One of his historical poems was actually used in the game's trailer, almost 1900 years after it was written.

Warrior Poet: A rather special example.

Unscrupulous Hero: Despite having Chronic Backstabbing Disorder, Manipulative Bastard tendencies, and being very ruthless, Cao Cao is still one of the more heroic characters in the game, and is genuine in his desire to bring peace to China.

When Ma Chao angrily confronts Cao Cao over destroying his family, Cao Cao plainly states that it was his own fault for disobeying him in the first place.

The Unfettered: Willing to do anything to achieve his ambition.

The Trickster: In universe and out, knowledgeable players will always be wary of him, fully aware that he is liable to turn against them at any moment.

The Strategist: One of the greatest in the land, and certainly one of the greatest in China's history.

Smart People Play Chess: We see him playing weiqi with Yuan Shao.

Cao Cao still wins again and again against people who are considered honorable and just, and that is what matters, because it allows him to feed the peasants and rebuild the realm. They call him dishonest, brutal, lost, and all of that doesn't matter. He doesn't care what people say, what people think.

Reason Before Honor: After the Xingyang incident, this trope became his schtick.

Pride Beforea Fall: In spite of outnumbering Lü Bu, the player can choose to follow up on a mission with him that alludes to teaching the Cao Cao humility by destroying his faction.

Anyone who improperly manages their finances will soon find themselves trapped in between numerous powerful contenders for rule of China.

Noob Bridge: His campaign can be considered this in spite of its easy difficulty.

Like Father, Like Son: When Cao Cao calls Cao Pi cunning and ruthless, the latter is quick to point out that Cao Cao himself taught him to be that way.

Yuan Shao's refusal to aid him leads to their falling out.

Honor Before Reason: After finding the imperial capital of Luoyang burned to the ground by Dong Zhuo's retreating army, he rashly pursues them with his unprepared army, leading to his defeat at the Battle of Xingyang.

Guile Hero: His unique Credibility mechanic encourages him to manipulate other factions for his own benefit, dividing his enemies and solidifying his own coalition until he's reunited China.

Fragile Speedster: Starts with a unique (non-historical) horse named Shadow Runner, which, while not necessarily the most bulky warhorse, is by far the fastest one in the game.

His position as the Chancellor gives him access to the bulk of the Han empire's remaining military might.

Evil Chancellor: Whether he's this or The Good Chancellor depends on whether or not you're playing on his side.

Deadpan Snarker: For starters, this retort:Ĭao Cao: I am surprised you can even think at all.

Cultured Badass: A skilled battlefield commander, civil administrator, lawmaker and politician, and one of the most renowned writers of his era to boot.He will backstab, change sides, vassalize himself and just do anything to get ahead. Players dealing with Cao Cao will soon know well that you can never, never truly trust AI Cao Cao to uphold his bargains. Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: For all his strengths and personal virtues, loyalty isn't one of them - and he'd tell that to your face.Benevolent Boss: One who never fails to inspire Undying Loyalty among his subordinates.Badass Crew: More than anyone else in the era, Cao Cao is renowned for his uncanny ability to surround himself with competent relatives and subordinates.Historically, the two were very successful at the job. Bodyguarding a Badass: For two of his Badass Crew, Dian Wei and Xu Chu.Though he is clearly seeking power for himself, there is no doubt that he wishes to create a peaceful China.

As the Emperor is overthrown by the tyrannical general Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao joins his childhood friend Yuan Shao on a mission to restore the imperial throne, a path that would turn him into the chancellor of the Han dynasty and one of the most powerful warlords in all of China. 'Speak of Cao Cao and he will arrive.' - Romance of the Three KingdomsBorn to an aristocratic family under the Han dynasty, Cao Cao is a talented administrator and military leader who rose through the ranks during the Yellow Turban rebellion.

Total war three kingdoms cao cao