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Zhu Ran
Dynasty Warriors 9 artwork
Character Information
Force(s): Wu
Height:
168 cm (5'6")
Weapon Type: Flame bow (8:XL)
Chang gùn (9)
Sānjiégùn (9-DLC)
Significant Battle(s):
Playable Debut: Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
Historical Information
Real name:
Zhū Rán
Chinese name:
朱然
Style name:
Yìfēng
Chinese name:
義封 - 义封
Born:
181
Died:
249
Possibly born in 182 and died in 248. Romance of the Three Kingdoms has him die in 222.
Warriors Orochi Info
Force:
Liu Bei Resistance's Coalition
Stage:
Guangling merge Shigisan Castle (WO4)
Character Type:
Sacred Treasure:
Trident

Zhu Ran (onyomi: Shu Zen) is a military general for the Kingdom of Wu. Praised for his skills as a general, he took part in many important military campaigns including the Battle of Yiling and the defense of Jiangling. Zhu Ran also played a part in the capture of the mighty Shu general Guan Yu. Before his death, he was given full command of the armies of Wu.

Before his playable Dynasty Warriors appearance, he was a generic NPC since its second installment. In Famitsu's second most wanted Dynasty Warriors character poll, he placed fourth with 151 fan votes. The latest poll for the eighth installment puts him in forty-seventh. The character poll for overseas fans puts him in fifteenth place for the Wu division. He won ninth place in the Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate popularity poll. This counterpart has two image songs, Red Passion and BURNING!!!.

Role in Games[]

Dynasty Warriors[]

In the Dynasty Warriors series, he mostly appears in Yiling to conduct the fire attack against Shu, though the eighth game has Han Dang execute the ploy instead. His defeat is sometimes required to prevent the destruction of Shu's main camp. Later installments have him appear in other battles like Hefei and Fan Castle.

Dynasty Warriors 7 has him hesitate in employing the fire attack in Yiling due to his resentment over Lu Xun's sudden promotion as commander of the Wu forces. He changes his mind when Lu Xun proves his worth on the front lines by stopping Guan Suo's rampage.

Zhu Ran, a friend of Sun Quan, is known for his contributions to the conquest of Jing Province, subjugation of the Shanyue, and his involvement in the march against Cao Pi at Hefei Castle. He defends the main camp at Jiangxia and aids the march on Runan.

He appears in many of Wu's new hypothetical scenarios. His first appearance has him show up as a surprise final opponent for Wu's strategists. Upon his defeat, the strategists are impressed with Zhu Ran's talent and celebrate the end of the contest. The second is a slightly different version of Yiling. Together with the other Wu strategists, he easily defeats the numerically advantageous Shu forces. The final scenario is a retelling of the defense at Jiangling. Despite Cao Pi's many attempts to sabotage and attack the castle, the Wu forces are able to hold out long enough for the Wei forces to retire.

Dynasty Warriors: Unleashed has Zhu Ran appear in the Battle of Fan Castle where he will attack the player on sight while receiving cover fire from fire archers.

In his bond story, Zhu Ran is very eager to prove himself as a capable commander by eradicating a group of bandits alongside Zhou Tai. Though he protests when Zhou Tai is chosen to command the campaign in Ruxukou instead of him, Sun Quan shows him the warrior's many scars, humbling the young man enough to take on more ancillary roles as demonstrated by his support of Lu Meng and Lu Xun's tactics later on.

Zhu Ran's time to shine occurs when Cao Zhen, Xiahou Shang, and Zhang He launch a three-pronged assault on Jiangling. He skillfully coordinates the movements of his men to ensure the injured have been cared for while executing a demoralized officer for considering defection. After 6 long months of struggling, he and his troops finally force the Wei army to retreat. Although Zhu Ran finally received the recognition he always wanted, he has grown modest enough to just rely on his weapon for trouble and live a normal life.

