The Pyrrhic Dynasty : A Makedonian AAR [Archive] - Page 2

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-20-2008, 22:55

Chapter 72 : The Syrian War (Part IV):
Before the Fall

Separated from Demetreia and the royal family of the Demetrids of Syria, the land of Aigyptos had begun to opperate as a separate nation. "Requests" of military aid from Aigyptos to Demetreia had been turned down by the Makedonike nobles now ruling Aigyptos. Not only was it impossible for aid to reach Demetreia, but any attempt to do so would have been a great risk to Aigyptos itself and may have weakened the defenses of the ancient land. Not only did Aigyptos need fear Philippos, and a reprisal on the nobles who had apposed him, but Aigyptos also needed a strong army to defend itself from enemies from the lands of Nubia and their Ptolemaic king.

Aigyptos would not come to the aid of Demetreia because of the amount of Philippos-controlled lands between the two areas and due to Philippos' sea superiority. However, claiming to be coming to the aid of Syria, though in truth only seeking to expand the land controlled by the greedy nobles of Aigyptos, an army from Aigyptos marches north and attacks the city of Hierosolyma and the Ioudaioi army:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/849/maa3412fe2.png

[I didn't get any screenshots of this battle.]

After a short time being besieged, and without any chance of Makedonike reinforcement from the north, the city is attacked by the siege equiptment of Aigyptos. The Ioudaioi army was conscripted under special conditions to defend the city. Had there been no Makedonike civil war, there would have been no Ioudaioi army. Now, they are put to the test defending their homeland.

The Ioudaioi defend the walls of the city, but it is only a matter of time before the superior numbers and elite status of the army of Makedones from Aigyptos gain superiority. With the defenders faltering, the battle looks bleak and the fall of the city becomes only a matter of time. Just as morale hits its lowest point, spooters report seeing another army approaching. To the east an army of Nubians approach the city and attack the part of the army of Aigyptos that still remains in reserve outside the city. Seizing this oppertunity, the king of Hierosolyma rallies his men and pushes the men from Aigyptos from his city.

Thanks to the army of Nubians, the city is saved and the Aigyptians retreat back to Alexandreia. The battle is a costly one, however. The army of Ioudaia is almost entirely wiped out and those who still stand are mostly mercenaries loyal to money and not Ioudaioi loyal to the king. With another army marching from Aigyptos, forces of Arabia surrounding the region, and Nubian "allies" just outside the city walls, the king is in a dire situation. Unable to raise an army quickly, the king is forced to accept aid from Chrysoloras Delphikos and his mercenaries. Once Chrysoloras Delphikos and the mercenaries reach the city, there is no longer any need from a Ioudaioi army and in fact Chrysoloras, under orders from his Basileus, discourages the raising of a new army.

As for the Ptolemaioi of Nubia, they declare an official war on both Syria and Aigyptos, promising to live up to their new alliance with Philippos:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2892/maa3413fw7.jpg

A year later, a small scout force from Aigyptos tests their other border with Philippos' Arche Makedonia:
https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/5467/maa3434tq2.png

With the forces from the two adjacent forts coming to their aid, the small garrisons of the Lybian forts chase their enemy back to Aigyptos:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/8344/maa3435qb4.png

The forces from the fort loose no men, but manage to kill many with their javelin even though they never face their enemy with their swords:
https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7342/maa3436dc2.jpg

With both borders to the Arche Makedonia tested, the forces of Aigyptos turn south and to the lands which were lost earlier in the civil war to oppertunitic Nubian forces. Their timing is poor, however, as Ptolemai VII, himself, and his huge army is passing by the region at the time:
https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/5183/maa3440de8.png

Off to the west, the itch at is Numidia, attacks Ippone once more:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/5627/maa3437jd6.png

Growing ever more confident in his abiltity to lead, Zaikedenthes Echinaieus and his local garrison gallently defends the city once more:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3981/maa3438nx5.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Philippos and his men have been sitting outside the walls for more than two years. The
army has been camped in the area so long that the camp has basically become its own city.
Around Demetreia Philippos' army had built a pallicade encircling the city and then another
around the camp itself, with a couple of towers built on the hills above the city. The bulk
of the camp is to the north of the city on the same side of the river (the east), but there
are also large forces stationed to the south and in the hills to the east, which overlooked
the town. Other than Philippos' army, mercenaries, Galatians, and Romaioi allies would also
frequent the camp around Demetreia as various armies patrol the lands of Syria.

The trade routes had been reopened when the other armies of the Arche Makedonia had
taken all the territories surrounding the region and trade once again flows through the region.
Traders pass through the valley and stop in the camp instead of stopping at the city of
Antiocheia / Demetreia as they once did. Some "traders" had even set up permanent residence
in the camp, especially those who "goods" appeal to soldiers and their vices.

Philippos, himself, had been absent from the camp on several occasions, but had been trying
to manage the vast Arche Makedonia from his residence in the camp. In the time since his
father's death, Philippos hadn't fought a single proper battle but had dealt with more
bureaucracy than he had ever dreamed of. Much of the managing work of the Arche Makedonia
is passed off to others and taken care of by Philippos' elder brother Sotades (once Sotades
took Tarsos) and his younger brother Euphrantos in Makedonia, who had continued to grow
and mature from the rebellious youth he once was. A great deal of the managing work of both
Philippos and Euphtantos has also been assumed by the nobles of Pella, both by order of these
men and by the own initiative of the nobles.

Many times envoys from one side of the siege of Demetreia would talk with the other side, but
the Demetrid family, namely Antigone, would never accept the terms of Philippos. Time had been
running out for the Demetrids, though. Just a few months prior, the city of had cast out several
hundred people into the regions between the city walls and the pallicades of Philippos. Had they
been barbarians, Philippos would have ordered his men to kill them or simply leave them there to
die, but they were Makedones, Hellenes, and Hellenized Syrians. Seeking to prove himself the
greater good in the fight, Philippos took in the cast out civilians. Thankfully, the invasion of
the surrounding areas had been completed and feeding, supplying, and relocating the people from
the city proves an easy task.

Finally, the time comes when a choice has to be made and word was sent out from the city
to the camp of Philippos that Euktimenos wished to arrange a meeting, face to face, and
discuss the surrender of the city and the fate of the royal family. Philippos is cautious of a
trap at first, but knows that nobody claiming such noblity would stoop so low. Philippos
agrees to the meeting on the terms that he brings his royal guard.

Philippos, his most trusted lieutenant, and a group of his royal guard approached the northern
gates of the city of Demetreia around midday. With the rest Philippos' army watching not too
far from the city, the gates opened up.

Philippos and his men are escorted to a villa near the gate, belonging to some local noble, where
the meeting is to take place. As they slowly move forward, Philippos takes time to observe his
enemy. The city looks clean and strong, but in the distance there are signs of filth and an occational
shift of the wind brings the smell of death, disease, and human waste. Along the sides of the
road, the soldiers of the garrison and what is left of the Demetrid royal guard are lined up. Their
armor and weapons are shined in order to give off an image or strength and honor, but the men
themselves look as though they are struggling to simply stay standing. The bodies of the soldiers
look weak and tired, but when Philippos looks into their eyes he sees something he doesn't expect,
he sees nothing. There is no fire in the eyes of his enemy, not even any fear. These are the eyes
of men who have already given up, accepted death. These are the eyes of a prisoner just before
he is exicuted, half his spirit has already gone to Hades. Philippos thinks to himself, 'These men have
already surrendered. They know their Basileus will not rule for long. Were I to give the order, my
twenty guards could take this city on their own. I could even give an order to these men, they
would probably follow it without a pause and turn their backs on their own side. These men have
no faith in their situation or their leader.' It is at that moment that Philippos knows the war was
over and that he was the sole ruler of most powerful empire in the known world.

Next: Chapter 73 : The Syrian War (Part V): The Fall of the Demetrids

Reverend Joe

09-22-2008, 02:35

[I didn't get any screenshots of this battle.]

After a short time being besieged, and without any chance of Makedonike reinforcement from the north, the city is attacked by the siege equiptment of Aigyptos. The Ioudaioi army was conscripted under special conditions to defend the city. Had there been no Makedonike civil war, there would have been no Ioudaioi army. Now, they are put to the test defending their homeland.

The Ioudaioi defend the walls of the city, but it is only a matter of time before the superior numbers and elite status of the army of Makedones from Aigyptos gain superiority. With the defenders faltering, the battle looks bleak and the fall of the city becomes only a matter of time. Just as morale hits its lowest point, spooters report seeing another army approaching. To the east an army of Nubians approach the city and attack the part of the army of Aigyptos that still remains in reserve outside the city. Seizing this oppertunity, the king of Hierosolyma rallies his men and pushes the men from Aigyptos from his city.

Thanks to the army of Nubians, the city is saved and the Aigyptians retreat back to Alexandreia. The battle is a costly one, however. The army of Ioudaia is almost entirely wiped out and those who still stand are mostly mercenaries loyal to money and not Ioudaioi loyal to the king. With another army marching from Aigyptos, forces of Arabia surrounding the region, and Nubian "allies" just outside the city walls, the king is in a dire situation. Unable to raise an army quickly, the king is forced to accept aid from Chrysoloras Delphikos and his mercenaries. Once Chrysoloras Delphikos and the mercenaries reach the city, there is no longer any need from a Ioudaioi army and in fact Chrysoloras, under orders from his Basileus, discourages the raising of a new army.

Why?! ~:mecry:

Aemilius Paulus

09-22-2008, 03:55

Growing ever more confident in his abiltity to lead, Zaikedenthes Echinaieus and his local garrison gallently defends the city once more:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3981/maa3438nx5.jpg

Judging from the amount of casualties, did you use auto_win?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-23-2008, 02:23

Why?! ~:mecry:
I started to play the battle once, but the Nubians didn't show up. (I only had a picture of guys standing on the walls waiting for the towers.) Since I wanted to force the Ptolemaioi/Nubian and the Demetrids/Aigyptos into a war I reloaded and just used auto_win to ensure the outcome I wanted and the war between the two. However, since I used auto_win I ended up taking huge causualties, which I just roleplayed.

Judging from the amount of casualties, did you use auto_win?
Yeah, I've been auto_win for a while with the constant seiges of Ippone. When they send a large force, however, I'll fight it. I'm kind of hoping to loose the town for roleplaying purposes, but they are just so incompetant. I'm hoping to actually take the war to the Numidians, soon.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-23-2008, 23:41

Chapter 73 : The Syrian War (Part V):
The Fall of the Demetrids : Introductions

Philippos V, son of the famed Pyrrhos of Makedonia and current Basileus of the vast Arche
Makedonia, stands in a quiet street of the city of Demetreia. Surrounded by a circle of royal
guard, Philippos notices only the deafening sound of silence in the streets around him. His own
men surround him silently, only moving their eyes to look for any possible threat. Along the edge
of the road the soldiers of his enemy stand as dead and motionless as statues. To Philippos, the
silence seems to stretch all the way from himself, down the road, through the open gate, across
the vast no-mans-land, and to the very faces of his own men standing, waiting at the pallicades.
The silence seems to build until it is completely unbearable, then suddenly their is a noise which
seems to tear the entire moment apart. The sound is a simple footstep, but it draws Philippos'
attention.

From the entrance to the villa, Philippos sees two of his own guards emerge. One of them give a
simple nod and the whole group around Philippos begins to move. As soon as the group moves,
all the other noises seem to return. Philippos hears a man cough, and when Philippos looks to his
side, he sees one of the soldiers in the enemy garrison grab his side and lean against the wall, as
though the man had finally lost the last bit of energy left in him and is incapible of even standing
for the extra moment before Philippos enters the building.

The entrance to the villa opens up into a courtyard rather than the building proper. The gardens
within the courtyard looks well tended, with small statues around the ege and a fountain in the
center. In the corner of the garden a small fruit tree stands, but unlike the rest of the garden, it
looks quite sickly. In the center of the courtyard there is a large table with seats along two sides.
On the far side of the yard there stand two guards in elabrate armor. The two men are quite old
but they look healthy and strong, unlike the men outside. A breif thought passes through
Philippos' head that these men may well have been guards of Bykoli, who were assigned to guard
Euktimenos and have done so his entire life.

Two of Philippos' guards move inside of the main structure, while three stand on either side of the
door they just passed through. The rest of Philippos' men remain outside in street. Philippos and
his lieutenant sit at the table and wait.

Just as they sit down, the door to a side building, the door guarded by the two elder Demetrid
guards opens. Philippos instinctively puts his hand to his sword at his side but quickly moves his
hands back to his sides. Two more guards immerge from the doorway, followed by an old man, a
woman, and a youth. The guards stand to the sides and the three others approach the table. The
old man begins to speak and annouce their presence. A string of formallities flow forth and the
youth is announces a Euktimenos of the Demetrid line and the woman as his mother, Antigone.
Philippos remains seated for the event with an emotionless look on his face. After some time the
old man becomes silent. Philippos and his lieutenant glace at eachother, sharing the same
simple thought, 'Finally.' Philippos and his lieutenant then stand and his lieutenant begins to
introduce Philippos. With another chain of formalities, Philippos is introduced. On the other side
of the table the listeners attempt to remain emotionless but remain standing, although there is
visible irritation in the eyes of Antigone when Philippos' lieutenant purposely emphasized, "the
rightful heir of Megas Demetrios," in his description of Philippos.

Finally, with the introductions finished, all those around the table sit down and face eachother. It
is at this time that Philippos realizes just how large the table is. Although they sit at the same
table, it would take a sarrisa to thrust at someone on the far side. Philippos also notices that the
seats on the far side are raised higher and seem to be the point of honor on this table. This
simple act makes Philippos smile ironically as the old man once again opens up in a series of
bureaucratic ramblings and talk of terms.

"You wish to surrender this city?" Philippos says suddenly, cutting in and ignoring the old man all
together.

The old man looks visibly disgruntaled. "Excuse me-" The old man tries to speak but is stopped
by a motion from Antigone.

"A man of action," Antigone begins, "getting right to the point. Just like your father." Philippos is
disturbed by this comment about his father from a woman who never met him but lets her
continue, "We are willing to discuss terms by which you will become the sole inheritor of this great
empire. We wish to help you in a stable transition from war to peace. And there would be no
greater statement then an alliance between your family and ours. What would show greater unity
to the people's of this vast empire than to have our families become one?"

It is at this point that many later writer of history recount that Antigone attempts to seduce
Philippos. Some even say that he fell into her trap and was only brought back to his senses when
the captain of his royal guard intervened. Most, however, recount Philippos turning to Euktimenos
and saying, "What of you, boy? Do you intend to let your mother sell off your inheritance for her
own gain while she casts you aside?"

"How dare you!" Antigone screechs as she rises to her feet. "You are no-"

"SILENCE!" Philippos bellows back at the woman, while simultaneously rising to his feet. In that
moment, Philippos looked to be ten feet tall and towered over the table, even higher than those on
the upper side. Around him there seemed to be an aura of authority and confindence. "Be quiet
woman. This is a discussion between Basileu and no place for the likes of you. Be gone, leave
now or I will."

Antigone motions to move forward and around the table, but the captain of Philippos' guard
quickly put his hand on his sheathed sword and takes a single set forward. The guards behind
Euktimenos do similar, but before anything can occur, Antigone had spun herself around and
marches for the guarded door. As she enteres the room, elder slave woman comes to comfort
her, but Antigone pushes her to the ground. The door closes and the four men returned to their
seats.

With none of the previous fire in his eyes, the ordinary looking Philippos looks across at
Euktimenos, smiles, and says, "Now, shall we continue?"

Next: Chapter 74 : The Syrian War (Part VI): The Fall of the Demetrids

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

09-24-2008, 02:26

Ah, a merciless demonstration of power and humiliation of the enemy. I fear for the poor child... :2thumbsup:

NickTheGreek

09-24-2008, 19:15

This AAR is a hundred foot tall and made entirely of kickass, the little character bit with Philippos was excellent. Really added some flesh you know?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-27-2008, 21:45

Thank you for your kind words.

I had the next chapter written a couple days ago but I just didn't like it. It made Philippos seem almost evil and I wanted him to be more of a Avgvstvs like figure and less of a Caracalla. I ended up deleting it and am in the process of rewriting it. I hope to have it up today or tommorrow.

Classes finally start for me on monday, so I may visit the forums less. Though, in all actuallity I'll probably visit more often.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-27-2008, 23:08

Chapter 74 : The Syrian War (Part VI):
The Fall of the Demetrids : All Must Accept the Fates When They Come for You

Philippos once again stood in the streets of the city of Demetreia, but all is different this time. All
around him, his own men run through the streets. Coming through the city's northern gate, still
opened from when he had entered, thousands more continue to enter the city. At Philippos' side
stands the young Euktimenos, a man who only truely ruled anything from the short time his mother
left the negotiation table until his surrender to Philippos V.

Euktimenos had shown himself worthy during the negotiations but nowhere near the skill or
experience of Philippos and his lieutenant. In the boy, Philippos had seen great knowledge and
wisdom and strangely almost no signs of corruption and greed. It is said that power corrupts, and
this youth had never seen any true power. At first glance it would seem that his mother weilded the
power, but she only truely had control over her son. Since Philippos' father killed Euktimenos'
father in battle, the true power had layed with the nobles and royal advisors. In the negotiations, the
nobles had been represented by the old man at Euktimenos' side, but after what had happened
between Antigone and Philippos, he feared contolling the negotiates and dominating Euktimenos in
front of Philippos.

The fall of the city of Demetreia and the fall of the Demetrids themselves had been assured when
the armies of Assyria and Syria had been wiped out and it became clear that no one was coming to
save the city, years earlier. The negotiations were not been those of peace but rather a negotiation
on the terms of surrender. The Demetrids also had almost no weight to negotiate with. There are
almost no armies still standing and the people and soldiers within the city were starving and running
out of supplies. In the end, Euktimenos was able to gaurentee only one term, that he and his
mother would not be killed by Philippos. So the Demetrids surrendered and the city and what was
left of the army of Syria, including a division of kataphraktoi, are turned over to Philippos:
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1889/maa3441dg4.png

Although he is not killed, Euktimenos is taken into custody by Philippos' guards and perpared to be
sent back to Makedonia. The Demetrid advisors and nobles who had sided with Bykoli and
Pefkolaos would not be as lucky. Euktimenos is just a boy, without any great desire for power, but
he could be a useful tool for those who did seek power. To remove the chance of future uprisings in
Syria and to make an example to other powerful nobles who might seek power, the worst amongst
the advisors and nobles of Demetreia are ordered killled.

So in front of the palace of Demetreia, a structure originally rebuilt by Demetrios himself, those
deemed responsible for the war are executed. As he stands in front of the palace, Philippos can't
help but think of the time when he visited Syria in his early twenties and feared for his life. It was
the very nobles of the city, who hated his father, who had been forced to flee so many year ago.

Once the act is done, Philippos' men spread out to find the few nobles, generals, and advisors
without even the honor to face their death. Many who are deemed worthy of death still hid and the
palace itself has yet to be fully secured. Philippos quickly turns to leave the palace as his men go
about their business, but is soon stopped when one of his men calls for his attension. Rushing
after the man, Philippos finds a group of his men attempting to force a door open. With one last
great push the great doors to the royal audience chamber flies open, knocking down a group of
servants. Within, Philippos sees the body of Antigone, blood still pouring from her wounds, knife in
her hand. The elderly slave woman at her side reaches down and grabbing the knife turns to
Philippos to speak, "She would not be a prize for you to parade through the streets Pella in
chains." Then without a sound, the old woman uses the knife on herself and falls over, at the side
of her mistress. Deep in thought and with little emotion, Philippos turns and leave the room, the
palace, and the city itself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Word goes out throughout the Arche Makedonia and the surrounding world that the city of
Demetreia has fallen. The story is told that the city is taken without any spilled blood by Philippos'
army and that Euktimenos lives as a guest of Philippos. It is said that Antigone took her own life
but there is little mention of the nobles and advisors killed by Philippos. Only the nobles of Pella
hear the tale, clear of the message being sent to them by Philippos.

Philippos and his army only stay in the city of Demetreia a short time. Soon, Sotades and his
army arrive from Kilikia and occupy the city. Leaving the management of Syria to his elder brother,
Basileus Philippos V heads back to Makedonia.

Although Euktimenos is a prisoner, Philippos honors his royal birth and treats him well, dining with
him and even having long conversations with him as though he is a friend. A short way into
Anatolia, the army meets up with Philippos' family coming to meet up with Philippos on his way
home. Philippos' wife, first-born son Alypios, and two daughters then join Philippos, Euktimenos,
and the army on the way back to Pella.

Euktimenos had seen many faces of Philippos. Philippos had been a strong negotiator, a good
general who walks amoungst his men and talks with them, a strong (though not great) manager,
and even the moster he had seen when he spoke with Antigone. Now, Euktimenos sees another
Philippos, a family man, a loving husband, and a kind father.

Being only a few years different in age and both being raised to lead and empire, Euktimenos and
Alypios find much in common. Euktimenos takes this time to simply forget about the past and the
loss of his mother, deciding to simply travel with the family of Philippos. Although he was promised
his life, Euktimenos is well aware of the fact that he very well may be killed when the arrive in Pella,
but at this point he no longer even cares.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Aigyptos had not been returned to the Arche Makedonia formally but, Philippos declarss the civil war at an end and the Arche Makedonia reunited (including Aigyptos as part of his claimed territory). Philippos then orders his father's crest removed from the military standards and the star of Makedonia replaced in its rightful place. Effort would have to be put into forcing Aigyptos to recognize the sole rightful Basileus of Makedonia, but for most living within the Arche Makedonia, peace had finally returned.

The known world in159BC, at the fall of the Demetrids and the reunification of the Arche Makedonia:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4643/hxmak159editry9.png

Next: Chapter 75 : A New Age

Codyos Vladimiros

09-28-2008, 00:17

Good to see an end to the war...but why is Egypt Numidian now?

General Appo

09-28-2008, 01:04

Most likely it is still Demetrid (controlled by Baktria) but recoloured as the Demetrid regions have been for some time now, only recoloured differently to signal the defeat of the actual Demetrids.

Great chapter, but its title made me think of an extremely bad cover of a well known song.

Bad fates bad fates, whatcha gonna do, watcha gonna do when they come for you? Bad fates fates etc.

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

09-28-2008, 02:10

https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4643/hxmak159editry9.png

BACK TO BLACK finally...

Reverend Joe

09-28-2008, 04:30

BACK TO BLACK finally...

Hell yeah! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXaZmY52gHM)

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

09-30-2008, 18:10

Thanks. It's good to have the color back to normal. Unfortunately it seems that the AI remembered they hated the color black and soon after the war ended everyone declared war on me. With all the losses I took in the civil war (mostly the 50% of my armies I disbanded at the very beginning) I'm almost having trouble defending my borders. I'm considering allowing some regions to fall for some nice story...

Aigyptos is still "Baktria" and I indeed just recolored it again.

It's kind of funny you mention the title, Appo. I tried a bunch of different variations but never found a version I liked. I should have just left it plain "The Fall of the Demetrids".

Europe

09-30-2008, 18:58

I cant believe its over! The civil war was great, really entertaining!:2thumbsup: Makes me wonder what’s next!?
It felt like years ago that this AAR was about Demetrios and Alkyoneus, good memories :yes:

HunGeneral

09-30-2008, 19:37

I realy wonder what's going to happen next:beam:

Good to see the old colour back...:yes:

One question though: about the units you moded (top of page) are you going to make a Makedonian version of the Praetorians or something?

Reverend Joe

10-01-2008, 04:07

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-01-2008, 06:27

I had a bunch of time between classes earlier today and was bored so I looked over the beginning of my AAR and the good old days of Demetrios. I sure made big chapters back then but ironically posted them more often. One thing I had forgotten was just how much territory I had gained during the reign of Aristotelis, nearly as much as I gained under Demetrios. Too bad Aristotelis went crazy in his old age.

The units at the top of the last page are something I'm working on to make a non-Hellene regional Thorakitai. I wanted to make an eastern version that had scale and a western romano-keltic version. I was thinking of having some kind of reform down the road to have state supplied troops to troops along the line of the Marian reforms, at which point foreign troops will join the ranks of the Thorakitai as auxilaries.

I would have more trouble of defending my borders if the AI did a better job of attacking. They'll send just enough troops to win a auto_calc battle, but not anything played out, while they have tons of reinforcements just out of range to help. The Getic Confederation and the Gauls are still my friends, but other than that I've been almost completely turned against. I should just take out the small fries and concentrate on the big ones. The problem is that I'm having trouble adressing anything at all when it all happens at once. It is kind of fun since it is a challenge, though I'm still clearly winning on all fronts.

Reverend Joe

10-01-2008, 20:19

The Getic Confederation... are still my friends

Are you serious?! Still?! That's got to be the weirdest diplomacy quirk ever.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-01-2008, 20:43

Yeah, they've really surprised me. I thought I would have been at war with Getai as soon as I took Kallatis, but even after buying a couple towns from them they haven't thought of advancing southward. Even after the civil war forced me to disband a bunch of my Danube defenders they didn't attack. My theory is that the Boii rebel spawn has confused them. They tried to take that town a dozen times a hundred years ago. Now they just have their entire military standing on the border to that region.

I hope to have the next chapter up soon.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-01-2008, 21:59

Chapter 75 : A New Age

Loose Ends

With the fall of Demetreia, most Demetrid forces surrender, disband, or retreat to Aigyptos (where they join what is widely being called a "rebellion" and not a "civil war"). However, some still choose to stand in defiance of Philippos. Mostly due to fear of what will happen to them if they surrender, especially what will happen to the military officers. To deal with the problem, the Galatians are tasked with chasing them down, a job they gladly accept:
https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/843/maa3442ce5.png

In the mountains between Kilikia and Syria, the last forces of what was the Demetrids are destroyed by the Galatians. Since in every battle the Galatians are force to take the offensive, many Galatians die in this last fight but their general continues to improve his skills:
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7194/maa3443vo1.jpg

With the war over and new defendable borders established. Philippos begins to reorganize his armies. Across Anatolia, Pontos, and Kappadokia garrisons are reduced and life begins to return to the old ways of peace these regions had once enjoyed as the center part of the Arche Makedonia. In Armenia garrisons are consolidated but the army of steppe cavalry remains in the region to hunt down rebels and brigands. The four large armies of Makedones and Hellenes, those of Philippos, Sotades, Herodes, and the mercenaries of Chrysoloras Delphikos remain in Syria and Assyria to reestablish order.

Many of the allied armies are sent back to their respective homes. The Illyrioi, having been almost entirely wiped out are sent back to Illyria and disbanded. After the years of war with the Romaioi and then the loss of this army in Syria, the Illyrioi almost entirely loose the ability and desire to wage war. Instead Illyria is garrisoned by Hellenes. From this time forward, the few soldiers recruited in the region no longer fight in their native style but in a Hellenistic formation [Thorakitai].

The Galatian army, still at two-thirds strength, returns to Galatia (a land which had gained much territory during the civil war). Many of the Galatian soldiers disband but a good deal of the amry remains a standing force. The Galatians had proved to be great allies and friends of Pyrrhos and Philippos but they had gained great deals of power and were becoming something to be feared. The Galatians now had power that could be used as leverage to make demands of Makedonia.

To the east, an army of Armenians and Thraikioi, who had settled in Armenia, had assisted Philippos in the war by taking control of eastern Assyria. Most of the Thraikio-Armenians take the end of the war as an oppertunity to return to their homes in Armenia, but a few remain to guard the city of Arbela where some even choose to settle. The Thraikioi, in the reigns of Demetrios, Aristotelis, and now Philippos had been given settling rights similar to the Makedones and Hellenes that had been settled by Megas Alexandros. Though few pick up and leave Thraikia, many mercenaries recruited into the armies of the Arche Makedonia, who had served in the east never return home and instead settle alongside native populations.

