View Full Version : The Slave King - An Illyrian AAR
BerkeleyBoi
07-08-2009, 06:32
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/title.jpg
The Slave King - An Illyrian AAR
Narrator: Unknown
The Illyrians pressed around the Athenian captain, waving their weapons and screaming at the top of their lungs as they did.
“The Slave King has his vengeance!” they shouted, “The Slave King has his vengeance!”
A pathway opened for a single man who strode forward, a battered shield in one hand, a heavy mace in the other. He wore no armor but an old bronze helm that sat atop his head.
“The Slave King has his vengeance” The Illyrian screams lowered into a steady chant. “The Slave King has his vengeance. The Slave King has his vengeance…”
“Who are you?” The Athenian was armed and armored in the finest that civilization had to offer. A large, decorated shield, a finely made blade, a winged helmet, and a sturdy bronze cuirass protected him, but similar outfitted men lay dead around his feet. His courage was faltering. “What do you want of me?”
The Slave King attacked, his mace smashing against the lions on the Athenian’s shield and forcing the captain down onto his knees. The Athenian thrust his sword out in desperation, but the other quickly sidestepped the attack and brought his crude weapon down upon the exposed elbow.
“What do you want of me!” the Athenian screamed in desperation as the Slave King knocked the shield out of his hand, “What do you want of me!”
The barbarian stood tall above his civilized counterpart as the sun rose behind him. He was an old man, his hair was gray and his face covered with wrinkles. There was no anger left in him, only exhaustion remained. There was no enjoyment to be had in his actions. A single tear managed to escape his eyes and fell down his face, leaving a clean streak down his dirt covered face.
“What do you want of me…” the captain whispered, “What do you want of me?”
The mace came down and crushed the Athenian’s helmet and skull. The Illyrians roared in approval and the screams rose up into the morning sky. “The Slave King has his vengeance! The Slave King has his vengeance!”
“Peace” the old man whispered as blood fell from his mace, “I wanted peace”
Hotseat_User
07-08-2009, 07:58
:smash: - ok it's a hammer but w/e. nice start, seems like a really good plot.
Maion Maroneios
07-08-2009, 09:47
:smash:
Maion
You got to love those illyrian coastal leavies...
I'm gonna pay some attention to this ARR
Ghaust the Moor
07-08-2009, 14:53
Mmmmm, Gorey.... Nice. Loving it so far. Just a little curious as to why the strategos was crying(Thats what is sounded like to me). Will be reading:book::book:
the man with no name
07-08-2009, 22:17
Nice will be following this.
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 05:04
Thanks for all the comments. An update will be coming soon!
Azathoth
07-09-2009, 05:12
Don't tell me, the Illyrians conquered Greece. :wall:
:inquisitive: INTERESTING.... Im following this :2thumbsup:
Just hope Illyrians don´t kill all greeks to quick:whip:
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 05:47
Hehe... I'm playing as KH...
Damn! Well just enjoy KH and pls pls pls... kill those Little Romies.
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 07:39
Chapter One: The Power of Unity
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0612-00-10-74.jpg
Narrator: Doros Aithaidos Attikos
The City States of old were weak in their divisions. They fought amongst each other like starving dogs over bits of land while our enemies crushed us beneath their heel as a stepping zone to global conquest. The wealth of Rhodes, the culture of Athens, and the warriors of Sparta have come together at last, not just for the sake of survival as we did in the face of the Persians so many years ago, but to take the lands of our enemies and make them our own.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-16-33-76-1.jpg
Kydonia and the islanders of Krete were the first to be freed of from the cruel yoke of their tyrant.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-18-50-20.jpg
The tyrant, a bandit named Ainesidemos, sallied forth from the city in an attempt to flee for his life as the inhabitants turned against him, but instead ran straight into the Spartan spearheads.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-24-36-91.jpg
The warriors of Krete, seeing our arrival and the strength of our cause, turned their arrows against the tyrant and joined us in liberating their homeland. No force could have faced our combined strength. The city was ours and the festivities could be heard across the whole island.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-28-57-90-1.jpg
The great city of Korinthos was controlled by a Macedonian dictator named Alexandros Argeades. He was next in line for the gallows.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-32-33-21.jpg
Our veteran warriors, fresh off the galleys from Krete, scaled the walls and smashed the levies that stood against us. The defenders fled to the city center to make a final stand, but their attention was so captured by the Spartans that advanced to their front made them vulnerable to javelins from the back.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0800-39-56-94.jpg
In the end, another cruel dictator was slain at the hands of an Athenian peasant and the home of the Olympiad was returned to their rightful Greek rulers. Athletes from around the world came that year and we provided the greatest of hospitality. Even the hated Macedonians were allowed to compete under the banner of the Games, but in the final round, our own Akrotatos Agiados of Sparta won the contest of wrestling against a Macedonian twice his size.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0801-21-01-69-1.jpg
The Macedonians reeled in shock after Korinthos and was finally baited into action after Chalkis was captured by our allied forces. A large Macedonian army laid siege to Athenai just after I arrived from Sparta after completing my training. Confident in their numbers, they sent their siege machines against us.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0801-26-56-66.jpg
Men scaled the walls on ladders and poured out of towers as they swarmed the city like ants on meat, but our soldiers stood without fear. The enemy attacked us for want of glory and riches. We fought for our freedom. No more would we bow our heads to a foreigner. We were free men.
