Journey Of The Hellenes [Archive]

Chirurgeon

02-03-2009, 00:16

I. The Nature of Poseidon

Emporion, Iberia
272 BC
My name is Nikea and I am the son of Dorus and my mother Hermine. We have lived here for over ten generations. Here in Emporion, on the Iberian Peninsula, we have prospered. Unlike our homeland of Phokaia we have suffered no war or other plight. Hundreds of years ago we fled our homeland. Our city was one of the greatest of the Ionian cities. The dispicable Persians wished to chain us to their suppresive powers and my ancestors resisted. Instead of shackles they chose freedom. First Massalia was founded and then people came here. One day I hope to return to the Metropolis and see what I have up to this point only known as legend. I hope to learn more about what happened to my ancestors so long ago.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/EmporionRuins.jpg
There are five cities that we trade with extensively. Across the great gulf of the sea lies Massalia. This city is one of our most important partners in trade. Many goods come from the Aegean and find themselves in that city. The merchants my family represents, purchases these goods and brings them here or to other cities. The city of Arse to our south is an independent city that has a substantial population of Greeks. Smaller than us they rely on our shipments for many goods. The cities of Gadiz, Mastia, and Palma have been newer, and I might add lucrative, trading partners. They are part of the extensive network of colonies that stem from North Africa. The city of Kart-Hadast has planted many seeds across the lands and we are able to harvest some of their fruit for a great profit. Our most exotic goods come from these cities.

***
Spring will be here in a short time. Already the merchants are preparing their vessels. A fever has killed some of their men and I am off to talk to one of the chieftains of the Indegetii to recruit more laborers. They have a settlement a few miles north of the city. The roads are treacherous so we take a small sailing vessel. The Indegetii used to be nomadic in nature but since the establishment of Emporion they have made permanent settlements in the countryside. Although they keep their animals and other aspects of Nomadic life they have for the most part been content to settle down and grow annual crops. With coin in hand I find 60 men that are willing to work for the next year. The money they recieve will be most generous. Some have sailed...some have not. You always stay away from the men that have not. Posideons revenge will wrack their guts. They will expel fluids and be greatly incapicitated. Once they have proven themselves they will get better.
The sea is a brutal beast. Last year alone we lost six trade vessels. Unfortunately, three of these were heavy with coin from Mastia. Victims of Posideons rage they lay at the bottom of the sea.
Other issues have worried my father in particular. Far from here we have recieved word from some of the more distant trade ships of a great war ensuing in the Aegean. The great cities of Athens and Sparta have had armies march right up to their gates. The descendents of Alexander are again up to no good. Marching south they again wish to subdue our Greek brothers. The war is beginning to affect the trade with our homeland. Wars it seems is terrible for business.
***
I arrive back in port just before a late winter squall moves in. The seas have been angry as of late. From far out I can see the great anvil shaped clouds approaching. The port hands and others are busy lashing their boats to whatever they can. Great waves crash into the rocks outside the harbor. For the most part the port is saved from damage. Another day at sea and I could have been smashed against the shore. There are only a few safe havens along the coast. You just have to hope you are near one when a storm blows in.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/storm-clouds.jpg

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-03-2009, 00:26

Good to read your AARs again. Waiting to see where this takes us. :2thumbsup:
"Any port in a storm." ... ?

Chirurgeon

02-03-2009, 00:30

Good to read your AARs again. Waiting to see where this takes us. :2thumbsup:
"Any port in a storm." ... ?

Thank you kind sir. Like i said you will see some familiar events and people at least early on in the AAR. I looked for that phrase you quoted but can't find it.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-03-2009, 00:52

WOOT!!!!!!!
(Gets down on knees and prays for thanks)

Mjolnir

02-03-2009, 00:52

Oh this is going to be good. :smash: But there goes my plan of doing a Massalian AAR, I guess I'll switch to doing a Bosporan one instead.

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-03-2009, 01:20

I looked for that phrase you quoted but can't find it.
It's just an old saying. I was reminded of it when I read the last part of your chapter.
Again, interesting start. I'm going to have to go back and reread you other AAR, I barely remember it...

Chirurgeon

02-03-2009, 02:06

It's just an old saying. I was reminded of it when I read the last part of your chapter.
Again, interesting start. I'm going to have to go back and reread you other AAR, I barely remember it...

Thanks everyone and don't worry MAA you only have to re-read the first 10-15 years.

SwissBarbar

02-03-2009, 08:16

Very good :2thumbsup: nice start, i have the feeling this will become a very interesting AAR

gamegeek2

02-03-2009, 21:55

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

Chirurgeon

02-03-2009, 22:10

Oh this is going to be good. :smash: But there goes my plan of doing a Massalian AAR, I guess I'll switch to doing a Bosporan one instead.

You could still do it. Other than the geography I am sure they will be very different. Either one sounds good :)

Chaotix

02-04-2009, 03:36

:jawdrop:

Awesome start. The second master of AARs has returned to tell us another tale!

julius_caesar_the_first

02-04-2009, 11:13

https://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii274/julius_caesar_the_first/funny-pictures-orange-cat-misses-yo.jpg

Sorrry Chirurgeon, but I couldn't resist:laugh4:.

Good to see you are back:smiley:. I see the beginning of another Chirurgeon masterpiece among masterpieces:beam:. Goog luck with the AAR:smiley:.

Chirurgeon

02-04-2009, 23:38

:jawdrop:

Awesome start. The second master of AARs has returned to tell us another tale!

https://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii274/julius_caesar_the_first/funny-pictures-orange-cat-misses-yo.jpg

Sorrry Chirurgeon, but I couldn't resist:laugh4:.

Good to see you are back:smiley:. I see the beginning of another Chirurgeon masterpiece among masterpieces:beam:. Goog luck with the AAR:smiley:.

Thanks guys for the support. Update coming up!

Chirurgeon

02-04-2009, 23:45

II. Distant Disruption
Mastia, Iberia
271 BC
I traveled south to Mastia upon the request of my father. He has grown ill over the course of the year and wishes me to take more control of things. Regardless I am of 20 years and much has changed since I left. I have met a woman of pure Greek blood. Her family hails from Athens and she is the daughter of a ship merchant. When I return it is hoped that we can wed. My father has already gifted the estate to me should he pass. I have had time to think about things greatly. The distant war has caused a mess with trade. The Ptolemai are staunch supporters of the Greeks of Athens. However many of the Macedonian cities are now boycotting trade to independent Greek colonies. Now I must find a way of getting our products back to Emporion and still make a profit.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/Ruins-3.jpg
***
Upon entering Mastia I met an old friend of the family who is quite fond of me. Videllec the merchant from Kart Hadast had just finished making a run from that great city and now is in Mastia preparing to return. I spoke to him and he told me that he also had to deliver some other precious cargo, including a senator's son to Gadiz. Some young aristocrat named Castulo. "Your moving up in the world" I remember telling him. He smiled and I remember asking him where he was going. Apparently he was headed to Baikor with goods and coin to get items. "Whats the word out of Baikor?" I asked. "Trouble" was his only response. When I asked what was going on he told me the Lusitanns were on the warpath. Their leader Tantalos was wreaking havoc and preparing to march to Baikor. "I'm trying to get in one more shipment before all hell breaks loose" He lamented with a frown.
So now, not only our sea trade is threatened but the flow of silver from the mines could be interrupted. Gods this thing can't get any worse. "You should talk to Hadrubal" He told me. I bid him farewell and went to the palace to meet with Hadrubal. Apparently there was alot going on. Generally life in this palace is more than relaxed. I found appropriate quarters for the night and in a few days met with the Governor. My goal was simple. I needed him to put pressure on the Kart-Hadast senate to open up a new trade route that had been lost when Mytilene cut off trade. He greeted me in a non jovial manner which is quite unusual for him.
I asked him what was going on and he grumbled something about the Lusitanns. He had also found out that Senator Gaston's son, Castulo, had gone missing during a diplomatic meeting with the Lusitanns. I wonder what Videllec would think of that. He was rubbing his head complaining of a headache. I left him a bag of convincing metals and had my request written up by a scribe. I would have to check back to see if anything occured. I decided to go ahead and meet with more of the merchants here.
The price of everything was high. I penned a letter to father asking him for advice. Although I knew he would just tell me to do what I thought was best. He really had gifted the business to me. I talked to old seamen that I used to drive crazy with my childish antics. I couldnt tell you how many times i was told not to climb the mast or to get off the deckrail. Although I was considered nobility in Emporion I felt very comfortable with the rough and tumble nature of the ports. The smells, sights, and sounds was something i grew up with. As soon as I was able to walk I remember holding my father's hand and he used to take me down to see the merchants. My mother of course disaproved. As I got older I would come down on my own and watch the endless stream of vessels leaving the harbors. Countless sunsets of my youth were spent watching the port settle in for another night. I knew all the ships and all the captains. I was adored and respected. Most nobility would never soil themselves like I had.
Most of the merchants I ran into were desperately trying to find alternative ports to get their much desired products from. Most of the Aegean wanted nothing to do with us. Even Rhodes was dealing with a naval blockade. It figures that just as I take on a more important role in all this, the peace we had enjoyed for so long began to unravel.
***
As I prepared to sail to Gadiz to try and secure something from that port of use I learned of a terrible thing. Apparently Athens and Sparta had been defeated and the remains of their army and many civilians fled on the high seas. Rumors had it they were heading to Crete or perhaps Cyreniea. No doubt they will ask for the help of the Ptolemai. These are truly desperate times for all.

Mjolnir

02-05-2009, 00:52

Another excellent read. I'm curious, are you planning on not using the game at all or is this just the intro?

Chirurgeon

02-05-2009, 01:54

Another excellent read. I'm curious, are you planning on not using the game at all or is this just the intro?

It takes time for me to build the story. The game is a framework for my writing and provides a general direction. I know its a bit slow but you really do need to understand the backround of whats going on before I can just dive into battles. I am tying events from my last AAR into events with this AAR. Do not worry there will be plenty of battles. My AARs are a combination of fighting and the events that caused the fighting or the events that occurred because of the fighting. It sounds complicated but its the only style I am really comfortable writing in. I try to best represent the people that are involved in the conflict as well as the conflict itself. Thank you for the inquiry.

Mjolnir

02-05-2009, 02:17

I wasn't complaining, just wanting to know what to expect. I look forward to seeing this unfold. :2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-06-2009, 01:17

III. Pillars of Hercules

270 BC
I sailed out of Mastia on a brisk spring breeze. We docked in the harbor before the Herculean Gates. Things were busy but also chaotic. You get a feel for the natural rhythms and pace of the port. People unfamiliar with the ports see only chaos. I see an organized system. Everyone depends on everyone else to get the job done. There is yelling and occasional shoving match. This is all necessary to ensure the proper order of things. The people were not working as quickly as they should be in the spring time. Boats should be streaming into the port and many should also be leaving. The loading and unloading of cargo should be at a frenetic pace. On this day it is slow. Boats are still waiting on cargo from the north. Sucum Margi to the north is delaying shipment of goods due to the war there. Currently the Lusitann army was entrenched around Baikor. They were destroying entire villages in their path and this disrupted trade considerably. Refugees could be seen on the hills around the city as they wait for the Lusitanns to finish their destructive march. Its much worse than I thought. The leader of the Lusitanns is apparently trying to exterminate the Celts. I prayed that Videllec was ok on his journey.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/270-1.jpg
***
I spent much time trying to secure new pricing and trade to replace what had been lost in the far eastern ports. The Ptolemai had apparently pledged to increase their number of trade ships. However it might take more than a year. Other important concerns loom as well. What impact will the refugees from the Aegean peninsula have on overall trade? What about the Makedonian fleet? Would they try and sabotage trade in their pursuit of the Greek flotilla? I shuddered at the thought of all those poor civilians packed onto boats trying to outrun an enemy force. To make matters even more confusing some merchants said they heard from other merchants that the Greek Flotilla was near the Island of Corsica. I suppose it would make sense to land on an Island. However I doubt that Kart-Hadastim wants to further enrage Makedon.
***
Later towards the dead of winter we did learn that the Greeks had indeed landed in Corsica. Perhaps they were going to make another colony there? My mind began to wonder about how lucrative it would be to secure trade with them. They would need much. Basic supplies and luxury supplies. Some of the merchants insisted the size of this floating refuge was a city. Truly amazing. I would pen a letter to father and request permission to visit this possible new colony. It is not everyday that this happens. This could be most fortunate. It would be dangerous. The Makedonian fleet could still pursue them. But now they have another piece of land between them and their enemy.
***
I spent some of the time that winter walking and talking with the refugees. This only solidified my view of the atrocities occuring to the north of the Punic colonies. Great effort from the people of Gader and Mastia was made to provide basic needs to these people. They had planned to travel north again when winter raised its cold veil. One piece of good news was that the missing Senator's son from Kart-Hadast had miracoulously returned to Gader. Castulo was my age, and although I did not get to meet him he apparently had quite the tale to tell.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/270-3.jpg

Mjolnir

02-06-2009, 04:11

Another great chapter. :yes:

Chaotix

02-06-2009, 04:42

Nice story so far! Keep it up, Chirurgeon!

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-06-2009, 06:18

Another good chapter. Things are starting to come together.

Silence Hunter

02-06-2009, 23:16

Nice chapter. The story seems to be revealing slowly.

the man with no name

02-07-2009, 01:45

I've read the first few chapters and i KNOW this is going 2 be good:laugh4:

Chirurgeon

02-07-2009, 03:01

IV. Transplants
269 BC
Securing more trade for Emporion took the better part of a season. With a small adjustment in taxes it seems to have worked. If the volume of trade is what it should be then that will more than make up for the reduction in taxes. I arranged for travel back to Mastia. If I was lucky I could find Videllec and reconnect to the Governor Hadrusbal.
I arrived in Mastia to find it suffering the same way Gadiz had. Hadrubal managed a better mood when I saw him this time. Still the wrinkles of concern crossed his face. The bold action of the Lusitanns had stunned him. Now Baikor had been brought into the fold of Lusitannan influence. "We must be wary of the tribes. Should they grow to powerful they may question our trade arrangements", he told me while thinking about distant things. In other words they would raise prices for raw materials. With the tribes fractured it would be easier to keep these prices low. With a grand army and unification it would be difficult if not impossible to achieve the same low rates. With so much on his mind and trade suffering, I had to remind him of why I came back. With a great sigh he got up and paced the floors. "How can you expect more goods at lower prices when I don't even know if shipments will arrive from the interior. This Latronos is worse than his father. He is now turning his aggression northward. The best iron mines are in the very area he plans on attacking. I receive orders from the senate to get even more armor so that they can raise a force in Sicily." He sat there breathless having spewed all this out in a single action. "After all the groveling i did to get this position, now I cannot meet the demands of my people.", he said quietly. "I am sorry I cannot help you Nikea". I nodded and made my exit. Perhaps I could score a deal with merchants. My father had penned a letter of items in need in Emporion.
***
I again rented appropriate quarters and began hunting for excess items. I found some pottery which was in need back in Emporion. I took it off the merchants hands and arranged for travel back to Emporion. I would stop in Arse and stay with some good friends of my father. It was hoped that with all the chaos maybe the merchants in Arse needed some supplies that our merchants had in excess. It was worth a try and if I could get a quote I could deliver it when I arrived in Emporion. Perhaps a profit could be made out of this mess. The profit alone from the pottery would justify this trip.
Before I left I scoured the merchant quarter for Videllec. He was no where to be found. His ship still anchored in the harbor. I approached the ship and heard terrible news. Videllec's home village was off the road about halfway to Baikor. Apparently a detachment of soldiers from Latronos's army laid waste to his village and killed everyone. Gods this was horrible. Videllec likely sought revenge on these heinous killers. I may never see him again.
***
Everything changed in the late fall when i received a letter from my father. He stated that the huge Greek Flotilla had landed north of Emporion. I was shocked. Why had they come to Emporion? I had to get back to Emporion immediately. I got as far as Arse before the seas turned violent. I recognized these seas. There would be no traveling them until spring. I hired a small escort company and stormed north on the shoddy roads that cut near the rugged coastline. As beautiful as the land was around me I was preoccupied with the fact that the survivors of the Athens and Sparta had landed on our shores. The journey seemed to take an eternity. The future was unwritten and for the first time in my life I was truly scared.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/270-2.jpg

Chirurgeon

02-07-2009, 03:03

Another great chapter. :yes:
Thank you sir. Your AAR is coming along nicely as well :)

Nice story so far! Keep it up, Chirurgeon!
Thanks for your support old friend. Glad to see you still hanging around !!

Another good chapter. Things are starting to come together.
Yes it should get quite interesting soon enough

Nice chapter. The story seems to be revealing slowly.
Not to slow I hope. I wanted to build the background story.

I've read the first few chapters and i KNOW this is going 2 be good:laugh4:
lets hope so! Oh and welcome to forums :)

Olaf Blackeyes

02-07-2009, 03:12

Ummm ok i is confused.
In ur Luso one the greeks never got to Emporion.
So how can u keep contiunity with that one while doing this?
Or are u ATLing this one?

Chirurgeon

02-07-2009, 03:49

Ummm ok i is confused.
In ur Luso one the greeks never got to Emporion.
So how can u keep contiunity with that one while doing this?
Or are u ATLing this one?
When i wrote the Iberian Rising AAR I did not think that I would do another one in the same area. I took a hard long look at how to achieve the goals of my current AAR. Essentially Emporion is no different than it is in my Iberian Rising AAR. It is an independent city much like Arse. Nikea and all the people that live there are independent. The Koinen Hellenon faction has not taken the city. So the colors on the map would be the same as in my last AAR. I hope this helps. Currently the city is a nonplayer and has no influence in the fate of the peninsula

Olaf Blackeyes

02-07-2009, 04:14

Ok my NEXT ???s then.
1.R u gonna FD the Luso supor empire into existence?
2.R the KH gonna reclaim teh Hellas?
3.How do u write such AWESOME AARs!?!?!?!?!?!

