Version 0.81 This is a complete alpha version of the FAQ, that will be updated to a complete beta, and, to the final version. Note that the date for some events listed in this FAQ have been chosen due to their position within the string of events where they appear; these events may not fire on the same date in your playthrough. The events below are formatted as such: #no - Name of event (Main characters) Date Decision; list of characters Gameplay impact Decisions Place in string Restrictions Explanation "#no" means the event number as they appear in the list of events. The below events are listed chronologically, and not in the order in the events list. ================================================================================ #01 - Oath of the Peach Garden (Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei) February 184 This event creates the bonds between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. There are no decisions in this event. This event is not part of any string. This event has no restrictions. It can not be avoided, or changed, and there are no decisions to be made. #21 - Yellow Turban Subjugation (Zhang Jiao, He Jin) October 189 DECISION: He Jin DECISION: Various lords This event creates a number of Independent forces. Liu Yan will move to Chengdou and Zitong Liu Biao gets Xiangyang and Jiangxia Tao Qian gets Xiaopei and Xiapi Sun Jian gets Changsha Zhang Lu gets Hanzhong Yuan Shu gets Wan Yuan Shao gets Nanpi Liu Bei gets Pingyuan Kong Rong gets Beihai Liu Yu gets Ji Han Fu gets Ye Gongsun Du gets Xiangping If He Jin says no, his force remains intact. It also scuppers the Collapse events, and, since many of these events are crucial in setting up the remaining events, may be the final event you see in the game. This is the first "Collapse" event This event has no restrictions. He Jin decides whether or not he is going to grant governorships to everyone. In the real history of the Three Kingdoms, it is this decision which dooms the Han Dynasty, as it gave Governors the power to raise their own armies, and thus, become warlords. For other lords, If you accept your Independence you play on as history intended, if not you serve Dong Zhuo and when Lu Bu revolts, you join Li Jue's forces. If you are like Sun Jian and Liu Yan and already have land, saying no allows you to keep all of your current land. #22 - Emperor Ling Passes (He Jin) November 189 This event changes who the Emperor is. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Coalition" string This event has no restrictions. Emperor Ling desires his younger son, and the future Emperor Xian, to take the throne, but He Jin opposes this. This event sees Emperor Ling die, and Emperor Shao takes the throne. #23 Chaos in the Capital (He Jin) December 189 This event creates a number of Independent forces. Zhang Yang follows Ding Yuan as leader of that force Wang Kuang gets Henei Bao Xin gets Jibei Zhang Chao gets Guangling Zhang Yan gets Jinyang Liu Dai gets Puyang Kong Zhou gets Qiao This event changes who the Emperor is. This event destroys He Jin's force, and gives most of it's officers and cities to Dong Zhuo Dong Zhuo also gains Changan, Hongnong, and Luoyang This event will not trigger if the player is either He Jin or Ding Yuan, as, they die in this event. This event is part of the "Coalition" string This decision will not fire if you are playing as either He Jin, or Ding Yuan, as both die in the event. This event sees Lu Bu join Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao kill the Eunuchs, and the Eunuchs kill He Jin. #13 Cao Cao Raises Troops (Cao Cao) January 190 This event creates Cao Cao as an Independent force in Chenliu There are no decisions in this event. This is the final "Collapse" event. This is the first "Coalition" event. Due to it strining together two events, I've dated this for January of 190, one month before the Feb 190 event, which occurs at that date during the 190 scenario. This event has no restrictions. This is the event where Cao Cao revolts against Dong Zhuo, who has taken over the 'central government' from He Jin. It also shows Cao Cao's failed assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo. #14 Against Dong Zhuo (Cao Cao, Yuan Shao) February 190 DECISION: Many lords This event creates a coalition against Dong Zhuo. It also triggers the "Coalition" events. Ma Teng, Sun Jian, Zhang Chao, Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shu, Zhang Yang, Han Fu, Liu Dai, Kong Zhou, Tao Qian Kong Rong, Bao Xin, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao all are part of this Coalition. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Coalition" string This event has no restrictions. Cao Cao starts this event with a decision, if he says no, no coalition is formed. If he says yes... Yuan Shao then gets an event on if he wants to join and thus lead the coalition. If not Cao Cao will lead this alliance of... Many rulers also get a decision on joining the coalition If ANY of them say no, this scuppers many of the "Coalition" events. #15 Battle of Hulao Gate (Lu Bu) March 190 I've not yet written a short explanation of gameplay impacts. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Coalition" string This decision will not trigger if the player is Fang Yue or Hua Xiong, as, they die in this event. This event sees Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei fight Lu Bu. #24 Moving to Changan (Dong Zhuo) April 190 DECISION: Dong Zhuo This event causes Dong Zhuo to abandon Luoyang, and move, with the Emperor, to Changan. If Dong Zhuo says no, his force stays in the city, and this also scuppers the next event in the string. This event is part of the "Coalition" string Dong Zhuo has an important decision here; weather or not to move the capital to Chang'an from Luoyang. Keeping it in Luoyang seems to nullify some events that happen shortly after, but may not stop all future events, especially for Liu Bei. In this event, should you choose to follow history, Dong Zhuo will burn Luoyang to the ground and move to Chang'an #16 Death of Sun Jian (Sun Jian) May 190 DECISION: Sun Jian This event will kill Sun Jian, and erase his force, with this officers joining Yuan Shu. If Sun Jian says no, his force will continue on as is. This is the last "Coalition" event This event is part of the "Founding Wu" string This event has no restrictions. Huang Zu kills Sin Jian. Sun Jian can avoid being killed if he so wishes, otherwise Huang Zu kills Sun Jian, and Sun Ce joins Yuan Shu. #25 Battle of Kuangting (Yuan Shu, Cao Cao) April 191 DECISION: Yuan Shu This event moves Yuan Shu's force from Wan to Shochun This also creates 3 new independent forces Liu Yao gains Jianye Wang Lang gains Huiji Yan Baihu gains Wu If Yuan Shu says no, his force remains where it is. Doing so will scupper the remaining "Founding Wu" events. This event is part of the "Founding Wu" string This event has no restrictions. This decision sees etc etc explain this later words words #2 The Love Triangle Plot, Act 1 (Wang Yun, Diao Chan) January 192 DECISION: Dong Zhuo (twice) This decision triggers "Act 2" of this event two months later Dong Zhuo can say no when first asked, and this scuppers act 2. However, he is asked, again, a second time, immediately after the first. Again, he can choose no. This is a sign to those who are used to making decisions in video games that the developers are trying to tell you bad things will happen if you say yes. Saying yes results in Dong Zhuo's death. Saying No will result in Diao Chan marrying Lu Bu instantly. This event and it's counterpart, Act 2, are part of the same string. This event will not fire if you are playing as Dong Min or Wang Yun This event is the start of the love triangle between Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu, and Diao Chan. #3 - The Love Triangle, Act 2 (Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu, Diao Chan) March 192 DECISION: Lu Bu This event will kill Dong Zhuo, and Dong Min, as well as Li Ru, and Li Su. Li Jue takes over Dong Zhuo's forces, but only the city of Changan. Lu Bu can decide not to go through with killing his lord, if so (CLAIRFY) This event and it's counterpart, Act 1, are part of the same string. This event will not fire if you are playing as Dong Min or Wang Yun, even if Act 1 has been triggered. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation #17 - Sun Ce Marches (Sun Ce) Jan 193 DECISION: Yuan Shu and Sun Ce This event creates Sun Ce's force in Lijiang and splits the Wu officers off from Yuan Shu Yuan Shu and Sun Ce both get a decision. Both need to say yes for this to proceede; otherwise the force remains as-is. If Sun Ce says yes but Yuan Shu says no, Wu officers have their loyalty drop. This event is part of the "Founding Wu" string This event has no restrictions. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation Zhou Yu #26 - Moving to Xu/Cao Cao's Rage (Cao Cao) December 194 DECISION: Cao Cao, Tao Qian, and Liu Bei This event moves Liu Bei to Xaiopei Tao Qian can decide not to send the escort, thus scuppering the event. Cao Cao can decide not to seek revenge at the time Liu Bei can decide not to help Tao Qian, and as such, will not move cities. This event is the first in the "Liu Bei" string, the date has been decided based on it being set prior to the next event in this string, which is at the start of the 195 Scenario. This event has no restrictions. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation Zhang Kai, Cao Song #27 - Moving to Xu/Liu Bei Stands (Liu Bei) January 195 This event sees Liu Bei take over Tao Qian's forces and Cities (Xiapai & Langye) This event creates a separate force for Lu Bu. This event causes Cao Cao to lose most of his cities to Lu Bu. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Liu Bei" string If the player is Tao Qian, this event does not proceede, as it will result in your death I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation #28 - Lu Bu's Retreat (Lu Bu) February 195 DECISION: Liu Bei This event sees Cao Cao regain his lost cities and Lu Bu flee to Xiaopei, taking the city from Liu Bei Liu Bei has a decision; he can reject giving a city to Lu Bu, in which case Lu Bu flees to Runan This event is part of the "Liu Bei" string This event will not fire if the player is Zhang Miao, who dies, or Lu Bu. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation #29 - To Xucheng (Cao Cao) July 195 DECISION: Cao Cao, Kong Rong This will move the Emperor to Xucheng, a city under Cao Cao. It also kills ruler Zhang Ji and sees Zhang Xiu take over; and moves that force to Wan. Cao Cao has the main decision. He can decide to take Luoyang and Xucheng, and move the Emperor to Xucheng, or he can say no, in which case the Emperor flees to the empty Luoyang. This event is not part of any string. This event will not fire if you are Li Jue, but will if you are Guo Si or Zhang Ji. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation #30 - Liu Bei Abandons Xu (Liu Bei) August 195 DECISION: Liu Bei This event sees Liu Bei's force move to Qiao while Lu Bu's forces take over Xiapi and Langye Liu Bei can say no causing him to keep his current city. This event is part of the "Liu Bei" string This event has no restrictions. In this event, Cao Cao convinces Liu Bei to attack Yuan Shu, allowing Lu Bu to take over. #31 - Guan Yu Surrenders (Guan Yu) February 200 This event sees Liu Bei's force disbanded, with Guan Yu going to serve Cao Cao, Liu Bei going to serve Yuan Shao, and Zhang Fei becoming a Free Officer. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Liu Bei" string This event is part of the "Yuan Shao" string. The date of this event is based on the fact that the first events from that strong begin a month after this event triggers. This event has no restrictions. I've yet to write the longer more verbose explanation Zhang Liao #19 - Battle of Baima and Yanjin (Guan Yu, Yan Liang, Wen Chou) March 200 DECISION: Yuan Shao This event reduces troop numbers in some cities Yuan Shao has a decision, saying no simply cancels the event and the entire "Yuan Shao" string. This event is part of the "Yuan Shao" string. If you are playing as Yan Liang or Wen Chou this event will not trigger as they die. This is the first major battle between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao #18 - Death of Sun Ce (Sun Ce) May 200 DECISION: Sun Ce Sun Ce dies, Sun Quan takes over. Sun Ce has a decision. If he says no, he survives. This event is part of the "Founding Wu" string This event has no restrictions. The wizard Yu Ji is killed by Sun Ce, and Sun Ce dies as a result. #32 - Guan Yu's Ride (Guan Yu) June 200 DECISION: Guan Yu DECISION: Zhao Yun DECISION: Zhou Cang This event re-creates Liu Bei's force, in Runan, and has Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei join, with others Guan Yu can decide to remain with Cao Cao. Doing so turns your bond with Liu Bei into a level 4 bond Zhao Yun and Zhou Cang can each decide if they will join Liu Bei or stay with Cao Cao None of these decisions impact Liu Bei starting his own force in Runan. This event is part of the "Liu Bei" string If playing as Cao Cao, Zhao Yun and Zhou Cang will remain in your service. Guan Yu, upon hearing Liu Bei and Zhang Fei are alive, departs Cao Cao's service. Zhao Yun, and Zhou Cang also join Liu Bei's forces. #4 - Deadlock at Guandu (Cao Cao, Yuan Shao) July 200 This event sets up the resolution event the following month There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Yuan Shao" string. This event does not fire if the player is Yuan Shao Stalemate between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao #5 - Resolution at Guandu (Cao Cao, Yuan Shao) August 200 Liu Bei's army moves closer to Liu Biao There are no decisions in this event. This is the final event in the "Yuan Shao" string. Tian Feng, Lu Weihuang, and Chunyu Qiong die in this event, and it will not fire if the player is one of them. Xu You betrays Yuan Shao and leads Cao Cao to a victory while Liu Bei and Liu Biao get closer #6 - The Three Visits, Act 1 (Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei) November 207 This event sets up the next two parts There are no decisions in this event. This is the first event in the "Zhuge Liang" string This event has no restrictions. In this event, Xu Shu joins Cao Cao, but when he leaves Liu Bei, he suggest Zhuge Liang as a replacement #7 - The Three Visits, Act 2 (Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei) December 207 This event sets up for the next event. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Zhuge Liang" string. This event has no restrictions. This is the second of three visits to Zhuge Liang that Liu Bei pays. #8 - The Three Visits, Act 3 (Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang) January 208 DECISION: name of person who has a decision In this event, Liu Bei gains Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei can refuse the 3rd visit, meaning Zhuge Liang is never recruited. This event is part of the "Zhuge Liang" string. This event has no restrictions. Both his brother, Zhuge Jin, and his wife, Huang Yueying, join Liu Bei along with Zhuge Liang. #20 - The Battle of Changban (Zhao Yun) February 208 This event sees Liu Cong, successor of Liu Biao, surrender to Cao Cao, while Liu Bei's wife dies. Liu Bei's force is relocated to Jiangxia but his son, Liu Shan, is saved by Zhao Yun. There are no decisions in this event. This event is not part of any string. If the player is Mi Shi this event will not play. This is the famous incident where Zhang Fei holds back Cao Cao's army alone. #9 - Zhuge Liang's Debate (Zhuge Liang) March 208 This event forms an alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Zhuge Liang" string. This event has no restrictions. Zhuge Liang impresses Sun Quan during a debate; pushing him into a battle with Cao Cao on Liu Bei's side #10 - Hunting an Arrow (Zhuge Liang) April 208 Cao Cao executes 2 of his officers. There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Zhuge Liang" string. This is the first event in the "Zhou Yu" string This event will not trigger if you are Cai Mao or Zhang Yun, causing the next event to trigger instead. In this event Zhuge Liang tricks Cao Cao into firing arrows at straw so he may collect them. #11 - A Desperate Plan (Zhou Yu, Huang Gai) May 208 DECISION: Cao Cao This event forms a bond between Zhou Yu and Huang Gai If Cao Cao says no, this event does not fire, nor do any of the events from this string. This event is part of the "Zhou Yu" string. This event has no restrictions. Zhou Yu beats Huang Gai to trick Cao Cao and Pang Tong #12 - Battle of Chibi (Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, Huang Gai, Cao Cao) June 208 This event reduces troop numbers in some cities (Jiangling in particular) There are no decisions in this event. This event is part of the "Zhou Yu" string. This event has no restrictions. This is the famous battle of red cliff; where Cao Cao's fleet is set on fire thanks to the help of Zhuge Liang, Zhou Yu, Huang Gai, Sun Quan, and Liu Bei #33 - Battle of Jiangling (Zhou Yu) July 208 Liu Bei obtains Jiangling, Zhou Yu is injured There are no decisions in this event. This is the last event in the "Zhuge Liang" string This is the last event in the "Zhou Yu" string This event has no restrictions. Zhou Yu attacks Cao Cao, but Liu Bei ends up with the city