King Isidoros of Babylon remains in control of Mesopotamia and Philippos is slow to remove him from power or take control of the region. [Both Babylon and Seleukeia have Type3, representing a client state under family member control, since I don't want to spawn a client ruler.] Just prior to the civil war, Bykoli and Pefkolaos had nearly defeated the Median Empire, but their march to Pella had allowed to Medians to regain their lost land and even grow in power. Now, Media is a powerful empire and a client state in Babylonia under King Isidoros proves to be beneficial to Philippos. King Isidoros' army is not great and Mesopotamia lacks the income to launch an offensive war, thus Mesopotamia poses no threat to Media. If Philippos marches and army of Makedones into Babylonia, Media might take this as an act of agression. In order to maintain this buffer state, Isidoros gains greatly by remaining in power.

The Romaioi and their Consul also prepare to go home. Marching south from Syria, the Romaioi set up camp near Heirosolyma and make a stance of power to deture further attack from Aigyptos or Arabia. The Romaioi expect to wait a few months before boarding their ships to sailing back to Italia, but fate has one more mission left for the Romaiai...
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/8341/maa3444eb2.png

Eastern Ways

Aristotelis, Bykoli, and Pefkolaos had all spent their lives fighting wars in the east. Since the era of Demetrios, these men had been the generals in wars against the Ptolemaioi, the Armenians, the Arche Seleukeia, and the Median Empire and the unique ways of fighting wars in the east. Aristotelis and Bykoli had especially been interested in eastern culture and warfare.

After a war with the Armenians, Aristotelis had attempted to develop his own kataphraktoi, but Demetrios saw no point in them and nothing much came of it. Later, during his invasion of Babylonia, Aristotelis had encountered the kataphraktoi hellenikoi of the Arche Seleukeia and had even managed to capture some of them. However, by that time in his life, Aristotelis only wanted to fight a war and not develop new types of warefare. Once the civil war had begun and the Demetrids had been cut off from western and Galatian smiths, chainmail and the new way of fighting that had been developing within the Arche Makedonia was cut off from them. The Demetrids were thus forced to turned to the eastern ways of fighting. With the captured Seleukids as their cores, the Demetrids began to found new military units to fight Pyrrhos.

With the quick conquest of Anatolia and the surrender of Demetreia, many of these new units had been left intact and are now looking for employment. As with most soldiers, to these men warfare is an issue of money and not necessarily loyalty. Thus several new types of military units, based in eastern technology present themselves to Philippos and offer their military services. Primarily amongst them are the Hellenistic kataphraktoi developed from the Seleukid model:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9247/maa3447fb5.png

Also amongst the men deployed to fight in an eastern style are the Hellenistic horse archers. Developed in Baktria, this form of combat made its way to the Seleukids [Yes, I gave these guys to the Seleukids earlier, they just didn't ever want to ever recruit any.] and then into the hands of the Demetrids during the conquest of Babylonia:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9752/maa3448at3.png

Although the Demetrids never had the chance to use it before it fell into the hands of Philippos, they had also developed armor for the elephants of Demetreia, copying Indokoi tactics and technology:
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/3793/maa3449iv2.png

Finally, there were the elite Thorakitai. With chainmail a rare resource in the east, it was reserved for the elites. Once again, copying Seleukid technology which had also been encountered in Babylonia, the Demetrids attempted to create an improved version of the Hypaspistai. Only a handful of these men were ever deployed and even less were available for recruitment:
https://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7456/maa3450gr7.png

Since his youth, Philippos had been interested in the technologies of foreign powers, though normally western powers, such as the Romaioi and the the Keltoi. For nearly his entire life, Philippos had gone to battle with his Thorakitai army and personally created a new style of warefare for the Arche Makedonia. Philippos took note of the new units but was unsure on how to actually use them and hesitant to recruit anyone with unsure loyalty while there were still rebellions and Demetrid supporters still around. It would actually be his elder brother Sotades who would begin experimenting with them while governor of Syria.

The known world in159BC:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4643/hxmak159editry9.png

Next: Chapter 76 : The Sons of Pyrrhos

Aemilius Paulus

10-02-2008, 02:24

Wow, this has got to be the longest running AAR in the history of EB. You have probably beaten just about every AAR record there is out there, haven't you ~:)?

Any chance of going to fight the barbarians of the north or the nations of the far east?

However, it does seem more likely that you'll just go for the Numidians/Qarthadastim or Aiguptos. (with maybe a possible chance of a brief war against the Saba)

Tarkus

10-02-2008, 03:18

Can't really say much more than what others before me have said...wow. The discussion of available merc units is outstanding!

I agree with Aemilius -- I'd love to see some action against the Sabyn...

Hooahguy

10-02-2008, 05:00

my god, MAA!
i just spent the past 1.5 hours reading everything!
spectacular job!

General Appo

10-02-2008, 06:37

Me thinks the coast of Africa should be secured for the glory and well-being of the Arche Makedonia.

tls5669

10-02-2008, 08:18

BACK TO BLACK finally...

Its actually dark brown!!!....;p

Reverend Joe

10-02-2008, 17:36

Its actually dark brown!!!....;p

:stare: Be wary, lest you invoke the wrath of Megas MAA.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-02-2008, 20:19

In four days, this AAR will be a year old. :dizzy2:

Since everyon in Europe (other than the Lusotanni) are my friends (for now), I don't really expect to fight barbarians anytime soon. Though I would like to gain some more territory in Gaul, for instance.

My original plans for conquest after the civil war was to deal with Aigyptos (I had originally planned to just make peace with them [other than Alexandreia there isn't really much to gain from Aigyptos, it doesn't have too great of resources and it is overpopulated with people that don't like Makedonia]). After Aigyptos I had planned to take the coasts of Numidia and Mauretania (Siga and Lixus) to hopefully bankrupt them and at least cut down on there per turn unit spawns. Then have Philippos move to Iberia and finish what he had started with the Lusotanni. My plans didn't really work out, though. As the oracle said to Demetrios, "Friends will become enemies, and enemies friends." :egypt:

The color is actually a dark brown. :shame: It is supposed to be black but black doesn't look great on the minimap. With the current color, you can see the contrasts of the terrain on the minimap better. I still call it black, though.

Thankyou to those of you who have read my AAR and thanks to those who have commented. I caught up with my picture editting and have about a two hundred uneditted pictures from the last couple months / decade of play that I need to edit before I can even start the next chapter. The next five years will go pretty fast...

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-02-2008, 20:42

Beat the shit out of those pesky Numidians and take their lands! They have rich mines after all. They deserve it. :grin:

General Appo

10-02-2008, 21:46

In four days, this AAR will be a year old.

:happybirthday3: in advance. And since it´s never to early to start celebrating a birthday, let´s party. :clown: :birthday2: :belly: :juggle2: :cake: :holiday2: :campfire: :verycool: :applause: :holiday: :gathering: ~:cheers: :bling: ~:grouphug: :duel: ~:joker: ~:wave: :tomato: ~:thumb: :thrasher: :eyebrows: :girlslap: :cheerleader: :dancing: :elephant: :bounce: :knuddel: :hippie: :balloon2: :egypt: :crown: :2thumbsup: :grin: :crowngrin: :mad: :sunny: :balloon: :laugh3: :love: :guitarist: :smitten: :party2: :juggle: :party3: :drummer: :lips: :gorgeous: :mickey: :sweetheart:

General Appo

10-02-2008, 21:46

Hmpf, apparently there´s some stupid rule about max 50 images a post.

:gossip: :cool3: :lips2: :kiss2: :iloveyou: :hat: :Mr-T: :cool4: :tongue3: :san_cheesy: :san_kiss: :barrel: :rtwyes: :gring: :medievalcheers: :7stripper: :7clown: :7jester:

Reverend Joe

10-02-2008, 21:51

You only need one image to party.

https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1496/bostonvv8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/bostonvv8.jpg/1/w380.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img510/bostonvv8.jpg/1/)

(And the image limit is to prevent people from spamming full-sized images.)

@MAA: Ccongratulations. I've been following this since day 30 or so; you and Chirgueon (I forget how to spell his name) have truly raised the standards for AARs, at least around here.

satalexton

10-03-2008, 09:52

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA

Dutchhoplite

10-03-2008, 11:35

http://i.fokzine.net/s/static.gif Makedonia http://i.fokzine.net/s/static.gif

gamegeek2

10-03-2008, 21:35

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

Olaf The Great

10-04-2008, 00:55

October 2nd was my best friends Birthday...

Hmmm...Which is more important..AAR, or Birthday?

NickTheGreek

10-04-2008, 12:37

The AAR damnit :laugh4:
Cool update MAA I eagerly await the next

Cbvani

10-04-2008, 15:18

The AAR damnit

Seconded. Happy (belated?) birthday for this AAR.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-05-2008, 02:59

Lol. Thanks everyone. :juggle2:

I didn't have the internet earlier so I was doing some personal modding. I'm still trying to make some foreign under-hand spearmen Thorakitai for a future reform. This is what I've made out of the Roman auxilia to be a European foreign Thorakitai. (Removed the pants and resized and reskined the shield.) I'm still not happy with them though, still look too Roman:
https://img393.imageshack.us/img393/7099/maa3453km8.png
I've also made a series of changes to the skins and stats of my existing types of Thorakitai.

Justiciar

10-05-2008, 04:17

It's the tunic, I suspect.

This is my first reply in this behemoth of the AAR world, so I'm obliged to say; awesome AAR, MAA!

General Appo

10-05-2008, 11:21

Yeah, it´s the tunic mainly.

Olaf The Great

10-05-2008, 14:32

Give them greaves and an Iron helmet.

hrrypttrbst

10-05-2008, 16:27

Still, it is a cool thing that you mod your game only for an AAR.:2thumbsup:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-05-2008, 21:49

I went to change their helmet and decided to change their whole head. They look less Roman, but with the cheek guards, you can't see their full beard and they look like mustached Gauls:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6158/maa3499eu5.png
I thought about adding greaves but decided against it since these guys aren't supposed to be as well equiped as my regular units.

HunGeneral

10-06-2008, 01:04

I can only say one thing: WOW.

(cant wait to see "seleucid" and "bactrian" units in the armies of Makedonia:yes:)

Your moded units look very good - they do look a bit like gauls but you could change that by giving them a beard like their officer has. You could also try to add bows as secondary weapons for them (a kind of recreating the "immortals") but thats your decision:dizzy2:

oh yes and the most important: ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

gamegeek2

10-06-2008, 19:39

Very nice. I'm considering doing similar things once I'm in the Persian lands (Saka AAR), and maybe adding some greek/macedonian units, too.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-06-2008, 22:13

Thanks.

I tried to remake those guys again but accidentally saved under the wrong compression and RTW couldn't read the unit. Thanksfully I copied the file (the guys in the last pic) so I don't have to completely start over agian.

Saka has some pretty good Indo-Greek units. Some of those guys could easily be modded into some sort of standard Greek units for recruiting in Persia and Babylonia.

But enough with my mini-modding. I'm working on the next chapter. It will probably be a short one. Thanks again for following.

chairman

10-07-2008, 00:40

MAA: those thorakitai look pretty good, but the avxillia green tunic with the white band still throws me off. Also, if you switched out the chainmail for a more celtic style with a mail shoulder cape instead of greco-roman linothorax style shoulder straps it might help. Absolutely love your AAR. It is the pinnacle of EB.

Chairman

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-09-2008, 06:01

Chapter 76 : The Sons of Pyrrhos

After eighteen years of civil war, people all across the Arche Makedonia seek only a time of peace and security. Busy with issues in Makedonia, Philippos decides to make that peace and give the rebels in Aigyptos an unexpected oppertunity. Risking egitimizing their continued rule over Aigyptos and giving them power, Philippos sends envoys to Aigyptos to negotiate peace with the local nobility:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7091/maa3455kc4.jpg

Basileus Philippos V of Makedonia is now the sole ruler of the reunited Arche Makedonia (aside from Aigytpos) and now had peace. But Philippos could not rule the vast lands of the Arche alone. To maintain control of the lands, Philippos depended on many advisors, generals, nobles (both Makedones and foreign), and members of his own family. Makedonia, itself, is mostly controlled by the nobles and the foreign satrapies are primarily controled by regional nobles or kings advised by the generals of the Makedonike armies. However, the satrapy system had been shown to have weaknesses in the civil war and had too many chances for disloyalty. A rapid set of reforms and changes just after a civil war is too risky, though. Philippos realizes he must stick with the current system and simply rely on his generals and advisors to ensure peace, order, security, and loyalty. Closest and most trusted of Philippos' advisors are his own brothers. Pyrrhos had given his sons a great deal of responsibity under his rule and now Philippos continued to give them more. Pyrrhos' wife had given him four sons and no daughters, and now, with Philippos leading them, it is up to these men to rule the Arche Makedonia.

Sotades is the first-born of the sons of Pyrrhos:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9392/maa3466sh4.png

Raised and educated in Italia, Sotades was too young to fight along side his father in the Romaioi War but first commanded an army at the age of sixteen against rebels in Italia. Sotades accompanied his father in the war against Kart-Hadast and is now the only surviving general that participated in that war. When Pyrrhos returned to Pella to claim the throne, Sotades came with him, at his side. Sotades fought several battles at the very beginning of the civil war but ultimately got tired of warfare and command. Seeing this in his son before he even did, Pyrrhos had given the title of heir to his second son, Philippos.

During the Syrian Invasion, Sotades once again lead an army but fought only one major battle during that campaign. With Philippos returning to Makedonia at the end of the conflict, Syria and the city of Demetreia were handed over to the control of Sotades. Finally doing what he most enjoys, Sotades now governs greater Syria and concentrates on rebuilding the damages of the war. Showing such zeal for his work, Sotades quickly wins over the people of Syria

Philippos is the second-born son of Pyrrhos and current Basileus of the Arche Makedonia:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/694/maa3467ki5.png

Philippos was raised in Italia but was sent to Hellas where he participated in the Spartan Agoge and ironically became one of the last Makedonike nobles to complete it. After the completion of the Agoge, Philippos then spent a couple years in Athenai, at its great schools. After completing his education, Philippos raised an army of Hellenes and began to experiment with new tactics. Having been raised in Italia, Philippos chose to raise an army of Thorakitai and copy Romaioi military tactics. With his new army, Philippos made his way eastward, defeating brigands and assisting local governments who had problems with rebel armies. Eventually he made his way all the way to Syria and the city of Demetrios.

It was in Syria that Philippos first realized the divide that had begun to grow between the east and the west as well as the great fear people had at the immanent end to the Antigonid dynasty. Fleeing Syria, Philippos found his way to Aigyptos, where he finally got a true test of his army against an army of Meroe. After only one battle, Philippos was called by his father to Africa and then sent to Iberia to deal with the betrayal of the alliance with the Iberian Confederacy.

After thouroughly defeating the armies of Iberia and conquering half the peninsula, Philippos made his way eastward to assist his father and brothers in the civil war. After greeting his father, Philippos' first task was to defeat the Spartans, who had taken the civil war as an oppertunity to rebel and conquer much of Hellas. Due to their horrible treatment of other conquered Hellenes, the task of turning Hellas against Sparte and defeating them was an easy one. In the end, Philippos end up killing the very men who had taught him how to fight.

Philippos spent the next several years with his father and brothers in Pella, planning the invasion of Syria. Pyrrhos would not live to see the invasion fulfilled but his plan was a complete success.

With the war over, Philippos returned to Makedonia with the young Demetrid Basileus Euktimenos as a prisoner. During the celebrations in Pella, Euktimenos was publically humiliated but was not killed. Once the celebrations had died down, Philippos gave Euktimenos a mansion in Pella and placed him under house arrest. Only a handful of the descendants of Demetrios were still alive after the war, and since Demetrios had been so respected by the Makedonike people, killing one of his descendants would upset the masses. Philippos decides to leave Euktimenos alive, for now, to respect the memory of his ancestor. So, Euktimenos disappears from public view and public thought, quietly tutored and kept in Pella.

The great empire Philippos now rules finally pulls itself from the hole of the civil war. With all debts long repaid, the treasury of Makedonia continues to grow. Although racked by unprecedented corruption on all levels of government, the amount in the treasury grows to a point that it surpasses that of all other known kingdoms and peoples:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8694/maa3462aw1.jpg

With the reunification, a huge treasury, and the reconstruction of devastated cities of culture such as Athenai and Demetreia, Philippos' Arche Makedonia once again reclaims the title as greatest kingdom in the known world:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8351/maa3463nd4.jpg

Euphrantos the Crippled is the third-born son of Pyrrhos and widely known as the most corrupt:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9733/maa3468hr8.png

Once Pyrrhos realized that the nobles supported him and were preparing to choose him over Bykoli were Basileus Neokles to died, Pyrrhos had to protect his family. Because of what had happened to Philippos in Syria, Pyrrhos chose to keep his third son with him in Kart-Hadast rather than send him to Hellas or even Italia for education. To protect him, Euphrantos was tutored in Kart-Hadast and very closely protected and spoiled by his father. Because of this and the fact he was crippled from birth, much like his father, Euphrantos did not get much experience with the real world.

Soon after Pyrrhos reached Pella and was declared Basileus, his wife and two youngest sons joined him in Makedonia. After spending his entire life in a foreign city under strict supervision, Euphrantos was finally in a large Hellenistic city and son of the most powerful man in the known world. In the years that followed, while Pyrrhos, Sotades, and Philippos waged wars and planned strategies, Euphrantos endulged in the vices of the large city and spent his nights in all kinds of unseemly activities.

Euphrantos' life would have continued like this if not for the death of his father and the rise of his brother to the throne. With his elder brothers fighting in the east, Euphrantos was forced to at least take a figurehead role in Makedonia, although Makedonia itself is mostly ruled by the noble Makedones. Euphrantos is never cured of his vices and gains little experience in management, but at least takes on a some responsibility.

As man in charge of Makedonia, Euphrantos manages to accumulate a sizable personal wealth, even with his squanderings in idle activities. At the same time, he even learns how to govern effectively, though it is arguable that what he lacks more than outmatches what he gains:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1591/maa3456ad8.jpg

Laandros is the fourth-born and youngest son of Pyrrhos:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2514/maa3469ht4.png

Laandros made the trek to Makedonia, after his father became Basileus, while he was still a child and was the only son of Pyrrhos to come of age while Pyrrhos was ruler of the Arche Makedonia. Due to the problems in Hellas, Laandros completed his education in Pella. While at school in Pella, he quickly became friends with Anaxagoras, the second son of the murdered Herakleon. At first it seemed that the two youths would follow the ways of Euphrantos and simply indulge in the pleasures of life, but both were quickly forced to take a possition of leadership when Pyrrhos died.

At the death of Pyrrhos, Anaxagoras would return to Bosphoria, and soon after Laandros was assigned to Hellas by his brother, Basileus Philippos V. Because of the rebellion in Hellas and the delicate situation in the region, Philippos needed someone who could both be trusted and who was capable. At first Philippos considered assigning Sotades to manage Makedonia and Hellas, but Sotades had connections with the army and was needed on the front. So, Philippos assigned Makedonia to Euphrantos, knowing the nobles would handle everything anyways, and assigned Laandros to manage all of Hellas.

In the job of governor of Hellas, Laandros began to excel. With his youthful ways put behind him, Laandros manages to become one of the greater governors in the Arche Makedonia:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2904/maa3461nm6.jpg

In order to more closely monitor the Spartiatai, Laandros would administer from Sparte itself. After the civil war and the end of the Spartiatai rebellion, Sparte began to grow and change. Sparte finally began to loose the last traces of the old Spartiatai ways that had lingered for centuries. One thing didn't change, however, and that was the skill of the Spartiatai to teach the ways of warfare. Even without fighting a single battle, Laandros learned from his advisors and became a capable leader of men:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9638/maa3470fb0.jpg

As for Anaxagoras, he returned to Bosphoria and quickly experienced a great oppertunity when the city of Olbia declared itself independant of the alliance of steppe tribes. Seizing on this oppertunity, Anaxagoras raised and army and quickly took the city for the Arche Makedonia. This action gained the entire coastline from the mouth of the Istros (Danube) to the former borders of the satrapy of Bosphoria. After taking the Olbia, however, he found himself bogged down having to completely reconstruct the city's infrastructure after years of neglect. Over the following years, Anaxagoras was forced to become compitant in construction and supervision:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6149/maa3464ba0.jpg

Meanwhile, his elder brother Herodes helped Philippos fight the Demetrids and managed to personally take much of Assyria near the end of the war. Herodes, himself, could have contested a right to the throne at the beginnig of the war, being the direct great grandson of Antigonos Gonatas, but was too young to truely contest Pyrrhos and decided simply to join him against those who killed his father. From the war, Herodes manages to become a decent military leader:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2858/maa3471fd9.jpg

Still in Assyria, Herodes even manages to gain prestigue in the Arche Makedonia:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/565/maa3465gb1.jpg

Off in Babylonia, Isidoros Oresteus retains his title as King of Babylon, though spends most of his time in the more advanced and more Hellenistic city of Sekeukeia while rebuilding Babylon:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6236/maa3498gv5.png

With one army of elite Babylonians and a sizable force of reserves, King Isidoros only makes a small amount of excess money in his Babylonian Satrapy. Almost the entire excess tax and trade income of the area then immediately goes to rebuilding Babylon as a great city, in a Hellenistic fashion.

After taking the city of Babylon, Isidoros begins to enjoy management of cities and lands rather than warfare. He does, however, lead his army to victory against the Demetrid garrison in Seleukeia at the end of the war. Now, with more than twice the territory, Isidoros returns to governing and management:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7209/maa3496uo8.jpg

Although, Isidoros does not have any sons, he does have a daughter. After many years of going unwed, Isidoros' daughter marries. The man turns out be be quite inempt but Isidoros still declares him his heir:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3765/maa3472rf4.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While the people of the Arche Makedonia only seek peace, the attension of the military of the Arche Makedonia once again shift to the areas outside their borders. The main problem for the immediate future of the Arche is the rebels in Aigyptos who are still attempting to sure up power in the region. To the west, Europa remains mostly quiet other than occational battles amongst the Gauls. In the east, the Arche Seleukeia had managed to stretch its border from Persis in the south to the fare northern steppes, but in the process managed to stretch their military quite thin. A major competitor to the Arche Seleukeia, in the east, is the rebuilt Median Empire. The Medians had almost been completely conquered by Bykoli at the beginning of the Makedonian Civil War, but with his withdrawl managed to reestablish themselves and grow. During the civil war the Medians had remained neutral to both sides as well as the Arche Seleukeia but had managed to expand southward into eastern Arabia:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6030/maa3457zq0.png

With a recognition of the now reunited power to their west, the Medians agree to an alliance with Philippos:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3951/maa3459bg7.jpg

This alliance allows for the Medians to focus their attension on one side of their empire and declare war on the Arche Seleukeia, planning to "liberate" Persis:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/295/maa3460gl0.jpg

In order to fulfill their goals of defeating the Arche Seleukeia, the Median Empire also negotiates an alliance with a Seleukid-occupied group of steppe peoples and smuggles them supplies:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3579/maa3473kb4.jpg

Philippos attempts to mantain peace for the Arche Makedonia as long as possible, but it is not long before it is broken. In an confusingly stupid move, the navy of Alexandreia sails north and attacks the coast of Syria. To answer this act, Philippos declares war against the rebels of Aigyptos and prepares his army to sail from Makedonia:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3351/maa3458rt9.jpg

Travelling straight from Makedonia to the delta of the Neilos, Philippos lands his army outside of Alexandreia and immediately besieges the city while his navy takes control of the seas:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6364/maa3474dy1.png

In order to avoid possible reinforcement of Alexandreia from the south, Philippos quickly attacks the city and easily takes it:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7522/maa3476cl1.jpg

Although generally disapproving of foreign rule of any type, the people of Alexandreia welcome Philippos and the peace that will come with him. For nearly a decade, as the Demetrids declined and the rebels fought amongst themselves, the city of Alexandreia, and in fact all of Aigyptos, had suffered from near constant rioting and civil wars. In the fighting, the tomb of Alexandros was even damaged, though the body remains safe:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1336/maa3475tu4.png

With Alexandreia, Philippos has a base from which it will be easy to retake the rest of Aigyptos. An alliance with the Ptolemaioi of Nubia also ensures some assistance dealling with the rebelsfrom the south. While Philippos prepares for his coming war, his first and only son comes of age and becomes a man:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7232/maa3480ws4.png

Although he is a bit lazy, he takes after his father and grandfather. With Alypios now of age, Philippos declares him his heir, with Sotades next in line were both Philippos and Alypios to die. Alypios is quick to join his father and sails for Alexandreia, where he completes his education at the great library.

Next: Chapter 77 : Eastern Affairs
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sorry for more review but I wanted to get all of the characters for the upcoming era to be explained. Basically, these guys and one other guy will decide the next decade of Macedonian history. I didn't have a map picture for this chapter because of the crazyness in the east, which will be explained in the next chapter.

Cbvani

10-09-2008, 14:20

Wow. I've got to read through this again from the beginning. Any plans to make it into a book?

General Appo

10-09-2008, 15:41

Would be kinda hard, seeing as pictures form a great part of it. AAR´s rarely make good books.

But yeah, continued great story. I´m eager to hear about these eastern affairs.

gamegeek2

10-10-2008, 03:40

C'mon, he could make it into an alternate-world setting. Maybe with elves. lol

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-11-2008, 00:40

Thanks, but I doubt it would make a good book. Not only is it picture driven but it lacks a main character, antagonist, challenge, climax, or end. If it were just written down it would sound more like a history book of an alternate dimension. I enjoy writting, although with most of my actual stories I've tried to write I just end up getting lost on how to end it after the story's peak point.

No elves, but along the lines of an alternate reality, I got bored the other day and made this picture of what BI would look like in this alternate dimension, if I were to quit the game right now and start up again in about AD200:
https://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5679/ebmap090antiqueambi2mf7.png
The Arche Makedonia tries to recover after loosing territory to both the Keltic nation and to the Neo-Persians, meanwhile the age of migration is about to begin in Germany, as well as dealing with a rebelling Italian client-state. Hun-like nation emmerging.
:clown::smash:

Cbvani

10-11-2008, 06:09

Europe

10-11-2008, 17:18

Holy meatballs! Seeing a alternate dimension for this AAR Would be mind-blowing! :beam:
It would be interesting to see the fall of the Macedonian empire (but quite sad at the same time~:mecry:)

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-12-2008, 00:27

I was thinking if I ever ended this, I'd make the last chapter a story of what happens to the Arche Makedonia and the world over the next few centuries.

Next chapter \/ :2thumbsup:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-12-2008, 00:27

https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5558/maa3486dc1.png
Chapter 77 : Eastern Affairs

During the seventh year of Philippos' reign, he had retaken the city of Alexandreia and the Neilos delta. With the great port taken, the Romaioi legion moves down from Ioudaia and make their way into Aigyptos, to finally make there way home. In the sea, however, the navies of Makedonia and Aigyptos engage eachother just off the delta. The superior Makedonike ships win the day:
https://img56.imageshack.us/img56/6375/maa3477tj0.png

With both land and sea secure, Philippos goes about rebuilding Alexandreia while his men prepare to sail up the Neilos. One of the first acts of restoration is the restoration of the tomb of Megas Alexandros and the replacing of his body to its rightful place:
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7038/maa3479rl2.png

When Philippos first took the town, since the tomb was damaged, it was momentarily discussed whether the body should be moved elsewhere (Makedonia or even Amonnion), but the subject was quickly dismissed.

