The wandering bard of the steppes.

[johnhughthom]

We follow a group of men as they dismount their horses and walk together toward the largest of what looks like a city of tents. As we step through the opening we see a larger group of men sat around a raised table, drinking wine, smoking weed and singing song. Our friends sit on the floor and beckon toward the only female in the room who hands them each a jug of wine. They all look to the back of the tent where a man has risen to his feet, as he climbs onto the raised table the babble of chatter and raucous singing stops immediately. This is why they are all here, the wandering bard of the steppes is here to tell them tales of their past glories and tragedies.


Back when the heirs of Seleukos ruled in Persia, Syria and Asia Minor
(Though the Empire of Cyrus, Darius and Xerxes was indeed much finer)
Arose a tribe from the east,
Masters of the four legged beast.
Their fate was to conquer, to rule and to kill,
Nobody on a horse had the same kind of skill.
Antiochus in Seleukiea knew not of these men,
Could they cause him great pain,
Even end his foul reign?
The spears would be sent to crush the great tribe,
Would they be cut down from afar with nowhere to hide?
Will king be bereft,
With no soldiers left,
Or will the horsemen feel pain,
And return to the plain?

The bard paused and looked around the room.

To hear the story of these men,
Return here again.
The story is long,
An heroic old song,
Told me by my father,
Many times passed on.

The bard left the table and returned to his bed at the back of the room. The noise in the room increases, the men return to their drinking, singing and arguing. The bard is already asleep as we slip out of the tent.

[desert]

What a crappy bard; he sang for like a minute! :smash:

[johnhughthom]

It was an intro... :embarassed:

[johnhughthom]

We return to the tent just as the bard wakes and return to our seat on the floor.

Your ancestors fought just as you do,
On horseback with bow and lance too.
The tribesmen were quick, nimble and tough,
More often than not they were more than enough.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/Parni-1.jpg

The Dahae were fierce, proud and strong,
We praise them still in campfire song.
The pick of the men rode in small roving bands,
The bow a deadly weapon in such well skilled hands.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/dahae-1.jpg

The nobles, few in number but heavily armed,
Still too quick for the spears and rarely were harmed.
Loyal to the king their anger was fearsome,
If he was in danger swiftly would they come.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/nobles-1.jpg

The best of the best,
Somehow better than the rest.
The Kings Royal guard,
Who always fought hard.
Feared by Saka, Indian and Greek,
Every enemy was made to look weak.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/bodyguard-1.jpg

These were the men who rode out to battle,
Constantly eager to test their mettle.
An enemy at hand,
Who ruled a vast land,
How could they bring woe,
To such a great foe?
Enemies all around, north, east, south and west,
Such dangers to any leader a test.

And to you Mr desert, heckling my song,
How dare you claim I didn't sing for long?

Once again the bard retires to his bed, seemingly he could only sing in short bursts before tiring himself out.

[desert]

Mr. Homer would like to have a harsh word with you, o Bard.


:furious3::skull: <----- Homer

[Olaf Blackeyes]

lulz this is an awesome war in the making

[V.T. Marvin]

That is great! This is the first AAR in verses I have ever seen, and maybe the only one actually. Keep it going, it could be a poem on a Homeric scale eventually, if you persist.:2thumbsup:

Just a friendly advice - DO NOT BLITZ! Make it hard for yourself, waste your opportunities, and let the AI develop. It will be more challenge and fun for you and more drama for us, your readers.:yes:

[SwissBarbar]

This seems to become a great AAR
full of drama, bitter fate and war
the bard is great and not crappy at all
be it in winter, spring, summer or fall
he sings sentimental hymn and cheerful song
incorruptible and in a carping tongue
let us hear more, for that I vote
because this AAR is, let me quote

"The best of the best,
Somehow better than the rest"

[Tyrfingr]

This AAR does not speak to me,
I hope it dies in a CTD

[I of the Storm]

A refreshingly new approach to an AAR, very original! I'm really curious how it will develop.

[Dutchhoplite]

Great idea :2thumbsup:

[johnhughthom]

This AAR does not speak to me,
I hope it dies in a CTD

A wee bit harsh there, if you don't like it don't read it.