Chirurgeon

02-07-2009, 04:56

Ok my NEXT ???s then.
1.R u gonna FD the Luso supor empire into existence?
2.R the KH gonna reclaim teh Hellas?
3.How do u write such AWESOME AARs!?!?!?!?!?!
1. Well the Lusitanns actually have helped me out with this. They are almost working on queue when it comes to this. I did have to give Baikor to them though.
2. That is rather ambitious considering they just arrived far from home with not much more than the clothes on their backs. The remnants of Sparta and Athens are in pretty rough shape.
3. Well I have been planning this one for like six months. I have a very active imagination. The gears are always turning. The support of this community is as much a tribute to the success of my AARs as the writing of them. I would have never done this without that support. Its absolutely vital. Any AAR writer will tell you that.
Good questions and I hope I answered them to your satisfaction.

V.T. Marvin

02-07-2009, 13:46

Excellent story, Chirurgeon!:2thumbsup: I love the concept of leaving the game development aside for a while until a good introduction is developed! Shame, this is something that I am not able to achieve in my AARs, which basically are a description of what is happening on the strat map.:embarassed:

Anyway, keep up good work, you are a legend aroung here! :bow:

P.S.- If may to give an unsolicited advice, it would be nice to post some screenshots too, escecially the mini-map to see how is the international situation developing. Probably it would be best to hide in a spoiler, though, not to interfere with your story too much. :2cents:

Chirurgeon

02-07-2009, 15:21

Mr.Man

02-07-2009, 17:02

Very good so far cant wait until the real action starts:yes:

Mjolnir

02-07-2009, 20:17

Ah ha! The pieces are beginning to fit together for me. Great work. :2thumbsup:

the man with no name

02-07-2009, 21:38

I still can't believe that, even before you posted your first chapter you got 14 responses by people besides you!:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:

SwissBarbar

02-07-2009, 23:00

Finally I got around to read the last chapter of your AAR. Again very well written, as I said before I really like the point of view from which you tell your story. Very interesting background-story. Now let's see what those Greeks want ;-) Keep the terrific work up!

Chirurgeon

02-08-2009, 03:45

Very good so far cant wait until the real action starts:yes:
thank you. I am anxious to see how these Greeks are in a fight.

Ah ha! The pieces are beginning to fit together for me. Great work. :2thumbsup:
Very cool. Thanks for following. Your AAR is doing quite well I must say

I still can't believe that, even before you posted your first chapter you got 14 responses by people besides you!:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:
I am lucky to have so many people that appreciate what I do. They make it worth it for me

Finally I got around to read the last chapter of your AAR. Again very well written, as I said before I really like the point of view from which you tell your story. Very interesting background-story. Now let's see what those Greeks want ;-) Keep the terrific work up!
Thank you kind sir. I like the point of view as well.

Mjolnir

02-08-2009, 05:48

Very cool. Thanks for following. Your AAR is doing quite well I must say

Thank you very much, I think it's cool that we're coming at the same idea from different directions at the same time. :beam:

Olaf Blackeyes

02-08-2009, 06:07

Chirurgeon

02-08-2009, 06:43

Ok even MOAR ???s
1.I meant by the first question as in R the Greeks gonna reclaim Hellas at all during this campaign or r u committed to the Western Med?
2.Is this gonna turn into an island hopping game/AAR?
3.Im can assume that this AAR is in the same TL as ur previous one then?

I do not want to reveal too much information, but I will try to answer the best I can.

1. Ultimately the refugees from Sparta and Athens would like to return to their homeland. But they have to make sure their current cities are safe.
2. Anything is possible
3. To a point. There will be an event that changes the direction of things dramatically.

I really can't predict to much as I really have not thought that far ahead. Thanks for asking.

Antinous

02-08-2009, 06:51

Don't spoil the story for us Chirurgeon plz!!!

Chirurgeon

02-08-2009, 08:02

I would never do that :)

Reverend Joe

02-08-2009, 20:40

:wideeyed:

DUDE! AWESOME!

(I just found this AAR!)

Chirurgeon

02-09-2009, 01:55

V. 268 BC - Awkward Coexistance - Part I
I arrived at the villa much to the surprise of my father. He was quite taken aback by the fact that I had taken a land route. I talked to him briefly and reminded him that I had sent all the goods via ship and should have already arrived. He was in and out of the very infirm position of bedrest. The local Chirurgeon had recommended some various tonics to help his joints and lethargy. He didnt know about the shipment because he could not go to the port. I arrived as the sun was setting in the great mountains behind us. The snow beginning its annual descent from the distant peaks, winter would be here again. And again the storms would come. I shared the evening meal with my family. My mother was insistent I get married and told her that things were quite busy at the moment. Hopefully I could get it over with in the slow time of the winter. My good friend Lugos had come from his own house and joined us.
Lugos's father was Lacetanii and his mother Greek. We had been friends for a long time. He had a boy named Armin. We talked till the lanterns went out about the situation. Lugos had been to the massive Greek encampment about a day north of the city. The Indegetii were not happy by this sudden appearance of people on their lands. In fact the Athenians and Spartans had landed about an hours walk from a Indegetii holy site. I sighed at the prospect of soothing relations. I asked Lugos how many people landed on the coast and he said it was like a city. More than lived in Emporion. I shook my head in disbelief.
My father concluded the discussion by saying that their would be a meeting with a diplomat from the Aegean Greeks. He wanted me to come to the meeting so that I could learn how things were done. He was very sincere and I could tell that he wished for me to replace him on the council. The elders council has been an establishment of the city for some time. The vote of the council would determine major decisions. The day to day runnings of the city was handled by a an appointed Governor. The people voted for the council members and the council voted for the Governor. It was a simple and fair system. One that has worked for hundreds of years.
I had to get the inventory off the ship that had set in harbor. With winter fast approaching the captain wanted to get to his home port of Massalia. Great urns and delicate plates were offloaded. With all the chaos in the Aegean, the great Potters could not get their wares to market. With the surplus I bought i Mastia I sold to the merchants of the city. Some would stay and the rest would be sent elsewhere. Overall it was a successful week of business dealings. As a cooler blast of air settled over the city the council met in their chamber. The Greek encampment sent an envoy named Oddyseus to make some requests. I sat with my father and wrote as much as I could. Oddyseus was from Sparta and apparently the Spartan King, Areus, was in command of everyone. This was interesting because Athens had supplied the vessels and oarsmen. Oddyseus was sent to ask for aid...from one Greek to another. The council agreed that much was needed. However with the shipping season essentially over it would be difficult to obtain enough supplies. By spring new orders could be placed. In the mean time we sent envoys and coin to the Indegetii to smooth their feathers after the rather surprising landing of the Greek flotilla.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/268-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/268-1.jpg
***
Two more seasons passed and many more problems developed instead of being solved. The council demanded to speak to King Areus in person. So on a warm summer day the king came. There were many concerns. The people of Emporion had bent over backwards to try and accommodate the huge influx of people. Until things could be sorted out the transplants were told to stay in their encampment and only a limited number of people could actually enter the city. For two seasons a monumental effort had been taken to feed, water, clothe, and shelter the massive number of people. Tensions within the Greek camp had been building as the efforts of the Emporions were falling short. The council sent envoys to Arse and most importantly Massalia. Massalia sent their own diplomat and explained that hosting the refugees was putting all free cities at dire risk. Massilia refused to offer aide and for good reason. The Macedonians had sent an envoy to Massalia warning them not aide the refugees. Arse offered a trivial supply of grain. Not nearly enough. The same envoy from Macedonia arrived at our door, demanding we tell the Greeks to leave. King Areus is to be taken prisoner and delivered to occupied Sparta. Of course our small garrison of men could not do that. There are many civilians living in the camp, but also an army worth of men that still had the very real capability of fighting.
***
In the two seasons of spring and summer I had journeyed to Mastia to again proposition Hadrubal about our predicament. He laughed at the request of the Greeks settling in their lands. "We are at war with Syracuse and the Romans. Sicily burns dear Nikea. We cannot afford another enemy. The Lusitanns rampage unchecked. Perhaps they would be willing to deal with your Greek problem." I walked away empty handed. It seems every sense of normalcy was unwinding before me. Just as I was coming into the prime of my life I would be dealing with tulmultous issues.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/244-1.jpg

Mjolnir

02-09-2009, 02:11

Can't wait to see how this gets resolved. :2thumbsup:

julius_caesar_the_first

02-09-2009, 12:22

The local Chirurgeon had recommended some various tonics to help his joints and lethargy.

:laugh4:

This is the first time I've seen you part of your won AAR. Good update:2thumbsup:. Hope to see the next one soon:yes:

Theodotos I

02-09-2009, 21:12

I still can't believe that, even before you posted your first chapter you got 14 responses by people besides you!:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:
This is why we call him Legend.:laugh4:

Chirurgeon

02-10-2009, 00:34

Can't wait to see how this gets resolved. :2thumbsup:
Next part is coming up momentarily

:laugh4:

This is the first time I've seen you part of your won AAR. Good update:2thumbsup:. Hope to see the next one soon:yes:
thank you for following. Glad you are enjoying it.

This is why we call him Legend.:laugh4:
Your not to shabby yourself. Your writing ability is superb.

Chirurgeon

02-10-2009, 00:54

VI. 268 BC - Awkward Coexistance - Part two
King Areus of Sparta made his way into the council chamber. He was adorned with the various crests associated with a king. He wore a beautiful robe and gilded belt. His sandals were simple but sturdy. His own body was solid. For a man in the twilight of his years he looked quite remarkable. His son came behind him. The heir to the throne of Sparta was a magnificient specimen. Heavily muscled you could tell he took great pain to maintain his fitness. Flanked on either side were two Spartan warriors with their famous shields. They had their helmets on which is generally uncustomary in such meetings and they were armed with their classic spear. It was clear that the king was from a warlike nation. I have a feeling he wished to convey that to the council by his rather impressive entrance. Their were six guards in the room. Levied men from the city they were nothing more than watchmen. Not even a warm up for those Spartan Hoplites no more than 20 paces from me.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/spartanhoplite.jpg
" I would like to thank the council and the people of Emporion for their most gracious host in these trying times of our people." He bowed slightly. Many in the council nodded back. Epandros, the Governor of the city, returned the greeting and then the meeting got down to business.
"King Areus the reason we have called this meeting is to discuss this tenuous situation." After a brief pause he continued. "As you know it has been difficult to procure the necessary supplies you need. Our people have worked very hard but no matter how hard we work it will not be enough." Areus stood stone faced waiting for more from our Governor. His guards had assumed the positions of great statues guarding their king. "Yesterday we hosted an envoy from Massalia indicating that they would have to sever trade with us until you have been returned to Sparta or your people leave our lands." King Areus narrowed his eyes and looked at Epandros. "These Massalians will pay for their betrayel of fellow Greeks." The council looked stunned at the response and my father cleared his throat to speak. "My dear king how are we to stop a sovereign city from making a decision that is in their best interest. They are a trading colony like ourselves. We have limited defenses. We cannot force them to trade with us. We have had a open relationship with Massalia for more than 10 lifetimes!"
King Areus grew irritated. "So you support them condemning you because of our presence? I cannot believe I am hearing this."
Another council member spoke. "You must understand we act with the best interest of our people. Should we defy the Makedonians, it will have grave consequences. They have already threatened to cut off even more trade routes. Their recent successes in battle has unfortunately given them the right to dictate such things."
"I assure you the Makedonians will not come this far just to pick a fight with you." The king stated confidently.
For a moment the council looked at each other until one of the oldest members finally spoke. "We are traders. The people that live here. These indigenous tribes live with us in peaceful coexistence and autonomy. Our trade is the lifeblood of this city. Our power comes from the many goods and merchants in these walls. We can defend against raiders or a poorly planned attack, however the war that would come to our walls would be much worse than that of an army. Our war would be economic. The outcome of which would bring this city into terminal decline." He spoke elegantly and laid out his points in a manner that was hard to dispute.
King Areus slowly nodded in agreement. "I will vow to protect and help your people. It is the least we can do after all your selfless aid."
"We have a dillema and it needs to come to resolution. Your people and actions means that you are completely dependent on our help. The Indegetii are furious at your lack of respect for them. It could take years to repair that damage." Epandros pointed out. His patience clearly running thin.
The council and the king continued to point out various things until finally the council agreed to repair or replace their fleet and give them enough supplies to sail to Numidia or some other region of North Africa.
King Areus was clearly upset and he to began to lose his patience. He began a long speech about the plight of his people and our own. He moved forward and walked in front of all the council members looking in their eyes as he paced and began telling us the journey that brought him to our shores.
"Three years ago the armies of Macedon arrived at Athens. They laid siege to that city, and with a fleet they blockaded the port. Agents within the city set fire to the grain stores and other facilities. The Athenians began to run out of food. An envoy manage to sneak out and get us and begged for help. We agreed to help their cause but only if they would become our subjects.
Finally, in desperation, they agreed. A breakout was planned and the Athenians pushed through the Makedonian lines in the middle of the night. Before the breach could be filled, thousands of Athenian men, women, and children escaped. Some of my men held off the attempts to regain the civilians. Soon they were safely contained in the city of Sparta. However, the Makedonians were incensed at what had happened. They ransacked Athens and a massive fire erupted. The city burned." He took a long pause and seemed to the point of tears but he continued.
"The Makedonian troops arrived at our door and we were greatly outnumbered. We had a limited time to decide what to do next. The Athenians were terrified they would be sold into slavery. Our own people willed a fight to the death. I however decided to use the remains of the Athenian fleet and make for safer ground. Before the Makedonians could assault the city most of us had left. A small contingent fought bravely and the survivors said that we had traveled to Kyrenia via Krete. It was a ploy that worked well. The Makedonians made for North Africa to find us but we began sailing west. Our fleet arrived at Syracuse. I proposed that we stay there but Hiero was wary of allowing the Athenians to stay. Syracuse had not forgotten the pain the Athenians cause their city and people. King Hiero forbid us to stay as long as the Athenians were present. However I had taken an oath to protect them. Clearly this would not work. Messana also closed their doors to us because they did not want to become involved in our conflict with the Makedonians. In fact one by one each colony we stopped at refused to allow us safe haven. We made a final pitch to form a new colony in Corsica. Kart Hadastim allowed us to stay for one year. But before that time was up the Makedonians were furious that another nation would give shelter to the king they so wanted to capture.
We lost many on the journey. The very young and the very old perished in the extreme conditions. Every mile of sea from the Aegean to Iberia is a sacrifice in life. We lost ships to storms and pirates. Some ships simply fell apart. It has been traumatic and tragic. My people cannot continue. I cannot force them to make another journey. It has to end here."
His Soliquay was long and impassioned. Many people were either crying or near the verge of tears. The council agreed to allow them to stay for now. A new decision by the council would be taken at the shortest day of the year. Until then we had to do the best we could to support them.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-3.jpg
***
The meeting on that fateful day was grim. The city was haggard as a result of its intense effort to supply the large encampment to the north. Our people were at the end of their rope. Arse suspended trade relations, fearing reprisal from the Makedonians. Even Kart-Hadast had set a deadline of the summer equinox. Trade with the other cities of Iberia would be discontinued unless we stopped helping our displaced brothers.
The king was summoned to come back to the city so that the council could deliver its final decision. It was not recieved well. It was determined that the refugees must leave by the date of one month before the summer equinox. The council reasoned this decision based on the increasing pressure it was receiving from other cities that feared economic reprisal from the Makedonians. Rich in conquest they did not need the trade that other countries needed. The could brandish trade as a weapon. A weapon it seemed that many people did not want to feel cut into their flesh...or their profits.
King Areus was in utter shock. He looked around the room and made a brief but poignant reply to the councils decision.
"I find it incredibly ironic that a people who founded a city because of their oppression by a ruthless foreign power would treat another people with indifference when their suffering bears so many similiarities to yours. May the gods have mercy upon you." With that he flicked his hand and his entourage snapped to attention and they quickly departed the chambers.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/GreekRuins.jpg

Olaf Blackeyes

02-10-2009, 01:56

Well in the end they will get their just deserves if the TL stays continuous with the Luso one.
EXCELLENT CHAPTER!:beam:
I will see the Greeks reclaim their homes one of these days i hope :pray:

Mjolnir

02-10-2009, 04:01

:smash:

Antinous

02-10-2009, 06:18

Looks like the greeks are in trouble.

