The Almighty Ruler
• Liu Bei
He was commonly called Liu Yüan-tê. A larger than life figure, Liu Bei was "tall of stature. His ears long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were very prominent, so that he could see backward past his ears. His complexion was clear as jade and he had rich red lips". Despite his appearance, Liu Bei was an unassuming man who kept his own counsel and displayed little emotion. Liu Bei was the last son of Liu Teng, the emperor of Zhong Shan Jing from the early Han Dynasty. Started his life as a shoe maker and a weaver of mats, he made his name against the Yellow Turban rebels and fought in wars all around China, finally becoming the first emperor of Shu-Han. Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei swore brotherhood at the Peach Garden to destroy the rebels and defend the Han Dynasty. He was the elder brother of the three. At one point, Cao Cao called Liu Bei a hero of the era, overlooking others like Ma Teng and Sun Ce. Liu Bei was loved and admired by many; he was kind and sincere, an honourable man. He won the hearts of thousands through his virtuous ways. Although he became a mighty ruler, until the age of fifty, Liu Bei was constantly in the service of others, including Gongsun Zan, Tao Qian, Lu Bu, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Biao. This was mainly because he did not have a tactician able to restrain his magnificent warriors Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun. All of this changed when Liu Bei enlisted the help of Zhuge Liang in the year 208 as his advisor. Together, Liu Bei's and Sun Quan's forces defeated Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Wall. After becoming emperor, his expedition against Wu, in revenge for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's deaths, were failures, and ultimately died of illness.
The Five Tigers of Shu
• Guan Yu
His given name is Yun-ch'ang; his familiar one is Guan Yu but also known as Lord Kuan or Kuan the Noble. He had a huge frame, long beard, dark brown face and deep red lips. "He had eyes like a phoenix and fine bushy eyebrows like silkworms. His whole appearance was dignified and awe-inspiring." He swore an oath of blood brothers with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden and fought around China to restore the Han family to power. He was general of the Shu and the first of the Five Tiger Generals. His reputation as a skilled swordsman earned him the gift of the Red Hare, the finest steed, from Cao Cao. His unswerving loyalty and strength were crucial to Liu Bei's efforts. He was beheaded by Sun Quan in the year 219 AD. He was fifty-eight.
• Zhang Fei
Sometimes called I-te, Zhang Fei swore an oath of blood brothers at Peach Garden with Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Among the three, he was the youngest brother. He had "a bullet head like leopard's, large eyes, a pointed chin and a bristling moustache. He spoke in a loud bass voice and looked irresistible as a runaway horse." His angry roar brought fear into the hearts of many brave men. Hot-tempered and impulsive, Zhang Fei usually gets in trouble. He lost a city to Lu Bu when he got drunk and flogged his officers. He fought along Liu Bei and became one of Shu's Five Tiger Generals and the commander of chariots. He was the bravest of the Tiger Generals. For Zhang Fei, action and brawn were what mattered on the battlefield. He wielded an eighteen-foot spear, the Cobra, and fought relentlessly. His arrogant tactics aided Liu Bei in securing the province of Han Zong.
• Zhao Yun
Zhao Yun was of middle height with bushy eyebrows and large eyes, broad face and a heavy jowl, a youth of commanding presence. He always gave people an image of a great warrior sitting on his steed bravely and holding a sturdy spear. Zhao Yun first saw service under Yuan Shao, briefly, then sought the service of Gongsun Zan. He had an uncommon affinity toward Liu Bei when they first met, but was serving Gongsun Zan at the time and could not leave. After Gongsun Zan's death, he wandered around until he found Liu Bei. He was a brave warrior praised by Liu Bei during the fight in central China as being one of the most "courageous men in the field of battle."He saved A Ka (Liu Chan), Liu Bei's infant son, from within enemy lines at Chang Ban. Again, he save the little child from the hands of Wu. Trusted and often used by the master tactician, Zhuge Liang, he became one of Shu's Five Tiger Generals. Of the five Tiger Generals, he served the longest.
• Huang Zhong
Huang Zhong was a magnificent man, tall and straight with a beard of flowing silver. He received his reputation as a mighty warrior only late in life. At sixty, he was still able to bend the three hundred catty bow and was a perfect archer. His skill was so great, that he was said to be able to pierce a willow leaf at a hundred paces. Huang Zhong was a famous archer and warrior.Originally, he served under Liu Biao and then Han Xuan, but turned his allegiance to Liu Bei after the fight with Guan Yu. He was very active under Liu Bei, fighting in the west and subduing the barbarians of western China. For his deeds of valor, he was appointed to one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu.
