| “ | Leaves, following the current on the water's surface...An immobile rock sits in the eddy, sending the leaves in different directions. And the pivotal rocks that are splintering this current... | ” |
—Ka Ryo Ten's observation on the Ryuudou. | ||
The Ryuudou (eng. Flow), also known as the Ryudoryoku (eng. Flow Power Skill), is an advanced defensive military tactic.
Overview[]
As observed from a higher position, the formation looks like the surface of a flowing whirlpool or river with leaves that ride on it with the attacking armies representing the leaves. The scattered clumps of soldiers work like rocks that meticulously divert the flow according to the general's wishes, thus managing to split the attackers into smaller groups and drive them away from the HQ.
Strengths & Weaknesses[]
In a similar manner to a whirlpool, the more one’s enemies try to close in on one’s HQ, the stronger the "flow" of soldiers becomes. The defenders can scatter defensive placements that go against the flow to split up here and there to split apart the enemy forces into two, one, etc.
Usually, a military commander needs a vantage point like a Strategist Tower to oversee the entirety of the formation to use the entire field but a highly skilled and experienced Strategist can use the formation without a vantage point while at ground level, nonetheless. The formation can also leave one’s army or forces in disarray when stopped in mid-use and it requires a highly trained army along with a skilled commander to perform it.
Story[]
Coalition Invasion Arc[]
Right before the Battle of Kankoku Pass, during the early clash between Duke Hyou and the Wei Army led by Go Hou Mei. The Wei Great General attempted to use the formation but Duke Hyou halted his advance before the Wei General could fully utilize the tactic. Seeing this impressed Go Hou Mei who thought that maybe the Qin General saw through his attempt but dismissed it as impossible that beside him only Ri Boku could do it.
On the 20th day of the Battle of Kankoku Pass, Ri Boku used the Ryuudou against Duke Hyou during the Battle of the Southern Path to split apart his forces. However, the Duke was able to conquer this tactic using only his instincts as he penetrated the Ryuudou with a few dozen soldiers by using his flags as bait. While the Duke was ready to take Ri Boku's head the Zhao general had positioned his fellow Great Heaven, Hou Ken as his bodyguard. The Duke and the Bushin would duel each other while his soldiers went after Ri Boku.
Gallery[]
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Trivia[]
- So far, only two commanders have shown to use the formation in the series.