SwissBarbar

02-10-2009, 09:06

:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-11-2009, 00:49

VII - Culmination
Emporion, Iberia 267 BC
As soon as the king left the members of the council sat in blinking disbelief. Our worst fears had come to fruition. The King left with all his advisers and rode to the camp north of the city. Epandros immediately took control of the situation and issued levy orders to hundreds of men. The small armory was quickly emptied as men who normally sailed in ships or sold merchandise found themselves holding a spear and shield. Other men were ordered to work to improve the small towers on the walls and to make sure the palisade was in good working order. A rudimentary training ground was made behind the main council chambers and the men began to practice daily. A new level of tension had been found.
***
As the days passed it was learned that the Spartan King had ordered his son, Akrotatos, to lead the invasion force. They had fortified their camp and recruited young and old men that were too feeble to hold a line with the Hoplatai so that they could be used to hurl javelins or slingstones. Creten archers had also been brought with the flotilla and made for deadly missile troops.
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With the short walls of the city it would not take much to rain death from outside. All of this concerned me greatly. The missile troops would wreak havoc even before the hoplites entered the town.
Fortunately our villa was not inside the walls. Our orchards and vineyards extended down the hill towards the city but hopefully out of harms way. I have felt some guilt over such concerns as our groves getting destroyed when peoples homes and lives could be extinguished. Requests for aide had gone out and some tribes had responded. The Llergetii had sent some of their warriors to help in the defense. Other warriors from various tribes arrived but their numbers were not enough to make a huge difference. It was a symbolic gesture awarded because of hundreds of years of relations. It was not intended to sway the tide of battle.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-2.jpg
***
Winters can be a dreary time but this winter was particularly bad. It wasn't the weather, it was the mood of the city. Looking at the harbor told the story. Empty slips and abandoned docks was the theme of the port. With an impending siege of the city most merchants had left for safer port. They would wait to see when it was safe to return.
I sat on the balcony of the villa looking at the city below and the empty port. I had polished off several goblets of wine and was feeling a bit better about the whole thing. My father was asleep along with my mother. My future wife had left with her family. So much for marriage and a family anytime soon. I laughed lightly and realized I would have to go wife shopping again. I cannot believe I am laughing on the eve of such doom.
Lugos joined me for wine and we both talked. His wife had fallen ill with fever, right as all the talk of siege began. Perhaps the stress of the situation was too much but now Lugos was the only one taking care of his 8 year old boy, Armin. I expected him to tell me that he too was leaving. Who could blame him. With a young boy they would be safer back in Lugos's village down the road. But to my agonizing surprise he not only told me he was staying, he intended to be part of the defense. "You remember what I asked of you when Armin was born?" He gently questioned. I nodded in concert with the question. "Good. I fear that day may come sooner than later." I looked at him incredulously. "Have you lost your mind old friend? This entire charade is folly. There is no way we can hold off a force like the one arrayed at us. You honestly think a wooden wall will stop this determined foe?" I threw the goblet off the balcony and it rolled down the slope towards the city. It was dark but the moon was brilliant. I could almost see the goblet far down the slope amongst the grapes. "I have no choice Nikea. My village would banish me as a coward." I looked at him again. A look of puzzlement across my face. "Your village is not attacked. What does it matter?"
He sighed and told me it was complicated but you could not simply abandon your home without a fight. It was dishonorable. "And what about survival? Is that dishonorable?" I asked mockingly. "You cannot fully understand. Honor above everything Nikea. It is the way of my people." Well it doesn't make any sense to me. "The Spartans are honorable and yet they fled their lands so that they may fight again." I retorted. "I suppose your right, but I would feel terrible if I did not defend my home." He was staring straight ahead at the city. "Your home is not in the city. So stand here with a spear and defend it." I laughed. "This is not amusing. If I didn't know better I would say you are mocking me." He looked at the empty carafe of wine. "I will blame it on the wine. I will talk to you about this issue later." With that he made his leave. I suddenly felt very alone and scared. My emotions ebbed and flowed like the sea upon the shore. What was I to do? Am I the only one that realizes this whole thing is complete foolishness. Our people that resist will not be heroes...they will be fools! Everyone in my life was on the precipice of vanishing. My father would not last much longer. My best friend was going to sacrifice himself for a ridiculous cause. I will have to care for Armin and quite frankly I don't want to. I never actually thought Lugos would perish. Now I have to accept the fact that that is a reality.

***
It did not take long for the Spartans to make their way to the outskirts of the city. As spring was in full swing their men began to build a siege camp outside the walls. It was nearly the same size as the city they were about to attack. Each morning I would wake up and look and see that the war machines were coming along. Three rams had been constructed and would be rolling their way towards the city walls in good time. I visited the city one more time before the Spartans were to attack.
***
On a crisp morning it began. The missile troops followed the great rams as they ambled slowly towards the walls. One of the rams caught fire and was destroyed before it made it to the wall. The other two made it and the men took minimal casualties. I only know of what happened through accounts of survivors afterword. Epandros ordered men to defend the gaps that would appear in the wall. However the Spartans and Athenians along with Cretens delivered a hail of javelins, slingstones, and arrows.
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Our defenders fell in great numbers. Some units were completely destroyed. The first part of the battle had been a complete disaster. Epandros sacrificed many of his men for nothing. Their levied men charged through the gaps and the second phase of the defense began. In the tight roads and paths that cut through the city the Iberian tribes but up a stiff fight.
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But alas it was a war of numbers. Already outnumbered our odds began to grow dim. The enemy began the slow climb up the hill to the center of town. Epandros made a defiant stand on that hill and slew many.
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Any hope of success was dashed when the Spartan Hoplites made their way into the city.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-7.jpg
However the enemy was able to move troops to the back of the city square where the remaining defenders were trapped in between.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-8.jpg
Here it became a slaughter as the Spartan hoplites joined the fight and obliterated our defenders. It was a quick fight. It was over before the sun was at its peak in the sky. By the evening meal the dead were burning and King Areus called for a meeting of the council.
The king and his son seemed to shrug off the mornings battle as if it never happened. Our city prepared for months and in just a few hours it was over. Many of the men that had been hit by slingstones or arrows were actually still alive. The Spartans and their allies did not kill off these survivors. Instead they ordered the survivors to be gathered up and all effort used to save them. It was this act that convinced me that King Areus did not want to destroy this city and he was reluctant to hurt other Greeks. I gained a large volume of respect for this man after I witnessed his compassion toward his fellow Greeks.
In calling a meeting with the council Areus dismissed the men but wished to keep a select few as advisers. I had to fill in for my father and Areus asked me how he was. I told him I thought my father was dying. He expressed his condolences. The King appointed his son to run most of the day to day running of the city and he would need someone to help with the matters of trade. Many of the merchants had been injured in the fight and the men of the council were in their twilight years. He asked the council to nominate someone who could help re-establish trade relations with other cities. The men of the council knew that I had good relations with many of the other cities. They nominated me. I had always dreamed of becoming a council member like my father. Now I was working for the King of Sparta. I was breathless but managed to contain myself.
***
In a series of meetings with myself and other advisers the king outlined his plan. His son, Akrotatos, would be doing much of the work. First order of business was to expand the city and abandon the old wall. Their was room to expand the city and that plan was put into motion. The city was to double in size and a new stronger wooden wall would be built to replace the current palisade.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-10.jpg
Of course much of the wood would be used to construct the new wall. Improvements to the port would be done as well. The last of the treasury of the Spartans was to improve the trails that led away from the city and make them into nominal roads. Some bridges would have to be built and this required a significant labor force.
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With the addition of so many new people it wasn't hard to find the labor necessary. Finally, a suitable home for the king was being constructed in the middle of the city. And a new temple to Posiedeon would be constructed. Apparently the relatively safe passage of his ships encouraged the king to worship this god.
***
I have been sent to Massalia to try and renegotiate a trade treaty with the Massalians. They had heard of the defeat of a large Makedonian fleet by the hands of Ptolemai. The Makedonians would suffer a huge setback because they were limited to primarily land attacks. Apparently they had their hands full in the northern reaches of the Aegean peninsula. King Areus offered the Massalians a mutual protection offer. Should Massalia come under attack the Spartans would respond. Having heard about how easily they dismantled our defenses the Massalian governor agreed. Makedonia may protest, but with their fleet in the bottom of the Aegean, there was little they could do.
***
I returned to Emporion in late fall to find the city changing rapidly. A huge influx of people had entered the city and were busy building new houses. New shops were appearing everywhere. King Areus and Akrotatos were very pleased at my success. Next year I was to travel to our old trading partners in Southern Iberia and I arrived at my villa to find my father had died. It was sad but not unexpected. A good man I will remember him fondly and no doubt use what he taught me. Lugos had not died and his boy of nine still had a father. He had been knocked unconscious by a sling stone. I had also met a woman in Massalia. We intended to marry and she was going to move here. Appolonia was more than happy to make a life with me in our family villa. This year saw my most low and high moments. I truly expected the worst, but recieved many blessings instead.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/267-9.jpg

Chirurgeon

02-11-2009, 00:52

Looks like the greeks are in trouble.
Yea...Emporion just lost its independence and got thrown headlong into the conflicts of the day.

Mjolnir

02-11-2009, 01:00

Very nice, I was curious how you were planning on finally inserting the game into your narrative. Masterfully done. :2thumbsup:

Antinous

02-11-2009, 01:36

Brilliant!!!

Olaf Blackeyes

02-11-2009, 02:58

A POD huh?
:furious3:
Oh well i guess it was going to happen at some point.
But still, i hate to see the EPIC TL of the Luso AAR corrpted:shame:

Kuningaz

02-11-2009, 03:09

The legend is back:2thumbsup: forgive me, oh master of AARs that I just noticed that today:shame:

Chirurgeon

02-11-2009, 03:55

Very nice, I was curious how you were planning on finally inserting the game into your narrative. Masterfully done. :2thumbsup:
yes I had to do something. Emporion is not its own faction so If I was going to some game stuff I would have to use the KH to do it. I hope you are happy with the result

Brilliant!!!
:bows:

A POD huh?
:furious3:
Oh well i guess it was going to happen at some point.
But still, i hate to see the EPIC TL of the Luso AAR corrpted:shame:
Well in my other AAR, Emporion falls to the Kart-Hadastim nine years after this chapter. I just didnt think it was plausable to wait that long. Plus The Arverni took it over again in 251. Divergence yes. It was necessary to prevent the KH from looking like total garbage getting smacked around by three different factions.

The legend is back:2thumbsup: forgive me, oh master of AARs that I just noticed that today:shame:
Well I hope you like it. Thanks for checking in

julius_caesar_the_first

02-11-2009, 10:46

Grate update:beam::2thumbsup:

Just out of curiosity: are you planning to keep Rhodos?

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-11-2009, 22:46

Great read.
Good to see some action.
I like how you had me rooting for the city defenders and against the side you were playing. :egypt:

If you don't want to give it away, you should keep Rhodos and roleplay them as a separate faction...

Chirurgeon

02-12-2009, 00:15

Grate update:beam::2thumbsup:

Just out of curiosity: are you planning to keep Rhodos?
They have no reason to leave at the moment.

Great read.
Good to see some action.
I like how you had me rooting for the city defenders and against the side you were playing. :egypt:

If you don't want to give it away, you should keep Rhodos and roleplay them as a separate faction...
Thank you sir. They are just sitting their at the moment. I wish the AI would do naval landings. It would be much more realistic.

Chirurgeon

02-12-2009, 00:51

VIII. A sense of Normalcy
266 BC
Oxtraca
I spent the winter of the previous year writing up proposals for trade and as soon as spring was upon us I booked several merchant ships to travel to my old trading haunts. Arse again was trading with the tribes of the interior and I was able to secure some iron on my return trip. The winds were strong and the journey was quick. I arrived in Mastia to discover that a relative calm had settled over Iberia and the Lusitanns were instead campaigning far to the north. The distant city of Tyde had fallen. The Lusitanns were quickly uniting all the tribes of Iberia. What would happen when this finally occurred was anyone's guess. I was heading to Gadiz to see what that city had. Rumors abounded that the city had a much stronger tie to Oxtraca, the Lusitann capitol. Stronger ties usually yield better trade. I had best hurry to capitalize on the situation.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/9207435.jpg
***
Gadiz was buzzing with the business of trade. Ships again flowed in and out of the harbor. The Makedonians had lost major influence in many of the eastern ports and once again their cargos were sailing across the great sea. Gadiz was the major port of the region and as a result much of the goods flowing into Oxtraca were coming to the port. I found out that there was a meeting of nobility and merchants soon to be had in one of the more luxurious estates on the hills of Gadiz. Senator Gaston of Kart-Hadastim had invited many to his estate. Over the course of several days I met with many merchants. Emporion needed many goods and also their were goods in trade. The tribes around our city had brought in various metals and other goods. Timber was of high quality and Horses could be bought as well. With the construction boom in Gadiz continuing, the need for timber and animals to pull it was an opportunity to again renew trade. Our own port was being upgraded and could have more ships at once. Improved roads meant trade from the tribes that lived in area around the city could bring their goods to market easier. Many of the traders asked me about what happened to our city and the remarkable story of the Spartans and Athenians. They were impressed that the King of the Spartans was a kind ruler and spared most of the men that fought on that fateful day.
Other tales emerged during the meeting as well. The young noble, Castulo, was telling his tale. I sat and listened intently and he told of the horrors he had seen. He told of what happened to Videllec's family. I was saddened by this but was hopeful when he told me that Videllec had gone North to find the survivors from his village. He had hoped his family was with the survivors. Castulo indicated that Latronos would likely target Celtiberia next. The displaced Celts were raiding into Lusotann territory and making trade difficult in some areas. If left alone it would burgeon into a great crisis.
Many of the merchants planned on renewing the slave trade. I was torn on this. Trafficking of of humans never really sat comfortably with me. Regardless it was incredibly lucrative. I did plan on traveling to Oxtraca to see this city. Apparently Iron was flowing in from the far north of Iberia. The best deals were to be had in Oxtraca. I arranged for a caravan of 10 wagons and began my trek north away from the coast and into the coastal mountains. I could see the great sea behind me as I wound my way north into a beautiful land. Windswept with great fields of grass blowing in the wind it made for a great contrast to the coast. It was cooler and the air was thin. It became drier as we rolled north to Oxtraca. Soon we arrived at the city. It was much different and gritty compared to most cities I had been to. However it didn't take long to find the merchant quarter. In every city its the same. The smells and sounds will guide you there. I purchased as much Iron as possible. Some of it on credit. King Areus wanted the iron because he planned on making a number of things with it. Nails and other building materials would make use of it, but primarily it was weapons. I was to procure as much iron as possible so that the King could start to build up a military force. Armies were expensive and so much had already been spent. I would have to look at the treasury when I got home but I do not think there is enough funds to pay an army. Much less enough to build a fleet. The Spartans weren't much on the practical aspect of raising army.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/SierraNevadaSpain.jpg
***
It took a longer than expected time but we finally managed to reach the port of Gadiz. One of the wagons had broken an axle and the cargo had to be transferred to other wagons. Once in the city I arranged for transport back to Emporion. Ships were scarce. If Videllec had been around I would have no trouble loading my Cargo. I had to wait half the summer season before I could get a ship that would be willing to stop in Arse to pick up more iron.
Finally I arrived back in Emporion with a few weeks to spare before the winter storm season set in. I arrived to see a city that was changing rapidly.

Antinous

02-12-2009, 01:54

This is getting very good.

the man with no name

02-12-2009, 03:51

Nice updates man!!!

Kuningaz

02-12-2009, 04:17

Nice update:yes:

Mjolnir

02-12-2009, 05:13

This is progressing nicely.

SwissBarbar

02-12-2009, 08:31

I second that :2thumbsup:

Hotseat_User

02-12-2009, 10:01

*gettin' excited* ~D

Chirurgeon

02-12-2009, 17:55

This is getting very good.

Nice updates man!!!

Nice update:yes:

This is progressing nicely.

I second that :2thumbsup:

*gettin' excited* ~D

Thank you all for the supportive comments. Update coming up!

Chirurgeon

02-12-2009, 18:06

IX - Honoring the Agreement
265 BC
The city of Emporion was changing rapidly. We were undergoing a population explosion. With all the new immigrants from other places in the troubled Aegean the city was quickly outstripping its infrastructure.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/265-1.jpg
A huge market complex was completed. The old merchant quarter was demolished and a small theater placed there. In addition a school was completed before the end of the year.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/265-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/265-3.jpg

***
The war further in Iberia was creating a problem of refugees. They streamed into central Iberia and began to settle in areas considered our territory. This was a diplomatic nightmare. Many wished to work in the city or help with the multitude of construction projects underway. However the King and his son wished to control how many non-Greeks were allowed in the city. This was never something that concerned us in the past. This would only cause a deterioration of relations between the natives and ourselves. I was in the uncomfortable position of trying to trade and defend our actions. Alas in a meeting I was able to get King Areus to relax the restrictions a bit. I explained it would hurt trade, which would hurt income, which would reduce his effort to rebuild his army. With so many Greeks arriving from other places to make a living here and escape the horrors of war, the powers to be of the city decided to start training them in the ancient Greek art of fighting. King Areus knew that he would need non-Greek troops to achieve his goals. So he began by training Greeks in the classic form of the hoplite. They would form a compact fighting unit some eight men deep if necessary. Supporting this would be various tribal units from around. The Iberians were superb with a javelin. Even better than their Hellenistic counterparts. It was deemed that the Iberians would be used to weaken the enemy and defend the flanks of our Hoplites. Horses abounded in this region and it would be relatively easy to form up some cavalry that could be used for scouting or running down weaker enemies. King Areus was working diligently on rebuilding the city.
***
My new wife and I had the year to get to know each other. By the end of the year she was with child. I was so happy. I had some more olives planted around the estate and tried a few new grape varietals. It was nice to be home and enjoy the time here. My mother still lived with me and was incredibly happy to have the possibility of becoming a grandmother.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/olive_grove_al_koura_tn.jpg
Lugos had much contact with his tribe and with his natural leadership left an impression on King Areus. The King wished for Lugos to command some of the Iberian men. Akrotatos developed a solid relationship with Lugos and his men. The native tribes such as the Lacetanii and others took notice and some of their soldiers volunteered to join the ranks. With trade booming and the money flowing into the city, Areus could afford to start paying men to join his army. Akrotatos, who is only a few years older than me, handled the training personally. His cadre of Spartan Hoplites prepared and drilled the men relentesly. Ironically something would happen that would force the King and his heir to action.
***
As winter came upon us, the King recieved a message from Massalia. A band of Celtic warriors had surrounded the city and intended on capturing it. The lands of Gaul were a mystery to most of us. What was known is that the soldiers from that land are fierce. The pace of training was increased dramatically. King Areus had sworn to protect the people of Massalia. For they were Greek and our brothers.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/265-6.jpg

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-12-2009, 20:38

Nice couple of chapters.

I was wondering, have you changed recruitment options in Emporion at all? Although you probably have a large army and can't afford much military buildup, I was wondering if you were just going to go with the default recruitment options for the region. With a large Spartan population under Spartan law, it would be easy to justify the recruitment of Spartan Hoplitai.

Mjolnir

02-12-2009, 21:06

:2thumbsup:

Antinous

02-13-2009, 01:33

SWEET!!!!!!~:cheers:

Chirurgeon

02-13-2009, 19:24

X - Complexity of Preparation
264 BC
All around the city there was great effort preparing our men for the rescue of Massalia. A large tribe of warriors from Cisalpine Gaul has descended upon the city. Their reason is unknown but their action is unmistakable. They intend to capture the city. Rumors abound that the Romans have pushed their people out of their lands and they are looking for a new area to settle. This aggressive migration has truly upset things. https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/264-4.jpg
King Areus has passed. His son is now the King of his people. What a remarkable story King Areus had to tell. History will remember this man not as a coward but a fearless leader that led his people on an exodus from suppression. He has insured that one day his people would return to their homeland.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/264-1.jpg
Because the Spartans have been concerned with war, King Akrotatos has given Governorship of the city to Chremonides Attikos. Although he is getting older he is a superb governor.
It seems the men of Athens have quiet the flair for governance while the Spartans specialize in war. Chremonides has hired me as his clerk. He has also hired other men of the city as treasurer, chief merchant, and many other lucrative posts. This man has surrounded himself with an impressive arsenal of advisors. This economic army has made Emporion into a very successful and rich city.
It is an interesting and mutualistic relationship. Our city could not be successful without adequate protection. However that Protection has a steep price tag. With the economic prowess of the Athenians, and the Militaristic nature of the Spartans, the two work in tandem. For now there is little conflict. It is an interesting dichotomy.