I stood with my father, guarding the gates in case the enemy broke through, but they never did. Our soldiers slaughtered the enemy on the walls, our spears piercing our enemy’s armor as if they wore nothing at all.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0801-31-00-86.jpg
The corpses were piled so high that they overflowed onto the grounds below. In the end, the entire Macedonian army was slaughtered. Not a single man remained. It took a week to bury all the corpses.
With the bulk of Macedonia’s forces trampled underfoot, our armies were freed from their garrisons. Soon, I will command legions of righteous Greeks and advance the glory of the empire with my own sword arm. I am Doros Aithaidos Attikos, son of Athens, and a general of United Greece.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/doros.jpg
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 08:56
Chapter Two: Sons, Fish, and Peace
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-23-13-96.jpg
Narrator: Demeas Lechaios
The village of Vigla is a beautiful place. I was born there, so of course I love it. My two elder sisters and my younger brother were born there too and we all think there’s no place better. Sometimes, bards and storytellers would pass by our village to tell stories about far away lands like the towering mountains that surround Armavir, the great Nile that flows by Meroe, the finely decorated nobles of Patala, and the never ending deserts that stretch around the lands of Maryab. I enjoy the stories, but then I look at my home.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-58-52-56.jpg
I race up the mountains behind Vigla with my best friend Fitim and I always win because my legs are the longest. I swim in the ocean and bring back scorpion fish to feast upon without getting stung. That daughter of the village leader, Alketa, has a golden anklet that jingles against the bronze one with every step she took. And sand? Who needs sand when you have good dark dirt to throw at your sister when her back is turned? To me, Vigla is the most wonderful place in the world.
My grandfather likes to sit in our house even during the nicest of days. He sits in his old wooden chair, hunched over as he stares at the ground. He is a very ugly man and he used to scare me when I was a boy, but I’m ten years old now. I can’t be afraid of an old man like him, no matter how ugly he is. I asked my father about him once. I asked him why grandfather was so sad and angry all the time. My father just smiled and shook his head.
“He’s not sad. Nor is he angry. He is happy. He has good strong sons. We pull many fish from the ocean. And he has peace. Those are the three most important things in life. Remember that, my boy”
It didn’t make too much sense to me at the time, that such simple things were the most important things in life, but now I can see. I lay with my stomach, blood flowing from a cut to my face. My father and uncle lay dying next to me. A crate of fish was smashed open and scattered over the beach. Flames leapt from one building to another, spread by the cool sea breeze. Alketa was being raped for the fifth time. Poor Fitim couldn’t run faster than an arrow. My grandfather was dead too, but he took three soldiers with him.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-35-18-41.jpg
A battered old bronze helm was on his head and a wooden mace was still gripped tightly in his hand.
“Commander Doros” A voice came from above me and I felt a sharp object poke my stomach. “This brat’s still alive. He looks strong enough to fetch a good price as a slave”
Doros. My mind reached snatched that name out of thin air. Doros.
An illyrian slave revolt in Greek lands? WoW
Great stuff BerkeleyBoi :2thumbsup:
Hotseat_User
07-09-2009, 11:35
ohhh man, this plot is so nice! Eagerlye awaiting the next update! :2thumbsup:
Reality=Chaos
07-09-2009, 11:42
The plot that is shaping up loooks great.... impatiently waiting for more:2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 19:00
Thanks for the comments! Playing as KH has been ridiculously easy so far, but the Romans are starting to send troops over and the Seleucids are besieging Rhodes, so things might get more exciting soon. Another update should be coming later today. I've got a bunch of ideas in my head so I'm punching out as many chapters I can before I get writers block.
Thanks again for all the comments!
Azathoth
07-09-2009, 19:59
Unfortunately for the kid, whoever he is (if he had a name, I forgot it already), Doros is a pretty common Greek name, and they didn't really have surnames back then...
Maion Maroneios
07-09-2009, 21:51
They didn't have surnames, that's true. What they did use as a "formal" naming system, was their given name (most times reflecting certain aspects of one's character) followed by their father's one and lastly their homeland. For example, my name is Anastasios, my father's name if Georgios and I come from the island of Paros. In Ancient Greece, I would formally introduce myself as: Anastasios Georgiou Parianos, which in English means "Anastasios, son of Georgios who comes from Paros".
Nice update, BTW :yes:
Maion
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 21:58
Thanks for the insight. I'll keep that name thing in mind... maybe the kid (he doesn't have a name yet) will just go and kill every single Doros he finds, leading to hilarious circumstances and situational comedic episodes... though that would detract from the dark theme that I was hoping for...
BerkeleyBoi
07-09-2009, 23:01
Chapter Three: Taming the Barbarians
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0502-32-21-33.jpg
Narrator: Doros Aithaidos Attikos
Illyria. The people of this land have been fighting each other in petty feuds that rival that of my own ancestors. They raid their own people’s villages for a few scrawny slaves, a crate of fish, or whatever else they can carry with them. When their own lands have become completely ravaged by their own hands, they board their boats and raid the coast of more civilized people. My father has sent me up north to this inhospitable land to put a stop to such things.
