[Epeiros/Pergamon AAR] Philetairos' Gift

[QuintusSertorius]

Introduction

After the failure of my first attempt (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=104894) at this game due to the same bug that killed my Roman game, I'm going to try once more. There's a few things I've learned, both in terms of behaviours in the game, historicity and some technical points too.

This is a M/M game with rtw.exe. I know BI.exe is more stable, but I just don't have the patience to deal with the stupid naval invasions you get. I won't be using an optimised script, instead I'm going to excise everything on client rulers entirely, since it's the source of most of the bugs I keep getting. It's not without a great deal of regret, because I think they're one of the coolest things about EB and a really clever idea.

House Rules

I'm going to attempt to be a bit more hands-off about the AI behaviour, but at the same time I still don't want any faction dying off early, and I'll still make use of Force Diplomacy and move_character when I think it necessary.

At the start of the game I'm going to move my armies to Pergamon, and take the city. Once that's done I'll use process_cq to speed up construction a type IV government, top-tier regional barracks, then destroy the government and replace with a type II. I'll also build up the walls and mines in a similar way. That done I'll move my capital, destroy all the buildings in my original settlements and let them go rebel. I'll also exact peace settlements with payments out of all the people I'm at war with (without using FD, though).

All told that cash will be the nest egg representing the silver Philetairos had control of that allowed Pergamon to flourish. Unlike before, I won't be automatically expanding to take Nikaia and Byzantion as "starting settlements" - I'll just start with Pergamon itself. Then I've got to move from there fair and square.

My aim will be relatively slow expansion, taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves and trying to avoid the wrath of the larger powers. Slow doesn't mean glacial, though, Pergamon was historically a pretty aggressive power. That was how you survived in that environment.

I'll also keep to the borders of the Thracian Kingdom as my upper limit of where I can go, along with Greek colonies (places like Chersonesos, Kyrene, Syrakousai, Massalia). My aim is to create a new Pan-Hellenic Empire eventually, though I won't be engaging in a conquest of the Greek mainland.

Armies

Pergamon used a lot of mercenaries and foreigners in their armies, I'm going to do the same. Mostly because I don't like a lot of the Hellenic roster anyway, but also because there are some very good regional and merc troops.

Core of my line will be Celto-Hellenic hoplites, representing Galatians settled in Mysia and trained in the Greek manner. They're part of a "revolution" in military tactics in my game away from the more regular Successor pike-based armies. They'll be flanked by Theurophoroi, and them in turn by two different units of regional infantry.

Skirmishers will be slingers, archers and peltastai. I'll also use lots of regional cavalry, the hammer to my infantry anvil. Generals will be active participants in battles, playing the role Alexander used to.

I'll "swap" my starting army for one that's more appropriate, disbanding the original units and using create_unit to replace them with new ones.

[QuintusSertorius]

And here we have my "starting position" at winter 272BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/272.jpg

All my original provinces rebelled, now I just have Pergamon. I disbanded most of my original units and used a combination of money from destruction of everything that was in the others (apart from the unique building in Ambrakia), and some cheated money to develop my mines, ports and regional barracks, along with process_cq to get them all ready.

In a few turns time, I'll see if there's some Celto-Hellenic mercs available for Pyrrhos to go and take Nikaia and it's mines.

Anyone know how many mnai 9000 talents of silver would be? I feel I should set my starting money to that amount.

[Timoleon]

9000 talents = 540000 mnai. Too much money Quintus! Why this exact amount?

BTW, how did you change the color of you faction?

[QuintusSertorius]

9000 talents = 540000 mnai. Too much money Quintus! Why this exact amount?

BTW, how did you change the color of you faction?

Surely that would be 9000 talents of gold, rather than silver? Talents of silver are worth less than talents of gold. Not sure by how much. If it turns out to be a tenth, then I'll consider the money I spent on mines and port upgrade that "nest egg" and just leave it.

Data\descr_sm_factions.txt - there's RGB codes for each faction's colour. I also changed the Ptolemaic yellow to gold so it's easier to distinguish from Seleukid silver.

[Swordmaster]

Following this again. I've got exactly the same colours for Ptolemaios' side.

Let's hope the removed client rulers do add to stability.

[QuintusSertorius]

Conquest of Bithynia

In the summer of 268, Pyrrhos Aiakides (no relation to the famous king of Epirus) took the Pergamene army to Bithynia. After ravaging the communities around the Bithynoi capital, he laid siege to Nikaia itself.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/NikaiaSiegeStart.jpg

Superior tactics and the skill of the Kretan archers carried the day, Nikaia was taken by storm and it's people enrolled in a new confederation of Greeks in Anatolia.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/NikaiaSiegeEnd.jpg

Editorial note

This was a surprisingly easy battle, mostly because the Kretan archers killed almost all the akontistai from outside the walls, then mauled all the other units. I'd killed more than a third of their force before the rams had even finished. Then their general died in the streets fighting my hoplites and FMs.

267BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/267.jpg

Rome have already secured northern and southern Italy. Greece is a right old to-and-fro of warring. Pontos are off the starting blocks already, and angled for Nikaia before I got there. I didn't want to give them a second shot at it, not least because they'll go to war with me when I take Byzantion.

Got spies and assassins at work in Sardis and Mytilene both. Mytilene is much closer to something happening.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Sorry your last one died on you. Looks like you're off to a good start, though. From you minimap, it looks like so are Sauromatae and Pahlav.

[QuintusSertorius]

Siege of Halikarnassos

Marching from Pergamon with a newly-formed army, Alexandros Aiakides laid siege to Halikarnassos. He had come on the invitation of the Greeks living in the area, claiming a tyrant had installed himself in the capital keeping a bodyguard of vicious Karian tribesmen around him at all times. Arriving as liberator, Alexandros led the assault in person.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/HalikarnassosSiegeStart.jpg

Once again it was superior Pergamene tactics which turned the tide. Archers and slingers rained death down on the defenders and there was little fight left in the survivors when the Galatians stormed the walls. The tyrant Akestes was killed in the streets.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/HalikarnassosSiegeEnd.jpg

Defense of Nikaia

Pergamon's ruling council had determined that Byzantion should be the next addition to the confederation, and dispatched an army across the straits of the Hellespont. This angered the Pontic Kingdom who had treaties of friendship and assistance with the current ruling faction in Byzantion and beyond. They issued an embassage who threatened war if Pergamon did not withdraw. Unperturbed, Pergamon continued with it's investment of Byzantion, and Pontos attacked Nikaia in retaliation.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/DefenseofNikaiaStart.jpg

Pyrrhos had only the garrison of local levies, but he also had a contingent of Kretan mercenaries. Demonstrating his supreme confidence, he marched out of the formidabble stone defenses and fought the invaders in an open field. It was the actions of his cavalry which were decisive, routing the hapless levies pressed into service by Pontos.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/DefenseofNikaiaEnd.jpg

Editorial note

Another siege won by skirmishers outside the walls causing horrendous damage to anything unarmoured in the city.

In the second instance, the attackers were a couple of units of levy hoplites and some skirmisher cavalry. Pathetic really.

262BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/262.jpg

I don't think the siege of Byzantion will take long, but I haven't got time to do it tonight, bed calls. Apologies if it's all looking a bit familiar to anyone, there was a reason why I expanded the way I did last time. Grab up the soft targets with mines first, basically, then build up your infrastructure. I seem to be able to support two armies all of a sudden, though both are barely even half a stack.

Sardis and Ipsos keep yo-yo-ing between revolt and calm, I've got spies in each and assassins working on their happiness buildings.

I moved Baktria's starting stack to Cape Horn, they can have it back in about five years when Baktria are supposed to have emerged. As it is, they're just annoying me.

[QuintusSertorius]

Siege of Byzantion

As though to highlight the plight of Pontos and it's status amongst it's allies, not only was their attempt to take Nikaia repelled, but Byzantion fell as well.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/ByzantionSiegeStart.jpg

Only a token resistance was put up by a people tired of their tyrant.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/ByzantionSiegeeND.jpg

Battle of Bithynia

Now that Nikaia was secure, Pyrrhos could look to taking the fight to Pontos. A Pontic army was gathering inside the borders of Bithynia, an insult which could not go unpunished.

Despite having a smaller force composed only of mercenaries, Pyrrhos offered battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticWarBattle1Start.jpg

His smaller force outmaneuvered the Pontic army, made up almost entirely of pitiful peasant levies.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticWarBattle1-1.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticWarBattle1-2.jpg

Pyrrhos, though now entering his sixties, still led the final charge that drove the raiders off.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticWarBattle1-3.jpg

It was a humiliating defeat for Pontos.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticWarBattle1End.jpg

As a result of the battle, a cessation of hostilities was agreed, with Pontos relinquishing it's claims on territory on this or the other side of the Hellespont.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PonticCeasefire.jpg

Revolt in Sardis

Spurred on by Pergamene agents promising better conditions and genuine freedom as opposed to the oppression of Seleukid rule, Sardis rose in revolt in 258BC.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/258.jpg

Wasting no time, Pergamon dispatched an army to aid in the changover. There were still some Seleukid loyalists holed up in the citadel, so it was down to the soldierly Oroidos Byllideus to oust them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/CaptureofSardisStart.jpg

Fighting was brief and fierce, and ultimately the day was Pergamene. A government sympathetic to the new confederation was installed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/CaptureofSardisEnd.jpg


257BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/257.jpg

Sardis captured and my lands joined up - and without having to go to war with the Seleukids either. That's the result of some concerted agent-effort to get a revolt that I could capitalise on. Had a spy in Sardis for the better part of a decade, and a constant string of assassin-sabotages.

However I can't afford to repair the Temple of Ephesus yet. That's a massive 40000 mnai to fix. I had to use some cheeky FD to take Patavium off the Romans, I don't want them wandering off too early. Especially when they've tried to take Messana several times.

[QuintusSertorius]

Capture of Tylis

The mercenary general Admetos Kossikos was dispatched north with Pergamon's northern army, to take Tylis. While it wasn't Greek, and thus didn't fall into the policy of uniting disparate Greeks into the Pan-Hellenic Confederation, it had once been part of the Thracian Kingdom that Pergamon had once been part of. Besides it was rich in mineral resources and offered a staging point for the hiring of Gallic and Thracian mercenaries, fierce men who'd be a useful addition to Pergamon's armies.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/TylisSiegeStart.jpg

It was a hard fight, but one in which Kossikos' greater numbers eventually prevailed. He himself played an active role in the battle, leading from the front.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/TylisSiegeEnd.jpg

252BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/252.jpg

I'm conscious there haven't been a lot of battle yet, I guess mostly because I'm not at war with anyone. I'm getting myself situated and set up, and I think I need some bigger population centres before I start warring. I do now have two armies, one in Mysia (pictured) and one in Tylis which I'll move out shortly. I don't plan to have any more than those for a while, and they're deliberately a mix of recruited troops and mercs. I'm trying not to deplete my populations by hiring stuff, though I also hire mercs to disband them and recruit my regional/factional version of the same troop.

I'm not teleporting armies anymore (haven't done for a while), which is why I haven't tried to take Krete. Lacking a navy or the resources to build one, I basically have to take Mytilene (and it's naval yards) if I want to expand any more. All my likely targets are islands; Mytilene, Rhodos, Krete and Salamis. Most involve warring with another faction.

Rome are contained for now. Baktria are refreshingly inactive (due to the stack still sitting on Cape Horn). Otherwise things are pleasantly quiet.

[QuintusSertorius]

A Change in Direction

With the death in early 252BC of Pyrrhos, the Basilieu, and the accession of his son Ptolemaios to both the Pergamene throne and the leadership of the Pan-Hellenic Confederation, there was a change in the kingdom's strategy. Ptolemaios gathered his generals, governors and advisors in the winter while the armies were quartered away to outline his plan.

"Pergamon must become a naval power." He said opening the gathering. "Until now we have relied on our strength on land and on allies for sea transport, but this must end." He let that sink in for a moment before continuing.

"To our east we are constrained by the fierce Galatian tribes and the great powers of Syria and Egypt. While I think one day we can face their might with confidence, now is not yet that day. To the north east is the domain of Pontos, and while we have beaten them in war once before, it is too soon to free the Greeks of Paphlagonia from Persian rule."

There were mutterings around the table, some of his generals desired a new round of hostilities with Pontos.

"And to our west across the Hellespont the Antigonid kingdom of Makedonia and the Getic tribes to the north constrain us. I do not feel war there would be profitable while we are still settling matters in Byzantion and Tylis."

He paused to take a deep breath, this was the most controversial part of his strategy. "We lack the deep harbours needed to build ships of war. There are islands in the Aegean and Mediterranean, rich islands, just sitting there for the taking. Krete is incessantly at war with itself, the various tribes and factions fighting for control, just crying out for a strong hand. Rhodos and it's command of the sea lanes is right within our sphere of influence, there are factions in the city sympathetic to leaving the Koinon Hellenon. And Mytilene is within sight of the balcony outside this very room."

"Mytilene is the key to all of this. It has the deep harbours we lack and the skilled shipbuilders would could construct a navy of our own. No more would we be reliant on privateers and pirates to ship our troops to where they need to be. This is a dangerous plan, for Mytilene is allied to the Antigonids. We must expect a response from them in our holdings on the other side of the Hellespont. But we are ready."

And so it was agreed upon, there were questions of clarification, but no dissenting voices. This was a bold strategem for the new king, but an appropriate one worthy of his father who had led the expansion of Pergamon from merely a Mysian power to an Anatolian one. Besides the inhabitants of all of those islands were Greek, and thus more Hellenes would be brought into the confederation to unite Hellas.

[Swordmaster]

Nice. Keep an eye on Baktria, though. I see the Saka are having an okay time, so don't be surprised when they siege Baktra into a premature death.

[QuintusSertorius]

Battle of Lesbos

It was in 251 that the king's plan was finally put into action. He sent a relatively inexperienced commander at the head of the army; he would have gone himself but there were far too many things to do in Pergamon.

The invasion prompted an immediate response from the Antigonid allies.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbosStart.jpg

Eleaios drew up in the formation that had become the standard for Pergamene armies.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos1.jpg

His skirmishers were busy at the start of the battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos2.jpg

The remainder of the first Antigonid group were showered with missiles.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos3.jpg

Then came on the second, and in that formation the governor of Mytilene.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos4.jpg

When they engaged, Eleaios' wings looped around. He led the enveloping maneuver on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos5.jpg

He also led two charges to the rear of the Antigonid phalanx.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos6.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos7.jpg

The second charge broke them, and it was the Gallic mercenary cavalry who killed the last of the enemy.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbos8.jpg

The governor managed to escape the rout back into the city, but he was killed as the Pergamene troops stormed in after him.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BattleofLesbosEnd.jpg

247BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/247.jpg

I finally FD'd peace with Makedonia a few turns ago when it was clear they weren't actually going to do anything. Now they've turned the tables in Greece, so I may have to intervene. They went from being at risk of destruction to suddenly threatening KH with extinction.

Ptolemies and Seleukids are allies. Strange. Both are pretty strong, either might be a good target for a nice war in a bit.

Meanwhile I've got my army in Mytilene preparing for the invasion of Krete. Given KH's troubles, I think I'll hold off on that for a while yet.

Saka are looking nice and healthy. Same with the Sauromatae. Romans are contained, though they took Messana then declared a ceasefire with Qarthadast. Lusotanii haven't exploded yet, nor have the Sweboz. Still lots of rebel territory out there.


Nice. Keep an eye on Baktria, though. I see the Saka are having an okay time, so don't be surprised when they siege Baktra into a premature death.

They seem more interested in duking it out with Pahlava in the steppes, and Baktria's much-reduced army is besieging Kophen. Perhaps when they've got that I might give them their army back.

[QuintusSertorius]

245BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/245.jpg

Brief update, Egypt are having problems in the deep desert, and I took Krete.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War

It had been ten years since king Ptolemaios' grand plan had come into effect, and it had bourne fruit. Mytliene and Kydonia were now within the Pan-Hellenic fold, productive and happy members of the confederation. It was perhaps out of fear of the rising star on their very doorstep that the Seleukids lashed out. A strong Pergamon might offer the Greeks in that cosmopolitan mix of peoples an alternative to rule from Antiocheia and fragment the already troubled empire.

So it was in 242BC that a Seleukid army attacked Bithynia, hoping to pick off Pergamon's allied city-states one by one.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/SeleukidWar.jpg

They were not aware, however, that Pergamon's extensive network of spies and agents had already warned the Basilieu of the Seleukid movements, and that he had already ordered the army to gather and provision themselves for campaigning throughout the winter, rather than resting in quarters as they might. When spring came, they were within striking distance of Nikaia, ready to relieve the city and take the initiative.

242BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/242.jpg

Captured is one of the three armies I now have (two are smaller, this is an "outsized" one in response to the sheer number of phalangites in the Seleukid force - nine units all told), which I'd already gathered the moment I spotted a full Seleukid stack hanging around Ipsos. They've been quiet for too long so there was little doubt where they were headed. I'm actually hoping they break off from Nikaia so I don't have to mess about with annoying reinforcements.

Rather than use this as an excuse to take Ipsos, I'm going to war with them a bit, then once the reinforcements stop coming (or I can't dredge them up from across their empire), then I'll FD a ceasefire. I'll style this a war of self-defense, rather than conquest.

Been some changes in the world. The Romans finally took Massalia. Ankyra revolted to the Aedui after the Seleukids overcame the full stack there, and got mauled in the process. I gave Bratosporios to the Casse to encourage them to do something in Gaul, and mix things up there.

Baktria are useless, even with that full stack now returned to them. Let the Seleukids take Kophen out from right under their noses. Likely to revolt shortly, though.

[Reverend Joe]

Looking good so far. And condolences on the failure of your last Pergamon AAR.

Also, I gotta note that the Sauromatae are kicking some ass. Not bad for their usual lazy, stoned-ass habits.

[||Lz3||]

baktria always has a bad time dealing with expansion... perhaps they need more money...

nice AAR , same as the other ones :2thumbsup:

[QuintusSertorius]

Looking good so far. And condolences on the failure of your last Pergamon AAR.

Also, I gotta note that the Sauromatae are kicking some ass. Not bad for their usual lazy, stoned-ass habits.

I'm quite pleased with how this one is going, especially the slower pace of expansion. I was rewarded with a proper battle recently, which was nice. Whether I'll get any more for a while might be different.

I have been "helping" them from time to time by spawning troops in Uspe whenever the Hai try to make a break for the steppe. Otherwise they've managed that all on their own.


baktria always has a bad time dealing with expansion... perhaps they need more money...

nice AAR , same as the other ones :2thumbsup:

Well I did nerf them right at the start by taking their army away. Now they've got it they're not doing much of use with it. Just let Kophen get taken by the Seleukids, then revolt to Pahlava. Fools. I'm not that bothered, as long as they're not wiped out I can live with them not being a massive presence.

[QuintusSertorius]

Battle of Bithynia

Fresh from the conquest of Krete, Alexanor Messaneos, along with Oulamos Larruos, had been appointed to command Pergamon's army. Messaneos lived for battle, loved the thrill of combat and ringing of steel and cries of the enemy in his ears. For him there was no finer thing than a steed underneath him, weapon in one hand, shield in the other, and foe before him.

His army was the largest Pergamon had fielded in recent history, some 25,000 men not including non-combatants. The Seleukid army outnumbered the Pergamene one by a large margin, there were almost 35,000 of them, but theirs was composed mostly of green native phalangites, and they were weak in both cavalry and light troops. While smaller, the Pergamene army was a more balanced force.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1Start.jpg

The battle took place on the edge of a forest, which provided ample places for Messaneos' men to hide. He positioned himself on the left, granting the traditional place of honour to Larruos.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-1.jpg

As the Seleukids approached, they were harrassed by missile fire from Pergamon's numerous skirmishers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-2.jpg

The phalanxes were slow moving, and as a result the small number of Seleukid lights suffered out in front of them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-3.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-4.jpg

When they eventually arrived, many of the skirmishers were out of ammunition, and fell back to the safety of their own massed lines.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-5.jpg

On the right Larruos ordered the peltasts and Karian warbands to envelop the Seleukid line. Meanwhile the light cavalry ranged out behind the Seleukid line, their lack of cavalry of their own meaning they could do little to stop them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-6.jpg

Some of the Asiatic cavalry caught up with the enemy general. Seeing more Pergamene cavalry, they stood fighting long enough to prevent his escape.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-7.jpg

The Seleukid general died with a Gallic lance through his gut.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-8.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-9.jpg

The cavalry were now free to operate behind the main Seleukid fighting line, harrassing the rear of their formations.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-9.jpg

Charges to the rear and flanks sowed panic and dischord amongst the massed pikemen.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-10.jpg

The first breakthrough happened on the right of the line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-11.jpg

On the right, fierce fighting continued. The native phalanxes had their resolve stiffened by the presence of professional soldiers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-12.jpg

Even while many of the native pikemen were fleeing, these regulars stood their ground.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-13.jpg

They fought on, pulling victorious Pergamene troops from chasing down fleeing foes.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-14.jpg

Elsewhere resistance had crumbled. Most of the Seleukid army was in flight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-15.jpg

It was the return of Messaneos that finally shattered their will.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-16.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-17.jpg

Then it was a case of chasing down those who fled.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1-18.jpg

The great Seleukid empire had been decisively beaten in battle. Pergamon had entered the world stage as a power to contend with.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle1End.jpg

Messaneos hoped that wouldn't be the end of the war, and that more Seleukid armies would come. He gave thanks to Artemis and Ares for the victory.

[Swordmaster]

Ouch, painful for the Seleukids. Then again, what a crappy commander, not bringing any cavalry. Nice screenshots, Quintus.

[QuintusSertorius]

Ouch, painful for the Seleukids. Then again, what a crappy commander, not bringing any cavalry. Nice screenshots, Quintus.

They had a single unit of already-depleted Hippakontistai, who the third FM routed on his way to joining the army. I didn't need the reinforcements, but a big unit of heavy cavalry like that made a difference. Especially to the ease with which I killed their general early on in the battle. My light cavalry were invaluable; chucking javelins in people's backs once the lines had engaged, and killing routers with ease. The Gallic ones even killed in shock charges when they'd run out of ammo. They also killed the enemy general, because they arrived moments before the merc general did.

I don't want to take Ipsos and I'd like a few more battles, but I'm not sure how to encourage that. There's a danger now that the AI will just keep sending stacks of 3-5 units whenever they've collected them together, which will be no challenge at all.

Perhaps I should steal one of their armies from elsewhere, then add units to it to make it into a proper balanced force? As in one that isn't just filled up with native phalanxes and even more useless native spearmen. Maybe even a unit of elephants.

[Swordmaster]

They had a single unit of already-depleted Hippakontistai, who the third FM routed on his way to joining the army. I didn't need the reinforcements, but a big unit of heavy cavalry like that made a difference. Especially to the ease with which I killed their general early on in the battle. My light cavalry were invaluable; chucking javelins in people's backs once the lines had engaged, and killing routers with ease. The Gallic ones even killed in shock charges when they'd run out of ammo. They also killed the enemy general, because they arrived moments before the merc general did.

I don't want to take Ipsos and I'd like a few more battles, but I'm not sure how to encourage that. There's a danger now that the AI will just keep sending stacks of 3-5 units whenever they've collected them together, which will be no challenge at all.

Perhaps I should steal one of their armies from elsewhere, then add units to it to make it into a proper balanced force? As in one that isn't just filled up with native phalanxes and even more useless native spearmen. Maybe even a unit of elephants.

You might have some luck if you wait long enough, but even then it won't be a real challenge for you I'm afraid. The Seleukids start out with very little military infrastructure, and although the AI usually builds them up faster than I'm doing in my current game, you won't see elephants in a long time, if at all.

You could script an army to be spawned near your lands, although I imagine the Seleukids giving up on western Anatolia in this period of time. You might spawn the army later on, symbolizing Antiochos III coming to conquer you, thirty years from now or something.

[QuintusSertorius]

Perhaps I should sue for peace and give them a lot longer to build up their infrastruture, then?

[Swordmaster]

Perhaps I should sue for peace and give them a lot longer to build up their infrastruture, then?

That would also work, of course. Especially if in the meanwhile they could get peace with their other enemies.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 240-239BC

Lydia

There had been a brief cessation of hostilities in the war between Pergamon and the Seleukid empire, but it was temporary. No sooner had they a chance to resupply their forces, the Syrians attacked once more, this time laying siege to Sardis. Messaneos and his army had taken to the ships for an invasion of Syria itself, and it was left down to others to defend the homeland.

Gathering a newly-recruited force of levies and mercenaries, Nikostratos Megarikos forced the enemy to abandon the siege, and then offered battle outside the city. To his surprise they opted to fight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2Start.jpg

The battle took place on the road, giving the Seleukid phalanxes level ground on which to maneuver.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-1.jpg

Megarikos ordered the advance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-2.jpg

The enemy sent their pikes forward.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-3.jpg

Hesitant about facing superior numbers, they began to withdraw.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-4.jpg

The Pergamenes advanced to follow.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-5.jpg

Many of the Seleukids escaped.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2-6.jpg

Megarikos had carried the day, although many Seleukids survived to fight another day.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle2End.jpg

[QuintusSertorius]

Kilikia

Later in the season, Megarikos was instructed to assist Pergamon's allies, vassals of Ptolemaic Egypt in Pamphylia by invading Kilikia. His activities on the border attracted the attention of the Seleukids stationed there. They were led by Seron Kadysios, an experienced general.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3Start.jpg

The Pergamenes held a commanding position cresting a hilltop. The Seleukids were forced to march uphill to meet them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-1.jpg

They suffered horribly from missile fire.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-2.jpg

As they engaged, the enemy general charged the Pergamene line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-3.jpg

As he withdrew to charge again, Megarikos spurred ahead of the line and called out a personal challenge.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-4.jpg

Kadysios and his bodyguard accepted, and the two bodies of cavalry clashed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-5.jpg

Megarikos tried to cut his way through to face Kadysios in personal combat.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-6.jpg

Meanwhile the weaker elements of Kadysios' army began to flee.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-7.jpg

Some of Megarikos' men watched, but knew better than to interfere in matters of honour. Their general would either win or die trying.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-8.jpg

In the centre, resistance was beginning to weaken.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-9.jpg

The generals fought on. Megarikos' bodyguard, more rested, began to get the measure of their heavier Seleukid counterparts.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-10.jpg

Kadysios' regular pikemen were surrounded, yet grimly held on.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-11.jpg

Kadysios' bodyguard were slain one by one, until only the man himself remained. To his credit, he didn't run.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-12.jpg

His regulars continued to stand their ground.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-13.jpg

Succumbing to his wounds, Kadysios died with his sword in his hand.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-14.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-15.jpg

Megarikos' men cheered their brave general, who gave thanks to Athena.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-16.jpg

Seeing their gallant general slain, the last Seleukids capitulated.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3-17.jpg

Megarikos had won not just a victory, but great personal honour too. He could now dedicate a special ceremony in honour of his slain foe and the boost to his personal reputation that would carry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle3End.jpg

Editorial note

I was rather surprised at how well my general's bodyguard, who are much lighter armoured than their Seleukid counterparts, managed to survive that fight. I put it entirely down to the fact that they were fresher, and used their swords rather than those slow-to-use lances which the Seleukids never switched from. Pretty telling that I lost about ten in that unit, and they lost all 40.

[QuintusSertorius]

Syria

Alexanor Messaneos, together with his lieutenant Oulamos Larruos had landed in Syria in the summer of 239, but had marched first to Phoinike to gather supplies promised by their allies. It was autumn when the invasion of Syria began, and he stopped to build winter quarters on the river, using it to narrow the Seleukid's opportunities of attack.

He was somewhat surprised when they tried to force a river crossing twice.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4Start.jpg

He waited his army where he thought they would cross.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-1.jpg

But it turned out the wily Seleukid commander had found a ford further upstream, and so Messaneos was forced to think on his feet to face the new direction of attack.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-2.jpg

He wheeled his right and centre to face the threat.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-3.jpg

As Sittakenes charged, Larruos took the cavalry around the fighting line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-4.jpg

He got stuck into the fighting.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-5.jpg

The outflanking maneuver continued.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-6.jpg

On the left, Larruous circled wide.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-7.jpg

Weary Seleukids climbed up the bank only to find themselves in danger.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-8.jpg

Sittakenes was wounded, but fought on.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-9.jpg

Larruous charged in from the left flank.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-10.jpg

Much of Sittakenes' bodyguard lay dead and his army was in disarray as they tried to fight back.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-11.jpg

He was slain trying to rally them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-12.jpg

His army began to fragment.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-13.jpg

The panic was total.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-14.jpg

The crossing was quiet, but it was a horrific scene of carnage where men had been cut down by missile fire or been drowned.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4-15.jpg

Messaneos had his victory.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4End.jpg

Editorial note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle4Stats.jpg

The stats don't really tell the story that I cocked up my initial layout, assuming where the road appeared to cross the river was the crossing. So I was too far to the right, which meant they came across on my much weaker flank, rather than in my prepared centre. Still their general acted like an idiot, and made it easy for my mistake not to be fatal.

The two units who suffered big casualties were those holding the left wing while the rest of the army hot-footed it around to take the enemy column in the flank. Those Thureophoroi held off their general most of the battle. The Anatolians fought a motley collection of enemies, including some elite Agema spearmen.

[QuintusSertorius]

Syria

Messaneos had to defend the crossing once more from another direction, the garrison of Antiocheia marching out to avenge the death of their commander.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle5Start.jpg

This time Messaneos knew where they would cross.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle5-1.jpg

While some elites spearheaded the crossing, it wasn't much of a battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle5-2.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle5End.jpg

238BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/238.jpg

Still fighting to be done in Syria, and even in Anatolia this turn. Although the break didn't last long, I did move some of their stacks to where they might combine against me. Shame they've done a poor job of merging them so far, if they'd combined the armies they used in Syria, it might have been a real battle. I tried not to exploit the crossing, sitting quite a way from it, but I still had numerical superiority.

I did do my first round of serious FD on the world a few turns ago. Baktria were going in silly directions, Pahlava weren't doing anything and those damned Armenians were tring to conquer the steppe again. Rome had taken Tolosa, and wasn't moving against Carthage in Sicily, so I sorted that. Sweboz are starting their regular explosion.

[Swordmaster]

Excellent stuff, and much of it, which is how we like it. Especially the personal challenge there, that was awesome.

[QuintusSertorius]

Excellent stuff, and much of it, which is how we like it. Especially the personal challenge there, that was awesome.

I must admit, I liked that a lot. When the enemy general came across, I had a unit of Thureophoroi nearby and he had nothing else to use, so I thought I'd just leave it and see. 50-odd Mossolon Agema cavalry against 30-odd Makedonian hetairoi - the latter have much heavier armour, overall their defense is about 6 points higher. But they kept using their lances so while they'd get kills, they were much slower than mine. Convinced me swords are better in a press than lances, that's for sure.

I didn't leave the Seleukids for long, but they did start things up again. I think raiding their territory makes for some action, if only they'd combined some of those stacks. Would also be nice if the AI disbanded or retrained units with less than 25% of their strength, or better yet anything under 50%.

Messaneos' army is weathering well so far, two big-ish battles and his main line is barely touched. Should be more big battles coming up, and I think I'll start pulling some more Seleukid armies from wherever I can find them.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 238BC

Syria

Messaneos had fixed upon one last battle before he left Syria. The Seleukids were running out of armies, and there was only so long his ships would be safe before the Seleukid navy woke up. Retreating for the shores, he was attacked one last time.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6Start.jpg

He set up with the coast to his back, leaving lots of open space for his cavalry to operate.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-1.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-2.jpg

The Seleukids came on, phalanx to the centre, Jewish spearmen opposite the Pergamene left and swathes of skirmishers and freed slaves.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-3.jpg

The view from the front line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-4.jpg

Larruos commanding on the left saw the first action.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-5.jpg

In the centre the phalanxes engaged.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-6.jpg

Larruous charged a group of Jewish spearmen trying to outflank the Pergamene line. Some skirmishers came to his aid.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-7.jpg

Meanwhile Messaneos had taken his cavalry wing all the way around the enemy, and now could see their rear.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-8.jpg

Larruos broke his opponents, then spurred away to begin charges to the rear.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-9.jpg

The Gallic horse routed a second group of Jewish spearmen.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-10.jpg

Messaneos rode down some freed slaves.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-11.jpg

Only the phalanxes in the centre were left.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-12.jpg

The Gallic cavalry appearing behind them crushed their spirit.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-13.jpg

The regular phalangites fought on, despite those in the rear ranks seeing they were being surrounded.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-14.jpg

It was the return of the Gallic cavalry that ended their resistance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6-15.jpg

Messaneos had been granted a string of victories, and now he departed these foreign shores.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle6End.jpg

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 238BC

Phrygia

Young Megarikos was marching back to resupply his army in Sardis when a Seleukid force fell upon him in the mountain passes in Phrygia. He was outnumbered by a small margin, but chose to fight anyway.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7Start.jpg

Megarikos made for the heights, the Seleukids with the same idea.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-1.jpg

The Seleukids came over the top of the hill. Their height advantage allowed them to rain missiles down on the Pergamenes, who had a hard time responding.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-2.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-3.jpg

The lines engaged and the Seleukids tried to turn the Pergamene right. Megarikos ordered his peltasts onto the flank.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-4.jpg

On the left the Pergamenes moved to turn the Seleukid flank by return.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-5.jpg

Megarikos charged into the melee on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-6.jpg

The Galatian mercenary horse charged home.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-7.jpg

Megarikos pushed through the enemy and moved around them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-8.jpg

He charged home, routing the flankers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-9.jpg

The centre and left were still struggling.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-10.jpg

Now able to move more freely, Megarikos crashed into the back of the Seleukid line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-11.jpg

Two of the three phalanxes broke.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-12.jpg

Soon the whole army was in flight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7-13.jpg

Megarikos had won, but taken many casualties. A lot were wounded by missile fire, particularly those who had lost eyes to sling bullets.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle7End.jpg

Editorial note

I actually lost this battle to a post-battle CTD, but even though I repeated it with an auto-calc, I thought it was interesting enough to see one that was quite close for a while. I hate fighting uphill.

237BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/237.jpg

On his way back, Messaneos decided to take Rhodes. There was already a spy there and it fell almost immediately. Now he's in control of the island, which can churn out Rhodian slingers for me. I'll wait a little while, mashing up the Greek navy before FD-ing a ceasefire since they need the trade income. Especially now Makedonia have grabbed some territory to match them. I now have 9 territories after 35 years (approx 140 turns), which isn't bad going.

Money has been a problem recently, possibly because I've got so many men under arms and haven't conquered anything. Taking Rhodos has already made a difference in just at turn, that'll be the big port. Aside from possibly Kyrene while the Ptolemies are still my allies, I'm not sure I want to expand for a bit. Quite safe where I am. Plus I need to look to my economy for a bit.

[QuintusSertorius]

Atintan's Raids

The war with the Seleukids simmered away with several inconclusive marches and counter-marches. Meanwhile across the Hellespont, Sosistratos Atintan, a young general with the northern army, led some lightning raids on the Triballi and Scordisi.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/NaissosSiegeStart.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/NaissosSiegeEnd.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/SingidunumSiegeStart.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/SingidunumSiegeEnd.jpg

233BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/233.jpg

The Aedui were really struggling against the Romans, so I figured I'd raid some places and give them some new territory. Plus experience for both my northern army and a young FM. Two brief sieges and job done. Hopefully that will slow their marginalisation in Gaul in favour of the Arverni, who are allies of Rome. I also had to FD Mediolanum back to them after the Romans took it, been a full-time job trying to contain Rome.

Seleukids are starting to get annoying; they send useless stacks of 6 units to besiege my settlements, which I then beat off without actually fighting, only for them to try another one. I don't want to take Ipsos yet, but I might have to. They're also failing to combine what they have into an effective force. There's a group nearby which doesn't have any proper regular phalanxes. Then there's a small stack with two regular and one elite phalanx. Put them in that other stack and there's a half-decent army there. They've also grown in strength, I think another deep raid might be in order once things are calm in Anatolia again.

Greece is still stalemated. Must be why KH accepted a ceasefire a while back without even having to use FD. Course I did also sink their navy. The Aedui are thrown into the mix there now they share a border with Makedonia. They've just besieged Dalminion, too. Maybe that'll attract the Romans to taking the Illyrian coast?

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 233BC

Mysia

Messaneos had been shadowing the Seleukid army for most of the year, marching and counter-marching, but neither side willing to offer battle without an edge. And neither had been able to get that edge. So he was completely surprised by the sudden bold move of the Seleukid commander to break off contact and march deep into Pergamene territory. Not simply deep, but to the heart of it - he invested Pergamon itself.

This added a whole new dimension to this war; Messaneos' wife and his children were in Pergamon. He could not afford to fail. The Seleukid force was larger than his own, though not as big as the combined might of his army and the garrison of Pergamon. He had no intention of relying on their strength, though.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8Start.jpg

Forest covered much of the battlefield, hindering the movements of both the Syrian pikes and Pergamene cavalry. The enemy was bold in their numbers and advanced.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-1.jpg

They made an impressive sight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-2.jpg

But then they halted. Tired of the delays, Messaneos ordered the advance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-3.jpg

The lines closed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-4.jpg

Megarikos had command on the left, he and the Gallic horse made straight for the Seleukid light cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-5.jpg

They drove them far from the main fighting, and fought their own separate battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-6.jpg

Never wanting for valour or skill at arms, Megarikos cut a swathe through the lighter opponents and led the howling Gauls in the chase as they ran.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-7.jpg

Still the lines hadn't closed, the Seleukid pikes apparently nervous of making contact.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-8.jpg

As Megarikos began the trip back, Messaneos still struggled to pin the enemy down.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-9.jpg

Ordering a charge, he began a flanking movement.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-10.jpg

Some units broke on the left, but it was a confused affair.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-11.jpg

Messaneos killed some skirmishers, trying to get a clear run to the rear of the enemy line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-12.jpg

A channel opened up as two phalanxes tried to fight back to back.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-13.jpg

More units routed, but the whole picture was still unclear.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-14.jpg

Eventually the enemy gave way.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8-15.jpg

A vengeful Messaneos had won the day, but not without many Pergamene casualties.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8End.jpg

Nevertheless the threat to the capital had been averted. Messaneos nearly rode his tired horse to death reaching the city after the battle to see that his family was safe.

Editorial note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle8Stats.jpg

I've got to be honest, I didn't have a clue what was going on during most of that battle, the stats don't even help build up a picture of it. First, there was the really annoying habit of the Seleukid phalanxes to keep edging away every time I advanced. Eventually I just had my front line charge them, which is why they got chewed up as badly as they did. Second, their phalanxes got all mixed up, so I couldn't get at the rear or flank of any of them. They just seemed to fight on and on and on, then suddenly all routed.

I think it's time I stopped using those Anatolian hillmen, they're not very good. Always seem to get messed up out on the left, too. Perhaps it's time to bring in the Thracian peltasts.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 232BC

Phrygia

With Messaneos struck down by an illness, a rarity for an other hale and robust man, it was down to someone else to lead the resupplied and reinforced army of Pergamon to avenge the attack on their capital. That responsibility fell to Epimenes Amantieus, an up and coming young officer. He attacked a column outside Ipsos, the old Persian capital, which brought the Seleukid garrison out to rescue their men. The commander of the garrison was Miltidades Kadysios, son of the man slain by Megarikos in a duel several years earlier. He was eager for revenge against the people who had taken his father from him.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9Start.jpg

Amantieus hid most of his army in the cover of the woods, confident to wait for the enemy to develop before him. He didn't want the garrison arriving at a critical moment when he was already engaged.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-1.jpg

Once they had gathered and began to organise themselves, he sounded the advance. Now there could be no surprise from the enemy.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-2.jpg

They sent the men from the column forward first, and the Pergamene skirmishers got to work.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-3.jpg

As they engaged, the rest of the force moved to join the battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-4.jpg

At the sharp end...

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-5.jpg

Kadysios charged, a Pergamene officer responded to the challenge.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-6.jpg

Kadysios lost his bodyguard in his blind rage. He hacked down Pergamene infantrymen and screamed like a wild beast.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-7.jpg

The fight in the centre was fierce.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-8.jpg

On the left the cavalry began to envelop the Seleukid line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-9.jpg

Amantieus followed suit on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-10.jpg

Kadysios was pierced many times by spears, and died howling in defiance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-11.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-12.jpg

The Seleukid left collapsed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-13.jpg

As Karian tribesmen cut down routing troops, they spread a panic in the Seleukid centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-14.jpg

But the panic was not total, some Seleukid regulars fought on regardless.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-15.jpg

Amantieus charged home to rout one group of regulars.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-16.jpg

Some resistance carried on for a time.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-17.jpg

But it was ultimately futile, the day was Amantieus'.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9-18.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9End.jpg

Editorial note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle9Stats.jpg

I'm not quite sure why that one was a Heroic Victory, yet others have only been Clear. Still it was fun to fight, some textbook hammer and anvil work, unfortunately some textbook suicidal AI general as well.

Always interesting to see who got the kills - Curepos feature strongly again as usual, as do my Family Members. Karians got a lot of kills, largely because they caused the mass rout as they chased off the enemy Anatolians. Similarly the Thureophoroi on the right who followed them to the rear of the phalanxes.

[QuintusSertorius]

232BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/232.jpg

No, I didn't take Ipsos. I could have walked in, but I don't want it yet, because then I won't have any way of draining Seleukid resources. I did however send a spy there, if it revolts I'll let it be. Although I am tempted to take it just to destroy their barracks there and quieten them for a bit so I can launch another raid on them.

I don't know, or perhaps I should take Ipsos then FD some peace on them for a time? Or take it and launch raids around the stuff they took like Ani-Kamah. They've still got a front along the Mazaka-Tarsos line to attack me even if I do have Ipsos, though they'd also have a go at Egyptian Side.

To be honest I'm more tempted by launching an expedition to Kyrene while I'm still allied to the Ptolemies.

I've been going for a one-battle-per-post format which I'm hoping helps with loading a little. At least it might mean we get onto a new page faster, anyway.

[Swordmaster]

So you really enjoy slaying all those Syrians? Wait, brother, I'll have my revenge. :whip:

Awesome stuff, btw. Too bad the AI still doesn't know how to handle phalanxes. Just had the same frustrating things in my own campaign.

[QuintusSertorius]

It's not as if it's a hard thing to do; put them in an unbroken line, put some other units on their flanks, don't mess with it after that.

I left off taking Ipsos and I'm starting to regret it a little. Same pointless besieging of my settlements with a half-arsed effort, same battles in the same places. Maybe it's time to drive them out of central Anatolia and take the fight to them?

I've stopped retraining units now, making things too easy especially when I can churn out troops with two chevrons and upgraded weapons out of a lot of places anyway.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War

Bithynia

Nikaia was attacked by a Seleukid force once again. Now named as successor to Ptolemaios Aiakides, Epimenes Amantieus led the army as heir-apparent to the defense of Bithynia.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle10Start.jpg

But the Seleukids retreated without a fight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle10End.jpg

Editorial note

Really annoys me when the AI does this, makes me go through all the rigmarole of laying out my troops, then just retreats the moment I move. Why couldn't they have done that when I attacked initially?

[QuintusSertorius]

229BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/229.jpg

I need to get a conclusion with the Seleukids, repeating the same battles and sieges every few turns is getting boring. I think that means taking Ipsos then FD'ing a ceasefire. I could spawn some decent troops in one of their generalled stacks (they've now got about four FMs hanging around Anatolia) to make it a balanced force for one last proper battle, then kick them out.

Then I've got to think about where I go next, I can't really sit idle, not least because my best general, Messaneos, is a Warmonger who doesn't like idleness. He's currently in Thracia about to start a war with the Getai to take Kallatis eventually. He's going to start with a raid on their capital, Buridava.

Kyrene and Syrakousai are the main targets I'm thinking of. Not sure I want the Bosphorous so soon, I'll leave that as somewhere to progress to once I've got Kallatis.

Makedonia are proving to be pathetic, they've just lost Demetrias. Even though I regularly spawn medium phalanxes, thureophoroi and peltastai in their stacks and settlements, they still can't hold on to anything. Maybe I need to invade Greece and humble KH a little?

I just tinkered with Spain, giving Numantia to the Arverni, which has already provoke a war without it even rebelling. Also caused Rome and the Arverni to break their alliance, which is good. Gave Baikor to Qarthadast but unfortunately it hasn't revolted.

There's a lot less rebel territory out there nowadays. Still a fair amount, though, consider it's over 40 years in.

[Timoleon]

Looking at the battle statistics of your heroic victory in Phrygia, I noticed that 45% of your 327 casualties where healed afterward. It is huge! I've never had such a percentage in such a big battle. It is even more impressive if you consider that the enemy had few missile troops, as I can tell from the screenshots, and most of your casualties occurred in the melee. What where the traits and ancillaries of your leading general Epimenes Amantieus?

[QuintusSertorius]

I'd have to go back and check, but as far as I remember he's just got a Herbalist ancillary and high management and influence.

[Timoleon]

Did he have such recovering percentages in all of his battles?

[QuintusSertorius]

That was actually the very first one he fought. I'll have to see if he gets the same when he drives the Seleukids out of Ipsos.

[tapanojum]

I'm loving this AR and the way the captions tell the story perfect of your screen shots!

Awesome

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War

The Defense of Pergamon

In the winter of 229BC, while Amantieus was investing Ipsos, a Seleukid army slipped past the Pergamene army and laid siege to the capital. Once more the political and spiritual heart of the Pergamene kingdom was under threat, including the Basilieu himself. Pergamon didn't have a garrison, trusting instead to both it's stone walls and the standing army which usually protected Mysia from invasion. However that army was miles away in Phrygia and unable to come to the capital's aid.

But the king was not dismayed, for he had the resources of a vast city to draw upon. A proclaimation was issued to the people, calling for them to come to the defense of their city. The armouries were opened and many thousands of citizens given spear, helmet and shield, still others armed with javelins. There were also several hundred veterans in the city who strapped on their old armour, dusted off their weapons and mustered with the ordinary citizens.

The Seleukid commander was slow in locking down his blockade, which allowed many Pergamene nobles to slip out of the city with their friends to their country estates. There they gathered up retainers and supporters, along with as many horses as they could find from their farms, and returned to the city under the cover of darkness. They styled themselves the Patriotic Cavalry, a force composed of the cream of Pergamon's aristocratic youth. What they lacked in skill and experience they made up for in enthusiasm and patriotic zeal.

And so Pergamon's makeshift army was made ready to face the foe, mustering an almost equal number.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamonStart.jpg

Ptolemaios ordered them to sally out before the Seleukids had any time to prepare siege engines. It was a chaotic affair.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon1.jpg

Eventually, however, under the cover of archers in the towers, they were shaken into a semblance of a battle line, veterans in the centre and on the left flank. The Patriotic Cavalry rushed out to attack the first horse they could see, some Arabian light cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon2.jpg

They they spotted the prize which every man among them desired - the enemy general Ionikou. But his bodyguard proved too skilled for the overenthusiastic youths, and they were forced to retreat.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon3.jpg

He then stumbled into the veterans on the left, and they were not so easily dissuaded.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon4.jpg

Rallying, the Patriotic Cavalry rushed in to attack once more.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon5.jpg

Years later, many of the men present, and even some who weren't even in the city that day, would claim they were the one to slay Ionikou. In the generations to come, many families would maintain a tradition that it was one of their ancestors who struck the fateful blow. The truth would never be known.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon6.jpg

The death of Ionikou was like a body blow to the Seleukid army, who broke and ran.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamon7.jpg

The Patriotic Cavalry were merciless in their pursuit of fleeing Seleukids. Let them be an object lesson to anyone who would threaten their king and capital.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamonEnd.jpg


Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/DefenseofPergamonStats.jpg

I wasn't going to bother with captures and the like for this battle, but then I changed my mind and I'm glad I did, because it was one of the most fun ones I've had. Also a little crazy, having so much heavy cavalry and otherwise nothing of quality at all. The idea of rationalising the garrison in Pergamon, which was otherwise useless, as a citizen levy appealed a great deal as well.

I couldn't wait to share this one, so I stopped playing to do so.

The next battle won't be fun, that's the siege of Ipsos. Unless that other army breaks off the siege of Side, it'll be a grinding, painful siege of full stack against full stack.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/229A.jpg

[hrrypttrbst]

That's going to be a hard battle

[QuintusSertorius]

That's going to be a hard battle

I know. It's not noble or glorious, but I'm tempted to wait it out a little, to see if that other stack, or reinforcements from Mazaka or Tarsos will come and turn it into a battle.

[Swordmaster]

How did you get the AI approach your walls so closely? The few times I sally, they run to a corner of the map, far from the towers' reach.

[QuintusSertorius]

How did you get the AI approach your walls so closely? The few times I sally, they run to a corner of the map, far from the towers' reach.

To be honest, I've no idea why they came as close as they did. I was expecting them to march away, but instead they lined up anchoring one flank on the walls. Which was dumb.

[QuintusSertorius]

Campaigns in Getia

Having been banished from the Pergamene court for his militaristic activities in trying to join the wars in Greece, Alexanor Messaneos travelled to Pergamon's northern borders in Thracia. There he met up with Sosistratos Atintan who was bored with drilling troops but never actually venturing beyond the mountains that marked the frontiers of Pergamon's power.

Messaneos outlined a plan that caught his imagination - a fast-marching raid on the Getic capital of Buridava, then before they had time to gather their wits they'd march out east with as much plunder as they could carry and take Kallatis by siege. Then leave some men to garrison Kallatis, turn around and deal with whatever armies the Getai could muster, and sign a peace accord before anyone in Pergamon even knew a campaign had been fought.

There would be riches, glory and honour for Pergamon as well as bringing more Greek colonies into the confederation. In the summer of 228BC they laid siege to Buridava, bringing warriors swarming to protect it like ants defending their hive.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1Start.jpg

The two armies met outside the city, one line against another. In the distance the garrison of Buridava, including one of their warchiefs rushed to join what they thought would be a slaughter.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-1.jpg

The serried ranks of Getic warriors were a sight to behold.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-2.jpg

As they closed, Messaneos prepared his cavalry to swing around and outflank.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-3.jpg

Meanwhile on the left, Atintan spurred all of his cavalry towards the Getic chieftain.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-4.jpg

Messaneos began his move.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-5.jpg

The cavalry skirmish on the left kicked up clouds of choking dust as man and beast alike scrabbled to survive.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-6.jpg

Some Dacian light cavalry responded to Messaneos' flanking maneuver.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-7.jpg

On the left, the arrival of infantry to support the chief forced Atintan and his cavalry to back off.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-8.jpg

Messaneos had won his skirmish and then routed some Gallic levies.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-9.jpg

The Dacian chieftain gave up on chasing the elusive Atintan, and turned his attention to the Pergamene skirmishers. Leaving him unaware that the cavalry were returning.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-10.jpg

He died as one of the Gauls, a man named Lucco, stabbed him through the spine with his lance. Atintan promised him whatever he could carry of the chieftain's personal effects. The canny Celt said he'd rather have the chieftain's horse.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-11.jpg

The Getic line began to fragment.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-12.jpg

As the cavalry swung round into the rear of the Getic line, it dissolved into a general rout.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-13.jpg

The first stage of their plan was complete, a Getic army defeated and Burdiva in flames.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1-14.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/GeticWarBattle1Stats.jpg

That was actually a much harder battle than it might look from the battle report, there were some really dodgy moments. Like trying to keep Atintan alive while in constant melee contact with the Getic chief. Since his cavalry was the only one out of that little block with any chance of surviving a prolonged melee. The Illyrians and Gauls had to keep breaking off an charging again, with him playing anvil. Plus there were some really scary Drapanai with the chief, who I did my best to slay at range with the slingers before they closed.

The Thrakian peltasts and regular peltastai holding the left were champions in this battle, they single-handedly held of Drapanai, elite skirmishers and heavy phalangites, and still didn't lose that many men. Also lost a fair few men to arrows, they had lots of archers. Fortunately their cavalry was pathetic, all lights and barely-mediums who were no match for my Thrakian Prodromoi.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Seleukid War, 228BC

Phrygia

As a general, some might have called Epimenes Amantieus a martinet. He was very particular about standards of decorum among his men, appropriate terms of address and respect for rank. Yet he was also a soldier's soldier who lived simply on campaign, ate the same thing as the men did and shared their hardships. He never asked them anything he wouldn't be willing to do himself and the men loved him for it. It was only because of their affection for the general that they endured the hardships of besieging Ipsos through the winter.

The siege dragged on through spring, and some thought Amantieus had lost his nerve. He'd only commanded one battle, and while he had won convincingly, perhaps it was a fluke. The rumblings went on into the summer, but Amantieus had a plan. Ipsos' garrison was big, an army camped within the walls and a direct assault would be bloody. Instead he was hoping word had got out before the blockade to the Seleukids camped in Mazaka or Tarsos. If they came to relive Ipsos, he could offer battle and fight both in the open field. Over the winter the defender's spirits had dropped because the Seleukid heir - also the governor of Mikra Asia - had died of a vomiting fever.

When a Seleukid army arrived, Amantieus offered battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11Start.jpg

He was at a disadvantage, fighting uphill. He had to brush aside the smaller force to crown the heights before the defenders of Ipsos arrived.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-1.jpg

The relief force was summarily dealt with.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-2.jpg

But the commander of Ipsos' garrison arrived ahead of his men.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-3.jpg

He charged the Pergamene right, Amantieus and his cavalry pulled out to get space enough to charge.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-4.jpg

Amantieus could see Phrygikou through the press, but couldn't reach him.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-5.jpg

On the left, a tired Byllideus and his cavalry returned to rest behind the Pergamene infantry. They had chased down the fleeing men from the relief force.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-6.jpg

The savage fight on the right rolled on as the first of the troops from Ipsos arrived.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-7.jpg

Another Seleukid noble joined the fight, charging the centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-8.jpg

Meanwhile Phrygikou's bodyguard had all been slain.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-9.jpg

He didn't last long unprotected.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-10.jpg

Amantieus' men cheered his success.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-11.jpg

The early-arriving phalanxes routed, and a victorious Amantieus chased them down.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-12.jpg

But this battle was far from over, and as they climbed the hill, the Pergamenes were presented with the full scale of the task still to be overcome.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-13.jpg

Amantieus ordered the men to climb and fight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-14.jpg

The Anatolian flankers on the Pergamene right were raked by missile fire, then charged by cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-15.jpg

On the left, meanwhile, the levy phalanxes didn't stand.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-16.jpg

They started a panic.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-17.jpg

And while cutting down running men, Byllideus sent his men to outflank the Seleukid centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-18.jpg

On the right, Amantieus had broken through the Seleukid flank cover and got in amongst their skirmishers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-19.jpg

It proved decisive, outflanked on both sides as Byllideus' wing arrived, the Seleukids gave up.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11-20.jpg

Amantieus had once again justified his men's faith in him.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11End.jpg

The victorious general forced the Seleukids to sign a peace treaty surrendering Phrygia to Pergamon, and promising to limit it's operations west of the Taurus mountains.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/SeleukidWarCeasefire.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War/SeleukidBattle11Stats.jpg

Despite the AI completely messing up reinforcements, and doing the old suicidal general thing (again), that was actually a hard battle. Mostly because yet again I started out on the reverse slope of a hill, and had to climb it to get into fighting position. My slingers did very little as a result, because unless they're either level or higher than their targets, they're feeble. That's why their kills are so low - the Greek ones got most of theirs killing routers from the first army, not from their usual business of picking off troops before the battle starts.

It might have been a bit of an exploit waiting until another army attacked rather than taking the place by storm, but I hate sieges.

Amazingly, the Seleukid AI accepted a ceasefire without me having to use FD. That's the second time they've done that, they're surprisingly reasonable about things like that. Perhaps just because I'm on Medium difficulty, and they've got plenty of other enemies to deal with. Though they did immediatly find themselves attacked by Pontos.

[QuintusSertorius]

227BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/227.jpg

So nearly 15 years of war finally comes to an end, and a satisfying one at that. Captured is my latest bit of dischord, I managed to make Qarthadast and the Lusotanii go to war through FDing Baikor to Carthage which then revolted. But rather than just making peace the next turn, a conquest of Spain has begun! Rome and the Iberians are allies, so maybe it'll start things again. I might FD Karali to the Romans soon, I've held off on it because they're already strong.

Now if there were some way to get them to attack those rebels in Illyria; I moved some stacks there but they ignored it to come back north. Maybe if the Aedui get on with taking them, the Romans will come after them?

I'll take Kallatis soon, then prepare an army for the Bosporan invasion.

[General Appo]

Good going. I don´t think the Romans will start coming after the Illyrians until they have at least taken Patavium. That´s just how they work.

[QuintusSertorius]

Yeah, I guess. They're not far off Flaminius' campaigns in Cisalpine Gaul anyway, so I won't put them off much longer. Then hopefully they'll roll down the Illyrian coast, rather than trying to take the Central European Defense on. Or carrying on into Gaul.

[Swordmaster]

The seventh shot from that post is really very nice, skirmish on the foreground with the whole chaotic battle behind it. They put up a good fight, from what I can tell, but you handled them very well.

Nice role-playing the characters, too.

EDIT: Lol, talking about the fight at Buridava, that was. Your tempo in posting updates is as relentless as your battles!

[QuintusSertorius]

I checked out Amantieus' Traits, and the man is a really tightly-wound and Spartan sort. Yet he's got massive influence and management so I figured he's one of those difficult sorts who's actually really good at what he does - which is primarily being a leader.

Messaneos on the other hand blatantly cares about nothing but combat (well as his family, but often they're an afterthought). I think the roleplaying justification for the conquest of the Bosphorous will be him, on the run, causing trouble somewhere even further away from Pergamon.

I'm going to have problems with the next generation, all the great men of Messaneos' generation (like Larruos who has three sons), most of whom were marriage candidates or adoptees, have had useless children (only one of Larruos' is useful, one salvageable, the other hopless). Unlike the way I disposed of Hellenos and Pyrrhicos, I can't just get rid of all of them. A few will make alright governors, and one or two reasonable generals, but I might have to start making more use of mercenary generals. I'm going to dispatch two of Larruos' sons to the Bosphorous as governors, they'll at least manage that.

Talking of FMs, I think in the 15 years I was at war with the Seleukids, I killed about eight of their nobles. Four just in the last year. Including their Faction Heir, who died during the siege of Ipsos. He wasn't young, mind, unlike mine who's in his early 30s. Ptolemaios hasn't got long left, he's already in his early seventies. His cousin Alexandros died recently.

Still it means the original Epirote line is gone now and I can make a complete break with that history.

[QuintusSertorius]

Campaigns of the rogue general Alexanor Messaneos

His compact with Atintas still healthy, the two generals marched for Kallatis with their borrowed army. The first stage of their plan had been successful, and now for the second. The capture of the Getic coastal city which had once been a Greek colony. Information gleaned from outlying villages suggested there was still a vibrant Greek community in the town, but that it was in many ways subservient to the Dacians. This could not go on.

What Atintas did not know, however was that Messaneos was already thinking ahead to his next campaign, and even an endgame. He could not run from the Basileu's agents forever, he needed somewhere to build a power base of his own. But that was for the future, the now was Kallatis, which they laid siege to.

Kallatis

The garrison of the town were completely unprepared for the arrival of a foreign army outside their walls, so swift was the Pergamene army's march. There were few defenders willing to resist.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/KallatisSiegeStart.jpg

It wasn't really a battle, Messaneos lost few men.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/KallatisSiegeEnd.jpg

Taking his share of the plunder and slipping away on a horse during the night, Messaneos then left Atintas alone to face the music.

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/KallatisSiegeStats.jpg

For the first time I witness firsthand just how scary Thrakian elites are. They went through the general and his bodyguard like they were nothing, and the unit of Lugoae defending the square lasted about a minute with them in their rear.

Bosphorous

Messaneos spent a year planning for his next move, hiding around in the countryside and drawing on his contacts for favours. His plunder went into greasing palms and more importantly hiring mercenaries. Lots of mercenaries. In the summer of 226 he gathered his mercenary army in the Thrakian forest and trained them in the manner of Pergamon's armies. He welded them together into a cohesive fighting force. He promoted the leader of one mercenary contingent to his second-in-command, to aid in co-ordination during battle.

Then one of his other favours came in. He was friends with the commander of Pergamon's navy, Admiral Damosthenes. His request was simple: provide transport for his army to the Bosphorous region. There were Greek communities there who he had been in communication with and some factions within them would welcome anyone who would overthrow their tyrants.

When they landed he asked one more thing of Damosthenes - bring back his family. These plans in motion, he disembarked late in the campaigning season. He was attacked immediately by the army of the tyrant.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattleStart.jpg

They appeared in the distance, marching through the driving snow. Messaneos had deployed in the standard Pergamene fashion.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle1.jpg

The lines closed, though it remained eerily still and quiet.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle2.jpg

Then suddenly both armies pitched into action. The air was ablaze with arrows from foot and horse-archers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle3.jpg

Some Scythian nobles charged the Pergamene line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle4.jpg

Messaneos and his Thrakians drove them off.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle5.jpg

Meanwhile the Taurii foot attacked.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle6.jpg

Getting frustrated at the volume of arrows buzzing around, Messaneos ordered his mercenary horse-archers to push up and drive their counterparts away.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle7.jpg

A swirling melee ensued, broken when the Thrakians charged home.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle8.jpg

Messaneos' second and the Gallic mercenaries charged to the rear and broke many of the Taurii infantry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle9.jpg

Several fraught charges later, their entire army was in flight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattle10.jpg

And in spite of many wounded by arrows, a victory was forged. Messaneos' mercenary army had performed adequately well.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattleEnd.jpg

Editors Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/BosphorousBattleStats.jpg

I was actually a little surprised at how easy that battle turned out to be, not least because of my suboptimal use of my horse archers. I got frustrated at everyone being shot up, so just charged them after the enemy horse archers, which at least got them away from my infantry. Their foot archers had greater range than my Kretans too, which meant I couldn't touch them.

The Thrakian cavalry I originally sent after the fleeing Scythian nobles kept on charging when I wasn't paying attention and routed one band of archers. That's when I spotted them close by the horse archers, who were suffering in melee, and they massacred the enemy horse archers. They and indeed all my cavalry got a lot of kills in that battle.

[Timoleon]

I really like the way you describe battles step-by-step and you analyse them afterward. Keep going!
How do you take so many screenshots? Do you use some specialized software or do you alt-tab out of the game all the time?

[QuintusSertorius]

225BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/225.jpg

My soon-to-be Bosporan Kingdom, the dynasty Messaneos will found. He took Chersonesus with ease (there was hardly anything left, so I auto-calc'ed), and his two sons are on the ship coming back. I won't be sending anyone or anything else up there, it's going to run it's own business. Perhaps when Ptolemaios finally dies (73 and still kicking) some kind of reconciliation between Messaneos and Pergamon can be made.

Rome have broken through in Cisalpine Gaul. Hopefully they'll turn to the Illyrian coast next. Qarthadast are romping through Spain. For added chaos, I gave the Arverni Numantia again, though as consolation I gave the Lusotanii Ivernis in southern Ireland, which had bizarrely revolted to the Aedui.

The Getai accepted a ceasefire without the use of FD, which is becoming a pattern. Maybe my faction is strong enough that they're more willing to listen? Seleukids are at war with Hayasdan now as well as Pontos. Pontos finally took Trapezous.

Pahlava still aren't moving much, I think I might need to FD them some territory to get them started. Zadrakata at the very least.

Makedonia are still useless, even after I moved all of KH's standing armies to Cape Horn. Literally all of them.


I really like the way you describe battles step-by-step and you analyse them afterward. Keep going!
How do you take so many screenshots? Do you use some specialized software or do you alt-tab out of the game all the time?

I hope they don't come off as a little repetitive, since I use broadly the same tactics most of the time.

I Alt+Tab out of the game, paste them into Paintshop Pro, convert them to JPEG then save them, then back into the battle. Nothing fancy just a little effort.

[General Appo]

But... why? Just use Irfanview or something instead, saves you all the trouble of Alt+Tabing.

[QuintusSertorius]

But... why? Just use Irfanview or something instead, saves you all the trouble of Alt+Tabing.

Does it automatically convert the BMPs to JPEGs and clear my cache? Or am I going to have huge files taking up valuable memory while I'm playing?

[General Appo]

Well... at first it becomes huge files, but you can then easily convert them into JPEGs and delete the huge files.

[QuintusSertorius]

Well... at first it becomes huge files, but you can then easily convert them into JPEGs and delete the huge files.

Hmm, if I have to manually convert the BMPs after the fact (and they hang around in the meantime) then it's not really saving me any time or hassle.

Each screenshot is twenty seconds of time out; about two to switch out of the game, three or four to paste the image, convert it to an appropriately named JPEG and clear the cache (each image is about 2.5MB in BMP which isn't trivial), then about ten seconds to switch back to the game.

Then the only work I have to do after the fact is upload them into photobucket.

[Swordmaster]

EDIT: Heh, I should really check whether there are new pages in a thread before posting.

[QuintusSertorius]

223BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/223.jpg

Not much change with me, but the Romans have started rolling down the Illyrian coast, though they'll have to fight the Aedui for Dalminion. They did try for Noricum, but then Satres respawned and kicked their arses. Worryingly they recently allied with Makedonia and AS.

Qarthdast took Arse and now I'm trying to get the Romans to take Emporion to put the two of them in conflict again.

[General Appo]

Once again, I´ve never seen the Romans go for Emporion without taking Tolosa first, and I doubt moving armies to Emporion will change that.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Second Seleukid War, 222BC

A fragile peace with the Seleukid empire had lasted for more than six years, but a more lasting settlement was never a realistic possibility. The Syrians resented the encroachment in their traditional sphere of influence of this upstart young nation, born from the ashes of an older Successor state, and acting with unseemly boldness. The loss of much of Mikra Asia was never something they were going to take lightly. The ceasefire had merely been time to recoup their losses and gather their strength.

In the spring of 222, Ptolemaios was still barking orders in Pergamon and generally showing every sign of living forever, and Epimenes Amantieus was the man on the scene, until recently acting as governor of Phrygia from Ipsos. He'd proven an even more adept administrator and ruler than he was a general, which eased the transition in government in the region. As his subordinate he'd taken the now-maturing Byllideus.

The second was a simple man, he knew his limitations which was a rare piece of self-knowledge among so many arrogant noblemen. He would never be a great scholar or charismatic orator - both traits which Amantieus had in spaces - but he was a capable fighter. So he focused on developing his one talent and trying to put himself in situations where he could leverage it to best effect. His prowess had earned him the undying respect of many of the barbarian horsemen who rode under the Pergamene banner.

Hearing reports of a Seleukid army roving through the Phrygian countryside, Amantieus hastened out to the mountain pass. Here he could hold them, no matter what numbers they brought to bear. His camp was attacked in the summer.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12Start.jpg

He waited his troops at the bottom of a hill, and let the enemy come to him.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-1.jpg

Now veterans who had seen their share of combat, the appearance of the enemy did little to impress the Pergamenes.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-2.jpg

They marched on, and the Pergamenes rested themselves, officers allowing the men to lean on their shields while the enemy were outside missile range.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-3.jpg

When battle began, the first move was the Seleukids. Their cataphract cavalry, something the Pergamenes had never seen before, charged. Heavy horses crashed into the Thrakian mercenaries covering the left flank, and Byllideus saw a chance. Another chance to add credit to his name doing something he was good at.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-4.jpg

The lines closed, and it was readily apparent how badly outnumbered the Seleukid force was.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-5.jpg

Moving around the cataphracts, Byllideus led the Gallic horse into their rear, sowing carnage among the ranks of the heavily-armoured horsemen. The Seleukid commander was with them, and Byllideus took his head.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-6.jpg

The cataphracts dealt with, he led the cavalry in shattering charges to the rear of the Seleukid ranks.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-7.jpg

Amantieus had to deal with heavy spearmen on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-8.jpg

As Byllideus routed the sole phalanx, some Parthian spearmen ran away without even coming into contact with his cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-9.jpg

The light cavalry with Amantieus routed another group of veteran spearmen.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-10.jpg

And soon the whole Seleukid army was in disarray.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12-11.jpg

Amantieus had won a cheap victory, his casualties were light.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12End.jpg

But he was under no illusions that this would be the last he'd see from the Seleukid empire.

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle12Stats.jpg

Once again I was really disappointed with the AI for this one. Not only was it blatantly telegraphed from several turns away what they were going to do (I have watchtowers, after all), but they've got the forces to have put together a proper army, rather than attack me with this half-arsed effort. One which didn't even have any main phalanxes in it, just the one native unit.

My second FM, Byllides got a lot of casualties that battle. He was a champion. Especially in holding the cataphracts in melee while the Gauls pulled out to charge home again.

[Swordmaster]

Your campaign is really an inspiration to mine, if you know what I mean. (If you don't, you'll know soon enough :laugh4:.)

Oh, and those were some of the coolest screens you've taken so far. Keep it up.

[Gurkhan]

Great AAR man, although all the FD makes it seem like you are trying to play all factions at once. This is not how I play the game, but it makes for interesting reading! A word to the wise, you cannot move anything to cape Horn as South America is not on the map. Keep a postin'"!!

[Swordmaster]

Great AAR man, although all the FD makes it seem like you are trying to play all factions at once. This is not how I play the game, but it makes for interesting reading! A word to the wise, you cannot move anything to cape Horn as South America is not on the map. Keep a postin'"!!

You're right, we're confusing it with the Horn of Africa. :oops:

[QuintusSertorius]

Dark Clouds on the Horizon

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/FLdeath.jpg

There was perhaps something portentous in the arrival of two messengers to Amantieus' camp at almost the same time, from opposite directions. From the east came word from his scouts that two Seleukid armies had been spotted. From the west came a messenger from the capital - the Basilieu Ptolemaios had died in his sleep a few nights before. He was now king, but if he couldn't defend the kingdom titles would mean nothing.

Spies in the Pontic court told him their ruler was looking covetously at Bithynia and had even mobilised an army to take advantage of Pergamon's occupation with the Seleukids. Indeed the two powers had only recently concluded a peace treaty ending their own war, and who knew what secret accords had been agreed there. Carving up Pergamon between themselves, perhaps?

His first act as king was to pardon both Messaneos in the Bosphorous and Atintan in Mikra Skythia. He requested that Antintan board ship with the northern army to defend Bithynia against possible Pontic invasion, while he would deal with the Seleukids.

He had a horrible feeling he had many years in the saddle ahead of him.

222BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/222.jpg

Again saved by the watchtowers, and a spy I had lingering in Pontos, looks like I'm about to be double-teamed by two factions. I can only hope the Aedui won't take too kindly to that stack trying to pass through Galatia, given they've got the numbers to destroy it. Pontos is more of a worry, that's a proper full stack, although there's a lot of levy hoplites and native spearmen in there. Not great cavalry either, but Atintan's cavalry is being raised/retrained in Byzantion. Just him and an FM from Pergamon if he's attacked at the river crossing. I'll send the navy up to blockade their capital if they do attack.

Equally worrying the Ptolemies (no longer my allies...) just signed a ceasefire with the Seleukids. I'm hoping the Getai or Makedonians don't use the shifting of my forces out of Europe as an excuse to attack. Tylis has a strong garrison and good commander, but Kallatis and Byzantion aren't so strong.

The Romans are spreading out along the coast, Pahlava are bigger thanks to some FD action from me. They were getting on with expanding far too slowly for my liking. And not just because I want the Seleukids weaker.

I've got Pantikapaion under siege, I was able to move almost all of the mercenary army out of Chersonesos. Might be a slow one because it's got a full stack and stone walls.



Your campaign is really an inspiration to mine, if you know what I mean. (If you don't, you'll know soon enough :laugh4:.)

Oh, and those were some of the coolest screens you've taken so far. Keep it up.

I do think I'm getting better at taking interesting ones that show both at the high level, and up close what's going on.


Great AAR man, although all the FD makes it seem like you are trying to play all factions at once. This is not how I play the game, but it makes for interesting reading! A word to the wise, you cannot move anything to cape Horn as South America is not on the map. Keep a postin'"!!

If you think that's a lot of FD, you should have seen my Roman campaign. I'm doing relatively little of it in this one by comparison. My most recent bit of it was giving Zadrakata and Hekatompylos to Pahlava to kickstart their expansion into Seleukid territory.

Oh, failure of basic geography. :embarassed:


You're right, we're confusing it with the Horn of Africa. :oops:

Aye, that's what I meant. :laugh4:

[Tyrfingr]

I see that "Galatia" was created after all, nice :)

[QuintusSertorius]

I see that "Galatia" was created after all, nice :)

Not entirely my doing, either. Pontos or the Seleukids (can't remember which it was, now) took it, but then it rebelled almost immediately to the Aedui. Since then I've been spawning them troops there to keep it safe, thus the full stacks hanging around.

[QuintusSertorius]

Haven't played for a few days because I simply haven't had the time between work and family stuff, but the game is not dead.

I've been doing some thinking about some more house-rules to make things more challenging. I've already stopped retraining; what I do is have a "reinforcement unit" to merge into losses, then if there's any of that left I retrain it - but of course it never retains higher experience than I can recruit.

Now I'm thinking I need to stop targeting enemy generals, and even actively avoid killing them if I can. In my battles with the Seleukids, I've killed nine of their FMs, including their Faction Heir at one point (though he died during a siege blockade). While they can afford to soak up the losses, it does make battles easy once the general is dead, where even elites break.

Thoughts?

[Poulp']

unless said FM charge home into your phalanxes.

at least, don't target him with your shooters, and maybe tweak the files so that AI FMs get more hp...

[QuintusSertorius]

unless said FM charge home into your phalanxes.

at least, don't target him with your shooters, and maybe tweak the files so that AI FMs get more hp...

I don't have any phalanxes. :laugh4:

Not about to tweak the files - one of the reasons they reduced the bodyguard hit points in the first place was to curtail the AI's suicide charges. More hit points makes it worse, not better.

[Timoleon]

Now I'm thinking I need to stop targeting enemy generals, and even actively avoid killing them if I can.
But this is contradictory with the Hellenistic tradition. Remember Alexander battle plans where focused on neutralizing the enemy commander. If you need a house rule to make battles more challenging, then try always fighting outnumbered. After all, your kingdom, historically, was the minor player among three great empires.

[Poulp']

I don't have any phalanxes. :laugh4:

Not about to tweak the files - one of the reasons they reduced the bodyguard hit points in the first place was to curtail the AI's suicide charges. More hit points makes it worse, not better.

I thought there was a way to give pore hp to the FM only, and leaving his bodyguards at one hp.
too bad.

[Swordmaster]

I've never tried to target the enemy general in battles, nor do I make special efforts to avoid killing him. In the end it makes for a good balance where at times he dies relatively early, at other times quite late.

[QuintusSertorius]

But this is contradictory with the Hellenistic tradition. Remember Alexander battle plans where focused on neutralizing the enemy commander. If you need a house rule to make battles more challenging, then try always fighting outnumbered. After all, your kingdom, historically, was the minor player among three great empires.

Perhaps, but there's all kinds of issues with the AI that prevent just looking at it through a historical lens. I often bump up their stacks to give them both more numbers and balance, so I should continue doing that. They're particularly bad for not recruiting any cavalry, or using crappy archers who can't hurt my some of my skirmishers, never mind threatening the line.

I'm thinking perhaps as an exception to the "avoid killing the general", I'll let my FMs target them, since they we've both got a leader at risk.


I thought there was a way to give pore hp to the FM only, and leaving his bodyguards at one hp.
too bad.

He and his officer models will have more hitpoints than the bodyguard anyway - that's hardcoded. His being based on his traits. But it doesn't really matte in a lot of respects, once his bodyguard is dead, he's a sitting duck and it's just a matter of time before he's either killed or makes a break for it (and may be killed on the run if you've got fast light cavalry).


I've never tried to target the enemy general in battles, nor do I make special efforts to avoid killing him. In the end it makes for a good balance where at times he dies relatively early, at other times quite late.

Perhaps, and there are those which really do turn on killing the general. As in I'm struggling through while he's alive, and his death is what makes victory possible, rather than heading for defeat. But sometimes he does die far too early which almost makes the result a foregone conclusion.

[QuintusSertorius]

Second Seleukid War, 222BC

King Amantieus remained in the high passes of the Tauros mountains even as autumn turned to winter and the snow began to set in. The threat from the Seleukids had not passed with one battle, there were other armies moving around the Pergamene border. He only hoped Atintan knew what he was doing in the north.

While blocking the pass he fended off two Seleukid armies. The first was led by Neolaus Aigon Aiolikon, a very young general. Perhaps the losses in the officer cadre from the last war had not yet been made good with new aristocratic soldiers. They were evenly matched, though the Pergamenes had the more balanced force.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13Start.jpg

Amantieus was keen to get some high ground.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-1.jpg

Both armies advanced to meet each other.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-2.jpg

A skirmisher's eye view.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-3.jpg

The Syrians had an imposing wall of pikes in their centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-4.jpg

Aiolikon charged the left flank.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-5.jpg

Patron Byllideus watched for a time, then spurred his cavalry away from the melee to circle around. Aiolikon, seeing his move turned around and charged.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-6.jpg

Byllideus kicked his horse into the fray, seeking out Aiolikon in personal combat. The rest of his cavalry he dispatched to drive off the Seleukid horse.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-7.jpg

The was contact all along the line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-8.jpg

Amantieus led some Karians to outflank on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-9.jpg

Meanwhile in the combat of bodyguard-against-bodyguard, Aiolikon fell.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-10.jpg

At first the battle carried on regardless.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-11.jpg

But then units began to flee.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-12.jpg

As the cavalry began to charge to the rear, more units joined the flight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-13.jpg

The elites in the centre fought on.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-14.jpg

But soon it was a general rout.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13-15.jpg

With relatively few men killed or wounded, Amantieus had won. But now he had to prepare for the arrival of another army.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle13End.jpg

The second force came on much as the first did, and was not as well-led. They were fewer in number and had even less cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle14Start.jpg

They were beaten as well, their commander dying in the rout.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle14End.jpg

Editorial note

I did actually try not to kill the enemy general in the first battle, I only had Byllideus fight with him. The Curepos struggled a little on their own against the Lonchophoroi Hippeis, but eventually their greater stamina and ability to run away while throwing javelins, along with experience told.

The second battle was almost like a re-run of the first, which is why I didn't go into detailed captures. They had more missile troops, but a pathetic main line. Without even killing their general a lot of it was routed.

Byllideus is proving to be a lethal leader of horse. As an FM he's hopeless, Dull/Uncharismatic/Vigorous, with no Command, Management or Influence levels at all. But he's tough and can fight.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Second Pontic War

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/PontosWar.jpg

Taking advantage of Pergamon's pre-occupation with the Seleukids, a cynical Pontos attacked Nikaia. Fortunately for Pergamon, their spies and agents had forewarned them against the invasion, and thus Sosistratos Atintan had brought the northern army across the Hellespont to defend the homeland. He didn't arrive in time to prevent the Pontic army reaching Nikaia and laying siege, though.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/SiegeofNikaiaPreBattle.jpg

Theirs was a large army, but a force padded out with lots of levies and other poorly armoured troops. But Atintan had problems of his own, lacking and slingers and being saddled with Nikias Sybotios, a lacklustre incompetent for a subordinate. He'd rushed out to join Atintan and was eager to get to the grips with the enemy. If enthusiasm were enough to win a battle, then Sybotios was their ace in the hole.

But experience told Atintan hard fighting was ahead. Not least potentially forcing a crossing to meet the Pontic army, something they'd be sure to contest.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Relief of Nikaia, 222BC

Atintan and Sybotios arrived before the Pontic commander had any time to build siege engines. They couldn't have arrived too soon for Lykomedes Kastideus, the governor of Nikaia.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaiaStart.jpg

At first Atintan lined up ready to form into columns and cross the bridge. He put Sybotios as far out of the way as he could, with all the cavalry at a ford downstream from the bridge. Hopefully he'd stay out of the way.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia1.jpg

To Atintan's surprise, the Pontic commander came to him, and charged across the bridge to force the crossing.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia2.jpg

The Thrakian elites charged in, prepared to hold the entire Pontic army at bay if need be.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia3.jpg

For a time, that's exactly what they did, causing grievous harm to the Pontic commander's bodyguard.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia4.jpg

Sybotios began the crossing. He was going to contribute to this battle no matter what.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia5.jpg

Atintan was never far from the fighting, but chose to stay behind he fighting line. This was not a fight his cavalry could influence a great deal. It was a day for the infantryman.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia6.jpg

One of the Pontic officers was separated from his bodyguard.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia7.jpg

The cavalry made good progress across the river.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia8.jpg

Another Pontic officer was stranded alone.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia9.jpg

Now across the river, Sybotios and the cavalry made for the bridge, harrassing Pontic stragglers as they went. Now the subordinate could see the fate of Kastideus' garrison, who were suffering badly at the hands of the remainder of the Pontic army.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia10.jpg

One of the Pontic officers was slain in the melee.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia11.jpg

Then their general was caught by the Thrakian skirmishers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia12.jpg

He was bisected at the waist by their wicked blades. At the same time, Sybotios charged across the bridge into their rear.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia13.jpg

The Pontic army collapsed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia14.jpg

The scene at the bridgehead was one of total carnage.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaia15.jpg

Nikaia had been saved. Now Atintan could take the war to Pontos and regain the initiative.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaiaEnd.jpg

But first there was a grave matter to attend to, the funeral of Kastideus. He had fought bravely and died trying to hold the line when his levy troops broke and ran.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/LykomedesDeath.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/SiegeofNikaiaStats.jpg

I was expecting a battle to cross the bridge here, but instead got a more regular AI trying and failing to cross. As the stats show, the AI-controlled reinforcements did a piss-poor job of achieving anything, besides getting their general killed. It was actually an accident on my part, I thought I'd unchecked the box to let the AI control them.

The only positive there was that I didn't get them suddenly appearing and potentially messing with my formation if I tried to move everyone. The battle was actually pretty chaotic, moreso than might appear from the screenshots.

[QuintusSertorius]

Second Seleukid War, 220BC

Amantieus continued to patrol the pass through the Tauros mountains, and was attacked by another Seleukid attempt to invade Phrygia.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15Start.jpg

They came on in the usual manner.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15-1.jpg

They were clearly the smaller force.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15-2.jpg

Byllideus broke through the Seleukid right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15-3.jpg

The left collapsed just as quickly.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15-4.jpg

The final charge that broke the centre was delivered by Amantieus in person.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15-5.jpg

Thus they'd been beaten in the usual manner as well.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15End.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle15Stats.jpg

I'm getting a little bored with fighting Seleukid phalanxes which always try to do the same things. Especially these half-baked stacks with no balance and loads of mostly-destroyed units in them. I may have to take a Seleukid FM, then build him an army from scratch, rather than waiting for the AI to fail to combine their stacks effectively before attacking me.

[QuintusSertorius]

Capture of Pantikapaion

Messaneos was now in the process of completing the very last phase of his grand plan, establishing an independent state in the Crimea. He had received the envoys from the new Basilieu, but gave cool replies to the reconciliatory overtures from Amantieus. He wasn't about to give up his newfound autonomy so easily.

He had started the siege of Pantikapaion back in 221, and kept to a methodical timetable of starving out the defenders and exposing all their traps and tricks. In 220 he ordered the final assault.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PantikapaionSiegeStart.jpg

It was taken with few casualties, the defenders weakened by months of privation.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Early%20battles/PantikapaionSiegeEnd.jpg

And now Messaneos set about the business of pacifying the outlying regions.

Editorial Note

I really wasn't in the mood to play out a siege, so I autocalced it. I didn't however, use any cheats.

[QuintusSertorius]

Pontic War, 220BC

Marching through the season to reach the Pontic coast, Atintan happened upon the Pontic king.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/PonticBattle1Start.jpg

Seeing an opportunity to end this war quickly, but cutting off the head of the Pontic snake, he sent his cavalry to find and kill the enemy general.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/PonticBattle1-1.jpg

That done, mopping up his retainers was a straightforward matter.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/PonticBattle1End.jpg

Shocked at the loss of their leader, Pontos signed a peace treaty and agreed to indemnify Pergamon for the cost of the war.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Pontos%20War/PontosPeace.jpg

Editorial Note

Had to use Force Diplomacy to secure that ceasefire, even though Pontos had little it could respond with, and I had a port blockaded and Sinope at my mercy, they wouldn't agree to it.

[QuintusSertorius]

Second Seleukid War, 220BC

Amantieus was attacked in the Tauros mountains again, this time by a much smaller Seleukid force. They must have been getting desparate not to prepare a proper army to attack, knowing that Amantieus and his army were up here.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle16Start.jpg

The enemy general was slain by Byllideus during the fighting.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle16-1.jpg

His death caused the shattering of morale and flight of his army.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle16End.jpg

A war-weary Seleukid empire agreed to peace.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidPeace2.jpg

Editorial Note

Once again some FD, I was getting sick of fighting them.

[QuintusSertorius]

214BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/214.jpg

I managed to go quite a while before the Seleukids attacked me again - they've besieged a fort I used to block the pass and once that happened I figured it was time to call it a night. Maybe I need to take Mazaka off them and give it to Hayasdan. They're an Eastern faction after all, and more importantly not Pontos. I'd like them to be stronger, but not having two provinces on my border.

What I've been entertaining myself with during the years of peace is fomenting the Second Punic War. Rome lost Cisalpine Gaul and Liguria to their allies the Arverni, and I gave Capua to Qarthadast and moved a super-stack there. They then took Arpi all on their own, though the general got his stupid self killed in the siege.

Qarthadast have also been doing well in the war in Spain, and after a false start where Emporion and Syrakousai rebelled to KH, now Rome are making inroads in Spain too. They also finally completed the conquest of the Illyria coast.

Pahlava look to be trying to join up that province that rebelled to them with their other stuff.

[Swordmaster]

I was expecting a battle to cross the bridge here, but instead got a more regular AI trying and failing to cross. As the stats show, the AI-controlled reinforcements did a piss-poor job of achieving anything, besides getting their general killed. It was actually an accident on my part, I thought I'd unchecked the box to let the AI control them.

I always re-check and uncheck to make sure the box is definitely unchecked. Sometimes it's unchecked but the engine still thinks it's checked (e.g. if you clicked away to view enemy troops and return).

[General Appo]

Nice going. Just a thought, if you really are to recreate Lysimachos empire then you´ll have to eventually take Pontos starting regions, right? Maybe you can move them somewhere else.

[QuintusSertorius]

I always re-check and uncheck to make sure the box is definitely unchecked. Sometimes it's unchecked but the engine still thinks it's checked (e.g. if you clicked away to view enemy troops and return).

Ah, that's what I did before that battle, I unchecked it, then had a look at the enemy army, then started without making sure it was still unchecked.


Nice going. Just a thought, if you really are to recreate Lysimachos empire then you´ll have to eventually take Pontos starting regions, right? Maybe you can move them somewhere else.

I'm very torn here, when I'm straddling this line between historicity and alternate history. I don't want to nerf Pontos, because I want them to be able to grow into a power to content with in the future. But I also don't want to be constantly harrassed by them, nor have them be too powerful too soon.

[Tyrfingr]

Leave my precious Pontos alone! :D

[QuintusSertorius]

Leave my precious Pontos alone! :D

Well I was never going to destroy them, just a question of where they are and how big they're allowed to be. :laugh4:

[QuintusSertorius]

Third Seleukid War, 214BC

Peace with the Seleukid empire was even shorter than the previous ceasefire; a mere five years before battle lines were drawn once more. Amantieus had a new policy of fortifying the pass through the Tauros mountains, with the men stationed there expected to hold long enough for the army to relieve them.

Patron Byllideus, left in command of the Pergamene army, responded to an attack on the fort. The Seleukid force outnumbered his own, but his veterans were confident of seeing the enemy off.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17Start.jpg

He set up on the edge of the forest, hiding some of his troops.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-1.jpg

The skirmishers traded missiles for a time.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-2.jpg

Then Byllides ordered the advance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-3.jpg

The right was attacked.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-4.jpg

Looping around, Byllideus charged to the rear of the Seleukid left. Before his men got bogged down in melee, he pulled them out again.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-5.jpg

The Seleukid line appeared to hesitate. Perhaps the trees were giving the pikemen trouble maneuvering.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-6.jpg

Byllideus charged once more, shattering a group of Parthians.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-7.jpg

He then routed the other flanking unit.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-8.jpg

Working along the line, a native phalanx was next.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-9.jpg

The enemy general, leading the cavalry, charged.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-10.jpg

Some in the centre broke.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-11.jpg

Soon a general rout was in progress.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-12.jpg

Some regulars fought on for a time, the last remaining resistance.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17-13.jpg

But their stand was futile.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17End.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20II/SeleukidBattle17Stats.jpg

That has to have been one of the most disappointing battles I've ever fought. It had all the makings of a decent fight, which was then ruined by the AI's total lack of anything resembling intelligence or even a basic grasp of tactics.

They started out alright, lining everyone up right. Then they broke up their phalanx line and marched individual units out to fight me peacemeal. What the hell? How hard is it to maintain a line, and march the whole thing as one?

Then to cap it all, their general suicide-charged my line about halfway through, getting routed and running away. Leaving their already poor morale because it was captain-led in the toilet.

[QuintusSertorius]

212BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/212.jpg

War in Spain, Rome are gearing up for something. The war in Italy didn't last long, two years and the Romans had disposed of everything there. A stack I transported to Sicily has vanished. I give up on trying to make a proper war of it. Only positive there is they haven't gone to war with the Arveni to recover Cisalpine Gaul yet, though it'll probably be soon.

Baktria are annoying me again. Now they're trying to steamroller Parthia, which I won't have. Just re-took Marakanda after I took it off them.

Aedui are losing in Gaul, I'm of half a mind to let them get defeated there, although then they might get too active in Galatia.

[||Lz3||]

perhaps you should try darth's formation minimod , I'm using it and it really improves AI battle :yes:
tactics, their phalanxes actually fight in line :laugh4:

EDIT: um I have a suggestion/idea what if you place these tags before/after your screenshots ["spoil"] "screenshot here" ["/spoil"]
(without the ")
that might reduce the loading time for full pages of screenshots , and make it easier to scroll to the latest update :beam:

[QuintusSertorius]

I'll give DarthMod a try; it used to be a permanent fixture of RTR which I played much of.

I appreciate that all the images can give people's bandwidth an issue, but I don't like trying to review what I've posted and having to keep clicking on stuff to open and close them. That's why I keep it now to one update per post, so we get to a next page quicker. No more single posts with 50+ images in them.

[Swordmaster]

I'll give DarthMod a try; it used to be a permanent fixture of RTR which I played much of.

I appreciate that all the images can give people's bandwidth an issue, but I don't like trying to review what I've posted and having to keep clicking on stuff to open and close them. That's why I keep it now to one update per post, so we get to a next page quicker. No more single posts with 50+ images in them.

Well, people with limited bandwith know that picture-heavy AARs such as Quintus' and mine may give trouble. I suggest having one tab with the loading page and do something else in another while you wait. Including all images in spoiler tabs is as annoying as is using thumbnails you have to click to see the image.

[Tyrfingr]

I think you should let the Aedui get defeated in Gaul, rename them as Galatia and let them ravage the Anatolia.

[QuintusSertorius]

A Pyrrhic Victory in Phrygia, 211BC

In response to another Seleukid invasion, Patron Byllideus was once more put in command of the army. While not an imaginative general, he was solid and unlikely to do anything rash. He brought a young officer as his subordinate. The Syrian force was well-led and outnumbered the Pergamenes.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18Start.jpg

The Seleukids had sited themselves in a strong position on a hilltop. Byllideus gave the order to advance, determined to dislodge them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-1.jpg

They climbed into a hailstorm of slingshot.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-2.jpg

The Seleukid centre appeared to ripple with nervousness.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-3.jpg

A mass of Seleukid cavalry, backed up by infantry immediately tried to turn the Pergamene left.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-4.jpg

Byllideus dealt with a similar, much weaker attempt on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-5.jpg

The enemy general, Phrygikou, was in amongst the heavy fighting on the left.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-6.jpg

The Seleukid line began to march away.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-7.jpg

The Pergamene officer commanding the left was routed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-8.jpg

Byllideus took the bold decision to bend his right and centre to counter the Seleukid withdrawal.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-9.jpg

The Gallic cavalry fled the chaos of the earlier skirmish, climbing the hill where they met the Asiatic cavalry. Seleukid light cavalry came in hot pursuit.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-10.jpg

Another brief cavalry skirmish erupted at the top of the hill. The arrival of Phrygikou forced the Pergamenes to withdraw.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-11.jpg

Pergamene skirmishers were sent across to try and stabilise the situation on the left.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-12.jpg

Byllideus moved to join his remaining cavalry on the hilltop.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-13.jpg

The enveloping movement on the right continued.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-14.jpg

A charge from the Syrian light cavalry scattered the Mysian javelineers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-15.jpg

Fighting in the centre was fierce, and now Byllideus and the cavalry were able to charge to the rear of the Seleukid phalanxes.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-16.jpg

Phrygikou pulled away from the fighting front, having lost a number of his bodyguard.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-17.jpg

Fighting in the centre continued as the Pergamene left flank was routed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-18.jpg

Phrygikou charged right through the Pergamene front, catching up with some Galatian slingers behind the Pergamene line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-19.jpg

Byllideus' repeated charged finally began to have an impact, routing a native phalanx.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-20.jpg

A second one followed shortly after.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-21.jpg

Phrygikou was now all alone, even though he'd routed the slingers he was far from safe. Just above him, obscured by the trees came Byllideus and his entire surviving cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-22.jpg

The Seleukid general died on the lance of one of Byllideus' bodyguards.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-23.jpg

The effect on those units able to see the general's death was immediate.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-24.jpg

Then panic spread out to the others, and soon most of the army were in flight.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18-25.jpg

Byllideus had won the day, but at great cost. It had been a close-run thing, which could easily have gone to the Seleukids.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18End.jpg

He marched his weary and battered army back towards Ipsos, where they would be resupplied and drafts of replacements fill in the losses.

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle18Stats.jpg

I have to express my continuing disappointment with the limitations of the AI in the RTW engine. This might look like it was a good battle, but it wasn't. I even set it up to make a decent fight of it.

Firstly, I grabbed an FM-led Seleukid stack that didn't have many depleted units in it. I then gave it an actual line, adding three units of native phalangites, which balanced out the two each they already had of native and kleruchoi ones. I gave them cavalry where they had none, and filled it out into a full stack.

Secondly, I reduced the quality of my own force. I switched out the veteran peltastai for some not-as-experienced akontistai. I switched the veteran sphendenotai for some newly-recruited mercenary Iaosatae. I switched a veteran unit of Asian cavalry for a freshly-raised one. I only added an inexperienced family member with one of the smaller bodyguards of those I have.

But it was only a hard fight because it was on yet another bloody hill (with added bonus forest!), they outnumbered me, and I deliberately played it offensively. Sure they tried to turn my flank, and almost did my left, but their centre just milled around in circles, two phalanx blocks doing nothing for most of the battle but marching backwards and forwards. After some initial clever use of their cavalry, then then reverted to type and frontally charged some spearmen. That's how their general ended up with no bodyguard, and their lonchophoroi got slaughtered having driven off my second family member earlier on.

What we had was a stalemate broken only by the death of their general. Early casualties were entirely because they had slingers in an elevated position raining death down on my advancing troops. Then it was a straight fight of attrition, one which in spite of their phalanxes I was better able to weather with my more experienced troops. Plus they wasted their cavalry.



Well, people with limited bandwith know that picture-heavy AARs such as Quintus' and mine may give trouble. I suggest having one tab with the loading page and do something else in another while you wait. Including all images in spoiler tabs is as annoying as is using thumbnails you have to click to see the image.

Indeed, I've got no plans to change the format.


I think you should let the Aedui get defeated in Gaul, rename them as Galatia and let them ravage the Anatolia.

Then that's another source of annoyance right on my border. More interesting, perhaps, but not if fighting the Aedui there results in them being easier for Pontos to pick off. I'll think about it, may be more viable than trying to stem their losing position in Gaul.

[QuintusSertorius]

210BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/210.jpg

Sowing a little more chaos in Italy, with the defection of Taras. Qarthdast took Rhegion themselves. That should distract Rome for a bit, while they also fight in Spain. Aedui seem to have had a recovery, though I have transported one of their FMs to Galatia just in case.

With the ease I keep winning battles, maybe I need a re-think about the centre of my line? Something less reliable than those tough Celto-Hellenics? Problem is the only information I've got on a historical Pergamene army is from the Battle of Pergamon, which was a specific army raised for a specific event - a Seleukid invasion amid defecting allies. The only defining things I know about Pergamon was that they were a Hellenistic Successor State, and that they weren't big on phalanxes or elephants, using a lot of mercenaries. Possibly also heavy on thureophoroi.

Should I be thinking of hiring Gallic botroas en masse? There's no way I could get enough Galatian Tindanotae together for an army, they don't even appear often enough to replace losses.

[QuintusSertorius]

Regime change in Kappadokia, 208BC

Patron Byllideus was still acting as commander of Pergamon's army, and was told to help change the balance of power in Kappadokia. The native people had been under the Seleukid bootheel for some time, and a faction in Mazaka proposed allying themselves with Hayasdan. Willing to help anyone who was the enemy of the Syrian empire, the Basilieu Amantieus lent Pergamene aid to the movement in the form of military intervention.

However other parties in Mazaka with a vested interest in continued Seleukid occupation had alerted the garrison commander. He dispatched a large part of the garrison to stop the Pergamenes before they reached Kappadokia.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle19Start.jpg

Surprise was not on their side, and Byllideus was ready for them. He took a strong position on the heights and let the Seleukids come to him. The battle was a brief affair, with little mercy shown to fleeing Seleukids.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/SeleukidBattle19End.jpg

The actions of the garrison had merely made Byllideus' job of investing Mazaka that much easier. However, the march to Mazaka was hindered by the general suddenly succumbing to illness, which prevented the army moving for a time. Men feared the general might even die. He recovered enough to be moved, and the Pergamenes laid siege to Mazaka.

The much-depleted garrison didn't put up much of a fight, and surrendered. Government was passed over to the pro-Hayasdan faction and the Pergamenes, true to their word, left.

Editorial Note

Another instance of silly AI behaviour, which wasn't worth a battle report. Once again their centre really didn't engage properly.

I think I've really hit those mid-game blues where you don't really know where to go next without making a complete break from how you've been playing. Perhaps with the gift of Mazaka to Hayasdan my wars with the Seleukids will be over. Or maybe I need to launch one last raid to cause them some real pain before peace?

May also be time to think about Kyrene and more generally warring with the Ptolemies, which I've avoided for a long time. Possibly Makedonia for a bit, since they've suddenly got their act together and nearly wiped out KH.

Perhaps I should be thinking about a war with the Sauromatae for some variety, however what I don't want to do is make Hayasdan's northward progress even easier. War with the Saka? Get a general with good logistical skill and send him far east? Or perhaps Baktria, since they're constantly annoying me by taking Parthian lands?

Really is halfway now, I'm 65 years in with about 75-ish to go. Certainly is harder to maintain your energy without a grand plan.

[burn_again]

I think I've really hit those mid-game blues where you don't really know where to go next without making a complete break from how you've been playing.

That's why I have several campaigns running in parallel most of the time. You sometimes need a break from fighting the same battles every turn. If you play something completely different for a while, you can come back and enjoy it again.

Having the plan to create a huge empire is of course easier as you expand constantly and get to fight different enemies at different places all the time.
I find it very hard to restrict myself to a limited expansion, after I while I tend to loose patience, blitz the enemy and then I regret it ;-).

[QuintusSertorius]

That's why I have several campaigns running in parallel most of the time. You sometimes need a break from fighting the same battles every turn. If you play something completely different for a while, you can come back and enjoy it again.

Having the plan to create a huge empire is of course easier as you expand constantly and get to fight different enemies at different places all the time.
I find it very hard to restrict myself to a limited expansion, after I while I tend to loose patience, blitz the enemy and then I regret it ;-).

I don't normally play multiple games, because I find it distracting. And I've changed some stuff, like Epeiros to Pergamon. Plus I'm already having bandwidth issues with Photobucket.

On the hand I might have a go at an Arverni-as-Galatia game, and move Epeiros to Pergamon anyway, then see what happens. Make it my "alternate history" game where I won't even bother trying to control the AI factions after I've migrated Epeiros.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

All I'm seeing is little images that say bandwidth exceeded. :no:

[QuintusSertorius]

All I'm seeing is little images that say bandwidth exceeded. :no:

Damn! I thought deleting the images for my old game would get around that. :embarassed:

My AAR has been too popular for the amount of bandwidth Photobucket want to give me for free.

EDIT: But my monthly limit resets on the 12th (ie in a couple of days) so it'll all be back. Perhaps I should open another account to spread the load.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

You could use a different host. I use ImageShack and don't seem to have any limits...

[Reverend Joe]

Yeah, stick to Imageshack and do the organizing on your computer.

[QuintusSertorius]

Funny thing is, I signed up an Imageshack account, but there's all this nonsense about "credits" I need to earn to use their bulk uploader. Which I can also buy, conveniently enough. Not sure I like the look of it.

[Reverend Joe]

:inquisitive: Imageshack account? You shouldn't need an account to upload images on imageshack.

[QuintusSertorius]

:inquisitive: Imageshack account? You shouldn't need an account to upload images on imageshack.

Is there an alternative on there to uploading images one at a time? That's not an ideal solution for me, even if they give me unlimited bandwidth.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Oh, it's an issue of bulk uploading. That makes sense.

I always upload my pictures one at a time. I've tried bulk uploads twice only to have them fail half way through and give me nothing, so I don't even try anymore.

I'll catch up on your AAR tommorrow when the pictures are back. :2thumbsup:

[QuintusSertorius]

Images are back up, and with just one AAR going now, I shouldn't have bandwidth issues again. Last month I had three active threads at once, mirrored on TWC as well which unsurprisingly used a lot. My brief foray into a Galatian game has actually rekindled my enthusiasm for this game, I want to get it finished.

I think I need to launch another deep raid on the Seleukids, possibly reaching Seleukia or Babylon to hurt them good before peace. Probably about time I fought Makedonia as well. Still not decided on how to deal with the Sauromatae - I don't want to weaken them so they're even easier for Hayasdan to steamroller. Maybe I should ally with them and send some horse archer armies to fight Hayasdan?

[Swordmaster]

One more remark, though, you can bulk upload your images to ImageShack if you have the toolbar installed. FYI.

[QuintusSertorius]

206BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/206.jpg

Gearing up for a brief war with Makedonia, who as you can see have suddenly romped across southern Greece. Tabbed at the side is the stack I created, only the FM and reformed phalanx (far too early for them) were there originally. The units you can't see are one of akontistai and one of sphendenotai. I think that's a balanced force. I'm just hoping the AI is capable of holding a line with all those phalangites.

Weird thing I spotted, which I put my cursor over is the bribed Roman FM who's now with KH. They swapped diplomats a while back too.

The Romans are slowly winning against Qarthadast in Spain, though they haven't completely kicked them out of Italy yet.

Aedui have had a full-on revival in Gaul, they're now about equal to the Arverni. I resorted to the extreme measure of transporting all of Baktria's armies to the Horn of Africa. Getting a bit sick of FDing provinces away from them, hoping Pahlava can retake Marakanda on their own.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Interesting stuff. I'm still amazed at how much you do to control the AI expansion and how much you hold back on your own expansion.

About Baktria... What standing do they have with Saka? In my AAR, they are best friends with Saka and I was thinking of giving Baktria to Saka and letting Baktria take India, creating the Indo-Greeks and forcing them to either fight Seleukeia or sit and be quiet.

[QuintusSertorius]

The Makedonian War 206BC

Relations between Pergamon and Makedonia had steadily worsened as the latter's war in Greece progressed. Desparate pleas for aid were sent to Pergamon, and while Amantieus was keen to stay out of the dangerous politics of Hellas, his position on Makedonia's eastern border guaranteed they would be drawn in somehow. Fearing that same acquisitive urge for new lands that drove them in others, Makedonia sent an army to put pressure on Pegamon to make the "right" choice.

But Pergamon wasn't a strife-riven city-state easily cowed by a show of force. The Basilieu ordered the commander of the northern army to demonstrate against the Makedonians and remind them just who they were dealing with.

Kreskention Genuaios, along with young Lykkaostas Larruos brought their well-drilled army into Makedonia proper, forcing the Antigonid army to rush out to meet them in response. After all they were in Makedonia's heartland, a foreign army insulting their ability to defend their people. The Makedonians had numbers on their side, and home advantage.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1Start.jpg

The launched into attack, marching against a Pergamene army which had thinned it's ranks to extend the frontage of the line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-1.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-2.jpg

Larruous, commanding the left, was the first to spot the enemy commander's charge.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-3.jpg

Iolkios went for the thureophoroi covering the left flank.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-4.jpg

The uneven ground caused the Makedonian centre to lose cohesion.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-5.jpg

Larruos moved out to range behind the Makedonian line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-6.jpg

Meanwhile Iolkios was behind the Pergamene line, running off some Gallic slingers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-7.jpg

Some Thracian skirmishers charged in support of the Gauls.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-8.jpg

One of them killed Iolkios with his wicked blade.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-9.jpg

The effect was immediate on some.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-10.jpg

Even so, most of the centre held.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-11.jpg

Those on the left flank moved to envelop the centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-12.jpg

This was copied on the right.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-13.jpg

The flanking movement on the left bore fruit.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-14.jpg

Letting the Makedonians flee, the thureophoroi moved on to the rear of another phalanx.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-15.jpg

They collapsed in turn.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-16.jpg

The arrival of Thrakian elites in their midst routed even the veteran phalanx at the centre of the Makedonian line.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-17.jpg

Soon it was a domino effect of routing men unnerving those near to them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-18.jpg

The last units broke together, men fleeing in every direction.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-19.jpg

Little mercy was shown to them.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1-20.jpg

A great victory had been wrought.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1End.jpg


Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Makedonian%20War/MakedonianBattle1Stats.jpg

Not much of a battle, to be honest, once again suicidal general and failure to do the simplest thing and maintain a line. Is the AI just completely incompetent when it comes to handling phalanxes?

They had numerical advantage which they failed to use. Cavalry which they charged into the front of formed spearmen and allowed to be killed in melee. Skirmishers who wasted their ammunition on my heavily-armoured line troops instead of my skirmishers.

Changing to DarthMod doesn't seem to have made any difference at all.


Interesting stuff. I'm still amazed at how much you do to control the AI expansion and how much you hold back on your own expansion.

About Baktria... What standing do they have with Saka? In my AAR, they are best friends with Saka and I was thinking of giving Baktria to Saka and letting Baktria take India, creating the Indo-Greeks and forcing them to either fight Seleukeia or sit and be quiet.

I'm trying where possible to have a roleplaying justification for expansion, and besides not over-extend myself. Plus I'm already approaching the limits of the Thracian Kingdom in Anatolia. Not particularly wanting to drive out the Gauls or Pontos, nor expose myself once again to pointless invasions by the Seleukids, my options are a bit limited.

I'm actually doing a lot less messing with the AI factions than I did in my Roman game. It's mainly focused on stopping Baktria than anything else. Saka are their protectorate right now, and they were steamrollering Pahlava. The latter seem to be having a hard time, even with the odd FD gift. Pahlava did besiege Baktra for a bit, but then gave up. Pulling the Saka down that way sounds like a good idea, I've got the Indo-Greek kingdom in mind for Baktria.

[Reverend Joe]

Quintus.

We all now the AI sucks. Quit bitching about it.

As a matter of fact, your complaints about the AI are kinda killing my interest in this AAR.

Suck it up.

[QuintusSertorius]

Quintus.

We all now the AI sucks. Quit bitching about it.

As a matter of fact, your complaints about the AI are kinda killing my interest in this AAR.

Suck it up.

Well unfortunately the poorness of the AI is killing my interest in continuing this AAR. Becomes a bit of a mockery to report on the battles when I'm forever making up reasons as to why the AI is behaving stupidly, especially as to why the generals keep killing themselves.

Otherwise I might as well go back to summary-level reports on the battles making up a narrative of what happened in between start and finish.

[Europe]

Wye don’t you fight the Aedui in Galatia? I always thought the put up the best resistance, in my Romani campaign the attacked me with two ten star generals, an army of elites, gaesatae and those druids who raise moral. To this day it’s the only full stack vs. full stack battle I lost agents the AI.:clown:

[QuintusSertorius]

Wye don’t you fight the Aedui in Galatia? I always thought the put up the best resistance, in my Romani campaign the attacked me with two ten star generals, an army of elites, gaesatae and those druids who raise moral. To this day it’s the only full stack vs. full stack battle I lost agents the AI.:clown:

The Aedui are already weak enough in the game, and I don't want Galatia to be honest. They're more useful as a buffer zone between me and Pontos (and now Hayasdan) than they would be a small province with some not very good mines.

[Reverend Joe]

Well unfortunately the poorness of the AI is killing my interest in continuing this AAR. Becomes a bit of a mockery to report on the battles when I'm forever making up reasons as to why the AI is behaving stupidly, especially as to why the generals keep killing themselves.

Otherwise I might as well go back to summary-level reports on the battles making up a narrative of what happened in between start and finish.

:embarassed: Wow.... that sucks.

[||Lz3||]

have you tried sinhuet's AI mod? :huh2:

[QuintusSertorius]

:embarassed: Wow.... that sucks.

I haven't given up yet, but it does make it harder to get the enthusiasm to play each time. I did play for a couple of hours yesterday, but nothing to really report yet.


have you tried sinhuet's AI mod? :huh2:

That's my next one to try out, though what I'm reading about it in the mods section doesn't suggest it will necessarily fix the problem. It's less so an issue with the formations (which start out fine), and more with what the AI then does when the battle starts.

[QuintusSertorius]

I'm afraid the permanent CTD death-knell has come again. In spite of removing client rulers, I'm still getting an un-navigable CTD in the AI turn. Three campaigns with 1.1 ending in failure tells me my machine doesn't like it; I never had these issues with 1.0.

So I think it's time for a break from EB for a bit to gather my energies, then perhaps come back with a 1.0 AAR. I'm not done with Pergamon yet!

[Chaotix]

Wow, you've really got some bad luck with CTD's there. It's too bad, this was a good AAR.

On a side note: I've been thinking about how you play with the Romans, with all of the Force diplomacy to keep other factions to historical expansion, and EB2, once it's out, might be perfect for that. M2TW allows the ability to control multiple factions, which is usually used for multiplayer purposes, but I suppose you could try to control ALL the factions of EB2 directly in your ultimate historical campaign. That might give ya something to wait for....

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

What are the details of the bug? It might be fixable.

[QuintusSertorius]

What are the details of the bug? It might be fixable.

Thread is here (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=105842).

[QuintusSertorius]

It seems the bug was indeed fix-able. It was caused by a rebellion in either Syrakousai or Arse on the Romani turn, but I sidestepped that and two turns later it's still functioning.

203BC:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/203.jpg

Pictured is the siege of Antiocheia, first part of a deep raid which will end in Babylon, slashing and burning most of the cities on the way. I hope to sabotage the Seleukid economy that way, and make them actually accept peace.

[Tyrfingr]

My congratulations to you, for clearing the CTD out. I can't wait for you to get th AAR going again...

[General Appo]

WEEEEE!!! Great news QS.

[Hax]

Very promising. Good luck!

[QuintusSertorius]

The Punishment of Arche Seleukeia

Andromachos Lakmonios had been sent by the Basilieu to bring Pergamon's wrath on the Syrians. A new army was recruited, ships built to transport them, and additional money provided for the hiring of mercenaries along the way. Their mission was simple: cause as much harm as they could to the Seleukids right in their heartland.

Lakmonios began as soon as he landed on the Syrian coast, investing Antiocheia.

Antiocheia

The city's walls were too strong for Lakmonios to risk a direct assault so soon, so he settled down to starving the small garrison out. This provoked a response from a nearby Seleukid officer, who gathered what troops he could to relieve the city.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofAntiocheiaStart.jpg

But not even the actions of the desparate garrison sallying forth could save them from the Pergamene's overwhelming numbers. Antiocheia was taken and looted.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofAntiocheia1.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofAntiocheiaEnd.jpg

Edessa

Marching on once his men had filled their pockets and replenished their supplies, Lakmonios heard reports from his spies that a large army was moving his way. While not discounting these rumours, he proceeded directly to Edessa, and began ravaging the countryside around it. When a response wasn't forthcoming, he laid siege to the city directly.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofEdessaStart.jpg

In the fighting both a Syrian worthy, and indeed their future Basilieu were killed.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofEdessa1.jpg

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofEdessa2.jpg

In all the city was taken with few losses.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/FallofEdessaEnd.jpg

[QuintusSertorius]

Battle of Assyria, 202BC

After plundering Edessa, the army Lakmonios had been hearing about finally caught up to him. It was led by the Armenian turncoat Ara of Haykazuni, but whilst it outnumbered the Pergamenes, was weak in cavalry.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyriaStart.jpg

The two armies met on a level plain.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria1.jpg

The Syrians had a strong centre, but the Pergamenes had a much broader frontage. Even before the lines engaged, Pergamene skirmishers inflicted losses on their Seleukid counterparts.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria2.jpg

Early fighting in the centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria3.jpg

Ara's view of the early battle.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria4.jpg

Fighting was brisk in the centre.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria5.jpg

Ara joined the fighting there in person.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria6.jpg

The Pergamene calvary, led by Lakmonios in person, roamed around behind the Seleukid line, harrassing their skirmishers.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria7.jpg

Lakmonios charged to the rear of those on the Pergamene left.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria8.jpg

Away from the main fighting, Ara challenged the Pergamene light cavalry to combat.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria9.jpg

Fighting was now localised in several smaller skirmishes.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria10.jpg

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of light horse, Ara was slain.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria11.jpg

Much of his army, besides the elite pikemen, fled.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria12.jpg

But it was only a matter of time before even they were broken.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyriaEnd.jpg

Editorial Note

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyriaStats.jpg

I was a bit rusty, having had so long off, which is why my cavalry was as badly chewed-up as it was. I'm also using Sinhuet's formation mod, which has made things a little better. Note how the phalanxes almost supported each other this time, though they did rather foolishly concentrate all their troops in the centre, with nothing covering their wings. The general took a lot longer to try to kill himself, too.

Second Battle of Assyria

Later in the season, while advancing deeper into Seleukid territory, a smaller Syrian force attacked Lakmonios in his camp.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria2Start.jpg

Some mistaken signals resulted in mistakes and the battle was nearly lost before Lakmonios pulled things around. The Syrians were driven off, but with serious Pergamene loss.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/Kiero/EB%20screenshots/Pergamon%20Game%20II/Seleukid%20War%20III/BattleofAssyria2End.jpg

Editorial Note

I autocalced because I didn't want to risk getting a CTD having just fought a big battle, and it was late. Unfortunately that cost me almost half my army. No idea what they had that caused so much damage. Still I've got loads of money for mercenaries, so no big deal.

[Sdragon]

You can just hit esc and it brings up the main menu while on the 'two armies meet' screen, so you can actually save during the AI turn.
Also I've been reading your AAR in the shadows form some time. I've been loving it. Just wondering, where are all your experienced troops at?

[QuintusSertorius]

You can just hit esc and it brings up the main menu while on the 'two armies meet' screen, so you can actually save during the AI turn.
Also I've been reading your AAR in the shadows form some time. I've been loving it. Just wondering, where are all your experienced troops at?

I don't want to save during the AI turn, because then I'll get issues with the script not being activated if I reload. Time was really the main concern with auto-calcing that second battle, I had things to do.

I didn't use the experienced army, I left them defending Anatolia. I'm tempted to disband them and re-recruit more green ones (though everyone starts with two chevrons now). I also don't retrain, so they don't tend to get too experienced unless I autocalc a few battles.

[Son of Epirus]

Hi sorry to "invade" this message stream however as you are quite up on the Epeiros faction I just needed to know how to replenish or retrain elephants as my start off stack is getting quite low. They got a good hammering against some Spartan hoplites. cheers

[QuintusSertorius]

Hi sorry to "invade" this message stream however as you are quite up on the Epeiros faction I just needed to know how to replenish or retrain elephants as my start off stack is getting quite low. They got a good hammering against some Spartan hoplites. cheers

No idea, I'm afraid, I've never used elephants. I disbanded the ones I started with straight away.

[Son of Epirus]

On the elphants: Interesting - why?

Also I did almost the same as you at the start and bashed a few seiging Romans to get out of Tara or Tarentum? - demolishing all buildings as the revenue from them was -4502 and was hampering any chances of making cash. What a surprise to Sparta when a boat load of troops from South Italy appeared to back up the faction leader! Best move I made I conquered most Greek states with difficulty and just have Thermon and Athens to deal with. I now have mnies to buy my first unit after so long!

[QuintusSertorius]

They're expensive, I don't much like them, and historically Pergamon didn't use them. So I didn't feel any pain in immediately disbanding them, along with my ships and a lot of cavalry.

[juba1]

hi,

i would like to know how to get this gold colour for the ptolemaic faction and the blue color for epeiros ?

once in EB/Data/Desc_sm_factions I dont know which vanilla factions have been replace by ptolemaic and epeiros ?

to get the gold colour, I dont know what figures to choose ???? " red 210, green 210, blue 210 "

thanks for help

[MerlinusCDXX]

hi,

i would like to know how to get this gold colour for the ptolemaic faction and the blue color for epeiros ?

once in EB/Data/Desc_sm_factions I dont know which vanilla factions have been replace by ptolemaic and epeiros ?

to get the gold colour, I dont know what figures to choose ???? " red 210, green 210, blue 210 "

thanks for help

go to this site (http://www.help4web.net/webmaster/Color/RGB-Values.html) and pick the stripe of the color you want and enter those values.

[juba1]

thanks

now, how can i know which vanilla factions are ptolemaic and epiros ?

[Lysimachos]

thanks

now, how can i know which vanilla factions are ptolemaic and epiros ?

Ptolemies are numidia, Epeiros is thrace.