View Full Version : On Mighty Getia: Commentaries on the Pan-Thracian Empire
_____On Mighty Getia_____
Commentaries on the Pan-Thracian Empire
Moskon per Harpis
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: TERRIBLE ABUNDANCE (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1870349&postcount=7)
CHAPTER TWO: CONSOLIDATION (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1872450&postcount=14)
CHAPTER THREE: THE HUNT (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1874945&postcount=19)
CHAPTER FOUR: ANOTHER SHEEP (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1876489&postcount=33)
CHAPTER FIVE: THE SIEGE OF SARDIS (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1883195&postcount=46)
A NOTE ON THE AUTHOR
https://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2153/001moskonperharpisqe1.jpg
Moskon per Harpis is son of Dromikaites – a mid-ranking officer in the Hosts of Skythia – and his mother is an Athenios noblewoman called Auxesia. He was raised in Harpis in the east of the Getikoi lands, where his Hellenikos lineage earned him resentment amongst his peers, who stereotyped him as effete and bookish. These prejudices proved unfounded however, as he was generally manly in his interests. Dromikaites had trained his son to fight as hard as any Getikos boy with both bow and falx and Moskon took great interest in the wars which his country waged and the strategies employed against the nation’s enemies.
This interest in the waging of war was more of an academic one than would be encouraged in Harpis however and Moskon showed no interest in fighting unless the empire made it mandatory for him to do so. His mother’s recounting of the beautiful academy and libraries of Athenai enchanted Moskon and planted within him the seed of the scholar who he would one day grow to be. He dreamed of the vast knowledge contained within the scriptures of the Greeks and the immense wisdom which the philosophers of Athenai could teach him. He longed to be educated by the most astute men of Hellas and to read the most insightful writings on history, philosophy and science. The young boy kept his desires private though, fearing the repercussions of living up to his Hellenikos stereotype, until he eventually confided in his mother, letting his ambitions spill out and proving to her with his wit and determination that he would make a fine scholar.
While Moskon was a boy, Getia waged a ferocious war against the people of Greece, who were united under the banner of the Koinon Hellenon. For many Getikoi boys this fostered resentment against the Greeks, as many had lost fathers to this war and it was the Koinon who had originally started the aggression in fear of Getikos might. The young scholar however saw this as an opportunity for him, as the basileus’ campaigns southwards gradually annexed the cities of the Hellenes and brought their schools and thinkers under his supreme rule, absorbing them into the Getike Basileia and making them accessible to its citizens.
Ultimately the basileus, Pharadmon, and his army conquered Athenai and Moskon was delighted to hear from his father that, although the basileus had been ruthless in his extermination of the city and its populace, he had spared the academy and the greatest thinkers. As long as their writings and teachings could be censored by the Getikos Council of Academies in order to eliminate rebellious teachings against the gracious basileus, the Getike Basileia would allow the scholars to continue their study as they did under Greek rule. Proud of their son’s ambition, Moskon’s parents sent him to Athenai when he was fifteen to study in the great Akademia there. Staying with his mother’s wealthy family, he lived a comfortable life, although his mixed lineage granted him favour with the authorities, causing his Hellenikoi peers to resent him bitterly. His tutor was Telemachos – a historian who taught the youth of countless wars and battles that had occurred across the world throughout the ages. Moskon became enthralled by stories of Greek heroes from the Hellenikos golden age and imagined his father and other Getikoi warriors in the place of Heracles, Achilles and Leonidas – fighting gallantly for the glory of Zalmoxis, his basileus and his country. Studying more and more accounts of past wars inspired Moskon to seek out the heroes of his own age and to immortalise the great wolves of the Getike Basileia.
Aged twenty-three Moskon per Harpis travelled north, bidding his tutor and family goodbye, to serve the basileus by travelling with him. His task was to document the military and political events of the empire, the high tribal council and the royal court in hope of revealing and memorialising the glory, the heroism and the might of the Daoi of Getia. This is the text that performs that very task.
PREFACE
In the 525th year since the birth of Zalmoxis (188BC) the Getike Basileia (also known as The Pan-Thracian Empire of Getia, The Thracian Empire or simply Getia) is a formidable world power, rivalling all other kingdoms, republics and empires of the known world.
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2559/002thepanthracianempirezl8.jpg
Our glorious empire
The basileus’ lands stretch from the Greek colonies of the Cimmerian Bosporus, where nomadic tribes of the vast Asian steppes roam to the east; to Rhaetia in the depths of the Alps, where Keltoi reside in sturdy forts amongst the snow-capped mountains; to the tip of the Peloponnesos, where the mighty Spartai once called themselves the mightiest warriors in the world. All the peoples who call themselves Thraikes now live under one glorious banner – that of the Getai, the wolves of Zalmoxis – united a generation ago by Pharadmon, the Pavel-ter.
https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3196/003pavelterpf9.jpg
Pharadmon: the Uniter
He was the great basileus who used the grand force of the cold Getikos blade and the fatal Getikos arrow to conquer the oppressors of all Thraikioi tribes and eliminate all divisions and rivalries between them. United, the Thraikes flattened all they waged war against to carve out our magnificent nation and live in peace, knowing that they reside in the most formidable, and thus safest, country in the world.
The current king of our land is Burebista per Helis, this author’s granduncle and vanquisher of the brutal Noricioi and the fearsome Boioi.
https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5894/004burebista188bcnb6.jpg
He is an old man but is in fine physical condition for his age. Only last week I witnessed him wrestle the young chieftain of a tribe of Boioi to the ground – an impressive feat, as the men of this most recent people to be assimilated into the empire are particularly large and violent, if slightly lacking in cunning. He shows no sign of serious illness, despite his heavy drinking and rumoured womanising, and could be expected to reign as grand basileus for many more years.
Burebista is not just a drunken warmonger however, although his Hellenikoi subjects would never accept that he is anything more. He is a kind man, free from prejudice and welcoming to people of other nations. He frequently dines (and even more frequently drinks) with foreign dignitaries and tribal leaders from across the empire and has many friends amongst the Hellenes and Keltoi who live in his land. He shares with me my passion for the epic adventures and heroic deeds and even writes his own poetry telling of glorious Thraikes like Zalmodegikos and Orpheus.
https://img297.imageshack.us/img297/771/005zalmodegikoskm6.jpg
Zalmodegikos the Honourable
The world that Burebista must guide us through as our basileus is a hostile one. We are surrounded by empires of Hellenes, Romaoi, Keltoi and nomads, spurred to war by their ambitious rulers.
https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6081/006politicalmapof188bcrr0.jpg
The known world in 525YZ
To the northwest lie our only allies – the United Germanic Tribes under rule of the Sueboi. They helped us greatly by sending vast hoards of warriors in the recent war against the Boioi, who had troubled them for decades. However, the Germanic warriors proved too weak to defeat the strong Keltoi of Mrogbonna and were eventually put to shame when our glorious forces conquered the Boemios capital of Eburonum using a combination of Getikoi horse-archers to slaughter them in the fields and a force of proud hoplites from the subjugated Greek poleis to storm the great fortress-city and crush the defenders. Due to the success of these Greek soldiers a professional hoplite army – The Hosts of Hellas – has been commissioned by Burebista to become a permanent division of the Getikos Grand Army.
https://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8677/007greekhoplitecaptainsuk7.jpg
Hoplites of the Getike Basileia
The Sueboi and their fellow tribes seem a tenuous group of allies though. They brood with bitterness already that it was us who won the Mrogbanna war and many of their chiefs demand we give up some of the conquered land. Burebista is fair and promises to repay the United Tribes with loyal service whenever they are in need, although he maintains that the lands of the Boioi must not fall under Sueboi rule, as the head of the Germanic council is a racist dog who our basileus believes will exploit the Keltoi of the Boioi. On top of this, the Boioi could never respect their Germanic overlords, as their warriors defeated the northern invaders savagely during the war. If Burebista was not so magnanimous he may even venture to say the Sueboi were useless allies during the war, not even weakening the ferocious Boioi but simply whipping them into a war-frenzy and convincing them of their own immortality. When we overthrew their capital our forces were forced to put many of the populace to death in order to quell this frenzy and convince them of the cold mortality of their conquered lives.