“Commander Doros” My swordbearer, a Kretian by the name of Epimenes, called me again. “What shall I do with the boy?”
“Do what you wish, but make it quick” I replied impatiently. Soldiers must be rewarded with the spoils of war, no matter how distasteful their actions might be. “We march out in one hour. Make sure whatever slaves the men take are bounded and ready for transport by then”
We already spent too much time in this village. There was little wealth in this village and the expected pirate booty was nowhere to be found. My men, desperate to take something of value, squabbled over the few choice slaves that were available. Their equipment was costly and many had debts to pay off. If this expedition did not prove to be profitable, they might find their own family in chains and sold off at the market.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-22-39-95.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/forces.jpg
The promise of greater wealth at the town of Dalminion gave the men some hope of wealth as well as revenge against the pirates that raided our villages. We quickly marched inland from the coast and put the town under siege. Trees were cut and crude rams were built. After a single season, I gave to order to assault the town.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-26-30-19.jpg
Our rams made quick work of the gates and my eager soldiers poured in to engage the enemy, but the pirates were veterans of many battles.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-27-07-96.jpg
The fresh faced hoplites were able push their way forward towards the town center, but the enemy was fighting to the death.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-38-34-59.jpg
I sent my own bodyguards into the fray and was finally able to turn the tide of battle, but not before many brave Greeks lay dead before me.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-38-56-75.jpg
To alleviate the grief of my men, I sent ordered them to sack the Illyrian portion of the town while I met with the leader of the Celtic minority in Dalminion. Flames leapt high from the thatched rooftops and screams could be heard throughout our meeting, just as I had hoped for.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-20-15-16.jpg
“I am called Kamandros Neapolites” the man managed to stutter as he knelt at my feet, “My father was from Pontus and I was born in Galatia. It is an honor to be in your presence, my lord”
“Rise” I beamed at him and put my hand on his shoulder. “You are a friend of Greece, there is no need for you to grovel”
“Friend of Greece?” Kamandros had a puzzled look on his face for a second, but he quickly caught on. “Yes, of course! We Celts of Dalminion are friends of Greece and we thank you for freeing us from the Illyrians”
“You are quite welcome, Kamandros” I motioned to Epimenes and he brought forward five slaves that we captured from the village as well as a sack heavy with silver. “Greece would like to thank you for your loyalty. We would like to present you these…” I gestured at the slaves before presenting a document on the table. “…as well as governorship over this province. In exchange, all we ask is for you to put an end to the piracy”
“An end to the piracy? My lord, piracy has existed in this land since the beginning of time. I don’t know if a single, humble man such as myself can put an end to…” A piercing scream interrupted the Celt mid-sentence.
“Tell them to do their business quietly” I ordered Epimenes before smiling back at the Celt. “You wouldn’t think that killing would be such a noisy business, but I’m sorry, I did not here what you said…?”
Kamandros’ face turned white as he seemed to take notice of my bodyguards that stood behind him. “Oh, it was nothing, my lord. I will do as you wish. I promise you. Piracy will be put to an end”
I beamed at him again and ordered my servant to bring us some wine. “Very good answer, Kamandros, I believe we will be getting along just fine”
Great stuff realy...
:2thumbsup:
BerkeleyBoi
07-10-2009, 22:07
Chapter Four: The Good Slaves
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-1000-08-03-42.jpg
Narrator: Demeas Lechaios
I stood quietly in the corner of the room, watching the Roman captain argue with Kamandros, the governor of Dalminion and my current master. The argument got particularly heated after a while and the Roman reached for his sword. I took a step forward, a hand on my dagger’s hilt, but Kamandros was already on his feet with his longsword unsheathed.
“Back to where you came, Roman dog” Kamandros growled as two of his other bodyguards also stepped out of the shadows, “There are no pirates in my land except the ones that you brought with you”
The Roman, obviously outmatched in arms, pointed a finger at Kamandros and spat on the ground. “Greek slaves should know their place in this world. You’ll regret this” With that, he stormed out of the room.
“Wine” Kamandros waved his hand at me and slumped back in his chair. “And pull up a seat, Demeas. A cup too, if you so wish”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-20-27-10.jpg
I quickly brought over a cask and poured my master a cup before taking a seat. It has been four years since I was given to Kamandros. The Celt was very sharp and was well loved by the people for his generosity, but was better known for his girth and his love for good food. He also suffers from fits of depression during which he would stay in his room for weeks on end eating, drinking, and vomiting until he emerges one day to govern as if nothing had happened at all. During those periods, his head clerk would take over the daily busywork and I served as his assistant, thus the reason why I have learned my words and numbers. Kamandros was a good master and I worked hard to be a good slave. There was much fish to be had as a slave and there was much peace with a master like Kamandros. Perhaps in a few years, I can buy my freedom and have sons of my own.
“Demeas” My master waved at his empty cup and I refilled it to the brim. “You’re a good slave, Demeas, just like myself”
“I’m sorry master, I don’t understand” Of course I actually understood what he meant, but it is best for a slave to be polite even when one had a kind master.
“That Roman dog was right about nearly everything he said. There are still pirates coming from my land and it is very likely that they’re raiding Roman merchant ships. And he was right that I too am a slave” He finished his wine and I refilled it again. “You should drink some. It is a good wine”
“Thank you, sir” I fetched a cup and poured a little wine for myself before sitting back down.
