yet but I'll let you know when I do." He makes eye contact with the two giggling young women laying at his side.
  
  You agree to stay over for dinner and drinks to celebrate your agreement as well as the Russian New Year. While you wait to be joined by a few traveling diplomats, the Prince mutters an aside. "This is the first time I've ever made an agreement with a foreign diplomat. Most of the them come here asking for formal treaties, like I was in charge or somethi-."
  
  Before the Prince can finish his sentence, an ornately dressed man saunters into the throne room. Wearing a bead-covered headdress, a sheepskin robe intricately lined with jade stones and pearls, and shoes made of gold silk, he smiles and walks toward you with cupped hands. "It is my honor to meet you President Min. I am Khirnorek- chief diplomat of the Mongolian Kitan Empire."
  
  "Thank you, thank you," you bow in reply.
  
  Then another man enters the room. Wearing a camel fur coat, he looks positively demure compared to Khirnorek. "A pleasure to meet you all. I am Shalihasa, a courtier from Shah Kamaluka's court in Afghanistan. I bring a message of friendship from my shah. Prince Yevgeni, the future of Russia is bright in your hands. President Min, you are the best hope for a united China. Sir Khirnorek, the mighty Mongolian Kitan Empire is the envy of all rulers."
  
  "Enough, guys," the Prince says. "Let's eat. Giorgi!" Prince Yevgeni puts two fingers up and his butler places several plates of food on the table as all three guests take their seats.
  
  You indulge in whitefish, racks of lamb, smoked salmon, and caviar, while drinking copious amounts of honey vodka. In between mouthfuls of food, Khirnorek and Shalihasa discuss the civil war going on in China.
  
  "I heard from my friend that Lord Kahn hates it when people don't get straight to the point. I also hear he's been giving compliments to General Nahru," says one.
  
  "Really? I heard that Duke Dizen also likes people who speak directly. But he's allied with Governor Toleron," replies the other.
  
  The rest of the dinner conversation is uneventful. Shalihasa excuses himself from the table after stuffing his belly and leaves. Khirnorek does likewise soon thereafter. Prince Yevgeni himself is completely passed out on his throne. You decide to retire to your quarters and sleep off the abundant meal.
  
  You wake up and realize it would be more prudent to see to your kingdom's affairs than to resume senseless partying. You return home happy to have made a long term ally as well as having gleaned some useful information for your next sit-down. Which of the two will you visit now?
  
  > meet with Duke Dizen
  Before you depart for a meeting with the renowned Duke Dizen, you hear some shocking news. Several semi-prominent warlords at a regional summit were discovered dead by poison in their meeting tent. Their sickly purple innards were found regurgitated out of their mouths. No indication of who was responsible was found at the scene except for a card etched with the pictograph of an eight-point star. No one has any idea who was behind it. A wave of fear ripples among the warlords.
  
  The day finally arrives when you meet Duke Dizen. There is an electric atmosphere of excitement inside his conference room. You exchange bows with Dizen's cabinet members. Each of them appears capable, confident, and intelligent.
  
  Then Duke Dizen steps into the room. He is known as a charismatic and beloved figure among his subjects. Those who have worked with him in the past describe him as a willing compromiser who exemplifies pragmatism. He solemnly looks you in the eye and speaks in a calm and resonant tone.
  
  "Please sit down. I couldn't be happier that Chinese leaders such as you and I have found enough common ground to sit down and talk. What's on your mind?"
  
  > say "Weed, wenches, and wine!"
  "Ohh Min. You are too much. Let's get to the point. What exactly do you have in mind?"
  
  > say "I don't know. Can you take me on a tour of your harem?"
  Duke Dizen's face hardens.
  
  He speaks distantly. "I have done my best to understand your attempt at reason, but find no advantage in continuing this conversation." He stands up from his seat and walks out of his conference room, followed by his cabinet and entourage.
  
  You return to your kingdom after getting the cold shoulder from Duke Dizen. Now you plan your meeting with the other nearby warlord and potential ally- Lord Kahn. You make your preparations.
  
  > convene with Lord Kahn
  Before you depart for a meeting with Lord Kahn, you hear some stunning news. Commander Wan, a warlord in central China, was killed in a tent fire. While Wan and most of his guards were sleeping, a blaze began in his sleeping tent, which eventually engulfed the entire compound. Wan and his best officers all perished in the fire and without its leader his territory will inevitably be divided amongst neighboring warlords. The only clue indicating who was responsible is a pictograph of an eight-point star, engraved on a charred scrap of iron left behind at the scene. Nervousness sweeps through China as no one has any idea who is behind it, and you do not feel safe either not knowing who did it.
  
  The day finally arrives when you meet Lord Kahn. You enter his war tent. The Lord is sitting behind a wooden table. He beckons for you to sit down across from him.
  
  Lord Kahn sits rigidly on his throne dressed in full armor. He has the stern face of a man who does not tolerate nonsense. He directs a hierarchal system of government and is known as a staunch supporter of militant values, such as might and honor.
  
  Lord Kahn's lips are tight. He stares you straight in the eye.
  
  What do you say?
  
  > (mock him by mirroring his physical posture)
  Kahn clenches his fists and his eyes widen. "How dare you waste my time!"
  
  > say "How dare you waste MY time!"
  "Get out of my tent- immediately! Fools like you have no place here!" He gets up to leave, but suddenly pauses. There is a twinkle in his eye.
  
  "If you ever want to gain a powerful ally, President Min, you should speak to my friend General Nahru. When you meet him, go straight to the point, or tell him you are friends with Governor Toleron. He would just be delighted to hear that.
  
  "Farewell President Min. Perhaps one day we will meet again."
  
  You return to your kingdom without an alliance from Lord Kahn. By now, other local leaders are no longer worth your time. General Nahru and Governor Toleron are the only two warlords powerful enough to be worth meeting with. Who do you visit first?
  
  > Governor Toleron
  One night, you have trouble sleeping. Your recent negotiations with rival warlords have been wearing on you, and your impending meeting with one of the most powerful leaders in China weighs on your mind as well.
  
  You sit up in your bed and look for the candle. You light it up and to your surprise a shadowy figure crouches silently between you and the door.
  
  He looks you in the eye, and then takes several silent steps toward you. He holds a sharp dagger in his right hand. His face is entirely covered by a black cloth, except a slit over his eyes, and his clothing's black cotton dampens any sound.
  
  Do you:
  
  > look him in the eye and ask him who he is.
  Your mystery visitor relaxes, seeing that you have no intentions other than finding out who he is. He keeps the dagger trained at your throat with one hand and lifts the black cloth from his face with the other.
  
  "You do not react like the other warlords. My name is Iconoclast. Answer this question correctly, and I may spare your life.
  
  "If, say, all other warlords in China disappeared, and you were the last one left, what would you do?"
  
  > say "Usher in a great age of prosperity."
  He looks hatefully at you.
  
  "A thoughtful answer, but wrong. A man like yourself is bound to try and end the chaos and bring order to the people. This evil cannot pass."
  
  Iconoclast's comment lingers in the air before his dagger splits through it. You dodge the attack and run behind your nightstand.
  
  You grab the candle and wield it as a weapon. Iconoclast flips the table aside and closes in. You fling the candle at his body. He skillfully parries it with his left forearm and it falls harmlessly to the floor.
  
  You make a last ditch lunge at him but in one motion he dodges you and stabs you in the side. You wince and fall to the ground. He pulls the blade out of your ribcage and slices your throat to finish you off.