City of Protis: A Massalian AAR

[Megas Methuselah]

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/town1.jpg
City of Protis

This is new, isn't it? For whatever God-knows reason, EB won't start up right now. I think I'll have to re-install it. Whatever the case may turn out to be, I did my best to scrape things together, though the pictures are there only to help put the image of violence in your mind. I'm pleased to bring you, the City of Protis: A Massalian AAR.



Introduction: A New World

Massalia: a new, savage world of rising Hellenism. Sorrounded by Celts, Etruscans, Romans, and Carthaginians, this unknown city managed to forge a harsh existence through dangerous trade enterprises, true to their Greek heritage. Descendants of the first Greek and Ligurian settlers of the region, the people of Massalia supplied the greedy barbarians to the north with civilized goods from the equally greedy, albeit enlightened people of the south.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/Outflanked1.jpg

In honour of the founders of the Massalia, Protis of Phocaea and his Ligurian wife Gyptis, the Massalians did what they could to maintain independance from their numerous enemies. The Celts, though militarily strong, were divided in a bloody civil war. The Etruscans, although cultivated and civilized, existed as a swarm of independant city states, much like the old motherland of Hellas: it is mainly because of this division that they were able to be absorbed by their former vassal, Roma. Praise be to the Gods that the mighty Carthaginians were so far away and concerned with other pressing matters than a costly war with Massalia.

The Gods. Yea, the Gods play with the fortune of men. How else could this humble, unstable city contain within it such a glorious and celebrated destiny?

King of all the Gauls

It has been 360 years since the first Greeks from Phocaea followed Protis to settle in this new world. Since then, the people have intermingled with Ligurians, Celts, and even more Greeks driven west from the destruction of the Persian Wars. However, less than 50 years have passed since Epeirot exiles of the Makedonian invasion conquered the lands by the sword, and claimed what was theirs by right of conquest. The 4th king of Massalia, a descendant of the famed Molossian Pyrrhos, is an usurper who killed his elder brother for the throne upon the death of their father.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/Outflanked2.jpg

Seeking to take the anger of his horrified subjects elsewhere than himself, the young king quickly drafted together large armies and completed the conquest of Italy started by his father. Furthermore, he drove his troops into Gaul and smashed aside the Celtic hosts. Being declared a military genius and saviour of the Hellenic cause in the west, the young king quickly married an aristocratic descendant of Protis upon his return to Massalia, and cemented his position on the throne of the city.

The people, amazed at the ambassadors sent to the king's court from many exotic countries, decided that their king was a good man. No, a glorious man! His name was Herakleon Aiakides. In a solemn ceremony, followed by a great festival, the young king's conquest of Italy, and especially Gaul, were acknowledged as feets of genius. In his honour, the people bestowed upon the king a new name and title: Herakleon Gallicvs, King of all the Gauls!


https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/victory.jpg

[Megas Methuselah]

This may just end up being a ridiculous dissapointment if, following a reinstallation of EB, I'm not able to load my Massalian game and begin the first chapter of the AAR.
"It's in the hands of God now." Lol.

EDIT: I still have to get used to getting the pictures done better.

[QuintusSertorius]

Which faction are you using as the base for your game?

[Chaotix]

Nice start. Hope the save works out.

And Quintus: Looks like KH- only they have the Ekdromoi Hoplitai seen in a few pics.

EDIT: Argh, I didn't read the whole thing. Frodge, what did I bet you, my... KH?? Well, I guess you get a balloon :balloon3:

[Frodge]

I see your KH and raise you Epirus, thats who i think he's playing as

[overweightninja]

I see your KH and raise you Epirus, thats who i think he's playing as

"However, less than 50 years have passed since Epeirot exiles of the Makedonian invasion conquered the lands by the sword, and claimed what was theirs by right of conquest. The 4th king of Massalia, a descendant of the famed Molossian Pyrrhos, is an usurper who killed his elder brother for the throne upon the death of their father."

Seconded ;)

Interesting idea btw, subscribed to this one (not that I'll ever have chance to check but one day I'll catch up :D)
Chrz

[Megas Methuselah]

Yeah, I'm going with Epirus. As of now, I'm re-installing EB. Cross your fingers.

EDIT: Yeah, my savegame won't load. Srry guys, but maybe it's for the best. I have a large amount of homework to write.