“The Greeks will have my head if the Romans start a war against them because of those damned pirates. Not much I can do about it though, pirates have been around since people first floated out to sea on a log. All I can do is hope the Romans are too busy with their own wars to send a legion our way”
“Maybe you can do more”
“What can a slave do? I am a good slave, mind you, I have done what I can to stop the piracy, but I can’t stop it all even if those bastards down in Athens have me a thousand hoplites to burn down every single coastal village in Dalminion”
“Maybe you can make the Greeks want war with the Romans”
Kamandros cocked an eyebrow and put down his wine. “You always were pretty damned smart for a fisherman’s son. Tell me what’s on your mind”
“It is not my place to advice you, my lord” Modesty was also a great virtue for slaves.
“Horseshit. You’re a better advisor to me than a wine steward” I noticed his empty cup and quickly refilled it. “Now that the first priority has been taken care of, advise me”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-43-21-87.jpg
I nodded and pointed at a blueprint for the ships that the Illyrians have been building to combat piracy. “The Romans will probably send a messenger to Athens about the piracy after today, but our ships are faster. We can send a ship ahead of them and tell the Greeks that the Romans have attacked us”
“That’s very bold, but what happens when the Romans arrive? The Greeks don’t trust me as far as they can throw me and…” He patted his large belly. “I doubt even their Olympians can pick me up, let alone throw me”
“We send the pirates to burn their ships before they reach Athens”
Kamandros stared at me in silence as he considered my plan. “The Romans will definitely lay siege to us…”
“Which means you spoke nothing but the truth. To defend their honor, they must come to our aid and fight the Romans”
“And what’s the point of that? A Roman army has already camped itself a days march from here. By the time a Greek army reaches us, we’ll have a Roman sword stuck between our ribs”
“We just have to survive until then” I finally took a sip from my wine. “And surviving is what slaves do”
“Did you just call me a slave?”
“No sir, I was referring only to myself”
Kamandros smiled and finished his wine in a single gulp. “If we survive this, then we both must be very good slaves. Go fetch the master of arms, it’s time we prepare for war”
BerkeleyBoi
07-11-2009, 08:34
I'll probably be updating like crazy from now on (even if I don't get any comments). My campaign has ended and I've gotta finish this AAR in 4 days. Another chapter being written as I write this post...
BerkeleyBoi
07-11-2009, 09:53
Chapter Five: Accidental Hero
Narrator: Demeas Lechaios
My grandfather was an infamous Illyrian pirate. He led a fleet of ten ships that raided up and down the Italian coast. His last voyage led him to Halikarnassos where his entire fleet was burned and almost all his men lost. He washed ashore and was saved by some fishermen who sheltered him even though he was a pirate. He stayed even after he regained his health and put his sailing skills to work to catch fish instead of gold. He took an Ionian wife and sailed back to Illyria after six years away. The pirate gangs tried to bring him back to his trade, but he settled in the village of Vigla and continued his trade as a fisherman.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-43-16-94.jpg
The pirate captain that told me all this, an old Illyrian named Polyades, left several weeks before and news arrived that the Roman fleet was intercepted and destroyed. A few ships limped back and after a few raids against their camp, the Romans have finally marched against us.
Kamandros drafted every able man, including the Illyrians who were previously forbidden to bear arms, into the defense of the city. Everyone knew that if the Romans broke through the walls, no one would be spared. The outlying villages have already been torched and refugees have flooded in through the gates non-stop for the past week.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/army.jpg
Now, the Romans were right outside the walls and the city of Dalminion was under siege. I was given a bronze helm similar to the one my grandfather had, as well as a large shield and a heavy club to wield. Though I was a slave, I was ordered to fight alongside the other Illyrian fishermen, farmers, pirates, and mercenaries.
We knew the Romans were more than willing to starve us out. They knew that we did not have the time to store much food and, with the huge influx of refugees, there was little chance that we could feed everyone for more than a few months. Kamandros ordered a sally, hoping to take the Romans by surprise.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-59-52-17.jpg
We rushed out of the gates early in the morning, but we found the Romans ready for us. Their men were organized and were waiting for us. We lined up across from them with Kamandros’ Celts in the center and the Greek skirmishers on our flanks.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-00-40-00.jpg
Under a hail of javelins, we smashed into the enemy’s lines, but failed to make a dent. I saw our captain fall and soon, every man was fighting for themselves with no regard to the battle lines. To my right, I saw a band of Illyrians break and race back for the cities. Soon, the men around me began to fall back, but we did not rout. Kamandros and his Celts held the enemy back to allow us to regroup, but the Roman cavalry go behind us and charged.
