Dian Wei | Wei

Name: Dian Wei

Age: 34 (Born 160 AD)

Appearance: Dian Wei is a very tall, well built man with immense strength and build. He’s bald and clean-shaven, with fierce eyes and a fiercer expression, though he softens up when he smiles. Dian Wei often wears heavy armor, though he bares his arms frequently.

Personality: Dian Wei is a determined and straightforward man who is devoted in his mission to protect Cao Cao. He often bellows for a worthy opponent, challenging anyone to stop him. He doesn't like overthinking the details and just wants to get the job done. Fierce on the battlefield, he turns into a simple and humble man in his lord's presence or around the common folk, and is one to consider being friends with anyone at any given time if he's not forced to fight with them. Dian Wei will likely be the vassal in Wei who frets the most over Cao Cao's well-being. Dian Wei proudly calls his lord "my lord". Cao Cao has nicknamed Dian Wei “E Lai”, or “The coming evil” for his ferocity-- Dian Wei is flattered by this, though a bit apprehensive at being referred to as evil.

Dian Wei greatly respects Xiahou Dun and calls him "my lord" or "Lord Xiahou" whilst referring to him. He is good friends with Xu Zhu, Cao Cao’s more jovial other bodyguard. Both men can rely on the other to follow their duty to Cao Cao. In terms of his attitude towards the peasants, Dian Wei is quick enough to fly into a rage if they are hurt and is apologetic enough when he's forced to steal from them. He and Xu Zhu enjoy farming together. It can be difficult to rationalize with Dian Wei if he gets angry over most things.

Dian Wei is known for being a loyal, prudent and responsible man. He often stands guard outside Cao Cao's tent from morning until dusk, and even at night he sleeps beside Cao Cao's tent, and he rarely returns to his own quarters. He’s also a heavy eater and drinker, eating in huge mouthfuls and drinking in long gulps. Because of his enormous appetite, several men are required to serve him whenever he sits down for meals. Cao Cao finds Dian Wei rather impressive and commends his loyalty. Dian Wei’s weapons of choice are large axes-- he’ll swap between wielding one or two.

Background: Dian Wei was from Jiwu County, Chenliu Commandery. He was described as a stalwart man with great strength and the ambition of becoming a vigilante. When he was young, Dian Wei once agreed to help a certain Liu family take revenge against one Li Yong. As Li Yong was a former county chief, he had bodyguards to protect him during his travels.

Dian Wei disguised himself as a marquis and travelled to Li Yong's house in a carriage filled with food and wine. He entered the house without challenge, stabbed Li Yong with a concealed dagger, and killed Li Yong's wife as well. He then left the house and retrieved his weapons from the carriage and walked away. As Li Yong lived near the marketplace, news of his death spread quickly and the whole town was shocked. Hundreds of men went to pursue the murderer but none of them dared to approach Dian Wei. After travelling four or five li on foot, Dian Wei met his companions and they escaped after a brief fight with the pursuers. Dian Wei became recognised as a hero after this incident.

When Zhang Miao was rallying an army to join the campaign against Dong Zhuo, Dian Wei answered the call and became a subordinate of Zhao Chong. Once, a large banner was swaying in the strong wind and many men could not stop it from swaying despite their combined efforts. Dian Wei used only one hand to grab the banner pole and succeeded in keeping it upright. Zhao Chong was very impressed with Dian Wei's strength.

Later on, while Xiahou Dun was hunting tigers, he encountered Dian Wei within the mountains. After a friendly duel, Xiahou Dun hired him as a bodyguard for Cao Cao.