[Fish-got-a-Sniper]

wouldn't it be better to use KH so you have access to those Massilian hoplites?

[overweightninja]

wouldn't it be better to use KH so you have access to those Massilian hoplites?

Doesn't look like that's relevant anymore :laugh4:
Defo if another Massalia AAR comes up though...let me know if you ever decide to start again Methuselah ;)
Chrz

[Philip of Massalia]

Hi Methuselah !

When I had time to Mod, I did myself (in RTR, a few years ago) a campaign starting with Massalia. I hope you can resume your story and if you can, send me your Mod. I'd love to try it again with EB this time :beam:

Edit : Massalia was reputed for its fine aristocratic republican institutions. It was managed by a council of the more wealthy family heads I doubt they would have accpted a king.

They did not change a lot since anyway:yes:

[Megas Methuselah]

Thx for the info, Phillip. I'll remember that. Btw, I was using Celto-Hellenic Hoplites as my mainline infantry. Those pictures I used were just very old ones that were really here simply for eyecandy.

[Aaldaemon]

Gah you wet my appetite for trying to do something similar. Wish I had the energy to mod a faction... maybe I'll try to play a Galatia game in the future, should be simple to bring one of the Gallic factions over.

[Megas Methuselah]

I. Struggle for Vellika

Celto-Hellenic troops and Iberian auxiliaries pray to the Gods for glory, honour, and protection. It is 365 years since the founding of Massalia (235 B.C.), and a Massalian army under the command of Boiskos Kropios is besieging the Lusitannan town of Vellika in the northern reaches of Iberia.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10004.jpg

At this very moment, two Lusitannan forces converge upon the Massalian army, ready to make battle. At best, it is a desperate attempt to relieve Vellika in this costly war. Massalian scouts not only spotted the barbarians across the river to the south, but have also found the location of even more Lusitannans approaching from the north, amongst the forest. There is also one last force, the very distant garrison at Vellika, which can reinforce the Lusitannan troops, possibly in time to change the outcome of a battle.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10003.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10006.jpg

Boiskos Kropios is a Thesprotos by birth, an Epeirote. However, like many Epeirote nobles in the Kingdom of Massalia, he has been raised both in the civilized center of Massalia itself, as well as the northern, barbaric lands, where his father is the lord of Avaricum. One day, as his father's eldest son, it is his hope to take over the lordship of Avaricum his aging father currently holds.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/BoiskosKropios.jpg

It is with eager smile that Boiskos orders his sorrounding troops to form a battle line facing the river to the south, as well as leaving a reserve force to eventually deal with the distant Lusitannan warriors approaching from the northern forest.

Although Herakleon Gallicvs, King of all the Gauls, has stated that the goal of the invasion is to "...bring Hellenic culture to the savage barbarians," Boiskos intends not to enlighten the Lusotannans with civilization, but to reduce them all to the level of slavery and death.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10005.jpg

Knowing the enemy will be slow to cross the river, Boiskos barks a command, ordering the Gallic archers forward to pepper, harrass, and thin the ranks of the advancing Lusitannans. After all, there's no need to have to kill a barbarian within the range of his smell. Having to endure his stench while watching him die is completely unnecessary. It's best just to watch him die.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10007.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10010.jpg

As the barbarians at the river are being shot down, the ones at the northern forest advance with surprising eagerness and speed, and manage to reach the rear of the Massalian line. Boiskos, caught unprepared and in a panic, orders three units of Celto-Hellenic Hoplites to engage them.

The hoplites, hardened veterans of Herakleon Gallicvs' campaigns in Gaul, advance forward and loose their javelins, before impetuously charging into the Lusitannan ranks.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10009.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10012.jpg

A savage battle erupts, with barbarians fighting semi-civilized barbarians. The sounds of spears clashing against armour and flesh, as well as men crying both their battle-cries and their screams of anguish, are easily heard by the Massalian troops praying at the circle of stones. Knowing they would be needed, these men ask once more for the Gods' protection before marching to the sound of the battle.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10013.jpg

Much to Boiskos' horror, a famed Lusotannan general charges straight into the fray, crying wild screams of encouragement to his loyal warriors.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10019.jpg

As the Massalians start to question their likelihood of victory, the men from the circle of stones finally arrive at the battle and smash into the ranks of the northern Lusitannan warriors. The Iberian mercenaries do what must be done and cut down the barbarian general's bodyguards with their trusty falcatas.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10020.jpg

