The Exile - Kingdom of Kydonia [a fictional semi-observing AAR]

[PriestLizard]

The Exile - Basileion Kydonias
A fictional (semi-observer) AAR
http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner2.jpg

"And by a prudent flight and cunning save a life which valour could not, from the grave. A better buckler I can soon regain, But who can get another life again?" - Archilochos


¤ CONTENT ¤

Introduction and Prologue (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=109795)
Chapter 1: Of Angels and Men (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2066647&postcount=9)
Chapter 2: Acumen (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2068032&postcount=26)
Chapter 3: Solaris (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2073387&postcount=46)
Chapter 4: Rotorblade (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2074393&postcount=50)
Chapter 5: Paragon (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2077050&postcount=65)
Chapter 6: Ragnarök (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2081004&postcount=77)




¤ ¤ ¤

Introduction

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/krete.jpg

Hi there. This is my first ARR and since I'm rather new to this board too, I will take the chance and introduce myself a bit. I'm a 26-year old student for mathematics/physics from germany and both gaming & history have been an hobby of mine for a long time now. Its funny that gaming and history were always connected a bit - it all started when I was 15 and got my first computer: I played Age of Empires 1 (still one of my all-time favs in gaming) A LOT and this really got me into history and I started reading about it etc. I even planned to study history when I was in high school but well... :)
In 2005 a friend of mine showed me (vanilla) RTW and I really loved it. I finished a seleucid campaign and started several others. I then forgot about the game for a while untill summer 2007, when I discovered this awesome mod which is EB.

Ok enough of me... I just want to say again: Awesome Mod and awesome community. I have quite some experience with gaming communities and I think this one is quite a nice place :]

Talking about this ARR: Some of you may have seen my posts in the 1.1 Progression thread where my small Baktrian kingdom was crushed by both Saka and AS simultaniously. I then had the idea to move one character to Kydonia on Krete, take the city and observe the rest of the campaign map. There was once a Observer AAR (I think on TWTower) and I thought that was quite a cool idea. Anyway I also thought about some crazy RP fictional campaign where I create a "Baktrian" empire back in old greece... and I was encouraged for that by some forum member (thanks) :)

So basically thats the idea: Observing the campaign map (mostly) while slowly (very slowly) creating a strong (city-)state on Krete and maybe plan some invasion on greece later on... and maybe even conquer back the lands of Baktria some day (probably not ^^).

The rules: (update! 12/06/2008 - after Chapter 5)
* Difficulty is VH on the campaign map and M in battles.
* No cheating. I used move_character cheat though to bring one FM to Krete and I gave him 20.ooo mnai to get some mercenaries for conquering the city. Which wasnt necessary, since I used the auto_win cheat there too (lol). Since then: No cheating. If I need some "assistance" later on (i.e. force diplomacy or something, I will mention it).
* Version is EB 1.1 with Alexander.exe. EB 1.1 is clean, I only changed some colors and faction names later on.
* Since this will be "observing the campaign map" for quite some time, I havent thought about gameplay rules yet. Basically I will RP my family as good as possible. Possible objectives are "Reclamation of Greece" or even "Reclamation of Baktria".
* The real AAR starts in 250 BC but I will give you a prologue about what happened before.
* Updates as often as possible, even though I'm busy with univ, probably once a week.
* Please comment as you like. I will also follow your suggestions and comments when it comes to my own gameplay decisions.
* Local autonomy house rule: all cities with type VI government will have "local autonomy", which means that every production is decided by the local governors. I can only set the adjustment.
* Auto-Win: auto_win will be used if I have a decent advantage over the enemy forces. Usually 2:1 or higher!

And now, here we go:
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Prologue: Independence of Baktria

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

272 BC Baktria is a satrapy of the mighty Arche Seleukeia. Theodotos, the satrap, pays a small tribute to show his loyalty while still following his own interests. He leads his army to the east and conquers Kophen with a heroic victory against the barbarians. In the same year, Pahlava declares war to the seleucids. Theodotos is ordered to break his alliance with the parthians and to help his king.

269 BC Years of peace. Theodotos tries to develop his kingdom, establishing a strong government in Kophen and strengthening the economy in Baktra. He plans to start a campaign further to the east, against Taxila and the other indian lands beyond the mountains.

267 BC The seleucids have enough of Theodotos' own ambitions as they lay siege on Baktra. Theodotos hurries back from Kophen and cancel his plans for India. Diodotos Baktrios, Theodotos' son, defends Baktra against the seleucid attackers.
Baktria now sees itself in war with the mighty Arche Seleukeia. The war for independence has begun.

265 BC Another attack by the seleucids on Baktra. Theodotos defends his capital in a hard battle. On the walls of Baktra, the seleucids suffer a crushing defeat and lose almost 2000 men.

264 BC Theodotos' bold move: He leads his army westward and engages the seleucids on their own land. He is able to win some battles near Antiocheia-Margiane. He doesn't attack the city though as he won't be able to hold it.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/cm264.jpg
The world in 264 BC.

263 BC The war against the seleucids continue. Theodotos forges an alliance with the Ptolemaioi as he hopes this will weaken the seleucids.

262 BC Theodotos defeats a seleucid army near Alexandreia-Ariana and captures the city. Ariana becomes a semi-autonomous satrapy of Baktria.

259 BC As the seleucids once again engage Baktra, Antialkidas Marakandaios quickly rushes to the west and captures a rather undefended Antiocheia-Margiane.
At the same time, Theodotos tries to secure his diplomatic relation to Pahlave and pays a small tribute. Later the same year, the parthians betray Theodotos and lay siege on Antiocheia-Margiane.

258 BC Theodotos stays victorious and wins another battle against a seleucid army. In all middle asia he is now known as a great tactician and great commander on the battlefield. Some may even call him a true warmonger.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/combat1.jpg
Baktrian phalangites fighting parthian spearmen in Nisa.

257 BC Decisive battle between Baktria and Pahlava. Theodotos suffers heavy cassualties from the parthian horse-archers but his phalangites and their discipline manage to carry the victory. Theodotos leads his army further west and captures Nisa in a night attack.

256 BC Theodotos and his son Diodotos continue their campaign in parthia. They beat the remaining parthian army near Khiva and capture the city.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/pahlava_out.jpg
The parthian kingdom is destroyed as Theodotos captures their last city.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/cm255.jpg
Baktria at its peak of power in 255 BC

255 BC The Saka declares war to Baktria. Baktria is now in war with all three neighbouring factions. In the meantime the cold war against Arche Seleukeia starts again. After some years of peace at the southern border, they once agains siege Alexandreia-Ariana.

254 BC The seleucids capture Ariana. Heiliokles, a son of Diodotos, dies in battle. As Theodotos hurries home from Parthia to defends his lands, the seleucids forge an alliance with the ptolemaic empire to secure their western border.

253 BC The parthian provinces, Nisa and Khiva, rebell as Baktria cannot afford any garrisons there. The seleucids conquer Antiocheia-Margiane. Only Baktra and Kophen are still under direct control of Baktria. Theodotos decides to surrender and declares the war for independence lost. He is arrested by seleucids troops and the Baktrian kingdom is destroyed.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/theodotos.jpg
Theodotos Baktrios, former king of Baktria.

At the same time, Patrokles Marakandaios, a step-son of Theodotos and governor of Kophen, forges his own scheme. Never being known for his loyalty to neither Theodotos nor Baktria, he plans his flight back to greece. "I'd rather walk through the fires of Hades on my way to greece than being slain for Theodotos' foolish dreams." shall he be quoted later.

On his journey to greece, he and his family gain some help from a macedonian mercenary general, named Menander Asteraios. Menander and Patrokles share their hate on easteners and the seleucids. They start to develop a true friendship and some say that Menander was like a new son to Patrokles. Three years later, they arrive on Krete. With the help of Menander and his men, Patrokles captures the city of Kydonia and calls out the Kingdom of Kydonia, Basileion Kydonias.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/patrokles.jpg
Patrokles Marakandaios, self-proclaimed basileus of Kydonia, 250 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/kydonia.jpg
The world and kydonian kingdom of Krete, 250 BC.

It is the story of Patrokles' exile and the birth of a new kingdom in hellas. I heard that they came a long way from a distant land called Baktria, far in the east, even further than mystic Babylon, where Megas Alexandros died. While our brothers in greece are in war with macedonia - the refugees from Baktria forging their rising... to reclamate the lands of Pella? Or even whole of greece? And I wonder if Patrokles and Menander know who is in their company - it is Sophagasenos Baktrios, grandson of king Theodotos and true heir of the baktrian crown! [...] -Stratos Kydoniaios, Krete, 250 BC

End of prologue.

[Maion Maroneios]

Very interesting idea, PriestLizard. I'll be following this one, as first of all you are a fellow Physics student and secondly, I currently reside in Crete where I study. Oh yes and just a minor correction, it's AAR (After Action Report) not ARR.

Anyways good luck with your story and if you need any help or have any questions, feel free to ask.

Maion

P.S.: If you're interested, a good Greek name for Kingdom of Kydonia, would be Basileion Kydonias:wink:

[zooeyglass]

Fantastic start, I'm very impressed. This looks like it could be very interesting indeed.

I see you decided to head west at the start of your baktrian campaign - defeating the pahlava is impressive, but you were really caught in a vice between AS and saka then!

I will be following! keep it up!

[PriestLizard]

Oops... yah of course its AAR! And thanks for your hint about Basileion Kydonias! Take a look at macedonia, they got pushed out of greece and their capital is now Pergamon... tadaaa... my plan was to rename them to "Kingdom of Pergamon" - I guess the proper name would be "Basileion Pergamon(ia?)"?

[Aemilius Paulus]

I am following this AAR too. I have never read a Baktria AAR yet. These don't come up very often. A shame too. Oh, and BTW, don't be afraid to post more screenshots in your next update~:). MAA's AAR is full of them, and that is partially what makes it so interesting.

[Maion Maroneios]

Oops... yah of course its AAR! And thanks for your hint about Basileion Kydonias! Take a look at macedonia, they got pushed out of greece and their capital is now Pergamon... tadaaa... my plan was to rename them to "Kingdom of Pergamon" - I guess the proper name would be "Basileion Pergamon(ia?)"?
I see, basically I did the same in my AAR but with the difference that I was Makedonia and I forced Epeiros to go to Pergamon:sweatdrop: I renamed them as Basileion Pergamou, btw, which means Kingdom of Pergamon. The Pergamou is the genitive form, indicating the "of something" part of the name, in this case of Pergamon. But I think I'm saying way too much again:laugh4:

Maion

[julius_caesar_the_first]

Fantastic idea PriestLizard:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:.Ever since I read "Across the Waters" I have come to love exile AAR's. I will certainly be following this one!

I can barely wait to see what happens next:beam:.I will be looking forward to your next update.

[gamegeek2]

Heh. In my old Epeiros campaign (Accidentaly overwrote it while updating my AAR) Maks got pushed to Mytilene only, and look what they did (check out my AI progression post).