The men around me broke and raced for the city, but I couldn’t move my legs as those horses bore down on us. I suddenly found myself alone facing the Romans, each of their spears looked as if they were all pointing straight at me. I felt liquid trickle down my leg, but that was the least of my worries. I ducked behind my shield and braced for the impact while I uttered a prayer to Isis.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-14-31-09.jpg
I was thrown back several feet, but instead of being trampled under the hooves of the Roman horses, I was lifted back to my feet by one of my comrades. My men rallied and broke the charge. I was pushed forward back to the front and everything was chaotic. Horses were dying all around us, kicking at anything that neared them. I swung wildly at anything wearing red, screaming and cursing the whole time.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-14-23-32.jpg
Suddenly, it was all over. The surviving horsemen fled as a hail of javelins from Kamandros’ men followed them. “Back to the walls!” My master grabbed me by my collar and shook me out of my stupor. “Back to the walls! Hurry, before they recover!”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-18-30-88.jpg
I ran as hard as I could the whole way until I collapsed right after entering the gate. A crowd of battered and beaten Illyrians have gathered around me, muttering and whispering to each other.
“He still has his shield” I heard one of them whisper.
“The boy still holds his weapon” Another one said.
“He stood his ground against a charge by himself!” I heard another shout.
“He’s the slave of Kamandros” said a Celt that I vaguely recognized, “A slave killed the Roman general!”
“That’s to be expected” I turned around and saw the pirate captain who told me about my grandfather. “He is the grandson of Luftar, the Scourge of Adriatic!”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-21-09-12.jpg
Reality=Chaos
07-11-2009, 10:13
I'm loving this so far... I can't wait to see how this plays out:2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
BerkeleyBoi
07-11-2009, 21:54
Chapter Six: Stepping Stones
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-36-26-08.jpg
Narrator: Doros Aithaidos Attikos
My disciplining of the barbarians was treated as my first battlefield success, but did not win me much respect by the alliance’s leadership. My successful defense of the frontier against Makedonian incursions won me the respect of my soldiers and the people of Athens, but my lack of conquest limited my influence.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-37-24-27.jpg
It wasn’t until I crushed an elite garrison at Demetrias and sent Makedonian slaves to the Free Cities of Greece that at last the old men who founded the alliance were won over. With the death of my father, I was designated heir to the throne and was given command over the combined forces of our lands.
“Romans” Captain Epimenes shook his head as he paced around the tent. “It seems like that Celt you put in power up north was not lying. The Romans have declared war on us. A vanguard force has offloaded two days march from Korinthos”
“Romans” I muttered to myself and stared at a map on my desk. The garrison of Korinthos was manned by only a few militiamen and the Rhodian governors’ bodyguard. I slammed my fist on the table and scowled at no one in particular. “Pella is within our grasp and the Romans send a legion at us. With the mines of Pella under my control, I could easily raise an army large enough to conquer those Epeiros barbarians to the west…”
“The Romans have crushed the Epeiros in Italy and their leader, along with all his elephants, was killed by the Makedonians many years back. They are now allies to the Alliance”
“Allies only until our backs are turned” I scowled again, but my loyal captain should not be the target of my wrath. I softened my expression and nodded at my former swordbearer. “You are right Epimenes, they are no threat to us for now and the wealth of Pella will have to wait another day. The glory of saving Korinthos and the spirit of the Olympiakos must take priority. We march in the morning”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-55-53-73.jpg
The Roman infantry was more formidable than the barbarian pirates and much more flexible than the Macedonian phalangites we faced. However, they were only led by a captain after their general caught disease and died a few days after landing.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-18-58-64.jpg
Lacking proper leadership, the Romans were caught on unfavorable grounds when my forces descended on them.
Individually, the Romans were vastly superior to the freemen that I commanded, but we outnumbered them and my tactics were vastly superior to that of any captain.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-01-14-53.jpg
Our Athenian hoplites held the middle of the line against the Roman spearmen while our lighter Ekdromoi hoplitai circled around and crumbled their flanks.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-14-13-06.jpg
Our levees, after harsh training and the Makedonian campaigns, held their lines even amid heavy casualties and pinned the Roman heavy infantry long enough for my own bodyguard to circle around and smash them from behind.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0811-17-56-71.jpg
The Rodian governor arrived at last with his militia Akontistai and launched several volleys of javelins into the backs of the enemy. The Romans broke at last and retreated back towards their ships. Without proper cavalry, we were unable to give chase, but the victory was clear and decisive.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-05-57-53.jpg
One season later, a Roman envoy arrived and negotiated a favorable peace. Trade would resume, the northern wildlands and the island of Sicily were off limits to Roman expansion, and their alliance with the Makedonians would be broken. My defense of Korinthos was lauded by the people and the Spartan king himself as most valiant and glorious. Several bands of Spartans were being trained exclusively for the purpose of serving me in the future. The Romans have proved to be another marvelous stepping stone for my rise.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-40-52-60.jpg
BerkeleyBoi
07-12-2009, 09:28
Chapter Seven: Ceasefire
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0814-25-57-06.jpg
Narrator: Demeas Lechaios
Loose flaps of skin hang from Kamandros’ cheeks and seem to flop about with every step he took, but he wore a large smile on his face for the first time in two seasons. The Roman siege camp was broken up and reports came in that peace had been brokered.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-1112-16-49-29.jpg
“Admiral Polyades, take a scouting party out and comb the land for any hidden Romans” He pointed at me and another slave who fought in the sally. “Take those two with you and see if you could teach them a few things”
“Admiral?” Polyades scratched his gray beard and peered at the Celt. “Last I heard, I was a pirate who threatened the peace”
“Your ships and the grain that they smuggled into the city saved all of us and though the reason why the Romans attacked us in the first place was probably due to one of your raids, I am willing to forgive you”
“Forgive me?” The old pirate’s voice rose in anger, but turned into laughter when he saw the grin on Kamandros’ face. “You emaciated skin bag, I’ll accept your new title, though don’t expect me to change my ways. I’m too old to stop doing what I do best”
“Oh just get going, old man” Kamandros waved us towards the door. “Oh, and if you see any big wooden horses, burn the bloody thing”
BerkeleyBoi
07-12-2009, 18:51
Just curious, is anyone reading this thing?
Maion Maroneios
07-12-2009, 20:15
Yep, I personally don't want to spoil it with the same stuff over and over again. But I am following this, yes :yes:
Maion
MerlinusCDXX
07-13-2009, 02:05
Yes. I'm liking the originality of the idea too.
CaesarAugustus
07-13-2009, 02:19
This is brilliant, I am following it as well. And the China blog.
BerkeleyBoi
07-13-2009, 03:28
Ah, I'm glad this thing is being read... well, I guess I'll get working on the next chapter. Thanks for the comments!
BerkeleyBoi
07-13-2009, 07:45
Chapter Eight: The Price of Money
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/ch8army-1.jpg
Narrator: Doros Aithaidos Attikos
Pella was heavily reinforced by the time my army returned from our fight against the Romans. Levees from the north with several contingents of Greek mercenaries and a garrison of elite phalangites attacked us as we marched on the Makedonian capital. Without any heavy cavalry, I knew immediately that my hoplitai would have a hard time breaking the enemy, but I had to press the attack while my political power was at its height. To turn back now might cause another upstart to take the initiative and control the wealth of Pella.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-16-04-22.jpg
Epimenes tried to persuade me to retreat one last time, arguing that our assault would be a guaranteed success if our forces were augmented with Gallic mercenaries. I would hear none of it and reprimanded him for such a dishonorable idea. My victories must be won with Greek arms, not that of barbarian mercenaries.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-22-33-73.jpg
We lured the enemy to the edge of the forest and engaged them where the terrain was favorable to our more mobile hoplites. The levies and mercenaries fell quickly enough to our spears, but the elite phalangite reinforcements proved much more troublesome. Our attempts to pin them in place led to massive casualties as enemy pikeheads shredded my militiamen.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-27-58-91.jpg
My light hoplitai were able to circle around and attack the flanks of the enemy, but with such a strong commander, the enemy would not surrender even when surrounded. I immediately sent my reserves made up of two contingents of slingers and a freshly recruited band of militia hoplitai to cut off the head of the serpent while the rest of us held the phalangites in place.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-31-50-84.jpg
The plan was a success and with the general dead, the enemy broke and we gave chase just as rain began to pour down on the battlefield.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-36-46-60.jpg
The casualties were very large on both sides and large pools of blood dotted the plains, but the way to Pella was open.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0813-40-35-63.jpg
“Was it worth it?” Epimenes sat with his back against a tree while a doctor tended to his wounds. A pike penetrated his left leg, but luckily missed the bone while a javelin took him full in the right shoulder. He has a good chance of survival, but with his sword arm crippled and his mobility impaired, it was doubtful that he would ever fight again.
“Yes, it was” I stared at the huge mining complex that stretched out below us, illuminated by the flames that rose up from the city. “The sinews of war are infinite money. With this wealth, I will raise an army that will crush all who oppose me. I will sweep the Makedonians off their own lands. The Epeirotes will accept slavery rather than face me in battle. Even the Romans will beg for mercy!” I turned back to the young Kretian and took his good hand in my own. “We will become heroes for all ages, my friend, like Achilles and Patroclus. The life lost today was the price paid for these mines. With these mines, we will restore Greece to its rightful place”
Epimenes just nodded and smiled weakly.
Reality=Chaos
07-13-2009, 09:24
Hey berkleyboy... I HAVE been following this AAR and so far it is very good... Ican't wait how the yllirian-Greek thing works out...
Mouzafphaerre
07-13-2009, 12:04
.
Berkeley, ma boi! ~D :2thumbsup:
.
BerkeleyBoi
07-13-2009, 19:17
Chapter Nine: The Freeman
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0812-43-21-87.jpg
Narrator: Demeas Lechaios
Working on Polyades’ ship is simple enough of a job. When we get out to sea with a good wind, we pull the oars in, set the sails free, and enjoy the ride. When the wind dies down or we get close to shore, we row. When there is a storm, we tie ourselves in and pray. The work is physically demanding, but so was pulling in nets heavy with fish.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-1310-57-32-29.jpg
The process of buying low and selling high was a little harder. The admiral would send me and a few other men into the marketplace to listen for rumors. If there was a salt shortage in Athens, we would sail down the coast while filling our cargo holds from the salt mines we encounter. Krete needs wheat? The rich farms of the Epeiros would surely provide. Sparta needs slaves? Well, in that case, we change from merchants to pirates.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0612-53-34-92.jpg
Which is another complicated issue that I have to deal with. I have grown up now and am taller and stronger than the others, except for Polyades who can talk to me at eye level. I have trained with the Celtic swordsmen during my service under Kamandros and the other pirates have taught me how to fight in their own style. Steady feet are absolutely necessary when fighting on a ship and a hard blow is less useful than a well placed one. Once on shore, we use our ropes and nets to capture slaves without doing much physical harm to them. I don’t really like fighting and I especially dislike enslaving others, but in life, we do what we must.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-1311-03-00-23.jpg
The old pirate has friends (and enemies) in every large port we visit, may they be his former crewmen, smuggling fences, or rival pirates. During every occasion, he is sure to introduce me to the others as my grandfather’s grandson.