Soon enough, the Lusitannan general finally lets out one last scream before being slaughtered, clutching the sword in his hand even in death.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10023.jpg

The warriors loyal to him, although horrified at the death of their leader, still intend to fulfill their vows made unto him. Grimacing at their apparently approaching deaths, the Lusitannan warriors squeeze the handles of their swords and fight on 'till death within full-view of a heartless, snarling Boiskos Kropios.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10014.jpg

During all this bloodshed, Boiskos had not forgotten the Lusitannan warriors at the river. Knowing they were already weakened by arrow fire, he ordered only two units of Celto-Hellenic Hoplites to drive them across the ford and take control of the opposing bank. The hoplites broke through their enemies and easily took control of the ford.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10027.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10028.jpg

However, the day is not done yet, as the garrison from Vellika finally arrives at the bloodbath. The numerous corpses do not sway their intentions to drive the Massalians from their lands, and so they grimly advance forward.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10021.jpg

Knowing the more brutal part of the battle is over, Boiskos sends his surviving soldiers against the outnumbered garrison, and hopes to completely annihilate the warriors.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10025.jpg

The Lusitannan warriors meet the savage, albeit exhausted charge of the hoplites with a savage charge of their own. The soldiers on both sides start another wave of death.

Boiskos, realizing the Lusitannans were fresh and high in morale, quickly sent troops to flank the barbarians, hoping to break them in one more savage charge.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10030.jpg

Despite their heavy warcries and bravery, the hoplites and Iberian mercenaries were unable to break the barbarians. Boiskos finally took his own companion cavalry wheeling around the Lusotannan flank in a last attempt to destroy them. Grimacing, Boiskos rose to unexpected heights of honour and charged forward in a great display of Hellenic courage to finally run down the barbarians of Vellika.

The Massalians had won.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10026.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/10031.jpg




* * *

After marching in triumph in the undefended town of Vellika, the Massalian army of Boiskos did what was theirs by right of conquest and put the population under the sword and chain.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/victory-1.jpg

Boiskos Kropios himself set an example and eventually whelped a bastard with an Iberian slave in the town.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/bastard.jpg

Herakleon Gallicvs, King of all the Gauls, will no doubt be pleased with this complete victory. Of that, Boiskos, was sure. He would hopefully rise to great heights within the Massalian heirarchy and, in time, be given lordship over a much glorious city than his father's Avaricum.




* * *

Kingdom of Massalia, reign of Herakleon Gallicvs, 365 years after the founding of the city (235 B.C.):

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/EmpirePic.jpg

NEXT: II. The Western March

[Megas Methuselah]

I had to edit some files for my saved game to apparently load. I don't really understand how it did, but whatever the case may be, it did. I love this campaign.

Comments are welcome.
:wink:

[Chaotix]

Nice AAR, and great pics! Can you perhaps post a screenshot of your mini-map with the next update so we can see your empire?

[Megas Methuselah]

Sure. Thx for the comment. :beam:

EDIT: I'll just edit a minimap in at the end of "Struggle for Vellika."

[Aaldaemon]

Very impressive empire you have there. Seeing the Green Death take over the West brings a smile to my face. :yes:

[Frodge]

I likes, i'm glad to see you got this working

[Reverend Joe]

Great AAR so far; I love how you have "humanized" the characters -- well, character. It's an important building block to making a good AAR to allow our character's traits to show up in the story; in this case, allowing Boiskos to come off as an arrogant ass, rather than heroizing him.

One thing though: in the future, could you crop the sides of your pictures a little? People like me, who are stuck on an old 1024x768 monitor have a harder time reading AAR's like this because the pictures stretch the text out beyond the sides of the monitor. You don't have to cut off much; just somewhere between 1/2-1 inches. :2thumbsup:

[Megas Methuselah]

II. The Western March

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/Arse.jpg

It is 365 years since the founding of the city(235 B.C.), and the Molossian Herakleon Gallicvs, King of all the Gauls, has levied a fresh army from the heartlands of the kingdom and sailed to the Massalian colony of Arse. With him, he brought along a Chaon by the name of Megakles Orraitas, the eldest of four brothers. His father is an important man, the Lord of Roma, and the young nobleman is eager to start his military career and prove his worth to the King of all the Gauls.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/Generals.jpg https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/MArmy.jpg

Upon hearing news of Boiskos Kropios' sacking of Vellika, the king decided to march west into Lusitannan lands and strike the barbarians before they can recover from their defeat. His spies have reported that a populated stronghold lies in the mountains, from where the Lusitannan can control the sorrounding lands.