After several seasons, Philippos and his son, Alypios, gather the army and march south to the ancient city of Memphis, capital of the rebel Aigyptos. In Alexandreia, Philippos leaves the family Grenideus, who are relatives to the great general Antisthenes Gortynois, in Alexandreia and give them charge:
https://img56.imageshack.us/img56/8470/maa3482mz1.png

In Arabia, the Kingdom of Sab'yn had profitted much from the Makedonike Civil War, gaining territories along the northern part of boths sides of the desert, though suffering losses to the Medians in the east. With plans for the future, the Kingdom of Sab'yn make peace with Aigyptos and an alliance with the Arche Seleukeia, both are enemies of the Arche Makedonia:
https://img56.imageshack.us/img56/8922/maa3481ft3.jpg

As for the Arche Seleukeia, she had suffered a terrible change of fate. Over the years that the Arche Makedonia had fought a civil war, the Arche Seleukeia had charged northwards into the plains and wastelands. After years of warfare, the armies of the Seleukids had been streched quite thin. Other than that, being isolated from large populations of Makedones and Hellenes, the quality of soldiers capible of being raised had also been quite low lately. When the Median Empire declared war and openly encouraged rebellion amongst the conquered peoples of the Arche Seleukeia, everything fell apart in the east.

When the Seleukid armies march south, the northern steppe regions of the Arche Seleukeia seize apon their oppertunity, declare themselves independant, and immediately raise armies. Marching southward, these armies manage to gain vast territories both peacefully and by force. After several years, the armies of the steppe peoples finally meet true resistance and begin to fight the armies of the Arche Seleukeia openly:
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7796/maa3483lv5.png

Meanwhile, the Medians move their forces eastward into Seleukid territory, planning on expanding into Persis:
https://img56.imageshack.us/img56/7770/maa3484cc4.png

It is around this same time, that the governor of the semi-autonomous satrapy of Baktria finally openly declares itself independant from the Arche Seleukeia, who is obligated to declare war. Having marched his armies into the Indus valley and conquered the Gandharans, the Basileus of Baktria is, in himself, a more than formitable apponent for the Arche Seleukeia.

Back in the Arche Makedonia, Philippos has problems of his own from across a wasteland. While still on their way to Alexandreia, the Romaioi are suddenly attacked by an army from the deserts. Since there is peace between the Arche Makedonia and the Kingdom of Sab'yn and no other people could raise an army of such size, the event surprises the Romaioi, who thought they were in safe territory:
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8887/maa3485hr0.png

The battle begins with the Romaioi with the lower ground and the army of Saba coming down off a hill toward them:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8273/maa3487qy6.png

The Romaioi march forward to get up the hill and meet the Sabaeans on semi-level ground. In order to ensure they meet the Romaioi on a slope, the Sabaeans rush down as quickly as they can:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4536/maa3488vu0.png

The mass of enemy soldiers is too much for the first line of infantry and Consul Tiberius Aurelius Cotta is forced to send his second line in early:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9936/maa3489tu1.png

While the infantry do their best to hold the line...
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1427/maa3491vf3.png

...the Romaioi cavalry clash with the enemy cavalry:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/2004/maa3492bf8.png

After a short battle, the Sabaean cavalry break and flee. The Romaioi cavalry move to get behind the enemy line, but the Sabaeans panic when they realize they are without cavalry support and begin to flee:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1228/maa3493ta3.png

Cotta once again learns a lesson of warfare, even at his advanced age:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1066/maa3494sw7.jpg

Rather than continue forward to Alexandreia, Consul Tiberius Aurelius Cotta gives chase to the fleeing enemy. Pursuing them across the desert, the Romaioi finally corner the enemy army within the walled city of Petra, a city which was once a city of the Arche Makedonia.

With war once again threatening Syria and armies of Arabia marching northward, Philippos decides to take the offensive. Sending orders to his brother in Demetreia, Philippos orders the city of Bostra retaken and the klerouchoi settlers of the region liberated. From Demetreia, Sotades sends word to Herodes of Bosphoria to march his men south and accomplish the task:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7396/maa3497ox1.png

After only a few months, an army that was just to the south of Bostra arrives and attack Herodes and his army, in the heat of the summer. Unlike the army that fought against the Romaioi, this army approaches the Makedones slowly and orderly:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8122/maa3503wk2.png

With the home of a local Makedonike klerouchoi soldier right in front of them, serving a symbol of their fight, the line of Makedones absorb the intial charge:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8194/maa3504xk8.png

Separating into two separate groups and attacking on either side of the villa, the Sabaeans throw their whole army at the line:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5594/maa3505nc5.png

While the bulk of the battle occurs in the center, at the left flank, a group of Thorakitai fight a small enemy group, but the enemy quickly breaks. The Thorakitai pursue their enemy but fall into a trap when they are surrounded by a hidden enemy force:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3813/maa3507mg4.png

In order to save the Thorakitai, Herodes personally leads his Galatian cavalry forward:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1035/maa3508oi7.png

The Galatian cavarly has great success and breaks the entire ambushing party. Seeing their flank exposed, the rest of the Sabaean army breaks soon after. Although the first army is broken, scouts report the garrison of the city approaching. Herodes orders his battle line to reform an his cavalry to chase down and kill or capture as many enemies as possible.

As the infantry reform, a strong wind begins to blow and picks up the dust from the parched grounds:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9168/maa3510jy1.png

Taking advantage of the poor visibilty, Herodes' steppe cavalry rush forward and take out isoloted enemy units:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/67/maa3511ba8.png

The cavalry attack a group, fights them until reinforcements approach, then retreat. After doing this several times, a good deal of the reserve forces of the Sabaean army are wiped out. Meanwhile, the phalangitai infantry continue to move forward. Suddenly, the wind stops all together and the dust clears. The Sabaeans hardly have time to notice the vast infanty force just ahead of them, before Herodes orders the charge:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5760/maa3516tf8.png

Confused by the dust storm and the sudden attack, the Sabaeans panic and break. Although some manage to make it back to the city of Bostra, all give up their arms and disband:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5682/maa3518ov3.jpg

With this great victory, the regions east of the Jordan are restored to the Arche Makedonia and Syria gains a larger buffer area against attack:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5743/maa3519uz6.png

With the city taken, Herodes prepares to finally return home to Bosphoria, but in Damaskos is a man ready to take his place and continue the war against the Kingdom of Sab'yn. Chrysoloras Delphikos had been raised in Bostra and had fought against Arabian invaders from the south his whole life along side his father. The civil war had given his family a break against this task, but once again Chrysoloras Delphikos takes up the mission of fighting the Kingdom of Sab'yn, however this time he will not simply sit behind the walls of Bostra and wait for the enemy to come to him.

The known world in156BC, four years after the fall of the Demetrids:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1640/hxmak156edit2qd7.png

Next: Chapter 78 : A Journey Up the Neilos

gamegeek2

10-12-2008, 04:36

plz take gaul. plz, plz take gaul so you've trumped the Romans.

oh, and my modding forced me to reinstall EB, but my saves are all intact, and so I was able to update my AAR today.

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

General Appo

10-12-2008, 07:48

I see much grievances on the road ahead for the Sab´yn. But first of course, the remained of Aigyptos must be secured.
Have you noticed that you hold all but 2 ports in the Med? That´s right, those damns Numidians are denying you those ports. Take ´em!

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-12-2008, 18:50

Are we going to see Philippos and Cleopatra?

gamegeek2

10-12-2008, 20:06

Are we going to see Philippos and Cleopatra?

:laugh:

Maion Maroneios

10-12-2008, 21:20

I must admit, that'd be cool :-P

Maion

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-12-2008, 23:18

I don't really have any need or desire to take Gaul right now. However, the Aedui are slowly winning the war against the Arverni and will inevitably turn on me some time. I may take part of Gaul, some day once my Arverni allies fall.

I'm thinking along similar lines, General Appo. My goal for the reign of Philippos had been to take back Aigyptos then take a series of port cities all around the Arche, especially take complete control of the Pontos Mesogeios and Pontos Euxeinos. However, a few things changed due to every faction suddenly deciding they hate me.

Aigyptos only has a fractured rebel Makedone nobility and a rebellious native population. There aren't any real Cleopatra-like people in Aigyptos. There is the Ptolemaic dynasty in Nubia, though. I tried to make Antigone a Cleopatra like character, though only showing the last, less than glorious, moments of her life.

Dutchhoplite

10-13-2008, 16:44

Hi MAA,

Great update, as usual :yes:

Could you tell me what factions you used or tell me in what part of the AAR they explained?? The Demetrids were Baktria. Media = Hayasdan i guess but the rest??

General Appo

10-13-2008, 17:24

I'm thinking along similar lines, General Appo.

Once again my amazing psychic abilities have served me well.
You´re gonna try and take Tanais? Great, it´s always buggered me a tiny bit to see the unworthy steppe barbarians with their dirty hands on a glorious Hellenc colony.

Ower

10-13-2008, 19:01

Hi MAA,

Great update, as usual :yes:

Could you tell me what factions you used or tell me in what part of the AAR they explained?? The Demetrids were Baktria. Media = Hayasdan i guess but the rest??

Numidians (W-africa) = Carthagians
Moeor = Ptolemai(multiple references to a ptolemay taking controle there)
Pahlava -> Gandahara(Cyan or something like that) -> Pahlava? or step people(again purple).
Erain - no idea, maybe Lusotana, just colored diferently, or Arverni again recolored, like he did with Bactria and the Demitrids, and probably still doing with Bactria and the Aegyptos rebels.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-13-2008, 21:37

Indeed, you are correct, Ower.
Carthaginians ---> Numidia & Mauretania Alliance
Hayasdan ---> Median Empire
Ptolemaioi ---> Kingdom of Meroe ---> Ptolemaioi

Aigyptos is just Baktria, with picture edits so its two parts have different colors, and the same thing is done with Lusotanna and their territory in Ireland.

And then there is:
Pahlava ---> Gandhara ---> Pahlava

If you are wondering what happened there, I did a little bit of forced diplomacy. First Baktria took two of the three Indian provinces, then Nisa rebelled to Pahlava/Gandhara. I decided to use this for roleplaying. So I gave all of the other steppe provinces to Pahlava/Gandhara, moved all of their generals and armies from India, then just let the last Indian province fall to Baktria.

Reverend Joe

10-14-2008, 04:12

Oh, my god -- how long has Ghandara been dead?! They were my favorite faction... a substitute India!

General Appo

10-14-2008, 06:58

Oh, my god -- how long has Ghandara been dead?! They were my favorite faction... a substitute India!

Meh, Indo-Greeks are way cooler. Indo-Greeks with Armoured Elephants, Arachosian cavalry, Persian archers, Indo-Iranians, Baktrian Royal Guards, Indian Guild warriors and longbowmen, Indo-Greek Noble Hoplites, Dahae bandits, Hellenic Cataphracts, heavy and light artillery and Subeshi.

Seriously, do you get any cooler? Well, maybe if you´ve got a heavily modified Makedonian roster.

Panzer_Sturmovik

10-14-2008, 11:35

This must turn into a novel!!! Great work this is one of the longest aar I have read since day 1 [ yeah post count say im just a new guy but I have been a long time lurker ]

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-14-2008, 18:58

Thanks Panzer. It's always good to see the lurkers come out of hiding.

Well, Gandhara is gone for now but it may come back. Although they get oof to a good start, the Indo-Baktrian-Hellenistic ... Kingdom doesn't really do too well. They are now at war with Saka, Pahlav, and AS.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-16-2008, 05:03

Chapter 78 : A Journey Up the Neilos

After a long war in Syria, the Romaioi were on their way home when they were attacked by an army of the Kingdom of Sab'yn. Consul Tiberius Aurelius Cotta won an easy victory and could have simply continued on his way to Alexandreia and on then to Roma, but instead, Cotta lead his men after the enemy, into the deserts of Sinai. After cornering the enemy in the city of Petra, Cotta decides to finish them off.

[At this point, FRAPS said that it was on an saving pictures, but when I quit and went to the folder there was no new screenshots. Although, I only missed two battle and a few events, that I can't remember.]

Scrounging together what resources they can find in the desert, Cotta and his men build siege equiptment to attack the city. Without good supply lines in the desert, Cotta chooses to attack the city instead of wait them out. Due to the fact the city only has a small garrison and lacks any kind of leadership, the walls fall quickly and the city soon follows. With effort from their allies from Italia, the Arche Makedonia once again gains control of the city of Petra.

Consul Tiberius Aurelius Cotta doesn't have much time to celebrate, though, as he dies in Petra just a few short months later:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/6726/maa3543zu4.jpg

Without their leader, the Romaioi leave the city and make for Alexandreia and then back to their homes. Thankfully, Chrysoloras Delphikos and his men are nearby and are able to stablize the city and raise a garrison to defend it before moving out, themselves.

Around the same time, Ainesidemos dies in Massalia. After Pyrrhos' journey to Pella, Ainesidemos had become the head of the western branch of the family. In Makedonia, Hellas, or the east, his death isn't even noticed, but to those in the west, an old leader is lost:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/623/maa3544it2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

With the rest of lower Aigyptos solidly behind him, only Memphis had remained a rebel stronghold. After years of siege, Philippos is finally confronted by the weakened city garrison:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2323/maa3545pp2.png

Great siege towers had been built, but after deciding the simply wait out Memphis, they sat unused outside the city walls:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/6633/maa3546cc4.png

Using these towers as a forward defensive wall, Philippos lines up his army and awaits the Aigyptos garrison. Without a skilled general, the attack is unorganized and weak:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/9149/maa3547jf6.png

Once the bulk of the enemy is out of the city, Philippos charges his reserves in from the sides and circles the cavalry, lead by his son, around the rear, between the city and the battle:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5006/maa3548rh9.png

Completely outmatched, the garrison of Memphis flees...
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/614/maa3549mp6.png

...and surrenders:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/8153/maa3550ov6.jpg

With this, Philippos takes the last enemy stronghold in the area and takes complete control of lower Aigyptos:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2144/maa3551qa1.jpg

With a little battle experience now under his belt, Philippos' son, Alypios, is sent back to Alexandreia to finish his education. While in Alexandreia, Alypios is married:
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/452/maa3495jf2.jpg

As a wife, Alypios takes a noble woman who is both strong and wise. They are to be partners for the lifetime ahead of them:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/7051/maa3552kp0.png

Around the same time, a daughter of Philippos is also married. Although the man's Hellenic family has power and wealth, they have quite bad genes:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4742/maa3554jp5.jpg

After the attending the marriages and waiting a few months to secure Memphis, Philippos gathers river ships and splits his force in half. While one group marches up the valley, the rest sail north and take control of minor cities and villages, returning the region to the Arche Makedonia. Finally, Philippos corners the last remaining rebel general and almost the entire army of Aigyptos in the city of Thebes. With his army reunited, Philippos besieges the city.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While Philippos retakes Aigyptos, the Numidians once again invade the Arche Makedonia and attacks the city of Ippone:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5355/maa3553hw0.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Almost as soon as he arrives at Thebes, Philippos engages the armies of Aigyptos. A tiny Aigyptian force from the south attacks Philippos' army, forcing them to leave the city gates long enough for the main army to exit and join the battle on the open field:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5481/maa3571xu6.png

As only a diversionary force, the small army is hesitant to attack, but Philippos calls their bluff with a cavalry charge:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/7905/maa3573pc9.png

The tiny force is trampled under foot and Philippos gives the order to his men to reform to face the approaching army of Thebes. As the army repositions itself, the cavalry run the edges of the battlefield. With all of their attention on the infantry line, Philippos and his cavalry see the kataphraktoi coming over the hill too late to react. The rebel kataphraktoi charge into Philippos' cavalry formation and deal heavy losses:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4285/maa3574um6.png

While the bulk of his cavalry holds down the enemy kataphraktoi, Philippos positions his hetairoi and charges in at the enemy rear:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4863/maa3575ln2.png

Once surrounded, the kataphraktoi loose their advantage of mass and simply become overheated cavalrymen. Hacking at them from all sides, Philippos starts to win the fight through attrition:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/161/maa3578ml6.png

As nearly all of his men fall dead, the rebel general, the man who would be Pharaoh, attempts to surrender but is instead cut down, dying there on the field:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/7876/maa3579kl8.png

Back at the infantry line, Philippos' lieutenants struggle to retain order as the line fragments:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/3391/maa3581ik3.png

Rushing back to the line, Philippos calls his men to order and reorganizes the line, taking an advantage of a lull in the battle:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/871/maa3582kn2.png

Once again the Aigyptos army comes at Philippos' army, but this time the men of Thebes are the only ones who are leaderless:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/181/maa3583rt0.png

Using his various forms of Thorakitai to his advantage, Philippos overwhelms the enemy and takes the field:
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2729/maa3585nu7.png

With the fall of Hyspasines Kouriandaios and the capture of the city of Thebes, the Aigyptos Rebellion comes to an end and the land is restored is once again ruled from Makedonia:
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9339/maa3587lv0.jpg

Athough the rebel armies are no more, the land of Aigyptos is filled with the armies of Ptolemai VII of Meroe. Though they are allies now, they had sought to gain more during the war but had gained nothing:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5624/maa3592zq6.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

With Aigyptos restored to the Arche Makedonia, the last piece of the economy of the Pontos Mesogeios is once again in Makedonike hands. With less active armies and garrisons than the Antigonids, Philippos continues to build an ever bigger treasury in Pella. During this time of prosperity, great building projects are commisioned, especially common amoungst them are massive, complex expansions of ports and harbors all around the Pontos Mesogeios. With the great wealth and ever increasing trade profit, a few cities even grow in size, such as the cities of Sinope and Syrakousai.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To the east, the Arche Seleukeia continues to suffer. The satrapy of Baktria, which had once guarded the northern border of the Arche Seleukeia falls to armies of the steppes and leaves the Arche Seleukeia open to attack from multiple steppe tribes and alliances. From the west, the Median Empire attacks and destroys the armies of the Seleukids and begins gaining territory that had been in the hands of the Seleukid Dynasty since they acquired Persis so long ago. North of Persepolis, one of the last Seleukid armies is surrounded in Gabai, which falls quite quickly:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/8343/maa3590pz6.png

At the same time, the Median Empire even manages to continue their old war against the Kingdom of Sab'yn and gain territory in Maka:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/9278/maa3591tx6.png

With territories falling to many different steppe groups, the greatest threat becomes the alliance under the leadership of the Pahlava people. With an alliance and funds from Media, the armies of Pahlava swarm southward to liberate their fell Iranian brothers.

Although they lost Baktria, the bulk of the armies, as well as the Basileus of Baktria, himself, were away in India and very little actual power is lost. Raising Indian forces into their armies, the kingdom which had once been the Seleukid satrapy of Baktria marches west and attacks the cities of their old masters, planning to recover Baktria soon after:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6360/maa3606zs2.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in153BC:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4523/hxmak153editws5.png

Next: Chapter 79 : Eremos Odysseia

General Appo

10-16-2008, 06:25

Wow, the Seleukdids are getting cooked.

I excited about the next chapters title, even though I don´t quite understand it. I´m gonna guess it means something along the lines of Journey into the Desert/Wasteland.
Perhaps then the Arche Makedonia will finally deal with the last remains of the Pharaos. Or maybe not...it´s not really that deserty down there.

Dutchhoplite

10-16-2008, 16:48

Those poor Seleucids, always had a soft spot for them :(

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-16-2008, 18:44

I'm quite happy with the Medians and Pahalva. After my initial gift of territory to Pahlava in the north and tricking Media into war with AS I just let them do what they will. The territory conquered between the last two chapters was all the work of the AI. I didn't want to fight another Hellenistic power, so I'm glad that AS is dying. Now I can expand eastward and fight eastern armies.

I'm sure the title to the next chapter is incorrect Greek grammer, but you got the basic meaning...

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-16-2008, 19:09

Wow, the best chapter since long. Don't get me wrong, they were all quite good, but this one especially pleased me, I guess that might have something to do with the Median, Baktrian and Pahlavan empires...

Look, I revamped my lvl 3 government in my own Mak campaign to a Seleukid style semiautonomous satrapy. Do you plan on changes in that direction? The old Nomos Symmachos Emphrouros is kinda out of date.

https://img300.imageshack.us/img300/1520/114koilesyriadiehalbauthc7.jpg

:yes::yes::yes:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-16-2008, 19:25

Actually I did have a government revamp in mind. But a complete redoing of the entire government of the Arche Makedonia. Mainly, I plan to create provinces. I'll go into it more when I get to it in the story. But, my plan is to make Type2 provinces, that are directly controlled by Makedonia and the Basileus. Type3s do double work as Satrapies (ranging from semi-autonomous satrapies to simply regions with differing cultures) and military controled regions. As for Type1s, I was thinking of redesigning them as my "core" rather than my "homeland" and giving Type1s to all of Makedonia, Thraikia, Epeiros, Hellas, the Aegean, and maybe Ionia. I also planned a complete revamp of my military and government. I haven't yet played to a point of doing all of this, but it is a plan in the head of Philippos (keeping with the Augustus-like image I have of him). Lets see if he lives to fulfill this.

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-16-2008, 21:03

Can't wait to see this executed!

Reverend Joe

10-16-2008, 23:26

Man, you're hardly even playing EB anymore... :dizzy2:

tls5669

10-17-2008, 05:53

Those poor Seleucids, always had a soft spot for them :(

Pfft AS.

My poor carthage.....:no:

Maion Maroneios

10-17-2008, 12:25

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-17-2008, 17:30

Is that all possible, I mean can you change government types during a campaign, as well as regions with homeland and/or expansion indicators? I've tried the latter and found out that the changes don't work for ongoing campaigns.

Maion
I did not change the markers. What I did was the following (after MAAs suggestions a few months ago):

in EDB, exchange the requirements for gov2 with these for gov3 so that both have the identical requirements. This allows you to build your satrapies everywhere, just limit yourself ;)
modify the effects of gov3 so that they have the same happiness penalty and tax bonus as the seleukid gov3.
in EB/data/text, edit export_buildings.txt for the description.
That works for me. :yes:

Cbvani

10-17-2008, 18:34

Agreed, you aren't really playing EB anymore. I don't know what your playing exactly, but it is very very cool.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-17-2008, 21:56

Yeah, just changing the area you can deploy governments and the bonuses can make them a whole new government.

I'm still playing on an EB base. There's still the government system and stat system. It's more of a mod for EB... I wish I could add units and be savegame compatible, though, I'm running out of models that work for what I want. By the way, I recently gave myself Pantodapoi Phalangitai and African Elephants.

Hey Centurio, whatever happened to your AAR? It sounds like you've got a good campaign with some interesting role playing there that would make a good AAR.

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-18-2008, 01:04

Hey Centurio, whatever happened to your AAR? It sounds like you've got a good campaign with some interesting role playing there that would make a good AAR.
Yeah, I have a fairly nice empire atm and a really cool alexander-esque King Antiochos, a really smart guy with god-like general's abilities... I implemented many of what you said, I made Thorakitai recruitable, enabled Klerouchoi through the real Klerouchiai, changed the government and at the moment I'm planning on making Kataphraktoi recruitable soon (though I don't think they are THAT fantastic).

Making an AAR is incredibly much work. English is not my mother tongue. I take screenshots of every battle and every worthwile occurence. After I have some 800 - 900 screens, I'm going through the screens, writing every notable occurence and virtually every battle down in a word document, 14 pages atm for 65 years. I try to rename every screenshot with its correct year, event and location. This is very much work, but the upside is that I have a complete history of my empire since 272.

So I'm thinking on what I could do about my campaign. Writing down the complete history in some kind of fact-sheet? Who would read that? This is only interesting for me. I'd be thankful if you had an idea on what I could make of my campaign. A mid-game AAR? A late game-AAR? Is it already late enough for a late game-AAR? :laugh4: I don't know. :shrug:

Maion Maroneios

10-18-2008, 13:38

Ibn-Khaldun

10-18-2008, 19:51

Was that EB 1.1 map before?

From where could I get it? I think in the EB website you still have an older version of the map.

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-18-2008, 20:53

I see. Thanks for the information, Centurio! I have also found another way of gaining ''homeland'' provinces, namely creating a small script which creates the forementioned building and destroys the old ''expansion'' one. As for editing descriptions and such, I've found that out as well.

Anyway, I think this will make a very nice twist in my AAR when I reunite Alexandros' empire. I may make some sort of ''Makedonian Reform'' script for public usage is I experiment enough, we'll see :-P

Maion
Sounds very interesting. Do you think that would work for an ongoing campaign? Would be awesome! Sadly I have absolutely no knowledge on scripting.

I should also warn you of a minor issue, when recently a new gov3 was built, the "new buildings built" scroll of the turn-beginning told me "WARNING: This baseline description should never appear on screen" regarding my new government. I don't know why, all I know is that it apparently works.

Was that EB 1.1 map before?

From where could I get it? I think in the EB website you still have an older version of the map.
What map are you talking of? I'll send you a 1.1 map with edited province boundaries in Iberia if you like.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-18-2008, 22:29

Centurio Nixalsverdrus, it does sound like you've got a good campaign going there. You could make an overview AAR that just gives the general story at a rapid pace, though it would be a shame to waste all of those pictures you've taken. Personally, I like seeing empires develop and would read an AAR even if it just a list of events that result in a great empire. If you want, you could even do an overview and then start up a mid/late game AAR. Though, if writting up an AAR isn't that much fun for you, you shouldn't force yourself.

As for that error... The descriptions for buildings have three entries, one for the name, one for the description, and one for the short description. If one of those entries is missing, it will give that default error message. You may have deleted or made a typo (missing space or something) with the short description making it revert to the default error message.

Ibn-Khaldun, if you are talking about the map that I drew on, that was in one of the pre-v1.0 previews. It is the "v0.9" map and there were a few tiny changes since then. Someone made an altered map, but I don't know where to find it. Though, I'd like to get that map for myself, as well.

Ibn-Khaldun

10-19-2008, 13:39

Centurio Nixalsverdrus, I was talking about this map:

https://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5679/ebmap090antiqueambi2mf7.png

But, if you could send me that 1.1 map of yours then I would really appreciate it! :bow:

Maion Maroneios

10-19-2008, 15:54

Centurio: It does. The only problem is that it creates a homeland province every turn, so I'll stick to your way.
Maion

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-19-2008, 18:49

Allright.

Charles the hammer

10-19-2008, 23:02

Ive read this AAR since the beginning and i would just like to say it is one of if not the best AARs Ive ever read. I can't wait to see what comes next.:2thumbsup:

Maion Maroneios

10-19-2008, 23:13

Not only I agree with you, but I believe this AAR is the best there is. I honestly have never read a better one. I just wish it could go on forever!

Maion

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-22-2008, 06:28

Thanks guys. And so it continues...
\/

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-22-2008, 06:29

Chapter 79 : Eremos Odysseia

After the end of the Third Ptolemaic War, the city of Bostra and regions around it had fallen into the hands of the Arche Makedonia. Because of the low population of the region, it had been heavily settled by klerouchoi. Unknown to the masses of selttlers, it had long been coveted by the Kingdom of Sab'yn. The Kingdom of Sab'yn of southern Arabia had fought the Ptolemaioi for the trans-Jordan area and Nabataea for years and when the Arche Makedonia took the region, they saw it as simply the same thing as the Ptolemaioi.

In the years before the civil war, Chrysoloras Delphikos had assisted his father in defending the city of Bostra and surrounding lands from what was nearly a yearly assault by armies of the Kingdom of Sab'yn. When the Makedonike Civil War had began, the Delpikos family had tried to remain in control of Bostra, but siding with Pyrrhos cost them. Under attack from both Sab'yn and the Demetrids, the Delphikos family moved out of Bostra and into the Pyrrhos-friendly client-state of Ioudaia. Bostra was subsequently lost by the Demetrids to the Kingdom of Sab'yn.

During the war, Chrysoloras Delphikos and his father had taken the few klerouchoi that chose to leave their homes near Bostra and added to it many mercenaries. After the death of his father, Chrysoloras formed an army and took the fight to the Demetrids. As the war drew to a close, Chrysoloras gained fame from taking Phoenicia as well as the city of Damaskos.

During the civil war, Pyrrhos had made peace with the Kingdom of Sab'yn and had allowed them to keep the territory taken from the Demetrids, but that was not enough for them. Seeking to become a true empire, the Arabian armies marched against the Arche Makedonia. With the outbreak of war, Chrysoloras sees his chance. Grasping at this opportunity to take revenge on his old enemies, Chrysoloras Delphikos gathers his army and marches against them. With the city of Bostra already secured by Herodes of Bosphoria, Chrysoloras takes his army south to take the fight to the enemy.

Chrysoloras himself is decent commander and leader. From his father he learned all he knows of warfare, especially the importance of field position and the advantage of defending. Most importantly he knows his enemy. After fighting and defeating so many Sab'yn armies in his youth, he knows how they fight, what weapons they use, and even how they think. Seeking to better know his enemy, Chrysoloras even learns a little bit of their language. Against the Kingdom of Sab'yn, Chrysoloras is prepared. Against the Demetrids, he was lucky. Against a different enemy, he would probably have been a poor general. But this is the war he has been waiting for since he was a child. He will make his father proud and make the Kingdom of Sab'yn suffer.

Soon after beginning his march southward, Chrysoloras and his men come upon an army of Arabia marching northerward. Taking the initiative, Chrysoloras attacks first:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3631/maa3555vt8.png

Although the army of Sab'yn are defending, it is Chrysoloras who manages to get the higher ground, and even manages to trick his enemy into coming to him.

From the safety of the hill, the mercenary archers rain down death:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9363/maa3557nk0.png

Rather than charge their whole army into a line of sarrisas, the army of Sab'yn sends a small diversionary force toward the center while the bulk of the first wave attacks the Makedonike left flank:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1936/maa3558yy3.png

While an inactive second wave of Arabs watch, Chrysoloras circles his cavalry around the battle and charges the rear of the fight on the left flank:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1605/maa3559ry7.png

The enemy break from the fear of the cavalry and many loose their lives while trying to flee.

Seeing the losses of the first wave, the second wave of the army of Sab'yn is hesitant to charge forward. Instead, they attempt to skirmish with cavalry, but are no challenge for the superior range of Chrysoloras' mercenary archers:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4575/maa3561dg6.png

With no activity from the enemy and with his men growing hot and tired under the direct sun, Chrysoloras decides he must make the move and moves his men down from the hill and brings the fight to the Arabs. As the main line moves forward, a small group breaks off from the army of Sab'yn and charges once again into the left flank. The Makedonike cavalry outflanks and attacks but they too are soon outflanked:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/8055/maa3563ff8.png

At the same time, the elite forces of Sab'yn charge the center of the phalangitai line, forcing them to halt:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5127/maa3565ze9.png

The elites overestimate the fighting skill of their forces on the flank and soon find the forces they thought tied down charging them from the rear:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5056/maa3567wy9.png

Then, with an order from Chrysoloras, the center of the line drops their sarrisas and charges in at the elites with their swords:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2310/maa3568wv4.png

General Far'am Ali Yanuf falls dead soon after and his army surrenders:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3457/maa3570hq3.jpg

The army of Sab'yn disbands and flees into the hills. As Chrysoloras and his men once again prepare to move south again, they hear that the city of Petra has fallen to the Romaioi. They move to the city to resupply but instead find it without an army or garrison. This event causes a delay in Chrysoloras' plan but after raising a small local garrison from the locals who are loyal to Makedonia (it had been part of the Arche Makedonia for many years), he and his army continue southward into the desert.

Following the coast, Chrysoloras moves into territory claimed by the Kingdom of Sab'yn and begins raiding towns and villages. About half way between Petra and the heart of Sab'yn territory, Chrysoloras meets with another enemy army, but this one is quite small:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2760/maa3520qk8.png

The two armies meet on a parched plain and begin skirmishing:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/1629/maa3521ge8.png

The Sab'yn general then sends a small group forward to test the Makedonike line:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5517/maa3522jb3.png

Finding the Makedonike battle line stronger than he expects, the general orders a retreat and the small army of Sab'yn turns to flee back into the desert:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/3305/maa3523yb2.png

Chrysoloras orders his cavalry to give pursuit to the enemy and has his infantry return to their camp. As night sets in, the cavalry return and report that they have killed many of the routers. Unfortunately, many of Chrysoloras' cavalry are lost in the fights as well:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/8687/maa3525gc9.png

Without any further resistance, Chrysoloras and his army continues south and manage to take control of a major coastal city. Here, Chrysoloras is able to get some supplies and manages to send word back of his success, requesting reinforcements and reporting that he will move inland and try to take some of the major cities:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8182/maa3589zu5.png

With reports of a large army returning from a planned attack on Petra, Chrysoloras leaves the port city and heads back inland. Perhaps due to delaying too long in the city or maybe since the enemy can simply move quicker in the desert, the army that had been returning from the north manages to return all the way home and attacks Chrysoloras. Assisted by a couple small local forces, the large Sab'yn army tries to finish off Chrysoloras once and for all:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5959/maa3599ss9.png

Once again, the two forces line up on a desert plain and face eachother:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6640/maa3600ux8.png

While the bulk of the enemy hits the center of the Makedonike line, an elite Sab'yn force encircles the right flank, which Chrysoloras counters with the cavalry:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4410/maa3601ls2.png

Fighting in much of the same ways they had in previous battle, with many waves of attacks, the battle lasts a good part of a day. With their forces constantly breaking and regrouping, the Arabs manage to hold on longer than expected but are eventually defeated through attrition:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4558/maa3604pq1.jpg
[I don't know why I don't have more pics from that battle.]

With these armies defeated, the way into the heart of Sab'yn territory is clear. Defeating every army sent against him, Chrysoloras has only to take what he has earned. So, he orders what is left of his army to attack the city of Carna:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/7695/maa3616wo0.png

While Chrysoloras besieges Carna, several events unfold just to the west. Two armies are assembled in Aigyptos, an elite army in Alexandreia and a levied force in upper Aigyptos. The second force is assembled on Chrysoloras request and by Philippos' order and is to be sent to reinforce the war in Arabia. A fleet is also built and sent overland to the [Red] sea to help supply Makedonike forces that are fighting along both sides of the sea. In his desert camp, word also reaches Chrysoloras that war has broken out on the Nubian border and Philippos has invaded territory belonging to Ptolemai VII.

Chrysoloras does not have much time to rest in his camp, however. Within a half year, a small reinforcement army arrives and attacks Chrysoloras Delphikos and his men while General Hayu Yahzib sallies forth from the city of Carna:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/643/maa3617wu1.png

Planning ahead for this eventual battle, Chrysoloras is able to once again gain the better battle position and awaits the two separate Sab'yn forces:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4686/maa3618rl8.png

The forces of Sab'yn attempt the exact same tactic that had been seen in every previous battle and attack in two waves. Once again, the first wave heads for the left flank:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/15/maa3619nk9.png

Expecting this, Chrysoloras had deployed the bulk of his peltastai forces to the left flank. These peltastai manage to hold the enemy:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/8237/maa3620th8.png

The second Sab'yn force then attacks the center of the line, personally lead by General Hayu Yahzib and his elites:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1741/maa3623tb6.png

While the bulk of the enemy are fighting in the center or on the left flank, Chrysoloras leads his cavalry around his own right flank to attack the enemy from behind. Charging parallel to the battle line, the cavalry flows through and wipes out all the Sab'yn light infantry:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3079/maa3624hc2.png

With the reserve forces dealt with, the battle line breaks formation and surrounds the few elites still standing:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9296/maa3627jc6.png

Soon even General Hayu Yahzib is dead and the city is forced to surrender to Chrysoloras:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6708/maa3628pi3.jpg

With the taking of this city, Chrysoloras completes his conquest of the western coast of Arabia. All the way from Petra to the walls of the capital of the Kingdom of Sab'yn itself, the Arche Makedonia exerts its authority. Not only does the Arche Makedonia gain the ports and cities of western Arabia but dominates its people and takes control of its holy sites:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3889/maa3630ik6.png

...including an important pilgrimage site to what is believed to be a stone from the heavens:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/6789/maa3629mv3.png

The coastal regions are mostly secured but the city of Carna itself is deeply contested. Before Chrysoloras can even set up a government in the city, it comes under attack by two large armies of the Kingdom of Sab'yn, pulled from their eastern front:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5125/maa3632mq4.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in152BC:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1756/hxmak1522editqe0.png

Next: Chapter 80 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War

Maion Maroneios

10-22-2008, 12:40

Great update as always, MAA!

Maion

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-22-2008, 20:56

Great update! I'm currently doing the exact same thing in my campaign at the moment. I want to conquer the Persian Gulf area, but I'm not sure what I want to take from western Arabia. I think I will just destroy everything in the Saba heartland and then head back. They are so pesky. If you position your army on a hill, with phalanxes at the front and archers atop the hill, they suffer 30% casualties before even reaching your line. I find the Sabeans to be an exceedingly thankful enemy.

Reverend Joe

10-22-2008, 21:26

I hear the unrest in the Arabian areas is a real bitch, though.

Maion Maroneios

10-22-2008, 23:58

It is, but there are means to counter it. Hellenistic faction have good happiness buildings.

Maion

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-23-2008, 01:30

Thanks Maion Maroneios, Centurio Nixalsverdrus.

I haven't had any problems with unrest as of yet, but thats because the population is so low and I have such a large army stationed in the city. Basileus Philippos V has no plans to take all of Arabia or to hold onto any of it. Right now, I'm just roleplaying Chrysoloras' situation as it goes. I think I'll end up abandoning the area after dealing a good deal of damage to Saba, then go back north. I may eventually take and hold Arabia, but I plan to deal with Numidia, Iberia, and Persia first. Looks like I'm going to get to fight two strong eastern factions for Persia, too. :2thumbsup:

Aemilius Paulus

10-23-2008, 02:55

Your commitment to your AAR is truly legendary. Just about every AAR I know ended prematurely or was somewhat left unfinished. How long are you planning to carry along this one? Any spoilers to what territories are next in the path of your mighty armies? You don't really have to answer these questions, but I guess you can if you want to.

I always wished you would take on the northern Gallic and Germanic tribes sometime during your campaign, even though it is historically inaccurate. Then again, I doubt the Makedonians ever had the slightest ambitions to conquer Iberia as you have done.

Chaotix

10-23-2008, 03:27

Wow. The next chapter will be number 80. I think is AAR is now officially ancient! :laugh4:
It's got more chapters than most books! You've been writing this AAR since I started playing EB back a year or so ago in .81x! And you've got no plans to stop just yet. Awesome. Keep it up, MAA, let's see this baby get up to chapter 100!

:balloon2::balloon::balloon3: :balloon2::balloon::balloon3::balloon2::balloon:

I would give you 80 balloons, but the server won't let me. :tongue:

Aemilius Paulus

10-23-2008, 06:10

:balloon2::balloon::balloon3: :balloon2::balloon::balloon3::balloon2::balloon:

I would give you 80 balloons, but the server won't let me. :tongue:

Wow, wow, wow, slow down man! You're inflating the currency! Balloons are valuable objects in .Org forums, and you must give them out carefully an grudgingly. Just look at what's happening to the real world currencies nowadays and maybe that would make you think!

You're still right Chaotix27, MAA deserves even more than that. However, because I am a greedy bastard, both right now and in real life, I will only give you one balloon: :balloon2:. Great AAR, MAA, keep it up!

Maion Maroneios

10-23-2008, 12:00

I can't stand it! Everyone gives out balloons exceot me... Well, here are 2 from me::balloon: :balloon3:
HA!

Maion

Lysimachos

10-23-2008, 13:47

Taking out the Sabaens completely would mean there's no one left to attack from that direction and as it is virtually impossible to have execute complete control over arabia that wouldn't be the right thing, would it? :beam:

General Appo

10-23-2008, 14:48

Finally the Sab´yn are punished for their repeated attacks on Makedonike peaceful kleruchoi in Nabataia.

And yeah, it looks like you´ve got two Persian mini-empires on your hands right now.

satalexton

10-23-2008, 15:22

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-23-2008, 18:48

Thanks everyone.

Ever since I started this campaign, my plan had been to spread to the Indus River. The Romans and Carthaginians kind of side tracked me for a century, though. I don't really have plans for northern Europe, though I might take just a little bit more of Gaul, especially if the Aedui finally come out on top (I don't want them to be too strong).

I'm glad that there are actually two eastern factions in the west. I was growing tired of fighting Hellenistic armies. Too bad the Medians field so many Pantodapoi Phalangitai, though. I had hoped that Pahlava and Media would fight eachother and one end up coming out on top, but their alliance holds strong. With only little effort from me, Pahlava went from a rebelling Nisa to a power that could challenge even me in only about a decade.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with Arabia. I'll probably pull out for now and come back after taking some or all of Persia. Right now I only plan to conquer and hold the "Maka" area of Arabia, so that I might control the Persian Guld, and then leave the rest of Arabia to Saba.

General Appo

10-23-2008, 19:20

So unless something unexpected occurs we can expect to see a Makedonia-Median war soon? Well, after the Sab´yn and Nubians have been dealt with of course. Looking forward to the 5th Ptolemaic war, it´s about time you deal them pesky bastard enough damange to deter future attacks.
Personally I think a conquest of Erythraia would be wholy justified and seriously hamper the Nubians economy. Taking Kush and Dra´amat might be a bit too much, but of course it´s up to you.

gamegeek2

10-24-2008, 01:20

:balloon2: just to overflow you with them.

Could you plz kill off the Luso? They are mud on beautiful Iberia. Then enable Dosidataskeli and recruit them minimally (keep it historical) and ship them to the east, thus enabling Thorakitai Argyraspidai. C'mon, it'll be really cool!

You could use FD to make Parthia and Media fight. That'd be cool - meanwhile wipe out Ptollies. And maybe send some Iberians to Numidia.

General Appo

10-24-2008, 02:16

I don´t know, personally I kinda like the almost defeated Luso´s. Plus, those mountain tribes are real tough to subdue. The Romans had to leave them for decades after taking the rest of Iberia, and never really subdued them. In all times, during Gothic invasion, Muslim ones, Spains unification and even Napoleons invasion everyone has had a hard time subduing them. Heck, even now a days lots of people still fight (or at least wish) for their "freedom".
But yeah, if they say start raiding the territory of the Arche Makedonia, a punitive expedition to take maybe 1 or 2 regions wouldn´t be all too bad.

Btw, I forget, are they still named Luso´s, or have you changed the name?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-24-2008, 02:44

I'm wasn't planning on starting any wars, but in the end nearly all of my neighbors end up attacking me. For now, my plan is to conquer coastlines all around the Arche Makedonia and get control of as many seas as I can.

I was thinking of forcing a fight in the east, but for now I'm just going see what they end up doing on their own.

Philippos fought the Iberians for a long time and has plans to go back there and fight them again, if he lives that long. I don't really plan on completely wiping them out just yet. That is unless they force me to by being annoying, but they are mostly quiet right now. I think being divided in Iberia and Ireland at the same time stalled them. For now Lusotannia is still called "The Iberian Confederacy" but represents those two different factions.

On the subject of recruitment, I was trying to make a couple units to represent foreign Thorakitai units but couldn't do it with just two. Instead I've managed to make three different types of Thorakitai divided by the old continents: Europa, Asia, & Lybia. I have some giant reforms for the Arche Makedonia in mind, but I don't know how long it will be before I'll be able to actually implement them.

General Appo

10-24-2008, 03:10

Sounds wonderful. Really looking forward to the hopefully eventual conquest of coastal Mauretania and Maeotis. A greek colony suffering under the hands of barbaric nomads...despicable.

gamegeek2

10-24-2008, 11:36

Numidia seems like an interesting person to be alive, but maybe you could send Iberians to wipe them out. Sure, keep Luso alive, but don't let them get too powerful.

I don't mean to sound demanding.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-25-2008, 04:22

Tanais is a really annoying situation for me. I really want to conquer it, but I don't want to go to war with the Sarmatians (my allies). It is their capital, so I can't buy it from them and no matter what I do, I can't seem to get it to rebel. I'm going to have to do something really complex just to take the stupid city.

I'm hoping that the loss of the coast will make Numidia/Mauretania go silent or at least slow their attacks. If not, I'm going to have to crush them somehow.

General Appo

10-25-2008, 09:17

Both Sala and Kirtan are valid raid-targets if you ask me. Especially Sala, so close to the coast. Even Garama could probably be okay, I mean, the Romans got all the way down there, so it should be relatively plausible for the Arche Makedonia to do the same.

Don´t know what to do about Tanais though. Taking it and FD´ing back an alliance would work, but would probably require some heavy role-playing to explain why the Sauro´s just went back to being your friend.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-28-2008, 05:55

Chapter 80 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War (Part I)

During the same period of time in which Chrysoloras Delphikos waged war with the Kingdom of Sab'yn, Basileus Philippos V suppressed the rebel forces in Aigyptos. After several years of fighting, the rebels had been completely vanquished and Philippos manages to push the borders of the Arche Makedonia to the edge of Nubia.

During the Makedonike Civil War and the war against rebel Aigpytos, the Ptolemaic dynasty, usurper kings of the Kingdom of Meroe, had been allies of Pyrrhos and Philippos. For some time, they had fought against the Demetrids and then the rebels. The Ptolemaioi had hoped to take more territory in upper Aigyptos but had never formed a capible invasion force. By the time Ptolemai VII had finally assembled his armies, Philippos V had already occupied all of upper Aigyptos.

It is debated whether Ptolemai VII gave the order or the Nubian generals in the field decide on their own, but once in upper Aigyptos, the armies of Meroe weren't simply going to turn around and go home. Prepared for some kind of attack, Philippos had moved his army outside the city and set up camp in the fertile regions near the river. One day, just above the river on the dry hills, the army of Philippos meets with the armies of Meroe:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8323/maa3593uk8.png

Ptolemai VII had managed to levy huge numbers of troops to fill his armies and fuel his intended conquest. However, Ptolemai VII was a foreign usurper of the throne and many of the Nubian elites had refused to go to war for him. This left the armies of Meroe with a shortage of heavy infantry. The bulk of the forces from Meroe were simply poorly trained, poorly equiped peasant recruits.

This unarmored mass of men are easy prey to the deadly accurate arrows of Philippos' archers:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5637/maa3595rw0.png

Although the infantry simply charged Philippos' line, the Nubian cavalry surprise the flank guards when they charge in at the left side of the archer line:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3470/maa3596zu8.png

Although it is a surprise, the heavy infantry of Philippos' army quickly cut through the cavalry on the flank and the infanty in the center. The army of Makedones do not even tire before their enemy is fleeing to the south.

Philippos orders his men to retain their positions and soon the second Nubian army is upon them:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7370/maa3597qm1.png

This smaller army doesn't even last as long as the first and brakes for the south, like those before them. While the first army is nearly destroyed in this battle, the second army manages to get away with the bulk of their forces intact to rejoin their comrades to the south:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3081/maa3598ry7.jpg

Whatever the cause of the attack, Ptolemai VII now has to endorse the attack as his own and declare full war. The only thing worse than attacking an ally would have been admitting he had lost control of his own army. Now both Philippos V and Ptolemai VII have to fight this war and only one can come out on top. For Ptolemai, this means the chance regain Aigyptos. For Philippos, this means the chance to restore the old borders of the Arche Makedonia to where they once were or beyond.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While Philippos' army prepares for yet another war, Philippos travels to Alexandreia to better manage the Arche. News reaches him of events from around the known world. First of all, he hears of the conquests of Chrysoloras Delphikos in Arabia and grants his request for a reinforcement army, which is to be comprised of mostly natives from Aigyptos.

News also comes that Euphrantos in Pella has gained an ever greater personal wealth for himself, no doubt through corruption and theft:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1207/maa3605rr7.jpg

With every passing year, Euphrantos becomes a greater disappointment to the royal family. Under the unattentivel watch of Euphrantos, the noble council of Makedonia has been gaining greater power and are once again in the position to choose a new Basileus if they wish it so. But for now the family of Pyrrhos serves their purpose. This is a fact the Philippos is well aware of. He has his own plans to deal with those who may someday oppose him.

In Syria, Sotades too has gained a great personal wealth, but his by trade profits and by managing a prosperous territory:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7132/maa3634xo2.jpg

In Demetreia, Sotades continues to repair the damages of the civil war and add to the great city. Around this time, a great theater is completed that sets the city apart from all the other cities in the east, save Seleukeia:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1055/maa3607yp0.jpg

Sotades also oversees a build up in military power in Syria. Building upon the remains of the Demetrid defectors, Sotades raised a force of kataphraktoi...
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1944/maa3613hd4.png

...and hippotoxotai:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7003/maa3612qx1.png

Together, these units made up a huge army of cavalry that could challenge any eastern power at their own game, but for now they are but an experiment in warfare:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4343/maa3611qn7.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Before heading up the Neilos, Philippos witnesses the marriage of his third child, a daughter, to a noble from Makedonia. Like the previous man to marry one of his daughters, he has social standing but little skill. He is left to finish his education in Alexandreia:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4291/maa3614wd2.jpg

Leaving just after the feast, Philippos sails up the Neilos and takes command of his army. The army of Thorakitai then move into Nubia and beseige the old fort city of Pselkis:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6163/maa3609on0.png

This city had once been the site of many battles to defend the Arche Makedonia's southern borders during the reign of the Antigonids. Now, Philippos surrounds the city and corners the aging Ptolemai VII inside. With Nubian reinforcements coming from both the north and the south, Philippos prepares seige equipment and prepares to take the city by force.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In the following months, Philippos monitors the situation around the known world from his camp near the Neilos.

Word comes from the east that the Pahlava have grown to great size and though they are still allied to Media, no longer follow the direct orders of the Median Empire. In fact, the Pahlava now grow to such strength that they can directly challenge the Median Empire or even the Arche Makedonia, itself:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9558/maa3615cg0.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Of the sons of Pyrrhos, only one has a son of his own and that is Philippos with his son, Alypios. Though there is only one son in the next generation of the royal family, there were many daughters. Many years prior, Euphrantos had allowed his daughter to marry. After some time, word reaches Philippos that this nephew-in-law had won the games at Olympia. Not only is this man a great athlete, but a wise leader and administrator:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8695/maa3633eg9.jpg

Philippos sends word to this Zeuxis Proirnaios and requests that he handle the affairs of Makedonia while prevent the noble council from gaining too much power. So, while Euphrantos is still the official representative of the Basileus in Pella, Zeuxis begins to take actually control of the administrative affairs.

Just south of there, in Hellas, Laandros (brother of Philippos) becomes quite skilled at running the affairs of a territory:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/866/maa3658ik6.jpg

Philippos also sends word to Laandros during this period. Philippos tells his brother of the situation in Makedonia and warns him of the council, Euphrantos, or Zeuxis gaining too much power. With all of Hellas under his command, and more trusted by Philippos than Euphrantos or the extended family, Laandros is given permission to deal with any problems he may encounter in the core territories.

After the fall of Sparte during the Makedonike Civil War, a great deal had changed. Sparte had grown in size, with most of the new population being an influx of foreign Hellenes. Since the fall of the city, it had lost what little that was left of the old Sparte of legend. One event to emphase this is the construction of a Athenian-like school within Sparte, by Laandros:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5756/maa3637au2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Surrounded within the city of Pselkis, Ptolemai VII of the Ptolemaic dynasty...
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7828/maa3635oi9.png

...had only a tiny garrison to defend him and little hope of survival. When envoys come from Philippos demanding a surrender, Ptolemai does not even meet with them. From the walls of the city, Ptolemai can see the seige equipment of the army of Philippos and knows the city would fall. His son is still inside the Arche Makedonia and cannot reach him in time to relieve the siege.

Ptolemai VII has but one choice, to die with honor. Had he surrendered, with his son far from Meroe, there would be a contest for the throne of Meroe and it would fall away from the Ptolemaic dynasty. If Ptolemai VII were to die defending Nubian soil, he would be remembered with such fondness that his son could come to the throne before others could gain enough clout to claim it.

So, the city falls without much of a fight and Ptolemai VII falls with it. Arriving too late to save his father, Archagathos is informed that he is now Ptolemai VIII, king of Meroe and heir to the throne of Aigyptos:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1082/maa3636bb3.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While Ptolemai VIII returns to Meroe to be crowned king, Philippos' own son is on the move. With his education complete, Alypios had raised an army in Alexandreia and begun to move south, down the coast. With orders from this father, Alypios prepares to conquer the Nubian coast and cut off sea trade from Kush:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1193/maa3639ze4.png

Alypios' army had been raised in Aigyptos and is comprised of mostly swordsmen. Though they had had a short training time, neither the people of Aigyptos nor the Makedones who had settled there have a strong sword wielding tradition in such tactics. This act of raising men to fight in a tactic unfamiliar to them, would come back at Alypios later.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the same time, another man completes his education, the once Basileus Euktimenos of the Demetrid dynasty:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1031/maa3640vz2.png

With his education completed, Euktimenos requests some sort of task or assignment from the court at Pella. Seeking to get rid of this "problem" Euphrantos grants his request, even sending him eastward, where he once ruled.

In Demetreia, Sotades first hears of this only a month before Euktimenos arrives and is thus forced to hastily deal with the "problem" himself. Knowing it is far too dangerous to allow Euktimenos to remain in Demetreia, he is assigned to be a governor of a town in Assyria, where he can use Euktimenos' skills in administration.

Euktimenos is accompanied by a detachment of royal guards under direct orders of Sotades and whose loyalty to Philippos is assured. These men are not only tasked with defending Euktimenos from danger but with removing him if he himself becomes a danger. Although, for now it seems Euktimenos has forgotten the days when he could have been Basileus and is openly loyal to Philippos.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in152BC:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1756/hxmak1522editqe0.png

Next: Chapter 81 : Betrayed!

BerkeleyBoi

10-28-2008, 06:34

Whoa I want to see that cavalry army in action!

General Appo

10-28-2008, 09:30

[SIZE="5"][B][U]

https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4343/maa3611qn7.png

*drools* Amazing.

I don´t like the name of the next chapter, it could be so many different betrayals. Gauls, Getai, Medians, you never know. Heck, it could even be the Sauro.

Dutchhoplite

10-28-2008, 15:00

Or Euktimenos!

Tarkus

10-28-2008, 15:58

Whoa I want to see that cavalry army in action!

Agreed...that pic is incredible!

And I'm betting on a barbaric betrayal from the West...

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-29-2008, 01:48

Nice chapter and nice AI expansion, MAA.

https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1756/hxmak1522editqe0.png

In my game, the Romans killed off the Aedui and the game didn't inform me. Now the Romans have crushed all of Gaul in only very few years, although I weakened them. They exploded and crushed the whole Arverni empire which owned all of Gaul before them. The Lusos in turn, once on the verge of destruction, have conquered all of Spain. It's really frightening.

Did you ever thought of "learning" from the defeated Romans the art of building Viae Maiores? Is that possible to mod in? I think this would simply involve the addition of a "macedon" ownership in brackets? Please, I'd loooooooovvvvve to build a Syrian Highway in my campaign!

Aemilius Paulus

10-29-2008, 04:11

Very interesting chapter.

So, how do you manage to update your AAR so often? I have never seen a more regular AAR than yours. I commend your efforts.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-29-2008, 06:16

Thanks.

I've only used that cavalry army in the one battle with rebels those pictures are from. I plan on breaking the army apart and using divisions for various armies in the east but haven't been able to just yet. I may use them as a single united force one more time, though.

After writing that chapter, that seemed like the perfect title for the next chapter. :beam:

My AI expansion is in control now, but at the beginning I had a couple problems. In the beggining, the Aedui quickly came out on top in Gaul and invaded Germania while Sweboz did nothing. Meanwhile, Hayasdan invaded the steppes. I had to remove Aedui from Germany once and Hai from the steppes a couple times. Then the Romans when out of control and tried to expand northward, though this worked for me by letting me give all of the Roman Gallic territories to the Arverni and restoring balance. After the fall of Rome, I haven't really had any AI expansion problems, though I'm worried that the new Pahlava are going to expand too quickly.

I've actually already enabled highways for my faction, I'm just not using them. I completed the Italian system that had holes in it when I conquered the Romans but I just roleplayed that they built them. I also used highways in the Persian Royal Road territories, which you can see in some of my eastern screenshots. I've been debating when making an empire-wide system... maybe some new royal roads some time...

I try to update about once a week. I keep a pretty regular update but it isn't very rapid. Basically, it just takes me about a week to put a chapter together. Although, the next one is more than half done already and may come sooner.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-31-2008, 00:59

Chapter 81 : Betrayed!

During the mild winter of 152BC, Philippos takes the opportunity to gain favor with the local peoples of Aigyptos by spending the Arche Makedonia's treasury locally. Philippos repairs the damages done to political, historical, and religious sites along the southern regions of Aigyptos that border Nubia. Due to lack of funds under the Ptolemaioi these ancient sites had fallen into disrepair only to suffer again when the armies of Meroe withdrew and looted all they could along their way:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4145/maa3638bs5.jpg

Across the narrow sea from Aigyptos, Chrysoloras Delphikos also tries to win support from the local peoples. There is a bit support gained from amoungst those along the north-western coast of Arabia, but for now, Chrysolorars has bigger problems to deal with. Two armies of the Kingdom of Sab'yn wait outside the city of Carna. One tries to take the city by force:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6489/maa3641wy7.png

The large enemy army comes at the walls of the city with many pieces of siege equipment. Once in range, Chrysoloras orders his archers to light as many of them on fire as possible:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4703/maa3643dp7.png

After killing a great many Sab'yn soldiers before they can even reach the walls, the mercenary slingers are forced to put down their slings and defend themselves with their swords and daggers:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/674/maa3644iu7.png

With both ladders and towers, many Sab'yn troops manage to get atop the walls, but they suffer so many losses on the approach that Chrysoloras' mercenaries and Makedones maintain the upperhand:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7564/maa3648hk3.png

After staunchly defending the walls, Chrysoloras' phalangitai move out from the city and challenge the remaining Sab'yn forces to combat:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4682/maa3649kc9.png

Enemy General Sha'ram Ali Yanuf takes this challenge and forfeits his life to Chrysoloras' men:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9964/maa3650vb0.png

Chrysoloras' army crushes their enemy but take more losses than a stranded army, without reinforcements, can afford to take:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8537/maa3652je2.jpg

No sooner is Carna saved that it is once again besieged by enemy forces. Though one must wonder why this army did not come to the aid of the previous army in the battle a few days earlier. Surely combined the two armies could have taken the city, but they did not even attempt cooperation:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1319/maa3654sp0.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Along the eastern edge of the Arche Makedonia, lies the Median Empire. Prior to the civil war, Bykoli and Pefkolaos had nearly conquered all of Media and put an end to this attempt to reestablish Median glory of old. Just before their fall, luck smiled upon the Medians. Neokles died and left the throne of Makedonia to be claimed. After the withdrawl of Bykoli's amry, the Medians managed to rebuild and expand to challenge that glory of old.

During this time, Pyrrhos managed to get an alliance with Media against the Demetrids. Media then joined the alliance against the Arche Seleukiea. This alliance consisted of the Arche Makedonia, an alliance of eastern steppe tribes, Gandhara, and Media. All members hated the Arche Seleukeia and openly waged war with them. Once the civil war drew to a close, Philippos put great effort in maintaining peace on the eastern edge of the Arche Makedonia and had for a time. All things must come to an end, however:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6803/maa3653yl0.jpg

The betrayal had been planned for some time, seeing as Median forces were well prepared along their borders for and invasion. The Medians immediately cross into the lands of Babylonia and besiege the cities of Isidoros' Babylonian Kingdom:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4523/maa3700um4.png

With war between the two largest members, the Arche Makedonia and the Median Empire, and Gandhara long gone, the anti-Seleukid alliance falls to pieces. While the bulk eastern steppe tribes retain their alliance with the Arche Makedonia, the new Pahlava Empire breaks their alliance to Makedonia and sides with the Median Empire:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6904/maa3656cd9.jpg

Soon after, the Medians sign a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Sab'yn and return Maka to their control. This frees up the full force of the Kingdom of Sab'yn to fight Chrysoloras Delphikos, and eliminates a war for the Medians:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6112/maa3659ih6.jpg

Even with a new war on their west, the Medians continue their war to their east. Forces of Pahlava and Media push southward into the last core territories of the Arche Seleukeia remaining:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5118/maa3664aw0.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The war with Media is not only a political and military matter but an economic matter. From the east come many goods that pass through India, Baktria, Media, Babylonia, and Syria before passing into the markets of the Arche Makedonia. Most of these goods are luxury items such as silks, gems, and spices. However, one key trade item from the east has been the critical resource of tin from Baktria.

The Arche Seleukeia had been an ally of the Antigonids for a long time and had encouraged trade through their lands. This trade alliance had profitted both sides and even supplied the elephants that were now bred by the Arche Makedonia in Demetreia. During Aristotelis' war with the Arche Seleukeia, the supply trade goods and tin from Baktria had been cut off, but the rebel rulers of Baktria had managed to continue trading with the Arche Makedonia through the Arche Seleukeia for years. When that ruling family lost Baktria to invading nomads, the trade had been interupted but had managed to continued in some amount up until the Median invasion of Babylonia. Without the strength or will to stand up the the Median and Pahlava Empires, the new rulers of Baktria do not even try to maintain their trade with the Arche Makedonia.

With local reserves insignificant, the cost of tin and bronze within the Arche Makedonia climbs rapidly. This results in an increase in demand for iron, which subsequently increases in price as well. With great military plans for the future, Philippos cannot risk letting the cost of warfare increasing. This leaves Philippos searching for a new supply of tin or even iron.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In Aigyptos, many armies begin to move. Philippos returns with his army to Alexandreia, while the Grenideus family moves up the Neilos with a replacement force to defend Pselkis. Along the coast, Alypios moves against the old Ptolemiac colony of Ptolemais-Theron, now a thriving trade city. With the fall of this city and those around it, sea trade from Arabia to Meroe can nearly entirely be cut off and the economy choked:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6043/maa3660xk2.png

Philippos stays in Alexandreia only a short time and as soon as a Rhodian fleet arrives, sails westward along the coast of Lybia. To the west there are enemies of the Arche Makedonia who need to learn a lesson that only a Basileus can teach, though there are other reasons behind and western excursion:
https://img126.imageshack.us/img126/253/maa3661kc9.png

Another army leaves Aigpytos on a fleet, but this one heading eastward. An army of quickly levied men sails down the Arabian coast to help relieve the besieged forces of Chrysoloras Delphikos in southern Arabia:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4048/maa3662ie5.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 151BC:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/633/hxmak151editft5.png

Next: Chapter 82 : Hold the Walls

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

10-31-2008, 02:08

Don't tell me you are going to conquer the island of tin.

teh1337tim

10-31-2008, 04:50

conquar the smelly barbarians of the tins!!!
assist ur seleukid allies!! make them fight ur proxy thru ur treasury!!!
those medians must be crushed!!! send ur newly experimental horse archers back at them for their own game!!!

Cbvani

10-31-2008, 05:20

Reverend Joe

10-31-2008, 06:10

I thought there was iron in north Iberia.:book:

General Appo

10-31-2008, 12:36

Wait, is that a Makedonian army right there?

And I honestly hope you don´t take the Tin Islands, seems a bit...far-fetched to me. But the Numidians on the other hand, they must be destroyed. And then maybe Pyrrhus can return to Iberia to finish what he started.

Damn those Medians. I´m guessing the next chapter will feature an attack on Carna and Seleukeia.

satalexton

10-31-2008, 13:50

go east, and make a trade alliance (kinda liek that of the sassanids of later period) with teh mighty Sinae!

Dumbass

10-31-2008, 21:05

Kuningaz

10-31-2008, 22:26

Goddamnit why didnt I notice that this AAR is continues the Antigonids?:embarassed: However after reading the whole Phyrric part I must say this still keeps getting better:2thumbsup:

General Appo

10-31-2008, 22:32

Heheh, far fetched is it? But what if the Basileus is crazy?

There can be only one crazy Basileus. And if MAA wants a fight, he´ll get one. You have no idea how crazy Pyrrhos (the real one, AKA mine) can get, but if MAA goes to the Tin Island...well, you´ll just have to wait and see.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

10-31-2008, 23:54

Britain would indeed be hard to hold with Pella as my capital. I have some plans for what is to come, but I won't spoil it yet. I am going to try to use trade and resources as more of a roleplaying point to keep gameplay interesting.

General Appo, Makedonian army right where? If you mean the picture of Persis, then yes. I used that army to kill all of the garrisons of the towns I gave to Pahalva when I recreated them. After that the army wandered Seleukid territory acting like a spy and keeping me up to date with eastern expansion.

Thanks, Kuningaz, nice to see you again.

teh1337tim

11-01-2008, 05:59

imo you should conquar ur border cities and build them up a little then gift them to seleukids...useful to have a buffer against the eastern asian people.. like pahlava baktria etc...
Lol you should go to ireland... i mean why not...carthage went there and established colonies for tin!

General Appo

11-01-2008, 08:39

Lol you should go to ireland... i mean why not...carthage went there and established colonies for tin!

Ummmm....what?

Reverend Joe

11-01-2008, 19:35

Ummmm....what?

I also read an article in a magazine -- I think it was National Geographic or something like that, which really freaked me out -- that some people claim to have found pottery evidence that Carthaginians were trading with South Americans at one point.

Apparently Carthage is the new Atlantis.

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-01-2008, 19:48

Britain would indeed be hard to hold with Pella as my capital. I have some plans for what is to come, but I won't spoil it yet. I am going to try to use trade and resources as more of a roleplaying point to keep gameplay interesting.
Cap for distance to capital is 80%, so it should be OK. But right you are in your hesitancy, for it will be me who conquers Britain for Makedonia. Sometime. Maybe.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-01-2008, 22:24

The Phoenicians/Carthage traded up the Atlantic coast as far as Britain but never really set up any true colonies out there. They also traded down the African coast, but it is almost impossible for them to have made it to the Americas. Not impossible to do so, just extrememly unlikely.

General Appo

11-01-2008, 22:30

Yeah, I know they traded with the Brits, though most of the trade would likely have gone through middle-men first. But yes, I know the Carthies had set foot on the Brittish Isles, but the notion of Carthaginian colonies there just struck me as so absurd. Maybe it isn´t all that absurd, but it was presented as undisputed fact.

And yes, it is extremely unlikely they went to America. But heck, they probably went south of the equator, so who knows. We can´t be sure.

But anyway, when did this become about Carthaginian colonies around the globe? I want a new chapter!

Maion Maroneios

11-01-2008, 23:26

Well, the Greeks even went as far as ''Esperia'', or America as they called it. Greek coins have been found there, just do a quick net search and you'll come across it. That's why I see no reason the Phoenicians wouldn't be able to do so, as advanced in trade as they where.

Maion

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-02-2008, 00:09

I know they were in Sri Lanka and probably in SE Asia as well, but America? The coins could have been lost by a numismatist, mind you. :inquisitive:

General Appo

11-02-2008, 09:36

This thread is getting wierder by the minute.

Maion Maroneios

11-02-2008, 10:58

The coins could have been lost by a numismatist, mind you. :inquisitive:
Maybe, but then again it is up to each of us to make conclusions. Anyway, we are getting off-topic so I guess we should get back to the point :-P

Maion

Kuningaz

11-02-2008, 19:13

Hm I doubt Carthage would have ever come to America, but as far as it concerns EB, my Quarthadastim DO have trade colonies on the island of tin:laugh4:

Dumbass

11-02-2008, 20:02

I think the Semurians were the first civilisation to travel to the Americas.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-02-2008, 21:41

To get this thread back on topic, kind of, here:
I've been trying to mod units again, for an eventual reform, and I've made these guys:
The Hellenistic Thorakitai:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7590/maa3966ts0.png
(Very little change)

The Sword Thorakitai:
https://img391.imageshack.us/img391/6169/maa3967gy7.png
(Pontic guys, but I wanted them to look less eastern.)

Lybian (African) Thorakitai:
https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/7056/maa3968kn0.png
(Had to disable a mercenary unit to be able to recruit these guys.)

Asian (Eastern) Thorakitai:
https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/9543/maa3969ri0.png
(Eastern Avxilia with a less roman looking tunic.)

And finally, what happens when you forget the merge layers before saving a skin: :clown:
https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/2521/maa3970kp0.png
(I'm going to have to completely restart my work on these guys.)

Maion Maroneios

11-02-2008, 23:43

Nice looking units there, MAA! Especially the last one!:laugh4:

Maion

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-03-2008, 00:43

These look all badass. :whip:

Dutchhoplite

11-03-2008, 09:14

https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/2521/maa3970kp0.png

A Ghost army!

http://i.fokzine.net/s/redface.gif

Europe

11-03-2008, 16:20

You should utilize that ghost army to create a Halloween teamed chapter! :laugh4:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-08-2008, 05:15

Chapter 82 : Hold the Walls

After bypassing the armies of Ptolemai VIII on the far side of the coastal mountains, Alypios---heir to the throne of Makedonia---moves his armies south to besiege the city of Ptolemais-Theron, setting up his camp on the southern side of the city:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7207/maa3663ym8.png

Alypios' army is the only army in the Arche Makedonia currently on the the offensive. Although, in many regions along the borders, garrisons are forced to defend themselves from raids or invasions from foreign forces. To the north, borders remain quiet. The Getic Confederation continues its long lasting peace with Makedonia and the keltoi simply fight amoungst themselves. In Iberia, the Iberians finally begin to recover from their war with Makedonia and start to re-arm. In Lybia (N Africa) the Numidians and Mauretanians continue to raid regions controlled by the Arche Makedonia but only manage to gather a united force to attack the city of Hippone. Along the steppes, things remain quiet.

The true conflict remains to the east. The Median Empire attempts to conquer Babylonia and the Kingdom of Saba tries to reclaim their lost territory on the west coast of Arabia:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2761/maa3665oy4.png

Chrysoloras Delphikos must lead his men in the defense of the occupied city of Carna. With a large force of archers and slingers who are safe atop sturdy walls and facing the lightly armored Arab forces, the task is simple. Quickly the ram is set on fire and many enemies fall dead as they approach the walls:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4322/maa3667aw4.png

With ladders and towers, the Sab'yn get upon the walls of Carna and force Chrysoloras' phalangitai to defend the walls with sword and shield:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/336/maa3669cu7.png

The main enemy force attacking from the west is quickly wiped out, but a small enemy force approaching from the south manages to get over the walls and into the city:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3727/maa3670ne6.png
[How bout that. It seems the AI can magically spawn siege equiptment for reinforcing armies even if they aren't also besieging the city or building equipment.]

The small enemy force marches through the city streets but soon runs into Chrysoloras' phalangitai who have managed to regroup after coming down from the western walls and block the enemies path:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6590/maa3671ex7.png

The remaining Sab'yn forces throw themselves against the pikes but only manage to get themselves killed. With the city secure, Chrysoloras wins a victory against the odds, but also looses more of his men, who cannot easily be replaced:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4056/maa3673xd7.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the same time, in Babylonia, an army of Media tries to take the city of Seleukeia by force, but Isidoros and his elite Babylonia army are there to defend the walls:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9310/maa3674kc2.png

The siege towers manage to get the the walls of Seleukeia unharmed, but those who emerge from them fall almost as soon as they reach the maces and spears of the Babylonians:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7805/maa3678pw7.png

A ram reaches the gate but since the gateway is in an inset of the wall, the archers have an angle on it and still manage to set it on fire:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7963/maa3677be0.png

Many enemies charge out of the Median siege towers but they all fall dead. With the torrent of Medians from the towers slows to a trickle, the bulk of the elite Babylonians move down from the walls and go out from the city to confront the Medians just outside the gates:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4979/maa3680ah4.png

The Median cavalry charges in at the Babylonians but they are countered with their spears. Soon after, King Isidoros personally leads a cavlary charge at the enemy horses and wins the day:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2079/maa3683rk6.png

And so, the city of Seleukeia is saved with very few looses taken by Isidoros:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1691/maa3684yz4.jpg

Median forces continue to cross over the borders into Babylonia, but no help comes from the Arche Makedonia. In Syria, Sotades assembles forces to defend Assyria and possibly come to the aid of Babylonia but waits. As a client state of the Arche Makedonia, the protection of Babylonia falls to Makedonia. King Isidoros Oresteus of Babylon does not request any assistance from Makedonia, though. As a Makedone himself, Isidoros knows that armies of Makedonia in Babylonia mean a decrease in local autonomy, amounting to his own loss of power. For now, Isidoros will defend Babylonia on his own.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From the east, through hostile territory, envoys arrive in Syria. They bring with them news of the conquest of India by forces of Baktria and the settling of many Makedones and Hellenes along the Indus River. Although Baktria had been a autonomous satrapy of the Arche Seleukeia, the fall of Baktria to steppe invaders splits the connection between those now in India and those in the Arche Seleukeia. In fact, this new kingdom is openly waging war on Seleukid forces. By default, a state of war exists with those that came from a Seleukid satrapy and the Arche Makedonia. These envoys to Demetreia, however, sue for peace and to open trade with the Arche Makedonia:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/289/maa3685in0.png

With Hellenistic forces in control of India, the oppertunity of great trade with the east enspires many within the Arche Makedonia. The problem is that hostility with Media and Pahalva means that any true trade opertunities cannot be realized. While the military begins discussing a counter invasion of Media---a plan not supported by Sotades---merchants try to devise a way of going around the problem.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Also occuring in Demetreia, Sotades commisions great games to occur every fourth year within the city. Although they are not as grand as competitions held in Hellas, this move ushers in a new era of Hellenization of Syria and the east:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6691/maa3687kn8.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In an odd twist, Euphrantos, who is known as the most inept of the royal family begins studying military matter and gains a deal of experience in military command and tactics dispite the fact that he has never personally lead forces into combat:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2833/maa3686uk9.jpg
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7173/maa3711ky5.jpg

Showing possible skill in battle, many question whether Euphrantos may better serve the Arche in the field rather than in Pella. The question of the matter is, however, whether Euphrantos could actually leave the city, filled with all of his beloved vices, and live in a military camp.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After years in in Kappadokia and Assyria, Herodes finally returns home to Bosphoria with his army:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1748/maa3689ng8.png

His younger brother, Anaxagoras, had gained control of the coastline from the Istros River to Bosphoria. Now, Herodes looks to the coastline from in the east, from Bosphoria to Iberia.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Arche Seleukeia continues to suffer losses at the hand of the Medians and Palavan. In the Karmania, the Pahalvan manage to push all the way to the sea and divide those territories controlled by the Seleukids. In Persis, the armies of Media take control of the countryside and leave the only Seleukids force cornered in Persepolis. Here, an army lead by the King of Media besieges a garrison commanded by the Seleukid Basileus:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4948/maa3688gs8.png

Envoys come from the Arche Seleukeia and in desperation forgive the war with Makedonia, the acts of Aristotelis, and the conquest of Bablyonia once and for all. Requesting any aid that can be given, the Arche Seleukeia makes peace with the Arche Makedonia and talks begin for a closer friendship. Old friends turned enemies are turned friends once again:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/708/maa3712rf1.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Along the coast of Numidia, the city of Hippone is once again attacked by a Numidian force that had been besieging the city:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2262/maa3701gm8.png

And once again Zaikedenthes Echinaieus manages to repel the enemy without incident:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5880/maa3702kf1.jpg

To the north-east, the Rhodian fleet carrying Basileus Philippos and his army arrive in Sikilia. After meeting with local leaders and generals, Philippos begins recruiting new forces for his army, increasing its size. Philippos also annouces his plan to take control of all the ports along the coast of Numidia and Mauretania, all the way passed the Pillars of Hercules. Hopefully, by taking these rich cities, the Numidian-Mauretanian Alliance will run low on funds and be forced to sue for peace with the Arche Makedonia.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Back in Babylonia, the rebuilt city of Babylon is subjected to a siege by Median forces. With a new force aproaching Seleukeia, Isidoros and his elite army are unable to come to the rescue of the city of Babylon. After some time of sieging, the Medians make the mistake of attempting to take the city by force:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/3044/maa3703iz5.png

Isidoros' son-in-law, Keraton Apolloniates, takes command of the garrison and orders his huge number of archers to set their arrows on fire. The army of Media---which can only be described as a rabble---approaches the city under a rain of fire:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9065/maa3704za9.png

Some towers reach the wall, but none of them or the rams manage to do their work before burning to the ground. A series of ladders, however, reaches the walls and the Babylonians begin to defend themselves:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6839/maa3707gv9.png

Even for the Babylonian light infantry, the Median rabble is no challenge and falls quickly:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6357/maa3708ww1.png

After a short battle, only the Medians' mercenary cavalry remain. When they retreat, the siege is lifted:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3804/maa3710xy7.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On their eastern front, the Medians meet with similar failure. The Seleukid Basileus manages to repel the attacks of the Median King and hold the city of Persepolis. The Median king falls back but quickly gathers another army to attack the city:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/6350/maa3715dx8.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In Arabia, the army from Aigyptos finally arrives and begins their march inland. In Carna, Chrysoloras Delphikos receives word and finally begins to relax. However, the Kingdom of Sab'yn gathers another army and gets ready to face the reinforcements:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/3730/maa3713ps2.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 150BC:
https://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5881/hxmak150editwv3.png

Next: Chapter 83 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War (Part II)

General Appo

11-08-2008, 10:01

Niiiiice. Just a question, will you do the same with Maeotis as you do with Skythia? You know, colouring part of the territory Sauro to keep it realistic.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-08-2008, 20:27

I'm thinking I might control most/all of Maeotis. It is a fertile river valley that I can use to grow grain.

In case anyone is wondering:
This is what I wanted those ghost army guys to look like (Europa Thorakitai):
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1389/maa3971mw2.png
(I finally got around to remaking them.)

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-09-2008, 04:58

Nice chapter, although I cannot see about 8 pictures... :sad:

Funnily I'm doing almost the same with the Sabyn in Carna at the moment. It's a nightmare. :no:

We shall fwee...Wodewick

11-09-2008, 20:24

Great AAR, but who is that in Ireland?

Mediolanicus

11-09-2008, 20:43

Great AAR, but who is that in Ireland?

Lusotann, albeit recoloured.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-09-2008, 22:19

Thanks, guys.

I don't know what is up with the pictures. They were working when I posted. I'll give them some time and repost them if it doesn't fix itself.
[EDIT] All the pictures seem to be showing up for me now...

Yep, Lussotanna in Ireland. I had planned on defeating them quickly and converting them into another faction, but the civil war delayed my plans in Iberia.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-13-2008, 01:29

Chapter 83 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War (Part II)

Alypios is the first-born son of Philippos V, grandson of Pyrrhos II, and hier to the throne of Makedonia. Of the line of Pyrrhos, Alypios is the sole grandson and---despite the tradition Pyrrhos had tried to set up of not necessarily choosing the first born son as heir---is guaranteed to be the next Basileus of the Arche Makedonia. Fortunately for the Arche, Alypios takes after his father and grandfather and is a wise and just man. He is a selfless, charismatic man with great political skill. His only shortcoming is his lack of a strong sense of loyalty. Since he is loyal to his father and destined to be Basileus, this is only a problem to those who are personally close to him.

Alypios had been raised in Makedonia in the time or Pyrrhos' rule, knowing his whole life that his father and then he would be Basileus. Alypios had grown up in a close family with a loving mother and sisters and powerful father. To prepare him for the life ahead of him, Alypios had the best tutors and teachers to train him in all the things that a leader would need to know. From his schooling, he gained an appreciation for philosophy and often spent time deep in thought. Because of this and his very refined way of acting, he became somewhat off-putting to those less schooled, such as those in the military. This any his political skill did however gain him respect amoungst the nobles.

When Alypios came of age he joined his father in Alexandreia and became introduced to warfare against the rebels of Aigyptos. After the fall of Memphis, Alypios married a smart young Makedonike noble girl and returned to Alexandreia to further study at the great library. By age twenty, Alypios was ready to assist his father in the running of the Arche. With his own plans in the west, Philippos V handed over the war with the Ptolemaioi to his son and left Aigyptos. Hoping to cut off trade between the sea and Meroe, Alypios besieged the colony of Ptolemais-Theron, where the Ptolemaic coast force was garrisoned.

After several months besieging the city, an army from Kush comes to relieve the besieged Ptolemaic garrison. Alypios doesn't know it at the time, but his army and this battle will be a test to see if it were possible to raise an army from any location trained in a foreign style of fighting:
https://img125.imageshack.us/img125/1051/maa3716jy4.png

The reinforcement army and the garrison of Ptolemais-Theron both move in on Alypios and his camp to the south of the city. Alypios orders his army to take up position on a small hill and awaits the enemy:
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8139/maa3718ru5.png

The Makedones hold their ground, throw javelin when the Nubians approach, and absorb the enemy when they charged. In the center of the first line, Alypios had positioned his royal guards who best any enemy who come at them:
https://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1475/maa3720ns1.png

As the first battle pulse amoungst the infantry comes to an end, Alypios orders his second line to take up place in the front in order for his first line to rest:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7821/maa3722aa3.png

At the same time, the Ptolemaioi attempt to move their cavalry up on the Makedone left flank. Seeing this, Alypios personally leads his cavalry in an counter charge:
https://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8251/maa3721wq8.png

The battle between the cavalry deployments turns out to last longer than expected when another group of Nubian cavalry charges in to reinforce their comrades. As this happens, the Nubian infantry attempt to flank the Makedonike right flank with another force charges the center. The first line, now in reserve, moves in to counter this, but without directed leadership from Alypios, the battle devovles into many separate fights with huge gaps between them:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5981/maa3725my6.png

The infantry battle looses all order and the Thorakitai loose the cohesion that makes the intended style of combat strong.

Once General Antipatros Triakontaschoinikos' force of Makedonike cavlary joins the cavalry battle, all the enemy cavalry become tied down in the skirmish. Without anyone to outflank them, Alypios orders a section of his cavalry to withdraw and then charge back at the enemy in good order:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4756/maa3726mq6.png

This act kills Antipatros and breaks the Ptolemaic cavalry. Finally free from their own fight, Alypios orders his cavalry in a series of charges that wipes out the remaining Nubian infantry. Rather than return to the city, the fleeing enemy disbands and disappears into the hills of Aithiopia:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2968/maa3728ab4.jpg

The city of Ptolemais-Theron is taken and Alypios garrisons his army behind its walls. The taking of this port not only costs the Ptolemaioi trade and gains trade for the Arche Makedonia but provides a semi-secure location from which the fleet in the Red Sea can port, making Chrysoloras' position in Arabia more secure.

Alypios gains from his first true battle a understanding of both tactics and leadership. However, from his siege of Ptolemais-Theron he learns he is a bad engineer:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6972/maa3731zj6.jpg

In Meroe, the young newly appointed Ptolemai VIII prepares for a counter attack against his younger rival:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2543/maa3764ui6.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Along the eastern edge of the Arche Makedonia, the Median Empire once again sends another wave of armies over the mountains and into Makedonike territory. Garrisons are surrounded in Arbela...
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8515/maa3729sm4.png

... the city of Armavir in the Armenian satrapy...
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6302/maa3733yi2.png

...and in Seleukeia, with armies approaching Babylon from the south:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6505/maa3734da0.png

With the fear of not only "friendly" assassins but now Median assassins in Assyria, Euktimenos "Demetriedes" learns to protect himself:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9635/maa3735ep1.jpg

Euktimenos also begins to raise an army, which he personally funds, against direct orders of Philippos V and the royal family. Because of the termoil just east of Euktimenos, this act goes unnoticed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Media suffers greatly due to the war with the Arche Makedonia. Not only are armies destroyed in Makedonike territory, but the cutting off of the east-west trade routes also hurts the Median economy. Their ally, Pahlava, on the other hand, only grows in strength. After absorbing the bulk of Seleukid eastern territories, Pahlava grows in power to the point where they overshadow their old protector. Over the years, Pahlava moved quickly from rebels supported by Media, to a client kingdom of Media, and finally to a equal ally.

With the Arche Seleukeia all but conquered, Pahlava declares war on their old steppe allies of Saka Rauka and invade Baktria. Seeing another people suffering due to Pahlava, the Seleukids negotiate an alliance with those in Baktria:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5900/maa3732ny2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

War continues between Media and Makedonia, but the victories in Nubia encourage the Makedonike and Aigyptoi forces in Arabia. Having once again secured the coastline, the army from Aigyptos moves inland to relieve Chrysoloras Delphikos. A huge force besieges the city of Carna, but only a small army is sent to counter the Aigyptoi. Perhaps expecting the common Aigyptoi cowardace when serving in foreign armies, the Sab'yn underestimate their foe:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2801/maa3744sj7.png

In an awkward style, the Sab'yn forces attack one unit at a time. First the Aithiopioi charge in:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9617/maa3746zm6.png

Once they begin to flee, a force of Arabs attacks:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5941/maa3747gq6.png

They too are routed, leaving only the elite guards of the general:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9491/maa3748yu9.png

The larger numbers of the Aigyptoi ensure victory and General Maliki Il Watar Yuhan'em falls dead on their swords:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5200/maa3751ol7.jpg

With this obstacle[] out of the way, the Aigyptoi continue their march to Carna. The armies of Sab'yn are surprised to see the Aigyptoi in full force but stand and fight against them:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1903/maa3752rk6.png

This being the last large army of Sab'yn, this battle has great signifigance for Arabia. If this army were to be wiped out it would take more than a year before another could be raised. For Chrysoloras, if this battle fails, he simply waits behind the walls of the city and tries to get the enemy to throw themselves at it a few months later.

The battle begins when the Aigyptoi attack the larger Sab'yn force which is besieging Carna. The reinforcements from both sides rush to the battle site but both are nowhere to be seen when the battle commences.

The Aigyptoi form up a line, double strength in the center, with the Nubian archers safely behind them. The leaderless army of Sab'yn comes at the Aigyptoi in large number but without order:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7791/maa3756qq9.png

The Arabs attack the whole length of the Aigyptoi line and attempt to wrap around the flanks, but the Aigyptoi hold their ground and guard the flanks:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8999/maa3758ni4.png

The Sab'yn soldiers break several times but always seem to reform and charge back in at the Aigyptoi line:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2560/maa3757wl0.png

Finally arriving from the city, Chrysoloras only manages to bring up his cavalry in time to aid in the battle. Taking the left wing of cavalry from the Aigyptoi army and joining it with his own forces, Chrysoloras leads several successful charges against the Sab'yn forces:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8530/maa3760jd2.png

Outmatched by Chrysoloras' cavalry and fearing the arrival of the infantry from Carna, the entire Sab'yn army turns and marches away from the battle. Knowing that destroying this army will deal a decisive blow against the Kingdom of Sab'yn, Chrysoloras orders all forces to pursue:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2403/maa3761fp0.png

Less than a quarter of the Sab'yn army manages to return to their own territories, where they join up with other forces. The Sab'yn forces manage to come together in a sizable force. They have enough to hold off any attacks on their land but lack enough strength to go on the offensive for at least a year. For now, the city of Carna is relieved and the Aigyptoi forces join up with Chrysoloras' command:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9292/maa3763wa2.jpg

With the armies of the Kingdom of Sab'yn destroyed and the city of Carna safe for a time, Chrysoloras Delphikos makes plans to return home to Bostra. Establishing a series of client-city-states in Carna and the coastal cities, Chrysoloras turns over control of the region to local nobles. For a time, the Aigyptoi garrison Carna, but they have more orders, given to them by Philippos V before he went westward. Finally, Chrysoloras gathers his men and marches north toward their homes:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/760/maa3766df4.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 149BC:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4492/hxmak149editad6.png

Next: Chapter 84 : Numidia

Aemilius Paulus

11-13-2008, 02:25

Yay!!! Another update! :beam:

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-14-2008, 00:01

A very good update MAA. This is also very entertaining for me because I'm also conquering the Sabeans at the moment. From 6 units of Klerouchoi Phalangitai, who made the long trek south among others (and who were promised land in exchange for their service in Arabia), only 3 units of 50 men each are left. I guess they feel somehow frustrated... I have a client king in Kush, whom I allowed a great Ethiopian army, and whom I sent to Arabia and who has just conquered and sacked Maryab in a Heroic Battle. Next he will conquer and sack Tamane, and after that I'll send him back because in his absence Sabeans from Di'amat are attacking Meroe. Then I will order the other army which is in Carna since years to sack the last city in the area, and then I'll finally leave that damn country. Probably I'll FD a peace treaty on them. But I'll give them back Carna, it just looks too ugly on the minimap...

julius_caesar_the_first

11-14-2008, 01:19

Six months ago I read all of your first AAR and found it to be amazing, then left the forum. When I came back I was simply shocked to find that you not only continued your first AAR but created a new one based on it that was just as amazing. I had several sleepless nights readng your AAR's and I don't regret single minute~:).

Congratulations on writing an excellent AAR. You have successfully managed to combine quantity (this HAS to be the longest AAR in the history of AAR's) and quality (no explenation neaded:P) perfectly.:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

I now eagerly await the next chapter.:yes:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-14-2008, 22:46

I decided to pull Chrysoloras Delphikos out of Arabia to roleplay the fact his army would be tired and wanting to go hom. But, the Egyptian army isn't quite done yet. They have secret orders from Philippos to continue war in Arabia. I don't really plan to conquer all of Arabia or even Kush. I know what you mean about the weird looking border on the minimap and don't like it either, Centurio Nixalsverdrus, but I'm thinking of ways to edit the picture I post to make it look less wierd.

Nice to see you again, julius_caesar_the_first. Thanks for following.

General Appo

11-15-2008, 11:22

Great work. Looking forward to find out about these secret orders.
Will also be interesting to see what happens between Pahlava and Saka-Rauka.

Kuningaz

11-16-2008, 19:25

You don't plan on conquering Kush? C'mon kill those goddamn Ptolies off, once and for all. Please!

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-17-2008, 00:23

You don't plan on conquering Kush? C'mon kill those goddamn Ptolies off, once and for all. Please!
I don't plan on invading Kush, but the Ptolemaic Dynasty might come to an end on its own. Their is only one Ptolemai left and when he dies I might just put the whole war to an end and roleplay peace (even if I don't get it) with the restored Nubian kings.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-17-2008, 00:26

Chapter 84 : Numidia

In the east, the armies of Media once again cross over the borders and besiege the cities of Babylonia and eastern Assyria:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4640/maa3765im7.png

These issues are left to Sotades and the governors in the east. Even though the war with Media is a growing problem, Philippos sets out to complete the current task before him. After his stop in Sikilia and Afrika to replenish his forces, Philippos moves to Hippone to relieve the Numidian siege against the city. The Numidian forces withdraw, but Philippos pursues them and confronts them on a plain to the west of Hippone:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8996/maa3736kn9.png

Despite the years of changes the Makedonike army had been through and the move away from the phalangitai army, this particular battle occured in a fashion that would have been well recognizable to Megas Demetrios. Philippos lines up his Thorakitai phalangitai in the first line with his spearmen and swordsmen in the second line. The armies then marched toward eachother:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6854/maa3738kn4.png

First, Philippos' archers soften up the enemy line. After a while, both lines of infantry move forward and skirmishing begins between the two armies:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6213/maa3741ed0.png

Finally, the phalangitai move forward and confront the Numidian infanty. With the enemy tied down, the second line of Makedonike infantry moves around the flanks and attacked the enemy rear:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/673/maa3742xg6.png

Philippos wipes out this attacking enemy force without great difficulty and gives the city of Hippone some much needed relief:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9945/maa3743gw3.jpg

With the enemy offensive army destroyed, Philippos moves to take the fight to the enemy. Supplied by his fleet, Philippos marches his army down the coastline and retakes coastal villages and cities that had once been claimed by the Arche Makedonia. Then, after crossing two rivers, moves into new territory and takes control of Numidian/Mauretanian villages and cities south of the city of Mastia, Iberia. Finally, a sizable force is encountered in the garrison of the city of Siga which halts Philippos' advance. However, this force simply hides behind the city walls as Philippos sets up for a siege:
https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1821/maa3776op5.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

During this time, Philippos' son Alypios sends envoys to Meroe, who negotiates a ceasefire and the reopening of trade up the Neilos. The fighting stops for a time, but no lasting peace is guarenteed:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2488/maa3777rw6.png

In Anatolia, a large plague breaks out, but does not spread far beyond the city of Ipsos:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6247/maa3771hx9.png

In Demetreia, Sotades grows accustomed to the overseeing of a city and administering a region. Sotades becomes very satisfied with his job of administrating Syria and the east and does not seek anything more:
https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/5603/maa3773tw1.jpg

One of the stranger occurances during this time occurs in the Hykanian Sea. Planned long before the war with Media, several ships were constucted in the Pontos Euxinos, then dismantled and carried overland to the Mt'k'van River, where the are floated down to Albania, and finally reconstructed using some local resources. The whole process took years to achieve and was nearly halted by the outbreak of the Media War, but the majority of the plan is finally completed.

Once in the Hykanian Sea and reassembled, the sizable fleet goes to the task of wiping out the local pirates and raiders that frequent the sea. After a year of searching the sea, the Hykanian fleet corners a huge force of raiders---ironally raiding the Medes at the time---and attacks them:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5373/maa3774ik1.png

Even though they are greatly outnumbered the Makedones manage to out manuver the raiders and destroy or disband the entire force, though they suffer sizable looses of their own:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9615/maa3775rp7.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Back in Numidia/Mauretania, Philippos only has to wait about half a year before relief forces move up from Numidia to assist the garrison at Siga. Philippos lines up his infantry to face the forces of the city and sends his cavalry, alone, to face the reinforcements from Numidia:
https://img381.imageshack.us/img381/2325/maa3813jb6.png

Philippos' cavalry surprises the enemy cavalry when the suddenly attack the small Numidian force, before they even reach the battlefield. In a forest to the southeast of the battlefield, the Makedones faces off against the Numidian general's cavalry:
https://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3465/maa3815bs4.png

General Jubal Saunites falls dead and his infantry are routed. This leaves the garrison of Siga to fight against Philippos' army all alone.

Back at the battlefield, the Numidian garrison charges up an embankment and throws themselves at the left half of Philippos' center:
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8164/maa3817gz5.png

The Numidians attempt to wrap around the left side of Philippos' flank, but the reserve Thorakitai are sent in to counter:
https://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3014/maa3818sk6.png

Suddenly, the entire Numidian line breaks and flees down the hill. The phalangitai hold their ground but the reserve Thorakitai forces on the left flank give chase to their enemy. Only too late do they find out this is a false retreat when the heavy Numidian cavalry comes charging from a patch of forest. The reserve Thorakitai turn and flee back to the safety of their own line but are too late and suffer heavy casualties:
https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/867/maa3819wy6.png

Some of the reserve forces do manage to get back to the Makedonike line and filter through the phalangitai just in time for the phalangitai to lower their spears and bring the enemy cavalry to a sudden and deadly stop.

As soon as he had seen the enemy cavalry chasing his men, Philippos had ordered his cavalry---long since returned from their intial battle---to the left flank. Once the Numidians find themselves against the phalangitai spears, Philippos orders a cavalry charge from the side:
https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/813/maa3820pb9.png

This charge lays waste to the enemy cavalry as wells a breaking and disorganizing the rest of their army:
https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9094/maa3822rm4.png

The rest of the battle resovles around chasing down and cornering isolated Numidian units wandering through the forests:
https://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9678/maa3823za8.png

By sunset, the forces of the garrison are all but wiped out and the city of Siga is ready to surrender:
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5719/maa3825sm6.jpg

Philippos takes the city of Siga but leaves the population unharmed. Not only the city of Siga but the entire coastline and all the ports between Hippone and Siga become territory of the Arche Makedonia:
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7261/maa3827gi3.jpg

Basileus Philippos V is distracted in the west, but to the east, the Median Empire---despite her losses---surpasses the Arche Makedonia and threatens Babylonia, Assyria, and Armenia:
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9782/maa3828ao8.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 148BC:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5033/hxmak148editkb4.png

Next: Chapter 85 : The Median War (Part II)

Blue Death

11-17-2008, 01:31

Amazing as always, MAA :2thumbsup: :smash:

Yay! Death to Numidia!! After at least a dozen sieges of Ippone, I was wondering when you would hit back.

I had to go and look and The Antigonid Dynasty again, just because of the sheer awesomeness.

Tyrfingr

11-17-2008, 23:52

Go for the Pillars of Hercules and total control of the Mediterranean will be yours!

Maion Maroneios

11-18-2008, 00:18

Another excellent update, MAA! I'm wondering how things are going to evolve...

Maion

HunGeneral

11-18-2008, 00:42

Now this is getting interresting.:2thumbsup:

Time thoose Numidians learn what happens to those who mess with the Arche (:skull:)

julius_caesar_the_first

11-18-2008, 01:20

Great update as always:2thumbsup:. Those Carthaginian nobles are about to learn the error of their ways.

One thing that puzzles me in your campaign is the behavior of the Getai. After so long they have not yet declared war on you. Now did you manage that?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-18-2008, 02:46

Thanks for the support.

I recently when back over "The Antigonids" myself. Back when I started this campaign, I was able to get as many as four years into a chapter. Now, so much is going on I'm struggling to fit a year into a chapter. In fact, 148BC is going to take two or three chapters if I decide to put it all up.

It will take a while to get back to Philippos, but the chapter title two or three chapters from now will be "Mauretania". Just a hint...

My theory on Getai is that they want to conquer the Boii and Lugoae. Until they are able to overcome the respawning rebels (which is never), they won't turn on me. They do occationally march a small army up to my borders, though. Checking to see if my towns are still well garrisoned, I guess.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-21-2008, 02:15

Chapter 85 : The Median War (Part II)

Wherever the Basileus and his heir went there was success, but all along the eastern borders of the Arche Makedonia the Median Empire controls the open field and besieges the garrisons and armies of Babylonia, Assyria, and Armenia. The aging Isidoros Oresteus had yet to request assistance for Babylonia. No matter the case for Babylonia, in Demetreia, Sotades had begun to prepare an army to assist Assyria. The army would take some time to raise, however, and the border settlements such as Arbela would have to defend themselves:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2833/maa3767ss0.png

Fortunately for the city of Arbela, the Medians had placed their entire siege plans behind their trust in a single great siege tower. When the that tower went up in flames, so did the Median plan for taking the city:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5397/maa3769nk6.png

The Medes withdraw, they took few losses but are forced to return to their own lands to resupply:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7364/maa3770hx2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The battle at Arbela wass decided quickly and easily, but just under a year later the Medes try to take the city of Armavir in Armenia and the story is different. The hellenized Armenian general Andriskos Argaios and his garrison of mostly archers defend the city against two separate forces from Media:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9578/maa3779wx4.png

The huge number of archers within the city all set their arrows ablaze and rain fire down on the enemy siege equipment as it approaches the walls of the city on a fog filled morning:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9717/maa3780eh1.png

Despite the rain and fog, the shear number of flaming arrows that stick to the sides of the equipment set them on fire and end the hopes of taking the city from the east:
https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/6165/maa3782rh6.png

On the far side of the city Andriskos Argaios rushes his cavalry from the gates and attempts to circle around the back side of the second enemy army but is quickly countered and unable to retreat back to into the city. His cavalry attempt to fight off the enemy but are far too susceptible to the underhanded spearmen:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3493/maa3783zg2.png

When Andriskos dies by the spear, his men break and run back into the city:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4566/maa3784de4.jpg

Now unchallenged, the forces to the west take up their siege equipment and take the walls. Hearing of the success to the west, the larger Median army in the east circles around the city and joins up forces. This unified Median force then marches into the city and toward the old Hai palace at the center.

The archers on the eastern walls rush toward the center of the town to meet up with the Medes, but are beaten to the center of the city:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4774/maa3785pb9.png

After drawing the enemy phalangitai into the open, the lightly armed archers surround their enemy and begin attacking them from all sides:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2618/maa3786sn7.png

More Medes join the battle and the fight goes on for several hours. Finally, the Medes break and flee out of the city. The native archers line up in the street facing the western gate...
https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/4941/maa3789tb1.png

...but no more Medes enter the city. Later that day, the archers move to the western wall and find noting. All the remaining Medes had retreated.

The city is saved and a great many Medes lie dead but the death of Andriskos Argaios and the bulk of the garrison leaves Armavir vulnerable and rioting:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/285/maa3790yp8.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the exact same time as the battle in Armavir, Median forces move to take the city of Seleukeia from Isidoros Oresteus:
https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1667/maa3791yf1.png

The army going up against Isidoros is primarily the forces that Media conscripted in Maka, during their short time of ownership in the region. The Arabs are fighting in an army of foreigners against other foreigners, with almost assured failure ahead of them. It can easily be said that these Arabs are not greatly enthusiastic and willing to stand their ground.

The Median siege towers reach the walls of the city in short order and the lightly equiped Maka forces go up against the heavy Babylonian elites...
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3392/maa3795ur8.png

...with little success.

The attack atop the walls proves unsuccessful, but the field is somewhat leveled when the Medes take down a section of the wall to the west:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5672/maa3797gw9.png

Abandoning their attempt to take the walls with towers, the entire remaining Median army charges through the gap and pours into the city. On the other side of the wall, the find even more elite Babylonians, spears ready:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1340/maa3798gv1.png

The Medes try to break through the shieldwall with a cavalry charge but are instantly halted and loose many horses. When the entire Median army pushes up against the Babylonians they take ground and force the Babylonians backwards but only slowly and at great cost:
https://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5444/maa3799lg5.png

When more Babylonians come down from the walls and attack from the side...
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2127/maa3801fa3.png

...the Medes break and flee back out of the breach. The Babylonians pursue the Medes from the city but are quickly called back by Isidoros, personally:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9669/maa3803qu5.png

With his infanty guarding the walls and the breach in the wall, Isidoros then leads his cavalry out from the city to confront the remaining enemy who try to regroup. While his medium cavalry faces off against the enemy cavalry, the light Babylonian cavalry harrasses the remaining Median infantry:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9946/maa3807pa6.png

By the end of the day, there is almost nothing left of the great Median force that was besieging the city that morning. Isidoros wins another battle but looses many more men and is forced to quickly repair the damages to the wall. Still he requests no aid from Syria:
https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5928/maa3810rv0.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The garrisons along the border with the Median Empire manage to win all of their battles and resupply their cities, but before the next winter all the border garrison once again find themselves hiding behind walls and staring at an army of Medes.

Still in Ptolemais-Theron, Alypios Antigonos, heir to the throne, finds himself behind walls staring out at enemies. Alypios, however, is not willing to wait in the city for the Ptolemaioi to make the first move:
https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9062/maa3832az3.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 148BC:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5033/hxmak148editkb4.png

Next: Chapter 86 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War (Part III)

Kuningaz

11-21-2008, 04:15

Goddamnit, I hate those sneaky Ptolies :whip: Send assasins to kill all their FMs if you dont wanna take Kush:yes:

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-21-2008, 04:32

Great update, as always. :bow: Did you help the Medes with their armies? Because I see a very rare unit there, I think Parthohellenikoi Hoplitai?

General Appo

11-21-2008, 16:01

Where? I can´t find any. Perhaps you´re talking about the Babylonian Spearmen unit, which are also quite rare, but are definitely created by the....ummm...the Hai.

PriestLizard

11-21-2008, 16:54

Nice update! :) Its a great campaign you have there!

I agree with Kuningaz: Kill all the Ptolemaic FMs to finish off the war without taking the provinces. Then leave it for the barbarians and RP "peace" with them :)

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-21-2008, 20:01

Where? I can´t find any. Perhaps you´re talking about the Babylonian Spearmen unit, which are also quite rare, but are definitely created by the....ummm...the Hai.

Second row, between Arabian Light Horse and the Kinsmen.

https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1667/maa3791yf1.png

Dutchhoplite

11-21-2008, 20:30

Persian hoplites, Kardaka :yes:

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-21-2008, 22:20

Thx.:smiley:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-21-2008, 22:45

Thanks everybody.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the Ptolemaioi and the Kush. At the point I'm playing, I've managed a temperary peace that has lasted a couple years so far.

I didn't give them any units, those Persian Hoplites were just trained by Media (Hayasdan). I like them since they are both eastern and a challenge. I hate it when I have to face huge armies of either levies or pantodapoi phalangitai. I'm thinking of disabling the recruitment of PP for both Media and Pahlava to force them to use more eastern style armies. After all I helped them defeat AS so that I wouldn't have to have phalangitai battles anymore.

SwissBarbar

11-22-2008, 23:57

This is one of the best Screenshots i've ever seen

https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9717/maa3780eh1.png

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-23-2008, 07:25

Those flaming arrows are great. If the Medes hadn't gotten in the back and dealt so much damage in street fighting, those archers could have won any siege battle against them with fire.

SwissBarbar

11-23-2008, 14:30

I quite believe it. that would have been a longrange massacre

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-27-2008, 02:46

Chapter 86 : The Fifth Ptolemaic War (Part III)

By the middle of Basileus Philippos V's reign, the Arche Makedonia is fighting three major wars. On the east, the Median Empire continue to cross over into Armenia, Assyria, and Babylonia and claim the lands of the Arche Makedonia. To the west, Philippos fights the unified force of Numidia, Mauretania, and exiles from Karchedon to take control of the coastal cities along the southwest Mesogeios. To the south of the Arche Makedonia, the old Ptolemaic Dynasty continues to wage war against Makedonike forces, now lead by Philippos' son and heir, Alypios Antigonos.

Alypios had ceased Ptolemais-Theron and other coastal cities to cut off trade to Kush, but Ptolemai VIII still manages to raise three large armies of Nubians and Aithiopians. He then sends General Epiphanios Philoteraios to retake the coast from Alypios. With enemies outside his walls, Alypios decides, rather than wait and see what develops, to charge out and confront the Nubians while they are still tired from their march across the desert. With the larger force of Nubian reinforcements too far from the city to assist, Alypios attacks his newly arrived besieger:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/9167/maa3833ic7.png

When Alypios moves his men from the city, they find little resistance. The Nubian army simply waits far from the walls and allows Alypios to organize his men and march into the open field:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/6228/maa3834at5.png

When Alypios finally lines up his men and prepares to attack, the Nubians make their move. The large elephants on the northern side of the field charge forward at Alypios' right flank:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4216/maa3835to4.png

The thick line of men do little to slow the large beasts as they reak havak on the sword Thorakitai:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/2291/maa3836nx2.png

The Nubian elephants kill many Makedones but they soon panic when they start to fall dead under heavy attack. The last of the elephants falls dead by javelin as they try to retreat:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4787/maa3837xa1.png
[Just a little side note: I increased the health and armor stats of all elephants to make them more of a challenge to fight.]

Once their elephants fall dead, the Nubian infantry moves forward and charges the center of Alypios' line:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8595/maa3839ub3.png

While the bulk of the Nubian force engages Alypios' infantry, Alypios' archers fire on the Nubian reserves behind the line. The Nubian reserves suffer greatly due to the arrows but suddenly, the rain of arrows stops and things get worse when cavalry charges in from the south, lead by Alypios:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8828/maa3841yr7.png

While Alypios and his cavalry wipe out the Nubian reserve forces, the Ptolemaioi cavalry tries to assist but gets tied down fighting against the Thorakitai:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8485/maa3842kn1.png

General Epiphanios Philoteraios falls dead by Thorakitai sword. With the fall of their general and the loss of their reserves, the Nubians panic and flee, only to find themselves stuck between infantry and cavalry:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/780/maa3844ci7.jpg

Alypios saves the city but does not simply wait for the next army to come to him. Resting his army only a short time, Alypios marches out and meets the greater Nubian force in the open field:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/7008/maa3845cd0.png

Once again, it is the Nubians who make the first move, and once again it is the elephants and cavalry that move forward first. An elephant charge moves against Alypios' right flank with a cavalry charge on the left flank lead by the Nubian general riding an elephant:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3595/maa3848cz3.png

On the left flank the cavalry quickly fall, and just before reaching the flank of the second line, the enemy general is defeated. A well placed javelin forces the elephant to a quick stop and the general is thrown off the beast and falls to his death. On the right flank the elephants deal damage to the men on the edge of the first line but soon panic and turn away from the battle.

With their elephants defeated, the Nubian infantry rushes in and charges the Makedonike line:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5811/maa3849jj0.png

The battle pulse is short and the Nubians soon fall back to regroup. Alypios gives no chase:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4057/maa3850ly7.png

During the next phase of the battle, the Ptolemaic soldiers of Nubia continued to charge forward, fight shortly, withdraw, regroup, and repeat. Finally after some time of this, Alypios allowed his forward line to break formation. When the enemy withdraws the next time, they pursue. Seeing the Makedones in disorder, the Nubians in reserve charge forward and a disorganized battle begins between the two battle lines:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/7929/maa3854jb0.png

Realizing this is where the battle will be decided, Alypios orders in his fresh reserve line to confront the remaining enemies and reinforce the main battle:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4492/maa3855ee4.png

With this new infux of troops, the Ptolemaioi break and flee back into the interior. Alypios orders his men to give chase:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/969/maa3856sp6.png

Down the hill from the battlefield, a small group of Thorakitai confront the paniced elephants. Thinking them an easy target, they charge in to finish them off. These frightened elephants prove to be anything but an easy target and kill hundreds of men in their paniced state:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6679/maa3857sh9.png

Seeing his men being killed and with only one elephant left, Alypios charges forward and gains control of him men, ordering them to withdraw. The frightened elephant wanders from the field and the Alypios wins the day:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7655/maa3859sn5.jpg

Alypios orders some of his men back to Ptolemais-Theron and starts the creation of a local garrison for the region. The bulk of his army, however, moves just inland and holds a river crossing, hearing that the third and final Ptolemaic army is on the way.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To the west, forces of Numidia once again march north and attack the city of Hippone. This shows the growing divide between those in Numidia and their allies in Mauretania. Even while Philippos V and his army attacks the coastal cities of Mauretania, the Numidians only care about their own local affairs:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/6938/maa3861hf0.png

Having taken Siga, Basileus Phillipos V calls for reinforcements from Karchedon. Most of these forces are lightly armied Lybian forces but a small number amongst them are Phoenicians from the lower nobility of the city of Karchedon. These men are equiped and trained to fight has heavy infanty. Called traitors by the exiles of Karchedon, the inclusion of these men show a change of mind in the people of Karchedon and a willingness to fight for Makedonia.