To the west the Italic peninsula and a portion of Gaul constitutes the Roman Republic. Trade with these noble people has been beneficial to both our nations and they surpass even the Hellenes in the vastness of their cities and advanced technology. They have not shown any hostility towards our nation yet, but their military is formidable and since our borders only met less than a decade ago, war on that front is still a possibility.
The nations we share borders with on Anatolia are generally small. The Kingdom of Pontos is a dignified and rich land which has never shown us hostility. The basileus has many Pontikoi friends who often come to his court with their magnificent retinues and harems to be entertained by the Great Wolf. The huge might of the united Thraikioi tribes deters Pontos from attacking Nikaia, the one Thraikios city which they would lay claim to by some weak justification.
The Phrygo-Kappodokian Federation is a power in central Anatolia which swears allegiance to the recently declined Ptolemaic dynasty. We were once allied to the Hellenikos empire of the Ptolemaoi and so these people do not see us as a threat. We trade with them and generally conduct peaceful relations with the fragmented Ptolemaic lands, but if this dynasty ever makes resurgence, the Ptolemaoi might become a threat as they once were.
Along the south of the Anatolian peninsula and in the islands of Krete and Rhodos the presence of the Koinon Hellenon can still be felt. These city states are now loosely allied to each other and have no real world power since Pharadmon drove them out of Hellas.
Our empire’s only true enemy is the Arche Seleukeia. The line of Seleukos has proven to be the most prevalent of all Megas Alexandros’ Diadochi, re-conquering most of his empire. They drove the Ptolemaoi into obscurity and subjugated the Indians, conquering further east than even Alexandros himself. They are truly a formidable enemy and threat to our beautiful lands, but Burebista does not worry about this threat, as the Seleukidai only border with our empire in a small part of Anatolia which is heavily fortified by our strong Thraikioi troops and the governor of the nearest Seleukeios city to our front – Theodotos Aradou Syriakou - is a peaceful man simply concerned with keeping his subjects in check and making sure his basileus does not forget him, as his province of Lydia is considered to be an outlying and uneventful corner of the empire.
https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5566/008thelydianfrontsh0.jpg
The Lydios front
Many of the high tribal council agree that the great Asian empire will not wage war on us unless they first end their war with Carthage, with whom they are bickering over the war-torn remnants of Aigyptos. This means that for now the Thraike Basileia is under no great threat and any war it wages will be chosen by the basileus. The world trembles at his decision.
It seems that the Pan-Thracian Getike Basileia is in a state of stability after years of expanding its borders to establish itself as a gigantic power. It has a strong military, a strong economy and a strong king. Its subjects are varied between Thraikes, Keltoi, Skythai and Hellenes and are of many backgrounds. Surely this is a land to produce heroes! It is a country to fulfil the wish of Alexandros and capable of uniting not only all Thraikes, but all men of the world.
Wow. Very nice, I like your writing style, and this is very original. Just awesome.
Great AAR, and your writing style is indeed very good! I am looking forward to the next chapter.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
03-24-2008, 21:07
WOW! Very cool approach to an AAR. And cool drawings. Very nice maps. Only thing I would criticize is the bredth of the text on my screen.
Shylence
03-24-2008, 21:47
this is what i want my A.A.R to be
Whoah, great writing style! Maps, drawings, loads of background info. It's just like I'd image living under a progressivist Getic Empire.
2 questions: Are the Saba and Lusitani at war with anyone?
How did Roma get Cantabria?
CHAPTER ONE: TERRIBLE ABUNDANCE
526th Year of Zalmoxis (187BC)
From the day Getikoi soldiers proudly raised their serpent banner in the town square of Eburonum, the city was doubly conquered. Not only did they suffer the humiliation of defeat at the hands of the great Thraike Basileia, but simultaneously a vicious plague emerged, rending many lives from Boemioi and Getikoi families alike.
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1612/009plagueineburonumqu5.jpg
This caused great sadness for Burebista as, once the despicable inhabitants who resisted the supreme rule of Getia had been necessarily put to the sword, the Keltoi of this mighty city had been accepted as true Getikoi citizens. The high tribal council suggested that Burebista had angered Zalmoxis by relying so heavily on the vile Greeks in the past war, but it was clear to the wise men of the council that religion can be used to justify anything, especially acts of petty jealousy. It troubled our kind basileus to see his most recently-adopted children suffer so but he could do nothing more than quarantine the city and send supplies of bread to keep the healthy from starvation whilst proper sanitization was implemented in the city. He refused to listen to the ruthless men amongst the high tribal council who called for the population to be culled, lest the evil disease might spread, and offered kindness to his newest subjects.
Amongst those heartless princes who condemned the citizens of Getia to death was Dromikaites – the son of our glorious Pavel-Ter, Pharadmon. I have soon learned though that he is son to that great man only nominally, as he is a despicable caricature of the contemptible sort of men that our nation’s recent rise to power has created.
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1176/010dromikaitesisbadsp9.jpg
Dromikaites has too much power for his own good, especially as he is merely a boy. As son of the Pavel-Ter, he has been brought up surrounded by frail yes-men, their sycophantic babblings convincing him of his own inherent greatness and his Zalmoxis-granted right to the throne of Thraikia. His wealth has allowed him to gain power amongst the younger members of the council and he is suspected of conspiring to murder several opposing chieftains. All this power for one who is widely known to have been rejected by Zalmoxis! Luckily Burebista keeps the company of wise men and has sent this arrogant little whelp to the western fringes of the empire, where he will be too busy controlling the newly conquered Alpine tribes to do any harm to Thraikia.
Sadly corruption has become the biggest enemy of the Getike Basileia now that the Hellenes quake at our might. Mindful of this, the wisest men of the council have worked with the king to control our nation’s coffers tightly. Since developing our cities is no longer a strain on our economy, the high council have concentrated funding on the military in order to defend our nation and, more importantly for the honour of our lands, keep these obscene amounts of gold from the hands of greedy tarabostes such as Dromikaites. In the largest cites of our empire Burebista and his government have begun recruiting the finest-equipped troops and the sharpest agents our country has seen.
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8215/011spendingmnaihb1.jpg
For a while the empire was calm, the following anecdote being the only event of interest for months.
One day in the early summer I was spending time with the basileus and his two youngest daughters in the royal gardens at Sarmiszegethusa telling the girls stories of the Olympian heroes. A modestly-dressed Hellene entered gracefully and bowed low to Burebista, announcing himself as an emissary of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. At this pretentious title I barely managed to stifle a chuckle, as the Seleukidai had all but devastated that faction; but the basileus politely bid the messenger stand and smiled kindly.
‘My lord Burebista, my master – Basileus Ptolemaios – wishes to offer you and your grand country his most deep and sincere respect.’
‘Very good, Hellene,’ my lord replied, managing to sound simultaneously welcoming and jaded, ‘but I have a feeling you did not come all this way from Phrygia to spout platitudes at me. Do not be verbose, but let us walk in the gardens. Tell me what your mighty king proposes.’ I have a suspicion that the adjective “mighty” was probably intended to be ironic, although Burebista is indeed a noble man and may well have been sincere enough to praise the petty ruler as such.
‘Good my lord. Let us walk.’ said the messenger and they disappeared. I continued my recounting stories of Herakles to the king’s children that afternoon, curious about what the fragmented lands of Ptolemaios could possibly offer our nation.
