View Full Version : The Antigonids : A Makedonian AAR
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-06-2007, 21:32
The Antigonid Dynasty
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2140/maa195zo9.png
Greetings! I was play-testing a campaign of the interal version and was bored, so I decided to make an AAR. I was just going to try to keep all new content out of the AAR or limit it to distant shots, but it was quite difficult to do so. So I'm going to just wait until release day to post the first chapter so as not to spoil the new stuff for everyone. Which means that this may be continued tommorrow or it may be continued in a couple months...
I wanted to make an AAR with as many pictures as writing, but since I don't want to spoil anything and since I didn't take many picture during the first couple decades, here's my long pictureless introduction:
Introduction: The Reign of Antigonos
In the year 272BC, by the Christian calender, Makedonia was in chaos. Pyrrhos of Epieros was in control of the inland cities and was ready to take complete control of Makedonia, overthrowing Antigonos. But at the last moment Pyrhhos himself, saved Makedonia. In a trademark Pyrhhos decission, Pyrhhos left one war half done and moved his armies to invade Illyria. For the moment, Makedonia was spared.
Antigonos took the opertunity to quickly consolidate power amoungst the Hellens. Every city state to the south was rebellious, even those loyal to Antigonos would inevitably revolt. But two cities stood above the rest, Athenai and Sparte, if they fell the rest of the cities would fall as well. So Antigonos took his combined forces and besieged the ancient city of Athenai. Within the year, it had fallen. Antigonos entered the city and told its people that he had come to free them. He quickly set up the politician Karpophoros as tyrant, loyal to the Makedonian throne. Antigonos insured the Athenians that they were free and showed this by moving the entire garrison out of the city. Though in truth, the garrison was needed to confront the Spartan menance to south.
https://img250.imageshack.us/img250/7489/maa200ph1.png
[picture of years later]
Antigonos quickly moved to finish off the Spartans before they could receive reinforcements from Rhodos or Crete. Though, apon besieging the town, the Spartans sent for help from one of their armies stationed near Elis. And so, the following season three Spartan armies attacked Antigonos as he beseiged their home. The battle was tough, but in the end the field was filled with Spartan dead:
https://img73.imageshack.us/img73/9423/maa191fh6.jpg
Meanwhile in the north, Epieros had failed to subdue the Illyrian tribed and had renewed its attack on Makedonia. Alkyoneus, son of Antigonos had managed to repulse several attacks, but with every attack the defenders of Makedonia grew weaker. Antigonos quickly set up a local puppet ruler in Sparte and force marched his men north. The forces of Antigonos and Makedonia joined together and Antigonos and Alkyoneus marched on Epieros, leaving Antigonos' younger brother Kalos to oversee Pella.
An alliance was made with Rome, who had made several failed attempts to keep Epieros out of Italy, and war began in Epieros. After several years of war, Epieros was conquered and Pyrrhos and one of his sons were all that was left, wandering Illyria (Taras the only city still loyal to them). Alkyoneus and the remaining Thessalian Cavalry confronted the two generals and their tiny army outside the Illyrian village of Dalminion and brought an end to the Kingdom of Epieros:
https://img250.imageshack.us/img250/5848/maa193mx4.jpg
So Antigonos returned to Pella as victor and ruler of all of Greece. Several years of peace followed, as Antigonos rebuilt the shattered economy of Makedonia. During this time, Alkyoneus easily annexed Dardanoia, north of Makedonia. Peace didn't last. The Aitolian League started causing unrest in the south, so Antigonos once again marched to war. Aitolia fell quickly to Antigonos, then the troublesome city of Byzantion was next. Alkyoneus managed to make an alliance with the Celtic city of Tylis, setting up a Makedonian friendly leader. Meanwhile Byzantion fell to Antigonos.
Tired of war [he actually got Unsatisfied Supervisor from fighting :wall:], Antigonos once again returned to Pella to rule in peace. Around this time, Demetrios returned to Pella, after completing his Agoge training with the Spartans. Ready for war, Antigonos gave him command of his own army and order him to kill the Spartan king who had been hiding in Crete, as well as conquer the island while there. Soon the island fell and Demetrios confronted the Spartan king of the eastern shores of Crete:
https://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2751/maa194yo7.jpg
[I took this picture because it reminded me of Mount Suribachi]
The Rhodian fleet that they were expecting never came, as it had been sunken by the Pergamon fleet [Pirates] the year before. By the end of the day, the Spartans lay dead in the rising tide.
Puppet rulers were quickly set up in Crete and Demetrios sailed on Rhodos, who had assisted the Spartans for decades. During this time, Antigonos' elder brother, who had been governor of Epieros decided that it was time to conquer Illyria and all of its resources. So he and his sons assemble an army, mostly made up of veterans of Alkyoneus' conquests, and marched on Illyria. Before long, they had conquered all the way to the edge of the Roman Cisalpine Gallia territory. Frightened by a powerful enemy on their border, Roma attacked Illyria. The tiny Roman army was quickly repulsed and the Roman Senate pleaded for peace with Makedonia. When Rhodos fell, Demetrios returned home with his army and peace continued until around 245BC.