***
The forges of the blacksmiths never seems to stop. In this time of need the blacksmiths work in shifts and work feverishly to create weapons and armor for our relief force being sent to Massalia. King Akrotatos has stated that his worst fear is that Massalia falls before we can arrive and the city becomes heavily fortified to attack. It would mean a long siege. It is hopeful our brothers can hold out longer. The men have been training relentlessly. I have watched the hoplites in action and they are a site to behold. With their shiny helmets and penetrating spears they form a strong barrier to all that wishes to get through. Just the other day they were going through maneuvers outside the city walls. Led by the fearless Hoplites of Sparta they are receiving the best training possible.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/kh_spartiates.gif
There is a sizable number of Spartans now settled in Emporion. With their settlement has come their customs. The training of fierce warriors is an obsession for them. In the off time the hoplites have been painting their shields. Each one to look like a giant eye staring at you. It is an intimidating site to witness.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/264-3.jpg

My wife has produced a boy. I have named him Dorus after my father. Seeing the two of them together makes me wish I can have a peaceful life. It seems however that conflict surrounds us. I try to keep them sheltered in the villa outside the city. I fear the tribes north of us will grow jealous of our wealth. Or they may seek to revenge us should we thwart the attack against Massalia.
In the harbor are the ships that will take the Army to Massalia. It is not a formidable force, but rather a practical one. These ships, salvaged from the Greek Flotilla, are the fastest way to our sister city.
Lugos returned from the great Celtic city of Numantia to report that the Arevaci tribe had been in a huge battle with the Lusitanns. In a massive fight in a forest outside the city the Arevaci had lost their leader, Moskun, and the Lusitanns lost their king, Latronos. What a sight that must have been.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/X-3.jpg
Lugos told me it was the largest battle anyone had seen in recent memory. I began to wonder if this was the end of the Lusitann expansion. Clearly the loss of their king and much of their army would dishearten them. Regardless it would be some time before they recovered.
All of this fighting made me nervous. Our island of relative peace was being encroached upon by rougher and rougher seas. I wondered when we would be swallowed by the beast of war.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-13-2009, 19:33

So they will not stay there forever, GOOD!
:2thumbsup:
I guess the other TL has been restored:2thumbsup:

Mjolnir

02-13-2009, 19:53

Are you using "add_money" to pay for all this? I've been doing a little bit of that to RP in my AAR.

Hotseat_User

02-13-2009, 20:44

errr ... if I really start this now, I have to find another comparative for every chapter. :smile: so: I'm the more excited! uhhh. :sweatdrop: welldone :smash:

Chirurgeon

02-13-2009, 22:27

So they will not stay there forever, GOOD!
:2thumbsup:
I guess the other TL has been restored:2thumbsup:
The loss of Massalia to the Aeudi is unacceptable to King Akratatos. He could not stand by while the most important trading partner was attacked. Plus he signed a mutal protection treaty with them.

Are you using "add_money" to pay for all this? I've been doing a little bit of that to RP in my AAR.
Yes its unavoidable. However it is not unrealistic. Individual cities could raise substantial armies. Syracuse, Athens, and Sparta are wonderous examples of that :) I am more concerned with realism and roleplay than with the limited game mechanics.

errr ... if I really start this now, I have to find another comparative for every chapter. :smile: so: I'm the more excited! uhhh. :sweatdrop: welldone :smash:
Not sure what you mean but OK! :)

Olaf Blackeyes

02-13-2009, 22:32

Vasiliyi

02-13-2009, 22:36

Awesome stuff so far Chirurgeon!

julius_caesar_the_first

02-13-2009, 23:16

Good job with the update:2thumbsup:. I can't wait to see how the battle goes:beam:

Olaf, what does TL mean? I couldn't find anything useful at the Urban Dictionary.

Mjolnir

02-13-2009, 23:28

Olaf, what does TL mean? I couldn't find anything useful at the Urban Dictionary.

Timeline.

julius_caesar_the_first

02-13-2009, 23:41

Thanks:smiley:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-14-2009, 00:54

Another good chapter. Looking forward to some expansion.

You really haven't said and I was wondering, is this going to be an Emporion AAR or will the Spartans move their capital to the larger, more important city of Massalia if they take it? Although they do seem to have set themselves up well in Emporion and built up the city...

I don't see any problem with the add money cheat. I would imagine that the army that flee Hellas wouldn't be expecting pay. If they are refugees, they are following their leader by choice and not out of desire for income. Any Keltic or Iberian troops you might recruit/hire would want money though.

Antinous

02-14-2009, 02:08

Encore encore!!!!!

Chirurgeon

02-14-2009, 03:23

Well i have a couple of guesses as to what is going to happen at some point in this TL.
1.You wont be staying in Emporion for the whole of this TL, and the Luso will get at it eventually.
2.At some point you are going to be leading an invasion of Greece to overthrow the Makedonians.
You will have to wait and see

Awesome stuff so far Chirurgeon!
Thank you :)

Good job with the update:2thumbsup:. I can't wait to see how the battle goes:beam:

Olaf, what does TL mean? I couldn't find anything useful at the Urban Dictionary.

yes I haven't used them in battle yet. Should be fun

Another good chapter. Looking forward to some expansion.

You really haven't said and I was wondering, is this going to be an Emporion AAR or will the Spartans move their capital to the larger, more important city of Massalia if they take it? Although they do seem to have set themselves up well in Emporion and built up the city...

I don't see any problem with the add money cheat. I would imagine that the army that flee Hellas wouldn't be expecting pay. If they are refugees, they are following their leader by choice and not out of desire for income. Any Keltic or Iberian troops you might recruit/hire would want money though.

Encore encore!!!!!
Yes thats my thoughts as well. They have invested a ton in Emporion. For now it will stay the capital. Thank you all for following

Potocello

02-14-2009, 05:49

Chirurgeon, this is great stuff here, perfect for a Greek lover such as myself! Keep up the good work

Chirurgeon

02-14-2009, 06:01

Chirurgeon, this is great stuff here, perfect for a Greek lover such as myself! Keep up the good work

Glad you like it :)

Chirurgeon

02-14-2009, 15:40

XI. - Aide to Our Brothers
263 BC
The winter lasted longer than normal. Boats were forced to stay in harbor longer than expected. While we waited for the seas to calm, King Akratatos recieved word that Massalia had fallen. Our brothers had not been able to holdout the winter. King Akratatos looked deflated as he read the letter. The governor and his people were essentially hostages to the Aeudi tribe that had invaded their sovereign city.
As soon as it was feasible the men headed for the boats. I watched as an endless stream of men with weapons and supplies walked up the ramps and into the craft. Lugos had been appointed to command some of his native men. Impressively armored and armed Celtiberian tribesmen, known as Dunamonica, swore their alligiance to him.
"Watch yourself old friend." I remember telling him with a smile on my face. It was a forced smile, for I feared something would happen to him and his young boy of 11 would be without a father. Armin ran to him and clutched him desperately begging him not to go. It was a sad moment to see a father having to pry himself away from his son. Wiping tears away the boy stood next to me and waved at his father as the ship slowly ambled into the main harbor. In an hour or two it would be gone over the horizon. We would not hear any more until the winter.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-1.jpg
***
Lugos had penned a letter that arrived just as we were preparing for the winter solstice. I remember receiving it in the palace. It was the first bit of news as to what happened in Massalia:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263letter.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-5.jpghttps://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-6.jpg

***
Chremonides was using much of the cheap labor to build agricultural estates for the nobility that had arrived here or were with the refugees. Various families had lost everything when they fled the Aegean. Some of these families had massive estates. On the plains north and west of the city these estates were being rebuilt. For now Chremonides paid for it out of the treasury. As soon as they were up and running the Nobility would pay part of the expense back to the king. As the clerk to the Governor I would keep an eye on the cargo coming into the port. The nobility were demanding more luxury goods to put in those expensive estates. Luxury goods had high taxes and meant more money for the treasury. However it would be easy to try and sneak it in. Thanks to my intimate knowledge of the ports, it was rare for that to occur. It was plain to me that the situation in Massalia would not be resolved soon. Rather it meant a long time of simply waiting out the enemy. I have seen the walls of that city. It is a formidable obstacle to behold.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/263-7.jpg

Antinous

02-15-2009, 00:57

Amazing!!!! :applause:

the man with no name

02-15-2009, 01:05

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

SwissBarbar

02-15-2009, 01:45

:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-15-2009, 17:41

XII - Encroachment
262 BC
I received another letter from Lugos today. He was confident that the city of Massalia would fall soon. I certainly hope so. The next question is what would happen to it after we liberated it? The young Spartan king, may not be so willing to relinquish control of the city. The Aeudi had attacked the city without provocation as it would seem. However why would they attack without their king or other family members. It all didn't make sense. I have a suspicion that the people of Massalia will accept whatever our king offers. After all they have little to bargain with. Our cities are practically united as it is. Although slightly older than us they have been around a very long time.
***
My child, Dorus is two years old and I have entered my 28th year of life. My wife has worried about her family in Massalia and wishes them the utmost safety. Every day she makes her rounds at the temples offering gifts to many of the gods. I tell her that they will be fine. It will soon be over. I have been extremely busy as of late. I made a quick trip to Arse to visit the merchants of that city. They are worried about events that have happened in the interior of Iberia. Celtiberi and its capital of Numantia have fallen to the new king of the Lusitanns, Ditalkos. Although he seems much more tolerant. The city of Numantia was not put to the sword as others had thought. Ditalkos was forging a powerful confederation that demanded respect.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/XII-3.jpg
In a recent journey to Mastia, Hadrubal had indicated it might be time for Arse to join Kart Hadastim. The justification it would seem would be to protect the people. However that was just a smokescreen. The real purpose was that Kart-Hadastim had lost its hold on the profitable island of Sicily. Desperate for new sources of income it was rumored that Arse and the province of Edetania would be added to the long list of colonies under the rule of Kart - hadast. This was a disturbing development. Another development was that the Lusitanii were looking for a major port so that they would not have to use the ports of another nation for trade. There was mounting pressure for Kart-Hadast to take over control of the mines directly in Iberia. That would certainly justify a war between the Lusitanii and our Punic trading partners. The only ports that are available for the Lusitanns is Arse and Emporion. The other powers of Iberia may view us as weak. Especially with our army laying siege to another city. This would not end well I am afraid.
***
My worst fears were confirmed when I finally left Mastia. I took the road because I wanted to see if the rumors had been true. As I moved north along the road I saw a large force of men arrayed on either side of the main route. They were encamped and within a days march of the border with Edetania. This troop buildup took a great effort. I stopped by the city of Arse to get the feel of what the city was expecting. Apparently they did not think that Hadrubal had the gall to attack their city. I knew differently. Even Ephadrus was reluctant to accept the possibility. However Ephadrus was arrogant. You would think he is king of the world with the way he talks. I told him that he needed to get aide from the tribes. Levy troops. Do something. He looked at me and laughed. "Do you know how long that would take?" I looked surprised by his sudden sense of humor. " I do not know. It might take a few weeks." He stopped smiling and looked at me again. "That is a few weeks we do not have." I was puzzled by his response. He walked across the room and looked out the window at the port. "Hadrubal crossed the river into our lands yesterday morning. He will be here in less than a week." He stood there with his back to me. For a long time he said nothing. Finally he spoke. "Will there be anything else?" "No sir I replied".
I left in a flurry and booked a ship north to Emporion. I had to inform Chremonides what was happening here. Suddenly I felt panicked again. It was the same feeling I had when I learned of the Aegean Greeks that had landed near our city.

the man with no name

02-15-2009, 18:23

Another good update by our favorite AAR writer.:beam::beam::beam:

Hax

02-15-2009, 18:40

Good update, Chirurgeon.

You go girl

the man with no name

02-15-2009, 19:20

Good update, Chirurgeon.

You go girl

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLZZZZZZZ

Mjolnir

02-15-2009, 20:08

Excellent. :smash:

SwissBarbar

02-15-2009, 20:43

Love it! :2thumbsup:

Antinous

02-15-2009, 21:15

Fantastic!!

Chirurgeon

02-15-2009, 21:29

:2thumbsup:

Another good update by our favorite AAR writer.:beam::beam::beam:

Good update, Chirurgeon.

You go girl

Excellent. :smash:

Love it! :2thumbsup:

Fantastic!!

Thank you all for the positive comments. Check back tomorrow morning for another chapter :)

Theodotos I

02-15-2009, 21:42

Wow, you've been busy. And yet, quality has not suffered.:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-15-2009, 21:53

Wow, you've been busy. And yet, quality has not suffered.:2thumbsup:
Thank you very much. I am trying to give short but daily updates. I have had a fair amount of time to play (presidents day weekend) so I am far ahead in my writing. I am about nine chapters ahead of whats posted here.

V.T. Marvin

02-16-2009, 08:47

Chirurgeon

02-16-2009, 17:08

Excellent as always!:2thumbsup:

BTW - How do you deal with the relation of your FMs ethincity traits and the government type? In my KH campaign Spartan would be very unhappy (and lousy governor because of that) in Type II city, while Athenian would not fare well in Type I or III either.
What governments do you use? Have you modded your EDCT to accomodate your migration campaign with respect to ethnicity and gov-types?
Well with regard to the various ethnic traits I generally leave governorship to the Athenians and the Rhodians. The Spartan king controls the military. I have modded some things thanks to MAA. The main thing was recruitment. Emporion can recruit Spartan Hoplites. Massalia can recruit classic hoplites in addition to the levied hoplites. However i doubled the time and the cost. I can only afford one unit at the moment. Money is a huge problem. I have had to cheat a bit on that side of things. Hope this helps

Chirurgeon

02-16-2009, 17:28

XIII - Resolution
261 BC
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/261-1.jpg

Emporion
The siege of Massalia ended without incident. Incredibly the Aeudi soldiers surrendered without spilling a drop of blood. Later it was learned that they had been paid to capture the city and disrupt trade with Emporions. Unable to reach us with an army the Makedons still continue their scheming. They are bribing others to make our lives miserable. Well this time it failed but Akratatos was convinced it would happen again. He had to stay in the city the remainder of the year. Although the Hellenic government was quite good it would require some additional oversight.
***
Chremonides had been ill as of late but his son Doros had taken on much of the governorship of the city. Young and not as capable as his father it would take some time to teach him what was involved with governing this city. Another man that was quite trusted, Eurgetes of Rhodos, was to take over governorship of Massalia. The Spartans had no love of running a city, rather they loved the money that the city brought in so they could raise armies. Already the men of Massalia were forming a core of men that could campaign on the behalf of Akratatos.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/261-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/260-1.jpg
While Akratatos was in Massalia I informed Doros of the situation in Arse. He immediately sent a letter to Akratakos informing him of the situation. He may already know as the trade ships of this region are quite fast. If you want to know something you do your digging at the port and the market. Akratatos indicated he would return as soon as feasible to deal with the situation.
However it was learned late in the year before the king could return that Arse had fallen. Edetania was now a province of Kart-Hadast. This had wide ranging implications. The Iberian Confederacy, consisting of the multitude of tribes that the Lusitanni had united, wanted a port on the great sea. This of course would hurt the profit of Kart-hadast because they would not be able to tax the goods. Although the water was not boiling, the first vapors of steam were visible. The Lusitanii were faced with some uncomfortable and difficult options. If they wanted a port they would have to go to war with us or Kart-Hadast. So far they have had limited contact with us. It is likely that as their strength grows the pressure to do something will mount. Eventually they will have to capture a port. It was a question of which one. Tribes further in the north of Iberia had fallen. It would not be long till the remaining tribes would join their cause. I needed to talk to Lugos about the situation.
On a cool night we sat on the balcony and listened to the gentle rustling of trees in the winter breeze. The torches of the city still burned for a few more hours and people were still moving around in the city. For a while we marveled at the expansion it had undergone the last few years. Truly this was a great thing. The merchant quarter had grown quite fast and was now the dominant market in the region.
We talked at length about the situation with the Lusitanni. "How long before the Indegentii and Lacetanii go the way of the other tribes?" I asked finally. Lugos shrugged and looked down at his wine that he was swirling in his goblet. "As long as you are good to my people they will not sway their alligiance." He said stoicly. "If the Lusitanni attack who will they side with" I pried even further. "They will aide you as much as possible, however there are always chieftains that will try to ally with anyone who has enough coin". I nodded "Mercenaries". "Yes my dear friend. Alligiance can be purchased."
I felt a little better but Lugos was only guessing and I suspect saying things to make me feel better. Many Iberians called Emporian home. However when faced with fighting other Iberians who would they side with? This was a question that would only be answered if the gods cursed us with the armies of the Lusitanni.

the man with no name

02-16-2009, 17:40

:2thumbsup: As you may be able 2 see finished reading this 8 min. after you posted this update.

Antinous

02-16-2009, 17:50

Fantastic again!!

Chirurgeon

02-16-2009, 19:31

:2thumbsup: As you may be able 2 see finished reading this 8 min. after you posted this update.
Good timing!

Fantastic again!!
Thanks!

SwissBarbar

02-16-2009, 20:29

Great :yes:

Mjolnir

02-16-2009, 20:49

:smash:

julius_caesar_the_first

02-16-2009, 21:13

:applause::beam::2thumbsup: :applause::2thumbsup::beam: :applause::2thumbsup::beam:

Great job you're doing:yes:

Hotseat_User

02-16-2009, 21:35

yeah yeah yeah! I wonder what happend in the Luso-One? Don't know it. But I think this keeps it more interesting for me. :book: :sweatdrop:

Vasiliyi

02-17-2009, 03:59

Chirurgeon, the publicity you receive on your aars is just marvelous and envied by the rest of the writers here on the org! But you are an amazing writer! :balloon2: A balloon for you!