“It is important that you get your name out there” Polyades explained one night, “You killed a Roman general while a slave and a boy. You stood your ground and rallied the men when the horses bore down on you. Heroic deeds, Demeas, are only heroic when many know of them. It is a currency more valuable than gold”
“What use do I have with such things?” I muttered to myself, but Polyades heard me.
“You are the grandson of Luftar, the greatest of all Illyrians. You are a freeman now, but you are not freed from your name and no man is free from his people” He waved over at the Illyrian pirates gambling at the docks. “We have fought amongst each other for hundreds of years, coming together only to steal from others. We need a leader”
“I’m no leader” I shook my head and swung my mace around. “I don’t even like fighting. My grandfather once said…”
“…that in life, all you need are sons, fish, and peace. I know, he told me the same thing when I asked him to lead” Polyades’ eyes suddenly hardened. “But your sons will be slaughtered, your fish stolen, and peace cannot exist without strength. Not just one man’s strength, but the strength of a people”
“You say that I am a freeman, yet you say that I am not free” I shook my head again and smiled. “Are you saying that I wasted my money when I bought my freedom?”
“Oh, far from it” Polyades grinned again, showing off his cracked and missing teeth. “You bought freedom for all Illyria. Quite a bargain for the few silver pieces you paid!”
BerkeleyBoi
07-14-2009, 01:25
Well, I'm going back to the countryside tomorrow and there's no internet, so I don't think I'll be able to finish this AAR before then. I seriously underestimated how many chapters this thing was gonna have (12 chapters left to write)... ah well... I'll write as many as I can before I leave.
Reverend Joe
07-14-2009, 03:45
This is good -- keep it up!
Beautiful AAR...
I am however confused on who is the main character in each chapter, for me it seems you are switching in between 3 characters.
BerkeleyBoi
07-14-2009, 07:16
Beautiful AAR...
I am however confused on who is the main character in each chapter, for me it seems you are switching in between 3 characters.
Ah, sorry about that. The ones with the Illyrians are usually from the point of view of Demeas the slave. The ones about the Greeks are spoken by Doros the faction heir. I don't use their names too often... I should clarify that in the future posts.
EDIT: Alright, I added a little note as to who the narrator of each chapter is.
BerkeleyBoi
07-15-2009, 03:00
Chapter 10: Killing the Hound
The Molossian hound is a vicious animal and was used in war as well as hunting by the Epeiros since their beginnings as a people. Yet it is said that a Molossian hound were the most loyal of dogs. There was a story told by the common people that a soldier left his home for war, leaving his hound behind to guard his child not yet a year old. The hound hunted and brought food for the babe and fed it with her own milk. When the snows fell and the master had yet to return, the dog chose to starve to death rather than forsake her oath.
The Epeiros had done nothing to make us go to war with them and were our allies for a good two decades, but they decided to take Thermon despite our warnings. In the past, our allied cities were conquered despite our political protests, but there was little that the Greeks could do. Now, however, with the growing strength of our empire, such transgressions cannot be tolerated.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0901-31-47-04.jpg
I marched my army straight at their capital city of Ambrakia. A large Epeiros army led by the son of Pyrrhus intercepted us, asking that we honor our alliance and leave their lands in peace. They offered to return Thermon to our control, but I countered that the damage was done. Their actions proved their treachery and such actions must be punished. I would accept nothing but unconditional surrender and the absorption of Epeiros into our empire. The son of Pyrrhus declined my terms and our armies were ordered forward.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0901-47-24-65.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0901-42-49-14.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0901-40-04-55.jpg
The battle was bloody, but we won a decisive victory. The newly recruited Kretian archers, heavy cavalry, and hoplitai worked perfectly in combination with each other. The enemy levies suffered tremendously under the Kretian arrows, the hoplitai held their ground superbly against the enemy phalangites, and the noble Greek cavalry swept the enemy off the field with their charge. The son of Pyrrhus was captured, executed, and given to his own hounds to eat.
“Amazing” I said to Epimenes as the dogs scurried away from the corpse, “The loyalty of those animals really weren’t just a myth”
“Maybe we should send the body to his brother in law in Epidamnos, sir?” Epimenes recovered from his injuries, but his sword arm was severely weakened. He has turned to practicing with his left arm while strapping a shield to his left, but I have yet to send him into battle. He is too valuable of a captain to just throw away. “He fought bravely and honorably this day”
“Yes, that is true” I summoned the executioner over and pointed at the corpse. “Chop off the head and have it sent to his brother. Take his body and feed it to the pigs”
“Sir, if I may interject” Epimenes stood between the executioner and myself. “Desecrating the body will only incense his brother in law and the people of Epeiros”
“No, you may not interject” I scowled and I pushed the Kretian aside, “He is an enemy of our people and betrayed the trust bestowed on him by his betters. He will be punished and if his brother in law chooses to fight, so will he” I nodded to the executioner. “Hurry up and be done with it”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0911-50-55-19.jpg
The Epidamnos Campaign proved to be a bloody one. It seemed as if the whole of their population took arms against me, their numbers never ending as they tried to gain victory by suffocating my men with their corpses.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0911-56-08-28.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0911-57-58-88.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-04-21-65.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-06-29-30.jpg
In the end, Epidamnos fell to our men at a heavy price, but with the wealth of Pella, more men quickly refilled my ranks. After a seasons rest, we marched south at last to free Thermon.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-34-04-49.jpg
To my surprise, we were intercepted by two armies made up of Illyrian pirates, Epeirus regulars, and Greek levies. The citizens of Thermon, instead of welcoming me as a liberator, have risen up against me in support of their Epeirus masters!
