"I couldn't help but be reminded of Gongjin, vigor and valor aglow, as Xiao Qiao married him. A feather fan in hand, a scarf atop his head, he holds a lively conversation while the Cao ships burn to ashes."
Memories of the Past at Red Cliffs, Su Shi
Greetings, mighty Lords!
You might have heard about the poem of Memories of the Past at Red Cliffs and the lines, "The mighty river flows eastward, carrying away the heroes of bygone times. This ancient rampart stands tall on its western shore." There are numerous famous campaigns and heroes in Chinese history, and the Battle of Red Cliffs in the late Eastern Han Dynasty has undoubtedly left its own marks. This time, we present a preview of a brand new themed season "Battle at Red Cliffs" in INFINITE BORDERS for all of you.
Cao Cao's Southern Expedition - An Era of Heroes
In the first month of the 13th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao successfully pacified the northern region. Upon returning to Yecheng, he commenced the training of his navy in preparation for the southern expedition. In the seventh month, Cao Cao went south to crusade against Liu Biao. In the eighth month, Liu Biao died of illness. Liu Cong, his successor, chose to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao once said he had never failed in any task, and that with a spear he had broken up the Yellow Turbans, captured Lu Bu, destroyed Yuan Shu, and subdued Yuan Shao and took charge of his armies. Cao's army reached as far as Liaodong in the north. With a mighty army and thousands of generals, he inspired awe across China. At that time, Cao Cao commanded Liu Biao's army and was marching forth on a southern expedition. Cao Cao's name was growing in fame, but he was hardly the sole hero of the era.
Sun Quan's foundation, Jiangdong, was inherited from his brother, who inherited it from their father. Sun Quan had a powerful army and sufficient food. With the natural barrier formed by the Yangtze River, he could defend Jiangdong easily. It made little sense for him to surrender. Liu Bei, a descendant of the Han imperial family, garnered support from the people due to his commitment to benevolence and justice. The Oath of the Peach Garden forged unbreakable bonds, granting him two loyal brothers, while the Three Visits to the Cottage resulted in the acquisition of a trusted counselor. With the will of the people, Liu Bei shouldered the responsibility of rescuing them from chaos and ushering in a new era of peace. Ma Teng of Xiliang treated scholars and wise men with courtesy, and shared weal and woe with the people. He was the Marquis of Huaili, and the bravest man in Xiliang. Liu Zhang of Yizhou succeeded his father and ruled the region in chaos. He ensured the prosperity of the people. This was his chance to contend for the world.
This season, you can play a role in the magnificent battlefield of Red Cliffs in the 13th year of Jian'an. It's up to you whether to follow Cao Cao with superior strength in his southern expedition and aim for the world, or to join other Factions and use military and diplomatic strategies.
Interconnected Waterways - Naval Warfare
After Liu Bei offered to form an alliance with Sun Quan, Sun Quan decided to oppose Cao Cao when two factions emerged at his court on how to handle the situation. They eventually engaged in a fierce battle with Cao Cao at the legendary Battle of Red Cliffs. Many people have analyzed this campaign. Some argue that although Cao Cao's army was not proficient in naval warfare, it decided to fight on ships rather than on horses, a result of underestimating the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.
The outcome of a battle and warfare might seem straightforward in hindsight, but it was difficult to always make the right decision back then. Furthermore, the Jiangdong and Jingnan regions are interwoven with rivers. Conquering such regions would have posed a significant challenge due to the unavoidable presence of these waterways. This season, the map will feature a vaster range of rivers and waterways. You can deploy troops on boats and ships to engage in a decisive battle on the water. Rivers can connect territories of different states, enabling swift access to vast stretches of land within moments. Additionally, rivers present unique opportunities to engage in new naval combat. Troops can march, supply, and engage in battles, adhering to distinct naval combat rules. No aspiring conquerors would be stopped by the rivers. The outcomes of battles on rivers rest on the tiniest of decisions. What will you do to conquer the chaotic world, my Lords?
Rising Strong Wind - Fire Attack
Cao Cao grew even more powerful after he had the former army of Liu Biao under his command. As he marched south, the ministers in Sun Quan's court were distraught and most of them urged Sun Quan to surrender to Cao Cao. However, Cao Cao's army was defeated by the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei at Red Cliffs. Cao Cao issued a general order of retreat and destroyed a number of his remaining ships before he withdrew. The majority of his army died of starvation and illness. That was the miraculous effect of the fire attack used by the allied forces. Cao Cao's army retreated along Huarong Road. The road was so treacherous that many of the soldiers died. After their successful retreat, Cao Cao congratulated himself that Liu Bei was too late to plan a fire attack along his retreat. If another fire attack had been used against Cao Cao along Huarong Road, the Battle of Red Cliffs might have ended in total defeat for Cao Cao.
Fire Attacks and Fireships have been added to this season. Fire Attacks can be used when strong winds pick up. The chained-boats strategy proved difficult to defeat using conventional methods. Fireships, however, could be very effective against it. That said, Fireships will inevitably cause a fire, resulting in harm to both the enemy and yourself. Strike at the right moment if you want to win by surprise.
Amid raging water and blazing flames, the fate of the war hangs in the balance. The Battle at Red Cliffs season will recreate the fierce conflicts of the thirteenth year of Jian'an, and bring you back to the battlefield of Red Cliffs. Write a chapter of loyalty and martyrdom; make the aspirations of great men shine in full display. This calls for your wise judgment, my Lords!
INFINITE BORDERS is and has always been committed to bringing you a unique and fun way to enjoy ancient warfare. In the upcoming season, we will recreate classic scenes and take you back to the 13th year of Jian'an. Let's see who will dominate the world in the end!
Stay tuned for more previews regarding the season of Battle at Red Cliffs.
There is no other land than the king's land; within INFINITE BORDERS, all are subjects of the king.
At Red Cliffs, water and fire will shape the fates of the kingdoms.
(Actual in-game content subject to further updates)
INFINITE BORDERS Project Team