CaesarAugustus

02-17-2009, 04:57

It has been a while, Chirurgeon, but your AARs are a pleasure to read. Good to see that you are still writing them! I think I'll finish up your Luso one before starting this though... it looks like they are both written using the same campaign game?

Chirurgeon

02-17-2009, 05:41

Great :yes:
Thank you

:smash:
Thanks for the smashing appreciation :)

:applause::beam::2thumbsup: :applause::2thumbsup::beam: :applause::2thumbsup::beam:

Great job you're doing:yes:
Thanks for following

yeah yeah yeah! I wonder what happend in the Luso-One? Don't know it. But I think this keeps it more interesting for me. :book: :sweatdrop:
Well the Luso one and this one have reached a Point of Departure. So it will be different.

Chirurgeon, the publicity you receive on your aars is just marvelous and envied by the rest of the writers here on the org! But you are an amazing writer! :balloon2: A balloon for you!
yay a balloon! I think that's the highest compliment one can receive around here :)

It has been a while, Chirurgeon, but your AARs are a pleasure to read. Good to see that you are still writing them! I think I'll finish up your Luso one before starting this though... it looks like they are both written using the same campaign game?
Up to a point they are still the same. They go their separate ways because of the rise of Hellenic Hegemony in Iberia. Thank you so much for following!

Chaotix

02-17-2009, 08:02

HunGeneral

02-17-2009, 09:01

Well I can't think off more praise than what has been said so far so all I can say is: this is great:2thumbsup:
Another Epic, Fantastic, Magnificent work from Chirurgeon - and it just keeps getting better.:2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-17-2009, 20:32

Another good chapter.
Is a war with Karchedon coming? Or the Iberian Confederacy? Or both?

Chirurgeon

02-17-2009, 23:10

I just caught up on all of the previous chapters, and it is truly an excellent story, Chirurgeon! Nothing less than par for the course. It will certainly be interesting to see the point at which this AAR and Iberia Rising diverge in plotline- probably when the Lusitani decide to attack Emporion. Then you'll have an alternate alternate history!

:2thumbsup:
Haha I never thought of that. An alternative alternative history. Glad you enjoyed your read.

Well I can't think off more praise than what has been said so far so all I can say is: this is great:2thumbsup:
Another Epic, Fantastic, Magnificent work from Chirurgeon - and it just keeps getting better.:2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
Thank you very much. Glad you are enjoying it. There are so many good AARs out there right now. Its hard to keep up!

Another good chapter.
Is a war with Karchedon coming? Or the Iberian Confederacy? Or both?
We will have to wait and see.

Chirurgeon

02-18-2009, 02:58

XIV - The Gift of Trust
260 BC
King Aratakos returned to Emporion and was informed that Hasdrubal had moved his forces to the north near our borders. Although he wasn't with the army it was still a bold move. Was the man baiting us into a trap? He clearly wanted to wrest Emporion from us. The man I used to dine with with my father has now turned into some sort of warmonger. I guess the pressure from the senate to secure more lands was forcing him to act in ways he would never act. The good news of course is that he was not a tactical genius.
Later that winter, Aratakos decided to take his army out of the city and march to the Ebro river. There he would set up a camp that would be used to show the men of Kart-Hadast we are not to be trifled with. Of course this would only create even more havoc as tensions would surely rise. Tensions between nations was never a good thing for trade. I felt a headache coming on just thinking about it. If we were not careful we could very well be at war with our most important trading partner.
***
Throughout the year, without my knowledge, their was a secret effort to meet with Ditalkos of the Lusitann. He did not wish war with us and wanted nothing more than good trade and relations. For years we had limited trade with his people. Now, with the fall of Cantabria, that trade relationship was even more important. The soon to be governor of Emporion, Doros Attikos, had been arranged to meet with Ditalkos in private. I of course was in the service of Doros as his clerk. My focus was on trade but with the solid relationship I had with the native peoples it was deemed important for me to go along. Since the Llergetii were hosting the meeting I recommended that Lugos travel with me. He had intimate contact with that tribe as his neighbor. He also spoke their language and knew a bit of Lusotann. So as spring melded into summer we set out on balmy night and made west toward Cantabria. They Pyrenees began to loom to our right.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/244-3.jpg
The meeting would be in a village at the base of the great mountains. We crisscrossed streams and the roads began to worsen the further we traveled. Finally we came upon the mighty Ebro river and set across it as the sun was setting.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/X-5.jpg
While Akratatos and the men of Emporion and Iberia guarded the Ebro we finally arrived at the village. It was quite remarkable with a spectacular view of the mountains and the plains further south.
After waiting for several days Ditalkos did arrive. He was an impressive man. His hair was a flurry and he was decorated in various ornaments. He wore a fur and leather outfit that fit tight across the chest. It was clear that he was a powerful man. However he did not seem to have any rage. His brother was the opposite. After a wonderful meal along with some wonderful wine brought from Massalia, the two men sat down to discuss where things were headed.
"Hasdrubal is attempting to provoke you into war." Stated Ditalkos calmly. Doros nodded. "yes it is true. He will try to lure us into a war. He ultimately would like to have the city of Emporion on his list of conquest." Ditalkos took a drink from his wine goblet and looked at Doros intently. "The man has gone from a friend to an enemy in quick time." He sighed and set down his wine. "You see he is pushing Punic merchants into the mines of Iberia directly. My traders are no longer in control of their own mines." Ditalkos shook his head angrily "He has told my merchants that if they do not allow Punic merchants to control the mines they will charge much more in taxes to shipments going to other nations" Doros knew much of the problem but did not know this "That is extortion dear king. Plain and simple. He is not even trying to hide this." Ditalkos picked up the wine again and stared into the dark liquid. "I fear he has brought this upon himself. If I am to hold the Iberian confederacy together than We must have a major port we can use." Doros nodded in agreement. "My dear king we need your assurances that you will not attack the settlements of Emporion, Massalia, or Arse." Ditalkos looked up. "Of course not. But we have grown very powerful. What are you going to give us in exchange for this." Doros looked at his treasurer who disapeared for a moment. He returned with a large crimson and gold laced bag. He set it down in front of Ditalkos. The bag did not contain silver but rather gold. Silver was common in Iberia. Gold not as much. "Ditalkos looked somewhat pleased. "Two-thousand mnai each year for the next ten years." Doros set back to guage the kings reaction. His eyes raised in satisfaction. "If you have this much just to give me to keep you from being attacked, I wonder what you have buried in your vaults?" The king looked at Doros and Doros was stammering. He looked shocked. Finally Ditalkos smiled and Doros realized it was a joke. The room erupted into an uncomfortable laughter and Doros drank deeply from his goblet. "This will be sufficient. Consider yourselves an Ally of the Lusitann. We will respect your borders." proclaimed Ditalkos. Doros had one more request. "My king wishes to capture the city of Arse to free them of their Punic shackles." Ditalkos rubbed his chin in thought. "And what is to stop him from marching further and attacking Mastia?" He asked. "He has given his word and respects your might. Gader and Mastia are yours to do what you wish." Ditalkos nodded and got up to leave the meeting.
I had the chance to relax before the trip home and talked at length with the man who had chronicled the journey of the Lusitann. He told me of his capture at the hands of bandits. His first stint dealing with Latronos. He told me of the horrible genocide of the Celts. Also his family living in Gadiz. I remember spending several days at his families estate. His parents were old now and wanted to spend the rest of their years in the hills around Gadiz.
Castulo was present at the battle of Numantia, in which he gave me a detailed account. Truly an epic fight. He told me of the horror of hiding in Numantia as it fell to the forces of Ditalkos. I asked him if he had seen Videllac as he was a good friend of my family and a masterful trader. "Videllac died in the defense of Numantia" He stated sadly. I was shocked. His family resettled their after their own village outside of Baikor had been burned. As Celts they feared reprisal from Latronos. However he had a son that resides in Gadiz and is working on learning the way of trade. I asked him who he was so that I may look for him. "Lutros is his name" he said gently. The wine wore on us and finally we all succombed to sleep.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/260-4.jpg

The journey home was a combination of excitement and hesitation. This was uncharted waters for our tiny nation. But then again uncharted waters are the norm it would seem as of late.

Reverend Joe

02-18-2009, 03:17

YES! New chapter!

(reading it now. I just wanted to post my excitement.)

Edit:

https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/260-4.jpg

Nice.

I eagerly await the new twists in the old alternate reality.

Mjolnir

02-18-2009, 03:23

Excellent as always; looking forward to seeing how the Emporion-Punic War plays out. :2thumbsup:

the man with no name

02-18-2009, 03:37

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

SwissBarbar

02-18-2009, 10:02

:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:

V.T. Marvin

02-18-2009, 23:40

Great story! You have a balloon already, so let me offer you a beer. Here you are :medievalcheers:

But there is another thing which makes your story special: those amazing photos!:2thumbsup: Where do you get these pictures? Are these your own? :bow:

Olaf Blackeyes

02-19-2009, 00:11

If they are all his then he travels the whole world.

Chirurgeon

02-19-2009, 01:17

Excellent as always; looking forward to seeing how the Emporion-Punic War plays out. :2thumbsup:

If they are all his then he travels the whole world.

Great story! You have a balloon already, so let me offer you a beer. Here you are :medievalcheers:

But there is another thing which makes your story special: those amazing photos!:2thumbsup: Where do you get these pictures? Are these your own? :bow:

:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:

YES! New chapter!

(reading it now. I just wanted to post my excitement.)

Edit:

Nice.

I eagerly await the new twists in the old alternate reality.

:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

Thank you all again you guys are awesome for following. I wish I had these sorts of pictures. And I wished I had travelled the world. Alas I have not so I travel via Google Earth.

Chirurgeon

02-19-2009, 01:27

XV - Remus and Romulus
259 BC
Roma
Aratakos made good on his promise to lay siege to Arse. This was going to be a trade nightmare. I decided it was time to visit other places to procure trade agreements. The ships coming from Kart-Hadast would come to a trickle and ultimately stop.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/259-4.jpg
The great empire would no longer trade with us. An unfortunate side effect of war. Add on top of that the heavy price we were paying the Lusitanns and it turned into a royal financial mess. The only other nation close enough to trade with was the burgeoning Roman Republic. I made a decision to head to Roma and negotiate a new trade alliance with them. After all they were at war with Kart-Hadast so we had a common enemy. The journey was fairly quick and painless. Good winds and light seas meant for a somewhat pleasant trip. Rome was an incredible city. Situated on the Tiber river it was quite large. It was steeped in tradition. Their efforts against the northern reaches of the peninsula were bearing fruit. They controlled almost all of the peninsula from the Po river south. The city of Messana had been traded back and forth between them and Kart-Hadast. One city on the peninsula which owed its loyalty to Epirus resisted the Romans, but it too would likely capitulate. If the Romans continued with their persistence they would become quite powerful. The fierce and strong Gauls to the north of the Po would provide a challenge but they should prevail.
I met with the consul, Tiberius Scipio. He was in winter quarters and agreed to increase trade with us. This would be very good news. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of Greeks that lived in Rome. The massive forum was teeming with people speaking Latin and Greek. We elected to spend the remainder of the year here. I needed to familiarize myself with some of the merchants. I met one merchant a burly man named Titus Antony. He knew what was going on in Iberia. He was also double dipping. He secretly was trading at the Belaric Isles and now Emporion. He told me that trading with the enemy was quite lucrative. It was also very dangerous. I happened to like this man. He was adventurous and knowledgeable. Over the course of time I was in Rome I provided him a list of luxury goods the nobility required. He thought he could get hold of what I needed and would set out for the spring. I left him a chest of silver as a down payment before I was to leave to come to Emporion. He thought it was pretty bold that we attacked Arse. I told him that the Lusitanns were stout allies and would not attack us.
***
I stayed in one of the lovely villas of the senate and enjoyed my stay immensely. The people I met respected me immensely. I was curious about their history. In less than twenty years they overcame adversity and managed to conquer most of the peninsula. These were remarkable perserverant people. Much like ourselves. I learned that Chremonides had died peacefully at the age of 65. The old statesmen had finally passed. What a lifetime he has seen. His son Doros has officially taken over as governor.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/259-2.jpg

the man with no name

02-19-2009, 01:29

Alas I have not so I travel via Google Earth.

lol

Edit: right after i posted this i noticed that you posted while i was typing up my post.

Chirurgeon

02-20-2009, 01:00

XVI - Venom of The Serpent
258 - Emporion
The spring winds carried us back to Emporion. We stopped in Massalia to check on a few trade issues and then continued our journey to our great city. So many times have I sailed into the harbor. However as of late it was growing enormously. A giant stone wall encircled the city. A true barrier to even a determined foe. This wall was moved out even further than the fairly new wooden wall that had been constructed after the city fell to Aegean Greeks. Part of our estate was under the footprint of the wall. The King had compensated me with more land further up the slope away from the coast. Many farms had their fields right up against the new stone wall. That was acceptable. As long as buildings were not against the wall.
I was to report to Doros and then to King Arkatatos in Edetania. Doros was quite happy with my success. He was however concerned about several Lusitann armies to the west of the city. They had been recruiting from the Indegetii and Lacetanii tribes in the shadow of the Pyranees. This was a disturbing development. He thought he would pen a letter to King Arkatatos just in case there was a problem. He gave the letter to me to give to him.
The city of Arse remained under siege and despite the grip we had on the city it would take a long time for the city to surrender. I spent just a few days with my family and then headed south towards Arse. I could not get a ship south as all the trade had stopped. However the roads had been improved a bit and the journey was not as jolting as I remembered. I could see Arse on a small spit of land that jutted out into the sea. The port was cut off from the rest of the town. Our siege lines were set up just outside their missile range. The men seemed bored but ready to do some damage. The men drilled constantly and had made a makeshift town setting to fight in. Urban street battles are vastly different than fighting in the open field. I was escorted to his tent and he seemed concerned. "My lord a letter from Doros of Emporion" He grunted and quickly scanned the letter. "Remind me never to make you a courier of the army" He smiled briefly and then continued. "This letter is clearly older than the one I received today. I actually wished I had never received the letter I received today." He looked at the parchment for a few moments and then locked eyes with me. "The Lusitani are pushing quickly for Emporion." I felt my head grow light and I felt the need to sit down. If that was the case why were we not breaking this camp and storming north I wondered. "What are you going to do my lord?" I asked as if a lowly servant. "That is already being handled. It is time for Massalia to honor their part of the mutual defense treaty." I kept wondering why the Lusitann had done this. Ditalkos seemed such an honorable man. How could he do this? I asked all these things of our King in my short time with him.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/259-1.jpg
It was clear that Emporion was their target. They would get our port and not have to fight their long time trading partners. It was a despicable act and truly disgusted me. I had never felt so betrayed. "They think it is a solid plan but they have not underestimated our resolve." He said confidently. "They have never seen Spartan discipline in battle." As he said that a young man came into the tent. I looked at him and he looked familiar. "Armin?" I found myself saying out loud. The young man nodded and acknowledged who he was. Armin was 17 and a magnificent rider. He apparently had a unique bond with horses. I was surprised how much he had grown up. His hair was long and he had the tracings of a beard. He was well muscled and quite handsome. "I figured you could use a companion for your journey Nikea." I was confused. "Armin will be riding north with you and our diplomat Oddyseus. Armin will ride to Massalia and request aide." He paused and looked at me "And you my friend will be going to Gergovia." Gergovia!! That's in Gaul. I could not believe this. I would later meet with Oddyseus and he informed me we were to seek an alliance with the burgeoning Arverni Confederation.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/258-4.jpg
The Verrix had unified many of the free tribes of Gaul but were still battling the Aeudi. Although they had the advantage the war in Gaul was far from over. "Hopefully the Verrix will have more honor than Ditalkos" He said in a disgusted tone. With the Arverni being the dominant force in Gaul, and alliance with them would give some protection to Massalia while the Massalian army marched to the relief of Emporion. The king was confident that Arse would surrender within the year and the Massalians would be able to defeat the Lusitann army.
***
I left the next morning. We made decent time but storms wrecked our progress. We passed in front of the advancing Lusitann force and made it to Emporion about one moons cycle ahead of the approaching army. I saw my wife and arranged transport to Massalia to stay with her family. My son, who just turned six, was to go with them. I felt better with my family in Massalia. Many of the civilians were leaving. Again the trade dried up as yet another threat loomed over the city. Less than ten years ago the city was besieged by the very people rushing to save it.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/258-3.jpg

the man with no name

02-20-2009, 03:16

:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::smash:

Reverend Joe

02-20-2009, 05:16

Well, that alliance didn't last long.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-20-2009, 05:19

And once again i have to change my pants cuz of u Chirurgeon.:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

****** AWESOME AAR is ******* AWESOME!!!!!

SwissBarbar

02-20-2009, 08:00

Yeah, great ^^ The Arverni are the right ones to help you *GGG* Go Go ! ^^

Ruepelheinz

02-20-2009, 09:34

This is fun to read. Although, I assumed that the Lusotann would break the treaty, I didnt expect it so soon. Good luck, repelling the invaders.
:2thumbsup:

Hotseat_User

02-20-2009, 09:42

N to the I to the C to the E to the Space to the O to the N to the E but kick some Luso butts for me too. :smash::furious3:

Lovejoy

02-20-2009, 17:59

I just read the whole thing last night. I was sad not to find an update on this page.:shame: Looking forward to updates. Until that I will read some of your older AARs. Keep it up! :yes:

Chirurgeon

02-20-2009, 18:15

Well, that alliance didn't last long.
Yea no kidding. I was so mad...now I have a two front war to deal with and only three cities.

Chirurgeon

02-20-2009, 18:18

And once again i have to change my pants cuz of u Chirurgeon.:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

****** AWESOME AAR is ******* AWESOME!!!!!
Man you say some crazy stuff...I love it :)

Yeah, great ^^ The Arverni are the right ones to help you *GGG* Go Go ! ^^
I hope they don't stab me in the back either. I am giving them tribute so that should help.

This is fun to read. Although, I assumed that the Lusotann would break the treaty, I didnt expect it so soon. Good luck, repelling the invaders.
:2thumbsup:
That reminds me of a movie called the Princess Bride. "Good luck storming the castle."

