Zhou Tai

Zhou Tai (周泰), courtesy name Youping, was a tall, powerful man who served the kingdom of Wu in the Three Kingdoms era of China. He was a man of few words who was said to never lose his cool.

He originally served as a bodyguard of Sun Ce with his former comrade in piracy Jiang Qin, but was eventually promoted to lead troops. Numerous times throughout his career, he saved Sun Quan from danger by risking his own life. He was scarred for life by saving the then-young Sun Quan from an attack of Shanyue rebels while Sun Ce was away on campaign, suffereing twelve deep wounds from the battle. Later in life, he rescued Sun Quan yet again, this time from Zhang Liao's ambush at He Fei. After this amazing feat, having charged enemy lines to accomplish the rescue, Sun Quan would for the rest of his living days request Zhou Tai present at his side during all major battles. The two shared a bond of friendship, and it was said that Sun Quan held none of his generals in higher regard. When Sun Quan promoted Zhou Tai to Controller of Ruxu, the other generals would not accept Zhou Tai's command at first, citing his common background. Thus Sun Quan made a special trip to Ruxu, where during a party, he personally brought Zhou Tai wine and asked for him to remove his outer garments. Pointing at each scar, Sun Quan asked Zhou Tai the story behind it, whereupon Zhou Tai would respond with his memories of past battles. The other officers gained much respect for Zhou Tai and accepted his command.

It should be noted that Zhou Tai was a pirate who had battled Sun Jian before the Three Kingdoms, showing impressive prowess and being noted as a match for the warriors of lore by Sun Jian. Zhou Tai was also friends with the other pirate of Wu, Gan Ning.At the Battle Of Yi Ling, Gan Ning was shot by the barbarian general Shamoke and killed him. Enraged, Zhou Tai cut through the Shu forces and chased down Shamoke until he caught him and promptly killed him.