Arcane Legions

Chen Xiaotang is the illegitimate son of General Chen Tang, one of Himiko's foremost captains. Born of a Xiongnu lover of the general’s during a long-past military campaign, Xiaotang is a fierce warrior, fueled by the drive to rise above his meager circumstances and achieve greatness in the eyes of the Emperor. While the elder Chen stubbornly refuses to acknowledge the boy, Himiko views Chen Xiaotang's unbridled drive to prove his worth as raw ore, to be molded and tempered into a weapon.

Himiko provides Xiaotang with a small cadre of some of her fiercest warriors, often comprised of insolent, aggressive and disgraced soldiers who would otherwise face execution or life in prison. Under Xiaotang’s leadership, however, these rough-and-tumble individuals are allowed to redeem their honor in combat under his command. Time and time again, Xiaotang and his squad of thugs overwhelm the enemy in reckless maneuvers that would be suicidal if attempted by anyone else. Tough and merciless, Xiaotang pushes his men to their limit and they in turn help him to excel.

Clad in thick armor, Xiaotang fights with an unusual style, wielding two short blades for rapid thrusts and wicked strikes. He prefers to keep him and his men on the move, preferably towards the thickest knot of enemy forces.