In Dynasty Warriors 9, Zhu Ran is a key character in the Wu army, joining the force before the Battle of Chibi. He helps deal with Huang Zu and fights off Cao Cao and his army at Wulin. Zhu Ran also aids in capturing Nanjun but is forced to surrender it to Liu Bei after he takes the southern Jing counties. Liu Bei's wedding to Sun Shangxiang is a trap to eliminate Liu Bei out of vengeance for the events in Jing Province. Zhou Yu passes away, and Lu Su is assigned to negotiate Jing Province being returned to Wu. Guan Yu refuses, but agrees to split the southern four counties as part of a joint attack by Shu and Wu. The attack on Hefei is disastrous, and Cao Cao nearly wipes out Wu at Ruxukou. Zhu Ran is sent as a Wu envoy to Wei and is among the first officers to bar Guan Suo, Guan Xing, and Guan Yinping's path as they escape Mai Castle.

After successfully defeating the Wei forces at Hefei Castle, Zhu Ran quietly celebrates the victory by himself. While alone, he is visited by Sun Quan, who asks his friend why he takes to himself. Zhu Ran replies that he does this to keep rumors of him being given preferential treatment, but Sun Quan immediately shoots down any such thoughts. Though he was the one who brought Zhu Ran into the Wu forces, Sun Quan continues to stay confident and trustful for his friend. Moved by his friend and lord, Zhu Ran swears to create more fires to light their path forward.

After his story, Zhu Ran appears as Wu reinforcements for Gongsun Yuan's rebellion.

During Lu Su's personal DLC, Zhu Ran initially part of Lu Meng forces attacking Guan Yu. Once Lu Su rescues the Shu general, Wu and Shu mend their relationship and act against Wei in a united front. Zhu Ran and Lu Xun are tasked with attacking Zhang Liao at Hefei. Following the later defeat of Wei, Zhu Ran and other Wu officers visit Lu Su's cottage to celebrate the commander's service after he chooses to retire.

In Cao Pi's DLC scenario, Zhu Ran is Lu Xun's second-in-command when they attack Wei at Chibi after Shu is conquered by Wei. Despite the psychological advantage, Cao Pi prevails and Zhu Ran gives his life to ensure Lu Xun's successful escape.

Warriors Orochi[]

In Warriors Orochi, Zhu Ran appears with Sun Ce at Hu Lao Gate and on Zhou Yu's orders, sets a fire attack on the Orochi army. Zhu Ran also acts as a member of Lu Xun's coalition at Chang Ban in Wu's story and will lead the engineers to the central area to launch a fire attack. Similarly, the He Fei Castle dream stage in Warriors Orochi 2 has Zhu Ran do the same thing to Sima Yi's fleet. In the Jiang Dong dream stage, he joins Zhou Yu in a test of strategic prowess against the combined forces of Lu Xun, Jiang Wei, and Sakon.

Warriors Orochi 3 has him act as Lu Xun's replacement general for stages the latter would normally appear in.

Warriors Orochi 4 keeps Zhu Ran as one of Sun Quan's officers at Guangling. While confused by the new realm, their forces remain in the area until they are attacked by the Tokugawa forces of Naotora Ii, Naomasa Ii. and Tadakatsu Honda. After the misunderstanding is cleared, both parties join each other in traveling through the new land.

On one occasion, Zhu Ran and Lu Xun left for Ji Province in order to practice together. Upon reaching the area, they find Musashi Miyamoto and Kojirō Sasaki under attack from Dong Zhuo's forces. After the two are rescued, they return back to join the Rebel Army. Zhu Ran is later sent with the Ii forces and Jia Xu to Chang'an in order to defeat Nobunaga's allies. Although suspicious of Jia Xu's motives, Zhu Ran follows orders and rides out to lure out Yuan Shao. Due to the strategist's machinations, Dong Zhuo deserts his allies, leading to the recruitment of both Yuan Shao and Yoshimoto Imagawa's forces.

After both the Oda and Rebel armies merge to form the Coalition, Zhu Ran is sent with Lu Xun and Chen Gong to Ōsaka Castle in order to retrieve Zeus's body from the Demon Army. During the battle, Zhu Ran is able to save Jia Chong by defeating Da Ji's reserve troops with cannon fire.

Dynasty Tactics[]

In Dynasty Tactics, Zhu Ran is an archer-leading officer who can be recruited at the behest of Lu Meng or Pan Zhang.

Character Information[]

Zhu Ran 15th Anniversary Artwork (DWEKD)

Zhu Ran's Shin Sangoku Musou 15th Anniversary artwork.