• Ma Chao
Ma Chao was the oldest son of Ma Teng. He attacked and captured Chang An, seeking revenge for his father. Ma Chao defeated Cao Cao in six battles at River Taurus. At the battle, Ma Chao very nearly slew Cao Cao; he made Cao Cao cut off his beard and throw away his robe to save himself. But eventually, he was turned back by Cao Cao. He spent two years with the Qiang tribes in the northwest. He fled to Zhang Lu when pursued by Xiahou Yuan. Later, Ma Chao changed his alliance to Liu Bei and became one of the Five Tiger Generals.
The Strategists
• Jian Yong
A vassal of Shu. Same home village as Liu Bei. Is with Liu Bei from the beginning and serves as an envoy and strategist. Is given a high rank after the entry into Shu. Has an open-minded character.
• Zhuge Liang
Chuko Liang. Chuko K'ung-ming. Hidden Dragon. Sleeping Dragon. They all speak of the same name, Zhuge Liang. He was the greatest strategist of Shu. He managed to outwit everyone; his plots and traps were effective and decisive; his predictions was always right. Zhuge Liang was slightly below medium height with a light build and a very refined face. He often wore tall head dresses and head wraps with a white Taoist robe. He joined Liu Bei's entourage when Liu Bei pledged his utmost sincerity and eagerness. Zhuge Liang was Liu Bei's chief advisor and eventually became the prime minister of Shu Han. He ran five northern campaigns against Wei. In the midst of his fifth campaign, Zhuge Liang died of illness in the year 234 at the age of fifty-four.
• Pang Tong
He was an extraordinary man; "he had bushy eyebrows, a turned-up nose, a dark skin and a stubby beard". Pang Tong was a student of Sima Shi. His Taoist name is "Phoenix Fledgeling". Lu Su recommended Pang Tong to Zhou Yu at the Battle of Red Wall. Zhou Yu often took his advice and Zhuge Liang believed in him. It was Pang Tong who advised Cao Cao to chain his ships together with iron chains for easier navigation at Red Wall. Sun Quan did not think highly of him because of his appearance, and so he went over to Liu Bei. Originally, Liu Bei gave him a lowly post, but with the help of Zhang Fei, Liu Bei realized his mistake and gave Pang Tong an important post. Pang Tong was appointed as Zhuge Liang's assistant and a general's rank. He became a strategist after Liu Bei entered Shu. Ambushed by Zhang Ren at "The Slope of the Fall Phoenix", Pang Tong died, wounded by many arrows. Pang Tong was only thirty-six.
• Yue Ying
Wife of the great strategist Zhuge Liang. Was said to have supported her husband from the shadows with her knowledge of astronomy, geography and military strategy. Zhuge Liang pursued her when he heard tales of her wisdom.
The Advisors
• Ma Su
A Shu officer and younger brother of Ma Liang. Zhuge Liang believed in his talent, but Liu Bei said “That he couldn’t be trusted with important matters”. He served well as the advisor during the Southern campaign, but during the Northern one, he screws up his orders, resulting in a humiliating defeat. Reluctantly, Zhuge Liang was forced to execute him.
• Ma Liang
Shu vassal. A talented young man, he was given the nickname "White Eyebrows". Together with his brother Ma Su he served Liu Bei. He helped Guan Yu with the domestic affairs in the Jing province. At the battle of Yi Ling, he delivered encampment plans to Zhuge Liang.
• Mi Zhu
A vassal under Liu Bei and wealthy merchant from Xu. Following the death of his master, Yan Qian, he went to serve Liu Bei as an adviser, where he experienced numerous ups and downs. After Liu Bei’s capture of Shu, he was promoted to a position higher than even Zhuge Liang.
• Sun Qian
A vassal of Liu Bei. Immediately before his death, Yan Qian recommended him to Liu Bei. He went on to help the wandering Liu Bei as advisor and diplomat. Upon Liu Bei’s entrance into Shu, he was next only to Mi Zhu.
The Oldest Son
• Liu Chan
Liu Chan was the oldest son of Liu Bei and later became the Emperor of Shu at the age of seventeen. However, Zhuge Liang served as Regent until Liu Chan comes of age. With his aide and counselor, Zhuge Liang, Liu Chan allied himself with Wu and build up opposition to Wei. Liu Chan started to weaken, however, after Zhuge Liang's death. He was stupid and a drunkard and doted on the eunuch Huang Hao. He surrendered to Wei and was the cause of Shu's destruction.