Around 250-140BC, the Syrian Wars made a drastic change. With the fall of Babylonia to Ptolemai, the Seleukia Empire, long time allies of Antigonos, began to crumble. Soon, all of Asia was shifting to Ptolemai control, threatening, not only the balance of power, but the future goals of Antigonos. Seeking allies, Antigonos sent diplomats to the Galatians [Arverni - Galatia kept alternating between being conqered by Pontos and rebelling to Arverni] and acquired an alliance. In Pella, an army of Pezhetairoi was assembled and Antigonos and Demetrios invaded Asia. The same year that Nikaia fell to Makedonia, Sardis and Ipsos fell to the Ptolemaioi. Before they could establish full control of their new regions, Antigonos struck at the Ptolemai. In the same year both Phrygia and Lydia fell to Makedonia and Antigonos prepared to invade Syria. But Antigonos' plans were cut short, in the winter of 242-241BC Antigonos died peacefully in the the palace of Sardis:
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9154/maa192ok3.jpg
Makedonia was left in crisis. Demetrios was clearly the better general and ruler, but Alkyoneus had long been the heir to the throne. Who was the rightful next king of Makedonia?
The known world upon the death of Antigonos:
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1889/hxmak241mr3.png
Next: Chapter 1: The Two Kings
Bootsiuv
10-06-2007, 21:35
We already know you guys are coming out with the release any day now.
Come on guy....you can tell us. :)
Anyways, great aar. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can read the rest!
:P
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-06-2007, 22:18
:dizzy2: To be honest, I have no idea when EBv1.0 will be released. There have been so many different dates shooting around internally and I haven't been around enough lately to read every single debate. :dizzy2:
Bootsiuv
10-06-2007, 22:22
I'll take that with a grain of salt....I don't trust team members at release time...your all masters of the propagandist arts.:dizzy2:
*all joking aside, I just like to speculate....whenever it's released, I'm sure it will be worth the wait*
:2thumbsup:
Lovely AAR, will be watching this one...
Yes a new AAR can't wait to read you're first chapter. And kick those Hellens to hell
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-07-2007, 00:39
Thanks!
Wrote the first chapter for whenever. I also added more pictures to the intro.
Nikolaus
10-07-2007, 00:49
I'm liking this aar so far, keeping it up
you've already shown at least 1 new unit...keep it up!!!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-07-2007, 01:14
you've already shown at least 1 new unit...keep it up!!!
Is that meant sarcastically?
And if it is what I think you mean, it isn't exactly new...
I noticed something, there... They changed the color of the sea to make it look more like M2TW's. It's a lot more realistic looking now.
Bootsiuv
10-07-2007, 04:06
Yeah, there is a preview of those somewhere in the forums....
I like them, they're more black than blue, sort of like a satellite shot from space.
Just noticed you added the shot of the puppet rulers....f***ing awesome. :2thumbsup:
EDIT: After looking at them closer, they look a little bluer than I thought they were after recalling the previews some weeks ago...regardless, there very nice.
no, i wasn't being sarcastic, i'm happy to have new units previewed in screenshot format...most of the fans have only seen them in renders, so it seems like a fine idea to me, especially since you seem to take nice screenies and write a nice story. Really do keep it up!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-07-2007, 05:34
There were several changes/refinements to the strat map graphics. The ones previewed may not have been the final version.
no, i wasn't being sarcastic, i'm happy to have new units previewed in screenshot format...most of the fans have only seen them in renders, so it seems like a fine idea to me, especially since you seem to take nice screenies and write a nice story. Really do keep it up!
Oh, ok. I thought you were mad I leaked something. I've written the first chapter and will release it the day of the release. It includes a battle with focus on a completely new unit.
Man thas this mean what I think that it means, and I love What Hayasdan is doing on the campaigne map :beam: :beam: :beam:
Very nice AAR, MCM. I hope it´ll be continued soon ~D
btw, the phalanx in the battle screenie, are they the new klerouchoi (sp?) phalangitai?
Great AAR Marcus, I'm sure I hope we'll be seeing the next chapter soon :yes:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Barbarian
btw, the phalanx in the battle screenie, are they the new klerouchoi (sp?) phalangitai?
They just look like standard Pezhetairoi to me.