Development[]

According to the developers, Zhu Ran's whole color scheme was made to contrast Lu Xun's in order to symbolize their rivalry with one another.

Personality[]

A general who is a cut above the rest with his superior talent and intellect, the playable Zhu Ran is praised as a hopeful candidate for leading Wu's future. He also shares an affinity for fire attacks like Lu Xun, often praising its effectiveness in battle. To that end, he tends to proudly nickname himself as "The Fighter of the Crimson Lotus" (紅蓮の闘士, Guren no Tōshi) in the Japanese script.

During the Warriors Orochi series, he enjoys sharing tales of having rival to keep himself sharp to with Musashi Miyamoto. He also has a strong fascination towards Zhurong due to her descending from a fire god

Voice Actors[]

  • Grant George - Dynasty Warriors 6 (English-uncredited)
  • Darrel Guilbeau - Dynasty Warriors 7~8 (English-uncredited)
  • Ted Sroka - Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends (English-uncredited)
  • Josh George - Dynasty Warriors 9 (English)
  • Xupeng Cao - Dynasty Warriors 9 (Chinese)
  • Park Seongtae - Dynasty Warriors: Unleashed (Korean)
  • Tetsuya Kakihara - Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends~9, Warriors Orochi 4 (Japanese)
  • Naoki Bandō - Youkai Sangokushi (Japanese)
  • Joji Kokubo - Sangokushi Hadou (Japanese)

Quotes[]

See also: Zhu Ran/Quotes
  • "Ready! Let our spirit ride upon these flames! Release!"
  • "I have many ideas, but I think the best thing to do is a fire attack."
"Master Zhu Ran, you really understand just how great a strategy a fire attack can be!"
"Of course, who do you think you're talking to? Nothing can withstand a fire attack!"
"Yes, definitely. Let's drown the battlefield in a sea of red!"
~~Zhu Ran and Lu Xun; Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
  • "I've heard the talk about you. A strategist who burns for fire attacks."
"That's me! Anything you need burning, I'm your man! Got any questions now?"
"Questions? Yes, I've got one. What's so great about fire attacks?"
"Simple. The feeling of elation when you first light one up! There's nothing that can compare to that."
"What a dangerous sounding answer. Are you just looking for excuses to burn things?"
~~Sima Shi and Zhu Ran; Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers
  • "Zhu Ran, you're always so full of energy."
"I have another who lights the fire within me. Together we will support Wu. That is why I am always burning with energy. Do you have someone who does the same for you?"
"Not quite, but there is someone who I just have to keep an eye on. He's the most talented swordsman I've ever seen, but... he's dangerous. We have crossed blades many times. Both of us sense that we have to overcome each other before we can master the art of the sword."
"Ah, a true rival. Even just hearing your story is enough to ignite the fire within me! The thing is, though... I feel like you and I could develop a similar relationship, Master Musashi. Watching you fight really got me burning."
"Yeah, I feel the same way. Zhu Ran, I think you and I could become good friends."
~~Musashi and Zhu Ran; Warriors Orochi 4

Gameplay[]

See also: Zhu Ran/Movesets

Dynasty Warriors 9[]

『真・三國無双8』朱然アクション動画

『真・三國無双8』朱然アクション動画

Keys: Square Flow Attack • Triangle Reactive Attack • Circle Musou X Jump/Mount

Zhu Ran is affiliated with the staff and tripartite nunchucks in this title. When equipped with them, Zhu Ran can perform the following unique attacks listed below.

