Thus far, Creative Assembly has revealed all twelve of the faction leaders which players can choose to start as in the Total War: Three Kingdoms campaign; a roster of characters ranging from legendary rulers to more obscure figures. However, those twelve characters are just some of the famous heroes set to feature in the game. Characters like Lu Bu and Dian Wei may not be faction leaders (at least, not at the start of a campaign), but they are powerful Total War: Three Kingdoms heroes, and valuable assets to the players who control them. Huang Zhong is one such hero; perhaps the most valuable follower of Liu Biao.
Total War: Three Kingdoms Heroes – Huang Zhong
In gameplay terms, Huang Zhong is a ‘Sentinel,’ one of the five character classes in Total War: Three Kingdoms. Sentinel is the class with the highest Expertise attribute, and their focus covers two areas. In battle, they are tough and defensive leaders who compliment shielded melee infantry. Off the battlefield they are also capable builders. Sentinels benefit from building cost reductions, and can improve the defence of their troops. Only one of the twelve faction leaders is a Sentinel; the Tiger of Jiangdong, Sun Jian. While Sun Jian is a surprisingly aggressive Sentinel, Huang Zhong looks to take a very different approach.
In keeping with his reputation as a master archer, Huang Zong’s abilities seem to be themed around archery. While details haven’t yet been revealed for these abilities, two are clearly archery-related. One of his abilities is also the “Heirloom Bow of Huang,” which is doubtless a special unique bow which Huang Zhong will start with. Bows will be one of the weapons available to Total War: Three Kingdoms heroes, but thus far seem to be a rare choice. Very few characters revealed thus far have been shown using a bow. As such, Huang Zhong could well be one of the best archers in the game. Certainly, he will be a valuable asset to Liu Biao, who starts the campaign as Huang Zhong’s master.
- Adamant Resolve: “Determination and grit allow all attacks to be dodged.”
- Heirloom Bow of Huang: “An unassuming, but skilfully handled and powerful weapon.”
- Swift Fingers: “Recalling their training, these generals reload with startling quickness.”
- Warning Shot: “The enemy knows the next shot will not miss.”
“General Who Attacks Rebels”: The Life of Huang Zhong
Like his master, Liu Biao, Huang Zhong is not a young man. He served as Liu Biao’s General of the Household until the warlord’s death in 208, whereupon he continued to serve his son Liu Cong, who surrendered the province to Cao Cao. However, Cao Cao’s defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs followed shortly after, and Huang Zhong convinced his commandery administrator to break away and join Liu Bei. As an officer serving Liu Bei, Huang Zhong earned promotion to general. In fact, he came to be known as “General Who Attacks Rebels,” for his front-line leadership in the takeover of Yi Province.
Huang Zhong’s finest hour came more than a decade later, after Liu Bei launched the Hanzhong Campaign; an attempt to seize Hanzhong province from Cao Cao. Liu Bei’s forces came face to face with an army led by Xiahou Yuan, one of Cao Cao’s most valued generals. After more than a year of fighting, Liu Bei staged a feint to draw out Cao Cao’s forces at Mount Dingjun. The small relief force found itself facing Liu Bei’s main army, and Xiahou Yuan swiftly dispatched more soldiers. However, it was at that moment that Huang Zhong launched a surprise attack on the general’s camp, killing Xiahou Yuan and winning the battle. For his bravery and achievements, he was promoted to “General Who Attacks the West.”
Huang Zhong came to be one of Liu Bei’s four foremost generals, alongside Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao. However, just one year after his victory at Mount Dingjun, Huang Zhong passed away of unknown causes. Already an old man when he defeated Xiahou Yuan, the most likely cause was simply old age.