With the young Megakles Orraitas impetuously urging an immediate attack, Herakleon orders a direct advance to the fortress. A Lusotannan army, hearing word of a nearby Massalian army, attack at once, eager for blood and glory.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/BattleDeploy.jpg

Despite Megakles' hope for a glorious charge and immediate rout of the enemy, the king is an experience general and knows better than to commit to such a foolish attack. Hoping to take away the advantage in combat the Lusitannan host has in a forest, Herakleon Gallicvs assembled his army in a clearing.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20038.jpg

Moreover, taking no precautions, the king orders Megakles to take a force of mercenaries and hide in a nearby group of trees to spring an ambush when the armies meet. Herakleon hopes that Megakles will prove to be the decisive arm in this battle, perhaps charging into the flanks of the Lusotannans to completely break them.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20039.jpg

Meanwhile, the Lusotannan warriors steadily advance.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20037.jpg

Soon enough, the barbarians are sighted within the forest ahead of the army. Herakleon orders the Gallic archers to take out their bows and rain death upon the enemy.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20041.jpg

Despite this, the barbarians continue their advance, and unleash a savage charge into the Massalian ranks through a hail of javelins and arrows. The newly-recruited Celto-Hellenic hoplites grasp their shields, scream their hate, and do their best to fight back in an attempt to hold the line against the vicious Lusotannan warriors.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20042.jpg

Challenges, insults, curses, screams, and battle-cries echo across the field as men shout out in both triumph and death. Megakles reveals himself and brings the mercenaries out of hiding and into the open space of the bloody field.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20043.jpg

In a hasty charge, the mercenaries quickly sorround the Lusotannan line and engulf them. The barbarians' will for combat and chances of victory are immediately depleted as they realize the full extent of the danger in which they are now in.

Only the bravest of the barbarian warriors hold their position and fulfill their vows to unhesitatingly fight until the bitter end. Although many of the Celto-Hellenic hoplites let out a groan when they realize the determination of their enemy to fight on, they nonetheless scream one last time before advancing to finish off their admirable foes.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20044.jpg

The king brings his companion cavalry into combat to drive the remaining Lusotannan skirmishers from the field as his infantry annihilates the elites. He orders Megakles to accompany him in this task. Soon enough, they charge in and run down their enemy.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20045.jpg

The king's hope for victory is soon realized with minium casualties and a total defeat for his barbaric enemies.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20046.jpg

Quickly, Herakleon orders a general advance towards the fortress of Baikor soon after the battle. His troops dig in, build rams, and prepare for a long siege.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/20049.jpg


* * *

NEXT: III. The Cost of War

[Megas Methuselah]

@ Reverand Joe

Hey, thx for the comment and praise. About making the pics a bit smaller, I'll see what I can do about it. I didn't see your comment until I posted this next one.
:embarassed:

[Philip of Massalia]

Hi Methuselah

hope you'll resume your AAR soon.

Could it be possible to share your modofication i order to allow me to play Massaliotes?:help:

[keravnos]

Absolutely great AAR. How could I have missed this...

[Megas Methuselah]

Well, this is a nice change. I thought people stopped reading my AAR, due to the lack of comments. It broke both my heart and my will to write. Anyways, I still have the pictures for the next chapter, although I don't really remember what happened. If I get enough support, maybe I'll continue with this.
:yes:

@Phillip of Massalia: All I did was migrate to Massalia as Epirus and started my conquest from there. This AAR is only a midgame attribute to that heroic journey.

[STuNTz2023]

should continue, many of us read AAR's but seem to forget to post we enjoyed reading them.

[Chaotix]

Look at the views, not the comments, Methuselah. Almost 900 people already had read this AAR when it was still going! I really liked this AAR, by the way. Migration campaigns are always interesting.

[Reverend Joe]

Methuselah, the first thing you need to learn about writing an AAR is that people rarely respond in text. What matters is the number of views; and since you have "nearly 900," I think it's a safe bet that you have produced a good AAR.

Please, keep it up.

[Aaldaemon]

Methuselah, the first thing you need to learn about writing an AAR is that people rarely respond in text. What matters is the number of views; and since you have "nearly 900," I think it's a safe bet that you have produced a good AAR.

Please, keep it up.

I actually believe number of views is a highly misguided way to look at an aar "success". Everytime the author enters his thread or changes the page, edits something etc = view count goes up. There's also quite a lot of people I believe who enter the thread give it a cursory glance and then exit... Other people only look at screenshots, other people just don't have the mental desire to read more than the initial few posts etc... I think the very best way to see if there's enough interest in an aar is through the number of posts adressing your last update... but the community here simply isn't into aars all that much, and they just don't realize that a lot of aar writers need replies to their last updates to get the desire to continue. (I don't deny there's a few authors who don't give a damn about replies and they can drone on on their own forever - but they're very very few) There's nothing worse for a lot of aar writers to put a lot of effort in an aar and then be met by silence. The silence of aar readers kills aars.

[Hax]

IT'S OVER 900!!!

Anyways, I like this AAR a lot. It's a shame that you didn't tell us about your earlier conquests though (in Gaul and Italy)

[Strategos Alexandros]

Great AAR, I'd like to see more migration AARs, at least, judging from this one I would.

[QuintusSertorius]

Don't stop writing! Yours and General Appo's were the ones that inspired by Epeiros-as-Pergamon migration AAR.

[Swordmaster]

I'd missed out on this one, too. (I wasn't around here until I got a new machine.)

Great battles, too. Your use of peltastai says it all about how good these units are.

[QuintusSertorius]

I'd missed out on this one, too. (I wasn't around here until I got a new machine.)

Great battles, too. Your use of peltastai says it all about how good these units are.

I think they're brilliant, myself. Get them upgraded kit and a point or two of experience and you've got solid medium infantry who have lots of ammo to skirmish with, and don't tire easily.

Are you sure you don't mean Celto-Hellenic hoplites (who's mini-card looks a lot like Peltastai's does)? They're brilliant too.

[Swordmaster]

I think they're brilliant, myself. Get them upgraded kit and a point or two of experience and you've got solid medium infantry who have lots of ammo to skirmish with, and don't tire easily.

Are you sure you don't mean Celto-Hellenic hoplites (who's mini-card looks a lot like Peltastai's does)? They're brilliant too.

I see. They've got the same type of helmets and moustaches, hence the confusion. Even so, peltastai rock.

[Reverend Joe]

I actually believe number of views is a highly misguided way to look at an aar "success". Everytime the author enters his thread or changes the page, edits something etc = view count goes up. There's also quite a lot of people I believe who enter the thread give it a cursory glance and then exit... Other people only look at screenshots, other people just don't have the mental desire to read more than the initial few posts etc... I think the very best way to see if there's enough interest in an aar is through the number of posts adressing your last update... but the community here simply isn't into aars all that much, and they just don't realize that a lot of aar writers need replies to their last updates to get the desire to continue. (I don't deny there's a few authors who don't give a damn about replies and they can drone on on their own forever - but they're very very few) There's nothing worse for a lot of aar writers to put a lot of effort in an aar and then be met by silence. The silence of aar readers kills aars.

I think the problem around here (it's true with me, at least) is that all we (the fans) can think of to say is "great job!" and we feel like stupid fanboys by not being able to say anything else. So, we remain silent mostly out of embarrassment. It's not that we don't like AARs that much; we're just not used to working with the writers on a literary level.

Edit: also, I think AAR fans around here tend to stick to a few AARS that they like, rather than commenting on them all. So yeah, the fanbase can be small, but it also is usually dedicated.

[Swordmaster]

I think the problem around here (it's true with me, at least) is that all we (the fans) can think of to say is "great job!" and we feel like stupid fanboys by not being able to say anything else. So, we remain silent mostly out of embarrassment. It's not that we don't like AARs that much; we're just not used to working with the writers on a literary level.

Edit: also, I think AAR fans around here tend to stick to a few AARS that they like, rather than commenting on them all. So yeah, the fanbase can be small, but it also is usually dedicated.

Quality is what counts, not quantity.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

I follow just about all the AAR (at least browse every one) but the good reverend is right, I feel stupid if the best thing I can come up with is "good job". So if I don't have anything specific to say, I'll just ghost the AAR.