Youre right, Admetos, the mak klerouchikoi have a bronze shield. Maybe im getting a bit paranoid...:laugh4:
Teleklos Archelaou
10-07-2007, 21:56
Doctoring pictures up to make it look like there is actually a new release for EB is downright cruel Marcus. You just got lazy - that's why you didn't show anything else new. *Sure* there are other new units that you are just being "trustworthy" to the team and not showing everyone about. I have right here, in my hand, the names of all the U.S. representatives and senators that belong to the communist party too! :laugh4:
how come when I get the faction destroyed message the image doesnt show up? :cry:
that Epiros defeat message is cool and makes me want to go destroy epiros now.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-07-2007, 22:25
Thanks for the comments, everybody.
Very nice AAR, MCM. I hope it´ll be continued soon ~D
btw, the phalanx in the battle screenie, are they the new klerouchoi (sp?) phalangitai?
When I was adding that picture, I made sure I didn't show any new units in my own army but forgot to think about the enemies I was showing. They are both new skinned units. Oops...
how come when I get the faction destroyed message the image doesnt show up? :cry:
that Epiros defeat message is cool and makes me want to go destroy epiros now.
Are you playing with the first cohort mod, city mod, or any other mod that adds night battles? For some reason activating night battles makes some of the event screens not work.
Strategos Alexandros
10-08-2007, 19:19
Nice AAR, and are they the new Ptolemaioi Thorakitai that were previewed a while ago in the first screenshot?
They look like the ptolemoi agema. Or thorakitai hoplitai?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-08-2007, 20:15
The Ptl Thorakitai was previewed? Then I don't feel so bad about showing it, though distand, blurry, and running away...
The version I'm playing this campaign on is only about a week old, but so much new stuff has been added in the last week, such as the integration of the new Hellenistic family members. If I continue this after the release, it will be an outdated version.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-11-2007, 23:18
With the release, I will post the update to this when I get to my other computer with the data. Though, this was done on a version tht isn't v1.0 (it's something like v.0.97), so I don't think I'll continue this for too long. Plus people will be too busy playing EB to read it anyways.
Bootsiuv
10-11-2007, 23:21
I'll read it....I like the dynasty style, that's why I did mine that way...make sure you start another one....mine is dead. Maybe I'll start a new one later, but I might focus on the manual and succession game instead.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-12-2007, 03:00
Chapter 1 : The Two Kings
In 241BC, Antigonos Gonatos died peacefully in the newly conquered town of Sardis. His dream of uniting the Hellens and building a Makedonian Empire was completed. His Empire was the second strongest in the known world, only challenged by the Egyptian Kingdom of the Ptolemaioi. In Athenai and Sparte, he had set up Makedonian loyal tyrants and established garrisons to watch of the the Hellens. Eventually even having to set up a puppet in Korinthos due to unrest.
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6523/maa201pv3.png
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4874/maa214bz3.jpg
In the west, the sons of Antigonos' elder brother guarded Illyria from the Romans, who had begun to set their eyes apon territory outside of Italia:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5972/maa227fx3.png
But now the kingdom was on the verge of being torn apart. Two of Antigonos three sons were capible of becoming king and ruling. Alkyoneus had been a politian and domestic ruler, while Demetrios was a general, a conqueror, and a hero. Demetrios had clear support and could have easily taken the throne, but he did not wish to see his father's kingdom, which he had fought so hard for, torn apart in a brotherly conflict.
In the end it was decided that they would share the throne. Alkyoneus would rule from Pella and Demetrios would be General of the Armies. With civil war avoided, both men sought to gain support and fame among the peoples they ruled. Both gathered their armies and set out to expand their father's kingdom.
Alkyoneus quickly gathered an army in Makedonia and marched north to join up with some allies in Tylis. The two great armies that had been assembled by his father were both deploid far away and Alkyoneus was forced to quickly assemble an army of mediocry skills. For years Kallatis, a Greek colony had sought assistance from anyone who would listen. Kallatis had suffered raids and seiges for over a decade from the Getic Federation to the north of Makedonia. Antigonos hadn't wanted to risk war and had not answered their request, but Alkyoneus knew saving fellow Greeks from barbarian hordes would give him the fame he needed and risked the chance of war:
https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4593/maa202kg8.png
In the east, Demetrios assembled his veterans and marched them east, to continue his father's war with the Ptolemaioi. The Ptolemaioi hadn't expected Antigonos to come to the assistance of the Arche Seleukia and was suprised and outnumbered in Asia. Demetrios continued with that suprise and marched on Pamphylia before reinforcements could arrive from Egypt.