Thanks for all the encouragement, I have had this idea in my mind for a while now but didn't think I had the ability to pull it off(still don't). I have always thought of bards as a bit cheesy so the songs kind of reflect that. I certainly don't expect to challenge Homer with this AAR... :laugh4:


Just a friendly advice - DO NOT BLITZ! Make it hard for yourself, waste your opportunities, and let the AI develop. It will be more challenge and fun for you and more drama for us, your readers.:yes:

I haven't actually started the campaign yet, I'm considering how to go about it. I may try something other than the usual AS blitz but I'm not 100% what direction I'm going to go. Other strategies hold the possibility of failure and I'm not sure I want my third Pahlav AAR dying an early death.:no:

[Silence Hunter]

Interesting approach! Just an idea. You could incorporate some mythological creatures or divine guidance when singing about battles. A bit like Homer involved the gods. I think this would add some extra taste to your AAR.

[I of the Storm]

Good idea here by Silence Hunter. That would really add some extra flavour.

There's nothing wrong with an early AS blitz, as long as you don't blitz them to death. Just get yourself a decent power base, probably within the lifespan of your first ruler or so, and then take it slow.

The advantage of your bard-approach is that you can sing about 10 years in 2 lines if necessary. As long as there is enough beer/wine/fermented mare's milk to keep the audience at the right level there is nothing wrong with subhomerian poetry.

[gamegeek2]

Jaertecken's just a hater.

[V.T. Marvin]

When I was thinking about a new campaign last time, I was seriously considering play as Pahlava - my definitely mos favourite faction - again.:charge:
I was playing with the idea to try NOT to attack the AS at all, disband the armies and to try to survive with just Nisa and Khiva as long as possible, make them both settled and slowly develop the economy, using the nomadic FMs + surplus FMs to hunt down rebels. Once either AS or Baktria would attack me I would strike back, take the province from which the attack originated and make peace again. If I would eventually conquer Baktra, I would install a TypeIV gov there and role-play an alliance between Pahlavan and Baktrian kingdoms as two independent units, with their own budgets and armies, only occasionally coming to help one another...:idea2:
In the end I have decided to try a Baktrian campaign first, because so far I have never played for them.
But I will certainly come back to Pahlava again eventually. In fact, I enjoy those poor years at the beginning most. You know, when every single mnai counts and one have to save for years to finally build something, constantly fearing the prospect of a full stack of phalanxes looming on the horizont... Terrific!:drama1:

[Tyrfingr]

Jaertecken's just a hater.

Say what now? ;)

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

I just read this. Even though I'm not a big fan of peotry, it is a nice start. Keep it up! :2thumbsup:

[gamegeek2]

Say what now? ;)


http://netninja.com/images/lj/ya_rly.jpg


It's all in good fun, but don't comment if you don't have something good to say. Must be why nobody ever posts on my AAR...

[johnhughthom]

A few jugs of wines, and fondles of the serving wench, later, we find ourselves slightly the worse for wear. Perhaps our drunken state will make the bards words more palatable to our ears. The room hushes once again as he rises to sing his song.

As I begin our long tale, with a good heart,
Where do I begin? Why right at the start!
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/Phrapates-1.jpg
The good King Phrapates, honoured and loyal,
Patriarch of a family perhaps to be Royal.
Friend of the Empire, protecting frontier,
Those who once raided, cowered in fear.
Nomadic since birth, he wanted to settle,
As an old man, he wanted to stay in fine fettle.
Fine leader in saddle and also in finance,
He honoured the Gods, no need to do penance.
The Empire was sick, it needed a cure,
Phrapates did help, of that I am sure.
Cities rebelled, no loyalty or trust,
Phrapates helped as he felt he must.
Zadrakata for one threw off Hellenic rule,
Phrapates we know, he was no fool.
He sent his son and men of high rank,
To the rebellious scum, they gave a good spank.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/allies-1.jpg
Fighting together, nomad and hellene,
Must surely have painted a friendly scene.
The Dahae were true, no blade to the back,
Their honoured friends they would never attack.
Pontic ruler rebelled and asked for his help,
"No chance in hell, you ungrateful whelp."
The king he did die, his son took his place,
Would he rule with equal poise and grace?
No greater friend did the Empire know,
Surely this friendship would be allowed to grow?


