Flight of Dragons - The Deeds of the Kings of the Sauromatae [Archive]

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Aaldaemon

05-20-2008, 23:26

The Flight of Dragons - The Deeds of the Kings of the Sauromatae

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/tan1.jpg

STELA I – The Deeds of Abeakos, Dragon King, Lord of the Horizons.

Part I: The Dragon Awakens

My name is Abeakos. Remember that name, for I am the Khashaya, King of the men and women of the Dragon. When I was but a boy, my father took me to the lands of the Yavanas, so I could see the foolishness of men grown fat on grain and wine. It was there I learnt to write, and this I hold the only good thing to come from the lands of city dwellers, for one day when I will be gone to ride with my ancestors, my words will remain written in stone, and all will know of the great deeds of the people of the Dragon.

When I was a boy I heard the tales the Yavanas tell about us. They know nothing but falsehoods, yet they pretend to worship reason and treasure knowledge. Wine-soaked fools. One day they shall all be crushed, their cities dust in the wind, for a true man is not a creature of stone and water, but a being of earth and wind, spreading the fire of the Dragon wherever he goes.

Know then that in the year of the Serpent Moon (272BCE) I ordered the Dragon banners to march south to Tanais, and there we scourged the land with fire.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/tanaisbattle1.jpg

The men of Tanais came to fight us with spears and shield and we drowned them in a sea of arrows. We made countless mounds of their dead and sent their flesh to the Fire god in a great offering. We took their women for our own, sent their young into slavery and slaughtered their old and sick, for the War God despises the weak, and they are good for nothing but to feed the fires of sacrifice.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/tanaiswin.jpg

While Tanais burned in the south, my son Babai scorched the lands to the north. The tribes of Dahyu Yugra could not oppose our wrath, and they submitted meekly to the favored of the War God after their warriors were culled in battle. Let them know their place as slaves to the will of the Khashaya.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/gava1.jpg
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/gavavic1.jpg

A strong King never rests, so we did not tarry in Tanais. The banners flew westwards to Gelonus, and there we came upon the men of that place carrying death on the winter winds. Their hearts froze stricken by terror and we gave them to the fires.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/gelonus.jpg

Let the women of weaklings cry their songs of despair as they see the bodies of their husbands burned by the breath of Dragons. Hear their lament and laugh, for the War God sees your strength and is pleased. Despise weakness in all things, and give nothing but death to your enemies. Let the Dragon banners fly forever!

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/gava2.jpg

Aaldaemon

05-20-2008, 23:36

It's been years since I wrote an AAR, (long time ago I wrote some AARs for Paradox games under a different name, so no I never wrote a TW AAR before) so I got the urge to write one tonight as I was starting my next long term game, with a faction I have never played before - the Sauromatae.

So far the plan is to keep this AAR simple, I have the tendency to ramble and write too much, so I did my best to keep it short and to the point. If you liked this style and there is interest in this tale, I will continue it as my game evolves... the Dragon banners will fly regardless. :whip:

EDIT: This is a late, late edit to warn newcomers to this AAR that this information is outdated - this AAR is going other places than those I originally intended. You will see this if you keep reading it.

THE MOTHER OF ALL EDITS: FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE AAR: THIS AAR EVOLVED INTO A CONVOLUTED STORY COMES FIRST AAR SO BE WARNED, THE ORIGINAL UPDATES MIGHT NOT ENTIRELY REFLECT FUTURE PARTS, AS THIS AAR WILL FEATURE BOTH SCREENSHOT HEAVY CHAPTERS AND WALLS OF STORYLINE TEXT.

Hax

05-20-2008, 23:52

This will be great, a Sauromatae AAR.

I will certainly follow this. By the way, have you got plans to form a Steppe Empire or do you wish to invade the Seleukid lands (or perhaps migrate to Germania or something)

Aaldaemon

05-21-2008, 00:04

The plan is to scorch the world under the breath of Dragons... or at least try.:sweatdrop: As I've just begun my first game ever with the Sauromatae I'm not quite sure where the winds will take me, but so far I think the plan is to go West and show the Getai they can not steal my precious dragon banners and get away with it... They MUST BURN. :whip:

I like to roleplay my kings, so while dear old Abeakos is an aging Genghiz Khan wannabe, I'm not so sure the next king will follow the same route... we shall see...

Reality=Chaos

05-21-2008, 00:10

Aaldaemon

05-21-2008, 00:16

Time update? What do you mean? If you mean showing the game year and such, know that all this happened during the first year (the year of the Serpent Moon (TM)), and yes I'm going to make sure I give more information on what happens when in the future. And now it's time to go to bed since it's 2:18am over here. :)

Reality=Chaos

05-21-2008, 00:20

Yeah that's what I meant... Thanks for responding... sleep well

Happy balroae

05-21-2008, 08:39

good look with your AAR the sauromatae are one of my favorite factions but watch out for rebels if your playing on VH campaign difficulty. They can be deadly if your settlements dont have walls

Aaldaemon

05-21-2008, 08:52

I'm playing on medium, because I actually want to have FUN expanding... and I'm more interested in roleplaying my kings and relaxing(ya right my last battle had adrenaline pumping me to Valhalla) rather than having heart attacks every turn and being annoyed by the AI factions madness. :yes: My first game in 1.1 was a Ptolemaic game on VH and at some point it became pure masochism... I really do not like the way VH works in RTW, they need to rethink their AI/difficulty for Empire for sure, imo at the moment VH is not at all "a fun difficult challenge" it's just a way to make things harder and more boring. A game on medium with some house rules seems more fun to my weary brain. :yes:

Update coming soon... as the story of the Kings continues.

Aaldaemon

05-21-2008, 10:00

Part II: The Westward Flight

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Abeakos.jpg

Men say that in the far west the Ocean drinks the Sun. This I do not believe and I shall see with my own eyes. So in the year of the Broken Serpent (271BCE) we marched from Gelonus, westwards towards the dying Sun. A host of warriors followed in my wake, strong men of the Dragon riding after their Kshahaya as is the lot of warriors. Follow me they did, and we reached the lands of the Neurije.

Messengers came from the men of that land to offer us land and water. We speared the weaklings and sent them to the War God. Never trust a silver tongued messenger, for behind that tongue is poison. Sweet words are the forerunners of deceit. Trust in your horse and your bow arm and trust in your enemy. A man who comes against you with iron and bow is an honest man. Those men who would kneel before you will as soon stab you in the back, therefore a wise king will slaughter them all and rid the world of their treachery.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/gorduneurij1.jpg

So we marched to the greatest settlement of the silver tongued Neurije and there met their warriors in the truest of greetings: battle. The fools did not offer much of a greeting to be sure. How can one chase dragons encumbered by spears and shields? They found out that arrows are greater than spears, and death came to those who turned their backs to the dragon banners. When arrows ran out the Dragons flew, and we gave them a taste of bitter iron. They could not stand against the fiery breaths of our mounts and we ground them into dust under the hooves of horses. No man can stand his ground and win against the fury of the men of the Dragon.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/bodyg.jpg

After our great victory we took our time to rid the Neurije of any thoughts of defiance, and gave them a taste of true fear. Once their wills were broken the banners flew once more, this time northward to the lands of the Seliun.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Seliun.jpg

There we came upon their walls of their great town of Seliun-Pilis and we sent the banners forward to provoke their anger. Only a coward hides behind walls, and the men of Seliun were no cowards. Seeing that they outnumbered us greatly, they summoned up their courage and came out to meet us fairly on the field of the War God. But war is never fair, and a coward may live where a brave man will die.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Seliun2.jpg

The banners scattered like the wind, and the fools of Seliun chased them as the death song of arrows withered them into nothingness. Again, we ran out of arrows, but the War God guided our lance points, charge after charge, and we broke the men of Pilis, and then the bloodlust came as the sun set.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Seliunwin.jpg

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/seliunresist.jpg

The year was that of the Burning Sun Serpent (268BCE), and the lands of the Seliun burned too like the sun above. The Seliun paid the price of defiance in blood, and we made Seliun a desert and called it peace.

The Dragon Banners flew.

Africanvs

05-22-2008, 03:42

Nicely written. I like the war-like attitude of your leader, a true Khanish fellow. Looking great so far, I'll be following this one, especially since I've never played out a campaign with a horse archer based army.

Aaldaemon

05-22-2008, 08:27

The Lord of the Horizons thanks you for your kind words. He'll make sure to show all future Khans how it's done. (If he does not die of old age :furious3: )
Great Dragon Kings should live at least to 80, you hear me RTW engine, you hear me??? :wall:

Horse archer armies are the ultimate "eradicate an enemy army with minimal losses" type of armies so I love them, although I used to be an infantry lover, and using an infantry army is much more relaxing. The micromanagement of horse archery and repetitive charging can border on the insane, but hey I love my casualty figures. :beam: Plus the Sarmatian bodyguards are my new favorite EB unit... they're the tank/howitzer superdeathmachines of the ancient world... and they regenerate? :yes: Might try a full bodyguard army in the future. :idea2:

Speaking of units... where is a good place to recruit some infantry for assaulting heavily defended cities in the future? I have to check if I get those Scordisci heavies... somehow I don't see myself taking great cities with only horse archers.:no:

Frodge

05-22-2008, 15:14

Barstanae are awesome assaulters, but they die like flies to arrow fire so get lots of them.
That said i don't know if sauromatae can recruit them.

Vorian

05-22-2008, 16:39

Very nice AAR you have the right atmosphere. Usually AARs for these factions tend to be boring since most people no nothing about them.

Aaldaemon

05-22-2008, 21:20

Hmmm, if all else fails I think I can recruit classical hoplites. :laugh4: I'm pretty sure I can recruit Bosphoran heavy archers... so couple those with hoplites and my heavy horse archers and I'll have a truly invincible army. :yes:

======================================================
And thank you for the praise Vorian, I'm a big fan of atmosphere/attitude. Initially I was thinking to write this AAR as if it was the text on kingly stelae, but I'm obviously not sticking to that plan. This will tell the story of the Kings of the Sauromatae, through their perspective, and maybe that of others, if I get consumed by this enough.

Aaldaemon

05-24-2008, 23:03

Part III: The Shattered Goddess

A dragon can not rest for long. The fires of his heart must be fed with the blood of his enemies. We had made Seliun a desert, our fires consuming that land and feeding the joy of our hearts, but the dragon banners must always fly, so they did.

To the South lay the lands of the Bastarnae, the mixed blood dogs. It is said among my people that it is easier to grow wings and fly, than to find a man among the Bastarnae who knows the name of his own true father, so we went South to make sure the next generations of that land know their fathers, all good men of the Dragon.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Bastarnae1.jpg

The year was that of the Blood Reaver (265 BCE). Those men among the Bastarnae who would fight us died with arrows in their backs, or with spears through their bellies, those who chose the coward’s path died screaming as sacrifice to the Fire God. We saw them burn to the chorus of lamentations of their women and laughed, for soon those women would change the tune of their screams and breed us true men of the Dragon. Thus, the lands of the Bastarnae were purged of their tainted tribes, and the Dragons looked for new horizons.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/horsearcherbehind.jpg

To the South and to the East lay the city of the Yavanas called Olbia. Long ago the Yavanas came here from a distant polis they call Miletus to trade with the Scythians, and they made the land at the mouths of the river Hypanis their own. This I had learnt long ago when I was but a boy among the Yavanas, and I did not forget, for a man should always learn all that he can about his enemies. Know your enemy, look in his eyes and seek his heart. See the strings that make his heart beat, so you can cut them better. A king must know how to cut the strings of the hearts of nations, so his knowledge of his enemies must exceed that of all others. So a king must know all… know or die.

The Yavanas of Olbia believed in trade. A false goddess. The truest god of men’s hearts is War, and no other. The Scythians had made them grow fat on grain, fish and slaves, while the men of Olbia had paid them a pittance in goods made in their distant southern lands. This I set about to change. I would teach the men of Olbia the trade of blood, the blood of warriors as sacrifice for victory. I would cut the strings of their heart, end their trade, and bring them to their knees.

So I ended their trade, ravaged their land, then came to their walls and called them out to meet us in battle to exchange the goods of blood. The cowards hid behind their walls and gave no answer but the silence of their fear. They would not come. Our insults fell on death ears, and so when words failed it was the time for deeds.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Olbiasiege.jpg

My son Alouthagos brought as many Yavanas as he could find within sight of the walls and had them trampled under the hooves of his horses, one after another, but the cowards in Olbia did nothing but mutter curses, threatening us with the revenge of the gods.

The gods do not do the work of men, I told them. Come and fight us, if you believe in the help of your gods, I taunted them. But the men of Olbia had little faith, so they did not come.

We showed them then what cowardice buys those who would trade in it. We took the trampled bodies of their fellow Yavanas, cut them to pieces and fed them to the dogs.

See these dogs? I asked them. They will eat better than you, for we shall keep them fed with the bodies of Yavanas, while you will starve behind your walls, for we shall teach you that our dogs are better than your men, for they do not trade to become rich and fat, but they know their place as servants to the men of the Dragon.

So the dogs were well fed as the Yavanas starved. Months passed and the cowards of Olbia would trade for their life, they would offer us slaves and tribute and riches and wine, but all we did was feed them to the dogs. There was to be no more trade, only war. There would be no more Yavana lies, only the truths of steel. Trade proved to be a false goddess, drowned by the verity of war. The year was that of the Wind of Fire (259 BCE)and the city died a slow death, for the War God was with us then, and forever.

At the very end the Yavanas found their courage, and the remainder of their fighting men came out to meet us. Half starved weaklings envying the lot of dogs. We trampled them under the hooves of our horses then came upon their starving city like countless packs of dogs of war. We fed on our bloodlust as our hounds fed on their flesh.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Olbia.jpg

We came to the most beloved temple of the men of Olbia, the temple of Demeter. There I had the statue of the goddess shattered, and the temple burned to the ground, while I showed the remaining Yavanas the impotence of their gods.

See? I asked them. The Dragon fears no gods of weaklings. The Yavanas that still possessed a scrap of courage cursed us in response, while those without offered tearful prayers for mercy.

I shall send you to your gods so that you can better deliver your curses and prayers to them, I said, as my men came upon them and rid the world of their whimpers.

Olbia knew the truths of war, and all that remained of the old city of the Yavanas were the pieces of the statue of the shattered goddess. I ordered those left where they fell, so that men can always see a god shattered by the men of the Dragon.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/death.jpg

Aaldaemon

05-24-2008, 23:20

During the previous installment I sort of ran out of screenshots, :embarassed: so it looks like it's a bit more text heavy and lighter on the images... I will be adding some screens if I find some. :juggle2:
============================================================
I have to say that the Olbians truly annoyed me, because I could not get them to come out and fight... they took the siege on the chin and prefered to wait till the very last to come out and fight... and I did not want to fight them inside the city... so I lost a lot of time sitting before their walls while my poor Abeakos got older and older... I nearly thought he would die before he took the city. :thumbsdown: But it was not to be, the gods favored the Dragon and he lived to take the city. I hope he does not die before I take the Crimea though... I just dread clicking the end turn button. :skull:

Africanvs

05-25-2008, 00:51

We saw them burn to the chorus of lamentations of their women and laughed, for soon those women would change the tune of their screams and breed us true men of the Dragon.

Nice!! Reminds me of Conan the Barbarian! :beam:

Mongol General: Conan, what is best in life?

Conan: To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.

These guys are truly uncomprimising and on the war path. Seems they want nothing but endless blood. I can't help but see this ending in disaster, but not before they leave a path of bodies behind them. Enjoying this AAR.

Aaldaemon

05-25-2008, 08:59

Nice!! Reminds me of Conan the Barbarian! :beam:

Mongol General: Conan, what is best in life?

Conan: To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.

These guys are truly uncomprimising and on the war path. Seems they want nothing but endless blood. I can't help but see this ending in disaster, but not before they leave a path of bodies behind them. Enjoying this AAR.

You have keen eyes Africanvs. :laugh4: I was going to use that Conan quote later, as "wisdom of our ancestors" or something. :laugh4: I was always a big fan of the lamentations of women and crushing your enemies. :yes:

And what is disaster, when one has saddled the world and lived the life of a man of the Dragon, crushing his enemies and taking their women for his own? Surely, just a meeting with an approving War God. :yes:

Conan might also be the Death of this AAR, since AoC launched my EB game time has almost gone the way of the Olbians. :embarassed: Took me a while to tear myself from Hyboria to write this chapter.

Vorian

05-26-2008, 18:43

In the future when and if you conquer Hellas and start settling you could have a real dispute between the Old Way and the New.

(I might go too fast or I am just inspired by MAA, I don;t know :D)

Aaldaemon

05-27-2008, 07:49

In the future when and if you conquer Hellas and start settling you could have a real dispute between the Old Way and the New.

(I might go too fast or I am just inspired by MAA, I don;t know :D)

We shall see. I actually have a grand storyline in mind already... Given people won't be bored and I'll find the will to write it all, it might be an interesting tale. :yes:
-----------------------------
I have a question, what do people prefer, more story or more screenshots? I'm curious.

Aaldaemon

05-28-2008, 06:39

Ok no feedback :( Guess I'll just do it myyyyyyy waaaaaaaaaaay. Update coming later today, maybe a bit different style from the previous one.

The General

05-28-2008, 09:08

The Flight of Dragons - The Deeds of the Kings of the Sauromatae
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/tan1.jpg

I do love the way that unit looks. :yes:

Also, I likes the AAR - keep on goin', and fly that dragon banner high!

(Also, the name of the thread reminds of a song... But that's beside the point.)

(Edited part in italics.)

Aaldaemon

05-28-2008, 09:19

I do love the way that unit looks. :yes:

Also, I likes the AAR - keep on goin', and fly that dragon banner high!

(Also, the name of the dread reminds of a song... But that's beside the point.)

Aye, the Aeldary Aembaltae (by the War God I love them so much I can now spell that name from memory haha) are the beautiful angels of death.

And thank you for following this AAR, next update is coming in a couple of hours or so(a few RL issues keep sidetracking me), and it will feature the Aeldary Aembaltae quite a lot.

Aaldaemon

05-28-2008, 11:18

Part IV: The Battle of Chersonesos 257BCE

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/dragflag.jpg

The wooded hills were swarmed by shadows. The forest murmurs as men and horses shift and whisper. A rider comes, a specter mounting a black horse, his shadow melting in the gloom. The guards allow him to pass through, for he is expected.

The rider trots up a high hill, where men assemble. The rider looks around, then at a sign, dismounts and kneels. Before him stands a tall man, clad in silver scale. The man is old, but strong, white hair a simple crown upon his brow. He wears no gold, or jewels, but a silken cloak, a dragon roaring on its back. His only ornaments in truth, are naught but a sword, and the crescent moon hilted dagger of his kind.

The old man frowns, then his words come:

Speak, what news from the North?

The black clad man lowers his head, and answers:

My King, the Tauri move. Their prince Rauxsaspa comes.

The old man nods, his face a mask of ancient lines.

They took their time…but now they come. How many warriors does the princeling bring?

A great host my King. We are outnumbered,the kneeling man replies.

The King smiles, the Dragons stirring in his heart.

Outnumbered you say? By what, hopeless children and old fools?

My King, Rauxsaspa brings many spears, bowmen, riders… their nobles come as well, the prince has brought them all…

The King’s smile widens, his eyes sharp swords to tear the darkness.

Brought them all he has? The fool. He pauses, then turns to his nobles at his back.

You should know then my brothers, that the Yavanas come from the South as well. That fool Kallipos brings them to the slaughter.

The nobles murmur, their cloaks shift. They dare not speak. A man gathers his courage. His words are tinged with worry:

They come, my King? Should we take the banners East to slip away?

The King laughs now, the Dragon roaring mirth under the stars.

Aye, they come… with spears, and bow, and horse and lance. They come, why wouldn’t they? They are many, we are but a few. They know full well, the princeling Rauxsaspa is approaching from the North, a great host trailing in his wake, so here they come, to catch us in a trap of sharpened iron.

How can they know? We stand between them as we speak! None of their messengers can pass without our knowledge!The noble asks, the tinge of fear eating at his words.

Because I told them so, you fool, the King answers, his voice low, his eyes that of the Serpent in the night. Why do you think we waited here on these hills so long? You think I want us to grow roots and branches sprout?

Alas, it takes time for messengers and spies to do their shady work. Alone the Scythian prince and the Yavana fool are naught but cowardly worms... but bring the two of them together and they will muster enough courage to come to die on our spears.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/ChersonesosAm.jpg

The King laughs again, his nobles shift uneasy as he speaks:

The greatest trap of all is when the hunter dresses as the pray, and brings the would be hunter, pray in truth to die the death of fools. They think us pray, but we are ever hunters, men, and now they come to us to listen to our dirge of arrows. Rejoice now men, for a great song starts, a song of war, a song of spears, a song of lament and despair, the song of dragons.

You know this tune well men, so wait for morning and then sing! Scatter the banners, like the dragon on the winds, and let them come to meet their doom. Send the Aorsi on the left, the nobles form the center, the swift horse on the right… then spread the wings, embrace our pray, and welcome it to our waiting belly.

Horses are brought, the King mounts first, the nobles in his wake. His sword is raised, and his great roar is heard:

Forward now men! The dawn comes swiftly, and Death hungers! Let us begin the singing now in earnest! Let our bows start the song of Dragons!

The woods erupt. The men cheer.

Abeakos! Abeakos King! The bellows of men come, as the gloom lifts.

His cloak a blur, the dragon on his back aloft.

The Dragon! The Dragon flies! They shout, as the Serpent rises on the winds.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher01.jpg

The Sun is up, the banners scatter. Before them and behind them the spears come.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher2.jpg

Forward they come, towards their pray, the waiting hunters.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher3.jpg

The Dragon song begins with but an arrow, as iron wings of death fly to their marks of flesh.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher4.jpg

The Scythian prince, spear in his hand hears his death chant in the winds. He can do naught but meet it boldly, his fate to feel the fiery breath of dragons.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher5.jpg

The Yavanas chase naught but death, as the pale rider spears them in the back, for Death is everywhere, with no refuge to be found.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher6.jpg

The last of the spears rally, as the serpent circles, tongue ready for the bite.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher7.jpg

The spears break under the breath of fire, as the King comes to claim the spoils of blood.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cher8.jpg

The Dragons fly, as coils of steel entwine with gusts of passing souls.
The Dragon rides! The Dragon flies! The chant is sung, and so death comes.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/CherVict.jpg

General Appo

05-28-2008, 16:27

Beautiful, I like your style.

Aaldaemon

05-28-2008, 16:44

Beautiful, I like your style.

Thank you. :beam: I tried to do this a bit differently - I abandoned first person and used a different narrative style, no longer entirely the words of the king, but inspired by him still - Abeakos might be a butcher, but he's also "Philosophically Inclined" and an "Epic Poet"... truly a King of legend, the Dragon made flesh.

Lysimachos

05-28-2008, 17:05

Beautiful, I like your style.

Yes, this chapter is a promising one. Hope to see more like this.

Aaldaemon

05-28-2008, 18:15

Yes, this chapter is a promising one. Hope to see more like this.
I hope to keep this up too... but it's a tough battle... on one side the Dragon beckons, while on the other Crom calls on me to crush my enemies and hear the lamentations of their women... but if people like it and there's interest in the tale, I'll try to keep it up.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Cromcalls.jpg

Sort of looks like Abeakos from behind in truth.

Reality=Chaos

05-29-2008, 10:11

Please don't stop this AAR... I love it.. you're new writing style makes it even better...

Africanvs

05-29-2008, 11:47

Nice job man. Your writing has great voice. ;)

"Crom, I have never prayed to you before, I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad, why we fought or why we died. No, all that matters, is that two stood against many. That's what's important. Valour pleases you, Crom, so grant me one request: grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then the hell with you!"

-Conan

-edit (By the way, you've inspired me to create a barbarian AAR after I finish my current project.)

MerlinusCDXX

05-29-2008, 17:50

Great AAR, you really have a feel for how the nomads think. The steppe tends to either toughen or break people, you have to be ruthless if you're gonna survive on the sea of grass, and your writing pulls that dynamic off very nicely. In fact, you've inspired me to revive my Sauromatae campaign. (It'll be fun to compare how the Saka and Sauromatae play, since I also have a Saka campaign going right now.)

Aaldaemon

06-02-2008, 08:36

Thank you Reality=Chaos, Africanvs and MerlinusCDXX for your comments and support. :2thumbsup:

@Reality=Chaos: I was gone this weekend to the mountains, but the AAR will continue this week... I plan to at least finish the reign of Abeakos, the Dragon Incarnate... maybe more, but his son if this will go on will probably be a very different type of king... we shall see.

@Africanvs: "Barbarians" are great, would love to see you lead some of them to glory /or despair... tough to choose a faction though, they're all great. :yes:

@MerlinusCDXX: I think the Saka are easier to play - better position (imho) you're not in the center of the steppes and can sweep everything from East to West :yes: ... plus the infantry they can recruit is really yummy... with my Sauromatae I'm having a hard time deciding what infantry I'll be using in the future. :no: On the plus side the Sauromatae Aeldary Aembaltae look better than the Saka bodyguards, or so I think... and we all know it's all about looks... :yes:

Aaldaemon

06-03-2008, 11:04

MerlinusCDXX

06-03-2008, 15:52

Ok... update will most likely come later today... and it will feature... a mistake on my part... (no, this is not about realizing the fact I can not actually build Bosphoran heavy archers - something that truly made me breathe fire :skull: ) :wall:

Given I won't be able to use Bosphoran heavy archers, I will actually have to rethink my future army composition... I'll probably just renounce the idea of using foot archers entirely... unless someone can come up with a better suggestion... :no:

I don't know if this is a better suggestion or not, but once you get to Ekbatana, you can get the Heavy Persian foot archers (Thanvare Parsig) from the Pastoralism large settlement. They are also available in Susa, Persepolis, Gabai, Apameia, and Karmana. I used these with the Saka in the west, and thought they were decent (no match for the mighty Subeshi though). Or you can always use Syrians when you get to that area.

Aaldaemon

06-03-2008, 18:57

I don't know if this is a better suggestion or not, but once you get to Ekbatana, you can get the Heavy Persian foot archers (Thanvare Parsig) from the Pastoralism large settlement. They are also available in Susa, Persepolis, Gabai, Apameia, and Karmana. I used these with the Saka in the west, and thought they were decent (no match for the mighty Subeshi though). Or you can always use Syrians when you get to that area.

Aaahhh, thanks for the suggestion, I looked at the recruitment areas and it seems if I want good foot archers (now that Bosphorans are out of the question) I'm going to have to take on the Grey Death. :oops: The reality of the situation is that ... and well I'm getting ahead of myself but I'll spoil it and say that the Getai are massing some _major_ armies on our current border - sort of looks like World War II, they're going to try and do a blitzkrieg on me... and there's no way in the lower hells I'll stop them without bringing my king over... so I gather going East to recruit archers is out of the question, given that I'm stretched very very thin. :oops:

But I saw now that I can recruit heavy persian archers in Media, and right next door in Adiabene there's Syrians... so thanks again for the suggestion, I think that at the first opportunity I'll have to try and get my hands on the region. :yes:

Lysimachos

06-03-2008, 21:10

You could go southwest and conquer Hellas and Crete :)

Aaldaemon

06-03-2008, 22:16

You could go southwest and conquer Hellas and Crete :)

Hahahahaha, I knew I was missing something obvious... by the gods, Cretan archers...:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: /slaps head.

Thank you Lysimachos, I seriously DID NOT think of it. (I must be growing senile :D) It would be quite ironic to have Cretans serve the Dragon kings as slaves no? :yes:

======================================================

On another note, going to post the update in a few minutes - then it's zzzzz time to dream of Dragons. This update is not what I originally had in mind... but here it comes nonetheless... what's life without a few surprises? :egypt:

Aaldaemon

06-03-2008, 22:30

Part V: When Eyes meet.

The great city of the Herakleotai lies dormant on its cape, as the Pontos Euxeinos shivers past its walls. The archons of the city worry, for death is camped beyond its very gates. They’ve heard the tales of the fall of Olbia, and its shattered goddess, so now they cower at the temple of the Parthenos asking for guidance in their time of need.

Beyond the gates, the living Dragon coils around the walls of stone. The riders wait, their sights are set, as the King comes. He rides astride his chosen mount, the great Nisean black of royal blood. His nobles at his back speak not, their faces grim in the morning sun. A silent awe is felt by all, as their gaze lingers on the walls.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/walls.jpg

They dare not speak, for the King is silent as a waiting snake, the dragon on his back as still as death. They wait, and then the dragon stirs, and the King speaks:

Look carefully my brothers. Look! He points towards the walls. What do you see? He asks.

They dare not speak, at first, but then as the King waits, one of the nobles finds his words:

My King, I see the death of many of our folk. All of us here know, oh great King, that in the saddle victory is ever ours… but our horses can not climb these man made mountains to be sure… We should accept their tribute and go North, to lands where horse and bow will bring us victory and wealth.

The King is still. The nobles wait on his reply, as silence reigns.

So, then you would have us turn back now. Forget our dead in the hills, abandoned in a foreign land we call not ours. That I can not do, for we do not buy tribute with our blood, but true dominion of the horizons in our sight.

The noble speaks no more, but the men murmur at the Dragon’s back. The King smiles, his words an end to their whispers.

Before you, one can clearly see, he says, the folly of those madmen, who think that stone is stronger than the flesh of men, or the spirit in their breasts. Bow not your heads before the delusions of carved rocks, for we have fires in our bellies, a blaze the Yavanas can not quench. We are the fire of the Dragon, and stone melts before the anger in our hearts.

The King pauses, as his men drink his words.

I asked you what you saw before your eyes, and you saw death… That is good, for Death is ever present if you are a true man, bow in your hand with enemies to slay and victories to claim. Only the weaklings of this world do not see death, for they are busy with their fields and cattle, too lost in their toil to live the life of men. If you are a man in truth, your eyes stare into Death’s eyes, and Death averts her gaze. The weaklings do not see Death coming in their blindness, but her harvest comes, and they die blind in their fields.

The King’s eyes narrow slightly as he looks towards the rising Sun. His eyes burn, fire in his gaze:

I see my death, I see it well. Now, let us see if Death can stare into the Dragon’s eyes and meet his gaze!

The King moves forward, his great Nisean black a vision on a field of green.

Follow me not, he shouts to his nobles. Watch now, see Death meet the Dragon.

They stay behind and some murmur in his wake, but all obey, for the Dragon rides before them to see Death.

The walls grow ever taller, as the King comes closer to the gate. The Yavanas stir, their eyes amazed to see the Dragon riding to his Death.

The King stops before the wall, his white hair turned to shining silver in the morning sun.

Open your gates! He shouts. Open your gates, and let the Dragon in! Open the gates and some of you may live to be my slaves!

The Yavanas on the walls know not what answer to give to his request. They think he is a madman to be sure, a man gone witless in the winter of his days. A gust of wind blows his great cloak astray, the dragon now aloft.

The Dragon! The Yavanas shout. The Dragon King himself!

The King offers them a smile, then shouts back:

Open your gates, and let the Dragon in, or meet your Death!

The Yavanas cower on their wall, but then an order comes, and arrows fly. The Dragon is their mark, but the wind shrieks and arrows stream aside.

Death! The King shouts. I see Death comes!

The Yavanas string their bows in reply and wailing snakes are loose again. This time the snakes find their pray, the waiting Dragon on his mount. A cloud of shafts whirls with the wind, and the King staggers as the arrows hit him in his chest.

The Dragon smiles, and Death grins back. They watch each other, as the arrows bounce off his silver scale. Now, the Dragon laughs, a mighty roar, the mirth of blood and fire.

His laughter stops the bowmen on the wall. Their bows go silent, as the Dragon roars.

The King salutes them with his sword, then turns his back to them and rides to his men.

So, now you know, he shouts, that Death averts her gaze before the stare of Dragons!

A great thunder comes, but the sky is clear. No storm of clouds, but a storm of men, as the cries sunder the morning sky:

Abeakos! Abeakos King! Abeakos King!

The King’s eyes glimmer as his sword is raised, a fiery point toward the Sun. He coughs blood, a scarlet mark upon his chest. His vision clouds, but light returns. He is the Dragon, and Death stares back.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/dragflag.jpg

Olaf The Great

06-04-2008, 05:13

I have no Idea why, but that last bit reminded by of Monty Python.

I love your writing style and the deranged personality of your general.

Lysimachos

06-04-2008, 06:33

Nice, poetic :)

Africanvs

06-04-2008, 07:37

Good to see you keeping this going :)

General Appo

06-04-2008, 10:16

Incredible. Love your writing. Please keep up.

Aaldaemon

06-04-2008, 14:15

Thank you for your support guys, it always warms the heart (with dragon fire :laugh4: ) to see that people like your work. :yes:

@Olaf the Great: Maybe because it's just a flesh wound! :laugh4:

@Lysimachos: Once I realized my monarch had the Epic Poet trait... I had to go more poetic on him... just had to. :yes:

@Africanvs: But where's Scipio? I hope to see him soon too. :yes:

@General Appo: Thanks mate, I'm trying to keep this up... Abeakos needs to have his story told, as I said before I promise to keep writing till at least his death... although... that might come soon... :sweatdrop:

Africanvs

06-05-2008, 09:12

Next chapter is nearly ready for scipio, just been busy lately, went to vegas etc. :)

The General

06-05-2008, 10:21

Nice, very nice. I do love the poetic style of your writing.

Very Conan-esque, this, like an epic ready to be passed to the generations to follow.

Aaldaemon

06-05-2008, 11:03

@Africanus: Vegas!!! Never been there, but I've been to Reno... does that count? :sweatdrop: Hopefully, you won't turn Scipio into a notorious gambler... well other than gambling with the lives of his men that is...

@The General: I'm glad you like this writing style. When I began the aar I tried to restrain my storytelling habits and aim more for a "quick roleplaying explanation + screenshots" style, but sadly old habits never die... so the last chapter was 99% storytelling. :embarassed: If left to my own devices I tend to go on and on and on, so to balance things a bit I think that I will try in the next chapter to restrain myself and actually show a bit more in game happenings. In truth this update should have been more game related, but I went into epic mode and could not stop... bad Aaldaemon bad - I've relegated the ingame happenings to the next update. :sweatdrop:

General Appo

06-05-2008, 12:16

No, no, no. I love this whole storytelling stuff.

Lysimachos

06-05-2008, 12:38

No, no, no. I love this whole storytelling stuff.

Yeah, me, too, otherwise i wouldn't do it, too :laugh4:

Aaldaemon

06-05-2008, 13:12

@ General Appo and Lysimachos: Don't worry, this has become a "story comes first" aar, (well if it wasn't to begin with :egypt:) and while it will feature more gameplay intensive updates, it will also feature lots of story.

Although it isn't obvious yet, I officially have a grand-dragon-master plan (TM), with an epic storyline hidden beneath the obvious. There's several (two very obvious) things in this last chapter, that will actually make a lot more sense in the future - for those with a keen eye and a keen memory. I'm one of those people who like to use small devices, that add meaning/sense much later...(god how I love to spoil the future of it all - someone shoot me) I grant you that's not a very good thing in an aar where very few will remember details of what went before, but well I do it for myself, as practice. :inquisitive:

I of the Storm

06-05-2008, 13:24

That sounds promising.

An undead dragon-king maybe? :wizard:
Will he become the Wild Hunt eventually?

Anyway, keep it up! It's a good read!!:2thumbsup:

Aaldaemon

06-05-2008, 13:31

@I of the Storm: Safe to say, I like to go for the unexpected, or to use shock tactics...:sweatdrop: I won't say anymore than that for now,(I've already spoiled too much) but I thank you for that guess, I assure you that something complicated this way comes... (in time :yes:)

EDIT: And I appreciate guesses - they give me the strength to continue, showing me there's interest in the grand-dragon-master plan (TM).

Aaldaemon

06-06-2008, 08:39

Ok... while working on my epic master plan, I realized that a very important character (for the future) has a name I truly dislike... I will try to see if I can edit his name in the savegame... any hints on how to do that without messing anything up(as in 0 sideeffects) would be appreciated.

Aaldaemon

06-07-2008, 07:16

I guess I'm stuck with his current name. That's that... I can always rename him for the purpose of the aar only I guess...

Update will come later today real life commitments and (more importantly) EURO 2008 permitting. It will introduce some very important characters, and depending on how I structure it... the mistake I was talking about earlier and I shafted with my previous story installment.

General Appo

06-07-2008, 19:43

I assume you´re reffering to Babai? Never liked the fellow, sounds like something a baboon would be called. That´s why I had him killed in my Sauromatae campaign (suicide attack on the Bastarnae).

Chirurgeon

06-08-2008, 00:04

Just got around to reading this...very cool keep it up :two thumbs:

Aaldaemon

06-08-2008, 09:50

@General Appo: Babai is just one of the many characters I would rename in truth... but no, he's not my main problem... poor ByeBye has been doing time watching the Saka in the East... the character I would rename is Aspaurg... someone of importance for the future... but I've increasingly gotten used to his name, so it will probably stay that way.

@Chirurgeon: Thank you for reading, and the praise, I doubt I will ever come to 10% of your stamina, but I'll try.

-------------------------
Update is coming in a few minutes, I have to sort a few minor things out, before the Dragon breathes again.

Aaldaemon

06-08-2008, 10:04

Part VI: A Tie of Blood

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/abcamp.jpg

The camp stretches on the crests of the hills overlooking the great city of the cape. There is a strange order about the encampment, with tents clustered around banners laying limp in the calm air of evening. The camp is curiously quiet, as men watch a host of riders approach.

The riders follow a tall, dark haired man, his face that of an eagle looking for his prey. He wears the silvered scale of high nobility, and men bow as he passes by. The warriors behind him are all picked men, their faces stern, and cold as steel. Their scale armor marks them as the guards of royalty, and men do not dare cross their path.

They snake their way between the clusters of felt tents to a great ger lying lonely on the tallest hill. The great Dragon banner of the King overlooks the great felt tent, but it is limp, no movement in its tail.

The guards around the ger do not challenge the dark haired man, as he dismounts. Two of his warriors follow him in, as he enters the tent of the King.

The inside of the great tent is bathed in the light of torches. At its center the King lies on a mound of furs, his long white hair a silver halo as the light of fires whispers in the cheerless air. Several men are clustered around him, ants near the fallen giant. The voice of the King shimmers softly, a wailing rustling, among shadows.

And there I had the goddess, shattered… shattered… to show them the impotence of their gods. His voice breaks off, as the scribe writes down his words.

To see a God… to see a God… The King’s chest heaves, and labored breath comes forth. His eyes stream silver in the light of fires.

To see a God shattered by the Dragon… shattered. His eyes dim, as his mind clouds, then they open and fix themselves upon the dark haired man.

My King, I am come, the man says, as he bows to the Dragon.

The King shivers in his furs and shadows play around his eyes. Light dances on his brow, and grim ghosts whisper in his ear.

Who are you? The King asks, as he shifts to better see the dark haired man.

Alouthagos, your son, Lord, the man says in a clear voice, watching his father on his mound. The King squints, a wave of weakness passing through his mind, then clarity comes.

Alouthagos, my son… You have changed… The King sighs, a thousand memories marring his silver brow. A Dragon, a Dragon, soon, my son. A Dragon soon...

The dark haired man's face remains still, then the corners of his lips twist.

Father, the prince says, I’ve brought him to you, as you ordered. I trust you will find him satisfactory.

The King’s eye brighten, then they cloud, as he remembers all the truth, his voice but a whisper:

Bring him in, I wish to see him now.

Alouthagos nods and one of his guards exits the tent. A few moments later he returns, a boy in tow, a short lad for his age, with smiling eyes.

Bring him closer, the King says, shifting in his furs, I want to see him better, to be sure.

Alouthagos pushes the boy forward, and he comes before the King. The old man gazes at the boy and frowns, his wearied mind lost in the wailings of the past.

His hair is red and gold my son… red and gold... Too strong perhaps… too strong.

He takes after my daughter Lord, Alouthagos says, a hint of worry in his voice. If he won’t do, I’ll bring another… Babai’s son perhaps…

The King seems not to hear, but then nods, and he stares into the boy’s eyes. Their eyes entwine, the old King’s vision haunted still by memories of bygone wraiths. They scream at him, from shattered dreams, the past a sword to cut his heart.

Tell me boy, he asks, do you know the story of the serpent and the sword?

The King’s stare rests on the child’s face, as shadows dance at the edges of his clouded mind. The boy’s eyes glint silver-blue as fire lights them in the Dragon’s sight.

Yes, King, I know it well, he answers, without doubt.

The Dragon smiles, his vision cleared at the last.

Of course you do, Abeakos says. You are Dragon blood in truth.

He laughs, a great mirth come upon him, as he coughs blood. A stream of it snakes its way across his chest. His men look on with worry on their faces, but the King’s mirth is not to be contained.

Wine! Bring wine! He says, as a servant scampers to obey. A cup is brought and the King drinks, while blood oozes darkly on his sunken chest.

Baran, he says, red wine mixing with the fever in his blood. Come forward, come.

A golden haired man approaches and then kneels before the King. His fine scale armor marks him as one of the King’s own loyal bodyguards, a fierce battle companion for many years. The King drinks from his simple cup, then tells the kneeling man:

Guard this boy with your life Baran, with your life. He is in your care. Fail him not.

The warrior bows his head, and offers a pledge:

My King, my life is his, to the end.

Your hand then man, give me your hand,the King asks. The warrior stretches his hand, and Abeakos makes a cut in his palm, his crescent hilted dagger drinking blood. He gently marks the boy as well, then their hands he entwines.

To the end, the King now agrees, and he dismisses the warrior, to look upon the child.

The King stares at the boy for a long time, as shadows flicker past his eyes. His glass is raised, as his vision clouds.

To the end! He says. To the very end!

Outside the tent, the serpent’s tail lifts in the wind.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/dragflag.jpg

Aaldaemon

06-08-2008, 10:23

First of I have to apologize to those who dislike storytelling, and want more action and more screenshots. You see I tried hard to bring those forth, but the grand plan came first. I did try to limit myself... you see this part was actually about three times this size, and there were four more short narrative pieces I wrote before actually coming to my in game mistake I keep mentioning... I obviously hacked what was supposed to be the update to pieces, canned those other parts, and came down to this which I think is a manageable read.

Worry not! There will be action in the future, battles, blood, screenshots...(although probably not a lot in the next update - maybe 3 screenshots at the most - mea culpa - mea culpa) you name it. In fact I've played quite a lot in advance and my folder swells with battle screens, which is a bad thing because I'm getting confused about many of them... nothing like saying "oh yes, this is the flanking maneuver in battle X, when in truth it was more like the rout in battle Y" :no:. I will try to make sense of it all though to be sure...

General Appo

06-08-2008, 13:28

Beautiful. Don´t worry about what we think, just write what you feel like. If you start feeling restricted in your urge to please your readers you´ll soon lose all motivation to write on.

The General

06-08-2008, 15:14

Aaldaemon

06-08-2008, 19:47

@General Appo: True enough. Motivation is key, but I feel like I might have to take motivation lessons from Chirurgeon or MarcusAureliusAntoninus. :yes: Very hard to emulate such aar longevity. :yes:

@The General: Thank you for your support mate! There will be more to be sure, because Abeakos isn't done yet... and I just love writing about him. You've seen the "official" history in the first three updates, the epic one in the next ones, now we're getting into the complicated reality behind the Dragon... and there's the twisted master plan that holds it all together. :book:

Aaldaemon

06-11-2008, 09:08

Ok, update is coming later today. I did a bit of reshuffling of material to better fit my grand plan - which takes precedence over _all_ things. - so you won't get what I originally thought you will be getting this update -The last chapter might have looked as a pointless introduction of characters to some (who needs boys, princes and bodyguards eh? :inquisitive:), but trust me it wasn't. Some stuff going in it was quite critical to the story, bonus points if you figure out what part was truly critical. :2thumbsup: (although maybe you shouldn't get bonus points because it was beyond obvious - but still :egypt:)

Anyway this next chapter is even more so...(critical that is) I would normally be a lot less obvious but I doubt people wish to read lots of pages hiding the important stuff... so it's going to be very revealing and to the point... I'm triming the material down to make it a manageable read, and solving some RL stuff too, then update will come.