https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8913/maa203eo1.png
The Battle of Side
After besieging the city of Side for a few months, the Ptolemaioi attacked Demetrios on some rolling hills just west of the city:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7968/maa204ul9.jpg
Demetrios set up his phalanx in a single row, with his Thracian skirmishers in the front and his Thurophoroi on the flanks. With the archers and slinger behind on a slope. To the front was the small army that had initiated the battle, to the left was their reinforcements from the city:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4735/maa205iy8.png
As the enemy marched forward, skirmishers, archers, and slingers fired a couple volleys at the enemy:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/9514/maa206ai6.png
As soon as the enemy got in skirmishing range, the Thracians fell back to keep casualties to a minimum:
https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2452/maa207pp1.png
The enemy Thorikatai charged the pikes of Demetrios' Pezhetairoi but quickly fled. The enemy Kleurchi engaded the Pezhetairoi:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7471/maa208dy9.png
As the enemy army broke, the entire line reformed to face the incoming reinforcements while Demetrios and the Thessalian Cavalry chased down the routing enemies. Soon after forming up, the enemy general and his Hetairoi rammed the Pezhetairoi line, breaking through. Seeing the problem, the Thurophoroi and Thracians charged in to quickly fill the gap:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2314/maa209oi7.png
The enemy line of mostly Jews crashed into the Pezhetairoi's pikes. The Ptolemaic general quickly withdrew to aviod being surrounded and the Thurophoroi and Thracians gave chase and engadged them:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/920/maa210zv2.png
The spears and Thracian falx quickly cut through the Hetairoi and eventually the general fell:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3018/maa211ip6.png
The remaining enemies quickly broke and Demetrios and the cavalry quickly chased them down. Only the cowards charged with the protection of their general managed to escape:
https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6848/maa212tj5.png
And so Side fell to Demetrios:
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/775/maa213gz1.jpg
Next Chapter 2: The Two Battles of Pergamon
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I think there is only one thing that would have been a leak in this update. I was going to include another battle, with a new unit, but I decided to include it in the next update.
PS Sorry for the slow load speeds. I was trying to post high quality pictures.
good writing, nice story, and great screenies...keep it up!
You already showed one new unit. Not in the battle though. Not that it matters anymore.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-14-2007, 06:28
Chapter 2: The Two Battles of Pergamon
In the North, Alkyoneus arrived in the colony of Kallatis and set up his garrison. The following season, an army of the Getic Federation arrived. After surveying the new garrison, they withdrew. Kallatis held a festival for Alkyoneus, happily unaware he intended to make his garrison perminent.
In Side, Demetrios begins setting up a government and reinforcing his possition.
The First Battle of Pergamon
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2200/maa215at4.png
To the west, Kalos, the younger brother of Antigonos assembled a small army from Byzantion and allied Mytilene. Antigonos had given Kalos and his sons the job of governing the newly conquered areas of Asia, but Kalos wanted a capital. Sardis had been the Seleukia seat of power but decades of warfare had cost the area most of its granduer and depleted its population. So Kalos looked to the rising city of Pergamon as a place he could set up power. But under estimated the power of Pergamon. The city Pergamon had managed to consolidate power over all of Mysia and gained quite a lot of strength while Kalos had yet to prove himself in battle.
Even before the battle start, Kalos knows exactly what he is going to do. Kalos prepares his Peltasts and Mercenary Celtic Hoplites to punch through the wall. Once there is a hole, the Hoplites from allied cities will charge in and take the city. The rams approach the wall:
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5848/maa216ms0.png
Before long, the weak walls of the city fall:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8468/maa217um0.png
The Celtic Hoplites and Peltast quickly rush through the two holes in the walls and attempt to gain superiority inside the city. The defenders quickly go to counter the invaders. On the right flank they counter with Peltasts and Thracian Mercenaries, while on the left flank Ennomos, the King of Pergamon himself, leads the charge:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9109/maa219pu2.png
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7175/maa218ny9.png
Soon, that battle begins to turn against Kalos, but not having secured the walls yet, Kalos continues to hold the Hoplites in reserve, as the Petasts and Celts die:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9027/maa220fl8.png
Before long things turn for against the Makedonian forces on the left flank and the men begin to flee. The King pursues, and even after regrouping, the entire left flank is wiped out:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3603/maa221lc6.png
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7128/maa223af0.png
Seeing his units fleeing, Kalos panics and withdraws:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2200/maa224tc9.png
[You'll notice I still have to old general. I updated and started playing this campaign about a hour before the new generals were integrated.]
Noticing their general fleeing, and not having any deep loyalty to the dying Makedonians in the city, the allied Hoplites decide to flee as well. And so, King Ennomos chasing them off the field:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7198/maa225ci5.png
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3181/maa226gj2.png
Kalos falls back, in defeat, to the allied city of Mytilene. Neither ruler willing to repremand their own uncle, Kalos goes without punishment but does not attempt another attack on Pergamon.