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-37-05-30.jpg
“Treacherous bastards” I growled as I stared at the enemy that organized below me, “Thermon will burn for this”
“The people of Thermon saw what happened to Epidamnos and Ambrakia” Epidemes said coolly, “You let our men loose on the city, raping, murdering, and looting as they went. They know what will happen if we reach Thermon”
I glared at Epidemes and spat on the ground. “Take up your spear and shield. It is about time you did some fighting instead of just shooting your mouth off”
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-45-02-57.jpg
We fought nonstop on our way to Thermon. The enemy ambushed our foragers, burned our supply lines, fell trees in our path, and even burned their own fields to prevent us from eating. My rage grew with each step we took and I vowed to wipe that city off the face of this planet.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-50-26-11.jpg
After countless skirmishes and detours, we caught the last son of Pyrrhus and the remnants of his army. It was made up of nothing but Greek levies and skirmishers.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-53-43-59.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/nexadamo/RomeTW-BI2009-07-0912-55-19-81.jpg
My army swarmed around the enemy and piled a mountain full of corpses, but not a enemy fled. They fought with their crude weapons and continued to fight with their teeth and nails. In the end they all died.
“Bring Epidemes to me” I said to my runner after the battle, “I want him by my side as we burn that city to the ground”
“My lord” I turned around and saw one of my minor captains kneel before me, his helmet off his head.
“What is it?” I said gruffly. There was slaughter to be had and I had no desire to give another promotion to self-proclaimed brave deeds.
“My lord, Epidemes fell in battle” Behind him, two warriors brought forward the Kretian and laid him on the ground before me. A spear got past his weak guard and pierced his heart. “I am sorry, sir”
My dearest friend was dead. I collapsed to the ground and stared at the corpse in shock. A thousand emotions surged through me in a single moment. Hatred at the enemy who killed him, sadness that I had lost my friend, joy at the memories of the past, laughter at his jokes half remembered, and regret. I sent him to his death because of my own rashness. I gave my best friend to Hades for the sake of protecting my own pride.
“My lord” It was the captain again. I could barely hear him. “I am sorry, but what shall I tell the men? Shall we march on Thermon?”
“No” I whispered, half choking with tears. I rose to my feet shakily and looked at the captain. “No” I said again, more firmly. “No! No! NO!” I screamed and grabbed the horrified captain by his collar. “A funeral pyre” I whispered to him as he stared at me, “Gather our dead so that we may honor them”
“What of the enemy, sir?” The captain stuttered as I finally released him, “What shall we do with their wounded and the captured?”
“Send those who can walk home to their families” I said, “If the wounded have loved ones, they will come to take them back” The captain stared at me as if he did not understand. “Do it”
That night, the dark sky was lit with flames fed by the bodies of our fallen. Wailing was heard for miles around as we cried for our comrades.
“I treated you as a tool” I whispered to Epidemes, “I treated you and all my men as tools for my own vanity” I kissed his forehead, took a few steps back, and lit the pyre. “Never again. It will not happen again”
BerkeleyBoi
07-15-2009, 03:47
Looks like this will be the last chapter for a while because I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again.
the man with no name
08-08-2009, 13:14
Great AAR BerkleyBoi.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
08-08-2009, 21:58
After a month of silence, still no update. :no:
Mouzafphaerre
08-15-2009, 01:02
Looks like this will be the last chapter for a while because I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again.
.
Ahem...
.
BerkeleyBoi
08-26-2009, 11:42
Will be back in the civilized world the day after tomorrow. After handling whatever necessary domestic affairs that need to be taken care of, hopefully I'll be able to update (assuming I remember what my story was about...)
Oh, and thanks for the comments while I was gone!
the man with no name
08-26-2009, 13:18
Will be back in the civilized world the day after tomorrow. After handling whatever necessary domestic affairs that need to be taken care of, hopefully I'll be able to update (assuming I remember what my story was about...)
Oh, and thanks for the comments while I was gone!
(Happy Dance)
Hotseat_User
08-27-2009, 19:04
(Happy Dance)
/me second that! :smash:
Julius Augustus
08-27-2009, 19:35
He's back!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
08-28-2009, 08:29
Will be back in the civilized world the day after tomorrow. After handling whatever necessary domestic affairs that need to be taken care of, hopefully I'll be able to update (assuming I remember what my story was about...)
Oh, and thanks for the comments while I was gone!
Good to see you back but don't feel obligated to write. Only continue the AAR if you want to. When someone writes because they want to, it always ends up better.
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.