N to the I to the C to the E to the Space to the O to the N to the E but kick some Luso butts for me too. :smash::furious3:
wow that was a creative response! nice touch

I just read the whole thing last night. I was sad not to find an update on this page.:shame: Looking forward to updates. Until that I will read some of your older AARs. Keep it up! :yes:
Well I update daily so you will not have to wait long :)

Olaf Blackeyes

02-20-2009, 19:08

A quick question for you?
How do you make Google Earth give u those epic pics?

Mjolnir

02-20-2009, 22:44

A quick question for you?
How do you make Google Earth give u those epic pics?

It's just like keeping an alliance in the game; regular tribute. :laugh4:

Great update, can't wait to see how you handle the two front war.

Chirurgeon

02-21-2009, 00:18

XVII - Acquisition
257 - Arse
I stayed in Gergovia during the darkest winter months. It was noticeably colder here in Gaul. On occasion it would snow even staying on the ground for several days. The look of these towns was dramatically different than our own. They used wood extensively while we used stone. Everything looked as if it was fresh from the earth. Even their clothing could be seen with animal skins. These town were dirty, muddy, and dismal. Especially here in winter. Despite these atrocious conditions the people were good and kind. They wished us no harm and I grew used to the much different diet of the region.
We had secured an alliance from the Arvernii Confederation. They would much rather focus on defeating the Aeudii than quarreling with us. They would recognize the autonomy of Massalia. I even managed to secure a trade contract for Massalia on some wonderful jewelry. As spring came Oddyseus and I prepared to set off for Massalia. The roads were rutted and mucked. It was a miserable journey. The Rhodanus river was quite swollen but we soon came into view of Massalia.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/Rhone.jpg

Upon arriving it looked like a refugee camp. Thousands of people had fled Emporion and taken temporary shelter in Massalia. The markets were crammed and their was some excitement in the air. I found my way to the palace where an appointed noble was acting as governor while Eugenios Rhodios marched to war. Several letters awaited me in the palace. One was from my wife:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/letter257-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-14.jpg

It was certainly good to know that we had repelled the attack from the Lusotann. However it was likely a temporary reprieve. I was sure that they would return. Clearly they have alot riding on the acquisition of Emporion. Without a major port to the great sea their trade would never truly flourish.
Another letter awaited me from Lugos:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/letter257-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-4.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-6.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-8.jpg
It sounds like the results of the battle were never in question. Gods I would likely need to travel to Arse. Their would be a million tasks to perform. Much work had to be done.
***
The fleet of Kart-Hadastim was patrolling the Iberian coast and we had to do some maneuvering to avoid them. Our fleet was ragged and only being held together by the craftiness of our seamen. At some point we would need a deepwater port.
I arrived in Emporion having just missed the Massalians returning to Massallia to resupply. There they would wait if another threat emerged. The Lusotann had only suffered a small setback. Our estate was in shambles. The Lusitann had ransacked the place. Slaves were being led north from Arse. No doubt I would need to purchase some in order to help rebuild things a bit.
I traveled south to Arse to find King Akratatos doing an uncomfortable job of Governance. Armin had accompanied me and joined his father. He was mad about missing the battle but apparently it wasn't much of a fight. The king was pleased that I had secured an alliance with the powerful Celtic tribes of the north. However i did tell him I preferred the more moderate climate of Iberia.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/258-1.jpg
Arse was a mess. Its residents had wreaked havoc while they were besieged. The port needed alot of work. It would be quite some time till things were restored to order. I immediately began fielding complaints from merchants who had lost everything. The King was unwilling to loan them any money. Many of them left in a furious state. Some of the merchants had traded with us for decades. War sure has a way of spoiling a good relationship. However many of the Merchants from Emporion would no doubt want to expand their business and the gaps would quickly be filled.
***
By the time winter was upon us again the armies of the Lusitann were again on the march. It looked as if we were going to be attacked again. My wife wrote me that she was prepared to leave again to Massalia.

Hotseat_User

02-21-2009, 00:51

in remind of the good old Busta : you just make it clap! :smash: :smash: :smash: :laugh4:

Lovejoy

02-21-2009, 00:52

Yay update! :)

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-21-2009, 08:55

I just caught up with the story again. A great couple of chapters over the last couple days.
You're updating too much for me, though! (Just kidding, of course.) Keep up the work.

Now that you're at war with Karchedon, you should try going for Corsica. Make up for the war that Massalia lost to Karchedon, which gave Karchedon control of the island, back in the day. Though, I'm sure you have too many problems with Iberia right now.

Chirurgeon

02-21-2009, 16:06

Yes MAA Iberia is a handful at the moment. I am stemming the tide of the Lusitann...but just barely. I have triedn negotiating with them and they will not have it. I am crossing my fingers that the Arvernii do not storm out of Gaul and attack Massalia. I would be ruined if that happened.

Chirurgeon

02-21-2009, 16:26

XVIII - Fighting the Horde
256 BC
The defeat of the Lusitanns the previous year only seemed to infuriate them more. Several more of their armies were working their way toward Emporion. King Akratatos had taken much of the men back to defend the capital. This had evolved into a full blown crisis. The army of Massalia had also been summoned. Once again people were leaving Emporion and seeking refuge in Massalia. This was ruinous on trade. Not to mention that the besieging army would likely ravage all the new estates. This was unacceptable. Ditalkos was sending wave after wave of warbands towards our city and the chaos that it created would undue us.
I wrote a letter encouraging my wife to leave with Dorus. My eight year old son was never going to have stability in his life. It pained me greatly to constantly dig up their lives just when they were getting into a normal rhythm of life. This is no environment for raising a family.
King Akrotatos's brother had a son that had come of age. Although still young, Agis, showed great promise. Dorus's younger brother, Nicater, also came of age and when he had the necessary skills, would likely govern a city like his father and brother.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/255-2.jpg
***
Over the summer and autumn there were two major engagements. The Massalians did not partake in the action this time around. They had encamped north of Emporion in case the King was beaten. Of course this didnt happen. Lugos and his Iberians performed well. He wrote me to tell me of the battles:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256letter.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-2.jpg
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-6.jpg

https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-7.jpg
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-14.jpg
***
I was quite busy here in Arse. I was garnering trade agreements with merchants in Massalia. Ultimately I would need to go back to Rome to see what could be done with establishing trade from Arse to the Republic. Of course Rome was having its own problems as of late. Merchants tell me the Epirotes had surged in Taras and marched to Capua and were now laying siege. What a mess things had become. Nothing seemed to stop the tide of Makedonia that was sweeping the Aegean. They had conquered several cities to the north near the Danubis river. The great city of Byzantion had fallen to their forces as well. Epirus was still at war with them and they continued to trade cities. Seemed the Epirotes were the only ones keeping the Makedonians in check.
***
With the Lusitann suffering another defeat the city of Emporion was relatively safe. The King and the Massalian armies were both encamped below the Pyranees and had built watchtowers to guard against being surprised.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-15.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/256-8.jpg
The Lusitanns were somewhat hurt by their string of defeats but they still had ample resources to draw on. On the other hand we were quickly draining our resources by maintaining such a buildup. Not to mention the drop in trade because of sieges. Our people tentatively came back with the hopes that their city would not be threatened again.

Hotseat_User

02-21-2009, 18:14

:2thumbsup:

Mjolnir

02-21-2009, 18:36

Looks like you'll need to go on the offensive.

SwissBarbar

02-21-2009, 18:58

Nice armies you have there :2thumbsup:

Lovejoy

02-21-2009, 21:51

Wow. Look at does armies. :2thumbsup: Go kick some ass now! :smash:

Ruepelheinz

02-22-2009, 13:27

Nice.
What kind of troops do the Lusotann send into the fray?

Chirurgeon

02-22-2009, 19:24

Nice.
What kind of troops do the Lusotann send into the fray?
Typical Lusitann troops. Spearmen and lighter troops with Falcatas. They send a fair number of skirmishers and slingers. Not very much cavalry...just the General's horses.

Antinous

02-22-2009, 21:10

AWESOME!!!!!

Chirurgeon

02-22-2009, 23:06

XIX - The Tide Turns
255 BC
After spending the last year in Arse, things had calmed down enough I could again return to the capital. Peace again covered the land. Not because we had won a war or anything, however our armies were pushing the Lusitann out of our borders. Trade was again returning to our city. The King's nephew, Agis was successful in routing some rebellious tribes in the foothills of the mountains. This is a good sign. Strong military leaders are not easy to come by. This young man is not even two decades old and had demonstrated his ability to command a small force. Spartan blood runs strong through his veins
King Akrotatos has been pursuing the Lusitann. He crossed the Ebro river and pinned down a group of them as they tried to flee. This time the ground was more favorable and the enemy suffered a great defeat. Twenty thousand of the enemy had been killed or wounded. Their leader, Tanginos, had perished in the fight. They refused to engage our lines and being fleet of foot, the men had to be chased down. This latest defeat was very significant. It was the first time we had invaded their territory.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/255-5.jpg
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/255-4.jpg
Suffering a string of defeats the morale of the Iberian confederation would be low. As if sensing this, King Akrotatos put his men on the Ebro river and blocked passage into our lands. He put one of his veterans in charge and has returned to the city to discuss a bold plan.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/253-1.jpg
***
King Akrotatos envisioned a two pronged attack on the Lusitann and on Kart-Hadast. The Cantabrians were wavering in their support of the Lusitann in light of the recent losses. Akrotatos was going to assault their capital. It was lightly defended and if captured they would no long be alligiant to the Lusitann tribe. The king would offer a lucrative trade agreement and access to our port. No doubt that would be tempting for them. At the same time the Massalians would take the road south, past Arse, and lay siege to Mastia. This city and its port were very important to Akratatos. The advanced shipyard present there would allow us to construct true warships that could compete with the other powers of the region. The men of Athens were anxious to get back into the ship. The region around Mastia was also laden with precious metals and other resources. The mines of that region would fall into our control should we capture it.
However in a large meeting in the capital his plan was not very popular with the Massalians. They wished to return to their homes having done the job of protecting Emporion. Plus many had not been paid and the economy of Massalia was in a desperate state. Facing such a tide of discontent it was agreed to allow the Massilians a return to their home. The king would lead his army south instead. He would personally lay siege to Mastia. The invasion of the Iberian confederation would have to wait.
***
I spent most of the year at home and only worked when I had to. It felt good to have a routine and not feel threatened. Our armies were making great strides. However the headaches were not over. Financially things were in grave shape. By the end of next year our coffers would be empty. The massive expense of maintaining two armies was causing the treasury to hemmorage great amounts of gold. Our Greek soldiers would continue to fight for us but our Iberian counterparts may not. Should they desert the army it would be a huge blow. They play a pivotal role in the success of our campaigns. Let us hope it does not come to that.

Antinous

02-22-2009, 23:30

Nice economic downturn.

SwissBarbar

02-23-2009, 08:04

Poor Lusitani, attacked in all AARs. Great update though ^^

Mjolnir

02-23-2009, 08:16

Poor Lusitani, attacked in all AARs. Great update though ^^

I may have to launch an invasion of Iberia just so I don't feel left out, lol.

Keep updating, I'll keep reading. :smash:

the man with no name

02-23-2009, 23:43

XVII - Acquisition

https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/257-8.jpg
It sounds like the results of the battle were never in question. Gods I would likely need to travel to Arse. Their would be a million tasks to perform. Much work had to be done.
.

How is that a draw?

the man with no name

02-23-2009, 23:56

Typical Lusitann troops. Spearmen and lighter troops with Falcatas. They send a fair number of skirmishers and slingers. Not very much cavalry...just the General's horses.

I forget what falcatas are. Are they swords or spears? Anyhow:2thumbsup:.

Very sorry about double post man.

Chirurgeon

02-24-2009, 01:12

Nice economic downturn.
Yes it is a rough time. I had to go on the offensive in order to try and make up for lost revenue

Poor Lusitani, attacked in all AARs. Great update though ^^
Yea poor guys.

I may have to launch an invasion of Iberia just so I don't feel left out, lol.

Keep updating, I'll keep reading. :smash:
eeek i feel bad enough already.

How is that a draw?
anytime the enemy sallies no matter what their losses its a draw...not that i agree with that reasoning

I forget what falcatas are. Are they swords or spears? Anyhow:2thumbsup:.

Very sorry about double post man.
didnt even notice...a mod must have grabbed it. Falcatas are swords native to Iberia. The romans liked them so much they made them standard in their armies.

Enjoy the update

Chirurgeon

02-24-2009, 01:51

XX - The Enemies Persistence
254 BC
King Akratatos arrived in Mastia in the fall of the year and subsequently laid siege. He built lines of Circumvallation around the city and hemmed in any escape. The garrison of the city was small. The mercenaries of the army threatened desertion so the King made the decision to loot the city after we gained control. All the valuables of the city would be divided amongst the men. This was a controversial decision because it was not our way to do this. Not against another civilized culture. The people of Massalia, Arse, and Emporion were critical of this move. However the financial state of things dictated something drastic. The loot from Mastia would be significant and could fund things until we secured trade and increased the coffers. The public did not know that the state was out of money. Much of what we were doing was on credit. The capture of Bastaernae was critical to stopping our fiscal bleeding.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-1.jpg
***
I traveled south on the road I had traveled so many times in the past. I remember those times so fondly. I was just a simple merchant or a son following his father. I missed the old days immensely. However the current situation brought opportunities that were not there before. I suppose its just a trade off. I could see the city of Mastia on its prominent piece of land. I could also see our siege lines and the smoke coming from the fires.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-3.jpg
I could see the dominant facade of the palace. No doubt, Hasdrubal was doing his best to deal with a hopeless situation. I passed into the camp and was directed to the Kings tent. It was large but not overly opulent. He was talking to his advisors when I arrived. "Ah if it isn't the trade master himself." He said with a smile. I nodded slightly and he ushered me in.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-2.jpg
I asked him how the siege was going and he assured me that within a season all would be ready. The three rams would be ready soon and the fight for Mastia would be underway. "Any response from Kart-Hadast?" I asked tentatively. Akratatos paced the floor reading a letter in his hand. His fingers were tapping the hilt of his sword. "No they have not responded. I have good knowledge that they are dealing with issues in Numidia." He paused momentarily and passed me the letter in his hand. "All is not well in Africa it would seem." He smiled and walked past me to his desk. His strong hand squeezing my shoulder as he walked by. "However the Massalians have scored another victory against the damn Lusitann." He stated with great enthusiasm.
I looked down at the letter it was from Eugenios:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254Letter.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-4.jpg
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-13.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/254-14.jpg

This was a good sign although the King seemed a bit concerned. "I am worried that one day our army is going to walk into a trap with these Lusitann." I nodded my head in agreement. However I too did not want that to happen. At least our enemy will fight in the open. Well as open as a city can be.

the man with no name

02-24-2009, 01:52

anytime the enemy sallies no matter what their losses its a draw...not that i agree with that reasoning

didnt even notice...a mod must have grabbed it. Falcatas are swords native to Iberia. The romans liked them so much they made them standard in their armies.

Enjoy the update

Not for me. I thought the romans use the Gladius Hispanyensis or however you spell it. Thank you for your forgivenes, O master of AARs.

Chirurgeon

02-24-2009, 04:15

Not for me. I thought the romans use the Gladius Hispanyensis or however you spell it. Thank you for your forgivenes, O master of AARs.
yes thats the one. But the Lusitann derived theirs from a Greek saber of some sorts

the man with no name

02-25-2009, 01:23

yes thats the one. But the Lusitann derived theirs from a Greek saber of some sorts

Okay cool. I also expected you to say ""O master of AARs" I could get used to that"

Chirurgeon

02-25-2009, 01:51

hardly a master...There are others that are masters. But thank you nonetheless :)

the man with no name

02-25-2009, 02:04

Your on the council then. You're wellcome.

Chirurgeon

02-25-2009, 02:07

XXI - The Fall of Mastia
253 BC
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-1.jpg
I stayed to watch the battle of Mastia. With its small walls our slingers had their way with the enemy. Once when I was young, Lugos hit me with a sling stone. I told him he couldn't hit me. Never tell an Iberian that! I limped for two days. I couldn't imagine the pain of being hit by one at full force from a man. And speaking of Lugos I watched him and his man push the rams to the wall. Enduring the fire from a few towers and a shower of javelins they forced their way to the walls. It took some time but the walls gave way. Soon Lugos, Armin, and all the Iberians were storming into the city and meeting the garrison head on. It was a spirited fight but eventually they lost their nerve and retreated to the center of town. Lugos withdrew his men and soon the Hoplites moved in and formed squares within the walls. Here the enemy again pushed against us only to be routed. There were simply too many of us.
Our fresh hoplites marched calmly to the city center where Hasdrubal and his remaining horse tried to take as many down as possible. I could not bear to watch. I had visited the man on so many occasions. He had given me lucrative trade deals and given me tips on where to find good items at deep discounts. How could I hate a man that had helped me so much over the years. When it was over our men did their best to deal with the injuries. However without the great doctors and Chirurgeons of the Aegean we were somewhat limited as to what could be done. We saved who we could and was merciful to the ones that could not be saved.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-2.jpg
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-10.jpg
***
A nobleman of Athens took over the city and as promised it was stripped bare. The cost of running the war had exhausted the treasury. Fortunately Mastia had much to offer in terms of wealth.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-11.jpg
After a few weeks, Akratatos marched off to the final destination of the campaign. Gadiz was also a rich trade city in which we would do well to have on our side. However soon after Akrotatos left to siege that city a huge force of nearly 40 000 Iberians started marching down the coast past Arse and is rumored to be wintering north of Mastia. Only Akrotatos could defeat such a huge force of men.
I traveled north by ship and came to Emporion to find a city bustling but nervous. The Massalians had taken ship back to Massalia to deal with the Aeudi Threat. Again a force of these fierce warriors surrounded the city and the Massalians abandoned the defense of Emporion to deal with this threat to their own city. Another Lusotann army, nearly as large as Arebasiko's force, had nearly reached the Ebro. The city would have a tough fight if it wished to remain free.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-12.jpg
A fierce debate amongst the advisors of Akratatos erupted. The King wanted to grab Gadiz but the siege and assault would take half a year. By the time he returned to Mastia the Lusotann were likely to be dug into the city. Finally a consensus was reached and we would wait till the spring. If the army laid siege to Mastia we would return to deal with it. Lugos was on the side of attacking Arebasiko first and then worrying about Gadiz. His army could get even larger if we delayed.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/253-13.jpg

the man with no name

02-25-2009, 02:13

Again right after i post you post.