[Megas Methuselah]

III. The Cost of War

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/title.jpg

It is 365 years since the founding of the city (235 B.C.), and the Molossian Herakleon Gallicvs, King of all the Gauls, has the Lusitannan city-fortress of Baikor under a heavy siege. With him, the king has a force of Celto-Hellenic hoplites, supported by Gallic archers and mercenaries. Herakleon, having the blind support of the young Megakles Orraitas, his second-in-command, is led to believe that all local military resistance has been crushed save for the limited number of Lusotannan warriors holed up in their fortress hall.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/army.jpg

However, the cunning enemy soon proves the famed king wrong, and much to both Herakleon's and Megakles' surprise, a force of Lusotannan warriors march from their hidden forest camps in a bold attempt to sorround and crush the Hellenistic invaders.

The horns are blown and the men roused from their slumber to find themselves once more under attack in this forsaken wasteland. The king dons his armour and issues orders for his hoplites to take up their battle stations while Megakles eagerly jumps on his warhorse and encourages his waking companion cavalry to prepare themselves for battle in haste.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30002.jpg

With his army in the field, the king notices a Lusotannan warband rapidly approaching his position. Knowing there would be more enemy warriors in the forests ahead of his troops, Herakleon orders only a portion of his hoplites to form a line behind the main force and engage the advancing barbarians. Furthermore, he sends Megakles Orraitas to command the men, with the hope that the young soldier will prove to be of some value in the campaign.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30004.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30006.jpg

Upon noticing the Massalians' plan for a confrontation, the Lusotannan warriors holler their battle-cries out loud and rush forward under a hail of javelins into the ranks of their hated enemies.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30007.jpg

Shouts of challenges, defiant calls, screams of hate, and gasps of death are all heard in the tight mass of enraged warriors. The hoplites grind their teeth under the pressure of the barbarians' sword blows upon their shields, and return quick strikes with their deadly spears in an effort to drive the Lusotannan line back.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30008.jpg

Megakles Orraitas, noticing the Lusotannan infantry had no troops in reserve, let out a cry of joy and eagerly wheeled his companion cavalry around the enemy's flank in the hope of realizing the possibility of breaking the barbarians' line in a single, brutal charge. His one last order was to the Gallic archers, instructing them to follow his route at their own pace.

Of course, the Lusotannan cavalry advanced to meet this new threat, and Megakles impetuously chased them down away from the main scene of combat. If he believed he could tear apart the enemy's cavalry and return to run down the infantry in little time, Megakles was disastrously wrong. The Lusotannan warchief, having already isolated Megakles' companions, turned around and engulfed them!

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30009.jpg

Despite the numerous indications that his seemingly simple plan may have gone catastrophically wrong, Megakles foolishly ordered his men to stand their ground and beat back the barbarians, even going so far as to cut the throat of his own soldier who started to flee in a panic.

However, in spite of all their bravery and horsemanship, Megakles' men began to be slowly cut down. In a last, desperate attempt to change the tide of the deplorable struggle, Megakles angrily broke through his shield of bodyguards and charged the Lusotannan warchief, engaging him in single combat!

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30012.jpg

However, Megakles was, though a soldier, a young and inexperienced man. The Lusotannan warchief smirked, and easily parried the weak thrust of Megakles' sword. Although the Gallic archers had already joined in the fight, they made it only in time to watch as Megakles was unhorsed and mercilessly stomped on by the hooves of the Lusotannan warchief's mount.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30011.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/300131.jpg

Despite the great discouragement suffered by the Massalians due to the horrible death of their general, the soldiers knew that the only way between them and victory was the Lusotannan cavalry. With one, last, desperate battlecry, the remnants of the dead Megakles' companion cavalry and Gallic archers slew the Lusotannan horsemen and achieved what had been thought nigh-impossible: they slaughtered the warchief and mutilated his corpse in their anger, leaving it in the fields to be shamefully eaten by the carrion birds and dogs.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/300141.jpg

As the exhausted troops trudged back to the main Massalian battle line, they found that the hoplites had already shattered the Lusitannan infantry. Megakles did not need to die.

However, there was no time for mourning, as the other force of Lusotannans was sighted by the scouts marching towards the sound of battle...

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30005.jpg

...and they were eagerly out for blood. It was not within their knowledge that a great chieftan of theirs had already died, and so they impetuously stalked forward with killing in their minds.