General Appo

06-11-2008, 10:48

To me 10 chapters of mystic stuff is okay, but whatever you feel is right.

Aaldaemon

06-11-2008, 11:30

To me 10 chapters of mystic stuff is okay, but whatever you feel is right.

It seems to me, two or three chapters of mystic stuff will leave me with only a handful of readers hehehehe. But oh well, I shall not abandon my storyline now... The labors of the Dragon will continue very very soon - I'm almost done trimming this chapter. :yes:

Aaldaemon

06-11-2008, 11:52

Part VII: Workings of the Heart

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/hillsandtents.jpg

The inside of the great ger is dark. The King lies alone on his mound of furs. Several men cluster around him, a respectful distance away. The King is drinking heavily, while his men remain silent.

Wine is a great evil, he tells his scribe, it turns men into beasts, and great kings into useless fools. Yes it does.

The scribe looks confused. He does not know whether to write the King’s words down or not. The King is in an odd mood, and his servants worry, as Abeakos continues:

Wine is a bane to many good things… but alas it has its qualities as well. Tell me Aspaurg, he asks the little boy sitting next to the scribe, what do you think is the greatest quality of wine?

The boy thinks for a second then answers the King boldly:

My Lord, I believe wine is good for taking away pain.

The King chuckles lightly, as he shifts to better look at the boy.

Who told you this foolishness? he asks, as his merriment subsides.

The Prince Alouthagos, my King, the boy answers hastily.

The King smiles now, amusement creeping in his tone:

The Snake can’t be that foolish surely. No, boy, no. He is a wise fool that one, a wise fool, the King mutters under his breath, then speaks aloud:

Know that the Dragon fears no pain… Pain? I spit on it… As if to make a point Abeakos spits towards his Babylonian physician kneeling to his left and hits him square in the face.

I take this as a mark of honor Lord, the man says, not wiping his face, a slight tremor in his voice.

The King roars with laughter, his chest laboring under his great mirth. He then settles and sighs:

See boy, this is why I don’t have him speared… while his cures might be useless, and he might be the death of me in the end…he is quite the buffoon.

His eyes cloud for a moment, then the King returns to his original thought:

So boy, where was I? Ah yes, pain… he continues. No, no, think not of pain… pain is nothing to the Dragon. Nothing. He pauses, then asks:

You want to know what wine’s greatest quality is boy? Do you truly want to know?

The boy nods, awaiting his lesson quietly. He knows well by now that the King will tell him his mind, whether he wishes to hear it or not. The boy waits, but the King is silent. Shadows play in the King’s eyes, as he struggles to find his breath. The battle is long, but the King wins it, so his words come:

Wine dulls the mind, boy… and when the mind sleeps… some of the heart might come out… if there’s any left… The King says sadly, as he lifts his cup to drink some more of his wine.

As the King lifts his cup, a gust of wind animates the tent, his silver white hair taking flight in the sad light of torches. The door flap of the ger is opened, and prince Alouthagos enters, his faithful bodyguards behind him. The prince looks taller than ever, his pace assured, as light turns him into an approaching shade. Abeakos ignores his approach and drinks from his cup. He spills some of his wine, the drops of wine mixing with blood upon the floor.

Here comes the Snake, he whispers, to poison our mind some more.

The Prince arrives before the King, and bows.

The Yavanas are here father, he says. They wish to speak with you.

Of course they are, the King says, saliva dribbling from his mouth. His mind seems far away, while wraiths circle his heart. Yes, yes, why, what Yavanas are you talking about son? What Yavanas?

The mercenaries, Lord, the mercenaries, Alouthagos says a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Abeakos frowns, his face a mask a cheerless mask of shadows, then the King looks into his cup.

Ah, yes I remember now, he says, his voice a trail of heavy breaths. The King seems lost to his shadows, the tent silent, then at last he speaks:

Tell the boy why they are here, he needs your wisdom, doesn’t he?

Alouthagos darkens, but then the shadow passes, and an evil grin mars his face. He dutifully turns towards the boy and says, his voice as sweet as serpent venom:

Well, Aspaurg… the Yavanas are here because they are our enemy in truth.

Our enemy? Aspaurg asks, his eyes guileless, as he stares back at the prince. I thought you were going to hire them as mercenaries my Lord.

Quite so, Alouthagos agrees, a grimace darkening his features, but they are ever our enemy, forget that not.

Enemies everywhere! Everywhere! Abeakos laughs behind him, as he drinks another cup. I see them in my wine! He sees them in his blood! He proclaims, but his voice is cut short by coughing, and a wailing in his chest.

Alouthagos ignores the drunken King at his back and continues, a sullen scowl scarring his face:

You are Serpent blood boy… so you should know this well, he says.

Dragon blood! Dragon blood! The King roars chocking on his wine.

The Prince turns his back completely to the Dragon, his eyes locked on the boy:

You are a snake, boy. A snake. Wisdom must always guide you. Leave foolishness to your enemy, or to spent old men, he says, a mocking smile on his thin lips. The Yavanas out there are our enemy boy, and that is why they will die.

Die, Lord? Aspaurg asks uncomprehending. I thought we were going to hire them.

Die. Alouthagos answers with an evil smile, amusement stretching his grim features, only they will die fighting for us. Better to have them die in our service, than fighting us, no? The result is much the same on their part, only… we accomplish our goal.

The boy nods, seeing the prince’s ploy at last. The Dragon is quiet, wine streaming down his chest.

Remember boy, we are snakes, and it is the lot of fools to die doing our work. The prince plays with the boy’s golden and red hair, his hand a claw toying among flames.

Do not be a fool, boy. Use your mind first, always, in all things… then victory will be ever yours…ever.

When you abandon your mind… your end comes… fast, he says as his grin returns.

Enough! Abeakos roars. I tire of your prattle.

My King, Alouthagos says turning towards his father at last. Remember, the Yavanas wish to speak to you. You are the Dragon, are you not? He asks mockingly.

Abeakos shifts, his clouded eyes focusing on his son:

They wish to speak to the Dragon… yes they do… but this is serpent work, he says nodding to his ghosts. You go son, use that poisoned tongue of yours. Convince them to die for us, will you? Tell them I’m dying, he adds, that should help.

His words are stopped by a stream of heavy coughing, the pool of blood growing ever darker on his chest.

It’s true enough isn’t it? he seems to asks the prince as their eyes lock. The King’s eyes are blue as the open sky, the prince’s the cold silver of swords.

The Dragon never dies, the Prince says at last, averting his cold eyes, then bows and exits the tent, a trail of shadows in his wake. Abeakos watches the shades cavort in their soulless jig, then closes his eyes to embrace darkness.

Aspaurg, the King says at the last, his voice coming from far away. Come here my boy.

The boy comes to the King. The King opens his eyes and looks him over, and then nods:

You are a strong lad, Aspaurg, but soon you will be left tot the snakes. So listen boy, listen, and remember this well, swear to me you will remember what I will tell you.

The boy looks at the King, his eyes silver-blue, as the King pants.

I swear my King, he says in a solemn voice.

Good lad, the King says and his eyes cloud, but then the light comes back.

The mind is there to deceive boy, he says. It is there to deceive others, but also you. All Kings forget they are men…for they let their minds rule their hearts. That is the lot of our kind boy… to forget our hearts… but it must not be so… no it must not be so.

The King coughs blood, his voice but a whisper, as he pulls the boy closer:

Remember boy, and he points a blooded finger at Aspaurg’s heart. His finger touches the boy’s chest and leaves a crimson stain on his white shirt. Golden light plays on the surface of the blood, as shadows start to gather in the King’s eyes.

Do not let your mind rule over your heart, he whispers, as his breath fails him.

Your heart will set you free.

The King then falls on his mound, his labored breath, a keening dirge among the shadows.

Get out now boy, get out, he whispers to the boy. Go watch the snake do his work. Go watch the workings of the mind, when the heart has failed.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/goldenrider.jpg

Aaldaemon

06-11-2008, 12:39

And now you can see who Aspaurg was - the name I was complaining about. :furious3: Is it that bad, I wonder? Seeing that I played ahead quite a bit, I'm very used to it by now... it's kind of like the name of an old friend in my ears at this point. :2thumbsup:

Any comments are welcome, now it's time to take a break for a while, and let the dragon banners fly.

General Appo

06-11-2008, 13:18

Beautiful. The name is fine with me.
May the dragon banners fly forever.

Lysimachos

06-11-2008, 15:37

Great!

The General

06-11-2008, 21:13

Beautiful. The name is fine with me.
May the dragon banners fly forever.
What he said. :yes:

Aaldaemon

06-12-2008, 09:15

@General Appo @Lysimachos and @The General: Thank you gents, it's good to see you are still here.

As you have seen Abeakos is more complex than the early updates aka scribe written official histories have him to be. I was even thinking to add a Procopius style "Secret History" chapter to establish more depth to the goings on, but I would be entering story overkill. :yes: (I still think one such chapter might appear in the future) Maybe if I write another aar in the future, I might try something along the lines of alternating between "official history" and "secret history" style chapters... that would suit a "civilized" state more though.

Africanvs

06-12-2008, 19:09

Just caught up on the last two chapters. Looking forward to the next installment.

Aaldaemon

06-13-2008, 08:30

Just caught up on the last two chapters. Looking forward to the next installment.

Ah, good to see you again. I hope you will find time in the future for your Romans - still waiting on Scipio. :yes:

Theodotos I

06-13-2008, 19:24

Just found time to read this, been meaning to ever since I saw you over on my AAR. Good stuff. I'm not knowledgeable enough about the steppe peoples to judge your accuracy, but it sounds good and as a novelist that's half the battle. Fiction is all about the suspension of disbelief and you've accomplished that. All hail the Dragon King!
BTW, I think you should DEFINITELY try to recruit the Cretan archers!:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

Aaldaemon

06-15-2008, 10:37

@Theodotos I: Thank you for reading. :2thumbsup:

I studied history at the university, but not this time period - I'm more of a medieval fan. (or was) I'm not aiming for accuracy here, although I'm using historical information for some things and will continue to do so. I'm always much more interested in telling a compelling story than historical realism - that's my credo seeing that after finishing my studies rather than going for a PhD I decided to start writing, and I'm working on a trilogy now. :sweatdrop:

Lysimachos

06-15-2008, 15:42

I decided to start writing, and I'm working on a trilogy now. :sweatdrop:

Wow, i'm impressed :book::book::book:

Aaldaemon

06-15-2008, 16:25

Wow, i'm impressed :book::book::book:

Gah, don't be. Writing is 90% work, 9% inspiration and 1%(maybe) talent... and to top it all you could probably earn more working at McDonalds if you count all the hours you put in... well unless you want to write the next Harry Potter. :dizzy2: It's also quite a mind breaking exercise if you happen to be an insane perfectionist, good thing there's games and forums to provide some relaxation.

Aaldaemon

06-17-2008, 12:49

Ok, update will arrive most likely later today. It's HUGE...no I mean HUUUUGEEEE, so I will have to see how I hack it down to a manageable size... I think that I'm not going to go overboard and cut it into three distinct updates but rather, I shall only give you the essence of it all... Poor Abeakos, to see his story cut so short. :embarassed:

Oh, well, off to do some running, mens sana in corpore sano, hopefully, the best way to trim it down will come to me... :wall:

Theodotos I

06-17-2008, 16:41

Aaldaemon

06-17-2008, 19:50

I've got a novel going myself. What are you writing?

Yes, I saw you say that on your aar thread. I'm writing about... dragon banners. :laugh4: While, I'm being in a joking mood, in all seriousness my book(s) contain them aplenty. I'm writing fantasy done right (TM). My childhood was ruled by visions of Dune, (all praise Frank Herbert) while in my college years I found Cherryh's well written aliens (see the Atevi for instance)... add countless history books on top, and some historical fantasy such as that written by Gavriel Kay, and the formula for "fantasy done right" came to me at the last. So I'm slavering on a trilogy that I hope will be quite amazing to those used to the more conventional Tolkienesque inspired drivel, and will hopefully do well enough in a slugfest with better written stuff, such as Martin's Saga of Ice and Fire. Besides my "fantasy done right" stuff, I'm also working on a historical fantasy novel, much like this aar in many ways :laugh4:, (with 10x the polish and 100x the length) but that one will most likely never find a publisher... more's the pity.

========================
And update will come after the Romania - Netherlands game tonight... I'm off to watch it now. Haaai Rooomaaaniaaa!

Aaldaemon

06-17-2008, 21:44

Part VIII – Failings of the Mind

The boy follows the prince and his guards through the ordered maze of tents to the place the Yavanas wait. Aspaurg has never seen Yavanas before, but he has heard countless tales of their wicked ways. These Yavanas do not appear particularly impressive to his young eyes, as they seem to be both hornless and tailless at first glance. They carry spears and the largest shields he has ever seen, larger than even those of the Aorsi.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Chersassault.jpg

Beware of men, who would hide behind shields, the King had told him once, and he remembers now. Beware of cowards, for they are often the death of brave men. Trust not in men who hide from death, for in their hiding they know no honor and forget the ways of true men. Your spirit must be your shield boy, your spirit and your arm. You are dragon blood, and dragons do not hide when battle comes.

Having remembered the words of the King, Aspaurg watches the Yavanas with different eyes. There is something wrong about them to be sure, something abominable, a lack he can not place. Then his mind sees it at the last – they have no bows. What kind of men, if men they are, would come to war bowless? Beasts, he thinks, beasts, who masquerade as men.

The Yavanas take no notice of the boy watching them, as the serpent offers them words:

I return to you with good news, good news indeed, he hums. Your services to us will be greatly appreciated and rewarded. You shall grow rich in the service of Dragons.

The Yavanas do not appear convinced, and one of them speaks:

Lord, we have considered your offer, but the men have heard grim tales of Olbia and…

Grim tales? Alouthagos interrupts him, seemingly amused by the man’s courage. Why, tell me of a war without its share of grim tales? I can not think of one, my good man, I can not think of one because there is no such thing, and never will be.

He pauses, as he shakes his head, as if talking to an audience of little boys.

Grim tales… grim tales doubtlessly spun by those who know nothing of truths, but only hatred of Dragons…

So tell us your truths then, the mercenary says interrupting the prince once more, tell us your truths, and we shall listen.

Alouthagos is taken aback by the interruption, but only for a moment, and the Yavanas do not see it. Aspaurg does, but he remains silent, as the serpent smile comes forth and the prince speaks:

Why, what happened at Olbia was greatly exaggerated in the telling, he purrs. Do you want to hear a truth? I shall tell you a truth. The great Dragon of the northern steppes you Yavanas so fear, grew up among your kind when he was a boy. He is more Yavana than you would think, or dream. He even carries a Yavana name, one few men know.

The Yavanas stare at him in disbelief, as his words sink in, and Alouthagos continues:

Yes, friends, trust not what you hear in the South. The King is not as black hearted as some would paint him… no, not at all. It is most unfortunate that the men of Olbia chose to defy him, for you see a King brought up among Yavanas has to prove himself to the Dragon riders. You can not forge an empire out of the riders of the steppes if you appear to them a weakling… a Yavana loving weakling at that.

The prince has them now, Aspaurg sees it well. The Yavanas are creatures of reason and logic, boy, he hears the old King’s words in his mind. They hide behind rationalizations of their own deeds and those of others. But logic is much like a sword boy, it can have two edges… and it can bend. Bend logic to your will boy, bend it to your advantage. Men who believe in reason are fragile beings, so shatter their own reasonings, and provide them with your own, and they shall break boy, they shall break. Beware though boy for logic can bend you too, and too much reasoning will turn you into a serpent. The boy remembers the sadness in the King's voice and for a moment forgets about the prince’s words. Beware the failings of the mind, the King had said, beware the failings of the mind.

The sea of grass is a harsh mistress, my friends, the prince was saying, playing to his rapt audience. Show weakness in the face of your enemies, and all who called you friend will soon join their ranks. The King did what had to be done, and those men who whispered against him, made sure that their whispering became cries of hatred in the far South, where truth is easily clouded by a sea of lies.

Aspaurg only half hears the Serpent do his work, but he can see the Yavanas agree with the prince, and hears their leader ask:

So then Lord, when shall we see your father?

At this Alouthagos frowns, and then a mask of sadness veils his friendly face:

I fear that it will not be possible. You see… he says almost regretfully, the King is dying.

The Yavanas seem confused by this news, but the Prince continues before they can speak:

Fear not my friends. Fear not. When my father passes from this world, I shall be King, and I shall remember your service. I shall remember you as the first Yavanas to fight besides the Dragon kings, and as such you shall be first in riches among your kind, first in riches and in glory.

Alouthagos offers his hand, as his eyes stare into the Yavana leader’s eyes. Aspaurg knows the power in those eyes, only too well, and sees the man break before the prince’s will. His hand is taken and the serpent uncoils. Aspaurg watches the bowless men and wonders at their folly. Beasts, beasts, in truth.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/abcamp.jpg

The boy sits quietly near the fallen King on his mound, at the center of the great ger. Abeakos is drinking heavily once more, oblivious to the world of mortal men, as his son approaches in the shade.

My King, the prince says, his voice that of a dutiful servant, the Yavanas are ready. Their ram is complete, we wait but on your word to commence the assault on the city.

Abeakos takes a long swallow, his mind far far away:

The ram you say, the ram? He asks, not looking at his son.

Yes Lord, the ram, to shatter the gate, remember? Alouthagos answers him, as he struggles to keep annoyance from his voice. He half succeeds, Aspaurg thinks, as the prince fidgets with his cloak.

Yes, yes, I remember now. Abeakos agrees after he takes another sip. His eyes are swirling with dark flames, as the King stirs on his mound.

I remember the ram, he says speaking to his ghosts. We shall offer it forth as sacrifice to our God above.

He laughs, a dark cackle animating his sunken chest, as his words leave no echo in the darkness.

Why, rams… rams make better sacrifices than grain, do they not? Do they not? He seems to ask his wine, as blood trickles softly on his breast.

Alouthagos darkens, and is about to speak, but the Babylonian physician hiding to his left whimpers in his ear:

He is delirious Lord, he is delirious! He’s had too much wine.

The prince would speak, but the Dragon bellows:

Wine! More wine! Bring forth my wine! Wine, wine to drown the ram! Then he collapses on his mound, his hair and beard tainted with running blood. The King struggles to rise, but he fails, a crimson weeping crushing him as his voice fades.

Father, Alouthagos says after a long silence. The assault… We await your order… if you can give it still.

Abeakos seems to hear and he nods, then his words come out slurred:

Why your assault will fail son, it will fail.

Fail? The prince asks, seemingly to humor a dying drunk.

Fail. Abeakos agrees, his voice now stronger, as his eyes are fixed on his son.

Fail… Alouthagos sneers, as his hand grasps the hilt of his sword. How do you know this father? You’ve seen it in your wine? he asks, a tinge of mockery in his tone.

I know because I am the Dragon. The old King answers him sadly. And this is why you are not, serpentling. Now go, bother me no more, he says as he chokes on his blood.

Alouthagos watches his father now, searching for his eyes. They are closed, and the old man’s face is a melted mess of blood and spittle. The prince hesitates, but the King speaks:

Will you stay and drink some wine with me then? Abeakos asks as he drowns on his own blood. Alouthagos would answer, but the King does not let him:

Go sacrifice that ram, go! He bellows, a stream of blood erupting from his throat. A drop of crimson hits the prince’s brow, as the dragon roars. He makes no move to wipe his face but watches silently as the King shouts:

A true God asks not for grain, but blood! Abeakos proclaims to his wordless son.

He is delirious again my Lord, the Babylonian physician whines towards the Prince. He’s had too much wine, too much wine by far!

The Prince nods silently and leaves the ger, unwilling to waste more of his time. Abeakos opens his eyes when he is gone, the wailing in his chest subsiding in the gloom.

Go watch them fail boy, go watch them fail, he tells Aspaurg throwing his cup away.

Why let them fail my King? Aspaurg asks. Why let them fail? Why don’t you stop them now?

The King’s eyes turn to the boy, and they shine silver in the dark.

There are many reasons boy. Many reasons. Abeakos tells him, as he waves a bloodied hand.

The most obvious of reasons being that sometimes it is better to appear weak and foolish, boy. Why, I am naught but a dying drunken old man, am I not? He asks his laughter now the sign of mirth, not fury.

The boy nods in understanding, his eyes wide to see such clarity in the fallen king.

But then again boy, obvious reasons are often quite wrong. Abeakos says, his voice a whisper among ghosts. A silence comes upon the ger, as the King fights with his wraiths.

Maybe it amuses me to see my son sacrifice his ram, he whispers at the last. Better to sacrifice a ram, do you not know? Do you not know? He asks again, a sudden shade clouding his eyes.

Trust me boy, you will, he sighs as he closes his eyes, you will before the end.

Now go watch them fail boy, go! The King commands as darkness comes.

The boy exits the tent, to see the failings of the mind.

The ram, the ram, the ram… the King’s voice trails into shadow at his back.

Time flies on dragon wings as the great ram inches ever forward towards the city gate. He sees it burn, and the Yavanas driven back… He sees the Serpent’s mask shatter, a Dragon rage upon him at the last. The King bellows in his tent, as Dragon banners ride the wind. He sees it all and takes it in, his eyes the silver blue of Dragons, as the ram burns, a sacrifice to the God above.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/ramdestroyed.jpg

General Appo

06-17-2008, 21:53

Yet again, beautiful.

Aaldaemon

06-17-2008, 22:03

Yet again, beautiful.

Wow! Now that was a fast reply. :beam: Thanks mate, although I'm quite unhappy with it. I did a hatchet job of cutting this down to size, blowing away descriptions (a given since I have to post in short aar format), fluff dialogue and details... and most importantly the ram scene... but that one I will adapt and use elsewhere... no not in this aar, I'll steal it for other purposes. :yes:

Aar writing is still fun though, because if you want to maintain briefness, you have to stick to the essence of things... On some level I rather dislike the fact I have to renounce fluff dialogue and padding at times, because it makes the obvious even more obvious... but oh well, I assure you that even those who think they know what's going on with the Dragon King might still be _greatly_ surprised. :yes:

Shock tactics are still to come. :egypt:

General Appo

06-17-2008, 23:26

You don´t have to renounce anything. I´m quite satisfied with big AAR´s. But, to each his own.

Aaldaemon

06-18-2008, 00:01

You don´t have to renounce anything. I´m quite satisfied with big AAR´s. But, to each his own.

Thank you General Appo, I wish I could clone you. :yes: But, the reality is I want to keep a balance while writing this, and hopefully provide an appealing format for as many people as I can. I'm not going for the quick explanation + screenshot route I was contemplating in the beggining, which seems to be the most appealing of aar formats - but rather for a complex story told with as few words as my rambling ways will allow.(few is ever relative) I'll give you an example of something I'm prone to do, and I do not want to do here: imagine a 15 page + chapter of characters bonding, with one/two poignant lines of dialogue hidden in there as part of the greater epic plan... all just to build up for the distant future, with little immediate payout.

My current format seems just about right to me - and while I regret several things, it still seems to do the job. I find it challenging to keep a story short, with little fluff and to deliver important pieces of the story(although it might not seem so yet to some) every single update. Having said that you never know when I'll decide to deviate from the current format in any direction I so please at the time... anything can happen. :yes:

/and now good night, it's 2am here, and my brain is already going into meltdown.

Aaldaemon

06-18-2008, 17:17

Is it just me, or all my screenshots have disappeared? I can't see any of them...

Lysimachos

06-18-2008, 17:54

Is it just me, or all my screenshots have disappeared? I can't see any of them...

I can see three pictures in Part VIII: The Mercenaries, the yurts and the shot of Chersonesus and the army.

Aaldaemon

06-18-2008, 18:54

I can see three pictures in Part VIII: The Mercenaries, the yurts and the shot of Chersonesus and the army.

Strange, I can't see any pictures in the entire aar, and the photobucket site looks messed up... for one I can't log into my album... :dizzy2: Oh well, maybe it will sort itself out.

Justiciar

06-22-2008, 02:50

Aaldaemon

06-22-2008, 15:28

Just had a long read through of this AAR.

Top notch stuff, sir! Fantastically written. And is it wrong that I want Alouthagos' reign to be a long one? Cold, calculating, and arrogant - my kind of guy!

Thank you for the appreciation, it's always heart warming to see a comment like this. :2thumbsup: I'm glad you liked the story so far, and I'm happy to see there's someone else besides me actually liking Alouthagos.

Alouthagos and Abeakos are both very complex characters, and while there's been some very revealing interplay going on so far... there's much more to come, something quite shocking in fact, if I get to continue this story that far into the future.

Next chapter will probably deliver mild shock tactics - I promise it will get epic.

============================================================
And I have a question for anyone who actually read this with a moderate degree of attention - what do you think is the Greek name of Abeakos? I'd be very impressed if anyone figured it out already... beyond impressed. :yes:

Aaldaemon

06-23-2008, 10:08

Ok, I guess that question was a bit on the hard side, I still hope that one day soon someone might actually answer it.

I will try to post an update later today, I make no promises given the next update will probably feature some critical stuff and "mild shock tactics" and I have not yet decided how much I'm going to spoil, and how I'm going to structure it... It's a pity that I started with a different concept in mind and rushed through the early part of Abeakos' reign, and now I have to cram a lot of essential story elements over a very short period of time. I think I'm just going to rush forward with it and renounce some buildup because I do not want to get overlong before something actually happens. It's a bit annoying to contract what could have been a ten years + or so storyline into a few months but, oh well I'm commited now, so expect an important update.:yes:

Justiciar

06-23-2008, 18:02

Aaldaemon

06-23-2008, 22:10

It's gone straight over my head, I'm afraid. The only small "clues" that grabbed my attention and made me pause for thought were the referances to a crescent hiltled dagger "of his people"; I hadn't thought that a common Sarmatian icon. Methinks I'll need to take another looksie.

Sarmatians actually used crescent hillted daggers... but since I have compressed things a lot, pretty much every detail is there for a reason - as such that particular detail has its reason to be there, so it's a good find. :yes: I grant you I realized it's almost impossible to figure things out provided with the material I posted so far - I just looked at some of it and realized that I kept some stuff out I thought I had posted before - I'm becoming senile - still a theory can be built on the existing material. :yes: No matter though because the next update will most likely provide an immense amount of material for other edifices of the mind. :sweatdrop:

And coming to that... sadly enough my brain has entered its "I want to sleep and I refuse to work for you" mode and I can not post the update tonight. It's the middle of the night here, and this update has taken me an inordinate amount of time to sort out, given I've actually stolen some stuff from my historical fantasy novel to aid with the epic plan... There's too much stuff to say, too much stuff to cut, and too little clarity left in my head... so I guess I will post it tomorrow.

I assure you all that if you miss this update, you will understand very very little of what is to come in the future, so given that it is very important to the story, it has to be done right...

Beware of the failings of the mind.

Now, off to sleeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Aaldaemon

06-24-2008, 16:45

Ok, I just raised my hands and surrendered to my own indecision.... as such I decided to go ahead with the update I will be posting in a couple minutes. I'm not satisfied, (for a variety of reasons I shall not bother posting here) but seeing that I can waste a lot of time deciding what to post exactly, I'll just post this and to hades with it.

1) the update features mild shock tactics as promised.
2) epic mode is definitely turned on...
3) but beware the failings of the mind. :yes:

Now...update comes...

Aaldaemon

06-24-2008, 16:47

Part IX: Towers of the Conquerors

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/cloudserpent.jpg

Aspaurg fidgets restlessly on his rug near the dreaming King. He’s been in the tent too long, but he knows only too well he has to wait for the King to dismiss him. He can hear strange noises in the distance, where the Yavanas are toiling in the service of Dragons. He has heard the King himself had set them to it, but he does not know the nature of their work. The King had told him nothing of it.

Abeakos does not seem to listen to the noise. He has grown ever more feeble over the last few days, oblivious to the world of men and their toils. He is in pain, Aspaurg thinks, as he sees the King grimace to his shadows.

The King is talking to himself again, and Aspaurg can barely hear his words:

…let the people of Aratta bring down for me the stones from their mountain, build the great shrine for me, erect the great abode for me…

The King’s voice is but a gentle whisper, lost between the echoes of his breath:

On that day when there is no snake… man has no rival…no rival.

His face looks pained, his eyes caught in a dream long lost to men:

My champion shall compete against your champion, he says, blind to the world under heaven. Let the clever champion whirl about the water of life…

Then his eyes clear, the dance of lights tearing apart the veil:

Let him come forth.

The King then turns his head towards Aspaurg, a smile softening his broken face:

You are here, good, good. I have been waiting for you.

My King, you called for me hours ago, Aspaurg tells him reproachfully.

That I did, that I did. The King nods towards the boy, as he remembers. His eyes unfocus for a moment, as at the last he hears the noise of the Yavanas.

My eyes might not see you all that well, but at least my ears can still hear. My Yavanas are reminding me, they are lovers of great noise, not silence.

He closes his eyes as if to listen without being distracted by sight:

The song of the builders, the song of the wings of the fallen… he murmurs to himself as he nods to his shadows.

The Yavanas know something of wings, he says turning towards Aspaurg. There was a boy once, much like you Aspaurg… a boy called Icarus.

The King gazes at the light of torches through closed eyelids, as if to see the corona of the burning sun within his dreams.

He flew towards the Sun boy… towards the Sun, he says softly drawing a circle in the darkness.

He flew? Aspaurg asks incredulously.

Aye, boy, he flew. The King answers as he finishes his circle. His father made wings for him so he could fly.

Aspaurg can hear the sadness in the King’s voice and remains quiet, as the King continues:

The son flew boy… he flew ever closer to heaven, towards the home of light denied to men…ever soaring towards the light, boy ever soaring…

What happened to him Lord? Aspaurg asks.

He fell boy, Abeakos answers sadly. He fell.

Light blinds us to truth, the King says at the last, his eyes now open, silver-blue. He listens to the noises of the Yavanas for a long time before he talks again:

Wings make noise when one flies, do they not? He grumbles lightly. And we need our wings, boy, we need our wings.

The King pauses again, as he toys with his dagger, seemingly forgetting his original thought:

You see boy, serpents spend too much time dwelling in the bowels of the earth. Dragons are creatures of the sky.

Dragons must fly, he proclaims, spearing the shadows with his gaze.

Or are we bound to the ground forever, like serpents? He asks unsheathing his dagger and pointing towards his right. Aspaurg turns to see whether someone has entered the tent, but there is no one where the King points, only the light of torches playing with shadows.

Yes, boy we must fly, the King continues. Fly over the walls of our enemies… fly towards our fate. He pauses again, as he plunges his dagger in the waiting shade.

That is why boy we are building a tower… to fly over the walls of this city boy… to open the gates of the air…

A tower Lord? Aspaurg asks, now thoroughly confused.

Yes, boy. A tower, the King agrees as he grins. Building towers is the lot of conquerors, boy, that is one thing you should know.

The King then turns to his Babylonian physician hiding in the shade:

Why, make yourself useful for once, and tell the boy about towers and conquerors, he tells him. You men of Babylon should at least know something about this matter.

The olive skinned man shivers, for he is unsure what to say. He dares not anger the King and so he begins his tale:

Many years ago, Lord Aspaurg, to the North of the Esagila, the House of the Raised Head, the chief temple of the great god Marduk, stood a great tower, peerless on Earth, under Heaven.

The tower was called Etemenanki, he continues, the Temple of the Foundation of Heaven and Earth. It was built long ago by kings whose name we do not remember, built and rebuilt for not even towers last forever. This last of the Great Towers to honor the great god Marduk was built by the great conqueror Nabu-kudduri-usur…

The Temple of the Seven Lights, Abeakos nods, as he gestures to the man to continue.

But alas another conqueror came, the Babylonian laments, the cursed Alexandros. The Yavana King destroyed the great tower, and now the Gate of the God is closed.

Enough! The King interrupts him, a hint of anger creeping in his voice. Talk not of what you do not know, he tells him as the Babylonian prostrates himself before the Dragon, fear tingling down his spine, but Abeakos ignores him as he turns towards the boy.

You see lad, the King says addressing Aspaurg, Alexandros did not want to destroy the Tower. No boy, listen not to this fool. Alexandros wanted to rebuild it boy, for he was a Conqueror, and it is the lot of conquerors to build the towers…

Abeakos weaves a sign with his dagger towards the shadows surrounding them, as he continues:

There were other towers before that of Babylon. In truth boy the city itself took its name from the towers… bab-ilim, the gate of the god… ever the name of the towers, boy.

The King pauses to gather his thoughts, then whispers to the shadows:

Nam-lugal an-ta èd-dè-a-ba
Eriduki nam-lugal-la…

When kingship from heaven was lowered, the kingship was in Eridu… Abeakos adds towards the puzzled Aspaurg.

Eridu, the city of the Gods… where Alulim, the true King ruled for almost thirty thousand years… Abeakos tells the boy, and Adapa of the serpent served him only too well… only too well.

The King pauses, as if listening to a song only he can hear.

Who now remembers the tower of Eridu? He questions his wraiths, his voice a tale of lamentation.

Who still remembers the city of the gods?

Do you boy, do you? He asks Aspaurg, but he waits not for an answer, for tears cloud the sightless eyes of the King as he whispers words Aspaurg does not understand:

…ud te-ec dug… ga tug-gin… ba-e-dul gada-gin…ba-e-bur… eridug-ga tug-gin…ba-e-dul gada-gin ba-e-bur…

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/scythiandrags.jpg

Aspaurg watches the Prince quietly as Alouthagos writes, ignoring his arrival.

You called for me Lord? He asks willing the Prince to pay attention.

Alouthagos nods, and answers without looking at the boy:

I hear the old Dragon has been teaching you stories boy. Stories of conquerors and their towers…

Aspaurg is astonished by the words of the Prince, and does not hide it.

How do you know Lord? he asks, you've only called me from his side.

Alouthagos grins towards the boy, his features changing with the light:

Knowledge is ever my realm boy, ever my realm, he says softly as his hand caresses the boy’s head.

Why, you would be amazed to hear the truths I know.

Alouthagos leans forward and gazes into the boy’s eyes. They shine like sapphires in the torchlight, and the Prince is pleased.

You heard then of the Tower of the king called Nabu-kudduri-usur boy?

Yes Lord, Aspaurg nods. The tower of the God Marduk.

Ah yes… the tower of Marduk. Alouthagos smiles as if he knows something he wishes not to share.

Do you know then boy what the name Nabu-kudurri-usur means? Do you? He asks as he brushes the boy’s golden hair away from his pale brow.

No, Lord I do not, the boy admits to the prince.

It means "Oh God Nabu, preserve my firstborn son", Alouthagos tells him as he pats the boy gently on the head. But I doubt you know who Nabu is boy…

I do not know Lord, Aspaurg answers trying to remember whether he had heard the name before.

Nabu was a great God boy, a great God, the Prince tells him. He was the son of Marduk boy… the son of the King of the Gods.

Aspaurg listens to the Prince, as Alouthagos continues:

You should do well to honor Nabu boy, for he was the god of wisdom… and wisdom, he adds softly, is ever the realm of conquerors.

Alouthagos smiles now, as the boy takes in his words.

But enough of this story boy… enough of it, the prince pauses as he sighs.

There are many stories you must know boy, many stories… and I will teach you all of them… all of them, for you are in dire need of knowledge, the prince whispers sadly as he thinks of what is to come. He remains silent for a long time before he speaks again:

Mark my words boy, you must not fail him…you must not fail. Alouthagos nods as if addressing an unseen guest.

He is testing you… he says at last, his voice low, his brow locked in a frown.

Testing me lord? Aspaurg asks uncomprehending.

Yes boy, testing… he is ever testing, Alouthagos tells him as he watches the shadows coil around the light of torches.

Remember the ram boy? he asks reaching for the boy’s hand.

Aspaurg nods as the prince pulls him closer.

That was a test as well… boy… the Prince tells him, shuddering as if animated by a cold wind Aspaurg can not see.

A test? How come lord, the boy asks, who was he testing?

Why, he was testing me, boy. Alouthagos answers, his voice filled with sorrow.

And did you fail Lord? The boy asks guilessly.

No, boy, no. The prince laughs sadly as he answers. I have made sure all went well. I have the proper knowledge... not to fail him.

What I worry about boy, is your test… now that could be a problem, the prince adds as if in thought. But you and I will make sure you pass the test, now will we not?

Yes Lord, Aspaurg agrees not quite sure what the prince means.

Alouthagos smiles, pleased to see his compliance.

Good boy, he says. Now remember my words. Remember them well, for when the king asks you, you should know what to answer.

He pauses as he beams to the boy, then his smile disappears slowly as a shadow passes through his vision.

Your blood is tainted, boy. The serpent smiles. My dear father knows it only too well… but I fear the Dragon has miscalculated. In this he has...

The prince grins like a delighted child as he continues:

You see boy, sometimes it is important to know who your real father is. He laughs as he sees the confusion in the boy’s eyes… If only to know what sins might linger in your blood… he concludes as he toys with the boy’s golden-red hair once more.

So, boy let me tell you something you need to know… and make sure you remember. The Dragon will tell you the story of the Bel Belim, the Lord of Lords, the Serpent purrs.

Pay attention to his words boy, for he will ask you this. He will ask you whether you know the truth of the Conqueror. The Prince pauses his eyes piercing through the veil of light clouding the boy’s sight.

Then, and only then, the Prince says as his eyes narrow, tell him this, and this only.

Muballit mite.

Old words, Aspaurg thinks, as he struggles to remember why they sound familiar to him. He can not remember, so he decides to ask the Prince instead:

What do those words mean Lord, what do they mean?

Alouthagos grins as torchlight paints wings of shadow at his back:

Reviver of the Dead, boy, Reviver of the Dead.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm270/Aaldaemon/Ashur_god_rev.jpg

Lysimachos

06-24-2008, 18:02

You should write a book about this... The stuff definitely has the potential and you too!

Justiciar

06-24-2008, 18:43

Babylon, Sumer, Marduk, Alexander, and the "Reviver of the Dead".. tied to the Sarmatians somehow?

I'm enthralled, but bloody confused. :2thumbsup:

Aaldaemon

06-24-2008, 21:51

@Lysimachos: Thank you mate, I'm glad you liked it. I am currently writing a historical fantasy novel as a side project (as I said earlier) that has many things in common with this aar on the "epic'' level. In fact as I said before I stole some stuff from there to write this. Problem with highly complex historical fantasy novels is.... finding a publisher. It's sadly, and obviously, much easier to publish highly comercial drivel. :wall: Maybe I should start writing an erotic novel as a secondary side project hehehehehe. :laugh4: Aaldaniellesteelemon has a nice ring to it.

@Justiciar: I aim to confuse. :2thumbsup: I assure you that I have thought this through on many levels... in fact the whole edifice of this story is arguably much too complex for its own good... I might have to go for an ''aar light version''. (well I have been doing that already so I guess it should be an "aar lighter version" :beam: - worry not I will still aim for some highly confusing twists and shock tactics)

Cadwalader

06-27-2008, 20:47

Excellent AAR! I am curious how this will develop.

Aaldaemon

06-28-2008, 12:28

Well I want to thank everyone for reading, but I am not quite sure there will be much more of this... maybe at the most a very light version... maybe. The reality is that I have been spending inordinate amounts of time on this story rather than concentrating on things I _should_ be doing.

This last chapter took me ages, and a lot of mental agonizing, because I wanted to do it right, seeing that some of it was rather crucial for driving my story forward - in the end I just gave up and went ahead with it so I did not waste more time. I also wrote another scene since that took me about 8 hours to write - it was the death scene of a character I haven't even introduced yet - and would have probably bored a lot of you to tears first building that character up so that death scene became meaningfull - but I had to do it just right... more time put to a doubtfull use.

It is patently obvious to me that this forum is not the place to post this story. This last chapter of mine that took me ages to adapt in its current shape garnered very little interest. [I had a supposedly amusing bet going with a real life friend that I lost about it - he thinks I'm rather insane since I told him about my complex multi-layered epic plan, and told me I'd be wasting a lot of time doing it - he bet me I would not get 5 people to comment on this chapter - the most crucial so far - till Friday evening - and he was right]

I've read a lot of aars here, and I've come to believe that this is a place to post something along the lines of MAA's excellent and mammoth aar (if you haven't read it go do it) or alternatively something like Chirurgeon's stuff.

Anyway, I'm off to lunch, before I make this post over-long as I'm prone to. :beam:

Lysimachos

06-28-2008, 17:45

Oh well. You can still count on my support, as creators of "text-based" AARs have to stick together, don't they?
I can only say i enjoy not knowing the grand strategy :laugh4:

Aper

06-28-2008, 21:00

Please don't give up! This AAR is absolutely amazing, and the best written for sure!

Justiciar

06-29-2008, 00:47

Shame. :no:

Regardless, I hope to see one of your books on my shelf within the next decade!

General Appo

06-30-2008, 07:59

NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

I firmly believe that your AAR is the best one out there right now, and it is a real shame if you do not feel like you can continue writing.
But please, consider this: Does it really matter if anyone reads your stuff? I know that when I write my AAR, I do it for myself, not for other people. If nobody reads it, very well, that is their loss, and does not affect me in any way.

Aaldaemon

06-30-2008, 13:29

@Lysimachos: Aye, I hope you will carry on the torch of "text-based" aars as you put it. You have the perfect faction to do it with. :yes: - your "prize of the day" update was quite possibly my favorite aar update I've read on these forums.

@Aper: I thank you for the praise. I'm glad to see another reader liking this, I tried my best to make this an enjoyable read.

@Justiciar: I'm ever hopefull that I will actually get someone to publish my historical fantasy novel... eventually. On the other hand if you are a reader of fantasy the odds are much better. As I said before I'm working on "fantasy done right" (well at least I think so), I'd say even those who dislike fantasy (admittedly 99.99% of fantasy books = pure garbage) might like my stuff - provided they like complex and shocking narratives and can stomach mindboggling twists. Predictable stuff = the antithesis of a great story imho.

@General Appo: Thank you mate, your praise means much to me. The main problem is simply one of how I use my "creative thinking" time. There is life outside writing and thinking of complex narratives, so I can only do so much of it per day. Doing this the proper way, aka the way I would like to do it would take me an insane amount of time - time I need for other creative enterprises.

As I said before I might continue this aar in a "lighter" version, but part of me hates the idea - I am a perfectionist and that sort of thing doesn't sit well with me. (I already positively hate the way I did some things here, especially the way I started this aar hehehe) Doing this properly, the way I would want to do it is rather impossible though given the necessary time investment - the story is just too complex. There's too many characters and too many events going through my mind, all screaming for attention... and while they scream and I get ever more involved in their plight other things I should be doing get shafted...

Anyway, we'll see what I will do... I might still continue this in some form or other, I have to think about it.

Theodotos I

06-30-2008, 20:06

Follow your dream, friend. We'll be here to read along. Anyone can post up pretty pictures, but good writing is a gift from God. There are some on this forum who possess this gift, even if they sometimes fail to acknowledge the Giver. . .

Theodotos I

07-07-2008, 18:02

Sigh. . . I guess it's really dead. There's few sadder events on a forum than having an AAR die, particularly when it is one of your favorites. Too bad.

Hegix

07-08-2008, 17:42

Thank you very much for the bump, I missed it the first time around and it was very enjoyable reading. Thank you to the author as well of course :)

Satyros

07-24-2008, 03:07

I also thank for the bump , it is a shame that this AAR ended .

If I may comment , the author should not depend that much on the audience .

I was absolutely amazed , yet I only discovered it by chance , wanting to read something about the Sauromatae .

Hope you change your mind mate .

Satyros

Socy

07-25-2008, 19:23

I'll dare say that this is torture, meanness and pure evilness. Leaving an AAR of this proportions half finished after its finally begun captivating the readers with an plot that is awesomesauce. I mean, come on! I'm growing mad by not being able to read the "whole" thing, whats with all the teasing about you already having thought of the major plots etc. Seriously, its exactly like this here little story (Sorry if its considering cross-promoting or violating any forum-rules, if so, please remove the link) : http://uk.games-workshop.com/darkeldar/torturer/1/. (Read through all of it, its long, but describes exactly how I feel about this AAR :P)