The small state of Wei and its ruling kings had direct ties to Zhou royalty,  the former Dynasty that was the longest ruling Dynasty in Chinese history. One of the Zhou state's, Jin grew greatly in power during what was called the Spring and Autumn Period but the slaughter of the aristocracy during the Li Ji Unrest left a power vacuum. The eventual founders of Wei, Zhao, and Han plotted and destroyed the dominant house of Zhi resulting in Jin's collapse and the creation of new states. King Wellie of Zhou approved the partitioning of Jin and elevated the leaders of Wei, Zhao, and Han to the title of Marquess.

During the reigns of the first two rulers, Marquess Wen of Wei and Marquess Wu of Wei, the state grew in power and resources but they hungered for more. The third ruler, King Hui of Wei, declared independent sovereignty and decided to focus his energy on the fertile lands along the Yellow River. King Hui came to the conclusion that the barren lands of Qin were not worth fighting over and felt the lack of resources would keep the state of Qin weak. 

Wei continued to press its interests eastward but after a series of battles and a major defeat by Qi at the battle of Maling in 341 B.C. they needed to rebuild and protects its existing borders. 

Meanwhile, Qin continued to strengthen its military and economy through legalist reforms and started their advance into Wei territory. The western Hexi region was quickly lost to the massive Qin army with Wei losing a very strategic area and pastoral land needed for crops. The two states remained continuously at war with each other forcing Wei to relocate its capital from Anyi to Daliang. This action proved fatal for the state of Wei because in 225 B.C. the Qin general Wang Ben devised a plan to divert the Yellow River into the city of Daliang destroyed the capital and forcing Wei to capitulate. 

The state of Wei had the smallest standing army of all the states but it seemed that Wei soldiers were blessed and protected during battle. The state does not have a tremendous budget for the military so the variety and quality of the equipment was mediocre at best. The majority of the army consisted of foot soldiers lightly armored wielding dagger-axes supported by decently trained archers and crossbowmen. The elite units, if you could call them that, were heavy spearmen carrying shields but their equipment was just as average as any other soldier.  

Their primary uniform color was white or off-white accented with black accessories or trousers. The armor would have also been lacquered black with the white and black symbolizing the opposition of Yin and Yang in Taoist beliefs. The trim of their clothing would have been a myriad of colors but blue, black, and yellow are commonly used. 

Officers

COMING SOON!! The leadership of an army on the battlefield heavily influences the outcome of the conflict. Each State has a unique approach to warfare which will be exposed soon. 


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Army 

COMING SOON!! The combination and cooperation of infantry, cavalry, and artillery is paramount to the success of an army on the battlefield. How each state organizes their army and which weapons they emphasize is their key to victory. 

Mysticism

COMING SOON!! Spirituality is a cornerstone to the civility in every state. Access to the mystic arts of Fangshi are dependent upon the balance of the five elements and feng shui between man and nature. This connection determines the involvement of mystical creatures and warriors in the state's army.