Li Kan

Li Kan (onyomi: Ri Kan) is a general of Han Sui and one of his eight riders. In the novel, he defects with his master to Cao Cao's forces.

Role in Games
Li Kan makes his main appearance in Dynasty Warriors at the Battle of Tong Gate, where he serves under the allied forces. He tries to intercept Xu Huang in the third title and has a minor role in the following two games. In Dynasty Warriors 6: Special, he defends the allied forces' main camp and later defects to Cao Cao's forces with Han Sui and his fellow officers. In Dynasty Warriors 8, he defends the ballistae at the first gate. If Han Sui defects, Li Kan and Ma Wan will follow him to side with Cao Cao.

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Li Kan is given average battle skills and poor domestic skills. He is only good with cavalry units and serves under Ma Teng, Ma Chao or Han Sui, depending on the scenario.

Historical Information
Li Kan hailed from Hedong in Si Province. He became a minor warlord in the Xiliang area and alinged himself with Han Sui, who held autonomity over some regions in the area. Around 210, the warlord Cao Cao assembled an army in Chang'an in order to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. Han Sui and Ma Chao interpreted it as an attack on their territory, however, and rose in rebellion. They formed the Guanxi Coalition and were joined by numerous other minor warlords of Xiliang, including Li Kan. They eventually battled Cao Cao's forces at Tong Gate. The battle was lost and Han Sui and Ma Chao fled to Liang Province. Li Kan either died in battle or was captured and executed.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Li Kan served as one of Han Sui's eight commanders during the battle against Cao Cao. In chapter 59, after Cao Cao's forces had crossed the river, Li Kan suggested to cede land to Cao Cao and make peace with him. Later, Han Sui defected to Cao Cao and Li Kan joined Cao Cao's ranks as well. He and his army met Ma Chao near a bridge, who immediately set his spear and rode towards Li Kan. Li Kan turned around and fled. Ma Chao was then himself pursued by Yu Jin and his men, but they were unable to capture him. Therefore, Yu Jin shot an arrow at Ma Chao, who dodged it. Thus, the arrow flew on, hit Li Kan in the back and killed him.