Before too long, a garrison, recruited from amongst the Hellens, arrives in Side and fortifies the city from Ptolemai counterattack. Demetrios hands command of the city over to a cousin and moves his army of professional soldiers westwards now, to deal with those who appose Makedonian claims to Asia:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2135/maa228yc9.png
First, Demetrios marches through Lysia, making sure every local knows who is the new King of these lands. Demetrios then continues on to Karia and the city of Halicarnassos, north of Rhodos. The city of Halicarnassos had seen hardship while the Seleucids and Ptolemai ruled the area. When Antigonos had invaded Lydia, the Ptolemai became weakened and the city of Halicarnassos had managed to gain its independence once more, but it had not lasted. After about a year of seige, the city surrendered to Demetrios. The rest of south-west Asia followed soon after.
Meanwhile, Alkyoneus had not found the war he was expecting. The Getic Federation had withdrawn from the coastal Hellenic colonies and had instead begun subjugating tribes west of them. Even to the west of Makedonian territory, there was no activity. The Romans had finally accepted the Makedonian claim on Illyria and were bogged down fighting over Sicilia. The only changes in the Makedonian Kingdom lay to the east, where his brother continued to gain notoriety. With Kallatis secured, Alkyoneus returns to administer the Kingdom from Pella.
As the Makedonians expanded, they continued to encounter new things: new peoples, new soldiers, new customs. The most interesting and most profitable new thing was, however, new trade. As Asia fell to Antigonos and Demetrios, new trade possibilities began to open up with the Galatians, Cappadocians, Pontos, Armenia, the Seleucids, and Hellenic colonies. Though, with new trade came another new item: new diseases. As trade came through Ipsos in Phrygia, a new disease began to spread amongst its inhabidents, a disease that would last years:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8324/maa232ot5.png
To the east, Seleucid control in the region was about to break. As the Ptolemaioi and the Seleucids fought for control of Cappadocia, the fledgling kingdom of Pontos began to expand. For years they had been a menance to Greek colonies, but recently they had been attempting to subjugate the Galatians as well as expand into western Armenia. Demetrios made sure to watch bothe the Diadochi struggle and the rising power in Pontos:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1441/maa233en8.png
The Second Battle of Pergamon
Soon, only Pergamon dominated Mysia remained disloyal to the Makedonian Kings. An new Makedonian fleet had been built and Demetrios was quick to use his advantage. He quickly ordered the sinking of the Pergamon fleet [pirates that hung out in the Aegean] and the blockading of the primary port in Mysia. Then Demetrios and his army of Pezhetairoi marched north from Halicarnassos and beseiged the city of Pergamon once more:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3473/maa234zo7.png
Unable to afford repairs, the Pergamon walls remained broken. Taking this weakness to his advantage, Demetrios decides to attack before the city can organize its defenses. The Thracians and Thureophoroi rush the breaches and enter the city. Though, unlike Kalos, Demetrios sends his elites to back them up:
https://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4201/maa235pr6.png
Once again, fighting breaks out in two places just inside the city:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2756/maa236xi9.png
But this time, the Pezhetairoi make all the difference and crush the opposition:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6133/maa237ua4.png
Before long, the King lies dead in the city streets and the armies of Pergamon begin to retreat:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2394/maa238qy0.jpg
The Pezhetairoi retreave their sarrisas and march on the remaining forces in the city palace. A few counter attacks are attemped on the formation, but not success is gained by the defenders:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6589/maa239fc4.png
As the defenders make one last effort to counter attack, the Pezhetairoi charge the city square, surrounding the few who remain:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/349/maa240vn4.png
Before long, no defenders remain and the city falls:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1264/maa241yi7.jpg
For their rebelious attitudes and difficulty to conquer, as well as the difficulty it will take to subjugate them, a portion of the people of Pergamon are enslaved to be sent to Makedonia and Greece:
https://img341.imageshack.us/img341/410/maa242zl4.png
However, soon after, Demetrios sets up Ennomos' cousin as king and leaves the territory with its 'independence'. Demetrios and his army then boards the Makedonian navy and heads back to Makedonia to replenish his supplies, upgrade his weapons, replenish his loses, and maybe brag to his brother about his victories a little.
With the fall of Pergamon, Makedonia became one of the largest Kingdoms in the known world. And with the defeat of several Ptolemaioi armies at the hands of Makedonia's Seleucid allies, Makedonia now had the strongest military in the known world:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9821/maa229li6.jpghttps://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9360/maa230eu1.jpg
But, before long, the Ptolemaioi mounted their first counterattack...
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1949/maa243jb9.png
The known world in 237BC:
https://img341.imageshack.us/img341/97/hxmak237ds3.png
Next: Chapter 3: Kilikia (aka what happens when you leave a battle going and leave the room)
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I wanted to play the first battle as an inept general, but it was actually hard to loose.
I know the idea of two guys sharing the throne is odd. I wish I could have had some sort of civil war, though I would amagine it would tear my kingdom apart. Alkyoneus would get Makedonia and Thrace. Demetrios would get Asia and the Aegean islands, as well as possible support from the Hellens. Though, I would amagine the Hellens would rebel and regain their independence. Illyria would probably be independant too. They are so removed and a distinct branch of the family, so I would amagine they would form their own little country.