That evening when Burebista feasted with his family and courtiers, the monarch revealed what the emissary had proposed. Slightly lubricated by wine, the basileus laughed loudly as he explained that the messenger had offered to forge an alliance between our mighty empire and the dregs of his Ptolemaios Kingdom, but on the ludicrous condition that we hand over to them the city of Nikaia – a land held for decades by our empire and populated by many Thraikes.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6489/012stupidptolemaioiqw0.jpg
Of course Burebista bluntly declined and told the emissary that he must know of the vast armies at his command and that the remnant-kingdoms of Ptolemaios were a mere mouse to the great wolf of the Getai. He told the emissary that he would be better employed as a court entertainer than a diplomat, his offers were so ridiculous. The Ptolemaioi are truly a bizarre dynasty of inbred, deluded fools; but at least they keep us amused.
But amusement was not to be ending emotion of my first year as the empire’s servant. The entire nation wept this autumn as the elderly basileus left this world, simply dying in his sleep after a night’s feasting and drinking.
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2465/013burebistadiestb5.jpg
The mighty basileus had been commanding a company of the Hosts of Skythia in the lands of the near Keltoi, eradicating pathetic rebels who opposed his rule. That very day he had beheaded a vile Scordiscios rebel chief and silenced his followers. I watched through the confusion of battle as his falx separated the foul insurgent’s head from his mail-clad body, every muscle on my basileus’ face revealing his desperate hatred for such ungrateful subjects. Burebista was a true wolf of Zalmoxis, a conqueror and a great leader of his people and, like mighty Pharadmon before him, a great king.
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/606/014statueofburebistasy9.jpg
The statue of Burebista, erected in Sarmiszegethusa
After the funeral of our beloved basileus, the elections amongst the high tribal council began to search for a new leader. Dromikaites and his mob stirred up a great deal of trouble and gained a fair amount of support amongst the more avaricious tarabostes by promising luxurious lifestyles to the nobles and spitting out Pharadmon’s name at every moment to justify their campaign. Fury burns inside me whenever I think of the Pavel-ter’s legacy being used so irresponsibly. Luckily for the people of the Pan-Thracian Getike Basileia, it was Burebista’s friends such as his cousin Kloilios – the great cavalry general – who triumphed in the council and the new elected king was Kloilios’ nephew - Tzinto.
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9536/015tzintocrownedts5.jpg
Tzinto is not overly skilled as a warrior, having not seen any major battles, although he knows of some strategy. He is a private man, but also a brilliant politician and administrator, and is skilled beyond the belief of some in debating. He has a great thirst for power, which has now been quenched, and many close friends to help him in his political exploits. Tzinto is wary of other nations as he knows the hearts of men in power, so I foresee him protecting our empire well. I believe we should serve our new monarch well and he will do so in return, allowing the Thraike Basileia to continue to flourish, but the following years will reveal whether this was a correct forecast and Zalmoxis alone knows what lies ahead for the Getai.
The world at the end of 526YZ:
https://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5556/map526azdb6.jpg
Thanks for the praise everyone! Hopefully it will keep me motivated to do this as I do have a tendency to obsess about things and then just abandon them for no reason. Hopefully there will be some action coming up so expect a more screenshot-based chapter 2.
Only thing I would criticize is the bredth of the text on my screen.
Tell me how to fix this and I will. I thought it was just because the maps were quite big (which they have to be so you can read the text).
Are the Saba and Lusitani at war with anyone?
The Saba are somehow avoiding war with the Grey Death and that is preserving them. They did well out of the collapse of Ptolemaic Egypt I think. Also they are allied with Karthadast and Pontos so they have some decent support.
The Lusitani are at war with Karthadast, Roma and the KH so they could have a rough ride ahead of them. They do seem to have some decent stacks around the place though so it would be interesting to see them maintain their empire.
How did Roma get Cantabria?
I think Roman claims to Cantabria date back decades to when they held all of Transalpine Gaul and the north of Iberia. The Lusitani got ambitious however and pushed them all the way back to Massilia, which is now firmly in their grasp. I guess they just forgot about little ol' Cantabria, but I think they will conquer it soon, along with Emporion.
This is truly wonderful, I count you among great storytellers such as MarcusAureliusAntoninus, Chirurgeon, BerkeleyBoy.
This is just plain amazing. BTW, nice touch with the Danse Macabre.
Reality=Chaos
03-25-2008, 12:01
very nice
Shylence
03-26-2008, 03:51
yes this a truely great work. Brillaint writing and thought. The prictues are very nice. You have done a lot fo work on this and it shows mate.
Hooahguy
03-26-2008, 05:21
very good!
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
03-26-2008, 05:21
Tell me how to fix this and I will. I thought it was just because the maps were quite big (which they have to be so you can read the text).
Not necessary. It was only about 2 mm in the introduction, the first chapter was fine. :2thumbsup:
CHAPTER TWO: CONSOLIDATION
527th Year of Zalmoxis (186BC)
As spring came and the plants burst forth with colour once again, the entire empire began to feel calm and secure as Tzinto’s fresh reign began to settle upon the land and revitalise it. At the death of Burebista the empire was stronger, richer and larger than ever before; but this glory came at the price of corruption amongst the rich and grief amongst the poor, as unrest grew and raiders preyed upon the populace. Years of expansionist warlord basileis had made Getia mighty and proud, but these kings had neglected the less desirable duties regarding the internal politics of the land. Pharadmon and Burebista were magnificent Daoi (the latter had become somewhat of a heroic idol to me last year) but they were not great administrators. Now I feel we have the right basileus to reign responsibly; to take the crude iron of our land and forge it into a splendid falx which will vanquish our enemies and unite the whole world under our serpentine standard.
Thankfully the western wing of our Empire is now truly secure and, Zalmoxis be praised, the Boioi are free from the horrific plague which tormented them last year. Tzinto put a great deal of pressure on the town’s temporary governor – the Hellenikos general, Rhemaxos – to ensure the filthy dava and its warlike inhabitants were introduced to proper Thraikios sanitation. The young Rhemaxos did his duty and made some simple changes to the city’s drainage system so that the Boioi now live in clean, healthy conditions, as all citizens of our empire should.
https://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8321/016boiicleanedupvz7.jpg
The western front has also now been secured militarily. Robust fortresses have been built along our borders with the Germanic tribes and the Romaoi, garrisoned by locally-recruited soldiers. I have heard from soldiers that they are a menacing sight indeed – vast, looming walls built of dark wood and gates thicker than ever seen before with huge muscular men patrolling the walls armed with spears and javelins to throw at any foe within range. The basileus has ordered local governors to make the message clear to our Keltoi allies that the king trusts them to defend their own lands, rather than sending Getai to do the job for them, and it is imperative that officers instil national pride into the savage Keltoi. They are, after all, now part of the grandest empire on Earth and so have good reason to be proud. The Hosts of the West now camp in their base amongst the Alps, lead by Seuthes – a mighty general from the hardy local Keltoi – titled Grand General of the Hosts of the West.
https://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3752/017hostsofthewestbh1.jpg
Seuthes is an able commander of men and is loyal to the Getike Basileia. His army is professional and well-equipped and contains some elite soldiers from the Scordiscoi, who have been proud citizens of the Thraike Basileia for many decades now. They are drilled hard and the Grand General is confident that in the event of an attack from the west, they will be able to hold off even the heavily armoured troops of the Romaoi – an opinion that the more conservative members of the high tribal council refuse to believe.
