For the character, see Sima Lun.
Sima Lun is a playable Jin faction in Total War: Three Kingdoms. It is located in northern China, with its capital at Shangdang commandery. It exclusively exists in 291.
Unique Features[]
Unique Units
- Xiongnu Cavalry
- Xiongnu Cataphracts
Unique Buildings
- Judiciary
Unique Features
Subterfuge[]
Subterfuge is the faction resource of Sima Lun, ranging from a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 1000. It is gained in three ways. Firstly, Sima Lun's background provides two subterfuge per turn. Secondly, the undercover network and espionage actions provide some amount of subterfuge. The most effective way, by far, however, is to build Judiciaries, Lun's unique building. The Judiciary of Sima Lun differs from the default Judiciary. It grants anywhere from 2 to 12 subterfuge per turn, depending on the level, as well as a stacking buff to income through family estates.
The tiers of subterfuge are as follows:
Subterfuge: Brewing a Plot (0-150)
- -1 Mind alignment per turn
- +1 Might alignment per turn
- +0% chance of evading capture post-battle
- +0 undercover network cost for enemy spies
From the seeds of wicked inspiration, grand and beautiful acts of deception will grow!
Subterfuge: The Plot Thickens (151-500)
- +10% chance of evading capture post-battle
- +10 undercover network cost for enemy spies
- -5 undercover network cost when performing spy actions
The stage is set, the pieces set in motion, oblivious to your ambitious schemes.
Subterfuge: Plans within Plans (501-850)
- +25% chance of evading capture post-battle
- +25 undercover network cost for enemy spies
- -10 undercover network cost when performing spy actions
As one plan falls into place, so another begins to grow around it; sweet and twisted strategems(sic)!
Subterfuge: Master of Deception (851-1000)
- +1 Mind alignment per turn
- -1 Might alignment per turn
- +50% chance of evading capture post-battle
- +50 undercover network cost for enemy spies
- -20 undercover network cost when performing spy actions
A word in every ear, an ear in every court; none are beyond your scheming reach.
Using Subterfuge[]
Subterfuge has only two uses, though they can influence the course of the entire campaign if used wisely. Sima Lun has two diplomatic actions that use subterfuge: Deceive at a cost of 250 subterfuge, and Instigate Proxy War at a cost of 750 subterfuge. Deceive gives a flat +10.0 acceptance for any proposed diplomatic deals, plus a further bonus depending on Lun's military strength. Deceiving other factions allows Sima Lun to, effectively, scam them with one-sided proposals or trick others into flat-out accepting minor demands such as handing over money, food, or ancillaries.
Instigating Proxy Wars is an option unique to Sima Lun, tricking a faction into attacking a third party. This decision has limitations. For one, it is tremendously difficult if not impossible to instigate a proxy war between allies. Most factions will also refuse to fight against princes significantly more powerful than them. Proxy wars are therefore best used to instigate a war between two neutral and of roughly equal strength factions, usually as a way to soften up both sides for Sima Lun to later mop up himself. Sweetening the pot is almost always required to start a proxy war, either through using Deceive or outright bribing a faction with money, food, or favourable treaties.
Starting Situation[]
Eight Princes (291)[]
291 - Sima Lun (Green), Enemies (Red)
Sima Lun sees the truth of a leaderless dynasty, and is bold - or brazen - enough to stake his own claim upon the throne. His ambition is unquestioned, even if his style of governance is not yet proven; his early administrations were marked by accusations of corruption and, later, rebellions against his rule. However, Sima Lun has the favour of the empress, an advantage for one so untested yet so ambitious. Such ruthless desire for power is a dangerous weapon, and Sima Lun will wield it without mercy.
Start: Hard
Sima Lun starts the Eight Princes campaign in Shangdang commandery in northern China, with his capital at Shexian county. He is at war with two minor princes: Wei Guan and Sima Hong. His proximity to Luoyang, the heart of the Jin Empire, opens up the option to swoop in quickly and seize Emperor Hui through force. Sima Lun's main rival early into the campaign will be Sima Yong to his east, who can possibly be turned against Sima Jiong through instigating a proxy war, giving Sima Lun time to consolidate power in the north.
Characters
Candidates
- Zhousheng Han
- Yin Can
- Ling Zhenyan
Gallery[]
