Xiahou Yuan

Xiahou Yuan (rōmaji: Kakō En) is one of Cao Cao's cousins from his father's side of the family. Serving Cao Cao for his entire military career, his lord favored Xiahou Yuan for his humble behavior and his sheer guile in war. He served in many of his lord's campaigns until he abruptly perished to the rear attack led by Huang Zhong's army. Historically, the general was praised for his remarkable speed in war and for his expertise for ambushes. Romance of the Three Kingdoms is famous for portraying him as a masterful archer and stressed that Xiahou Dun treated him as though he were his younger brother. Xiahou Ba is one of his sons.

In the Dynasty Warriors series, he is 28 years old and his height is 183 cm (6'). Xiahou Yuan is twenty-sixth place with fans in Gamecity's Dynasty Warriors 7 character popularity poll. In Famitsu's character survey, he placed in two categories: eighth place for friend and tied with second place for most desired boss.

His height in Kessen II is 180 cm (approximately 5'11").

Role in Games

 * "Hey, big guy, you're the true champion around here!"
 * ―Magoichi Saika; Warriors Orochi 2

Dynasty Warriors
Xiahou Yuan is one of Cao Cao's prized generals who appears in many of his cousin's early campaigns. During the Battle of Guan Du, he sometimes scouts Zhang He's talents as an asset for Cao Cao. Unless it is his own story, he often dies against his rival at Mt. Ding Jun if left unattended.

His Legend Mode in Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends focus on an incident during the Battle of Mt. Ding Jun. Zhang He lost foothold of his position and fled back to Xiahou Yuan wounded. Forgiving his comrade's fault, he personally rides into battle to defend the main camp from Huang Zhong's soldiers. They fight in a narrow pass while Zhang He recovers. As time progresses, Xiahou Dun reinforces him and they endure the Shu general's assault until Cao Cao arrives.

Dynasty Warriors 5 describes him as a masterful general who specializes in archery and surprise attacks. He aids in ending his lord's rivals at Xia Pi and Guan Du. After their victory at Tong Gate, he is given the task of dealing with Liu Bei's advance at Mt. Ding Jun. He continues to act as the main commander in Cao Cao's absence and they are able to claim victory with their lord's reinforcements. Xiahou Yuan's bravery during the conflict weakens the resolve of Wei's rivals and the land is soon united under Cao Cao. Though living in a time of peace, Xiahou Yuan swears to never abandon his bow to honor those who were slain by it.

He shares his Legend Mode in the Xtreme Legends expansion with Zhang He, Cao Ren and Cao Cao at the Battle of Yang Ping Gate. They face the supernatural Five Bushel sect led by Zhang Lu. Needing the area to open a path to Shu, Xiahou Yuan heads up the eastern mountain path to surprise Zhang Lu. If his ambush succeeds, the sorcerer will be flustered and cowers within his main camp.

In Dynasty Warriors 6, Xiahou Yuan appears as a Free Mode only character. He appears to reinforce Xu Chang's defenses against Sun Ce and charges to reclaim one of their forts from Huang Zhong at Mt. Ding Jun. Based on his repeated appearances in the characters' ending scenarios, he survives the battle during Wei's story and sees the new land their lord envisioned. In Zhang He's story in Special, they work together to defend the mountain.

During Wei's Story Mode in Dynasty Warriors 7, Xiahou Yuan is one of the first generals who serve Cao Cao and appears in the story since the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He works together with Xiahou Dun during their start, seen saving Cao Cao from Dong Zhuo in the capital. The player controls him for the faction's participation at Si Shui Gate and Hu Lao Gate. He personally reports to Cao Cao when they lose their footing in Yan Province to Lu Bu. To counter, Cao Cao orders him to march out and support Xiahou Dun. Xiahou Yuan is one of the generals who assist Cao Cao's escape from Chi Bi.