Although the west was now strong, Tzinto was worried about the various rebellions which littered his empire. Taking a highly mobile and experienced force of horse-archers from the Hosts of Skythia, our basileus has dedicated much of the recent months eliminating these threats to his sovereignty and his people through means of battle.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3102/018rebelforcesac3.jpg
The most influential of these dissenters was Diurpaneus – yet another vile man who claims descent from Pharadmon in order to gain support among the simpler men of the empire. This horrid wretch was a Kostobok who believed only true Getai should reap the benefits of our empire’s success and would make all others slaves if he had his way. He had raised a force of warriors who were highly loyal to him and threatened to overthrow the heart of Getia itself (apparently by sheer determination, as Diurpaneus was a dull and unskilled man, if charismatic). Tzinto and his hoard swooped upon them with his army of lethal Daoi, confident that this rebellion would be the subject of comedy within a month.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6035/019tzintoshoarduz5.jpg
As Tzinto ordered the entire army to open fire on the pathetic insurgents, the occasion seemed more of a mass assassination than a battle to me. Taken completely by surprise, under the watchful holy mountain, Diurpaneus and his men were slaughtered helplessly by our deadly hail of arrows.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3807/020deadlyhailxk1.jpg
With their leader dead the scattered rebels were hugely vulnerable. Tzinto found it embarrassing that he even had to waste his armies’ efforts on mopping up the remnants of this abortive revolution. Nevertheless, he took his horse-archers eastwards whilst his kinsman Kloilios – a legendary commander of the Skythioi hosts – swept the north borders clean of the wretches, raining down clouds of arrows upon the unfaithful.
https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6060/021ridingwiththehostuj0.jpg
This policing of the empire was tiresome for me as a spectator, but for the warriors it boosted morale hugely. The riders of the Hosts came to see their enemies as little more than animals and this action as simple hunting. During this campaign the warriors of our empire gained much loyalty to Tzinto, who they saw to be cleansing the empire of scum like these traitors. Kloilios appreciated the hunts too, as he is a true wolf of Getia who thirsts for any chance to lead men into battle, his armour gleaming and his bow spewing forth murder.
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2597/022klolioshappyae2.jpg
Seeing that our empire was flourishing under its new king, dignitaries of the Lusitanoi began visiting our basileus’ court regularly. Tzinto is a private man, but regular and persistent diplomatic visits from Karos Ebracoi – an Iberios noble – caused an unlikely friendship between the two to be formed. Both were political fiends and their debates on the management of empires continued deep into the night when the Lusitanoi visited. Soon this friendship caused Tzinto to become politically involved with the Iberios Empire, supporting their war against the overambitious and exploitative Romaoi, and so an alliance between our nations was formed.
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1685/023newalliesic4.jpg
Tzinto is aware that the Romaoi may now be inclined to attack us and for this reason he has come under much criticism in the high tribal council. However, our basileus has a sharp wit and knows the minds of rulers and does not believe Roma is daring enough to make aggressive moves against our grand nation. Moreover, there are murmurs amongst the tarabostes that Tzinto is too soft to be our basileus and, in order to allay these worries, he is eager to put our idle Hosts to use once more and conquer the enemies of our empire. Maybe war with the Romaoi could be a great opportunity for the wolves of Getia to do what they do best – conquer.
The world at the end of 527YZ:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4831/map527azai6.jpg
Do I smell a race for Rome? ~D
Well I was thinking of invading Krete, but now I've written that chapter it just seems silly to do that. Basically now I have a good ol' excuse to go and get my grubby mits on those big beautiful Roman cities with their massive temples and all the civilized slaves I can rape!
Also I like to see the Lusos do well so Hopefully I can help them by distracting Rome. In a couple of decades Europe's just going to be a huge brown blob because, for some reason, I've been waging brutal war on all them cheery colourful folks! Probably jealousy.
I think I will have to play a Baktria campaign after this just so I can cover the map with that beautiful royal blue.
Olaf The Great
03-27-2008, 04:06
A pointless attack on Rome would be a bit odd, maybe rivalries between Roman nobles and a member of Getia could cause it? Or Rome could make "aggressive movements" in Northern Italy?
Well why shouldn't Getia help out their Iberian friends who are taking a beating from the Romans by distracting them with an invasion of southern Italy?
Besides, there are plenty of warmongers amongst my high tribal council and the basileus is eager to shift his reputation as a cowardly administrator. The Daoi itch for battle...
CHAPTER THREE: THE HUNT
530th Year of Zalmoxis (183BC)
In the months following our empire’s alliance to the Lusotanoi the basileus was the target of much resentment within the high tribal council. Tzinto’s rivals, such as Dromikaites, son of Pharadmon, lead many of the tarabostes to become sceptical of their basileus’ governing powers. They argued that he was reckless in his befriending of the Iberoi, who were enemies of Roma – a strong military power. They feared that the Romaoi would invade our lands and cause us much trouble, or worse – that Tzinto would invade the heavily fortified Italian peninsula and waste many of our brave troops’ lives on a campaign that was very likely to be doomed to failure.
A great meeting was called in Ambrakia – the largest city in the empire – and all the tarabostes from the tribes of Getai, Thraikes, Skythai, Keltoi and Hellenes gathered to decide upon a course of military action. I attended the assembly too. It was the biggest political gathering I have ever witnessed.
https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5921/024councilofambrakiavr6.jpg
Ambrakia – venue of the great assembly
The issue of Roma was the first subject to be debated, as many were concerned about war with such a powerful nation on top of the existing (if cold) war with the Arche Seleukeia. With all of his political opposition gathered, it did not take long for Tzinto to yield to them and accept that an attack on Rome would be unwise. The west was still under threat however, so the discussion turned to how protection would be granted to the Keltoi of the western empire. Grand General Seuthes complained that, as mighty as his Hosts were, they could not hold off an all-out Romaios invasion for long. Tzinto agreed with the powerful general and promised to reinforce his Hosts with another great army of Keltoi, with a contingent of light cavalry for quick retaliation. If the Romaoi did attack now, the Hosts of the West would be able to hold the western provinces until a retaliation force was mustered.
With the majority of the tarabostes’ worries regarding Roma dispelled, Tzinto spoke of the country’s financial issues, particularly that the huge new military commissioned by Burebista was now putting a massive strain on our economy and causing our funds to plummet.
https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6373/025plummettingfundsmx9.jpg
Some of the more diplomatically-inclined tribal leaders, particularly Hellenes and Illyroi, suggested disbanding some of the armies until our economy could support them. But the true Getai tarabostes, particularly mighty Kloilios, objected strongly to this preposition and called for an invasion to put the armies to use and conquer rich lands to bolster our treasuries. In a truly rousing speech on the subject, Kloilios famously reminded Tzinto that ‘We are the mighty Daoi – Wolves of Zalmoxis! And our nation hungers for resources. Wolves do not sit around idly when they are hungry. They hunt! So let us hunt so that we may never go hungry again!’
Our basileus agreed instantly with the venerable warmonger, eager to earn himself a place amongst the true Getikoi kings – Zalmodegikos, Dizo, Koson, Pharadmon and Burebista, basileis who vanquished many enemies to demonstrate the might of the Getai. He spoke next of the wolf – this time using the analogy to point out the wolf’s intelligence in its choice of target. ‘A pack of wolves will not thoughtlessly attack a nest of vipers – for the vipers are a dangerous target and a ferocious match for the wolves. The Romaoi are vipers. They are no friends to the Pan-Thracian Empire of Getia, but they are too dangerous a target to risk our wolves against in vain. We must be as prudent as the wolf and hunt the sheep.’ He paused and the room filled with the whispers of excitement and anticipation mixed with murmurs of doubt and suspicion.
‘I propose the Koinon Hellenon as our sheep.’ The whispers and murmurs increased to a general chattering, but Tzinto simply spoke over them, silencing most. ‘The islands of Krete and Rhodos are wealthy and ripe to be plundered. Their temples and palaces are brimful with the gold they have earned through trade across the Hellenikos world. If conquered, their harbours will bring precious metals, spice and silk from across the Mesogeios Sea and all its empires, which will flow through our lands and enrich our own great empire. The Koinon Hellenon are also our rivals, as they support the foul Seleukidai who oppose us, sycophantically bowing to their cruel basileus just because they once both shared a war upon the Ptolemaioi. The Koinon has not been victorious in battle for decades; ever since Pharadmon drove them from this peninsula they have been a flock of cowards and misers, harkening to the days before we removed their glory. Let us put the Kretoi and Rhodoi out of their misery and hunt them down like the sheep they are!’
