Deng Ai | Jin

Name: Deng Ai

Age: 42 (Born 197 AD)

Appearance: Deng Ai is a very tall man, standing at 6’7. He is extremely buff and broad-shouldered, with a calm, somewhat intimidating looking expression. He has long, dark hair, worn up during combat but down in his more casual attire, as well as neat, long stubble. Deng Ai is often seen in armor, accented with shades of teal. He typically wears a headband that often conceals his eyebrows, making his expressions a bit hard to read.

Personality: Deng Ai is a chiseled general with many years of experience. He is a taciturn and persuasive character. Deng Ai is meant to be a brash looking yet sincere character-- his emotions aren’t easy to read, but his heart is usually in the right place. He has a hobby of looking at maps and, to preserve their accuracy, he is cautious of the war changing the geography. His humbleness yet sharp wit makes him a valuable and trusted ally for the Sima family. He’s got a strong talent in placement-- by observing an area, he can determine the best places to put military camps, farmland, and defense strongholds. He is famed for his ability to instantly analyze a battlefield for the best places to store grain and position troops. His favorite food is pig's feet, though he often doesn't pay attention to what he's eating otherwise.

Deng Ai’s weapon of choice is a large, very heavy drill spear. His immense strength allows him to carry it easily, though. He's prone to stuttering, though he does his best to conceal it. Deng Ai has a very strong sense of duty, and will often mention it. He tends to come off a bit boorish and uncouth, though really doesn't mean harm.

Background: Deng Ai, from Jiyang County, lost his father at a young age and moved to Runan Commandery after Cao Cao's conquest of northern Jing Province in 208. Living as a farmer, he later became an academician under the Commandant of Xiangcheng but struggled due to a speech impediment. He shifted to an agricultural officer role, gaining little success, and often received pity from locals. He initially failed to express gratitude and was mocked for his ideas about military camp placements, but was later promoted to maintain agricultural records.

In 218, Deng Ai escorted Guo Xuanxin, who was under house arrest for rebellion, to the capital. Guo predicted that Deng Ai and his friend Shi Bao would become capable officials. Deng Ai eventually rose to the rank of Agricultural Officer of Merit.

Between 235 and 239, Deng Ai met Sima Yi during a trip to Luoyang. Impressed, Sima Yi recruited him into the Wei government. Deng Ai played a significant role in the Battle of Wuzhang Plains against Shu and was tasked with surveying lands for agricultural development. He suggested irrigation channels and new canals to improve the fertile but underutilized lands, which were later implemented in Wei’s strategic plans.