They conquered Anatolia. Check it out!

[PriestLizard]

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement! :beam: Here's my update (its rather short), hope you'll enjoy it. If you have comments or gameplay suggestions, just let me know. :book:

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Chapter 1: Of Angels And Men

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

“Shall our family, then, never be at peace? Shall we always be harassed with war, bloodshed, and exile?“ -Adherbal


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/krete.jpg
The island of Krete and the mediterranian ocean.

“Petrokles Marakandaios called out the kingdom of Kydonia in the year 250 BC. At that time, Kydonia was a small city of barely more than a thousand citizens. Even though Kydonia had a rich history reaching back to the minoan civilization, Kydonia was more of a barbarian settlement than a developed greek city state.
It all changed when Petrokles and his men from the east arrived. Petrokles wore the crown of Baktria, a kingdom forged by the ancestors of mighty Alexander himself. It took little effort for him and his trusted general, Menander Asteraios, to take over the city and establish his own kingdomship.
The people of Kydonia, although skeptical, allowed themselves to be impressed by their new rulers – and it was not for nothing. Petrokles built up schools, a theater and military complexes and allowed the city to flurrish with very low tax rates. Some may have wondered that a man like Petrokles, who was known for his selfishness and a grim hand when it comes to ruling a city, behaved like that. On the other hand though, you may understand that this man, who had crossed all known earth and who knew, that his time might come soon, did not have any interest to gather more wealth, power nor fame. From what I heard, all he wished for was to enjoy his life on greek ground and to create his dynasty on Krete.
In fact, Petrokles was a quitter when he left Baktria and became a hero when he brought the crown to Kydonia.“ -Stratos Kydonaios

250 BC Petrokles Marakandaios calls out the Basileion Kydonias. In the very east, in the province of Baktra, the war between the powerful Arche Seleukeia and the riders from the northern steppes, the Saka, finally starts.

248 BC The Koinon Hellenon is still in war with the macedonian kings and the epirote hegemony. Petrokles' diplomats arrive in Sparte and sign a peace treaty. Kydonia will pay a small tribute and will become a member of the alliance.

246 BC Pontus becomes a protectorate of the Ptolemaioi. After eight years of peace, the war between Arche Seleukeia and the ptolemaic kingdom breaks out again.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/pontus.jpg
Pontic provinces as a protectorate of the Ptolemaioi, 246 BC

244 BC Epeiros is destroyed as Rome captures their last city in italy. The balance of power in greece has drastically changed over the years.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/taras.jpg
The romani siege Taras, the last epirote settlement, 244 BC

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/epeiros.jpg
Epeiros defeated, 244 BC

Stratos Kydoniaios, in his work „Kingdoms and Empires“, approx. 232 BC
„The ongoing war between the greek city-states and the macedonian kingdom would change the face of greece completely. The Koinon Hellenon under spartian leadership managed to defeat the macedonians on almost every occasion and slowly, but constantly, pushed them out of greece.
With the kingdom of Macedonia destroyed and their homelands conquered by the greek cities, the royal family took refuge in Pergamon and called out the Basileion Pergamou.
At the same time, the alliance between the city states tattered as their disputes grew stronger again. Euthymedes from Demetrias took the chance and defeated the armies of Koinon Hellenon and brought greece under his control. Although the powerful city states of greece, like Sparte and Athens, still keep their independence, they can be seen as parts of a new greek empire of Demetrias – the Arche Hellenon.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/greece.jpg
European factions, 242 BC

In the east, the Arche Seleukeia had lost more and more of its terretories in minor asia and were forced to roll back into Syria. The Ptolemaioi had become the major power in eastern europe as they controlled most great parts of Anatolia, plus their homeland in egypt.

And in the west, the romans grew stronger and stronger. No one knew what to expect from them...“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/menander.jpg
Menander Asteraios, Basileus of Kydonia, 237 BC

242 BC Petrokles Marakandaios dies peacefully in Kydonia. His general and later adopted son Menander Asteraios becomes new Basileus of Kydonia. He continues his fathers strategy to develop a strong city-state on Krete. The city grows larger and larger as the city had become famous for its good conditions for merchants, philosophers and fishermen.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/palace.jpg
The archons palace, home of Menander

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/temple.jpg
Temple of Ahura-Mazda. The cult was brought from Baktria to Krete by Petrokles and his followers.

238 BC Coming of age for Sophagasenos Baktrios, son of Diodotos and true heir of the baktrian crown. Menander is still unaware of Sophagasenos presence.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/streets.jpg
Streets of Kydonia, 237 BC

237 BC Kydonia gets the title of large town as a new counting of citizens shows more than six-thousand people.

„Sometimes we wondered if it was too much of us to claim. Too much that we imposed to young Sophagasenos. We were not sure what would happen if Menander had found out the true identity of one of his companions from Baktria.
We just did not know what to do yet and Sophagasenos seemed to be unsure either. We also couldn't forecast what would happen: a reclamation of the crown of Baktria by Sophagasenos? Or would he abandon his identity and fate by getting lost in sins and distraction?“ -Stratos Kydoniaios, 237 BC


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/soph.jpg
Sophagasenos Baktrios, true heir of the baktrian crown, 236 BC

End of chapter 1.

[Joszen1]

I'm loving it! Looks like the yellow death is running strong, what's going on in Iberia and Gaul/Germania though? Probably not much to do with your - really nice - story, but it'd still be something nice to know?

[Maion Maroneios]

Nice update, PriestLizard!

Maion

[PriestLizard]

@Joszen1: Yup I already planned a report about the several ongoing wars in western europe and in the east. Make sure to check it out :)

@Maion: Thanks :)

[Hax]

Wow. Makedonia is pretty much the Lysimachid Kingdom!

Cool stuff.

[Kuningaz]

Really nice idea. Although I hate to see so much yellow on the campaign map...

[Subedei]

Very interesting idea. How high is the risk for a unsuspected sea- invasion?

could cause a lot of trouble in paradise!

Good start btw.!

[Olaf Blackeyes]

ME WANT MOAR THREAD NAOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol this rocks keep it up

[PriestLizard]

If you play with Alex.exe, the AI does perform naval invasions - I witnessed Carthage using ships to transport troops to Iberia - but its still rare though. Also I dont have any enemies yet, as no one seems to be interested in me. So I guess for now I'm rather save :]

I will probably post an update later tonight. It will me longer than the last one as it contains three big topics. Hope you'll enjoy it...see you laterz~

Bye Priest

[julius_caesar_the_first]

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch1/greece.jpg

Did you change the color of KH? Because it looks like Epeiros is in control of Greece. (Just curious:P)

[PriestLizard]

Yes I changed the color of KH... I really tried to find a nice color for like 1 hour but I wasnt happy with the results. So I took the color for Epeiros and made it a little bit less green (you can actually see a difference to Epeiros). Since KH conquered all of greece and continues to push more into minor asia, it seemed more suitable to rename/recolor them. Its not a league of city-states anymore but a powerful beast longing for power... ;)

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Nice. I liked how you gave some life on the streets by putting units to walk on them, it's quite a ground-breaking thing in AAR's.

[Maion Maroneios]

Nice. I liked how you gave some life on the streets by putting units to walk on them, it's quite a ground-breaking thing in AAR's.
Actually, the only thing he did was to select the "View settlement on the battlemap" option on settlement's details. Nothing special about it (no offense meant, PriestLizard), but a good idea in overall.

Maion

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Is it? Never heard of this option.

[Maion Maroneios]

Yep. Try it yourself. Just go and click on a settlement of yours, then find a button that has that option.

Maion

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

I did. Funny how I always ignored that little button before :smash:, lol. Thanks anyway.

[Maion Maroneios]

No problem, it happens to me sometimes too (finding out things I have never noticed). But let's get BTT... I am wondering how the Basileion will turn out to be in the future. Maybe some new Diadochoi kingdom that will compete the juggernauts of the East?

Maion

[PriestLizard]

Chapter 2: Acumen

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

„A man shall be judged by his hands, not his blood.“ -Menander Asteraios


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/landscape.jpg
Ruins near Halikarnassos, asia mikra.

Atrosokes Embolinaios, Ambassador of Kydonia, personal notes.
„In the east, the war between Arche Seleukeia and the ptolemaic kingdom continued. Weakened by warfare at all borders, the seleucids had no chance but to retreat more and more to the east. By 237 BC the Ptolemaioi had already taken Babylon and one year later, Seleukeia fell into their hands.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/edessa_b.jpg
Edessa, place of many battles between Seleukeia and the Ptolemaioi.

As the Ptolemaioi approached the eastern lands, they also engaged the Hayasdan and took several provinces from them. The ptolemaic kingdom can now be easily seen as the most powerful faction in the known world.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/famous_3.jpg
Site of a famous battle, northern Syria.

The Arche Seleukeia on the other hand struggles for survival. Even though by 235 BC the war against the Ptolemaioi cooled down, the war against the northern Barbarians, the Saka tribe and others, demand heavy cassualties. They still have ambitions to India though – in 231 BC, the seleucids lead their armies into India and besiege Opiana – effortless. Two years later, they sent their armies to Taksashila. [...]“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/opiana.jpg
Arche Seleukeia engages India.

„The Romans and the Aedui tribes continued their war in western Europe. In the years 237 – 229 BC, several provinces were conquered and lost again and a winner could not be forecasted. The Aedui were able to strenghten their influence in France but were suddenly engaged by the spanish tribes.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/gallien.jpg
Romans and Aedui clash in middle of europe.

By the year 229BC the Aedui had lost terretory to the spanic Barbarians but were able to gain land on their eastern border – against the Romans. One reason for this developement was surely the war between Rome and Carthage which reached its climax when Carthage sieged Capua 233 BC. Since then, the Romans had to defend their provinces in southern italy against a more and more powerful carthagian faction.[...]“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/capua.jpg
Carthage sieges Capua, 233 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/famous2.jpg
War of the tribes.

Kanishka Aniketes, kydonian diplomat in greece, in a letter to Basileus Menander, 229 BC.
„[...]The Arche Hellenon is becoming more and more strong. They have claimed Byzantium and are gaining terretory against their enemies from Pergamon. The kingdom of Demetreia is now the most dominant force in greece and we should consider counter-measures in order to keep our independence, our majesty.[...]“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/byzant.jpg
Arche Hellenon sieges Byzantium, 231 BC.

Halikarnassos

„The crisis of Halikarnassos was the first of Menanders steps on his way to forge an empire. Only the foolish ones believed that Menander would keep his fathers policy of passive politics. Menander is a brilliant and sharp man, highly intelligent and a perfect speaker. It was obvious, that his ambitions would grow beyond enjoying life on a distant island, far away from the ongoings in the world.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/gov4.jpg
Halikarnassos becomes an allied state of Kydonia.

In 232 BC, Menander used his political power (and money) to strenghten his influence in Halikarnassos. The people of Halikarnassos had been unhappy with their ptolemaic conquerors – Menander had an easy time to convince them to join his kingdom. The leaders of the hellenic empire though, were not happy about this advance by Kydonia. They used their influence on their own to get the city under their control and only by the diplomatic intereference of Kanishka Antiketes, a war was impeded. The citizens finally accepted a client ruler of Kydonia and joined the kydonian kingdom.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/mauso.jpg
Mausoleion Halikarnassou, now kydonian property.

So Menander gained the upper hand against the Arche Hellenon and successfully brought Halikarnassos under his control. The alliance with the greeks was history though and Kydonia found itself diplomaticaly isolated. However, Menanders plans to expand his kingdom and influence would not be stopped. […]

Now in 229 BC, the Ptolemaioi re-engaged the city of Halikarnassos and want to take it back. The crisis is far from being over and the fate of whole Kydonia seems connected with the outgoing of this crunch.“ -Stratos Kydonaios, 229 BC


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/amba.jpg
Atrosokes Embolinaios, first royal ambassador of Kydonia.

Menander's Acumen

Kydonia, 228 BC. When Menander was weakened due to the crisis of Halikarnassos, the schemers thought their moment had come. Stratos Kydonaios and the others convinced Sophagasenos to take this chance to claim the crown. Their plan was to attack the palace during sunset and to arrest Menander. On the next day, Sophasogenos would have declared that he was the rightful heir of the crown and would have been crowned new king of Kydonia.


But Menander shall not be underestimated. He was known for his sharp mind and he knew that conspiracy was a kings follower – at all times, and especially when a king was weakened. His guards were prepared when Sophagasenos and the other traitors attacked the palace.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/night.jpg
The royal guards of Menander defend the palace against the traitors.

So it occured that Menander revealed the plot to give the crown back to the baktrian bloodline. The kingdom stayed in the hands of Menander Asteraios, the macedonian mercenary who fought both the seleucids and the ptolemaioi – and who has his very own ambitions.

„Tell me, Sophagasenos, to who does your loyalty belong? To the crown – or to your people? False loyalty and foolish pride were already your grandfathers blemish and you are no better.“ -Menander Asteraios

Sophasogenos, Stratos Kydonaios and their supporters were sentenced to death. Sophasogenos' sister, Vevnet, was sold into slavery.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/sopha.jpg
Sophasogenos Baktrios, last of Theodotos' bloodline, died 228 BC.

„This is how the bloodline of Theodotos Baktrios came to and end. The man who fought so bravely against the hordes of Pahlava and the Arche Seleukeia – shall his legacy be forgotten?“ -Atrosokes Embolinaios


Timeline

237 BC Hayasdan and Arche Seleukeia are in war. Sophasogenos marries Lihua.

236 BC Menander arranged trade rights with the Basileion Pergamou. The Saka capture Alexandreia-Eschate and increase the pressure on the seleucids. The Ptolemaioi capture Seleukeia.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/clothes.jpg
Kydonia and trading routes.

235 BC The Romans and Aedui are fighting heavily in western europe.

232 BC Menander builds a Great school of learning in Kydonia. Edessa, the most western province of the seleucids is lost to the Ptolemaioi. Menander bribes the city of Halikarnassos for 10540 mnai.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/school.jpg
Kydonia becomes famous for being a place full of knowledge.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/krateros.jpg
Krateros Chatrachartaios, nephew of Basileus Menander.

230 BC Halikarnassos is sieged by the Ptolemaioi.

228 BC Sophagasenos tries to revolt against Menander but is not successful. He and his supporters die by the kydonian judges. Menander is now undisputed ruler of Kydonia.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/cmap.jpg
The known world in 229 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/euro.jpg
Greece and europe, 229 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/menander.jpg
Basileus Menander Asteraios, 228 BC.

Under Menanders rule, Kydonia continues growing and has already more than ten-thousand citizens. Although it is uncertain if the future of Kydonia is full of peace and harmony, it is clear that Menander has created a strong city-state which is already famous for its wealth and knowledge in all of greece.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/mansion.jpg
Menanders new palace.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/score.jpg
Score – 229 BC.


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So thats my third chapter. I hope you like it. It already has more pictures... now I just have to learn to write more I guess... also I'd like to comment the outcoming of the Sophasogenos-Menander-plot. I really had a hard time thinking about this. I think we all liked the idea of giving the crown back to the true Baktrios bloodline but... I had a careful look on the character traits and I just couldnt find a way to RP a successful take-over of the crown by Sophasogenos.

If you look at Menander you really think "Wow", he has 10 influence and a pending 6-8 management. He has very good traits (some not so good, but well), he is sharp and charismatic, expert in mathematics and all this stuff. Now you take a look at Sophasogenos, and you see a pessimistic, flagging (!) drinker, who is very religious and depressive. I even thought about the option to let him commit suicide...

There was no way that Sophasogenos could have successfully taken the throne of Kydonia from a man like Menander. And because I didnt want to stay Sophasogenos in the city, still hiding from Menander, I thought the Halikarnassos-thing was a nice timing to RP a unsuccessful treason.

For all you Baktrios-line lovers though, I have good news. As I mentioned above and as you can see on this picture:


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch2/tree.jpg

There is still Deodotos' daughter alive, Vevnet, who was sold into slavery by Menander... which doesn't mean, that she has to be dead. We will wait and see if she will get a husband one day and what will become of their children... that will take some more time though.

Untill then, we all have to wait and see what Menander and his dynasty is capable of doing and maybe we will see a kydonian empire, lead by a robber-baron and his children, messing up the powerhouses in the faction list :egypt:

[Maion Maroneios]

Another good update, PriestLizard! :thumbsup: I see you're experimenting somewhat with faction colors, good thing to see some variety there. The southern Hellenes also seem to have grown into quite some power, now haven't they?

Maion

[PriestLizard]

The former Koinon Hellenon have become very strong indeed. Thats why I renamed them to Arche Hellenon - they are one of the strongest factions in the campaign. Actually - concerning to the score board - they are second best behind the Potelemaioi.

Basically they dominate Pergamon, especially since they captured Byzantium, so I dont understand why they dont finish them off. Small Kydonia has re-negotiated an alliance with the greek so they would be a great help if they set foot in asia minor. I keep paying tribute to them - so hopefully they wont backstab me too soon.

[Tyrfingr]

Rhodos and Kypros must be tempting targets, easily defended islands.

[PriestLizard]

Indeed. I didnt want to exploit the AI weakness with naval invasions though - thats why I chose to set foot in asia minor first. Also Rhodos belongs to the greek empire and I'm allied with them again. Anyway - a war is inevitable.

I might have a look on sicily too and start a war agains Rome/Carthage. I'm not sure yet. Its hard to make plans with only one settlement. ;)

[zooeyglass]

yay - it's going well, i'm really enjoying this. keep plugging away.

my only worry is that you'll be crushed between the new arche and the ptolemaioi - how will you combat such huge forces with your tiny island?

[PriestLizard]

Yup this will be a problem. Thats why I might focus on the islands first, cyprus and sicilly. There is no way I could fight the Ptolemaioi monster with only one settlement. I also dont know where this AAR is going:

- Fulfilling winning conditions with Baktria, means I have to travel to the very east in a loooong campaign AND conquer all the eastern lands?
- Just sit there and wait, end the game when there is a obvious (AI) winner?
- Only get back to Baktria, reclamate my old lands and declare the savegame as finished?
- Ignore all that and try to build up a mighty empire by myself and just pwn every faction?

Suggestions? What you'd like to see?

[Cbvani]

Yup this will be a problem. Thats why I might focus on the islands first, cyprus and sicilly. There is no way I could fight the Ptolemaioi monster with only one settlement. I also dont know where this AAR is going:

- Fulfilling winning conditions with Baktria, means I have to travel to the very east in a loooong campaign AND conquer all the eastern lands?
- Just sit there and wait, end the game when there is a obvious (AI) winner?
- Only get back to Baktria, reclamate my old lands and declare the savegame as finished?
- Ignore all that and try to build up a mighty empire by myself and just pwn every faction?

Suggestions? What you'd like to see?

Frankly I wouldn't mind just seeing everything play out. Maybe interfere a little bit to amuse yourself.... there was a casse AAR that was going to do that once, I don't know what happened to it.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Frankly I wouldn't mind just seeing everything play out. Maybe interfere a little bit to amuse yourself.

This

[Tyrfingr]

This AAR inspired me to start a semi-observing game with Baktria myself, although my Baktrians migrated to India. I now hold all the indian settlements and are fiercily fighting the AS back...

[Kuningaz]

Pwn everyone!:laugh4:

[Irishmafia2020]

Suggestion - Perhaps you can fall back on Piracy.... You could build an army of light infantry and Cretan archers and capture lightly defended settlements all along the African coast. Once you capture them you sell the population into slavery, and sell all of the buildings for money. That will net you some money that you can use to maintain your lifestyle. Then you can sell or give away the conquered cities too third parties. If that doesn't work, just crank up the tax rates, and abandon the city while raking in two turns of free tax money. Crete was renowned for its piracy, and your two-three city kingdom can become a major player in the Mediterranean if you are willing to play that role. This tactic can be especially effective in North Africa against Both Carthage and the Ptollie cities west of the Nile. Things are so spread out there, that you will be able to defeat local forces and escape before there is any response. Of course you can always give captured cites to the Greeks, Maks, or Romans so that the Ptolomies have to fight for their cities when they show up in force. The only real risk to this tactic is that your navy might get annihilated with your army on-board, and you will lose your offensive force (such are the travails of piracy). Other good targets for piracy are the various islands (if you don't keep them), Illyria, Southern Anatolia, and the Black sea basin.

As a big fan of Baktria, I am keeping an eye on this campaign. At least you tried to fight in the East before you migrated your faction, which is a pleasant change from most migration AARs...

[PriestLizard]

Irishmafia thats a great idea. I dont want to tell too much before my next update (which will cover the years untill ~208) but my ambitions on the mainland have come to an end now since I had no chance to fight the Ptolemaioi and their allies with my tiny forces. So it might be a great time to start some piracy...

I dont see another way to "get back into the game" in a more "friendly" manner since some factions have become incredibly strong and it would be hard to fight them even with 8+ cities... no way to fight them with only one or two.

Hopefully I will able to post an update over the weekend - I'm quite busy with univ right now. Cu then and thanks :)

[Maion Maroneios]

I'll eagerly be waiting for the next update, PriestLizard! Consider what Irishmafia said, it sounds like a good idea:yes:

Maion

[Kuningaz]

Agreed, raid them and then pwn them :laugh4:

[PriestLizard]

Hehe ok... thanks to you all for your support :)

I have two requests for translations. It will reveal some things that happened lately so if you dont want to get spoiled, just ignore it!!

Removed Spoiler.

Thanks for your help!

Update will come during the next days!

[Maion Maroneios]

1. I think Arche Indohellenon would be fine
2. Galloromani maybe?
3. I call them Arche Ptolemaion in my campaign

Cheers:2thumbsup:

Maion

[Kuningaz]

I really hate the Ptolies...