But anyways, thanks for reading...
Great AAR Marcus, really enjoying it. Keep it up. :2thumbsup:
Bootsiuv
10-15-2007, 01:26
Too bad you won't be going too much further. I do hope you'll consider starting a new one. :yes:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-15-2007, 06:05
Thanks for the comments.
I don't know how long I'll continue this. I think I'm going to install v1.0 on my laptop and make a new version of the city mod there, so I won't have to worry about making space on my computer, quite yet.
How do you remove the ui on the campaign map?
Respenus
10-15-2007, 14:44
Great AAR! Enjoyed it very much.
Could you tell me your secret for such great graphics? I can't seem to get my troops looks so spectacular as yours? Or are you using editing tools?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-15-2007, 21:00
I just crop out the UI. I play on the highest detail settings and have a good graphics card, so that is the main reason for the appearance. But it might also have to do with the fact that I reduce the screenshop from the original size. The screenshots start as 1280x[whathaveyou] and I reduce them to 60% the size, then crop out the UI and any icons. I think the act of reducing them in size makes the appear more detail since they are denser in pixel count. When I want something from the UI includined in the picture, I juct cut and paste the part of the UI from the uncropped picture and put in the corner.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-19-2007, 21:52
:rtwyes: :rtwyes: :rtwyes: :rtwyes: :rtwyes:
Super cool MAA!
It looks all fantastic and enticing, the new campaign map is so beautiful... I have a really big Makedonian empire at the moment but your AAR makes me want to play a new one from scratch. I'm such a moron I didn't download 1.0 yet to save my old campaign, but I'll think I do it right now.
Although perhaps I should start with a Sweboz campaign just for fun? Uhhhh... Thanks for steeling my life you EBers.:laugh4:
Edit: Does Makedonia have the Satrap-titles yet? Does it take long until they will be included?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-20-2007, 04:36
Thanks!
I don't think the Maks are going to get Satrapis, unfortunately. Most of those complex things are made by a few select team members that have a personal drive to add something to their favorite faction.
I think I'm going to try and update this tonight. Though, I tried yesterday and my internet was too slow and couldn't upload any pictures so I gave up. :embarassed:
EDIT: Nevermind, I still lack the internet speed to upload images. (I managed to upload 5 of 41.)
UPDATE: 22 of 41 :wall:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-20-2007, 20:17
I don't think the Maks are going to get Satrapis, unfortunately. Most of those complex things are made by a few select team members that have a personal drive to add something to their favorite faction.
Hmm, that's a pity. You don't know if there are any non-savegame-compatible updates planned for EB in the near future, do you?
Hmm, that's a pity. You don't know if there are any non-savegame-compatible updates planned for EB in the near future, do you?
Not that we've talked about. Still though, never can tell so you better hurry and play as much as you can now.:whip:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-21-2007, 10:29
Chapter 3: Kilikia
By the time word reaches Demetrios and Alkyoneus in Pella that Side is beseiged, it is too late for either of them to do anything. It falls apon the garrison of Greeks and allies to defend the town. One morning, the Ptoleamaioi are seen outside the city and it is decided that the garrison will sally out and confront the Ptolemaic army.
At first, it seems the Ptolemaioi will wait for the garrison to form up after quickly exiting the city:
https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/236/maa244mh0.png
But as soon as the Ptolemaioi see the size of the garrison and flanking Hoplites, they decide to run for the hills:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2918/maa245qh7.png
The Ptolemaioi fall back from Pamphylia, but the incident proves that they are not willing to relinquish their claims on Asia. Demetrios sends a diplomatic envoy, but at the same time prepares his army to march eastward. By the time the diplomats report failure, Demetrios is already across the Aegean. In less than a year, Demetrios arrives in Ptolemaic Kilikia and besieges the city of Tarsos. The seige is hardly started before Ptolemaic reinforcements arrive from Syria and attack Demetrios outside of Tarsos:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9017/maa246jt7.png
For the first time, Demetrios is faced with a large well trained army as his opponent. With the conquest of Syria & Babylonia, the Ptolemaioi have managed to acquire a considerable amount of wealth, which they seem more then eager to spend on well trained elite phalanxes to counter their enemies.
Demetrios sets up and a gentle slope at the edge of a plain and awaits the enemy:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9012/maa247po6.png
Out front are possitioned the local mercenaries acquired during the march to Kilikia:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/354/maa248uh4.png
[Right here, I pushed 'P' and could have sworn that the game was paused. However, when I came back five minutes later, the battle was still going. Since the only thing that had happened is one unit was wiped out and a bunch of enemies had impaled themselves on my Pezhetairoi, I decided to just keep playing.]
Though loses were taken amongst the mercenaries, it soon became apparent that the Ptolemaic army had no discipline as they had failed to form up in an proper battle line:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7386/maa249hg9.png
Demetrios had his cavalry and his auxilary units move onto the flanks and await the proper moment for a pincer attack against the enemy:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6313/maa250tc5.png
The levies and farmers were no match for the well trained Makedonian Pezhetairoi, some even breaking and fleeing early in the battle:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6415/maa251zc3.png
However, the elites proved to be more of a match to the Makedonian line:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/573/maa252ni0.png
When the time was right, Demetrios signaled the flanking Thracians and Thureophoroi to attack the flanks of the disorganized enemy army. On the Makedonian left flank, they charged Galatians who were attempting to reform:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3355/maa253dk2.png
...and on the right flank they charged a group of disoranized elite pikemen:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2986/maa254dm5.png
As Demetrios chased down those who had fled, the Ptolemaic line began to crack, but it was not yet enough for them to break. With both flanks secured, the Makedonian phalanx broke formation and charged the engadged Ptolemaic flanks, assisting the medium infantry:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9923/maa255hn2.png
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1562/maa256dy3.png
It was then that the Ptolemaic general decided to charge into the battle. But it was too late the help the battle sway in favor of the Ptolemaioi. Seeing the Ptolemaic cavalry tied down, Demetrios and the Thessalians charged their rear, wiping out half of the general's guards:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8840/maa257jc5.png
Soon, even the Makedonian center broke formation and charged in to finish off their enemy with their swords:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4602/maa258qe0.png
Surrounded and panicked, the Ptolemaioi were quickly wiped out, including their general:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9227/maa259su6.jpg
But the Ptolemaic elites on the Makedonian's right flank won the respect of their enemies that day, as they stood to the last man, fighting to the death:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1945/maa260jo9.png
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3043/maa261wt6.jpg
The battle marked a low point in Ptolemaic success. One of their three major armies in Syria had been wiped out and their last holding in Asia had fallen. With all of the defeats in Asia, Pharaoh had been lax in his war with the Seleucids. Seeing the weakness, the Arche Seleukeia, allies of Makedonia, started a campaign to retake Babylonia from the Ptolemaioi. Now the Ptolemaioi were facing a loosing battle on two fronts.
To the west both Carthage and Roma were powers that deserved to have an watchful eye alway apon, the the only real powers were Arche Seleukeia, the Ptolemaic Egyptians, and Makedonia. Arche Seleukeia had been seriously weaken by the Ptolemaioi and were now surrounded by rising powers to the north and to the east. The Ptolemaioi had now begun to suffer great loses of men and territory. Makedonia was now the most advanced faction in all of the known world:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1903/maa263ij8.jpg
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2268/maa262gy0.jpg
With no war to call his own and his years continuing to add up, Alkyoneus decided it was time he dedicate himself to something new. In Pella and Athenai diplomats, explorers, and envoys were trained to go into the west. After they were trained, several groups went out north, west and south.
To the immediate west stood the alliance of Italian cities under the city of Roma. They were a violent people who never followed the rules of war. They always sought out new lands, even attacking Makedonian territories at one point, but they quickly learned not to try that again. East of the Romans stood the Kingdom of Makedonia. North of the Romans were the Boii, who securely held the areas north of the mountains.
South of the Romans was the Empire of Kart-Hadast, who had delivered many defeats against the Romans in the war for the island. News of the fate of Sicily arrived in Makedonia as it had fallen to Kart-Hadast soldiers:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/400/maa266sh0.png
Alkyoneus had wished to assist the enslaved and suppressed fellow Greeks, but Alkyoneus lacked the army and resouces need to both secure his northern borders and engadge in a foreign war. Though, it was at this time that he began to train a grand army that would surpass even his brother's army that had been assembled by their father. He would have an army that was supported by well trained veterans:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4251/maa267kj1.jpg
As the envoys and explorers continued west, they came to the last people who had been barring the Roman's expansion. To the west of the Romans stood the unified Gallic confederation of the Aedui. The Aedui had assisted their brothers in northern Italia when the Romans had invaded. Years later, the Romans engadged in an invasion of Gaul, to continue the war that had been started then:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8222/maa265vj4.png
Though the Romans were not enemies of Makedonia, they were definately not friends. Alkyoneus decided that it was best to do all that was in his power to undermine any chances that the Romans had. It was at this time that an alliance was made between the Gallic Confederation and Makedonia:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7619/maa281dr4.jpg
In the east, Demetrios prepared his army for another march eastward. Before their eyes was the land of Syria, with good Makedonian colonists, now suppressed by Ptolemaic overlords. But first, Demetrios had to wait for the garrison from Side to move east in order to watch over Kilikia.