Soon enough, the first Lusotannan warriors were within sight of Herakleon Gallicvs, who quickly ordered his hoplites to obliberate the impudent barbarians off the face of the earth. The soldiers hurled their javelins and charged forward in a fantastic display of Gallic courage and Hellenic honour.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30016.jpg
https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30017.jpg

The hard soil began to turn red with both barbaric and hellenistic blood. As the ordered lines of warriors underwent a disfiguration into one constricted heap of shouting madmen, soldiers started slaughtering every living organism within sight. Herakleon, seeing the Gallic rage in his troops, knew nothing could be done to stop this psychotic bloodshed.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30018.jpg

However, he soon noticed Lusotannan skirmishers and ambushers in the forests ahead, and brought his companion cavalry out of reserve to run them down.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30021.jpg

While at the same time, the shouts of madness from the combined voices of Lusotannan and Massalian close-order infantry began to die down. Sanity was returning to Herakleon's hoplites, who soon found that in their lunacy they had already killed most of their enemy. It took little effort, then, to finally slaughter the rest of the fearless, barbaric, heavy troops.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30020.jpg

However, some hoplites managed to witness their king charge into the forest ahead, and went after him. Soon stumbling upon a clearing, they found even more of the barbaric enemies waiting to do battle, which once again, soon began.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30022.jpg

Herakleon's companions had almost finished cutting down their target skirmishers when noise of another conflict soon interrupted their cruel pursuit.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30023.jpg

Soon finding the clash between his own hoplites and the Lusotannan ambushers, Herakleon gathered together his cavalry and crushed the barbarians in the classic, albeit exhausted, hammer and anvil tactic of his distant relative, Megas Alexandros.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/30024.jpg

With the garrison of Baikor utterly annihilated, the Massalian force was able to march on the city-fortress without meeting resistance. Herakleon angrily let its people feel the wrath of his troops, and put the barbaric place under the sword and chain.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/300261.jpghttps://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/300271.jpg

Sadly, this great victory was bittersweet. Megakles Orraitas was monstrously killed and, for all his foolishness and other vices, was the eldest son of the Massalian Lord of Roma, a much-respected figure who fought alongside the king's father in the conquest of Italy. Megakles was to one day assume governorship of Italy, something which will now never happen.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/Megakles.jpg

For his part, Herakleon will weep for the young soldier. Megakles was, after all, the son of Herakleon's own sister, thus being the king's nephew.

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/HeroDeath.jpg

Anger and rage will spread through Massalia's realm like a storm, and many great and terrible things are bound to happen.


* * *

Kingdom of Massalia, 365 years after the founding of the city (235 B.C.):

https://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/Methuselah18/map.jpg

NEXT: (Yet to be revealed)

[Megas Methuselah]

Any and every comments are welcome. Even if it's just a "good job," after doing a bunch of work to get chapter 3 out, a good job comment is heart-warming, even if the poster would claim it makes him/her look stupid. Yeah, I'm talking to you, Marcus.
:laugh4:

Come what may, I attempted to solve 2 problems that have been posted through constructive criticism and/or suggestions in this chapter:

1- I actually wrote the chapter.
2- I made the pictures 10% smaller, so as to make them more friendly for the older, smaller monitors.

And to say it again, any and every comments are welcome.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

"Good job." :juggle2:

Thanks for the smaller pictures. The old one fit my monitor but just barely.

Are you going to conquer all of Iberia? Where to after that?

[QuintusSertorius]

I just love seeing all those Celto-Hellenic hoplites in action.

I'm surprised, though that you haven't made Massalian hoplites recruitable for you in Massalia itself.

[Megas Methuselah]

Where to after that?

Wherever God takes me.

But to be honest, I have plans for everything, ranging from an invasion of Britain, incursions into Germany, landings in Sicily, trouble with Italy and the alps, and maybe even a strike force in Africa. Of course, I want to try to establish distant colonies, too... So be that as it may, we'll see what happens.


I'm surprised, though that you haven't made Massalian hoplites recruitable for you in Massalia itself.

I had a Koinon Hellenon migration campaign to Massalia back in 1.0, and those hoplites were my mainline infantry. However, I ended up getting sick of those men and their barbaric-looking armour, so I wanted to try more flexible and prettier units in this campaign.
:clown:

[Reverend Joe]

Looking good. When can we expect another update?

[Megas Methuselah]

Dunno. It's too much work for me to care... Someday.