Lovejoy

02-25-2009, 03:30

Again a great update. This AAR has turned out to be the perfect bedtime story. :2thumbsup:

desert

02-25-2009, 03:40

Reverend Joe

02-25-2009, 04:00

Aaah, and so their huge, massive, ridiculous rise begins.

The one thing that brings me to dislike almost all the (perfectly good otherwise) AARs here is that I feel like the faction I'm supposed to be rooting for is a veritable Gary Stu among nations.

Same thing with Iberia Rising: I kept thinking "C'mon, get destroyed already!" :embarassed:

And to think I used to resent QuintusSertorius!

Maybe I just lack imagination.:shame:

Well, if it helps, I have a feeling that Emporion will have a pretty tough time just holding onto what they've got. I mean, they're already dealing with constant sieges and their resources are stretched thin. I think we've seen just about all of the expansion for a while.

A Very Super Market

02-25-2009, 04:15

I liked Berkelyboi's very much. Possibly because of his grand defeat, but I would never dislike a well-written story.

Chirurgeon

02-25-2009, 05:31

Again right after i post you post.
immaculate timing

Again a great update. This AAR has turned out to be the perfect bedtime story. :2thumbsup:
ah cool :) good to know

Well, if it helps, I have a feeling that Emporion will have a pretty tough time just holding onto what they've got. I mean, they're already dealing with constant sieges and their resources are stretched thin. I think we've seen just about all of the expansion for a while.
its expand or die. I would much rather expand.

I liked Berkelyboi's very much. Possibly because of his grand defeat, but I would never dislike a well-written story.
Yes one of the best AARs ever.

I did an AAR on the Ptolemies that ended badly I must say. Sorry to disappoint you on the rise of the Hellenes in Iberia. I personally like the way things have gone. I have been in survival mode for twenty years. Much longer than most AARs that I have seen.

desert

02-25-2009, 05:39

Your writing is excellent, but I'll never be able to cheer for the Greeks in this one. I can still hope, though.

And I did read the Ptolemaic AAR. I haven't read the Roman one, and I read about 30(?) years into the Carthaginian one.

Antinous

02-25-2009, 05:50

Great job!!

Olaf Blackeyes

02-25-2009, 06:58

Im actually sorry to say this but it hurts me to read this AAR. :embarassed: The Luso one you did was what inspired me to write my story, plus i cant STAND to see the KH without Greece, which this looks like it is going to be that way, for at LEAST a while.
As ever excellent story, GREAT pics and wonderful dramas. :2thumbsup:
It just hurts me to read this.:shame:

Chirurgeon

02-25-2009, 21:24

Please give this a chance. There are alot of surprises coming up. I am just kind of puzzled by some of the responses on here.

SwissBarbar

02-25-2009, 22:12

:inquisitive: don't you dare stopping this

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-26-2009, 00:52

Good chapter.
With Mastia, now you can build/rebuild/refit your fleet. (I'm assuming you dismantled all/most of it when you got to Emporion to save money.) You can go for the islands for trade, or go inland for the mines. Tolosa is also an option, it's just sitting there unclaimed. Although it will probably draw Gallic attension. Never seen an Emporion campaign before, so I have no idea of the best course of action. :egypt:

Not too important, but I've noticed you've misspell Aedui as Aeudi. I think the greek is something like Aidouoi, if you prefer that.

Vasiliyi

02-26-2009, 02:15

I just caught up with the story and it is awesome! Don't u dare let
This one die!

the man with no name

02-26-2009, 02:19

Speaking of IBERIA RISING, i have my own campaign as the luso. I have taken: sucum, baikor, tyde, arse, massalia, pallantia and velika.

Chirurgeon

02-26-2009, 02:32

XXII - The Shield and the Sword
252 BC
I spent the Early part of the year in Emporion. I thought it was going to be a good year. All the signs were pointing in the right direction. The Massalians had defeated the Aedui and were preparing to return, trade was flourishing again, and my son turned 12. I had my thirty-eighth birthday this year as well. I spent much time with my son teaching him what I had learned. In a few years I will take him with me like my father did. Then I can teach him the intricacies of trade. He already worked for a merchant keeping records. Dorus seemed to really enjoy the same things that I had. It gave me great pride to watch my son develop so.
***
By late spring the Army of Massalia was again sailing to the city and arrived on the shores to find that the Lusitann had again crossed the Ebro with a large force. Again they made for Emporion. I accompanied the ruler of Massalia, Eugenios, and wished to see the battle for myself. Before I left to do this I learned that a massive number of Iberians under the son of Ditalkos had begun marching towards Mastia. Arebasiko was intent on capturing Mastia from us. In light of this move the campaign to capture Gader was put on hold
We marched to engage the Lusitann outside the city near where we had defeated them so many years ago it seemed. However the battle was delayed as Eugenios waited for the last of his men. King Akratatos struck against Arebasiko's army laying siege to Mastia. Lugos wrote to tell me of the fight:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/252Letter.jpg
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It sounded like an incredible battle. I would be anxious to hear about it, in even greater detail. Outside the capital we have located the main Lusitann force hiding in the woods. Eugenios and his Massalians charged into the enemy. Using the trees as cover they pelted us from afar with slings and javelins. Our own slingers hurled their missiles into the woods at a nearly invisible enemy. Alas they engaged most of their men into our lines. Our slingers withdrew as the danger was now equally great that they could hit our own men. I could hear the cacophony of battle coming from the woods. The trees seemingly shaking from all the men. The din of battle was intense for some time until at last word came that Doros had arrived with the garrison from Emporion. He hoped to surprise the enemy and collapse their right flank. Unfortunately the scouts for the enemy notified their leader. Seeing that they could not break us they withdrew into the woods in the classic style we have grown to accustomed to. With terrible terrain for our horses and the threat of an unseen ambush, we did not pursue the enemy.
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As the cleanup from the battle commenced it was learned that less than half their army had been defeated. Once again we would likely see these same warriors at some point in the future. The men were triaging the survivors. One particular man had survived the battle and was clearly not a warrior. He was Punic and was dressed almost as a nobleman. His equipment was a writing kit with all the proper tools of a scribe. I went to investigate. I recognized the man immediately. Castulo had resurfaced. His outside ankle had been hit by a slingstone and in the process shattering the small bone in the leg. He could walk but only barely. His horse had run off and he found himself clutching all he owned beneath a tree waiting for the enemy to find him. Fortunately his life was not dispatched. Instead I helped him onto my horse and took him back to my villa. Castulo was not an enemy but rather a cohort. We were above the common discrimination of soldiers. We were nobility and despite him being present with the enemy I knew that he did not have a hatred of us. To the both of us this was a learning experience. As educated men we could share what we knew and be better for it. The soldier would pull swords and fight each other to the death. However we were better than soldiers.
I treated him as a guest in the villa and brought the best doctors and chirurgeons from Emporion to visit him. As he healed we talked about many things. He was particulary interested in Rome and I told him everything I knew about the city. I was curious about Kart-Hadast and he told me of the ancient Punic colony. Older than most of our own colonies.
After several weeks he was healthy enough to ride his horse and walk for short distances. On his last day we talked about why the Lusitann had attacked us. It came down to simple economics. Kart - Hadast had agreed to allow them to have Emporion as their port. It was a bitterly fought decision in their senate but for now they thought it better to allow the Iberians to have Emporion rather to risk war with a very powerful confederation. Now it seemed that Kart-Hadast and the Lusitann had become even stronger allies against our king. Having lost two cities and the all powerful governor of Iberia, Hadrubal, it was clear that the republic was losing its grip. I told Castulo that the men were going to head for Gader in a short period of time. We talked about the fate of Mastia. How the mercenaries had killed many people that refused to give up their belongings. How a fire had "accidently" spread through an entire section of the colony. This concerned him greatly. The look on his face was of genuine concern. He looked up and asked me a question. "Will your armies do the same thing to Gadiz?" I wasn't sure how to respond. However after telling him of the financial situation I was convinced that the Non-Hellenic troops would surely have their way with the city. "Your estate will be a prime target I am afraid. You had best get your family out of there if possible. Our Mercenary troops are not merciful. They killed hundreds in and around Mastia." His look of concern grew to panic. "How can your king allow this?" I shook my head in disgust. "If he doesnt keep his men happy there will not be an army. The only men that will work for free are the Hellenes. And there are not enough of us to form a force strong enough to oppose the Lusitann and Kart-Hadast." I explained the situation as clearly as possible. However I knew that the King would allow his non-Hellenic troops the opportunity to loot and pillage the lands. Afterall our treasury was broke and in these times you had to do what you could to keep the loyalty of the men protecting you. Even if it meant a temporary cessation of civility. A sad truth that we were learning. This would not be tolerated had the treasury been in good shape.
Early the next morning I helped Castulo pack as much as he could carry and still make good speed on his horse. He planned on taking the land route and before he left I gave him official passage papers so that he could by any guards on the road. Doros signed them the day before he left. I gave him coin to buy another horse and extra money for supplies. He was grateful. However he was focused on one thing. Castulo would have to race to get his family to safety.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/252-17.jpg

Chirurgeon

02-26-2009, 02:35

:inquisitive: don't you dare stopping this
Oh I won't. There are some good twists and turns coming up

Good chapter.
With Mastia, now you can build/rebuild/refit your fleet. (I'm assuming you dismantled all/most of it when you got to Emporion to save money.) You can go for the islands for trade, or go inland for the mines. Tolosa is also an option, it's just sitting there unclaimed. Although it will probably draw Gallic attension. Never seen an Emporion campaign before, so I have no idea of the best course of action. :egypt:

Not too important, but I've noticed you've misspell Aedui as Aeudi. I think the greek is something like Aidouoi, if you prefer that.
I will try to remember. Oh and thanks for your modding help :)

I just caught up with the story and it is awesome! Don't u dare let
This one die!
Nope it ain't dying :)

Speaking of IBERIA RISING, i have my own campaign as the luso. I have taken: sucum, baikor, tyde, arse, massalia, pallantia and velika.
Yes. It takes a while to build them up but the mines alone are worth it.

the man with no name

02-26-2009, 02:52

Shield and Sword, like SPEAR AND SHIELD. Yet again i have great timing. JK.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-26-2009, 06:57

Hotseat_User

02-26-2009, 15:35

oh yeah - but what's going on with the evil macs? do they suffer well or?!? :whip:
furthermore, fine one :sweatdrop:

Silence Hunter

02-26-2009, 20:15

Great AAR! It seems that you are not going to see any peace for quite a while.

Chirurgeon

02-26-2009, 23:05

NO PLEASE!!!! Please do not stop this simply because of me. If u want ill quit reading, just please dont stop.
As for some of the responses to this one, i think that u, Chiruriegon, have fallen victim to your own success. Iberia Rising was an INCREDIBLE AAR. I think im not alone in feeling bad for seeing it corrupted. But please dont stop on my account.
Well thank you for that. But there had to be a point of departure. The arrival of thousands of Hellenic refugees is bound to stir things up. I had no idea there would be such backlash to conquering the rest of Iberia!

oh yeah - but what's going on with the evil macs? do they suffer well or?!? :whip:
furthermore, fine one :sweatdrop:
The Maks have pushed the Epirotes out of the Aegean and are clinging to a few cities in Dalmatia and other places. The Maks are the powers to beat at the moment!

Great AAR! It seems that you are not going to see any peace for quite a while.
You have no idea!

Chirurgeon

02-27-2009, 02:27

XXIII - Father and Son
251 BC
Dorus and I headed south to Mastia to check on the Merchants that lived there. Some of the ones I and my father had dealt with were still there and pleased to see us. They were even more pleased to learn that my son would be learning all that I could teach him about managing trade. I spent quite some time here looking at the records and trying to negotiate new prices based on the fact that this city was now part of the Hellenic Alliance. The letters of the Hellenic Alliance were now stamped on all cargo leaving the port. Because the tariff from one Greek city to another was so much lower now it was possible to squeeze a bit more profit. The city was bustling. A year after it had been attacked and ransacked it was exploding with people. Merchants from North Africa were traveling to the city to claim opportunities that had not been available. Mastia had the potential to be a very rich city. Its governor Leandros was a former merchant that was well trusted by many of the Athenians. The merchants had many of the same questions for me however. "When would the mines of Iberia be open to us again?". It was an issue that vexed me but alas I could do nothing. The confederation was still quite powerful and if one of our armies suffered a defeat all our gains could be wiped clean. The sheer number of people moving into the four cities of the confederation was staggering. Our population was growing quite fast as people began to migrate to our cities. Many of the merchants told of the Makedonians continuing their conquest of the Aegean. Having secured the great city of Byzantion, they now focused much of their attention on Epirus. They had captured Ambrakia and other territories that belonged to Epirus. Taras, in Italia, had now become the temporary capital. Facing the Roman Republic and the Makedonians might be too much for Epirus.
***
Earlier this year the city of Gader also fell to our forces. It was ransacked with great effort and much was lost. I shook my head at the barbarism of it all. Many men, women, and children were sold as slaves. Some coming back here to Mastia to be shipped to other destinations. Some would be put to task of rebuilding the city that they used to live. It was a horrific fate to be a slave. The battle itself for the city was not too grand. Although it employed a good strategy for Akratatos. He used his slingers to wear down the enemy. While the slingers were at work we moved the rams to the walls. Here they hammered two holes in the wall. The enemy had withdrawn under the fire of the slingers. However the slingers were now out of their characteristic lead shot. Iberian skirmishers moved in and rained much destruction upon the garrison as Lugos and his Caetrati moved in to engage the garrison. As they engaged, a group of hoplites were moved in and replaced Lugos's men after they had withdrawn. These hoplites engaged the remaining of the garrison and caused great destruction in their own right. The Heroic Spartans charged through the ranks and smashed the enemy.
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***
Dorus and I stayed in Mastia and finalized things with the merchants. We watched in amazement as the port constructed dozens of light attack vessels. They were fast and potent. Although other nations had bigger ships with more men, we could at least defend ourselves. The shipwrights were importing many slaves and craftsmen for the effort. Although we couldn't really affor a fleet it was so small it would not be a huge burden on the treasury. Next year I would travel to Gader and again fix what i could.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/251-7.jpg

Tyrfingr

02-27-2009, 09:53

Conquer Tolosa and you have the whole coastline...awesome!

Ruepelheinz

02-27-2009, 14:15

I havent been able to follow your AAR for a while but reading all these updates in one go was great. Thx.

Chirurgeon

02-27-2009, 16:03

Conquer Tolosa and you have the whole coastline...awesome!
Yes I had thought about that but the Arverni have been laying siege...even though they are being beaten back they will probably capture it. I have learned that you should never capture an city that your allies are also going for. Should you capture it before them then they will lay siege to it. What a mess.

I havent been able to follow your AAR for a while but reading all these updates in one go was great. Thx.
Cool thanks so much for following. I am posting today's update a little earlier than normal. Enjoy the battle!

Chirurgeon

02-27-2009, 16:22

XXIV - The Battle of Turdulia
250 BC
We entered into a rugged land. Full of mountains, streams and forest. It was a nightmare to navigate and the primitive roads were intermittently from good to terrible. We crossed one great river north of Gader and entered the Lusitann lands. Here the land had been ravaged by Tantalos and Latronos. The anger against the Celts was an obsession. We passed burned out shells of villages. Some villages were still left but only inhabited by the sick and old. Most of the Celts had been run out.
Akrotatos did not delay after capturing Gader. He put his son Agis in charge of the city until a garrison could be established. We stayed in Gader over the winter but as soon as the spring campaigning season was underway, Dorus begged me to follow the army. He wanted to see a battle. I wanted the best for my son but I did not want to put him in harms way. However the terrain was not forgiving and our men feared the dark woods that surrounded our camps each night.
By summer we had nearly reached the city of Sucum Murgi. Our spies indicated a massive force was present. Trying to simply smash the walls and charge in would be costly and it could fail. This was not an option. Waiting the city out only allowed for more men to arrive to defend their territory.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Iberia%20Rising/SierraNevadaSpain.jpg
***
As the fall came up on us it became clear that we would be challenged. The men's spirits were bolstered however by the Massalian's capture of Vellika and defeat of a small force outside of Numantia. Eugenios Rhodios was preparing to siege the heart of Celtiberia.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/250-9.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/250-10.jpg
However great the news it was overshadowed against the fact that we were facing a sizeable army in their own terrain.
On a clear morning, as the mists were lifting, our sentries came back into the main camp to report a small Iberian force approaching our position. Scouts it would seem trying to find our exact location. Akratatos gave the order to form rank. The Spartan Hoplites led the quick deployment of the hoplite line. Eight men deep and stretching across a hill we had occupied. Our line was very long and a compact wall against any assault. Lugos and his Iberians lined up behind the hoplites and along with the LLergeti made up the men that would counter the attempts to flank our men.
The wait seemed an eternity. The enemy moved stealthily through the thick woods. Each man straining to see things. Your eyes play tricks on you when you are under such stress. I swore I saw horses moving amongst the trees but it was just the wind. Soon slingstones began to fly out of the woods in front of the main line. The loud crashes it made with our hoplite shields no doubt built a picture for the enemy to see. Knowing where the main line was the enemy began to move forward. Their leader, Kazarouku, moved past our right flank up the hill behind us to try and get a better vantage point. Akratatos saw a golden opportunity and ordered our own cavalry to engage theirs. After all they were not heavy cavalry so it should be to our advantage. Having dispatched the cavalry to a distant area of the field the enemy began to haunt our lines. Finding the end of the right flank they immideately tried to surround the end of the flank. forcing our hoplites to try and turn to face the enemy with their shield arm on the opposite side of the fighting was a terrible situation to be in. Akratatos immediately deployed Lugos and his men but kept one in reserve. The Lusitann were fighting uphill and could not gain an advantage. Their slingers were largely ineffectual. Soon the left flank was being threatened by some of the veteran warriors of the Lusitann. These elite troops wearing bronze masks hurled volley after volley into our left flank. The last of the reserves were deployed to deal with this enemy. The elites were around a thousand in number and our own Caetrati numbered twice that. All told we had approximately 16000 hoplites and they stretched for over a mile. However the enemy had engaged the hoplites enough to keep them busy but not enough to do any real damage. For two hours the Right flank became its own battlefield. Our reserves struggled to push the tide of the enemy. It was clear that the numbers on the right flank would soon overwhelm our men. Akratatos took matters into his own hands. While 1200 spartans occupied the center of our line he had his own 1200 spartans by his side. Akratatos decided to plug a gap with his own men. Charging in he slowly began to push back the incredible number of Lusitann warriors. Our visibility was limited. He sent a messenger to see how the Caetrati were doing on the left flank. When he got there they had given chase to the remnants of the elites. "Damn them!" I remember him yelling. Having no options he pulled the end of the left flank of hoplites and they began the long march to the right flank. The Caetrati and Llergetii were fighting bravely but they were exhausted and with every passing moment the Lusitann were closer to enveloping all involved. The entire right flank was on the verge of collapse. Akratatos was yelling orders amongst the caucaphony of battle. Worsened by the fact that it was echoing off the trees that populated the area. I had taken Dorus to a safer position above the fighting. "Where was our cavalry" I wondered allowed. I could not help but to look behind me. I truly expected more of the enemy to emerge from the forest. I could see the urgency of the situation as Akrotatos wanted to know where his relief was. I feared they had run into a hidden enemy or something. With parts of the main line still engaged with the enemy he could only afford to pull one unit. It seemed like an eternity till the left flank unit arrived. Akrotatos and his men were doing a spectacular job but the sheer number of enemy slowed their progress. Finally the hoplites from the left flank arrived and prevented encirclement. It was one of those moments where you hold your breath not knowing the outcome. You prayed to the gods that it was enough. Through the woods I thought I saw cavalry. However with the dust and the chaos it was difficult to tell. Finally without great fanfare the enemy began to retreat. They slowly melted back into the woods whence they came. Akratatos was a mess. Everyone was the same color of dirt. His men were exhausted. Nearly half of the Caetratii and LLergeti lie dead or wounded on the field. The Lusotann fared worse but many of their men escaped. Most likely into the city to prepare for another attack. Late that night some sentries found dead horses from both sides. It was unclear what happened to the cavalry. However the fact that they did not return did not bode well.
The Battle of Turdulia:
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***
Siege equipment had been prepared and in the spring we would attack the city. Agis from Gader sent up as many men as he could get. Some Iberians offered themselves as mercenaries. With so many of our original Iberian troops injured or killed it was necessary. The promise of loot was made as payment and many accepted this proposal.