There was a cheer across the whole hall and a feeling that a large proportion of our new king’s naysayers had been converted. To most of the tarabostes, Tzinto now had the potential to be a great, truly Getikos basileus and even a mighty victor like Koson and Pharadmon.
The world at the end of 528YZ:
https://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3600/map528yzxl7.jpg
So in the spring of 529YZ Tzinto assembled an invasion force in Lakonike. This consisted of two armies. The main invasion force would be an army from the Hosts of Hellas made up of about 31,000 Greek hoplitai lead by Grand General Rhemaxos and supported by his 1,100 cavalry.
https://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6643/026rhemaxosarmyil8.jpg
Supporting Rhemaxos and his Hellenes was the basileus himself, leading an army of around 20,000 highly skilled horse-archers from the Hosts of Skythia.
(It may seem strange to some readers that the Getikos basileus would lead a force of foreign Skythai in to battle and come under no criticism from the tarabostes. This is because, although titled the Hosts of Skythia, these armies were mostly made up of Getikoi tribesmen by now. The Skythai were conquered and assimilated into Getia almost a century ago and their style of horse-archer hit-and-run warfare has been used by the eastern Getai for centuries. The Hosts of Skythia make up the majority of the true Getikos military today, as the Hellenes and Keltoi provide an adequate infantry force for most warfare. Also, since Getia has become so successful in its conquests, many of the Getai have become rich enough to be of equestrian status and so they naturally serve a cavalry role, whilst the subjugated peoples are of lower social status within the empire and serve as infantry as such.)
https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1033/027tzintosarmyab3.jpg
In the early winter of 529YZ the invasion force boarded the ships of Getia’s newly constructed navy, landed on Krete and laid siege to its capital, Kydonia.
https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/6370/028kydoniaseigedqh2.jpg
The winter was long for the Geto-Hellenikoi troops, who spent their time constructing siege engines and cutting off supply roots. I spent my much of my time with Tzinto and his cavalry army, who mostly hunted and pillaged throughout the land whilst the Hellenikoi defenders sat, powerless, in their city.
The world at the end of 529YZ:
https://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5039/map529yzsk6.jpg
By the time springtime came, plans of assault had been made and the siege rams were complete. The city was poorly defended and it was clear that defeat would be humiliation beyond recovery for Tzinto and Rhemaxos, so the attack plan was carried out strictly.
After the assaulting army of hoplitai had deployed in battle order, two units manning siege rams began to approach the walls, while two reserve rams waited behind the battle lines in case the defenders managed to destroy the first two.
https://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4673/029advancewithramsse4.jpg
Both rams survived the approach with all the manning hoplitai surviving too, despite the defenders’ attacks with puny javelins. The siege engines then managed to breach the city’s walls at the gates and at another point almost simultaneously, allowing our troops to flood in and overwhelm the defending forces from two directions.
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3697/030assaultonkydoniakk7.jpg
The first line of defence was swiftly overwhelmed and then the defending general himself – Nepos Andanieus – charged our lines with his elite hoplite bodyguard.
https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5097/031eliteschargeusgh4.jpg
Meanwhile, the other half of our vast army was still marching in through the gates to form up on the north side of the city.
https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7186/032throughthegateson7.jpg
Soon the sheer numbers of our hoplitai overwhelmed the enemy on the west of the city and Andanieus was killed. The few remaining epilektoi hoplitai turned their backs and fell back to the town square.
https://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8716/033andanieusfallsiz3.jpg
Once half of our forces were in position on the north of the city, they were ordered forward and charged the remaining enemy soldiers in the city square.
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3861/034chargefromthenorthry4.jpg
As soon as the western division had reformed, they charged into the fray in the town square as well. Rhemaxos watched from nearby, shouting orders at his troops and inspiring them to obliterate the enemy whilst the Koinon Hellenon troops stood defiant, calling our own brave Hellenes ‘traitors’.
Kydonia soon fell to our forces though and Tzinto ordered the city to be pillaged and its insolent population to be put to the sword, as they resisted Getikos rule so vehemently. Our soldiers ran through the streets looting, raping and killing for two days to demonstrate Thraikios might and to gather all the plunder to be sent back to the royal treasury in Sarmiszegethusa. Rhemaxos, the Hellenikos general, was troubled to carry out these orders, as he saw it as barbaric. Our king however is a pragmatic man and a merciless victor and saw this violent orgy as little more than a necessary aspect of war.
The Kretoi who our basileus saw fit to grant continued life to were rebellious types who rioted in the streets for months after our conquest. The rest of the year was the real battle for Rhemaxos and his Hellenikos army, who lost more men to the mutinous populace of Kydonia than to its defensive army.
https://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3991/035roitinginkydoniaav2.jpg
So it was that Krete, the birthplace of so-called Greek civilisation was conquered by so-called northern barbarians. Hundreds of years ago Hellenikos culture was born here under the Minoans and now it is conquered by foreigners, as the Hellenikos world begins to crumble under Getikos might. It was here that the Minotaur brutally slaughtered so many sacrificial victims; now that brutality has been surpassed by our own slaughter of the defiant Kretoi.
Whilst this rioting took place our basileus and his army sailed across the rough winter seas to the famous and ancient island of Rhodos, where more Hellenikoi sheep awaited the wolves of Getia.
The world at the end of 530YZ:
https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8454/map530yzmh2.jpg
Olaf The Great
03-29-2008, 11:57
That bit about Crete was brilliant, it really does make the defiant Greeks look like they've lost their purpose.
You're Empire is quite multinational, but I assume the majority of its inhabitants are Greek or Macedonian, I'd imagine many problems would arise.
BTW This is my favorite AAR at this time, its really making me stay sane before I find/get my RTW CD
Thanks for reading and enjoying!
You're Empire is quite multinational, but I assume the majority of its inhabitants are Greek or Macedonian, I'd imagine many problems would arise.
Yeah I'm not sure how to roleplay this really. Tzinto is a liberal ruler so he lets the Hellenes govern their own people as long as it's under the supervision of Getic tarabostes. But I don't know why the Greeks and Macedonians don't just revolt against my empire.
Can anyone help me think up a viable way to keep the Hellenes sweet?
BY the looks of it, Dacians, Thracians, Bastarnoz, Schytians and Macedonians (who all wouldn't mind Getic rule) make up the majority. Only Keltoi and Greeks south of Athens have stuff to complain about (Athens has been developed as a scholarly center by mighty Getia), but the empire in this timeline has a semi-Roman attitude of assimilation and development of conquered regions, but also self-rule, so you're ok.
EDIT: I'd like to see a Dacian Phalanx + Skirmisher + Archer army.
:ave: Sarmis Vasil! :ave: Tzinto!
Poggleit
03-29-2008, 15:57
Surely the Greek Cities would be kept in check somewhat by Tzinto's tendency to put the population of rebellious regions to the sword? Coupled with his habit of allowing conquered lands semi-independence after they have stabilised, surely Greece would feel that - at least for the moment - they are safer under Getic rule than opposing it.
Congratulations on putting this A.A.R. together, your roleplaying ability really lends it depth.:2thumbsup:
Olaf The Great
03-30-2008, 01:47
Thanks for reading and enjoying!
Yeah I'm not sure how to roleplay this really. Tzinto is a liberal ruler so he lets the Hellenes govern their own people as long as it's under the supervision of Getic tarabostes. But I don't know why the Greeks and Macedonians don't just revolt against my empire.