The Warriors
• Jiang Wei
An officer of Shu. He once belonged to Wei, but was caught in a plot by Zhuge Liang, who had come to conquer the North, and joined Shu. Filled with admiration for Zhuge Liang, he was treated as a successor and was even entrusted with Zhuge Liang’s strategy books. After his mentor’s death, he vowed to fulfil Zhuge Liang’s ambition, and continued the attack against the North.
• Wei Yan
A native of Yiyang, Wei Yan was a bonzed man with eyes like the Cowherd's star. He followed Liu Bei from Xiangyang, but was unable to catch up to him. He served under Han Xuan but without an office. He later saved Huang Zhong from execution and beheaded Han Xuan. Wei Yan and Huang Zhong both went to Liu Bei when Liu Bei pacified the Jing region. A superior warrior, Wei Yan boasted many military triumphs. However, Zhuge Liang predicted that Wei Yan would turn against his master. Zhuge Liang was correct when Wei Yan opposed Yang Yi after the death of Zhuge Liang. He was killed by Ma Dai through one of Zhuge Liang's plots.
• Mei Sanniang
Liu Bei's childhood friend who has been by his side ever since. She excells at martial arts and mounted archery.
• Guan Ping
An officer under Liu Bei, the second son of Guan Ding, he becomes Guan Yu’s adopted son after he takes an interest in him. After Liu Bei entered Shu, Guan Ping and his father protected the Jing Province. Captured by Wu at Mai Castle he suffered the same fate as Guan Yu.
• Shamoke
The King of Wu Xi Man. Helping Liu Bei in his campaign against Wu, he killed Gan Ning with an arrow. After being attacked by fire, he flees, but is followed by Wu’s Zhou Tai, who cuts down and kills him.
• Ma Dai
A shu officer. Together with his brother Ma Chao, he goes to serve Liu Bei, he is put in charge of forces in the North and Southern campaigns and does well. After Zhuge Liang’s death, he put down Wei Yan, who had revolted. He was alter promoted.
• Mei Mei
Zhang Fei's eldest daughter with ninja-like abilities.
• Li Li
Zhang Fei's second daughter with ninja-like abilities.
• Luo Luo
Zhang Fei's youngest daughter with ninja-like abilities.
• Xing Cai
Xing Cai was the daughter of Zhang Fei. She was more calm than her father and she was a brave warrrior. As she grew up with her father, Liu Chan, and Guan Ping, she became stronger and she helped Shu in its later years when her father was killed at Fan Castle. Her dates of birth and death are unknown.
• Mi Fang An officer under Liu Bei and Mi Zhu’s little brother. He protected Southern Jing under Guan Yu. However, he is persuaded by his friend Fu Tu Ren to betray Guan Yu and join Wu. He later returns to Shu, but is executed for his betrayal.
• Zhang Yi
A Shu officer. Originally under Liu Zhang, he surrendered to Liu Bei. His unit was succesful in the Northern and Southern campaigns. After the death of Xiahou Ba, the position is split up and he receives a promotion.
• Guan Xing
A Shu general and Guan Yu’s second son. When Liu Bei raised his army against Wu, he participated, getting vengeance for his father. He made a pact of brotherhood with Zhang Fei’s son Zhang Bao, and the two of them proved to be a formidable force during the battles in the North.
• Yan Yan
A Shu officer. He served under Liu Zhang during the protection of the Ba Territory. He fought with Zhang Fei, and was captured, but impressed by his response, decided to serve him. Later, he fought alongside Huang Zhong in the assault on Han Zhong.
• Liao Hua
A Shu officer and formed Yellow Turban rebel. During Guan Gu’s flight from Wei, he asked to be Guan Yu’s servant, but was refused. He later went on to serve and fight for Liu Bei. He lived to see Shu from its birth to its demise.
• Pang De
A Wei officer. He served Ma Chao, but was captured during Cao Cao’s attack on Han Zhong and joined Wei. At Fan Castle he fought to a match with Guan Yu and showed his resolve, even going as far to prepare his own coffin when going to battle.
• Wang Ping
Shu officer. Formerly of Wei, in the battle at Han Zhong, he opposed Xu Huang and defected to Shu. At Jie Ting he served under Ma Su and fought well in a losing effort.
• Jian Yong
Vassal of Shu. Same home village as Liu Bei. Is with Liu Bei from the beginning and serves as an envoy and strategist. Is given a high rank after the entry into Shu. Has an open-minded character.
• Chen Shi
A Shu officer. He is taken prisoner at Mt. Ding Jun, but is traded for Xiahou Shang. On the third northern campaign, he fails in his pursuit of the Wei army and is executed. It is said that he is the father of the author of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”.
• Fa Zheng
A vassal of Shu and former servant of Liu Zhang, together with Zhang Song, he planned Liu Bei’s Shu campaign. Excelling in strategy, he served as an advisor in the attack on Han Zhong. It is said that if Fa Zheng had been alive, Yi Ling never would have fallen.
• Fu Shi Ren
Vassal of Guan Yu. Fu Shi Ren defends Guan Yu’s back from his station in Gong An, but surrenders when invaded by the Wu army. He attempts to surrender back to Shu Han at Yi Ling, but is denied and executed.
• Gao Xiang
Lower general of Shu. Participated in a number of Zhuge Liang’s northern campaigns. He used the Wood Ox to move supplies from Jian Ge to Mt. Zhi. Later, following Zhuge Liang’s plan, he allows the Wood Ox to be stolen by Wei.
• Guan Suo
A Shu officer and Guan Yu’s third son. After the fall of the Jing Province, he suffered major wounds and fled to Bao Jia Zhuang to recover. During the Southern Campaign, he returns to Shu and spearheads their attack, managing to capture Meng Huo in the process.
• Lei Tong
A Shu officer. He helped in the defense against Shu, but was surrounded and thereby surrendered. During the defense of He Xi, he fights well against Wei’s Zhang He, but his route of escape is cut off by Wei support and he is killed in battle.
• Li Yan
Officer of Shu. Formerly an officer of Liu Zhang, he joined Liu Bei upon the latter’s entry into Shu. Zhuge Liang claimed this officer to be on par with Lu Xun. However, he fails with the supplies during the northern campaign and flees.
• Liang Xu
Officer under Tian Shui Prefect Ma Zun. When Zhuge Liang invaded Tian Shui, suspicion is cast on him after his friend Jiang Wei defects to Shu. Fearing reprisal, he opens Tian Shui’s gates and welcomes in the Shu Army. He is later assigned again the post of Tian Shui Prefect.
• Liu Feng
Liu Bei’s adopted son. He serves in the defense of Chang Yang, but refuses Guan Yu’s request for reinforcements. As a result, Guan Yu and his son are killed. Enraged, Liu Bei has him executed at Cheng Du.
• Liu Pi
General of the Yellow Turbans, Liu Pi leads a band of brigands in Ru Nan with Gong Du after the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He joins Liu Bei and delivers Ru Nan to him. He dies in battle, trying to defend Liu Bei from the Wei general, Gao Lan.
• Lu Kai
Officer of Shu Han. Chief Archivist of Yong Chang Jun. Lu Kai valiantly defends Yong Chang Jun against the attack by Yong Kai. He gives a Map of Southern Regions to Zhuge Liang, and is promoted to Military instructor.
• Meng Da
An officer who has served under Liu Zhang, Liu Bei and Cao Pi. He contributes to Liu Bei’s Shu campaign, but he deserts Guan Yu and joins Wei. After the death of Cao Pi, he attempets to return to shu, but is defeated by Sima Yi.
• Wang Fu
Vassal of Guan Yu. Grand Marshal of Peace. When Guan Yu leaves to attack Xiang Yang, Wang Fu is uneasy about the Jing defense and advises him against it. He defends Mai Cheng after Guan Yu leaves, but commits suicide upon hearing of Guo Yu’s death.
• Wu Lan
A Shu officer. He was servant under Liu Zhang, but switched loyalties to Liu Bei after he invaded Shu. He served in the campaign against Wei at Han Zhong under Ma Chao. At the Battle of Xia Yu, he fights with Cao Cao’s son, Cao Zhang, and is killed.
• Yin Shang
Head Treasurer of Tian Shui Jun. when his friend Jiang Wei surrenders to Shu Han during the first Northern Conquest, Yi Shang walks out of his castle and surrenders as well. He later becomes Lord of the Capital.
• Zhang Bao
A Shu general and Zhang Fei’s eldest son. When Zhang Fei died, he took the Cobra Pike as a memento and fought in his first battle at Yi Ling. Together with his sworn brother, Guan Xing, he continued the legend of Shu after the death of their fathers.
• Zhou Cang
A former Yellow Turban general. As a bandit on Mt. Wo Niu, he meets with Guan Yu and becomes his trusted companion. A hero well trained in the water. However, he does not actually appear in real history.