Silence Hunter

02-28-2009, 00:24

desert

02-28-2009, 01:10

But...he lost only 400 men. Out of 3000.

Also, you might wan't to edit the number of Spartans present at the battle; you mention 2400 Spartans, when IRL there were less than 800 by then.

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 01:28

Great battle! It seems that it was a very close one. Had your right collapsed, main line would have been surrounded and it might have ended in a very bad way. Though battles like this are a pleasure to play!
This one was a mess to play. Hard to see what was going on with all the trees. With my cavalry destroyed I had to divert my left flank to cover the right. Had the men in front of the hoplites been able to stay intact then it would have been a catastrophe. Almost all the casualties for me were the mercenaries and the extreme right flank of the Hoplites. And of course the Cavalry.

But...he lost only 400 men. Out of 3000.

Also, you might wan't to edit the number of Spartans present at the battle; you mention 2400 Spartans, when IRL there were less than 800 by then.
Well the Generals body guard had 125 members and there were 122 that were in the hoplite formation. I use the factor of 10 that many other writers show in their AARs. Plus I have an intense Spartan breeding program back home in Emporion. Just kidding. Half of my Iberians were wiped out in the battle.

desert

02-28-2009, 02:11

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 03:36

300 Iberians? So?

As for the Spartans, I made up a rule stating that only one of the FMs could fight enemies in a battle, and the number of Spartans is derived by multiplying by 5, giving about 600. Just pretend that they're as awesome as twice their number in Epilektoi, and it works.
Well my rationale for having Spartans in my main line is that many of the refugees from the Aegean were Spartans. So I thought it made sense to have a unit with the rest of my line up. The army of Massalia on the other hand does not have Spartan recruitment. I do not think that it is an overpowering lineup.

A Very Super Market

02-28-2009, 04:57

Wait, what actually happened to the cavalry? Or is that a secret for now?

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 05:44

Wait, what actually happened to the cavalry? Or is that a secret for now?
They were routed and never came back...when I looked at my army after the battle they were gone..poof! Losing my cavalry sucked for sure.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-28-2009, 06:54

As ever an excellent fight.:2thumbsup:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-28-2009, 10:10

Nice battle description. Looks like it was one of those painful light forest battles.

Seems like you're going to have the majority of Iberia under your control soon.

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 16:39

XXV - Death in The Family
249 BC
As an important economic adviser to the king I was always included in various meetings. I was sound asleep in the cool air of my tent when a guard abruptly awoke me. I was being summoned to the Kings Tent. My mind was in a fog and it took me a while to pull it all together. Alas I got dressed and was prepared to leave when Dorus stood next to the door. He asked me where I was going and I told him that the king had summoned everyone to an emergency meeting. He stood there shirtless and when I looked at him I realized my young boy was finally becoming a man. He was no brawny soldier but nonetheless his transition to manhood was evident. He was upset that he could not come with me. I told him I would fill him in upon my return.
Rushing to the tent, with three hours to go before dawn, my mind was racing with why the king would awaken us so early. Was there going to be a surprise attack? Did our spies open the gates to the city? Many possibilities swam through my head. Upon arriving there were the closest members of Akrotatos advisers. His cavalry commander, his siege engineer, his captain of his personal guard. I saw Lugos across the room and placed myself next to him. He nodded to me but his thoughts and mine were the same. What would drive a king to rouse his closests confidants at this hour of the night.
Our answers would soon be resolved as he emerged from his living quarters to the central meeting area. He would usually sit during these such meeting and let the page run the agenda. However there was no page which meant there was no time to write such an agenda. He entered the chamber with an official scroll and even from this distance I could almost recognize the seal as that of Doros, the governor of Emporion. He stood before us and read the letter:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Hellinistic%20Journey/250Letter.jpg
The room was quiet and then a small level of pandemonium erupted as fear and rage swam across the men. It took a moment for the good king to calm everyone down. He finally spoke after reading the letter. "I do not think any man in this room would not listen to our good governor. There is great treachery abounding in our lands." Many men nodded their head as he continued. "This deed, no matter who instigated, will not go unpunished. The puppeteer pulling the strings here in Iberia will be revealed. I know that the mercenaries of this army are discontented with their pay, but what man would turn his back on the very men he fought with for so many years." Their was murmuring in the audience as the king held up his hand to continue. "Tomorrow we will break the siege of this city and make our way south to the fleet. From their we will travel to our capital and protect what is rightly ours.
***
As we left south the mercenaries began to desert en masse. Without the promised loot of the cities, they had no reason to stay. Lugos and Armin stayed of course. They had houses in the city. A handful of others stayed as well. However the army was almost completely Hellenic now. It was also much smaller. 12 000 mercenaries left for their homes. I grimaced at this and so did many others. Just because they were leaving our army did not mean that they would not fight again. In fact I feared we would face these men on the battlefield. Oh how times have changed. My thoughts, and most others of our army, drifted to my wife and our gorgeous estate. She of course was prepared to leave but knowing that security was not strong only made me more wary of it all.

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 16:40

Nice battle description. Looks like it was one of those painful light forest battles.

Seems like you're going to have the majority of Iberia under your control soon.
Yes it was a really good fight. The Right flank especially was desperate for a while. I guess the bonus for fighting in the woods gives the Lusitann more staying power. It was very difficult to rout them. Not to mention the fact that my cavalry was destroyed.

Lucio Domicio Aureliano

02-28-2009, 17:38

Ohh my god, this´s a great AAR, in fact one of the best. Congratulations...
Eagerly wainting the next chapter.
Congrats:yes::yes::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

A Very Super Market

02-28-2009, 18:02

I love the RPing in this AAR, real good stuff.

SwissBarbar

02-28-2009, 18:05

:2thumbsup:

Chirurgeon

02-28-2009, 18:33

Ohh my god, this´s a great AAR, in fact one of the best. Congratulations...
Eagerly wainting the next chapter.
Congrats:yes::yes::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
I should have the next chapter up after midnight eastern US time. Thank you for following and for the praises!

I love the RPing in this AAR, real good stuff.
Thank you. I had been building this up because the mercenaries had not been paid. Thanks for your support

:2thumbsup:
Thanks!

the man with no name

02-28-2009, 19:38

:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

MarcusAureliusAntoninus

02-28-2009, 20:55

Uh oh! Just when things seemed to be going so well.

You should hunt down and kill some of the deserters to make an example of them. :skull:

desert

02-28-2009, 23:17

:2thumbsup:

Map please.

Olaf Blackeyes

02-28-2009, 23:37

OMFG a turn around. YES!!!!!
(Does the happy dance)
Sorry but i have to cheer for the Lusos.:dizzy2:

Antinous

03-01-2009, 08:07

Controversial!! Not a happy story right now good!!

Mjolnir

03-01-2009, 08:51

I finally had time to read the last 5 updates; I'm finding the Hellenic units vs. Iberian units matchup to be fun to see since we don't often get to have those two groups face each other.

Oh the twists and turns of fate, looking forward to the continuing story. :smash:

Chirurgeon

03-02-2009, 04:27

XXVI - Collapse
248 BC
Everything that we have attempted to do has failed. I had the journey back to Emporion to think about what had gone wrong. Would the mercenaries have abandoned us if we could have afforded to pay them? I think not. Despite the loss of the army of Massalia things were not that bad. However our dear king, despite warnings from so many including Chremonides so long ago, exhausted our treasury and was fighting this war with money he did not have. Trouble has been brewing for several years now. We simply did not have the revenue to support two armies totaling nearly 60 000 men. What a fool! His son Agis seems to think a little better with fiscal concerns. I should hope that when its his time to rule that he will do so responsibly.
***
As we headed north up the coast past Mastia and Arse it became evident what had happened. Kart Hadastim had once again gained her trading colonies of Mastia and Gader. The riches of those lands plucked from our grip. We desperately needed that money. I would have to do some calculations but we may barely be able to afford one army. Certainly not two. Arse had fallen to the Lusotann and alas they had their port. Perhaps this was the time to sue for peace. All of this seemed to convenient to me however. Everything fell right into place. It was a hell of a coincidence and it all smelled suspicious. The army of Massalia is completely wiped out by a foe that did ambush them but it was learned that they were less in number. At the same time the entire peninsula, save for Emporion, erupts in civil revolt. The Lusitann could have easily captured Mastia or Gader but they did not. Kart Hadastim, it would seem, still has a sizable influence in the region. The populations of Massalia and Emporion totalled half a million souls according to records. The manpower is there for another resurgence. This time it would have to be planned carefully. Akrotatos was already talking about limiting the number of non-Hellenic forces in his military. But first we had to deal with the very real threat of the Lusitann again. As we grew close to the port of Emporion it was learned that the Lusitann had again crossed the Ebro and were hades bent on our destruction. The city was on high alert and men were being raised to defend the walls should an attack come.
***
My good friend Lugos was particulary concerned about the events. He feels a conspiracy as well. A hidden hand that had turned the Iberians against us. The question of who and why would be saught out intensely. Lugos swore he would get to the bottom of this. At some point the truth had to be revealed. Something as big as this could not stay unseen forever.

A Very Super Market

03-02-2009, 04:31

*Gasp!

Was it... Hasdrubal?!

No wait, he's dead. That would be a weird plot twist.

Anyways, I missed the pics, but it was a good update as ever!

the man with no name

03-02-2009, 04:36

OMFG IT HAPPENED AGAIN. Right after i get on a thread u post, and i get off 5 secs later and wuhala. OMFG AGAIN. When i was typing AVSM, posted.

desert

03-02-2009, 04:42

Lol, it took you 5 minutes to type that?

Olaf Blackeyes

03-02-2009, 06:03

WOOOT!!!!!:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:

Mjolnir

03-02-2009, 06:22

WOW. o_O This is really getting interesting.

the man with no name

03-02-2009, 19:08

Lol, it took you 5 minutes to type that?

No it didn't. Clock suks fyi

Zarax

03-03-2009, 13:34

subscribing to another great AAR.

Lysimachos

03-03-2009, 22:03

When I first came to this forum to read quality AARs it was not possible not to come across Chirurgeon's excellent stories, all of which I have read with (mostly silent) pleasure. I didn't have time to read all of this (until now), due to my limited presence in recent times, but there is one thing that already has convinced me: Unbelievable 240 replies and more than 4500 views in mere thirty days.
I promise I'll be reading (filled with both awe and envy), but I probably won't comment much, because following this quickly growing monster of a thread is already asked much from a thorough reader ~;)

Chirurgeon

03-04-2009, 01:28

Thank you all for the comments. I was busy yesterday so I owe you two updates...so enjoy!

Chirurgeon

03-04-2009, 01:38

XXVII - Surrounded by Darkness
247 BC
We arrived on the shores of Lacetania to find a potent force of Lusitann laying siege to Emporion. Upon seeing our arrival they retreated north. The snows were falling in the foothills of the Pyrenees and pursuing the enemy was not an option. Free of immediate danger, Akratatos began to re-organize his men. Hellenic hoplites and Spartan hoplites would form the core of our forces. Some of the levied men that Doros had raised would also be available. Made from poorer Hellenes they were cheaper to pay for. Instead of using Iberians as flank protectors, specially trained spearmen called Thureophoroi, would handle this important duty. The Massalians had used them in their battles. The quality of the infantry from Iberia as well as their speed meant an infantry force to counter them had to be quick. The Thureophoroi were fast, could attack from a distance with javelins, and protect the flanks of the main hoplite line. More importantly they were raised from Hellenic middle class. This gave them a true stake in the success of battle.
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He dismissed many of his warriors so that he could save some money. In the spring his warriors would have their first test against the Lusitann force hiding in the north.
Securing the lands on this side of the Ebro was greatly important. However success in protecting our lands has taken an interesting turn. The Kart-Hadastim had sent a diplomat to the city in the fall and proposed a peace treaty and to renew trade with its ports that spanned the sea. Akratatos did not want to do this however I saw the potential to earn money to support his new army. It took an army of convincing but he gave tacit approval to the trade deal. It would be lucrative and with it the prospect of paying for his new army. His only mercenaries would be local skirmishers in the form of slingers. It seems one day we are on the edge of destruction only to be thrown a ray of hope. Truly the gods toy with our sanity.
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***
Lugos had done some investigating and found out that a rather shady man had been seen in the area below the Pyrenees. He had a Hellenic name but that did not mean he was Greek. It was very likely that he was Makedonian. He clearly had no intention of being seen and skulked around at night. He bought his silence through the vast riches acquired by the Makedonians. Lugos was convinced that this man was some how connected to the betrayel of our mercenaries but it was unclear how connected he was. I hoped he could find out more and he had a plan on how to learn more about him.

Chirurgeon

03-04-2009, 01:53

XXVIII - Striking Back
246 BC
Lugos continued his pursuit of the man that was involved in the destruction of the army of Massalia. He finally caught up to him in Cantabria. Lugos had convinced some local tribesmen to hand him over. Peteos was a middleman in an elaborate scheme.
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He received his coin from a merchant in Roma. So he never knew the true identity of the man. He took the money into Iberia and contacted known mercenary commanders. Disguising himself as part of a supply wagon he would enter the camp. There he would seek out the mercenaries and pay them off. At first he paid them just for giving information. And after some time had gained their trust began to ask for bigger responsibilities. Having gone unpaid for some time the men were either going to desert, and not make any money, or follow Peteos and his intentions and make more money that mercenaries could dream of. After being tortured for hours he told his interrogators that he never paid for the mercenaries to kill the Hellenic troops, rather he just allowed the Lusitanns to slip through the gates in the middle of the night. However the mercenaries had hung red X signs on their tents so that the Lusitann would not kill them in the chaos. When the alarm was sounded the mercenaries simply stayed in their tents. Although the men had not killed anyone directly, they did nothing to intervene. The were paid to let the Lusitann storm the camp and kill the Hellenic troops. After it was over they were given the rest of their money and told to go home to their villages and be quiet about the whole thing. This was a truly despicable thing. The truth pained me greatly. Knowing the the thousands of mercenaries stood by while the rest of the army was slaughtered is a truly horrific site.
Lugos took some time to accept what was told but it made much sense. The only people that would have a reason for doing this was the Makedonians. Later I had a conversation with Titus Anthony, my favorite Roman trader, about this and he seemed to have a suspicion who was giving the man his money. He would let me know in the spring of the year.
Nicator Attikos of Massalia, the governor, was appalled at what happened but realized that the defeat was due to trickery and not military might. He again pledged the allegiance of the Massalians to the defense of Emporion should the city be attacked again. His anger at Makedonia would for the time being be directed at our enemy the Lusitann. A garrison of the finest Massalian hoplites and auxilaries would be sent to Emporion to guard her against future attacks. It would not have the ability to march out and defeat foes but it would go a long way to protecting the city itself.
***
With Emporion fairly protected our kings son, Agis, took the largest force he could afford to Numantia, the capital of Celtiberia. Here he constructed siege equipment and before winter charged the town. The city itself was lightly defended, however during the battle, several groups of soldiers entered the city on the opposite side and gave quite the fight at the city center. However with superior numbers it would be impossible for them to resist for very long. Within hours of the attack the city had fallen.
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Many of the residents enslaved and shipped back to Emporion to work on the vast number of new estates surrounding Emporion and Massalia. Agis spent the remainder of the winter in the city. When he left in the spring he would leave behind a Hellenic garrison that would not be so easily bribed. The governor that ruled Mastia would become the new governor here.
Celtiberia was significant because of its vast resources available to us. Iron mines abound throughout the land. This would be needed to fund our war efforts and to make money to pay for the armies. Iron is the glue that holds a military force together. No matter what nation you belonged the need for iron was continually present.
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