North of Kilikia was the Seleucid territory of Cappadocia. This area had become isolated from the center of Seleucid power and took more money and men to hold against not only the Ptolemaioi but the fear of the growing powers of Pontos and the Kingdom of Hayasdan. Seeing the state of these lands, Demetrios decided to send diplomats to the Seleucid court and request the domain of the Cappadocians be turned over the the Makedonian crown. With a little Makedonian silver, the Seleucids quickly agreed:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5926/maa264cc6.png
It was around this time that one of the two remaining strong armies of the Ptolemai in Syria attempted another counter attack against Makedonian conquest. As the army approached Tarsos, where the Makedonian army had been camped, they stopped on a plain between two rivers. Wishing to avoid a defensive battle, Demetrios marched out of Tarsos to meet the Ptolemaioi on that plain:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4519/maa268lw4.png
The Ptolemaic army consisted of many elite units of Egypt. Amongst the elites were a selection of the Pharoah's royal guard. These men were adaptions of the Thureophoroi, taken to the extreme, but equiped with short pikes:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/300/maa270bo6.png
Even though Demetrios initiated the battle, the Ptolemaic elite army was not afraid and quickly became the agressors. The Ptolemaic line marched slowly toward the Makedonian line:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6884/maa269cs9.png
The Ptolemaic line approached the Makedonian line slowly, but suddenly stopped. The line regrouped and reformed before the Ptolemaic right flank continued forward to attack the Makedonian left flank, while the Ptolemaic left flank stood their ground and waited:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3159/maa271rp4.png
As the two lines approached eachother, the Thracian Skirmisher Mercenaries working for the Makedones moved out of the way and the two lines clashed:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1319/maa272nw5.png
The two lines fought for a while, but soon Pharoah's guard began to break through the Makedonian line. Seeing the units in need, the Thracians rushed in to help fill the forming hole in the line:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9238/maa273lb6.png
On the edge of the battle, Demetrios had managed to lead the cavalry around the enemy's flank and charged them in the rear, in a fashion Alexandros himself would have been proud of:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8981/maa274fu5.png
The Ptolemaic flank broke and began to flee. Demetrios gave chase and cut down the cowards, but was soon engadged by Ptolemaic reserves and was bogged down. In the middle of the Makedonian line, the Elite Ptolemaic troops began to make a hole through the line and many good Makedones were loosing their lives:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7914/maa275gb0.png
Just as the battle began to look good for the Ptolemaioi and the line looked breached, the Ptolemaic general lost his life at the hands of a Thracian. Seeing their general fall, all engadged Ptolemaic units broke and fled. Demetrios greeted the fleeing units on his way back to the battle line, cutting many of them down.
Seeing their first assualt fleeing, the Ptolemaioi began their second assault. This time moving there remaining units against the Makedonian right flank:
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6967/maa276nb0.png
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3430/maa277pk8.png
Demetrios quickly finished off the remaining Ptolemaic reserves:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7350/maa278li5.png
The Ptolemaic line, engadged against the Makedones, were left with no reserves and were easily surrounded by Makedonian reserves and cavalry. These farmers quickly gave up the battle to turn and run:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8612/maa280co7.jpg
The battle had been won by Demetrios, but at a great cost. Nearly a third of Demetrios' army lay dead on the field. The Ptolemaioi were crippled in the region, but the invasion of Syria now lacked the manpower and would have to wait. As the sun moved ever lower in the sky, Demetrios reformed his men and and began to count the dead:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4140/maa279mq3.png
To the south, the Ptolemaioi marched another army north from Egypt. To the north, a Ptolemaic army marched on Mazaka. But the true problem was just north of even that...
The known world in 235BC:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3384/hxmak235uy2.png
Next: Chapter 4: Syria (aka "Yes, I fight bridge battles" :sweatdrop: )
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That sure took a long time to update...
If your internet connection is as bad as mine, sorry this post didn't load correctly/quickly. :sweatdrop:
It's worth waiting for this, another great chapter...
Hooahguy
10-21-2007, 17:05
cant wait for next installment! meanwhile, with my AAR, cant find much time to play..... :sad:
Pharnakes
10-21-2007, 18:07
Brillliant, as good as ever MAA.:2thumbsup:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-21-2007, 18:19
Very nice. How could you become the richest faction? Is the money-minimod included in 1.0?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-21-2007, 20:52
Thanks for the comments, everyone. :bow:
Very nice. How could you become the richest faction? Is the money-minimod included in 1.0?
Well, the money script was altered for v1.0 but is basically the same. The only factions large enough to get tons of money are Ptolemai and AS, and they are always at war, depleting their money.
I think the reason I have so much money is because of my mines. When I first built the army that I have been using for all these battles, I started loosing money every turn. So I upgraded all of the mines I had in Greece, Thrace, and Illyria. It took a long time, but once I got those L2 mines built, my per turn income just shot up. