The Chaotic Era Begins – 194 A.D.
194 AD Chaotic Era Hereditary Seal Overview:
5 years after the first scenario, China is still unsettled. Dong Zhuo has been killed by Lu Bu. The remnants of Dong Zhuo’s army are taking refuge in Chang An under Li Ju. Meanwhile, Cao Cao has pressed the pursuit and has taken up arms at Luo Yang and Hong Nong. Yuan Shao has established himself in the north, and generally he’ll wipe out Kong Rong and Gongsun Zan in no time. Zhang Lu has popped up, adding a connection between Liu Zhang and the rest of the world, but he is a non-factor. Sun Ce is in Lu Jiang and is surprisingly weak; AI Sun Ce tends to self destruct with too many officers which Lu Jiang can’t support, and they’ll get ousted by Liu Yong or Liu Biao often. Liu Bei is also more of a factor as he now has two cities, but is situated next to Yuan Shao and the dangerous yet chaotic Lu Bu. For novices, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao are suitable choices. 3rd choice might be Sun Ce – he struggles as the AI, but there are too many talented officers. Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, and Yuan Shu are decent choices as well but not as dominant as the former two. Lu Bu is actually hard to use, as his lack of intelligence and charm and Civil Officers is generally his downfall. Gongsun Zan is a bit better this time around with Zhao Yun at his side, but Yuan Shao won’t ally with him so you can get wiped out quick. Yan Baihu and Wang Lang are eerily similar to their acts in 189, but they benefit from being so close to Sun Ce’s Wu forces which are generally loyal to them and as mentioned the area is in flux.
Li Ju and Zhang Lu are decent choices, but Li Ju tends to have issues with loyalty in his army and pleasing the people with his subpar Charm. You may be better served moving him to An Ding, away from Chang An where you can appoint a better, more likeable general as governor. Li Ju is kind of like Dong Zhuo in the last scenario with a lot of manpower and no one will want to ally with him. Last and certainly least is Kong Rong, who has the dubious position of being stuck between two Yuan Shao cities and Liu Bei. Generally, even when you ally with Yuan Shao, he’ll wipe you out by July. One of the top two or three most difficult choices in the entire game for rulers. Choose well, for the choice is yours, and yours alone!
Ruler Strategies:
Yuan Shao – 5. Nan Pi
Lu Bu – 9. Pu Yang by Mestre Will
Cao Cao – 11. Luo Yang
Liu Bei – 17. Xia Pi by Mestre Will
Yuan Shu – 22. Wan
Liu Biao – 24. Xiang Yang
Wang Lang – 35. Kuai Ji
Zhang Lu – 38. Han Zhong
New Ruler