Unique Attacks
Unique Flow Attack Finisher (Staff): Enemy Stunned + Square Square Square Square: Does an arcing fiery slash while spin hopping and follows it up with a crouching strike to the upper left. Despite its appearance, the attack does not actually set enemies on fire.
Unique Flow Attack Finisher (Tripartite Nunchucks): Enemy Stunned + Square Square Square Square: For his unique finisher, Zhu Ran ignites his weapon in flames and uses it to deliver several pivoting strikes followed by an explosive blow that sends foes flying away.
Unique Trigger Attack (Staff): R1 + X: Twirls staff outward as it catches fire, then spin hops in time to send out a wide fiery wave forward. Knocks down enemies while setting them ablaze. Based on the staff moveset's sixth charge attack from previous games.
Unique Trigger Attack (Tripartite Nunchucks): R1 + Triangle: Does a series of fiery swings while leaping up into the air. Upon dropping down, Zhu Ran slams the earth to trigger a large flame, burning nearby enemies in the process.
Special Technique: R1 + Circle: Somersaults to the air and fires several explosive arrows to the ground in front while leaping back from the recoil. Partially derived from his second EX attack in Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends.
Musou Attack: Circle: Fires a radial volley of arrows continuously while doing spinning butterfly kicks. Zhu Ran then proceeds to knock nearby opponents into the air before firing a volley of fire arrows that leave them scattered in different directions. Combines aspects of his True Rage attack and Blazing Blockade Musou from the previous installment.
Aerial Musou Attack: X Circle: Somersaults in mid-air before aiming a fire arrows upside-down. As it hits the ground, a massive fiery shockwave sends swarms of enemies airborne in time for them to be pelted by more fire arrows raining down while Zhu Ran somersaults away from the barrage. Based on his Solar Crash Musou attack from the last installment.
Horse Maneuvers
Summon Horse: L2: Summon horse to the battlefield. Holding L2 as the horse approaches will allow the character to automatically mount them.
Auto-Run: Riding Mode + L2: Automatically runs towards a specified destination. If a destination has not been set, the horse will instead run towards the location of the player's currently selected mission.
Sprint: Riding Mode + Direction + R1: Causes horse to run at a faster pace. Doing so depletes their stamina each time.
Jump: Riding Mode + Direction + R2: Causes horse to jump high while running.
Horse Fast Attack: Riding Mode + Square: Performs a fast and seamless attack while mounted. The attack itself varies depending on what type of weapon is equipped and whether the enemy is grounded or airborne.
Horse Trigger Attack: Riding Mode + Triangle: Performs an attack that sends enemies flying into the air. May vary depending on what type of weapon is equipped.
Horse Musou Attack: Riding Mode + Circle: Causes horse to sprint by consuming Musou instead of stamina.
Dismount Horse: Riding Mode + X: Dismounts from horse and resumes default fighting stance.
Bow Maneuvers
Shooting Mode: 🡻: Pulls out bow and assumes archery stance. Can be cancelled by tapping 🡻 again.
Switch Arrows: 🡸 or 🡺: Switches between different types of arrows.
Bow Attack: Shooting Mode + Square: Fires current arrow at a target. Can lock on targets by tapping R3.
Lower Bow: Shooting Mode + X: Lowers bow while squatting down.


Weapons[]

See also: Zhu Ran/Weapons

Zhu Ran uses the flame bow as his default weapon.

Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers[]

Torch Bow
Blaze Bow - 1st Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 41~76
Rank: 1 ★
Temple Flame
Blaze Bow - 2nd Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 63~118
Rank: 2 ★
Soaring Blaze
Blaze Bow - 3rd Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 99~183
Rank: 3 ★
Eternal Conflagration
Blaze Bow - 4th Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 153~284
Rank: 4 ★
Firebird Shredder
Blaze Bow - 5th Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 236~440
Rank: 5 ★
Dragon King's Wave
Blaze Bow - 6th Weapon (DW8XL) Base Attack: 368~550
Rank: 6 ★



Historical Information[]

Shi Ran, born in Guzhang, Danyang, was adopted by Sun Ce and appointed to various positions. He subjugated the Shanyue tribes and participated in the Battle of Ruxukou. He was credited with capturing Guan Yu at Jing Province. Before Lu Meng's illness, he convinced Sun Quan to appoint him as commander for defending Jiangling. Zhu Ran played a role in Yiling, reinforcing Xiaoting's defenses and blocking Liu Bei's escape route. He held out in battles, eventually retreating from Fancheng. Zhu Ran passed away four years after Lu Xun's death, and his son Zhu Ji succeeded him.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms[]

In the novel, Zhu Ran volunteers to assist Sun Huan in leading 50,000 men in a water battle against Shu at Yiling. He is killed from a spear thrust by Zhao Yun while pursuing Liu Bei's defeated troops.

Gallery[]

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