The Next Total War: Three Kingdoms Free-LC Will Introduce Shi Xie
Today, Creative Assembly officially announced The Furious Wild, the next upcoming DLC for Total War: Three Kingdoms. As per usual, the studio will also be releasing a new Free-LC to accompany this DLC launch, which will be available for free for all players. Launching on the 3rd of September, alongside The Furious Wild, players will be able to download Shi Xie as an all-new playable leader for the Han Empire.
Total War: Three Kingdoms Free-LC: Shi Xie
“Between the fierce tribes of the Nanman and the noble Han,” explains Creative Assembly; “sits an influential member of the Imperial Government. Shi Xie may be far from the capital, but this governor has learnt how to make the most of the power he exerts in his remote province, manipulating Han and Nanman alike to increase his reach.”
Shi Xie’s territory lies far to the south, at the very bottom of the new map region which is coming with The Furious Wild. This places him southeast of the new playable Nanman factions like Mulu and Meng Huo, and due south of Zhurong. As a loyalist of the Han Empire, he doesn’t oppose Dong Zhuo or side with the rebels, in the same manner as Liu Biao and Ma Teng from the core game. His personal campaign focuses heavily on his family, and more specifically, using nepotism to increase his family’s influence.
“Nepotism rules in the world of Shi Xie,” explains Creative Assembly; “and he is determined to spread his inner circle across the whole of China. Shi Xie will stop at nothing to get his family into power; after all, it’s all about who you know.”
His unique faction mechanic is Splendour, which he can gain by putting family members into court positions. The more important the position, the more Splendour you’ll gain. Having high Splendour will grant his faction bonuses to public order, diplomacy, and trade influence. However, it’s primary role is to buy Tribute Chests. Shi Xie can purchase these special ancillaries with Splendour, and there will be three types available; Diplomatic, Personal, and Regional. When assigned to a character, the chest is opened, and they will gain a bonus for 20 turns. Diplomatic Chests grant a bonus to diplomacy, while Personal Chests improve the character. Finally, Regional Chests grant bonuses to local construction time or replenishment.