Dynasty Warriors/Characters/The Shu Strategists

A list of the strategists of the Shu Kingdom in the Dynasty Warriors series.

"The Sleeping Dragon"


""Allow me to draw up a strategy that will guarantee us victory.""

"Voiced by: Masaya Onosaka (Japanese), Lex Lang (English)"

Born: 181 Died: 234 Japanese spelling: Shokatsuryou

Age: 22 Height: 5'9" (174cm)

The brilliant strategist of Shu with an unrivaled intellect and ability to foresee future events. Also know as the "Sleeping Dragon", he is instrumental in the founding of Shu and the rise of his lord, Liu Bei. After Liu Bei's death, Zhuge Liang personally leads Shu, before passing the torch to his successor Jiang Wei.

Zhuge Liang is a placid and calculating man who is always thinking one step ahead. He often states that every turn in battle is a part of his effortless planning. Though his intentions are sometimes questioned, he is indeed loyal to Liu Bei as he admires his lord's humble and noble qualities. -
 * Alternate Character Interpretation - The Wu Story Mode DW7 paints a less benevolent take on his actions surrounding the Shu-Wu alliance, mainly the issue with Jing Province.
 * DW8 takes this further, with it being obvious he has an agenda, though how it's resolved plays out differently in the Hypothetical routes for Shu and Wu. In the former, Wu realizes Shu has the whip hand and decides to follow Shu's lead, with Zhuge Liang's scheming against Wu dropped in exchanging for him putting his head together with Wu's own strategists (Lu Su especially) against Wei). In Wu's route, the three sides are balanced so evenly Zhuge Liang's plans never really get off the ground due to Wu managing to make their alliance hold despite everything thrown against it, and Shu is placed in a position they can't back off from honoring Wu's allaince with them lest they wind up at Wei's mercy.
 * Audio Erotica - There's a reason he's said to speak with a "bedroom voice".
 * The Chessmaster - If he's on your side, everything you're doing and everything the enemy is doing...is most likely according to his plan.
 * Deadpan Snarker
 * Feather Fan Of Doom - One of the few characters who carries the same weapon throughout all his appearances.
 * This is due largely to it being canon to Romance of the Three Kingdoms and possibly Real Life.
 * Foe Yay - With Sima Yi.
 * Frickin' Laser Beams
 * Happily Married - To Yue Ying.
 * Hey, It's That Voice! - Yup: that's Leeron and Zelos Wilder you're hearing in the Japanese versions.
 * Playing Against Type - As far as the roles Masaya Onosaka is casted in, Zhuge Liang is stoic, taciturn, and never cracks jokes or becomes the butt end of one.
 * Talking to Himself - Masaya also voices Zhao Yun.
 * English version... Hmm... Zhuge with Hokuto Shinken isn't much of a stretch now, isn't it?
 * Ho Yay/Mentor Ship - With Jiang Wei, though it's rather one-sided.
 * I Did What I Had to Do
 * I Meant to Do That - You saved him? No, he was simply testing you; you defeated him? Pfft...it was all a part of his plan.
 * Explicitly invoked by him in DW7 about choosing Guan Yu (indebted to Cao Cao) to pursue after the Battle of Chi Bi; the narration explained that the continued threat of Cao Cao's force kept Wu distracted long enough for Liu Bei's force to able to seize Jing province.
 * Insufferable Genius - You better remember that he is smarter than you. Only Liu Bei is exempt from this.
 * Jerkass Facade - He outright states that he doesn't mind being seen as a huge Jerkass, so long as it spares Liu Bei from being accused of the same. He mostly drops the facade with Liu Bei himself though, completely so with Jiang Wei and.
 * Long-Haired Pretty Boy
 * Mary Tzu - A Canon example
 * Nerves of Steel - Nothing seems to faze him. Whatever the situation, he's got a plan... or at least he wants us to think so.
 * Nice Hat
 * The Obi-Wan - Plays this to Jiang Wei, since he usually dies soon after appointing him as his successor.
 * Playing with Fire - His Tome Special in DW6
 * Smart Guy - Duh
 * The Stoic - Has about one facial expression. To the extent that if he changes it even slightly, it qualifies as a major plot point.
 * Subverted in DW7, where everyone has six facial expressions, though his are still all rather similar.
 * The Strategist - Moreso than anyone else in the series: envied by his peers (Zhou Yu and Sima Yi) and an inspiration for the younger generation (Lu Xun and Jiang Wei).
 * Underestimating Badassery - This is where his nickname comes from, as he'd stayed in isolation over the years (while monitoring the situation) and so many people apparently thought Zhuge Liang wasn't as great as he claimed to be. He soon proved them wrong.
 * Worthy Opponent: Sima Yi in later games. In earlier games he was more dismissive and Sima Yi was more scornful of him. By DW8, both acknowledge each other as worthy foes, albeit with some snarky (by Zhuge Liang's stoic standards) banter.

