All told, the campaign modes of Total War: Three Kingdoms will allow players to start as one of twelve different faction leaders. However, there are plenty of other heroes who will appear in the campaign, such as the fearsome warrior Lu Bu. Another of the Total War: Three Kingdoms heroes whom Creative Assembly has confirmed is Dian Wei; a warrior of such incredible strength that it was said that he went into battle with a halberd in each hand!
Total War: Three Kingdom Heroes – Dian Wei
Dian Wei will be a ‘Champion’ class hero in Total War: Three Kingdoms. In general, Champions are the strongest one-on-one fighters, although they can be overwhelmed by enemy infantry. They get ready access to glaive and spear infantry. They’re not just powerful warriors, however; they are so inspiring that they will boost population growth wherever they are, as people flock to join them. Dian Wei is likely to be a very intimidating Champion to face in battle, due to his incredible strength.
It’s unknown where Dian Wei will appear in Total War: Three Kingdoms. However, it seems very likely that he will be a character early in Cao Cao’s campaign; after all, Dian Wei was Cao Cao’s chief bodyguard. A few of Dian Wei’s special abilities have so far been revealed by Creative Assembly. However, the studio hasn’t revealed exactly what these will do. One is the “Twin Martial Ji,” which appears to be a special weapon representing his ability to wield a halberd in each hand.
- Cry of the Forest: “When weakened, Dian Wei unleashes his true power!”
- Stone Bulwark: “With skin of the earth, arrows rebound, harmless.”
- Twin Martial Ji: “The ‘Chicken-claw Sickle’ is a deadly adversary, make no mistake.”
The Life of Cao Cao’s Favourite Bodyguard
Dian Wei first won renown as a young man when he disguised himself as a nobleman in order to assassinate Li Yong, taking revenge on behalf of a family the official had wronged. He joined the armies of Zhang Miao in the year 190, the same year which Total War: Three Kingdoms’ campaign begins, as one of many answering the call to fight Dong Zhuo’s tyranny. He would eventually come to serve under Xiahou Dun, one of Cao Cao’s foremost generals. In 194, while at war with Lu Bu, Cao Cao’s troops were almost overrun at the Battle of Puyang. However, it’s said that Dian Wei donned two layers of armour and waded into the fray with a dozen halberds which he hurled into the enemy ranks! He so impressed Cao Cao that the warlord made him commander of his bodyguards.
As Cao Cao’s foremost bodyguard, Dian Wei distinguished himself for bravery and strength in battle. Cao Cao’s soldiers said of him; “In our camp resides the warrior Dian Wei, who wields a pair of jis [halberds] weighing 80 jin in total”. He also became known for his great loyalty; it’s said that he would often stand guard outside Cao Cao’s tent all day and night. Sadly, Dian Wei only served Cao Cao for a few years.
In 197, a warlord named Zhang Xiu surrendered to Cao Cao, only to launch a surprise attack on his camp when he arrived. While Cao Cao fled, Dian Wei fought against overwhelming odds to buy his lord time to escape, losing his life in the process. Cao Cao was apparently deeply saddened by his death. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he weeps and states; “I don’t feel very sad over the loss of my eldest son and my favourite nephew. I’m only mourning Dian Wei!”