After recovering his forces from Chi Bi, Cao Cao orders Xiahou Yuan to become the main commander for the conquest of Han Zhong. Together with Zhang He, they begin their journey south by first attacking Yang Ping Gate. Over time, they face Liu Bei's forces at Mt. Ding Jun. Xiahou Yuan feels something off about the battle this time around, but he decides to personally lead the men to take Huang Zhong's position. During the battle, he offers support and advice for Guo Huai. He prevails against his archer rival and orders his nearby guards to take him prisoner. Directing his attention to the messenger reporting Cao Cao's reinforcements, Xiahou Yuan is surprised when Huang Zhong kills his men and yells for another showdown. When each archer draws their arrow, Xiahou Yuan's bow breaks apart from its strain. As Xiahou Yuan looks on in disbelief, Huang Zhong shoots his arrow and hits his target. Falling from the blow, the Wei general spends his last moments uttering on how unlucky he is and dies. His death is reported to Cao Cao and greatly moves the entire Wei army, making it a painful withdraw from their mountain fort. On the other hand, during Shu's Story Mode, Xiahou Yuan unceremoniously dies in battle after losing twice to Huang Zhong.

His first Legendary Mode takes place after Tong Gate. Though defeated, Ma Chao urges his men to lead another charge against Cao Cao's army in Xi Liang. Since they are guarding the area, Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He work together to suppress him. Players fight at Mt. Ding Jun again for his second Legendary Mode, this time letting Xiahou Yuan have the chance to survive and claim victory over Huang Zhong.

Warriors Orochi
In Orochi's story mode, Xiahou Yuan is one of the main generals who participated in his kingdom's resistance against the serpent king. When the army is faced with cannons, however, he and the other generals flee to regain their composure. Eventually, he is defeated and he escapes capture.

Filled with pride for his kingdom, he joins an anti-Orochi resistance with Huang Gai and Xu Zhu in Warriors Orochi. When he sees Cao Pi in the enemy ranks, he chastises the heir for ruining Wei. He defiantly joins forces with his brother in an effort to defeat their lord's son. As they fight, both brothers realize Cao Pi's true intentions to rebel and finally join his ranks.

In Warriors Orochi 2, Xiahou Yuan leads the fire attack against Lu Bu's army at Si Shui Gate. At Ji Castle, he rescues Magoichi and Toshiie from being defeated by Sima Yi's offensive forces. He holds the fort with reserve forces while Magoichi rushes to gather his renegades. Though allied with her in this title, he has a hard time believing in Kunoichi's strength. In his dream mode, he teams up with Huang Zhong and Ina to show that archers can still surpass advanced military firearms.

During the original timeline in Warriors Orochi 3, Xiahou Yuan once led a battalion of men and defended Nanjun. After an encounter with the serpent army, however, his whereabouts became unknown. To rescue the general from his fate, future Xiahou Ba and company return to the past to save him. Although their story about time travel baffles him, a perplexed Xiahou Yuan then fights for the coalition.

Kessen
Xiahou Yuan is a powerful yet short-lived general in Kessen II. His War stat is high and his officer skills can easily route any of Shu's generals. He is one of Cao Cao's greatest generals who provides strategies for battle. While they were riding to do battle with Zhuge Liang, both he and Cao Cao are caught in an ambush. Xiahou Yuan volunteers to take his lord's place alone on the field. Though his cousin protested, he retreats back to their base for a war council. Wei would later receive news of his death at Zhang Fei's hands.

Personality
Not one for eloquence, Xiahou Yuan is a gruff yet practical man of war. Though dedicated to his family's vision, he is more social and loose than his older cousins, willing to crack affable jokes during battle. Always on the go, Xiahou Yuan thinks every battle as a step in Cao Cao's conquests and wants them to be done and over with as soon as possible. He has little tolerance for interruptions and is known to have a short fuse when the enemy gains the advantage. When off duty, he is actually a kind soul who doesn't stress too much over his losses. He is the one who offers an optimistic and friendly view to his brooding comrades within Wei. Occasionally, his softer side surfaces on the battlefield, as he remarks his reluctance to fight against women, children, or men with good character. In the overseas script, Xiahou Yuan talks with a quick, lively rhythm and often says lines that are slightly more compassionate than his English counterpart.

He admires Xiahou Dun and fondly calls him "Brother Dun" (惇兄). He shares his cousin's sense of loyalty and rudeness, as they can both be equally cold to their foes. He is also respected by Cao Cao as his lord addresses Xiahou Yuan by his style name. Xiahou Yuan is disturbed by Zhang He's eccentric traits and is the only officer in Wei to openly criticize his "weirdness". At the same time, however, he respects Zhang He's abilities and knows that he is still a valuable ally. This trait continues in the Warriors Orochi series when he meets some of the off-beat characters from the Samurai Warriors cast, such as Kunoichi and Yoshimoto. He is nicer to Nōhime, Nu Wa, and Keiji in the same series.

If an original character decides to stay close to him, Xiahou Yuan's only request from them is to never die before him. Should he fall in battle, he asks that his comrade not follow him. Although he initially thinks it's a joke that a woman would want to be with him, Xiahou Yuan treasures his wife in Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires and frets over her well being.

Cocky of his own abilities, he is also known to tease Huang Zhong's age and capabilities when they clash at Mt. Ding Jun. The two men have a rivalry throughout the series as masters of the bow. Additionally a cynic within the crossover series, he expresses his doubts towards Himiko and Mitsunari's strengths.

Character Symbolism
In the Japanese version of Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires, Xiahou Yuan is given the nickname of "The Swift Vanguard" while the English version changes it to "The Lightning Strike on the Battlefield". As a dominant ruler in Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires, he calls his five greatest warriors the "Five Arrows of Xiahou".

The original names for his third and forth weapons as well as his weapons in Dynasty Warriors 6 take their namesakes from the Nine Heavens. In modern times, this term is used to describe the astronomical objects rotating in our part of the galaxy: the sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. During Ancient China, the concept refers to the heavens divided into the cardinal directions and their intermediate points.


 * 1) Center - Juntian (鈞天, Kinten) (Equal Heaven)
 * 2) East - Cangtian (蒼天, Souten) (Pale Heaven)
 * 3) West - Haotian (昊天, Kouten) (Big Heaven)
 * 4) South - Yantian (炎天, Enten) (Blazing Heaven)
 * 5) North - Xuantian (玄天, Genten) (Mysterious Heaven)
 * 6) Northeast - Biantian (変天, Henten) (Odd Heaven)
 * 7) Northwest - Youtian (幽天, Yuuten) (Tranquil Heaven)
 * 8) Southwest - Shutian (朱天, Shuten) (Vermilion Heaven)
 * 9) Southeast - Yangtian (陽天, Youten) (Positive Heaven)

Each heaven is protected by various deities within Taoism and continue to influence other aspects of Chinese mythology, including the Four Symbols.

Voice Actors

 * Steven Blum - Dynasty Warriors 4~5, Warriors Orochi (English)
 * Tony Oliver - Dynasty Warriors 6~7, Warriors Orochi 2 (English)
 * Jamieson Price - Kessen II (English)
 * Lee Byung Joo - Dynasty Warriors 2 (Korean)
 * Kim Min-Seong - Dynasty Warriors 3 (Korean)
 * Choi Seok Pil - Dynasty Warriors 4~5 (Korean)
 * Yasuhiko Tokuyama - Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi series (Japanese)
 * Hirohiko Kakegawa - Kessen II (Japanese)

Quotes

 * See also: Xiahou Yuan/Quotes


 * "Your death will teach Cao Cao the pain of losing one of his own kin!"
 * "That hatred's gonna get you killed kid - by me!"
 * Ma Chao and Xiahou Yuan; Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends


 * "I'm not gonna ask for help, but someone better offer soon!"
 * Xiahou Yuan in trouble; Dynasty Warriors 6


 * "You... You're an interesting one."
 * "What? You startled me. You're just like your father - I can never tell what you're talking about."
 * "That dichotomy of humor and strategy... Your indefatigable doggedness... That's what I'm talking about."
 * "Umm... I can't tell if you're praising me or making fun of me."
 * Cao Pi and Xiahou Yuan; Dynasty Warriors 7


 * "Come on... it breaks now!?"
 * Upon his bow breaking in a duel with Huang Zhong; Dynasty Warriors 7


 * "Looks like the new girl knows how to fire herself an arrow!"
 * "As do you."
 * Xiahou Yuan and Ina; Warriors Orochi


 * "Hey granddad! Your hip too sore to come out and fight?"
 * "Who said that? I demand you show yourself!"
 * Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong at the Battle of Shikoku; Warriors Orochi 2


 * "Look at you. So you listened to my advice and started growing your hair out?"
 * "This is as long as it gets. Why would I want to cover this beautiful face with any more hair than this?"
 * "Perhaps... Although, come to think of it, I never see any girls swooning for you either."
 * Xiahou Yuan and Magoichi; Warriors Orochi 3


 * "It's an ambush, alright. My lord, I will take control of the situation now."
 * "I cannot ask you to do-"
 * "My lord! What of the Mandate of Heaven? Who among us will quell this rebellion? I beg you to put your faith in a loyal servant."
 * Xiahou Yuan and Cao Cao; Kessen II

Gameplay

 * See also: Xiahou Yuan/Movesets‎‎

Dynasty Warriors 7
Xiahou Yuan is affiliated with the bow in this appearance. When he is equipped with it, he can perform a unique attack exclusive to him. Upon performing his Musou techniques, he will automatically use the weapon in his attacks.


 * EX Attack: undefined, undefined: Crouches and sends a bolt into the air to watch it a few moments as a volley of arrows comes down in front of him.
 * Musou - Power Shot (強断弓): : Fires a huge energy projectile forward from his bow.
 * Aerial Musou - Arrowstorm (蒼嵐弓):, : Shoots down several arrows in a wide arc in front of him and finishes with a single energy projectile to blast those below him.

His moveset has been changed in Warriors Orochi 3.
 * Warriors Orochi


 * undefined: Jumps slightly forward while doing a roundhouse kick that creates a tornado in front of him.
 * , undefined: Shoots an arrow to the air that launches enemies.
 * ,, undefined: Shoots two arrows to the ground which creates a shockwave the affects enemies.
 * ,, , undefined: Spins in the air; shooting arrows everywhere. Clears crowds.
 * ,, , , undefined: Jumps in the air, fires two sets of arrows then does a dive kick. Knocks opponents in the air.
 * ,, , , , undefined: Shoots several sets of arrows forward. Stuns enemies.


 * , undefined: Shoots two arrows to the ground, knocking enemies in the air.


 * R1: Fires arrows into the air that rain down around the user. The attack tracks the user for 10 seconds.

Dynasty Warriors 8
Xiahou Yuan is affiliated with the rod and bow in this appearance. When he is equipped with it, he can perform a unique attack exclusive to him. Upon performing his Musou techniques, he will automatically use the weapon in his attacks.


 * Alternate Musou - (怒濤強断弓): R1 + : Strikes enemy multiple times with rod before sending them airborne. The attack ends with a powerful blue-colored shot aimed at the juggled targets.
 * Awakening Musou: Swings rod back and forth several times. The user finishes the move by firing an arrow that generates an immense wave of energy. During the extended version, the user swipes at a wider angle and shoots an arrow each time before initiating a series of electrical blows left and right.

Dynasty Warriors
Yuan is also a friendly beginner character with a good amount of attacks to have, though his dash attack along with Gan Ning's is hard to aim. In Dynasty Warriors 4, he exchanges his sword for a club, though much of his moveset changes very little. His C1 can lock on to a nearby target, and can have powerful crashing knockback should Xiahou Yuan have a high bow attack stat. It also functions like normal arrows in that they go full distance, but do not phase through opponents. Unlike Huang Zhong's all arrows fired only lock on to one target, can cannot attack separate nearby foes.

In the fifth title, Xiahou Yuan's C1 undergoes the same changes as Huang Zhong's, in that it can now phase through foes with no lock on capabilities and can now be rapid fired. The last wave of arrows from this attack functions just like Zhong's C3. Yuan however doesn't seem to match his Shu counterpart in his usage of arrows, but is a good character regardless.

Warriors Orochi
Yuan's moveset rarely changes from Dynasty Warriors 5, but the new addition of his R1 attack can be rather useful in large crowds.

Weapons

 * See also: Xiahou Yuan/Weapons

Fifth Weapon Acquisition

 * Stage: Escape from Luoyang
 * Requirements: Arrive at the weapons testing grounds before Lu Bu breaks through a single gate.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the nature of Xiahou Yuan's death is heavily dramatized. During that time, he and his men were stationed at Mt. Dingjun where they clashed against the forces of Huang Zhong. Believing that the enemy's position at Mt. Tiandang would give them the advantage in terrain, a worried Xiahou Yuan quickly led his troops and surrounded the area. This proved to be a fatal mistake as Fa Zheng noticed their fatigue and signaled Huang Zhong to begin the assault. Unable to react by this sudden move, Xiahou Yuan was sliced into half by his nemesis.

Trivia

 * His nickname with Japanese Dynasty Warriors fans is "Enjeru" (淵ジェル), a portmanteau of the Japanese way of saying Yuan (En) and angel.

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