"The Wife of the Dragon"


""Now is the time to show the results of my endless training!""

"Voiced by: Rumi Kasahara (Japanese), Lara Cody (English)"

Born: (Unknown) Died: (Unknown) Japanese spelling: Getsuei

Age: 23 Height: 5'6 1/2" (169 cm)

Yue Ying is a mature and collected young woman. Intelligent, beautiful, and elegant, she appreciates the value of patience and planning.

Despite her composure, Yue Ying has been shown to be quite sarcastic at times and will openly chastise those whom act selfishly or insensitively. She also has little patience for those whom underestimate her and chauvinistic attitudes in general. Yue Ying takes great pride in her skills and learned abilities. She is a valuable asset to both her husband Zhuge Liang and Shu.

"Sima Yi: If you're in charge, that means Zhuge Liang is... Yue Ying: You don't need to worry about him, because tonight you die by my hand."
 * Animal Motifs - Tigers, though she seems to be a fan of them more than anything. While dragons adorn her outfits pre-DW7, that's more a kingdom-based trait.
 * The Archer - In DW6
 * Badass Bookworm - To a certain point; she doesn't come across as naive or soft-spoken, but she's clearly into books.
 * Beware the Nice Ones

"Zhuge Liang: I do so enjoy your cooking. Its daring and bold, yet familiar. But look how much you made! Yue Ying: Oh, I didn't make enough? Well then, from now I will be sure to make more. Zhuge Liang: My trim figure will soon be a thing of the past..."
 * Brainy Brunette - As fine as an example as you'll find.
 * Combat Stilettos - Very notable in DW6 & DW7. The heels were practical in DW5.
 * Cool Big Sis - To Bao Sanniang.
 * Cultured Warrior: She can fight, but she's very obviously an intellectual woman on par with her husband as well.
 * Daddy's Girl: As noted in the source canon.
 * Designated Girl Fight - With Zhen Ji in DW5: Xtreme Legends and 6
 * Dishing Out Dirt - Her primary musou attack in DW7
 * The Engineer: She invented the juggernauts.
 * Hair Decorations - All appearances except DW6; in fact, she wears crowns in 4 and 5.
 * Everything's Better with Spinning: In DW4 & 5, she certainly seems to think so with her weapon moveset.
 * Fan Service Pack: Becomes noticably more attractive with every installment, though it was reversed somewhat by DW8.
 * Feminine Women Can Cook: Popular fan interpretation since she's shown to be making steam buns (whose creation is attributed to her husband) in the Dynasty Warriors 4 ending. Shows up quite a bit in fanwork. Confirmed in-game in 7;

"Zhen Ji: I pity you as well. Having such a weak husband must leave you unfulfilled, I would imagine. Yue Ying: There is none who can compare to my lord's integrity and wisdom. Not that you or your lord would even know what that is. Zhen Ji: Is your frail husband well? Or have his remains already been scattered to the winds? Yue Ying: My lord is the light that illuminates this dark, chaotic world, while yours is nothing more than an uncouth mongrel."
 * Fiery Redhead: Subverted in DW6. While she has red hair (and fits some of the traits), she's portrayed as calm and in-control more than anything.
 * Flowery Insults: Used against Zhen Ji in 5:XL & 6, with shades of Sophisticated As Hell.