Having painted the scene of the rule of the first Pahlav King in his story the bard once again retires, hoping he has whetted our appetite to learn more of the history of these great people.

I have managed to make it to 264 BC with no AS attack, I disbanded all my troops right off and I'm building up slowly. I even managed to fund a gold mine in Nisa. I have spies in all the nearby AS settlements, trying to forment rebellions to occupy them.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Although they are a good idea for Pahlava, be careful of rebellions, those AS towns may rebel to you and cause AS to declare war on you.

[johnhughthom]

I've played quite a few Pahlav campaigns and they always rebel to eleutheroi. I'd better watch for that then as I'd like to keep the alliance going as long as possible, it's already kept up longer than any other campaign so I'm expecting an attack any time soon.

[I of the Storm]

Great! This is going to be interesting.

[SwissBarbar]

Like it very much :2thumbsup:

[Tyrfingr]

Strange, I can't seem to stop checking this for new updates....

A question, will this be an AAR aiming to establish a persian empire or a "king of the steppes"-AAR?

[johnhughthom]

A question, will this be an AAR aiming to establish a persian empire or a "king of the steppes"-AAR?

To be honest I haven't decided yet, I will see how the game develops first.

[johnhughthom]

A troupe of dancing monkeys are leaving the table just as we wake from our stupor, the smell of monkey urine makes it clear we didn't miss much. The bard returns to his place ready to regal us with tales of yore.

https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/king-1.jpg
King Arshak, not long the top man,
Friendly relations was his master plan.
To follow his father, and defend the hellene realm,
To fight and defend he would don his helm.
Unmatched in the saddle, riding since birth,
Of men who could best him there sure was a dearth.
Observant of the Gods, most specially Mithra,
He was also quite partial to anything in a bra.
A riot at parties, joyous and gay,
But never ashamed to be seen to pray.
The kingdom grew richer under his gaze,
No mathematical problem able to faze.
Surely the Empire would love such a fellow,
Relations would stay cordial and mellow?
Marakanda, a town north of his haunt,
Rebelled from Hellene and started to taunt.
A force like before went forth to help allied friend,
Their rear and the flanks they would die to defend.
The town was retaken, all rebels killed,
No coin purse did Arshak ask to be filled.
On return news so ghastly, offensive and grave,
Seleukid forces besieging the Kings son, young and brave.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/prince-1.jpg
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/betrayed-1.jpg
The host was destroyed, heroic defence from the lad,
King came back to homeland bewildered and sad.
Friendship destroyed, trust tossed aside,
The King felt like he had lost a bride.
What steps would he take, would he seek to strike back,
From an honoured friend this had been a surprise attack.
Without Princely courage our people would have perished,
Instead what was lost was a friendship so cherished.
War was afoot, diplomacy pointless,
What would he do, our King so dauntless?

The bard finally retires for the night so we slip out of the tent and return to our horses, ready for the long ride to our tribe.

[Rilder]

Awesome AAR, I love aars that stray from norm.

[SwissBarbar]

Great chapter! Keep it going, looking forward to "hearing" more of your bard ^^

[V.T. Marvin]

Upon hearing the story, I have shed a tear,
For that treason I´m sorry, more I want to hear!
:2thumbsup::yes::2thumbsup:

[julius_caesar_the_first]

WOW, great AAR. I have never seen one written in the for of a poem. Great job :2thumbsup:

[johnhughthom]

The next evening we return to the city of tents and enter the "tavern tent." The bard has already begun, just finishing a bawdy tale of King Arshaks skirt chasing antics.

The lady was breathless, but the King wanted more,
He called to his courtier, "Boy, get me a whore."

He had such and fun frolics,
But randy alcoholics,
Had no time for leisure,
Still less for erotic pleasure.

War was afoot,
Promising glory and loot.
The King was commander in chief,
The war would not be brief.
He struck quick and true,
Before the enemy grew.
Where to start the retribution,
What would be his solution?

His target was familiar, city revisited,
Where to help friend, his father commited.
Zadrakata's rebellious peasants,
Would soon be Parni tenants.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/demophon-1.jpg
The governor was bald,
Glad his city was walled.
It meant he could hide,
No sally was tried.
An arrogent fool,
He was lucky to rule.
Thought Greeks were the best,
This would be put to the test.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/Harasp-2.jpg
The leader of the attackers,
One of the Kings most loyal backers.
Harasp was his name,
A nomad of fame.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/Zadrakata-1-1.jpg
The city was stormed, horses galloping down street,
Defender tried to flee, cut down off their feet.
The governor charged, a brave last defense,
Against Parni nobleman, he stood not a chance.
City surrendered into Harasp's hands,
This time absorbed into the Kings lands.
Son left in charge, Harasp he moved south,
A man of action, not just all mouth.
Apameia fell next, battle lopsided,
When infantry and horse collided.
Only one winner, defender did flee,
Harasp cut them down, wooping with glee.

Last Emperors army in the north-eastern lands,
Phalanx and merc, an eclectic band.
King wanted them out of his area of interest,
Who would he trust to take up the test?
Why a Saka leader,
Named Ariyamehr.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/Sakaen-1.jpg
Despite his being outnumbered quite heavily,
Ariyamehr moved his men forward quite steadily.
Makedon general was target,
The fool easy to hit.
In no time at all the hellen was dead,
Horsemen faced army without head.
Around phalanx and peltast the nomads danced,
Poor Greek foot soldiers stood nary a chance.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/Pahlava/Heroic-1.jpg
Battle was won,
Odds four to one.
Ariyamehr was now a general trusted,
Many a Greek head this day was busted.

Now at this point my story I pause,
But please don't start with the applause.
I will return soon again and tell you some more,
If you are wise you won't go through the door.
If questions you have, I will answer in time,
But my friends I insist, that you ask them in rhyme.

As the bard descends the stage we whistle for the serving wench, hoping those dancing monkeys aren't going to make a return appearance.



I haven't had any interesting battles yet so didn't bother with battle shots, I intend to as I continue though. I will post a map with my next update.

[Tyrfingr]

Holy crap,
What does the world map...look like?

[johnhughthom]

After our short interlude,
I'll tell you of a young dude.
The second son the King had,
A man by the name of Tirdad.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/tirdad-1.jpg
He still loved life on horse,
But could fight well, of course.
Not yet famed in the lands,
But many killed at his hand.
Youth spent patrolling frontiers,
Now not so young in years.
Entrusted with many a soldier,
He now would be bolder.
Taking the fight to the Empire,
With results for them quite dire.
Attacked the town of Hekatompylos,
Where Antiochus still was boss.
Defended by many a spear,
Who all cowered in fear.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/general-1.jpg
Ready for battle with proud face,
Upon horse, wielding mace.
At the front did he charge,
An enemy much more large.
Cut down like dummies,
Defenders cried for their mummies.
Tirdad took the town square,
The battle was far from fair.
https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/victory-1.jpg
All hellenes they had fallen,
The women started bawling.
Not one Dahae had died,
All heard the men who then cried,
"Please don't kill us, let us live in your favour,"
Tirdad sold the cowards to a nomadic slave trader.
The Empire was on the back foot,
Was Antiochus an incompetent old coot?
Would Arshak move forward and more horsemen send,
Or would he look inward, and seek to defend?
You now know the men I will sing of again,
So I ask you don't leave, on your seat please remain.

https://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/johnhughthom/The%20bard/map-1.jpg
According to Tirdads traits he should have 2 influence but he has none, can anyone see why?

[johnhughthom]

It may be a while before this is updated. Two of my house rules are no adoptions and I have to have one FM in each city at all times, my FMs wives aren't having many kids so I am going to have to defend what I have for 10 or 12 years before I will have enough to expand. Damn those Sabestan Harem Girls...:laugh4: