While there are a total of twelve playable faction leaders in Total War: Three Kingdoms, the game features a whole host of other characters from the era. While this list includes mighty warriors like Guan Yu and Dian Wei, there are others who are not so fearsome. Liu Zhang is one such man. An interesting inclusion on the list of Total War: Three Kingdoms heroes; Liu Zhang is remembered more for his naivete than his skill as a leader.
Total War: Three Kingdoms Heroes – Liu Zhang
“The youngest son of Liu Yan,” said Creative Assembly when the studio announced Liu Zhang’s appearance in the game; “Liu Zhang ruled over the Yi Province. While he maintained peace in his realm, some view him to be a foolish and incapable ruler. He is easily taken in by tricks and deception, and will choose the wellbeing of his subjects over his own ambition.”
Of the five character classes in Total War: Three Kingdoms, Liu Zhang is a Commander. Among the classes, Commanders are typically the best all-round leaders, with fairly average combat ability but strong morale. They have easier access to melee cavalry, and they raise the satisfaction of other characters; making it less likely that characters will betray you. Overall, five of the twelve playable faction leaders are Commanders, including Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Liu Biao. In fact, Liu Zhang may have some things in come with Liu Biao in particular.
Liu Zhang’s Role and Special Abilities
It’s currently unknown whether Liu Zhang will begin in any of the playable factions. However, given his history, it seems unlikely. He did not take over the governorship of Yi Province until 194, four years after the start of the game’s campaign. He governed with no immediate master until 211, when he surrendered to Liu Bei. As such, he is likely to lead an independent faction in the Total War: Three Kingdoms campaign. Thus far, Creative Assembly have revealed four of Liu Zhang’s special abilities. Exact details of these abilities are currently unknown. However, the inclusion of Stone Bulwark and Unyielding Earth suggest that he will be a relatively defensive Commander.
- Nature’s Ally: “The forest provides a path, and surer footing, for the respectful.”
- Proponent of Peace: “A timid and suspicious noble, Liu Zhang displays a willingness to avoid war, even if that means surrender.”
- Stone Bulwark: “With skin of earth, arrows rebound, harmless.”
- Unyielding Earth: “Nature itself provides a shield for its warriors.”
“General Who Inspires Might”: An Incapable Ruler or Benevolent Pacifist?
Liu Zhang is far from a legendary hero. In fact, Romance of the Three Kingdoms portrays him as an incompetent ruler, although this is likely an exaggeration. After he took over governorship of Yi Province in 194, he governed the region peacefully. He did not attempt to invade any neighbouring provinces, and was generally a good ruler. In this manner he may have some similarities to Liu Biao, for many of the famous Shu leaders began their careers in his service, including men like Fa Zheng, Yan Yan, and Liu Ba. (In Total War: Three Kingdoms, Liu Biao is a peaceful ruler whose faction abilities allow him to cultivate a court of high-level characters very quickly.)
Liu Zhang governed his province in peace until 210, when Zhang Lu rebelled against him. The following year, the civil war was still raging, and he requested the aid of Liu Bei. However, the recommendation to invite Liu Bei to Yi Province was that of his advisers; advisers who were secretly hoping to betray Liu Zhang and hand the province to Liu Bei. This plot was discovered too late, leaving Liu Zhang no choice but to go to war with Liu Bei. However, within three years, Liu Bei had laid siege to Liu Zhang’s capital. Liu Zhang chose to surrender, saying; “I don’t want my subjects to suffer any more.”
Liu Zhang was accepted as a vassal by Liu Bei and sent to Jing Province, a key strategic location protected by Guan Yu. However, when Sun Quan’s forces invaded and executed Guan Yu, Liu Zhang surrendered to the Wu ruler. Although Sun Quan once again appointed Liu Zhang as governor of Yi Province, the pacifistic warlord died before the region could be retaken.