"Yue Ying: Our marriage, was my father's decision but.. I could not say it was entirely against my will."
 * Friend to All Children: Lets them play with tanks!
 * Frills of Justice: In 5.
 * Gadgeteer Genius: In-game; she is the developer of Shu's "Juggernauts", wheeled-tiger-headed-flamethrowers (her Legend Stage in 4:XL is about her proving their worth). In 5, she also developed the "Wood Oxen", self-automated wheelbarrows that hold food (or in 7, bombs).
 * Golf Clubbing: Suspiciously averted: her dagger axes look like very much like ancient golf clubs with longer shafts.
 * Happily Married: To Zhuge Liang.
 * Hey, It's That Voice!: Alia, just with tons of close range Badass and none of her tendency to stop time just so she can inform you what's going on.
 * I Just Want to Be Normal: Subverted. In 7, one of her Legend stages has her testing Liu Bei herself when he comes to ask for Zhuge Liang's services. Specifically, she wants to see if this man has a cause that's worth disturbing her peaceful married life for. She decides he does, and she never laments her decision.
 * Historical Beauty Update: According to the source material, she was noted as being unattractive, or at least being rather plain at best.
 * The games (with the exception of 6) do at least pay some homage to this by making her look much more conventionally attractive in a much more restrained manner than the other ladies in the game, who range from girlish to supermodel level attractive.
 * Lady of War: Even with her bow moveset in 6, she still retains all the grace in combat she had when she wielded her dagger axe. Emphasized all over again with the bo staff moveset in 7.
 * Mukokuseki: Justified. The folktales surrounding her often mention her unattractiveness, specifically emphasizing her bleached hair & dark skin. This isn't mentioned in-game, but it visually referenced in her design for 6 (where she's close to being Ambiguously Brown).
 * Nerds Are Sexy
 * No Name Given: Her historical name is unknown, though she is known as a woman of the Huang family in the source material.
 * Perfectly Arranged Marriage

"Zhuge Liang: I am indebted to your assistance, Yue Ying. Thanks to you, the people were saved. Yue Ying: I do not require your gratitude... I only did what I thought was right."
 * Pimped-Out Dress: Her outfit (alongside her armor) in 5 is pretty much one of these (albiet with armor, making her look like a Valkyrie). Most apparent in the design drawing.
 * Pretty in Mink: Her outfit in 6 has a fur-lined collar & sleeves.
 * Rain of Arrows: Her Tome Special in DW6.
 * Renaissance Woman: Specifically noted as being educated in astrology, astronomy, martial arts, engineering, military strategy, geography, & magic.
 * Team Mom: Explicitly pointed out in DW8, where she refers to other Shu forces (Like Xingcai and Jiang Wei) as "young dragons", in reference to her recently late husband during the Jin version of the Battle of Wuzhang Plains.
 * Token Wholesome: With the exception of DW6 depiction, her outfits have always been very conservative.
 * Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right: Alluded to in her story mode in 6 for the PlayStation 2. It can be inferred easily that people could have helped the refugees at Chang Ban escape, but didn't because of Cao Cao's authority.

"Zhuge Liang: Yue Ying, splendidly done as always. It is an eternal honor to have you as my wife. Yue Ying: You always did have a way with words... The honor is all mine, my dear."
 * Sickeningly Sweethearts: Has shades of this, but considering how stoic her husband is; its mostly in private.

"Yue Ying: You say you're tired? Leave now, for I have no need for weakened troops."
 * The Storyteller: Noted in her epilogue in 5; before she got married she would hold public shows with "incredibly life-like puppets".
 * Tough Love: Her encouragement quote in 7!

"Yue Ying: I must ask you something. What is it that you seek? Zhuge Liang: That which hinders my lord... destiny, hate, pride and sacrifice... If I bear those burdens in his place, then he will be the light that guides this world. That is my sole purpose. To bear the burden of peace. Yue Ying: That burden... would you allow me to carry half of it?"
 * Weakness Turns Her On: Both in temperament & in body!


 * Weapon of Choice:
 * Blade on a Stick - A dagger axe in DW4, 5 and as Downloadable Content for 7.
 * Mix-and-Match Weapon - Her "blade bow" in DW6: Special, 6: Empires and Strikeforce. It's a crossbow, retractable short sword and fully-automatic cannon all conveniently placed on one gauntlet.
 * Simple Staff - For DW7
 * Wrench Wench - A constant in all her appearances, yet she's never seen working as per the trope, so it's almost an Informed Ability (see Gadgeteer Genius).
 * Given a lampshade in one of the DLC Costume Packs, wherein most of the ladies get lovely dresses or other such ensembles...Yue Ying receives...a mechanics jumpsuit! complete with pouches and tools.
 * Zettai Ryouiki - In DW6, to go alongside her Mini-Dress of Power

"The Fledgling Phoenix"


""I suppose it's time I took a little stroll around the battlefield.""

"Voiced by: Takahiro Kawachi (Japanese), Richard Cansino (English)"

Born: 178 Died: 213 Japanese spelling: Houtou

Age: 32 Height: 5'3" (160cm)

A strategist for Shu who is sometimes known as "The Fledgling Phoenix". Although he is a talented strategist, his odd appearance and snide personality were said to repulse the lords in the Three Kingdoms era.

Highly unconventional, smug in his wisdom (though not his abilities in combat), and sometimes smarmy, Pang Tong is someone who spares sweet talk and stays focused on the heart of the matter. While he seeks practical solutions that grants the best results, his blunt statements may sometimes make him unpopular with others. Even so, his heart is in the right place and he is a bit playful; with each little wisecrack or even insult that he may let slip, Pang Tong mends it with well-meaning advice. -


 * Blow You Away
 * Cool Mask - All of his appearances have had his face obscured by some kind of facial cover.
 * Dishing Out Dirt - His Tome Special in DW6 is to drop boulders.
 * Deadpan Snarker
 * Friendly Rival - Zhuge Liang
 * Game Breaker - His Musou attack in DW3-5, specifically.
 * Gonk - Being extremely ugly is what got him turned away from serving Wu and led to him wearing a Cool Mask.
 * Hey, It's That Voice! - So apparently, in the English version, Himura Kenshin took a level in snarkiness.
 * Lethal Joke Character - In DW3-5, he's hampered by a moveset that leaves him very vulnerable to being juggled even during his comical regular attacks, but whip out that whirlwind Musou and watch your KO count go through the roof!
 * Magic Staff - He always levitates on it for his victory pose, but his moveset in DW5 deserves note for him air surfing on it as an attack.
 * The Mole - He convinces Wei's troops to chain their ships, knowing that it'll increase the effectiveness of the fire attack in Chi Bi.
 * Tear Jerker - All of his death scenes in every game he's featured in. Maybe DW5 the most where he has a message to Zhuge Liang: "Zhuge Liang, tell me... if I... were a... dragon too... would I have... flown... higher?"
 * Nice Guy: Is a very cheery man in all appearances.
 * Nice Hat - All the time
 * The Other Darrin - Subverted in DW6: he's still voiced by the same actor, but uses a different tone.
 * Overshadowed by Awesome - Compared to Zhuge Liang.
 * Razor Wind
 * The Strategist
 * We Hardly Knew Ye - He never lives to see Shu established.
 * Averted in DW8, where his life can be saved, and he lives to see Shu ultimately win in the Hypothetical route for the same.

"The Dragon's Prodigy"


""It is time for me to display my prodigious talent to all the land!""

"Voiced by: Hisayoshi Suganuma (Japanese), Darrel Guilbeau (English)"

Born: 202 Died: 264 Japanese spelling: Kyou'i

Age: 19 Height: 5'11" (180cm)

A youth who excels in martial arts and scholarly studies. Formerly a Wei soldier until Zhuge Liang noticed his talent and tricked him into trading sides in order to become his successor. He eventually becomes one of the shining hopes for Shu's future.

Steadfast and a bit hot-blooded, Jiang Wei is a formal perfectionist who strives to always act his best. Though competent, he does not take well to failure, but despite this is eager to learn from his mistakes. Lionizing Zhuge Liang as "Prime Minister", he hopes to someday make his mentor proud. -


 * Anti-Villain - Jin's story only. Though really there's no "good" side in war.
 * Ascended Extra - He was cut from DW6, but returns in DW7 and is heavily involved in Shu's late era battles. He is even the focus.
 * And in Jin's story mode?.
 * Berserk Button - Don't insult Zhuge Liang in front of him.
 * Bishounen
 * Catch Phrase - "Jiang Wei is here!"
 * Determinator - Deconstructed in Jin's Story Mode for DW7 as he continuously wages battles against Wei despite heavy losses. At one point, he even has to be held back by his own men and after being defeated by Sima Shi.
 * DW8 even makes him out to be a Captain Ahab like figure.
 * The Fundamentalist - Portrayed as an obsessed fanatic inciting meaningless battles that only harm his country for Jin's Story Mode.
 * Guile Hero - Managed to convince both Zhong Hui and Xiahou Ba to betray Wei, fitting considering he did just the same.
 * Heel Face Turn - Happily defects from Wei to join Shu. He was probably too nice to last there anyway.
 * Heroic Resolve - You gotta hand it to him, he just refuses to give up.
 * It starts veering more into Revenge Before Reason once you see that it's "Shu's 4th Invasion"...
 * Hot-Blooded
 * Ho Yay - With Zhuge Liang in every game, and Xiahou Ba in DW7.
 * Just a Stupid Accent - His random Chinese accent in DW4. Removed in future installments.
 * Overshadowed by Awesome - To an extent: he does okay for himself, but his predecessor was Zhuge Liang. However, Jiang Wei doesn't seem to resent this.
 * Prongs of Poseidon - His primary weapon in all appearances except for Strikeforce 2, where he wields a...
 * Double Weapon - Dual-headed spear
 * Tall, Dark and Handsome - He's grown up a bit in recent installments, but still keeps his good looks.
 * Teen Genius - He's 19 and Zhuge Liang's brilliant apprentice.
 * A biiiiit extreme in his methods.
 * The Strategist - The hand-picked successor of Zhuge Liang. Whether or not he lived up to that expectation is disputable, at best.

Xu Shu
A new character confirmed exclusive for Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires. The first of Shu's strategist, scoring many victories for Liu Bei, until Cao Cao took his mother hostage and forced him to go over to Wei. Before leaving, Xu Shu recommends Zhuge Liang to Liu Bei. Afterwards, due to his links with Liu Bei, he was rather inefficient as a Wei officer.


 * Forced Into Evil: Or into Designated Villainy.
 * Can be averted in Shu's story in DW8, where can be convinced to come back to Shu permanently, and is instrumental into changing the circumstances of the Battle of Fan Castle into a Shu victory that saves Guan Yu and Guan Ping's life.
 * In the Hood: His design has one, though he's majorly out of the hood.
 * Momma's Boy
 * Shout-Out: In the Hood, plus his weapon is confirmed to be a gauntlet-blade. Welp, here comes Xu Shu's Creed