[PriestLizard]

Thanks Maion, I already changed the names. :egypt:

[Maion Maroneios]

No problem, just get back to work. NOW:whip:

Just kidding:laugh4:

Maion

[PriestLizard]

Chapter 3: Solaris

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

„No human being will ever know the Truth, for even if they happen to say it by chance, they would not even known they had done so. “ -Xenophanes


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/basileion.jpg
Large palace of Kydonia, 227 BC

Syria, 251 BC. Night has come over the dry steppes of Syria as the man walks through his camp. His men fought hard during the day, attacking supply lines of the seleucid army. The mans name was Menander Asteraios and he was the leader of a mercenary band, offering their arms and courage to any who was willing to pay the price. As he reached his tent, his guards were already waiting for him.
„Sire, your company is already waiting for you.“
„Thank you Kreitos. Now look for our men, the day was hard and blooded – they need more wine.“
The guard confirmed and left Menander alone. Menander entered his tent and looked at his visitor. It was a tall man who apparently did his duty in one army or another. His hair was gray but his eyes still glazes in blue color. Menander and his counterpart looked each other in the eyes, challenging and competing each other.
„The day was long and the next might be even longer. You came to me, not was it me who came to you – so what is it that you want?“
„My name is Patrokles Marakandaios. I have come the long way from the very east, as I am the last of a royal family. You better know where you stand young general, for I am the king of my Baktria! In fact it is me who is giving an audience to you.“
Menander took himself a glas of wine when Patrokles finished his introduction. He looked upward, smiled and returned:
„I know that the seleucid empire had finally brought peace to the rebellish reastern satrapies. So the way I see it – you are a king without a kingdom. Which is as worthless as a peasent without farmland or a blacksmith without his tools. So I am Menander Asteraios, and I am a general and I DO hold an army. I know my place – I wonder if you do know yours?“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/guards.jpg
Baktrian-styled kydonian royal bodyguards

Almost twenty-four years later Menander stands on the balcony of his palace in Kydonia, remembering the old times, the time when he first met Patrokles and where he layed the ground for his later kingdomship. Now Menander had been Basileus of Kydonia for about fifteen years and he made Kydonia to one of the most powerful cities in the mediterranian. For Patrokles, it was enough to create his own paradies on Krete, like a dreamland, where he could enjoy the rest of his life. Menander however seeked for more. For Patrokles, Kydonia was his beautiful exile – but Menander wanted to create an empire. He used his political and military power to extend Kydonias influence on to asia minor, especially Halikarnassos. This had invoked a conflict with the mighty Arche Ptolemaioi and now in 227 BC, the small Basileion Kydonias sees itself threatened by multiple enemies.


¤ ¤ ¤

The Ptolemaioian War

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/war.jpg
The war of Kydonia against the Arche Ptolemaioi, 228 BC.

In 228 BC the Ptolemaioi had taken Halikarnassos and demonstrated their power. To those who knew Menander and his ambitions, it was clear, that he wouldn't accept this without an answer. Two years later, Menanders son Antimachos had his coming of age and Menander immediatly sent his firstborn to asia minor to engage the Ptolemies and gain terretory. Antimachos, who had been known for his vigor during his youth (although he didn't seem to be the smartest boy) enthuastically started his expedition. He hired an army of almost 30.ooo mercenaries and conquered Halikarnassos with relative ease only to head further east.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/hali.jpg
Kydonian mercenaries marching towards Halikarnassos, 226 BC.

He led his army towards Side and was about to start preperations to siege the city, when his agents informed him that a major ptolemaioian force advanced Side from the east. Antimachos positioned his mercenary army on the hills near the coast. He knew that the Ptolemies would use their superior troops to engage him, even if they have a disadvantage on the ground.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/position.jpg
Antimachos engaged by the Ptolemaioi, 225 BC.

The great battle happened in 225 BC. Antimachos and his 29.640 men against the Ptolemaioian army led by Captain Onesikrates, fielding 37.060 soldiers. Antimachos calculations came out even as his enemy engaged his army who were positioned on a hill. Onesikrates ordered his men to circle Antimachos but the mercenary phalangitaies held their ground while the kretan archers perforated the ptolemaioian troops.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/antimachos.jpg
“Antimachos in Blood“, unknown painter, Kydonia, approx. 130 BC.

Antimachos personally led his bodyguards to battle and killed the light infantry to persia who were about to encircle him. In the end, Antimachos gained an heroic victory and had 26.300 soldiers left – while only 8.620 enemies survived.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/side.jpg
Landscape near Side, asia minor.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/site.jpg
Site of famous battle near Side.

However Antimachos was forced to retreat his army to Halikarnassos as another huge egyptian army was about to arrive from the east. Antimachos came to believe that it was futile to fight such a powerful faction as the Ptolemaioi and that it would only bring sadness and disaster to Kydonia and its people.


¤ ¤ ¤

Internal Affairs

Antimachos returned to Kydonia while his mercenaries were mostly abandoned or stayed in Halikarnassos as protection for kydonian property. Rumours spread that Menander and his son had some harsh arguements about the kydonian policy and that there was a major disagreement between those two ambitions. It all did not matter much as Kydonia had its hands tight. The war between the Arche Hellenon and the Basileion Pergamou reduced the trade income for Kydonia and the ongoing threat from the Ptolemaioi made it impossible to disband troops. Nevertheless the last ten years of Menanders reign were peaceful. Kydonia was inhabited by more than 20.000 citizens and the city was one of the richest in the hellenic world. Some say that Menander wad a real Connoisseur in his age and he reduced his ambitions by quite a rate.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/menander.jpg
Menander Asteraios, Basileus of Kydonia, 221 BC.

In 217 BC his second son, Herakon, celebrated his 16th birthday and one year later, in 216 BC, Menander made a bold decision: he announced that both of his sons shall reign his kingdom and that Herakon shall be the leader of the royal troops while Antimachos would administrate the city and all colonies.

Some said that this was related to his personal dispute with his son Antimachos about foreign policy and that he wanted his second son Herakon, who seemed more like a furious commander, to be the true heir of Kydonia. Antimachos was very famous to the people though, as he claimed that heroic victory over the Ptolemaioi in 225 BC and by his way to administrate the city. Therefore Menander could not announce Herakon as his new heir and forget about Antimachos. So both sons were announced heirs and a bilteral kingdomship would occur.

When Herakon was young, he looked up to Antimachos and his victories in asia minor and now, being the new leader of the kydonian army, he saw his chance to become a hero of his own.


¤ ¤ ¤

A King dies and a dynasty is born

In 215 BC Menander Asteraios died peacefully in Kydonia. The whole city celebrated the obsequies for more than twelve days. Even though Petrokles brought the crown to Kydonia, it was Menander who forged a dynasty. With the crown being carried by two strong personalities, many would believe that Kydonia would experience another level of success in the mediterranian world.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/dead.jpg
Menander dies in 215 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/statue.jpg
Statue of Menander, approx. 231 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/herakon.jpg
Herakon Asteraios, Strategos of Kydonia, 215 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch3/anti.jpg
Antimachos Asteraios, Administrator and Governor of Kydonia, 215 BC.

End of chapter 3.

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Unfortunenatly I couldnt incluce world events into my third chapter. I will include the ongoings of the world in my next chapter which will be uploaded soon. It will cover kydonian developement as well as the wars in the east and west. Make sure to check it out, comments and suggestions welcomed as usual! :)

[gamegeek2]

A little advice - ally with the AS, so they'll stay at war with the Ptollies or give you mutual peace.

[Maion Maroneios]

Nice chapter:wink: I agree about the alliance, try giving them some minimal amount of tribute as well (100-200mnai) to ensure they remain loyal allies.

Maion

[PriestLizard]

I'm already allied with the Arche Seleukeia. It didn't help much. I played some years ahead, thats why the next chapter will follow soon.... so you will see how things unfolded. :)

Chapter 4: Rotorblade - estimated release: Tomorrow.

[PriestLizard]

With a delay of one day, here's my fourth chapter of The Exile. Please tell me what you think - about the gameplay so far and also (more important) about the way I'm telling the story. I see this AAR as a training practice where I can learn for further AARs.

Also keep in mind, that I'm always playing ahead several years, so right now I'm already in 199 BC and the kydonian piracy has started to terrorize the ptolemaic provinces near the mediterranian coast. :)

Ok, here we go.

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Chapter 4: Rotorblade

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

„Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage.“ -Plutarch

Hamalcar, historian in carthage, approx. 50 BC.
„In the time 230 – 200 BC the world saw many changes and many events occured, that changed the political and economical situation in the mediterranian area. If we have a closer look on this time period, we can witness the demise of a former superpower, the Arche Seleukeia. Simultaniously other factions rised and became superior forces in this part of the world. One of them was - for sure- Carthage. The first punic war against Rome ended in a draw and it took several years untill Carthage claimed to have their own ambitions in italy again.
The faction was the ptolemaic kingdom, or, as they named themselves from 212 BC on, the „Arche Ptolemaioi“. They gained more and more terretory from the seleucids during the syrian wars untill they had conquered almost all former seleucid provinces. By 208 BC, their empire stretched from egypt, over persia, into the iranian highlands. […]


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/intro.jpg
Herakon Asteraios, leading the kydonian army in sicily, 212 BC.

Even the hellenic world did not stay the same. The war between the Arche Hellenon and the Basileion Pergamou, which had dominated the face of the hellenic provinces during the years 250 – 235 BC, calmed down. Pergamon lost more and more influence in asia minor while the hellenic empire grew stronger and stronger. It ultimately ended when a new power arrised in asia minor: Pontus. [...]“


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/cm216.jpg
The world in 216 BC.

¤ ¤ ¤

The second Punic War

In 229 BC the situation between Carthage and Rome still remained the same like the first punic war ended. Rome was in control of most of italy, while carthage held sicily and the southern part of italy (Rhegion and Tarsus). Carthage used the ceasefire to make their own preperations for a new claim in italy – while Rome was busy fighting the barbarians on their northern border, especially the Aedui. Ten years later, in 219 BC, the second punic war began. Carthage moved their troops to Capua and captured the city with relative ease. The romans were shocked by the betrayel and saw themselves in great danger. Threatened by the northern eleutheroi and now from Carthage in the south, they needed immediate help in their struggle for survival.

The number of roman allies was small. The Lusotani were busy on their own, fighting the Arverni and keeping a fragile peace with Carthage. It was then the small kingdom of Kydonia who offered help to Rome. The kydonian crown was divided between two brothers, of which one of them, Herakon Asteraios, longed for a chance to prove himself in battle. His brother Antimachos didn't agree to the roman terms of the alliance, but the romans had sent their most adepted diplomats to get their demands met.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/landing.jpg
Herakon arrives in sily, 212 BC.

While Carthage wasted no time and conquered Tarsus in 215 BC and later in 212 BC even Rome, the year 212 BC was also the time of interference by Kydonia. Herakon Asteraios, the leader of the kydonian troops, hired an army of mercenaries and fielded a force of more than 50.000 men. They landed near Syracuse and immediatly declared war to Carthage. The siege only took one season and Herakon defeated the forces of Syracuse in the upcoming battle.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/syra.jpg
Kydonian forces in Syrakusae, 212 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/rome.jpg
Rome under carthagian control.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/cm212.jpg
The world in 212 BC.

The Carthagians realized that when they took Rome, the romans were beaten. As a result, they sent their expedition force down to sicily and engaged the troops of Kydonia. The first encounter happened in winter 212 BC, near Messana. Herakon and his army of 52300 men agains the forces of Captain Theophanes – 45020 soldiers from all of africa – including elephants! The following battle was blooded and devastating.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/messana.jpg
The battle of Messana, winter 212 BC.

Herakons plan was to perform the typical diadochi-style strategy. He ordered his phalangitaies to hold the battle line, while the kretan archers would attack the carthagian forces from behind and the cavalry with Herakon himself would encircle their opponents. His mistake was to underestimate elephants. It was the first time that a kydonian general was opposed by elephants and they surely have their lesson learned. The Elephantoi easily crushed the line of phalangitaies and brought chaos to the kydonian troops.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/ele.jpg
Carthagian elephants.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/merc.jpg
Kydonian and lybian soldiers engaging each other.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/merc2.jpg
The galatian mercenaries were the key to success for Herakon.

Herakon tried to arrange his troops – bring back order to his men. In the end, he and his guards together with some galatian mercenaries were the deciding factor to avoid a crushing defeat. While the carthagian elephants were out of control, Herakon used his cavalry to split his enemy appart. By the end of the day, it was almost a head-to-head combat, all over the battlefield. It seemed that the kydonian mercenaries had the better moral – they took position of the center and routed the carthagians.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/merc3.jpg
The end of battle is closing in.

Even though Herakon was victorious, he knew that his campaign was basically over. He had lost almost 40000 men, his supply lines were cut off and he did not have enough money to resupply his forces with mercenaries from sicily. With the kydonian fleet being on the way to Krete in order to bring reinforcements, he wondered how he would be able to come back alive.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/result.jpg
The outcome of the battle.

Herakon took refuge in the city of Messana and planned to stay there untill reinforcements from Krete would arrive. However Carthage reacted promptly. They sent another huge force led by Captain Bathyaes to siege Messana. The kydonian troops bravely tried to sally out – but resistance agains an army of elite troops from Carthage was futile. Herakon led his cavalry against the opposing general but the plan failed. The battle ended in a draw when Herakon retreated into the city – but he barely had 5000 soldiers left while the armies of carthage seemed to have an unstoppable supply line.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/mess.jpg
Kydonia and Carthage engage each other at Messana.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/guard.jpg
Herakon and his guards crushing into carthagian infantry.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/result2.jpg
Herakon only gains a draw against Carthage in Messana.

Carthage directly started another attack of Messana and during the battle, Herakon died the death of a true warrior. With only 22 years, this talented and respected general disappeared from the stages of history. His weakness was his pride and his seek for heroism – we can only wonder what would have happened if he was not only strong and smart but also wise.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/herakon.jpg
Herakon Asteraios and his loyal guards fight in the streets of Messana.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/hera.jpg
Herakon died in the age of only 22.

In 209 BC, Carthage defeated the remaining kydonian forces in Syracuse and restored their supremicy in sicily. Without any help from other factions, the romans had no chance but to surrender. In 208 BC, Carthage had conquered all of italy – it only took them seven years to completely destroy the roman empire. The remaining roman nobles flighted to the north and founded the Imperium Galloromanum. They still have control over several provinces in southern germania but the history of Rome had ended. Another super power was about to take control of the western mediterranian world: Carthage.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/euro.jpg
Italy and europe after the second punic war.

¤ ¤ ¤

The rise of Pontus

When the war between the Ptolemaioi and the small kydonian kingdom ended in a fragile ceasefire, Pontus was still a ptolemaic protectorate and ruled over a handful of provinces in asia minor and anatolia. In 209 BC, the Basileion Pergamou had lost most of its influence and the hellenic empire was fighting in illyria and northern greece. The whole area was calm – just like the calm before the storm. Pontus took its chance and attacked Halikarnassos only to reveal their real ambitions. Although still a protectorate, they wanted to claim their own demands.

The pontic general Pelopidas Kianos was about to cross the river in Lydia but was engaged by Captain Demetrios of Kydonia. The pontic soldiers swarmed over the bridge and were massacrated by the kydonian mercenary phalangitaies – but their numbers were too many. By the end of the day, Pelopidas had taken control over the bridge and led his forces on into kydonian terretory.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/bridge.jpg
Pontic soldiers rushing against the kydonian phalanx.

Only weeks later, he laid siege on Halikarnassos, which was currently under rule of Krateros Chatrachartaios, the nephew of Basileus Antimachos. Krateros had been a brilliant administrator in Halikarnassos and was beloved by the people. He showed his talents as a commander in several battles against the pontic kingdom. He was able to gain a heroic victory over Captain Artabanos of Pontus in the streets of Halikarnassos.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/havoc.jpg
Havoc in the streets of Halikarnassos.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/solo.jpg
Kydonian soldier fighting bravely against Pontus.

Krateros knew that he did not have enough men to hold the walls against the attackers – so he withdraw his forces into the city and waited for his enemy to enter. The following battles just short but blooded and Krateros killed several men by his own hands.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/krateros.jpg
Krateros Chatrachartaios, 215 BC.

In 207 BC though, Pontus fielded another force and finally captured Halikarnassos – Governor Krateros Chatrachartaios was killed in battle. This event ended the ambitions of Kydonia in asia minor as they saw their military as well as diplomatic power weakened – adding to the plague, raging in Kydonia in the years of 208 – 207 BC. But it also caused the rise of a new power in asia minor: Pontus. It was only a matter of time untill their protectors, the mighty Arche Ptolemaion would react. So consequently in 206 BC, the ptolemaic empire declared war to Pontus and attacked their former protectorate to bring back order into their lands.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/cm206.jpg
The world in 206 BC.

¤ ¤ ¤

Timeline

228 BC The Ptolemaioi take Halikarnassos. The Saka continue their southward advance and capture Baktra.

226 BC Coming of age by Antimachos Asteraios, firstborn of Basileion Menander. Menander immediatly sends Antimachos to asia minor in order to recapture Halikarnassos and to start a campaign against the Ptolemaioi. The alliance between Kydonia and the Arche Hellenon is reforged.

225 BC Heroic victory of Antimachos against the Ptolemaioi near Side. It was the most famous battle by a kydonian general in the the third century before christ. The Hayasdan are down to one province.

221 BC Devnet, the last of Theodotos' bloodline, who were sold into slavery, marries her master in Thebes, egypt.

217 BC Coming of age by Menanders second son, Herakon.

215 BC Menander Asteraios dies peacefully in Kydonia. Herakon and Antimachos share the crown each with his own domain.

213 BC Herakon signs an alliance with Rome and promises to help them agains Carthage. He sends the kydonian fleet to sicily.

212 BC Kydonia and Pergamon sign an alliance. Herakon sieges Syrakousae and takes the city. Later that year, Herakon celebrates an average victory of the carthagian forces (including elephants) near Messana.

210 BC Carthage capture Messana, Herakon is killed during battle. The ambitions of Kydonia in sicily have ended. Antimachos is now Basileus of Kydonia.

209 BC Pontus start their campaign against Kydonia.

208 BC Pergamon down to only once city, Mytilele. The former royal family of the mighty seleucids have taken refuge in india and have called out the Arche Indohellenon. The ptolemaic empire now rules over all former seleucid terretories. At the same time, Rome is captured by carthagian troops and the roman nobles have fled to the north, calling out the Imperium Galloromanum.
Heroic victory by Krateros in Halikarnassos.

208 – 207 BC Plague in Kydonia. More than 60.ooo citizens die. In the end, only 170.ooo citizens stay in Kydonia (multiplied by 10).

207 BC Halikarnassos is captured by Pontus.

206 BC The war between Pontus and the Arche Ptolemaion starts.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/score.jpg
Scoreboard, 206 BC. Yellow: Arche Ptolemaion. Dark yellow: Carthage. White/yellow: Arche Hellenon. Brown: Lusotani. Blue: Imperium Galloromanum (former Roman senate). Green: Arche Indohellenon (former Arche Seleukeia).

End of chapter 4.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent update, PriestLizard! Good to see the Romaioi getting their butts kicked, I always enjoy that:2thumbsup:

Maion

[julius_caesar_the_first]

I really like it. It looks like a very professional history book with very good pictures.

Keep up the good work:2thumbsup:.

[desert]

Woah! Kydonia grew from 2500 people to 250000+ people in only 50 years? :dizzy2:

[Kuningaz]

A really great chapter indeed:yes:

[PriestLizard]

@Desert: Well it was my fault in terms of story-telling. First, I did not multiply the citizen-number by any factor. Later I realized though, that the number is much too small. REAL big cities at that time usually had half a million people living there - so I thought multiplying the number by 10 would be a good idea. Doing it that way Kydonia now has about 200.000 citizens, which is a pretty realistic number, while greater towns (Alexandreia, Rome etc) have almost half a million.

@Others: Thanks ~:)

Now have a OOC look on the campaign map.

1. I really like the outcome of the second punic war. Although it is a little bit sad that my personal plan (to conquer and hold sicily) was not successful in the end, I like the fact that Carthage won the war against Rome - its probably what would have happened if Hannibal had won the war against Rome. Carthage is in control of italy and I'm curious to see where they will attack now.

Probably they will face the Lusotani soon, which had become real strong on their own. Another option would be that Carthage will face the Arche Hellenon in the east.

2. The former protectorate of the Arche Ptolemaioi, Pontus, is now rebelling and even though I doubt that they can win, there might be a chance that the Ptolemaioi are busy on so many borders, that Pontus can claim some provinces. I really hope that will happen. Otherwise there will be no one who could stop the yellow Death.

Currently (199BC) I'm training to raid the coastal cities of the ptolemies but I doubt this will hurt them. The Saka are slow but they could be a real thread for them...

3. Poor seleucids :( Now I feel pitty for them. They are definatly out of this and I thought about helping them with money cheat but then I decided to just let it happen...

4. Pergamon is struggling. In 206 they only have Mytilele left, but now they captured back Pergamon and are fighting Pontus. I'm not sure how the outcome in asia minor will be. The greeks are calm, much like Saka right now... we will see.

5. Like I said, my personal strategy is playing the pirate right now. I have one family member raiding the cities and I'm not sure if this selfish player will accept the rule of an uncharismatic and dull leader like Antimachos ( :inquisitive: ). I wonder what will happen once he returns home to Kydonia with his ships full of loot? I still respect my alliance with the hellenic empire though so I wont raid their islands for now.

The next chapter will probably be out next week (monday or tuesday). Probably about the time frame from 206 - 190 BC.

[desert]

Just to be clear, does the Kydonian Kingdom encompass all of Krete, or is Kydonia just the most powerful city state on the island?

[PriestLizard]

Kydonia is a city-state, but since Kydonia is the most powerful city on Krete, the situation can be seen as some kind of hegemony where the Kydonian Kingdom is in control of all of Krete, even though technically the title of King only refers to the city of Kydonia.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Nice AAR. I really like it! :2thumbsup:

[Cbvani]

Wow. How does it feel to have all these empires around you - any of which could crush you in a year - and be so powerless? I'm not trying to be insulting, I just wonder what it must feel like to be unimportant in EB for once!

[PriestLizard]

I know what you're saying. It was a little bit frustrating to only sit arround and not being able to do anything. Every time I tried to go into offensive (Halikarnassos, Sicily) the campaign was unsuccessful in the end. You just cant compete with those great empires who have such a big economical power...

But you will see in the next update, that piracy indeed gave me some influence and power... money is everything. :|

[Olaf Blackeyes]

This is a great AAR/story. Keep it up. Pirates of the Carr...oh wait Medditerianian FTW

Edit grats on Pg3

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

This is a very well made AAR. Keep it up! :2thumbsup:

[LordCurlyton]

Hmmm, I see a plundering of Egypt followed by a line of piracy up the coast of the Levant and throughout Asia Minor, followed by finally attacking the Arche Hellenon with the massive monetary supplies gained and finally becoming a player. :idea2: Or just being the uber-pirate and devastating the whole Mediterranean by securing a couple more island bases (Balaeric Islands, Rhodes, Cyprus, Corsica and Sardinia) and making the rest of the world fear your naval might.

[PriestLizard]

@MAA: Thanks for the kind words from the Master himeslf ~:)
@LordCurlyton: Hehe smart one... yes its something like that. I have to play some more years ahead before I post a new update but then you will know what happened.

[PriestLizard]

Chapter 5: Paragon

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

„The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity.“ -Seneca


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/temple.jpg
Large temple of Zeus-Ahura Mazda in Kydonia, 205 BC.

THE ARCHE PTOLEMAION

By the end of the third century before christ, the ptolemaic empire had repacified all the known lands from egypt to india. Ptolemaios and his descendants had created an impressive empire and – more important – were able to hold it. Their story of success began with the syrian wars, when the Ptolemaioi had beaten the seleucid on several occasions, capturing the important cities in Syria like Sidon or Antiocheia. The seleucid empire was threatened on all borders and the Ptolemaioi used that advantage to advance more and more into the heart of the Arche Seleukeia.

The war between the Arche Seleukeia and the Ptolemaioi lasted for more than sixty years, only being paused by a short ceasefire in 254 BC. In 229 BC, the ptolemies had already captured Babylon and pushed the seleucids more and more into the east. Another twenty years later, in 206 BC, the Ptolemaioi reigned over all former seleucid provinces and basically restored the vast empire of Megas Alexandros.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch4/cm206.jpg http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/cm201.jpg http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/cm197.jpg
Arche Ptolemaion 206 BC, 201 BC, 197 BC.

The Ptolemaioi used the typical successor-warfare tactics that was typical for that period of time. Phalangitai were the core of each army and were used to pin the opponents on a strong and defenseful battle line. Skirmishers and cavalry were used to break the opposing battle line untill one weak spot was created. The ptolemaic generals perfectionated these tactics and adapted them even against the steppe factions from the north, like the Sauromatae and the Hayasdan. Even though their continious wars caused many casualties, the Ptolemaioi were always able to make up for their losses.
The key to this success were the coastal cities in Syria. It was their major advantage over the seleucids to have control over the trade in the mediterranian area. Their homeland provinces in egypt were never threatened by war and so were the cities in Syria. That gave the Ptolemaioi the opportunity to develop a strong economy. They used their financial power to support the local governors of allied provinces so they would follow the ptolemaic rule. This was a strong contrast to the way the seleucid ruled over the lands in asia. They never had such economical possibilities and therefore had to rely on their military strength only.

By the time the Arche Ptolemaioi had repacified the eastern and northern regions, they turned their attention to asia minor. The pontic kingdom of Mithridates had been a loyal protecorate for several centuries but in 206 BC, Pontus, who ruled over most provinces in asia minor, saw their chance to revolt against the Ptolemaioi. The ptolemaic ruler immediatly sent his huge forces to engage the traitors and to show the world, that such a behavior would not be tolerated. The campaign only lasted eight years and in the end, Pontus was crushed below the hoofs of the ptolemaic cavalry.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/pontus.jpg
The kingdom of Pontus, finally destroyed 198 BC.

However warfare was not the only accomplishment of the Ptolemaioi. Even though they walked in the footsteps of Megas Alexandros himself, conquering all the known eastern world, they also forged a cultural unity that had never been before. It must have been the dream of Alexander the Great, to see the union of several cultures in one great ecumenism. For the first time since the short time of Alexanders reign, there was peace in the lands between egypt and india. The ptolemaic rulers were able to sign peace treaties with both the Saka tribes and the Sauromatae, so that their northern and eastern borders were secured as well.

So besides the military achievements, which are obvious, the Ptolemaioi also brought peace to the eastern part of the mediterranian ocean. While the west was shaken in wars and rebellion, the east enjoyed a period of prosperity and peace.

ARSAKES ASTERAIOS ENTERS THE STAGE

At the end of the third century BC, a character enters the stage of history which will play an important role in the changes that would occur to the western part of the mediterranian world. Arsakes was the third son of Menander and when the former king of Kydonia died in 215 BC, Arsakes was only seven years of age. Not much is known about the childhood of Arsakes but we know that at first, he didn't seem much like his father. In the short time Arsakes knew his father, they did not have a very close relationship.
Arsakes had his coming of age in 206 BC, few years after Herakon had died during his campaign in sicily and Antimachos was announced sole owner of the kydonian crown. In that time, Arsakes had close connections to the criminal schemers in Kydonia and we do know, that Antimachos even thought about sending his younger brother to exile. It was not the first time that Antimachos hesitation changed the course of history and it is sure, that the fate of the western world would have been different if he had sent his disloyal brother into exile.

It was then three years later that Arsakes joined the pirates on Krete, unknown to his royal kin. This moment marks the start of a new chapter in both kydonian and mediterranian history. In the following years, Arsakes and his comrades seized all major cities in the western mediterranian ocean. It is unknown how many mnai they looted during their raids but some sources mention a loot of more than 400.000 mnai. It is an unthinkable amount and we can only imagine the power that Arsakes and his comrades gained with such a high sum.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/arsa20.jpg
Arsakes Asteraios in Alexandreia, 202 BC.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/pharos.jpg
Pharos Alexandreias, spared by Arsakes and his comrades.

At the dawn of the second century BC Arsakes also seized Athenai and Chalkis. This ends his raiding campaign with him probably being the most opulent man in the known world. Arsakes now was twenty-six and he was already a formidable general. Even though he and his comrades never saw a huge opposition force when they raided the cities, he still had a lot of combat experience and he truely was in the pink. He was a conquering hero for his friends and soldiers (which consisted mostly of mercenaries) and in his following decisions, he was probably also influenced by them.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/piracy.jpg
Cities seized by Arsakes and his pirates, 203 – 197 BC.

THE THIRD PUNIC WAR

In 196 BC, six years after he had left Kydonia, he turned his attention to sicily again. Due to his wealth, Arsakes was a much more powerful thread to Carthage and their terretories in sicily than Herakon almost twenty years before. It had been a dream of kydonian rulers since Menander took the crown in 242 BC, to set foot in sicily and continue the story of greek colonies. In winter 196 BC, Arsakes led a force of about thirty thousand mercenaries to sicily and took control of Syrakousaei and Messana with little effort. The carthagian empire which ruled over the cities in sicily, were busy fighting the remaining roman provinces in Germania and were cought by surprise. Arsakes used this advantage to free the greek colonies and give them their autonomy back. He deployed local governors who were basically independent from kydonian rule – they were only forced to support Arsakes with soldiers.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/boat.jpg
Arsakes Asteraios on his way to sicily.

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/euro194.jpg
Italy and its factions, 194 BC.

Arsakes entered sicily as an old fashioned conqueror. There is a story which tells that Arsakes role model was Pyrrhos of Epeiros and he truely followed this ideal. Arsakes' plan was to forge his own empire in italy and he was successful in doing so. Two years after he had arrived in sicily, he had completely taken control of the island and removed the carthagian rulers – and another two years later he captured Rome. The italian cities had suffered several years of harsh reign of carthagian sovereignity and probably saw Arsakes as a liberator.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/jupiter.jpg
Mons Capitolinus et Templvm lovis Optimi Maximi, Rome.

The campaign in italy went very well for Arsakes and in 190 BC, the third punic war entered another level when Arsakes landed in Africa with an army of 56820 mercenaries. It was the first time that Carthage was threatened by another faction directly in their homeland. Historians do not fully understand why Arsakes made this decision to invade Carthage. He was known as a great strategist and he could not truely believe he would be able to capture and hold the cities in Africa. Even though Carthage had lost much of its power due to their lost provinces in italy, it was still the major power in the western mediterranian world. Arsakes probably knew that he could not oppose this force directly. This leads to the theory that Arsakes only wanted to weaken the carthagian empire to secure his own lands in italy. Even though he still was a servant of the kydonian crown, officially still worn by Antimachos, it is obvious that Arsakes already had his own ambitions to become king.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/strategist.jpg
Arsakes quickly make himself a name as a great strategist and commander.

Anyway Arsakes landed near Carthage in 190 BC and he was immediatly engaged by a carthagian army in Zeugitana. The numbers were quite even as the carthagians also fielded about 60000 men under the command of Zimrida of Carthage. The following battle was epic.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/zeug3.jpg
http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/zeug1.jpg
http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/zeug2.jpg
The opposing forces at Zeugitana.

THE BATTLE OF ZEUGITANA

Both forces fielded an enormous battle line against each other. The carthagian army consisted of african elite spearmen and even elephantoi. Twenty years before, Herakons forces suffered heavily under opposing elephants – but Arsakes was well prepared. He ordered his cretan archers to shoot fire arrows on the engaging elephants. This caused those monsters to run amok and they broke out into their own carthagian lines.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle01.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle02.jpg


The armies collided and created a wide and long battle line where both sides pinned each other. Arsakes personally fought on the right flank and his guards were able to route some enemy units.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle03.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle04.jpg

At the same time, the left flank of Arsakes forces had a slight disadvantage as the sacred band cavalry engaged. Arsakes reacted promptly and ordered his guards to the left to help his forces in battle. In the center, there was still a draw with phalangitai on both sides pinning each other.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle04.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle05.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle06.jpg

After some hours, the right flank of Arsakes' forces gained the upper hand and started to encircle the center of carthagian troops. On the left, it was still a draw with Arsakes and his guards trying to counter the sacred band bodyguards.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle07.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/battle08.jpg

At the near end of the battle, the left flank seemed lost for Arsakes, as many of his units started to flee. Arsakes and his guards conducted a bold move though: They directly engaged for the enemy general and were able to take him down. This caused the carthagian forces to route and the battle was won for Arsakes.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/res.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/res2.jpg

With the carthagian army beaten, Arsakes captured Carthage and the city was taken by an opposing faction for the first time ever. Arsakes showed no mercy. More than thirty thousand citizens were sold as slaves and the great temples of Ba'al and Astarot were destroyed and looted.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/port.jpg
The port and walls of Carthage.

What made the battle of Zeugitana so important was the fact, that one man single-handedly opposed a vast empire like Carthage and succeeded with that. When Arsakes captured Carthage, it was the moment Kydonia finally entered the stage of the most powerful factions. Untill then, Kydonia was a small kingdom with mere influence apart from Krete itself. The crisis of Halikarnassos showed their ambitions but ended in an ultimate loss. The first claim of sicily was nothing but a short intermission as well. But now Arsakes had taken control of sicily and southern italy and he had forged an empire which could be able to compete with the other major factions in europe – and all that without even being king.

Arsakes must have known the importance of his achievements in italy in africa. In 188 BC, shortly after his raid of Carthage, Arsakes returned home to Kydonia after almost fifteen years. Of course Antimachos and his children knew about Arsakes' accomplishments and they were aware of the situation. The people of Kydonia were supporters of Arsakes though, as he was a victor – a hero – and Antimachos was never able to achieve the love of his people. In fact, his influence was small.

Arsakes left Kydonia as a criminal and he returned as a hero. He called himself out as new King of Kydonia and Antimachos disappeared with his loyal family members. It is uncertain if Arsakes killed him or ordered his death – it seems possible though. After he finished his short mission to wipe out the royal family of Kydonia, Arsakes returned to his new capital Syrakousai. The third punic war was far from over and Arsakes still owed the world a proof that he was more than just one more condottieri like many before him, and that he was capable of building an empire in italy.

Also for Carthage this chain of events during the third punic war held some changes. During the last centuries, the military class had gained more and more influence. The war against Rome went good from a military aspect – but it also slowed down the economy and trade. As the military class became more and more stronger, the people seeked for a stronger hand to lead them. The carthagian Republic was about to break. The raid of Arsakes on their capital was just what the hardliners needed to bring their military to absolute power over the people of carthage. Just when Arsakes lifted himself to the throne of his own kingdom, Carthage abandoned his senate and became an empire on his own.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/cm188.jpg
The known world in 188 BC.

TIMELINE

205 BC Hayasdan becomes protecorate of the Arche Ptolemaion. Agathokles, son of Devnet and therefore true heir or Theodotos' crown, is born in Thebes, Egypt. Large temple of Zeus-Ahura-Mazda in Kydonia.

203 BC Arsakes and his pirates start to raid the ptolemaic cities in egypt, syria and asia minor. Cities who became targets: Paraitonion, Alexandreia, Salamis, Tarsos, Rhodes, Halikarnassos, Athens, Chalkis.

201 BC The tribe of the Aedui is destroyed by the Lusotana.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/aedui.jpg
The Aedui destroyed, 201 BC.

198 BC Kanishka Asteraios, fourth son of Menander Asteraios, is assassinated in Kydonia. Pontus is destoyed by the Ptolemaioi. Kydonia has more than 350.000 citizens.

195 BC Arsakes lands near Rhegion with a force of about 50000 mercenaries. The third punic war begins. Arsakes quickly captures Rhegion, Messana and Syrakousai.

194 BC Lilbeo is captured. Arsakes forges an alliance with the Lusotana.

192 BC Arsakes captures Arpi and Rome.

191 BC Devnet dies in Thebes.

190 BC Arsakes conquers Capua and moves on to Africa to directly assault Carthage. The Arche Indohellenon is down to one province.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/seleucid.jpg
The royal seleucid family almost destroyed, 190 BC.

189 BC Battle of Zeugitana. Carthage is raided by Arsakes and his mercenaries.

188 BC Arsakes returns to Kydonia and wipes out the royal family. He is announced new King and moves the capital to Syrakousai. Carthage disbands its senate and the carthagian empire under military rule is formed.

End of Chapter 5.

[Maion Maroneios]

That was wonderful, PriestLizard! I'm really enjoying your AAR, it's very well written! A balloon for you, sir, you deserve every bit of it: :balloon:

Just for the fun of it, 400.000 mnai would equal to about 104.839.880,8 USD. A hefty sum, isn't it?:laugh4:

Maion

[theoldbelgian]

now this is what I call superior roleplaying, I couldn't stop reading
you sir are a genius

[Cbvani]

Wow ! Behold, the power of money. Carthage as a military empire now, eh? Cool.

[julius_caesar_the_first]

Excellent chapter PriestLizard:2thumbsup::applause:. Good job on beating Cartahge and becoming a true empire once again. Honestly I didn't expect that. Congratulations:applause:.

I can't wait to see what happens next:smiley:.

[PriestLizard]

~:) I'm glad to hear you guys like it. I guess I'm really improving so hopefully this AAR will become better and better.

Carthage had fallen under military rule, yes. Enslaving their population and destroyed their holy buildings have brought their hatred on Arsakes and his empire. It will be difficult for him to maintain his terretories in italy. With Carthage refusing a ceasefire and the war with the roman senate and nobles still going on, it will be a difficult road from a condottieri (mercenary leader) to a real king.

The first task will be to deploy a stable government with all the allied states in italy... its hard to only play with govIV settlements. Syrakousai has become GovII-Type now (as its the new capital), Messana and Taras, as former greek colonies, are type III.

Have a look at the new house rules on page 1 btw: I do use auto_win now as it has become boring to fight clear victory-battles over and over again. It will be hard enough as my enemys will usually have an advantage in numbers from now on (campaign difficulty is VH).

More important is my house rule regarding government types. When I brought italy under my control, I decided that govIV cities should keep their local autonomy when it comes to production. They have to "serve" Syrakousai, yes, thats why the king may adjust the production-style (military, financial etc) but the cities still have their autonomy to make their own decisions. This might make it a little bit more difficult as I highly depend on the reinforcements produced in those cities - but its also much more realistic. :egypt:

The Ptolemaioi are fighting the hellenic empire now near Byzantium. Its the only warfare in the east. So besides that and the third punic war still going on in the west, the world is rather peaceful. Most factions have been destroyed (or nearly destroyed at least) anyway.

Next update will of course cover the second part of the third punic war. Make sure to check it out... and also leave your comments, critics and suggestions - like usual. ~:)

Bye Priest

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Truely, truely

EPIC!!!!

[gamegeek2]

Which color are you? Kydonia seems to be gray...

[Maion Maroneios]

He's white, taken after the Karthadastim I pressume. Also, PriestLizard, while it's good to experiment with colors, try to stick to one (to avoid posts like gamegeek2's:tongue:).

Maion

[PriestLizard]

~;)

I always change colors to indicate that its basically another faction now. The faction I'm playing is no longer the kingdom of Kydonia, as the empire is not governed from that city - new capital is Syracuse - and its also not playing an important role either.

It might be confusing to see changed colors every new chapter but if you have a look on maps in history books, you also usually see new colors if there is a new empire ~:) Hmm... I will try to reduce that though, OK.

Oh, and I forgot to post this one! Its OOC anyway so its not too bad:
http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/score187.jpg

[Maion Maroneios]

Ah, that is very well thought. Just mentioning their names would be fine, to be honest I personally don't have any problems with the colors, I can tell them apart.

Maion

[Tyrfingr]

E to the PIC - EPIC!

[PriestLizard]

Chapter 6: Ragnarök

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/intro/banner.jpg

„The way to prevent war is to be ready for it!“ -Cleopatra (Cleopatra, 1963)


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/arsa.jpg
Arsakes Asteraios becomes new king in 188 BC.

The battle of Zeugitana and the claim of Arsakes for the kydonian crown truely started a new chapter in kydonian history. As we know the kydonian kingdom had its roots in the very east, far away in Baktria and Arsakes was the first, to restore some of its old spirit. Before the kingdom of Baktria was re-integrated into the Arche Seleukeia in 253 BC, it controlled a huge terretory including Baktria and Parthia. Patrokles brought the crown to Kydonia and founded a strong city-state, but all efforts to bring back the glory of old times were in vain. The situation in 188 BC however was very different.

Arsakes chose the right time to interfere in sicily and to start the third punic war. The italian provinces longed for their autonomy again and were suffering from the strict carthagian rule. Arsakes only needed five years to extinct the carthagian ruling class from italy and to incorperate the provinces under his lead. Comparing to the carthagians however, Arsakes allowed the cities to maintain their autonomy and to keep their local customs. It is interesting, that this strategy in fact led to symbiosis of both cultures, while the carthagian culture was never adapted or even accepted. The reason for this is obvious. While the carthagians were seen as very different people by the samnitic and etruscan cities in italy, the hellenic influence of Kydonia seemed very familiar.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch5/syra.jpg
Streets of Syrakousai.

There had been greek colonies in italy for several hundred years now and both ways of life had already approached each other. Beginning with the captures of Arsakes however, this procedure of cultural symbiosis entered another level as we can see temples of Zeus-Ahura Mazda, a clearly baktrian cult, in Syrakousai and Taras. Merchants and settlers from the very east even arrived in italy and even the iranian languages start to approach the italian peninsula.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/temple.jpg
Carthagian temples in Lilbeo.

Clearly these cultural changes helped Arsakes to build his empire in italy. Even though Arsakes was known for his brutality to his enemies and foes, it seemed that he still had a sensitive way to organize his kingdom. We will see, that his administration strategy helped Arsakes to overcome another threat to his lands, confronting him in 183 BC.

THE ALLIES OF ARSAKES

So what was the situation in 188 BC? Arsakes had returned to Kydonia and claimed the throne of the kingdom. He eliminated most of the royal family or sent them into exile. When we became new Basileion at the age of thirty-four, the numbers of his allies were few. There are some to mention though, as they will play a more important role later on.

One of his closer friends and supporters was Dion Chatrachartaios. A son of the former hero of Halikarnassos, Krateros, he joined Arsakes on his way back to italy. Just like Arsakes, Dions earlier years never seemed to lead to an important role in the royal family. When his father died in battle at Halikarnassos, Dion was only four years old. Later he joined kydonian mercenaries and fought for Pergamon in asia minor. Like many others, he was probably impressed by Arsakes' achievements and when Arsakes arrived on Kydonia, Dion immediatly offered him his and his mens services. In that way, Dion probably also helped Arsakes to take control over the throne in Kydonia.

Dion was in great health and known for his vigor and strength. Much like Arsakes, he also was a gifted leader and as we will see, he would become a very successful general under Arsakes rule.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/dion.jpg

Dion, 181 BC.

The second important supporter of Arsakes within the royal family was one of his nephews, the third child of Antimachos, Arsakes II. It is not known much of him and it is still uncertain why he betrayed his father and joined Arsakes I. to take over the crown. Maybe he just wanted to save his life – or maybe he was just tired of the passive agenda by his father and his dull administration.

In the end both of them joined the new king to italy and provided strong support for him. While Dion and Arsakes II stayed in Syrakousai to monitor the ongoings in the empires capital, Arsakes I marched north to bring an end to the third punic war.

THE THIRD PUNIC WAR CONTINUES

Two years later, in 186 BC, Arsakes and his army resided in Etruria, near the city of Arretium. He almost had sixty thousand men under his command, mostly light infantry from Campania and mercenary phalangitai. He was engaged by the carthagian general Celeas Iol and the following battle ended in a devastating loss for Carthage.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr1.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr2.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr3.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr4.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr5.jpg

Even though the numbers were quite even, the light troops from Africa were no match for the veteran mercenaries under Arsakes' command. The carthagian army routed and almost thirty-five thousand carthagians died that day.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/etr_res.jpg

After this clear victory, Arsakes easily captured both Arretium and Ariminum. He once again had proven his military prowess and by every won battle, his empire gained more and more power and fame. After the year 186 BC, Arsakes had been in too many battles to count – he had definetly Seen The Elephant.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/elephant.jpg
Arsakes, seen the elephant, 186 BC.

In 185 BC Arsakes continued his campaign to take the islands Sardin and Korsim. This added to the economical power of Syrakousai. From this year on, the domination of Syrakousai over Carthage was not only based on military strength but also economical substance.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/guards.jpg
“Royals Collide“ (unknown painter) shows the battle on Sardin, 185 BC.

THE REBELLION OF THE SENATE

The next year was a difficult one for Arsakes. While most cities in italy were happy under his rule, allowing them to keep their autonomy by their local governors, Rome had always been a difficult client state. Arsakes probably did not fully understand the importance and influence of the roman senate. Even with their army gone and with their nobles being far away in the north, fighting for their new Imperium Galloromanum, the senate still had sufficiant power to cause trouble.

In 184 BC it was the moment when the senate started an open rebellion against Syrakousai. At that time, Arsakes was still on Sardin and monitored the deployment of local governors in Karali, so it seemed like the right time to revolt. The senate hoped to bring some of Arsakes' supporters on their side (probably by bribes) – but they underestimated Arsakes' power on their own.

First, Aspiones, the former local governor of Arsakes in Rome, stayed loyal to him and was able to defeat a roman army in Latium. The next season, Aspiones was engaged by another army though and had to retreat – so the situation ended in a draw.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/revolt.jpg
The situation in italy after the rebellion of the senate.

One year later, Dion arrived with an army from Syrakousai and put down the rebellion once and for all. He defeated the rest of the senatory force and captured Rome again. The senators were executed and most citizens were sold into slavery.

This not only ended the roman rebellion, it also showed the power and influence of Arsakes. It was the proof, that his empire was strong enough to even strike down a rebellion of such a strong institution as the roman senate was.

Dion demonstrated his loyalty to Arsakes, but we also know that he had an hard time following the orders of his king. Historians had found preserved letters of Dion to his wife in Syrakousai, in which he moaned of insomnia and that he was a restless sleeper.

Later that year, Dion was engaged by the another roman army near Bononia.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/roman1.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/roman2.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/roman3.jpg

Dion was able to celebrate another great victory over the romans and with their last stronghold in italy, Bononia, lost, the roman nobles had no choice but to offer Syrakousai a ceasefire.

After the senatory rebellion had been put down, the situation in italy seemed repacified again. But 183 BC also marks the start of another war who not only forced the military apperatus of Syrakousai to step on a higher level, but also accellerated the cultural symbiosis between italic and hellenic influences.

THE BARBARIAN INVASION

194 BC, Arsakes' diplomats had signed an alliance with the spanic barbarian tribes, the Lusotana. They had become the dominant barbarian nation and had included both the Aedui and the Arverni into their tribes. More than ten years later, in 183 BC, they started their invasion of italy.

The first battle happened in 182 BC near Arretium and was exemplary for many others to come during the next years. Arsakes had about thirty-thousand men under his command and was engaged by more than seventy-thousand barbarians. During sunset in summer 182 BC, both forces colided.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/bbi.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/lus1.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/lus2.jpg

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http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/lus_res.jpg

Arsakes disciplined hoplites and infantry carried away the victory. He quickly marched north to capture the city of Segesta in Liguria only to be besieged by another huge lusotani force. In the following battle, more than sixty-thousand barbarian warriors died by the hands of Arsakes and his men.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/hoplite.jpg
“The Hoplites“, painted by Philippos the young, approx. 112 BC, shows the battle in Segesta.

In 180 BC, Arsakes had conquered a great empire. Syrakousai was in control of italy, sicily and the islands of Sardin and Korsim. The war against the Lusotana was not only a threat to Arsakes – it also played into his very hands. Even though most italian cities did not revolt against Syrakousai, some stayed sceptical and Arsakes had not only friends in italy. The war against the barbaric tribes however made Arsakes more than just a conqueror, more even than a liberator from carthagian rule – it made him the defender of civilized nations – the last stronghold against barbaroi in western europe.

Like we mentioned before, this accellerated the cultural symbiosis in that part of the world and together with the achievements of the Arche Ptolemaion, it was another important step to forge the hellenic world we have today.

In the following years, there were many battles between Syrakousai and Lusotana. Even though Syrakousai stayed victories in most occasions, the barbarians seemed to have unlimited men and they sent army after army. It was not a war about terretory or wealth anymore – it was a struggle for survival against the barbarian invasion.

ARSAKES' MILITARY TACTICS

The military strategy and army composition changed significantly during the years. When Arsakes began his campaign in sicily, his army constisted of typical greek soldiers: phalangitai, cretan archers and hellenic skirmishers, mixed with several gallic mercenaries as supporting infantry.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/phal.jpg

During the war in italy, Arsakes applied more and more to a different style of warfare. The typical successor unit, the phalangitai, was replaced by another classical unit – the greek hoplites. All former greek colonies in italy were able to train these classic soldiers and Arsakes used them in huge amounts.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/classic.jpg

They were his military foundation in his campaigns against both Carthage and Lusotana. This core was supported by typical italian light infantry: campanian infantry, rorarii and hastati from camillia.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/hastati.jpg

At the start of his campaign, Arsakes had to rely on mercenaries mostly. When his administation of italy became more and more stable, he was able to recruit his soldiers directly from the population. The cities had to support Arsakes with units in order to keep their independence – which was benefitial for both sides.

THE SITUATION IN 179 BC


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/cm179.jpg

http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/score179.jpg

TIMELINE

186 BC Arsakes defeats a huge carthagian army in Etruria. Later both Arretium and Arimium are captured.

185 BC Arsakes captured Sardin and Korsim.

184 BC Rome rebells against Arsakes. War of Rome against Aspiones. Arsakes gains an important sea victory over Carthage but his return to italy is delayed.

183 BC The Lusotana start their invasion of italy. Dion strikes down the rebellion of Rome and sends the citizens into slavery.

182 BC Arsakes suffers a critical decease, confined to bed. Victories by Dion over romans and by Arsakes against the barbarians. The war of the Arche Hellenon against the Arche Ptolemaion starts.

181 BC Dion conquers Bononia. The Basileion Pergamou is destroyed. The ptolemaic empire captures their last city Mytilene.


http://www.teamlizard.net/RTW/kydonia/ch6/perga.jpg

180 BC Battle of Segesta, hard fighting in the streets.

179 BC Arsakes captures Medilanum. Dion captures Patavium. Biton, the loyal local governor of Segesta defends the city. Arsakes II joins the war and wins some battles near Messalia.

End of Chapter 6.

[Tyrfingr]

I can barely wait for the next update, this AAR is AWESOME!

[Cbvani]

I wonder where it will go from here? I haven't a clue, which is quite unusual.

[LordCurlyton]

Hmm well since he has become the "Defender of Civilization" I would expect Arsakes to look to free Massalia and Arse from the yoke of Lusotannan rule under which they obviously suffer. This would necessitate using his naval superiority to launch strikes into deeply held Luso territory while holding off the hordes; not an easy task. It also will likely precipitate more conflict with the Carthies as securing the Balaeric Isles would be critical to establishing a nearby way point for resupply and troop assembly.
Of course one cannot forget the Roman Senate who, after the crushing defeat, are likely filled either with sycophants or those who wish to worm their way into the power structure rather than overthrow it. These types are likely sending effusive praise to Arsakes extolling his many virtues and trying to guide him to areas they have lusted over...such as the rich mines of Iberia...
Of course, this is only speculation.

[PriestLizard]

These are great ideas Curlyton! ~:) I will keep this in mind when I think about the storyline. Right now, some years after the sixth chapter, the game had become quite boring in some way. I need to play some more years ahead in order to get the right ideas ... and I also decided to take a break of some days, probably one week. I will play some vanilla BI, I never finished a campaign in that game.

The next thing I will probably do about this AAR is a summary of what had happened during the first 100 years ( = 400 turns ), some kind of baktrian chronicles.

Its always important to take some break, get some rest and refresh your creativity... I guess. ~:)

[LordCurlyton]

Well if you MUST play vanilla BI I would recommend the WRE. While no vanilla campaign is difficult generally speaking since all the generals can become devastating killing machines quickly the WRE will have the greatest unrest problems and religious schisms to deal with, plus their roster is not nearly as good as the ERE. If you want a fun time mod it so you can play all the factions and play as the Celts...

[PriestLizard]

Hi there. I think my break was long enough. I just loaded my kydonian game again and made some notes about family members for my upcoming interludum of this AAR. I'm back in the mood for gaming now and I will hopefully play some more this week so I can give you another good update next weekend.

I sense that the recognition for this AAR has somewhat slowed down - do you guys don't like something about it? I do this for my personal joy but I'd also like to entertain you guys, so if there's something you don't like - please let me know. I know that some of you disagree with fictional AARs but well... for all the others, I hope I can give you some nice entertainment.

@Curlyton: Yup, actually I did play the western roman empire. To be honest I saw your posting somewhere where you already suggested that BI/WRE is not a bad game at all so I decided to give this faction a shot when I planned to do a BI campaign. You are right, its really challenging... I lost several provinces due to unrest and I'm in war with basically everyone. Sadly the alliance with ERE did't last for long. ~:(

Now I want to go back to EB and this AAR though, so I'm not sure if I will ever finish BI. It was a nice experience to go back to vanilla one more time as it really showed the true strengths of EB again! ~:)

[LordCurlyton]

Its not that it has so much slowed down as people are just waiting for the next update. If you're looking for input you can always open a "What should I do next?" poll and give them several options. Those always seem to keep people interested if you're worried about it.
About BI, the easiest way I found was to pick one of the religions (pagan or Christian) and convert EVERY province to it. Sure you'll probably lose a few to revolt but that works in your favor if you plan it correctly. Since most of the hordes love to descend on France you can always just let France revolt to the WRE Rebels and THEY get to deal with everyone. The ERE, for all it wants to betray you, usually is not a problem as long as you keep a navy around.