Leaving a small portion of his own army and the whole of the Lybian force to defend Siga, Philippos takes the bulk of his army and the Phoenician heavy infantry westward. There, Philippos besieges the cities of Tingis and Lixos:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4293/maa3862as6.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On the far side of the known world from the Basileus, the city of Carna is once again attacked by the Kingdom of Sab'yn. By this time, Chrysoloras Delphikos and his army are nowhere near the city and its defense falls to the Aigyptoi and the newly appointed Arab king of Carna:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1480/maa3863pi4.png

The new king uses the same tactic used by Chrysoloras for holding the city. That is, remaining behind the walls and raining death down on the lightly armored Sab'yn soldiers. The Nubian archers quickly light up the enemy towers and rams as they approach the city:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9697/maa3866no8.png

To the west, where the walls are manned by slingers, a tower gets through, but the men manning it suffer huge losses to the slingers' bullets:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4291/maa3869vv4.png

This tower reaches the wall and the remaining men come over but are easily countered by Aithiopioi troops guarding the city:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/9704/maa3872cf4.png

Elsewhere, Sab'yn forces climb the walls using ladders and are met by the Aigyptoi:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7756/maa3870xe1.png

The battle on the walls does not last long. The medium Aigyptoi troops make quick work of the light Arab troops. Finally, the Sab'yn elites try to take the walls. They find more success but are overwhelmed by the shear number of Aigyptoi:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6588/maa3874yr8.png

With his entire army wiped out before his eyes, the Sab'yn general can do nothing but look on. As always seems to be the case after a large slaughter, a storm begins to form in the sky over the city:
https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8725/maa3875ku1.png

The new king begins his career with a success as he destroys the superior force of the Sab'yn:
https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1097/maa3877ot9.jpg

Though the new king deserves credit, the success of the battle is more due to the Aigyptoi and Nubians. However, the Aigyptoi make plans to leave the city. While the great number of envoys, diplomats, and scholars that travelled with them from Alexandreia learn all they can of of Arab culture, the army prepares for a march. These men and this army have orders, directly from their Basileus, to move forward and make alliances with the tribes of Arabia who are not firmly loyal to the Kingdom of Sab'yn.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 148BC:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5033/hxmak148editkb4.png

Next: Chapter 87 : Mauretania

gamegeek2

11-27-2008, 03:06

I wonder how Pahlava and Media will get along. Looks like Pahlava's stronger.

Dutchhoplite

11-27-2008, 20:29

Good update :)

HunGeneral

11-27-2008, 21:26

Does anyone know an ancient greek term for "our see" (like the "mare nostrum" only not latin)?

Because i think it will be used soon:laugh4:

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

11-27-2008, 23:25

Good update!

Kuningaz

11-28-2008, 04:29

Great update, and once again: Kill off the Ptolies for Thor's sake:wall: Or in other terms, I want to
:egypt:=:skull: :whip:
And you could probably say u achieved Thalassiokratia, when u finally rule the whole Mediteranean:2thumbsup:

PS: please take no offense on me insisting that you take out the Ptolies, but I simply hate them for taking out so many good campaigns and AARs. Besides they´re probably EB's Milan, when it comes to breaking alliances...:wall::wall::wall:

General Appo

11-29-2008, 01:05

Good work. I take it that if nothing unexpected occurs the Basileus might soon finally be able to return to Iberia to finish the war there?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-29-2008, 10:18

Thanks for following, everyone. :bow:

Parthia is getting stronger, especially after they kick Saka around for a while. And by throwing so many troops at me, Media is only weakening themselves. The two seem to have a very strong alliance, though. I was thinking of roleplaying something going on between them in the future.

I've just been calling the Mediterranean the "Pontos Mesogeios" or "Mesogeios Sea", which means 'inland sea'. It probably isn't the best name for it. I don't know any greek, which is one of this AAR's weakest points. I'm not sure my empire has the same possessive attitude that the Roman empire had, so I'm not sure if 'our sea' would be appropriate.

I know all about the feelings toward the Ptolemaioi. The first third to half of this AAR (first section) is almost all about a war with the Ptolemaioi and their annoying antics. Ptolemai VIII is in his thirties or fourties at the point I'm playing and I haven't seen any new Ptolemaioi. P8 may be the last of his line and they will die off naturally.

The Iberians are Basileus Philippos V's long time enemy. The conquest of Iberia took place in chapters titled "Philip's War", after all. Finishing off his personal enemy may be too big of a chance to miss out on... :beam:

everyone

11-29-2008, 11:07

Thanks for following, everyone. :bow:
amazing I'm being talked about without even being here!:smash:
I like how you role-play events in your AAR, I can never seem to role-play anything in my games. it's always "oho! the enemy is doing something stupid and I can laugh at them for being so dumb huhuhuhu!" instead of "the enemy, being afraid of XXX general, avoided battle with him and decided to flee and etc" when I play EB.
and is Pella still your capital? I can never seem to hold the North African coast with Pella as my capital in my Mak campaign.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-29-2008, 20:26

Thanks, "everyone". :smash:

Pella is still my capital, for now. Pella is controlled by the corrupt council of nobles, though...

As for controlling North Africa, I cheated a little. I edited the EDB so that I can build Type2 anywhere and now I just roleplay where they get placed. The three provinces of "Africa" have Type2s. I also edited the bonuses of the Type3 so that they don't have the -15% on them. That is a big help in holding the other settlements of the region. It's a little bit of cheating but I just roleplay that there have been evolutions in the Makedonian government systems.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-30-2008, 00:47

Chapter 87 : Mauretania

In making continued war with the Arche Makedonia and refusing to meet to discuss even the possibility for peace, the Numidians and Mauretanians had forced Philippos down the inevitable path of warfare. The inland regions of Lybia would be difficult to conquer and even harder to hold, but the coastal region from Karchedon to the Pillars of Hercules could easily be supplied and reinforced by the sea. The conquest of the coastal cities were both an effort to weaken Numidia-Mauretania and to punish them, but taking control of the region had been planned since the days of Neokles and would have been carried out at some point even without war in Numidia. With these cities and ports, the Arche Makedonia would have complete control of the Pontos Mesogeios and both sides of the Pillars of Hercules.

A few months earlier, Basileus Philippos V had taken his men west of the Pillars and besieged the city of Lixos. With a long list of goals to accomplish in his life and his youth fading, Philippos decides to take the city by force after only a couple months of siege:
https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/33/maa3884wf2.png

Within the city is Theodekles Urso, head of the Urso family of Phoenician exiles. After the fall of Karchedon to Neokles and Pyrrhos, the Urso family had lead the force of exiles and had taken command of Numidian armies to spur the initial war with the Arche Makedonia. Now the young head of the Urso family cowers behind the walls of the underdeveloped city of Lixos.

Without any need to fear enemy archers or slingers, the bulk of Philippos' army simply marches forward with their rams to tear down the walls of the Mauretanian town:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/526/maa3886fr2.png

The poorly built wooden wall quickly falls apart and Philippos orders the newly recruited men from Karchedon through the breach first. Seeking to prove themselves, they bravely charge through and face the lighter armed enemy:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4313/maa3889xz7.png

Once the Mauretanians at the wall break, the bulk of the army of Philippos marches into the city. As they march toward the center of the city, however, Theodekles Urso charges his cavalry down the main city street and at the Makedones. Philippos' men brace themselves and absorb the charge, then go to the task of cutting through the heavy Phoencian cavalry:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6600/maa3890js2.png

During the fight Theodekles falls dead. His men fight bravely to recover the body but not a single one of his men live to the end of the day.

With their general gone, the remaining enemies retreat the city center but refuse to surrender. Attacking from all sides, Philippos' various Thorakitai surround and wipe out the rest of the city garrison:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/7310/maa3894nl2.png

Philippos takes few losses, kills a hated enemy, and takes a city:
https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3707/maa3896py9.jpg

With this, the coast of the Mesogeios Sea and beyond become part of the Arche Makedonia. Philippos goes about setting up a military government:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/8056/maa3897ya0.jpg

Both the exiled Karchedonoi and the Mauretanians suffer great losses, but the Numidians fight on. The city of Hippone is attacked once more:
https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4696/maa3912ts5.png

And once more the people of Hippone defend their walls:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4242/maa3913rm7.jpg

The hope of weakening the Numidians and Mauretanians by taking the coastal regions seem a failure, but the death of Theoekles Urso and the failure of the Numidians to come the aid of the Mauretanians begins to weaken the bonds holding the fragile alliance together.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Median War

After months of siege, the city of Babylon is attacked by the small army of Media outside her walls:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/9530/maa3878gl9.png

Keraton Apolloniates, son-in-law to King Isidoros Oresteus is left in charge of the city and in command of the garrison, now tasked with defending the ancient city.

The tiny Median force is far too overconfident and simply moves against the wall and its far superior number of defenders. The men of the east, trained in archery are quite accurate with their arrows and when ignited can hit all the vital points on a siege tower. It is only a matter of time before all the Median siege equiptment is destroyed or on fire:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8104/maa3882pm7.png

Taking losses only due to heavy bolt throwers from the towers, Keraton wins an easy victory:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/181/maa3883rl6.jpg

A few months later, as the cold air settles in northern Assyria, a small force tries to take the city of Arbela from the mix force of natives and Thraikioi settlers:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1272/maa3898zx3.png

Just as at Bablyon, the siege equiptment is burned to the ground...
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5301/maa3901mq7.png

...and the Median army withdraws back over the mountains:
https://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4952/maa3902du2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As the Median Empire pushed into Babylonia, they continued to fight on their eastern front as well. Nikomachos, Basileus of the Arche Seleukeia and a band of his elite Agema had remained in the city of Persepolis when the bulk of the royal family fled east from the combined forces of the Medians and Pahlavans. Cut off from his family and reinforcements by a Pahlavan push to the sea, the old Basileus remained in his capital---Persepolis, capital of the Arche Seleukeia since the fall of Seleukeia during the reign of Aristotelis---and waited for his fate. Finally, a giant army of Media besieged the city and came over his walls. With the old Basileus fighting to the death, the city of Persepolis fell. For the first time since Megas Alexandros burned down old Persepolis, the lands of Persis are in the hands of an native people.

Cut off from the west, the remnants of the Seleukid royal family takes shelter in the far reaches of Arachosia, where they are more of exiles than rulers. Molon, elder brother of Nikomachos takes the title of Basileus but for the first time in a century, there is no real power behind it:
https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2567/maa3908bw8.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 147BC:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6057/hxmak147editcq9.png

Next: Chapter 88 : Between Tasks

Tyrfingr

11-30-2008, 02:39

The baktrians, shouldn't they be re-styled into a Greco-indian kingdom with a new colour? At least I think so...great update btw!

Cbvani

11-30-2008, 03:08

I wonder if you will ever confront the Saka menace?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

11-30-2008, 04:57

I've actually already renamed them, as seen in this screenshot from a couple chaptes ago:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/289/maa3685in0.png
I thought about recoloring them but I wouldn't want them reddish because of Saka nearby, I wouldn't want them Greenish so they wouldn't look like the now defeated Gandhara, white wouldn't work because of AS nearby, and I wouldn't want them violetish because of Pahlava and Media nearby. They can't be black because that's my color. The only basic color choices left would be yellow, or blue and yellow didn't seem right. I thought about recoloring them a different type of blue, but it was easier just to keep them the same. Didn't think you'd get such a long winded explaination for that one, did you? :egypt:

If things go as they are going now, there may not be a Saka left by the time I expand that far...

julius_caesar_the_first

11-30-2008, 13:56

Congratulations on turning the Mediterranean into your own personal swimming pool:P.

Great update, as always:2thumbsup:. Keep up the good work:yes:.

Olaf Blackeyes

12-04-2008, 10:25

To: Lord and master of all AARs MAA

I have been following this for quite some time and i must say.. it would not be very hard to turn this into a successful historical fiction novel. Plz keep it up.

BTW for lulz

M04R THR34D N04UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

PriestLizard

12-04-2008, 10:39

Needless to say that this is epic ~:)
Will you expand to the very east like Megas Alexandros did? If so, you still have a lot of work to do :egypt:

HunGeneral

12-04-2008, 12:45

Nice Pool you have there:beam:

I wonder what's next on the agenda:book:

Cbvani

12-04-2008, 19:02

What I love most about this epic is how it is more than an AAR. It tells of an alternate history of Europe - a very cool alternate history, too.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-04-2008, 20:06

Thanks for the support. :bow:

I have been meaning to update, but it's exam season and I've been busy. My winter breaks starts tuesday, though. :beam:

As for what comes next, the Arche still has a tin shortage, the Medians are still rampaging, and Ptolemai VIII still has one army remaining. As hinted by the next chapter name, Basileus Philippos V has completed his goals in Numidia/Mauretania and takes a short break before his next task.

I haven't updated, but I've been playing the campaign some (after a decent break from playing) and been having trouble. I tried to create a challenge for myself and it backfired. The challenge turned out to be more than I expected and it occured right when other problems hit. It's been fun, though.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-06-2008, 02:22

Chapter 88 : Between Tasks

With the fall of Lixos and the defeat of the Ptolemaic armies in Kush, both Basileus and heir of the Arche Makedonia find themselves in a time of rest and relative inactivity. The Numidian front had quieted down and the Nubian front would have a slight rest, but events occur elsewhere in the Arche and the Median War war continues in full force.

Basileus Philippos takes some time to manage events in the Arche and prepare his men for his next move. Most troubles and minor issues were dealt with by Sotades in Syria, the noble council in Pella, or by the relatives of Pyrrhos II in northern Italia, but Philippos makes sure to be up-to-date on all issues and give orders where royal intervention is necessary. Philippos is especially careful to remind the noble council of Pella that he is still in charge and aware of what is going on in Makedonia.

During this lull, a couple deaths became an issue. In Aigyptos, Philagros Grenideus dies in Memphis:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5544/maa3903nz2.jpg

With the earlier death of his brother, this leaves but one member of the Grenideus family in Aigyptos, and he is tasked with holding the forts at Pselkis. Fearing what may happen in a leaderless Aigyptos, Philippos orders his two son-in-laws---who had been studing in Alexandreia---to take control of the Aigyptos satrapy.

Although not a Makedone, the death of the Hellenized Phoenician King of Ioudaia is a matter of even greater concern. After a long reign, Asphalion III dies in Hierosolyma:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8991/maa3904sr1.jpg

With the death of their tyrant, the Ioudaioi grasp at the chance for independence and form a disorderly uprising. The uprising only manifests itself as disorderly riots in several cities. The revolts end up costing the lives of more Ioudaioi and causing the destruction of Ioudaioi property than doing much damage to the local garrisons or Makedonian leadership:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6341/maa3909wp1.jpg

With concent from Philippos, Sotades quickly raises Asphalion's son to the position of King of Ioudaia and the rioting begin to quiet. Promising lowers taxes certain religious rights, Asphalion IV wins over the Ioudaioi and reestablishes order:
https://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9822/maa3910ty5.jpg

Just over the River Iordaine, Chrysoloras Delphikos finally settles down. After a lifetime of warfare, Chrysoloras and his klerouchoi finally return to their homes near Bostra and prepare for a lifetime of peace. However, fearing the fall of the client city-states along the west coast of Arabia and a renewed invasion attempt by the Kingdom of Sab'yn, Chrysoloras makes sure he has a great number of klerouchoi he can call to action at a moment's notice:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/6372/maa3927cb2.png

To the north, Sotades gathers an even greater wealth in his administration of Syria, though not through corruption as his brother Euphrantos does:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9017/maa3929xk5.jpg

The issue of what is to be done with Euktimenos Demetrios and the army he is raising in Assyria remains on the mind of Sotades. Just to the east, Euktimenos continues to raise men and study the ways of warfare. Although Euktimenos is loyal in nature and sworn an oath to Philippos, in the mind of Sotades, it seems only natural that the last of the Demetrid line intends to restore his birthrite:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5362/maa3930nb2.jpg

A significant plague hits Epidamnos during this time, but does not last very long or take too many lives:
https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/181/maa3928qn1.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In Arabia, the Aigyptoi army and Hellenic envoys set out on a journey the east. The regions and tribes around the Sab'yn are quite loyal to the Kingdom of Sab'yn but the desert villages and towns to the east continue to suffer under the rule of the Sab'yn. Seeing the oppertunity of breaking these lands from the Kingdom of Sab'yn, the army sets out on a trek across the desert:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4642/maa3905bz8.png

Soon after the Aigyptoi leave, the city of Carna is once again besieged by the armies of the Kingdom of Sab'yn. Not only does the jouney of the Aigyptoi drastically reduce the number of men guarding the city but also removes a great deal of supplies that are needed by the Aigyptoi on their desert journey:
https://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7852/maa3911ho9.png

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Median War

In the east, the Median Empire had conquered Persis and had begun modelling itself as the reborn Persian Empire. Together with the expansionistic steppe tribes that had conquered eastern Iran, they had built themselves into a force that could challenge or even outshadow the greatness of the Arche Makedonia. An advantage the Medes have over the Makedones is also their unity. The Medes, Persians, and Iranians are all a similar people with similar culture (though not entirely identical or perfectly compatible). Even the steppe conquerers in the east are of a similar culture to the Medes. The Arche Makedonia, on the other hand is made of a many differing peoples, cultures, languages, and ideas, many of which wish for their independence and require Makedonike military garrisons to be kept in order.

In Babylonia is one such people wishing for their independence. Ruled by Persia, the Seleukids, the Antigonids, and finally suffering greatly under the taxation and conscription of the Demetrids during the Makedonian Civil War, the Babylonians wished for their own independence. Ironically, this independence was found in the Makedone Isidoros Oresteus, who conquered the city of Babylon from the Demetrids and declared himself king in the name of its people. As the Makedonian Civil War drew to a close, Isidoros swore an oath of loyalty to Philippos who left him as king, hoping the buffer state would avert a war with Media.

That war was not averted and the Medes had marched not only against the client kingdom of Babylonia but also against Makedonian Assyria and Armenia. With his slowly deminishing but elite force stationed in Seleukeia, King Isidoros Oresteus once again fights off an invastion from Media:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3587/maa3914dk5.png

The Medes move their towers against the walls of Seleukeia and their Persian elites infantry face Isidoros' Babylonian elite infantry upon the walls of the great city:
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9296/maa3916bk3.png

The archers, however, soon set both enemy towers on fire and isolate the small Median force that is already on the walls:
https://img381.imageshack.us/img381/9797/maa3918ht9.png

The towers are not the only problem. By undermining the walls, the Medes bring them down. While the last of the Medes on the walls fight to the death, a new force charges through the holes in the walls:
https://img381.imageshack.us/img381/2746/maa3920fe6.png

A force of Babylonian elites is ready to greet their attackers and push them back to the breach:
https://img367.imageshack.us/img367/1928/maa3924kq4.png

Once again, Isidoros defeats a Median army and secures his Babylonian Kingdom. His losses, however, are difficult to replace:
https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4370/maa3926ld6.jpg

To the far north, the Medes try to take Makedonian Albania but are confronted by an army of steppe cavalry mercenaries:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5994/maa3942yb6.png

Upon seeing the great number of horsemen coming out from the city, the Medes break and flee. Although, many are caught by the horses and fall dead before they can get away:
https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/3756/maa3944lw4.png

In what is hardly even a battle, the land of Albania is saved from Median threat:
https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/9602/maa3945vc7.jpg

A while later, an army of cavalry and levies attacks the city of Arbela:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/7817/maa3955uk4.png

The enemy brings but one tower. When it reaches the walls the defenders think all is lost, but at the last minute, the archers' flaming arrow manage to set it on fire:
https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/2152/maa3957qn5.png

Another minor battle saves Assyria from Median invasion:
https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5563/maa3958er6.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To the south, the army of Sab'yn tries to take the allied city of Carna by force. Now only depending on Aithiopioi and Arab forces to defend it, the young king of Carna is put to his first true test:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4884/maa3932rj7.png

The large number of Sab'yn troops march against the walls of the city. The archers and slingers upon the walls have easy targets in their unarmored enemy. The towers and ladders get to the walls, but by this time the Sab'yn have already taken great numbers of casualties:
https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2341/maa3935vb5.png

The Aithiopioi spearmen fight off the Sab'yn troops, who are easily broken. Once again, the lack of sufficiently armoring their men, costs many Sab'yn soldiers their lives. The king of Carna, however, claims all the credit and gains the trust of his people:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3679/maa3938lx7.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

During this time, Basileus Philippos V does not simply sit in the city of Lixos. Most of the time is infact spent in Karchedon, where he had easy access to information about the rest of the Arche. After a while, he makes a trip to Syrakousai and arranges with the local government to raise an army in Sikilia. He then takes his fleet back to Mauretania and mets up with his army. They immediately sail north and land in southern Iberia.

It had been more than twenty years since Philippos had been in Iberia. He had left just after conquering the Lusotanni and the Arevaci and very little had changed since then. The central lands of the Iberian penninsula are garrisoned by Makedonian military but hardly governed in any sort of organized manner. The coastal regions and Turdulia had been converted to satrapies, but in the center of the penninsula there is little Makedonian control outside of the areas patrolled and garrisoned directly by Makedonian and her allies' troops. In some places, rebel armies even wander the lands.

Seeking to get the region under control, Philippos attacks and destroys two separate rebel armies. The second rebel army, south of Nomantia, is particularly important, for that region is rich with iron ore:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/213/maa3941yv5.png

After defeating the rebels, Philippos put the local mines under direct Makedonian control and has the iron exported east to the sea. The iron helps with the metal shortage in the Arche but it is not nearly enough to make up for the past losses, besides it is tin that is truely needed. Philippos has plans to relieve this particular shortage and orders his army to prepare to march once again.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in 146BC:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6057/hxmak147editcq9.png

Next: Chapter 89 : Desert Wars

Kuningaz

12-06-2008, 03:44

A real great chapter indeed:2thumbsup: I think I'll start reading this whole AAR again from the beginning to sort of remind me of what happened, its so much:dizzy2: I just love this

Centurio Nixalsverdrus

12-06-2008, 04:22

Very good chapter MAA. :yes: I myself have FDed the Sabyn to a peace treaty, and since then I am looking out for their armies of freed slaves, and if they seem to head to my borders, I beam them to Eremos or Somalia. I guess this is kind of cheating... But it just seems so unrealistic, I can't stand to see the Sabyn seeking for suicide with nothing but a bunch o rubbish after I have destroyed all the Sabyn core cities. Perhaps in 20 years I will allow them action again. :inquisitive:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-06-2008, 08:43

julius_caesar_the_first

12-06-2008, 11:17

I tried to create a challenge for myself and it backfired. The challenge turned out to be more than I expected and it occured right when other problems hit. It's been fun, though.

I'm really curious what this challenge is:smiley:. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary in this chapter but that's probably because it hasn't appeared yet.

I can barely wait for the next update and see what new things you did:beam:.

HunGeneral

12-06-2008, 12:51

I quess I lost the time.:dizzy2:

Which year is your campaign in?

If I remember right then we could start talking of a "Century of War":skull: (of course full with Macedonian Victories:laugh4:)

Reading so many EB AAR's I've come to realise that if I woldn't know it was a mod based on RTW i might easeli think it was a New part of the Total War series...

Subotan

12-06-2008, 13:49

I've been lurk-reading this AAR for a while now, maybe a couple of months, but I'd just like to say thank you for providing such a great story. It's clear that you put a lot of dedication into this, and that this probably eats up huge amounts of your time. I have a lot of fun reading this, and I'm sure you have a lot of fun making it (If you don't, please stop!), and the fact that this has been made with one of the best games ever made (IMHO) only makes this better. You have the roleplay at just the right level (I.e. Not too much or too little), and I hope that you continue it until the Arche reaches the end of it's time. *Thumbs up*

Anthony

P.S. Will you only achieve Thalassokratia when you conquer the tiny bit of Sauromatae territory on the Black sea?

P.P.S. Could you possibly do an overview of the history of the Arche up to this point (Maybe a Makedonian Tacitus? ^_^ ), complete with family tree, and the location and personalities of the current members please? Thanks!

Europe

12-06-2008, 18:30

Thanks.

If there are any questions no matter how esoteric, random, or old just ask.

I think I'm going to have to force the Sab'yn into a fake peace too. They are definately one of the factions that doesn't know when to quit.

This last chapter had a lot of foreshadowing in it about many different upcoming events. Many changes are coming...

So what’s your favourite part of the AAR?

Who would win in a field battle, Philippos or Megas Demetrios?

Do you regret defeating the romani faction?

What’s the meaning of life?:beam:

SwissBarbar

12-06-2008, 19:13

HunGeneral

12-06-2008, 19:47

its 146BC , you can always read at the end of a chapter :book:

:oops:
I thought I missed something.

Thinking back on the start of all this I gotta say this was one stunning (alternative) history of a century.:laugh4:

Aemilius Paulus

12-06-2008, 19:49

besides it is tin that is truely needed.

Tin eh? I know where you could find some tin....

Cbvani

12-06-2008, 19:56

It seems eastward expansion has stopped. You're looking for resources - so ... wait I got it you're about to pull a Caesar and take France, then get a trade agreement with the Casse?

Kuningaz

12-06-2008, 19:58

Pah, trade is not the way of the Makedonians, he will conquer the island of tin!:charge:

HunGeneral

12-06-2008, 21:14

That would be astounding if he could take the Isles of Tin (macedonians in London - what a discovery) but there has to be a source of metal or tin somewhere closer. After all MMA sad it would be hard to keep thoose province under control (with Pella as the Capital).

Wit so much effort he could just as well take the rest if Iberia or Philipposes son could lead a naval expedition to conquer India:idea2: (atleast they know about where that is:book:).

In his place I wouldn't settle with just trade - it makes you dependent on those who give the tin:no:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-06-2008, 21:49

Thanks for all the comments/questions/compliments. :beam:

I'm in 141BC currently in my campaign and the problems are just starting. So expect to see the "challenge" in the last third of the 140's. Since I'm getting around one chapter per year, it may be a couple chapters away. Though, I'm going to try and increase the speed of this AAR and include less info about all the stupid sieges I'm fighting. I'm really getting bogged down with the Median War. I'm going to try and just give an overview of that part and focus on things that Philippos, Alypios, and the Aigyptoi are doing.

I do enjoy writting this and would definately stop if I didn't. I'm not sure where the end of this will be, but I really don't see myself continuing much more after conquering all of Persia. Though, the conquest of Persia might not be completed for another hundred years.

I did finally get around to taking Tanais...

For an overview of the Antigonid Dynasty, see the first page. I'll see if I can't get an overview in a couple chapters or so of the evens of the Pyrrhid Dynasty thus far. As for the family tree, I'll give a short explaination: The family tree is devided into four branches, that of Alexandros (nephew of Antigonos) and the branches of the three sons of Antigonos: Alkyoneus, Demetrios, and Euboulides. (1) Alkyoneus had two sons who had no sons, so his line ended. (2) Demetrios' line was reduced to (Basileus) Neokles and Bykoli just before the civil war, with many in-laws. When Neokles died, all of the in-laws of the Demetrios line joined Bykoli. Because of this, I killed off that entire branch of the family. Only two descendants of Demetrios still live and neither are of direct male line. (3) Euboulides had one son. He was one of the ones who was trying to become Basileus at the beginning of the civil war but mysteriously died. Because of this, his two sons joined Pyrrhos. His two sons (Herakles and Anaxagoras) are two of the important family members that I'm following, both are in Bosphoria right now. (4) Finally, there is the Alexandros branch of the family. Originally, governors of Epeiros and Illyria, it was this branch of the family that fought the Romaioi War. The majority of this branch of the family governs Illyria, Italia, Gallia, and Iberia but none are really individually important, other than the family of Pyrrhos. Pyrrhos is from this branch and because of heroics in the Romaioi War and the Karchedon War, the noble council asked him to become Basileus. He had four sons (Sotades, Philippos, Euphrantos, and Laandros), who are all being followed in this AAR. Sotades is loyal and seeks no power, he governs Syria and the east. Philippos is the Basileus. Euphrantos is corrupt and has many vices, he governs Makedonia and is easily influenced by the noble council. Laandros is considerably younger than the other brothers, he governs Hellas and though seemed to be more like Euphrantos in his youth has developed into a great leader, he is friends with Anaxagoras.

I'm not quite sure what my favourite part of the AAR is, but I like making all the complex changes like the civil war or new units/reforms.