Can anyone help me think up a viable way to keep the Hellenes sweet?
Maybe the Oracle at Delphi or Dodone commanded no revolts?
The Oracles had quite a lot of sway with the Hellenes.
Thanks for all the roleplaying ideas. If you get deja vu when you read my next few chapters then you're probably seeing the results of these suggestions.
I'd like to see a Dacian Phalanx + Skirmisher + Archer army.
When I have the money, I do plan to get a phalanx army together. I had a couple when I was conquering Greece way back before the AAR but I got a little bored of them (I played a Makedonia campaign before this one) and switched to the more mobile infantry of Komatai Epilektoi as the backbone of my one remaining Getic infantry army - The Royal Hosts. I will need some phalanx when I start conquering Anatolia so this will certainly come. What do you mean Skirmishers and Archers though? Surely lots of Tarabostes and Ktistai would work best to outflank my enemies and use hammer and anvil tactics?
OK 'Chapter Four: Another Sheep' is nearly finished. I need to know how to change the faction name and colour first however, similar to what MarcusAureliusAntonius has done in his magnificent Makedonian AAR.
Can anybody tell me how to do this?
You can change the faction color by going into the descr_sm_factions word file in the data folder of EB. I think the getai faction's internal name is still dacia, but I'm not sure. Don't know how to change names, either...
Also, keep it up, the AAR is great!
I will need some phalanx when I start conquering Anatolia so this will certainly come. What do you mean Skirmishers and Archers though? Surely lots of Tarabostes and Ktistai would work best to outflank my enemies and use hammer and anvil tactics?
Komatai are good at diverting an enemies attention and sustaining an attack while cavalry retreats in order to recharge.
Archers are good to have spread out in the front-middle to pelt the enemies. Toxotai have a spear as a secondary, so they resist longer against cavalry. And elite archers have enough armor to hold out against lightly armored infantry. They will also beat „peasants” in hand to hand fighting.
And remember, Tarabostes and Ktistai were in limited numbers. They were noble elite. Podromoi and Hippotoxotai were taken from the komatai class. Also skirmishers (Komatai, Epilektoi, Peltastai) would provide a backbone of the army. Remember there were cores of ambush shock troops formed of Drapanai and Rhomphaiaphoroi.
Komatai are good at diverting an enemies attention and sustaining an attack while cavalry retreats in order to recharge.
Archers are good to have spread out in the front-middle to pelt the enemies. Toxotai have a spear as a secondary, so they resist longer against cavalry. And elite archers have enough armor to hold out against lightly armored infantry. They will also beat „peasants” in hand to hand fighting.
And remember, Tarabostes and Ktistai were in limited numbers. They were noble elite. Podromoi and Hippotoxotai were taken from the komatai class. Also skirmishers (Komatai, Epilektoi, Peltastai) would provide a backbone of the army. Remember there were cores of ambush shock troops formed of Drapanai and Rhomphaiaphoroi.
So how does this sound as a phalanx-based Getic army:
1 General (probably the basileus)
1 Ktistai
2 Tarabostes
6 Komatai Thorakitai Stratiotai
4 Komatai Epilektoi
4 Thraikioi Rhomphaiaphoroi
2 Komatai Agrianai
And the roleplaying reasons for such an awesome army:
Basically all the Getai by now are much richer than they were 50 years ago and so what was considered the elite end of the komatai class then is now the norm. They are still not tarabostes, but they are better equipped because the state is much richer in general.
The Drapanai have been replaced by the more ass-kicking Rhomphaiaphoroi for the same reason and also because Thraikia is now a united state so the best Thraikioi troops are available for the empire. These guys still follow the tradition of Drapanai (and are still referred to as such in terms of role-playing) but they are much better equipped.
I might try and work some Thraikioi Podromoi in to this according to your critique, Ayce, as you seem to know a lot about the Getic military.
That sounds good. You could replace 2 Rhompheas with Podromoi. You could still use Drapanai as small patrol armies/garrisons. Epilektoi, as I have found have an annoying behavior, in that they throw once and charge (but they are good at hand to hand fighting). They replace Kostoboks in their tactical role. On the other hand, Komatai, are pure skirmishers, they are „succeeded” by Peltasts. I've also found out that in many cases choosing heavy vs light phalanx isn't worth the increase in cost.
And I'm no expert, I just read all the descriptions and watched the discussions on this forum.
You could replace 2 Rhompheas with Podromoi.
I probably will. Beautiful as it is to watch the Rhomphaiaphoroi mutilating my foes, I do enjoy a massive cavalry 'hammer' for my phalanx 'anvil'. Nothing quite like 4 or 5 units of medium to heavy cavalry charging the flanks to cause a mass rout.:charge:
I've also found out that in many cases choosing heavy vs light phalanx isn't worth the increase in cost.
That's certainly true for Hellenic factions, but I think the heavy phalanx is much better when taken out of phalanx formation to use their sikas. Plus they look much more shiny and 'glorious' - befitting my empire because this army is going to be the jewel of my military. I might even make 2.
You should try buying mercenary Thessalian Cavalry when you advance into Asia Minor. And I meant Dacian phalanxes, the only real advantage is in armor.
And I think the Empire will see Dacianization rather than Hellenization (except for urbanization and armoring of the troops). And ancient Thracian philosophical thought imposed.
CHAPTER FOUR: ANOTHER SHEEP
531st Year of Zalmoxis (182BC)
In the spring of this year, Tzinto’s vast host of Getikoi cavalry landed on the shores of Rhodos – the last remaining founding city-state of the Koinon Hellenon. Shaken by the fall of Krete, the defending army had been alerted to our approach and waited for us between the beaches and the city. The Koinon’s main forces were busy in Phrygia though and this defending army was a small force made up of local troops.
https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3803/036tzintoattacksrhodoscn6.jpg
Tzinto offered the enemy mercy if they surrendered to the Getike Basileia, as they could clearly never overpower our huge host of fine Getikoi men, but the Rhodoi refused to accept defeat and chose that they would rather die a heroic death in battle than to give up their homelands. Unfortunately for them their deaths were in no way heroic.
The basileus needed no battle plan, as these stubborn Greeks harkened to the glory days of Greece before Alexandros and as such they had no cavalry contingent to defend from our horse-archers. Tzinto simply ordered his Daoi to swoop down upon the pathetic Rhodoi forces and blot out the sun with their arrows.
https://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1070/037hostrainsdeathuponrhrb3.jpg
This was not a battle. Within minutes, even the most elite Rhodioi soldiers lay dead in a heap.
https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/381/038deadrhodoiwi2.jpg
After the massacre, Tzinto sent a messenger to the city of Rhodos bidding their lord – Herakleias Naxios – to witness his slaughtered men piled high upon the bloody field. He came forth and, seeing the horror which his resistance had caused, he bowed before the Getikos basileus as his king.
When Naxios returned to the city, he returned leading the Getikos basileus and 20,000 Getikoi horsemen through the streets of Rhodos. Tzinto was given a tour of the famous city by Naxios himself and marvelled at the famous Kolossos, standing proudly at the mouth of the harbour.
https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7070/039rhodioskolossosvp3.jpg
The harbour itself is a wonder to the eyes of our basileus and his Daoi. Its size is extraordinary, although it will not be much use to the Getai, who would rather conduct our battles on firm land. The Getikos navy will make this port their home however, and it may help to bolster the power of our seafaring forces.
https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7294/040rhodosharbournw3.jpg
At the heart of this legendary city is a gigantic stone building, lavishly decorated with fine paints and gold leaf. Naxios told us it is an important temple to Apollo, the Olympian god. Tzinto decreed that the grand structure must be re-dedicated to almighty Zalmoxis, although the local Hellenes may still worship Apollo here if they do so in a quiet manner.
https://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3018/041rhodostemplejb7.jpg
As many of the Rhodoi were killed on the fields outside the city and also because they had been hospitable to the basileus and his men, Tzinto did not spill any more Rhodoi blood that day. He ordered his men to systematically loot the metropolis, taking anything of value for the coffers of the Thraike Basileia. All the island’s populace were allowed to continue their lives as before except that they now swore allegiance to the Getikos basileus.
With the fall of Rhodos – the last great Greek polis – the Koinon Hellenon was shattered. Its holdings in the south of Anatolia were granted independence and became the Kingdom of Karia under the rule of a new Hellenikos basileus in Halikarnassos, with whom our diplomats negotiated peace and trade between our nations. The high tribal council commended Tzinto for the huge success of his ‘hunt’ campaign. He has proven himself to be a great leader and our country already begins to see the rewards of his recent conquests.
Two weeks ago we received news that Kloilios per Tamasidava had left this world to join Zalmoxis, whilst in the north of the empire policing the land. The news was sad for Tzinto, who was Kloilios’ nephew, but this was a disheartening event for us all. The entire empire mourned his passing, as he was the last of the great generals of the Thraikioi wars. Kloilios was the first general to command Getikoi horse-archer armies and the first Grand General of the Hosts of Skythia. Kloilios fought under both Koson and Pharadmon to unite the Thraikes and it was he who brought the Odrysai, Apsynthai, Melanditai and Bythinai under the rule of the Getikos basileus. He will be sorely missed amongst the tarabostes and the generals, as he was a wise man and a legendary commander. His teenage son, Diegis, has been appointed Grand General of the Hosts of Skythia now so that he can serve the Hosts and the empire as his father did.
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1835/042diegisinheritsthehosfx7.jpg
Diegis is a warlike young man, much like his father, thirsting for the blood of Getia’s enemies. He is a skilled archer and takes pride in his glorious stallion, Raspadmon – a fine Skythioi horse given to him by his father a year ago. The teenage commander is knowledgeable beyond his years in strategy and he bears much loyalty to the basileus and the empire. He has already began to continue his father’s work, policing the northern reaches of the empire until his Hosts are called up for war.
Once again the empire is stable and peaceful. But I hear more hints every day that the basileus and the high tribal council want more battles for the Daoi. Maybe the time has come for the Thraike Basileia to face up to the Seleukidai in the east and make something productive of this cold war, although the numerous factions of Anatolia may pose an obstacle to these aspirations. Perhaps the basileus will attack the Hai Empire next, as they are allied to the arrogant Arche Seleukeia and I hear rumours that, seeing the lives their Bosporios brethren live under our rule, the steppe peoples to the northeast have requested liberation from these Persian oppressors.
The world at the end of 531YZ:
https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9726/map531yzav6.jpg
Poggleit
03-30-2008, 21:57
Excellent, I see you got faction recolouring working.
I pity that one guy that died of friendly fire in your battle at Rhodes.
Have you had any trouble from any of your neighbours, your campaign seems to have been without the usual indiscriminate attack from all borders?
Hmm, the Hai... a tempting target, maybe you can protectorate them.
RIP the friendly fire victim.
On a side note: the Arverni, Lusitani, Romani, Ptolemy, Parthians have chaotic borders.
:ave: Sarmis Vasil! :ave: Tzinto!
Have you had any trouble from any of your neighbours, your campaign seems to have been without the usual indiscriminate attack from all borders?
No it's been a bit too peaceful for my liking really. I have fortified all my borders so the AI tends to avoid attacking me unless it's much more powerful than me. Mostly this is because I'm only playing on m/m though. I don't like said indiscriminate attacks to ruin a perfectly good AAR so I take it easy. Also I play EB to relax, not to stress about the endless AS stacks flooding at me.
Also the lack of indiscriminate attacks allows me to role-play wars more realistically, as I don't get tiny states that are allied to me declaring war suddenly.
I've editted all my posts so that the names of tribes and places are more consistently Ancient Greek, seeing as nobody really knows how to speak ancient Dacian.
I think it's pretty muc correct now thanks to some help I got on these fora.
Update pls (https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7840/aarskist5.png)!
Gebeleisis
04-04-2008, 21:59
nice map ayce!
and very nice AAR Laevex!
i see you are romanian,us 2 have to talk:2thumbsup:
expect a pm these days:2thumbsup:
Update pls (https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7840/aarskist5.png)!
Nice map! How did you do that?
And an update is coming don't worry. I'm just waiting for some interesting material. I guess the siege of Sardis will be the main event of the next chapter. Then after that we will have some fun - an invasion.
Olaf The Great
04-05-2008, 16:26
Nice map! How did you do that?
And an update is coming don't worry. I'm just waiting for some interesting material. I guess the siege of Sardis will be the main event of the next chapter. Then after that we will have some fun - an invasion.
If you're going to do a mass invasion of rome you should send spies to each city to find out which ones are the major recruiting centers, and break their military back with assassins destroying buildings, then picking off the cities.
Nice map! How did you do that?
It's a fan-made HoI2 blank province world map. I just used Paint - Fill - Crop.
oops, double post. And Gebe - ciocu' mic!
Gebeleisis
04-05-2008, 19:18
double post n00b:laugh4:
Disaster strikes!
I just played a large chunk of hugely eventful campaign and fraps wasn't loaded up!
I will attempt to find a save from before the session but it may be some time before the next update. I only hope the replaying will be as exciting as what has just happened.
CHAPTER FIVE: THE SIEGE OF SARDIS
535th Year of Zalmoxis (178BC)
With the Koinon Hellenon crushed, the Aegean was fast falling under Getike rule. Tzinto did not spend long in Rhodes and in the following spring he landed on Anatolia, marched through Karia and into Lydia with his army. The basileus sent messengers north, summoning Drilgisa – the Makedonike commander of the Hosts of Thraikia – south. The Thraikiois army laid siege to the massive city of Sardis – the westernmost holding of the Arche Seleukeia – beginning the first Getike attack on its long-term rivals.
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2925/043sardissiegedcs2.jpg
The Seleukeios garrison was substantial and included a large contingent of the elite Agyraspidai, who patrolled the imposing walls of the great city, their lavish armour glistening in the summer sun. Tzinto ordered Drilgisa to dig his troops in and encircle the enemy, blocking all supplies to Sardis until the cowardly Seleukidai chose to surrender. Tzinto’s own army galloped around Lydia, slaughtering any supporters of the Seleukidai to make sure the Thraikios army was not attacked by any Hellenic relief force.
The world at the end of 532YZ:
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7789/map532yzsv3.jpg
The siege of Sardis was maintained for two years without much happening either politically or militarily. Tzinto stayed with his army in Lydia, occasionally returning to the comfort of Pergamon to resupply. The basileus was patient and made sure Drilgisa’s men were not tempted to storm the Seleukeios city by promising them a glorious stroll into the city when the enemy surrendered and telling them of the city’s beautiful women who will be grateful for an end to this long siege.
The world at the end of 533YZ:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/361/map533yzbn8.jpg
The Seleukeios basileus must have lost hope for distant Lydia, as no relief force was sent to relieve the starving citizens of Sardis. For over three years, no Getike blood was spilled.
In 534YZ, Tzinto’s attention was drawn to the gradual migration of the Skthai and Sarmatai southwards into the Getike-ruled cities of Chersonesos and Pantikapaion. When the reason for this was investigated, the migrating steppe-people said that since the Armenoi had conquered much of their lands, these people had been treated as little better than slaves by their Persian overlords. They revealed that the Armenios prince, Artavazt, marched through the Sarmatioi lands with his army and, surrounded by his legendary Kataphraktoi, claimed everything and everybody he saw as his own, including the beautiful granddaughters of the Sarmatian king, who now served as concubines to the Armenios prince. Tzinto sent envoys to Thiagaros – king of Sarmatia – offering aid in driving the Armenoi from the Sarmatian homelands. The proud Sarmatians gratefully accepted this offer of Getike might, but their pride was too great to declare Sarmatia official allies of the Getike Basileia.