Demetrios and Philippos fought with different army types. Demetrios used mostly phalangitai and resisted the Thorakitai, it only joining the Makedonian roster after his death, whereas Philippos using armies heavy in Thorakitai and heavy infantry. A terrain that favors non-phalangitai warfare would be in Philippos' favor, other than that though, I would think Demetrios would win. I amagine Demetrios as the better commander on the field, where as Philippos' strengths lie in organization, though Demetrios was strong there as well.

The Romaioi would never have quieted down and accempted their lower status. They had to be defeated to bring peace to Italia. Though I am roleplaying that the Senate still exists and rules central Italia as a Makedonian client-state.

The meaning of life? To play EB? :laugh4:

Philippos is now in his 60's, so he doesn't have time on his side, especially considering that he has huge plans to change the the Arche from the inside out. I kind of illuded to some of the things that are up coming but they are subtle. As for Gallia and Britain, those would take a lifetime to conquer and subjugate.

...big post...

General Appo

12-06-2008, 22:32

I think I can guess what at least some of these troubles will be. Though I won´t say. Mainly not to spoil anyone´s fun, but...well, I just don´t wanna be proven wrong.

I must say I am a bit worried about Phillipos age. He could die at almost any time. Leaving Alypios to succeed him. And even though Alypios certainly appears to be at least a pretty okay general and decent guy, I´m not sure how much he knowns about empire governing.
My worries are doubled by the fact that Alypios is so far south with little to no ways to control much of the Arche Makedonia. The corrupted council of nobles might just choose to take advantage of this.
Worrying indeed.

Wait, did I just reveal what I believe to be one of the possible troubes? Oh no!
Well, I still don´t believe Phillipos will die for at the very least...5 chapters, probably more. MAA would have hinted mroe about it otherwise. Unless he´s playing us all for fools.

Europe

12-07-2008, 01:41

The meaning of life? To play EB? :laugh4:

Heheheh Good answer

That should be a EB loading screen quote :beam:

johnhughthom

12-08-2008, 21:03

I dread to think how many hours of your life this story has taken up MAA. I just spent over an hour putting up an update for my AAR which isn't half what your average update is. And that isn't even thinking about the time actually playing.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-08-2008, 22:08

Thanks, I'm only doing it because I enjoy it. When I don't feel like writing or playing, there's a long delay between updates. :egypt:

I'm going to try not to leak anything more abot upcoming events outside of the chapters. :book:

Subotan

12-09-2008, 20:50

Great, that's really helpful. All the different Greek names had me a little confused, and when the latest generation came along, I was totally confuzzled. :juggle2:

I did finally get around to taking Tanais...

https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6057/hxmak147editcq9.png

Ah, but if you look, right next to the Bosophorous, just on and below the sea of Azov, you will see a tiny bit of Sauromatae cost. You can't really claim Thallasokratia until you've captured that beach (Or airbrushed it black...)

Btw, What's going on with all the other "Barbarian" territories in the north?

HunGeneral

12-09-2008, 21:03

One thing I never Understood is why people don't semm to take the province wich formes the center of Arabia - can't it be taken? Or is it not worth it?:dizzy2: or is it defended by a land- block??

Tyrfingr

12-09-2008, 21:26

One thing I never Understood is why people don't semm to take the province wich formes the center of Arabia - can't it be taken? Or is it not worth it?:dizzy2: or is it defended by a land- block??
The arabian desert is controlled by that little town in the absolute south-west corner of the EB map, which is unreachable without cheating. Thus, the arabian desert is impossible to take...which is quite realistic since there was no civilisation during the EB time span to "control" the desert, as it was just sand and nothing of value.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-10-2008, 00:30

I've conquered Tanais, but I haven't gotten to that point in the AAR yet. In a few chapters I'll get there.

It is impossible to conquer the center Arabia, which is part of the same province as the Sahara, but I have editted a couple of my pictures so that it looks like one faction or another is in control of the center of Arabia.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-13-2008, 22:07

Chapter 89 : Desert Wars
Nubia

After almost two years of waiting, Alypios Antigonos, heir to the throne of Makedonia, received word that the third and final army of Nubia was marching on his position at Ptolemais-Theron. Alypios had taken pretty considerable losses in his previous battles and did not seek another field battle with the Ptolemaic Nubians. Hoping to halt the enemy army and force them to negotiate, Alypios siezes the bridges over a small river and waits for the enemy. Even though their position is very bad, the Nubians immediately attack Alypios and his men upon their arrival:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/750/maa3946kj0.png

Seeking to immediately take the enemy elephants out of the battle, Alypios orders his archers to light their arrows on fire and target the great beasts:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1294/maa3948dy7.png

Undaunted by the huge number of Thorakitai on the far side of the river, the Ptolemaic army charges across:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/4706/maa3949bj2.png

A good amount of Nubians cross the bridge before Alypios gives the word and the Thorakitai charge in:
https://img377.imageshack.us/img377/4205/maa3951ir8.png

The Nubians on the eastern bank are all killed or pushed back into the bridge and Alypios orders his men to move back. The Thorakitai fall back a ways and reform the crescent around the bridge landing. As another group of Nubians charge off the bridge, the Thorakitai throw their javelin:
https://img377.imageshack.us/img377/1628/maa3952kt5.png

The throwing of the javelin is the last injury needed for the Nubians to break. The broken enemy flees back arcoss the bridge and back into the desert with Alypios' army close behind:
https://img377.imageshack.us/img377/4638/maa3953gs0.png

Alypios destroys or routs what is left of the Nubian forces and destroys the last army available to Ptolemais VIII:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/6322/maa3954rn5.jpg

With Ptolemaic agression under control, Alypios Antigonos makes sure to garrison Ptolemais-Theron and heads north. Stopping in Alexandreia, Alypios reorganizes his army. Rather than have his men fight with only sword, Alypios raises men that fight with spear, sword, and javelin from amoungst the Hellenic and Makedonian populations of the region. With his army to follow him later, Alypios then moves to Syria. There, he meets with his uncle, Sotades, and discusses the Median problem.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Arabia

In Arabia, during this time, the village of Gerrha rebels against the Median Empire and casts out the Median garrison. The Kingdom of Sab'yn sends support and mistakenly start a war with the Median Empire:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2300/maa3931qe6.jpg

The war does not last long. Soon the Medes negotiate a peace, giving the eastern coast of Arabia to the Kingdom of Sab'yn. The people of the region, who had been unhappy under Media soon find the oppression of the Sab'yn no better.

The eastern and south-eastern regions of Arabia had been conquered by the Kingdom of Sab'yn many years but had long resented the domination by the Sab'yn. Knowing the only thing that keep these lands loyal to the Kingdom of Sab'yn were Sab'yn garrisons stationed in various towns around the regions, Basileus Philippos had ordered the reinforcement army of Aigyptoi, and the Hellenic envoys that lead them, to travel to these regions and negotiate alliances.

At first, the journey had been difficult, but when word began to spread that an army from Aigyptos was coming to cast out the Sab'yn garrisons, the people of the region started to welcome the Hellenes and Aigyptoi. Guided by nomadic traders, housed in small villages, and supplied by peasants, the latter part of the journey was much easier. Finally, the Aigyptoi came upon the town of Ubar and the first Sab'yn garrisoned region. After failed negotiations to get the city to surrender, the only option left was to crush the garrison and free the city by force:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6626/maa3959hm1.png

Captain Agis, one of the Makedones from Aigyptos who came to lead the army, takes command of the expedition from the envoys and diplomats and prepares the army for war. Dividing his force into two groups, Agis attacks the city from two sides.

As soon as they see the Aigyptoi force approaching the city, the Sab'yn garrison comes out to meet them. However, when the Aigyptoi begin to throw their javelin, the Sab'yn retreat back to the city:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2760/maa3960pm6.png

As the Aigyptoi approach the city, the Sab'yn have no choice but to fight and are easily outmatched:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8698/maa3961yj5.png

When a second wave of Sab'yn troops come out of the city, Agis orders his men to form a line and throw in their remaining javelin and then charge down the city streets:
https://img161.imageshack.us/img161/5079/maa3963fk6.png

Meanwhile, the second Aigyptoi force makes it almost to the city center before they are even apposed:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1909/maa3962ak7.png

After crushing the second wave, the Aigyptoi charge on the city center from two sides and take the town:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7082/maa3965kp8.jpg

The envoys, diplomats, and scholars with the army immediately reassure the people of Ubar that they are not there as conquerors but to expel the Sab'yn and obtain alliances. To prove this, they immediately allow the people of Ubar to choose a king and raise their own army. Although the region exists as a client-state for the Arche Makedonia, there is no direct power that can be exerted on such a distant region by the distant Basileus. The army and envoys set up camp outside the city and begin gathering supplies to move on, across the desert. It is not until the Aigyptoi army is out of sight that the people of Ubar actually start believing what the Makedones said about independance.

So far, Philippos' plan for breaking off territories from the Kingdom of Sab'yn is successful. As for the Basileus, himself, Philippos moves into Katabria and once again challenges the Iberian Confederacy, weakened though it is:
https://img161.imageshack.us/img161/4148/maa3978pa5.png

The Kingdom of Sab'yn offers not resistance to the Aigyptoi army or the newly formed Kingdom of Ubar but does send another army agains the city of Carna and the client-king therein:
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1624/maa4000cz3.png

Having left only a handful of advisors---both military and political---in Ubar, the Aigyptoi army had continued northward under the command of Captain Herakleides into the land of Maka. Unlike the rest of Arabia, these lands had had repeated influence by Persia and Babylonia. Until recently, the area had even been ruled directly by the new Median Empire. These small differences were enough to cause discontentment against "foreign" rule from the Kingdom of Sab'yn. Seeing what had been done in Ubar, the people readily welcomed the Aigyptoi and their mission of expelling the Sab'yn garrison. While the Aigyptoi take control of the countryside, the regional garrison hides itself behind the walls of the city of Homna. Captain Herakleides ordered the city besieged but does not wait long before reinforcements from the newly regained northern territories come in to assist the garrison of Maka:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9710/maa4003vd0.png

Captain Herakleides, well aware of the coming attack, has time to set up his men on the top of a ridge and await the enemy's approach. The Nubian archers fire down on the approaching army from above, who try to return arrow volleys from the bottom of the hill:
https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/371/maa4005tn7.png

When the Sab'yn reinforcement infantry finally come up the hill, they do not even make it to the Aigyptoi line before breaking and fleeing back down the hill:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2514/maa4006yq2.png

By the time the garrison from Homna approaches the battlefield, the Sab'yn reinforcements are in full retreat. Rather than return to their city and hide behind its wall, the Sab'yn garrison chooses to fight. Captain Herakleides orders his men down from the hill to engage the Sab'yn before they change their mind. This time, the battle becomes and infantry battle:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8301/maa4009eh7.png

While the infantry of both armies is tied down, the two cavalry detachments, off the right flank of the Aigytpoi, charge in at eachother:
https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6223/maa4010qi7.png

The cavalry charge turns out to be the turning point in the battle. As the Sab'yn cavalry break, so does the entire line of infantry. The Aigyptoi chase their enemy back to the walls of Homna and those who survive surrender the city to Captain Herakleides:
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8619/maa4012mf9.jpg

Once again, the envoys of the Arche Makedonia go about reassuring the people of the region that they are not there are conquerors. A local king is selected and put in charge of all of Maka. Not only is a local army raised to defend the region, but the envoys also manage to convince the king to raise an additional army to help augment the Aigyptoi losses. Seeking to retain the peace in the region and reassure the people they are not under occupation, the Aigyptoi move out and to the north. even before the reinforcements are ready.

While the Aigyptoi continue to move on the far side of the desert, the army of the Kingdom of Sab'yn under the command of General Hutar Il Watar Yuhan'em decides to try and take the city of Carna by force. Once again the king of Carna is forced to lead his small garrison of mostly Aithiopioi in defence of his city:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5108/maa4019ws2.png

The towers and ladders reach the walls without any equipment being destroyed but many lightly armored Sab'yn troops fall dead to the rain of arrows:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2540/maa4022cn9.png

As for the ram, it is easily set on fire outside the walls of the city:
https://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1674/maa4023dv4.png

With the ram destroyed, the only option left to the Sab'yn was to take the walls. Using ladders and towers, the enemy soldiers pour over the walls to the south...
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2651/maa4025ld3.png

...and to the north:
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/9535/maa4026xg9.png

The Sab'yn keep coming and the the city defenders keep slaying them upon the walls of the city of Carna:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5251/maa4028ly1.png

Hoping to force the enemy into retreat by killing or routing their commander, the king of Carna personally leads a charge against the king and his elite bodyguard:
https://img79.imageshack.us/img79/8324/maa4031eg7.png

The charge is a success, but when the king pulls his cavalry back to make a second charge, the Sab'yn general and his men start running. Although the king of Carna expected the enemy general to run he did not expect the direction he end up goes. The Sab'yn general runs up to the walls of the city of Carna, with the king of Carna's cavalry giving chase, and enters one of the towers. Moving onto the walls of Carna, the enemy general and his bodyguard fight to the death against the Aithiopioi spearmen:
https://img244.imageshack.us/img244/2438/maa4034gp6.png

The suicide charge of the Sab'yn general seems odd, but only if you are unaware of what happens to failed generals that return to the king of Sab'yn without their armies. Either by success of the king of Carna or by failure of the Sab'yn forces, the city of Carna remains independant and loyal to Makedonia:
https://img79.imageshack.us/img79/7686/maa4036gp2.jpg

Over two years, the Kingdom of Sab'yn takes many losses. Destroyed armies and garrisons can be replace and land reconquered but two things hit the Sab'yn hard. First is the kindling of the independ spirit amoungst the eastern regions, and the second is the support gained for Makedonia by providing that independence. Everyone knows that these "alliances" are the first step towards client-states and eventual annexation into the Arche Makedonia, but it does not change the fact that the yoke of Sab'yn has been thrown off from these regions.

The known world in 145BC:
https://img79.imageshack.us/img79/4258/hxmak145edittb1.png

Next: Chapter 90 : The Median War (Part V)

Kuningaz

12-14-2008, 01:06

Nice chapter, almost finished with re-reading the Antigonids btw:book:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-14-2008, 09:28

Thanks, Kuningaz.

That was a rather boring chapter. Arabia was conquered by nothing really exciting happened. I think I'm going to speed up my AAR and skip a bunch of the boring stuff, such as the easily won siege battles. I want to get to some of the more interesting events that are coming up but they're still half a decade away.

Ironically, I get more written when I'm busy and now that winter break is here, I'm not working on my AAR or playing the campaign as much...

Reverend Joe

12-15-2008, 04:51

I'm going to speed up my AAR and skip a bunch of the boring stuff, such as the easily won siege battles. I want to get to some of the more interesting events that are coming up but they're still half a decade away.

You should do that from now on, actually. Now that your empire is enormous, every siege is no longerr important like it was when Makedonia was a regular kingdom, and every siege could be make-or-break.

Think of it in history text terms, since that's what this AAR basically is. In other words, every time you post, start thinking: what really matters?

Aemilius Paulus

12-15-2008, 06:10

You should do that from now on, actually. Now that your empire is enormous, every siege is no longerr important like it was when Makedonia was a regular kingdom, and every siege could be make-or-break.

Think of it in history text terms, since that's what this AAR basically is. In other words, every time you post, start thinking: what really matters?

I tend to disagree. I love MAA's AAR as it is.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-15-2008, 08:25

Yeah, when I first started this AAR I showed every battle fought. Later I restricted it to just wars that were relevant to the story. I think I'm going to now just show battles that have relevence in themselves. I'll mention any battle in a relevent war but only show pictures of battles that I play out and have are at least somewhat interesting. This should increase the year-per-chapter rate and help prevent some of those chapters that really change nothing.

The next chapter starts a series of events that lead to something interesting down the way.

Kuningaz

12-15-2008, 22:38

Well, I guess you're right about restricting yourself to only the most important battles:yes: Ah and I finally re-read the whole AAR from the very beginning:book: Since I'm on a student's exchange in Mexico I don't really have to do anything to do the whole day and reading your AAR saved me from boring myself to death for some time (especially as I don't have a pc to play EB on here:no:) Just wanted to say thank you :yes:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-16-2008, 00:08

Thanks, Kuningaz. Too bad you can't play. :no:

The next chapter is almost finished (I wrote it in the middle of the night lastnight). I'll probably post it tommorrow. It has a different format and level of content. Expect the content level to be the same from now on but the format is a one time only thing.

General Appo

12-16-2008, 00:16

Either way you go with your AAR, it´s bound to be great.

It´ll be tough actually keeping those Sab´yn allies in an even client-state like relation, at least until you´ve taken Charax and established some sort of regular contact with them.
Hope to see Phillipos finish of those pesky Iberians soon.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

12-17-2008, 00:00

Chapter 90 : The Median War (Continued)

While the Basileus moves into Katabria and an Aigyptoi army wanders the shifting sands, the main concern of almost all within the Arche Makedonia is the war with Media to the east. For years, battles had been fought and every time the Medes had been pushed back, but the garrisons of Babylonia, Assyria, and Armenia had been depleted and the soldiers had been pushed to the breaking point. In Armenia, the garrison of Armavir had been almost completely wiped out and had to be reinforced from Iberia. In Babylonia, the aging King Isidoros Oresteus of Babylon had crushed every army sent against him but had slowly been loosing the elite veteran core that made up his army.

The years that made up the end of the beginning of the Median War were much like the years that made up the beginning of the beginning. Median armies continue to invade Makedonian territory and the Makedones continue to fight a defensive war. A "war" of personalities between King Isidoros and Sotades in Demetreia had tied up any forces that might be used to make a Makedonian offensive in Assyria or Babylonia.

Spring 146BC: The depleted garrison of Armavir is reinforced by fresh troops from Iberia. The unified forces fight and rout an army of Media in northern Armenia.

Summer 146BC: By the summer, the lands of Babylonia and Assyria are overrun by enemy troops. The king of Media personally commands an army besieging the city of Seleukeia. With the garrisons and governments of the Makedonian satrapies trapped by Median armies behind walled cities, bandits and rebels roam the lands causing a whole new set of problems:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/686/maa3977bg7.png

During this same time, Zaikedenthes Echinaieus leads the garrison of Hippone to victory against an army of Numidia. The rift between the Numidians and the Mauretanians continues to grow.

Autumn 146BC: The Median royal army and Median king besieging King Isidoros within Seleukeia complete their siege equipment and try to take the city by force:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/8103/maa3982hc4.png

The towers and rams are all quickly destroyed, but King Isidoros wishes to destroy the Median army before it can withdrawl, or even kill the Median king:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/3917/maa3988sj0.png

Leaving the bulk of his forces on the walls to distract the regrouping Medes, King Isidoros takes his entire cavalry force out one of the distant city gates with plans to strike at the Median flanks:
https://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6418/maa3989cf6.png

Perhaps aware of Isidoros' movements or by chance, the first enemy the Babylonian cavarly confronts are the personal kataphraktoi of the Median king. Sending the light cavalry to attack the enemy infantry, King Isidoros leads the heavier cavalry against the Median king. Seeking to be the one who charges and not the one who is charged, Isidoros orders his cavalry in:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6913/maa3992os0.png

At first things are hopeful, as the Babylonian cavarly cuts through the kataphraktoi armor with their axes:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9899/maa3991by0.png

Things go well for the Babylonians for only a short time. As the Median kataphraktoi regain their composure, they quickly regain the upper hand and start killing the Babylonians in great numbers. With his men falling dead all around him, King Isidoros soon finds himself unprotected. The king of Babylonia fights like a hero of old, but soon an eastern mace finds its mark and hits the old king. Isidoros drops his sword and slumps over on his horse.

By this point, his bodyguard had managed to fight their way back to him and quickly lead the king's horse away from the battle, with a man on each side holding their king in his place. The cavalry force tries to withdraw back to the city, hoping the Median kataphraktoi would disengage and go after the Babylonian skirmisher cavalry cutting through the Median infantry ranks, but the heavy kataphraktoi smell blood and pursue the injured king:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9933/maa3994aq2.png

Even though they are heavier, the kataphraktoi slowly gain on the injured king and his bodyguard. Realizing they are about to be overtaken and their king killed, a group of Babylonian cavalry halt and turn around. Buying the extra seconds necessary for their king to get back into the city walls, this small group charges headlong into the heavy cavalry:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9945/maa3995bq8.png

The Babylonians are cut to pieces, none survive, but Isidoros and his bodyguard get back to the city. However, the Medes decide to withdraw, unable to take the city without equipment and too short on supplies to stay in Babylonia any longer:
https://img71.imageshack.us/img71/5914/maa3997gq9.jpg

King Isidoros recovers. Although, his right arm is never the same again, and he continues to have pain in his right side. Isidoros manages to gather the survivors and those dismounted in the initial confrontation and recover a few horsemen, but other than the light cavalry---who took their own losses as well---there is almost nothing left of the cavalry of Babylonia.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While the Arche watches events in the east, normal events continue in all areas of life, economy, contruction, and nature.

Laandros, youngest brother of Basileus Philippos, administrator of Hellas, continues his studies of the ways of war. Though he has never commanded an army, he has some of the best skills in warfare available to the Basileus... on paper:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9194/maa3999zq9.jpg

A massive earthquake hits Sikilia and does huge amounts of damage to the city of Syrakousai. Although no government or religious structures are significantly damaged, residential sections of the city suffer from collapse and fire. Thousands die:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9255/maa4016cx3.png

In western Pontos, the city of Heraklea completes construction of an expanded port and opens to trade in greater amounts than ever before:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5245/maa4017fu9.jpg

Far off, in Bostra, the aged Chrysoloras Delphikos starts to enjoy his work as governor and gets even better at it. The old soldier official retires from the ways of war:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9416/maa4018lg5.jpg

Chrysoloras even manages to set up an advanced system of irrigation for his parched territory and increase the production of his klerouchoi farmers:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7940/maa4046uk2.jpg

The islands of Krete and Lesbos both complete their own harbor expansions:
https://img71.imageshack.us/img71/5963/maa4048dx2.jpg

But the most impressive harbor built from the funds of a reunited Arche is at the city of Salonika. Here, the port that supplies the capital with all its goods is dredged out and expanded to accommodate even larger amounts of commercial traffic:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/5052/maa4071qt2.jpg

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Spring 145BC: The city of Arbela is attacked by a Median army but by the use of arrows soaked in oil and set on fire, the enemy is scattered and the city saved.

Summer 145BC: The reinforced garrison of Armavir fights a battle against a large Median army. Both sides take heavy casualties but the Medians retreat.

To the south, the king of Media gathers his army and once again crosses over the mountains to attack the city of Seleukeia.

Autumn 145BC: Zaikedenthes Echinaieus once again must defend the city of Hippone from Numidian invaders. Although the Numidian army is commanded by the Numidian king, he is accompanied by two prominent exiles from Karchedon:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/6942/maa4049ir2.png

Towers reach the walls and miners knock down a section of it, but the defenders are not swayed:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2359/maa4053pv5.png

Facing the Numidians, both elite and levy troops garther to push them back through the breach:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/459/maa4054uh9.png

Confident in the skill of his men to defend the breach---as they have done countless times before---Zaikedenthes leaves the walls and leads his cavalry out through a side gate of the city. Circling around the sides of the city, Zaikedenthes manages to catch one of the exiles, Aderbal Lambaesis, and his men, far from the rest of the Numidian army. With a charge from the Numidian cavalry a great many Phoenicians fall dead:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/882/maa4056ve8.png

Before long, a second group of Phoenicians comes charging in at the conflict, this time lead by the exile Admetos Urso, new head of the famous Urso family. While the garrison of Hippone pushes back everyone that enters the city, the cavalry forces fight off to the side of the city:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/7562/maa4059aw5.png

Before long, Aderbal Lambaesis falls dead and Admetos Urso and the remaining cavalry turn to retreat. The quick Numidian cavalry chase down the exiles and kill every last one of them. Just as he thinks he is away, even Admetos Urso falls dead:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/728/maa4062xd2.png
[I had to show that picture. How unlucky of him.]

King Bomilkar retreats back into Numidia, his army destroyed and his advisors killed. Hopefully, the last of the Urso line lies dead this day:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4231/maa4064zk7.jpg

Winter 145BC: The Median king once again tries to get King Isidoros to fight by attacking the wall of the city of Seleukeia. This time, Isidoros and what is left of his cavalry remain safely behind the walls. Enemy equipment makes it to the walls of the city of Selekeia but are caught on fire at the last minute, forcing the Medes to retreat from Babylonia once again.

Spring 144BC: Euktimenos Demetrios Idomeneus attacks a rebel army under the command of Neolaus Samosaton Kommagenikon. Seeking to use the Median war as an excuse to break away from the Arche Makedonia, this small force and their claim of territory between Assyria and Babylonia are faced with a massive army:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/5834/maa4072iw4.png

Using Thorakitai...
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/853/maa4075tt3.png

...and kataphraktoi...
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1769/maa4076gi1.png

...the rebel force is not even a challenge for Euktimenos:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1162/maa4077px2.jpg

As word spread that Euktimenos has defeated a rebel army, the immediate question amoungst all in the royal family is, "With what army?" Right under his nose, Sotades has allowed a man who was once the leader of a rival faction to raise an army of high quality. Sotades sends word to Philippos and suggest giving the order to have Euktimenos killed as sson as possible.

Summer 144BC: The Kantabrians surrender to Basileus Philippos and the entire region of Kantabria falls under the jurisdiction of the Arche Makedonia:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/203/maa4079oy0.jpg

With a force of coastal Iberians waiting to garrison the region, Philippos quickly moves his army north and into the lands of the Aquitani. These lands still remain loyal to the collapsing Iberian Confederacy and make an easy target for the Arche:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9430/maa4086dp7.png

At this same time, a huge army from Media arrives in northern Armenia and besieges the city of Armavir. The garrison is vastly outnumbered and have no more reinforcements to call upon.

A large Median force also crosses over the mountains of Media and into eastern Assyria. Unlike previous forces, this one is large and well organized. It would seem that something has changed in Media or in the Median plan.

Autumn 144BC: The Aigyptoi army finally comes upon the last garrison in eastern Arabia. Surprising the city by attacking from out of the desert, the Aigyptoi descend upon the town:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4042/maa4087ke2.png

This first Sab'yn force is easily defeated and the Aigyptoi position themselves at the top of a hill to await the garrison from out of the city:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4134/maa4090si1.png

The Aigyptoi wait patiently for the Sab'yn soldiers to tire themselves marching and climbing up the hill. When the time is right, the entire Aigyptoi line charges down from the hill an onto the enemy:
https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/536/maa4091om6.png

The Sab'yn garrison is crushed and those who survive surrender and disband. With this, the last of the distant Sab'yn territories is broken from them. The envoys send word to the king of Maka and the Makedonian advisors left behind in Maka. They are informed that Gerrha is taken and that the region will be integrated into Maka. The lands are given to the king of Maka, but the Aigyptoi remain in the town of Gerrha to garrison it against any possible Median agression.
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1790/maa4092zc1.jpg

Winter 144BC: King Isidoros Oresteus, king and ruler of Babylon, dies in his sleep. Succumbing to the winter cold and his old wounds, the old king dies relatively peacefully in his sleep:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4492/maa4082jd0.jpg

The crown of Babylon falls to Isidoros' son-in-law, Keraton Apolloniates, the only option for an heir. Keraton is crowned, but a huge number of the elite Babylonians stationed in Seleukeia see the death of King Isidoros as a sign and disband or flee to other regions. Keraton is forced to take the bulk of the garrison from Babylonia to hold the city of Seleukeia. Keraton's advisors tell him that it is time to send word to Demetreia and request Makedonian reinforcements, but Keraton refuses. King Keraton Apolloniates has a plan, and if it fails then he will request assistance.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The known world in the winter of 144BC:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8610/hxmak144editdo7.png

Next: Chapter 91 : The Neo-Persian Empire