This was a moralistic war, but the Armenoi are natural rivals of the Getike Basileia too, as they are allies to the Seleukidai. A war against Armenia could also be very beneficial to Getia, as their homelands in the Caucasos could serve as a front from which we could launch an attack on the very heart of the Arche Seleukeia.
Tzinto sent messages to Dula – defender of Taurika – and another, younger Dula – commander of the Second Army of Getia – ordering them to march their respective armies north to Neuria – a desolate land to the north. Once this province was conquered it would serve as a base from which we could launch an attack on the Persian invaders of the steppes.
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Dula the Younger and the Second Army of Getia
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Dula the Elder and his army from the Hosts of Skythia
Tzinto also marched north with his horse-archer army to join his brethren in the invasion of the Armenoi.
https://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6567/046tzintomarchesnorthfw5.jpg
Dula the Younger was the first commander to reach the home of the Neuroi, which was extremely poorly defended and had been infiltrated by our spies, who opened the gates to let the Second Army in.
https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2558/047battleforneurijizd7.jpg
Needless to say, the town soon fell to our forces, although the elite Germanic horsemen fought bravely. The region of Neuria was conquered and transformed into a base from which our forces could be supplied.
The world at the end of 534YZ:
https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8389/map533yzmn1.jpg
This year, while the invasion forces gathered in the north of our empire, the people of Sardis finally gave in and surrendered their city to Drilgisa and his troops. The Thraikios army marched proudly through the city, handing out bread to the newest people of the Getike Basileia and thus ending their starvation. What was left of the defending Agyraspidai laid down their arms and pledged allegiance to the basileus of Getia.
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Sardis proved to be a city full of grandeur and riches, as the mines of Lydia have brought affluence to these lands for centuries. The Makedonike general and his army marvelled upon the vast temple of Artemis near the coast of Lydia and plundered its rich artefacts for the empire’s coffers, rededicating it to Zalmoxis in the same tolerant way that the Rhodian temple had been transformed.
https://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7400/049templeofartemisgr3.jpg
With the fall of Lydia, Seleukeia pleaded with our nation for a merciful ceasefire, but they have long been our enemies and are treacherous villains; the basileus knows they are too ambitious to maintain any kinds of peace with our fruitful country and so we remain bitter enemies.
The world at the end of 535YZ:
https://img167.imageshack.us/img167/585/map535yzds9.jpg
I think it's safe to say that Getia is the most important nation on the map now, your external policy decisions being either a life saver, or a death sentence. But, tell me why rededicate all wonderous temples to Zalmoxis (in role playing)? A Gebelesis or Hero would be good too.
And I see the Lusitani are doing really well.
Chirurgeon
04-07-2008, 02:12
First time I popped in here and I must say I am impressed. Keep up the good work and it is good to see the Lusitannan doing so well :)
Great AAR- I love the whole "civilized barbarian" thing you've got there. Keep it up!
Thanks for reading everyone.
I agree that it's brilliant to see the Lusitannan doing well, especially as they are my allies.
But, tell me why rededicate all wonderous temples to Zalmoxis (in role playing)? A Gebelesis or Hero would be good too.
I was a bit confused about the Getic gods. I think I read somewhere that Zalmoxis was their only TRUE god; but I think you're probably right, Gebelesis and Hero should get some temples.
Zalmoxis was just the most important god. Besides I don't think they even had the concept of demi-god.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
04-07-2008, 18:05
Nice AAR. But two things keep bothering me:
1. It is completely unrealistic that conquerors hand out bread to the populace of a just conquered city. After a two year siege, the sieging army would be in a state of disgrace itself most likely and even the best general would have a hard time in trying to distract them from looting, pillaging, raping and plundering the city. After all that's what they have waited for and what kept them attached to their general for two hard years!
2. I think you have to elaborate the part of the Hellenes more, because I don't see why they should stay loyal to their barbarian overlords. I think that needs a feasible "reason" you should invent.
2. I think you have to elaborate the part of the Hellenes more, because I don't see why they should stay loyal to their barbarian overlords. I think that needs a feasible "reason" you should invent.
Uhm, because the Thracians weren't barbarian in the Germanic sense (having a pretty ancient culture), and every man has his price (aka local influent people)? And Romans were also barbarian to Greeks, and they didn't look like revolting against the empire.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
04-07-2008, 23:27
Uhm, because the Thracians weren't barbarian in the Germanic sense (having a pretty ancient culture)
Pardon? I do not get what you mean. Please elaborate your thoughts.
Reality=Chaos
04-08-2008, 10:59
As I understood it. The Dacians and thracians had a pantheon, but then zalmoxis came along. He preached something about immortality of the soul or somesuch. He became a prophet and later God to the getians. They still payed respect to their original gods though. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought this was how it was explained. It's a bit like the zoroastrians, The Ahura Mazda is their main god, and along with angru mainyu (ahriman, the evil spirit) the only true god. There were however demigods, and gods from before zoroastrism which were integrated into the new religion. I imagine something similar happening with the old Getian Gods.
Pardon? I do not get what you mean. Please elaborate your thoughts.
Before the Greeks arrived in the Balkans, the pre-Thracian civilization was one of the more advanced in the world at that time (see Tărtăria Tablets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C4%83rt%C4%83ria_tablets)), probably being descendants of the people that inhabited the now flooded area of the Black Sea (West and North). The Greeks took over part of the religious and architectural concepts and elaborated while the Thracians stagnated, but were generally ahead of the Germanics and many of the Celtic people (but lacking their metallurgy and wall building techniques for a certain period, later to be recuperated, and advanced upon). If they were to conquer Greece, they would have become very civilized in a Graeco-Roman sense.
I wish I had the historical know-how to avoid indescrepancies but I'm not really learned in history so I apologise.
1. It is completely unrealistic that conquerors hand out bread to the populace of a just conquered city. After a two year siege, the sieging army would be in a state of disgrace itself most likely and even the best general would have a hard time in trying to distract them from looting, pillaging, raping and plundering the city. After all that's what they have waited for and what kept them attached to their general for two hard years!
Fair enough. I just kinda liked the idea of a liberal 'barbarian' empire and I assumed that since the city was pretty much secure from reinforcements, my army wouldn't have too much trouble sending for supplies from the north.
However, you have failed to take into account that Moskon, my narrator, is only a man and he is hugely biased because his mission is to reveal the heroes of Getia. He may well have deviated significantly from the truth in his recounting in order to show the Getai in a heroic and noble light.
2. I think you have to elaborate the part of the Hellenes more, because I don't see why they should stay loyal to their barbarian overlords. I think that needs a feasible "reason" you should invent.
My empire is pretty progressivist and liberal (at least in Moskon's eyes), so I don't see why the Hellenes would rebel too much. They have been granted freedom to retain their old lives and the most powerful Greeks have been granted the status of honourary tarabostes in the high tribal council. Of course the presence of professional garrisons does help their loyalty as any rebels are quickly slaughtered by my Hosts.
So obviously I want to play 1.1. I say this AAR will at least be on hold until I get bored of my upcoming Sauromatae campaign on 1.1.
Hopefully it will be back though, as I'm really liking the campaign and I enjoy writing it. I may just do another AAR on 1.1. I havn't decided. It's a shame because I wanted to go on for decades with this like MAA's fantastic 'The Antigonids'.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
04-09-2008, 17:50
Oh yeah, I missed that the narrator is biased.
Thanks for response though, although you want to head on to 1.1. Everytime a new version comes out it's incredible hard to go on with your well advanced campaign... Good luck with the Sauros.
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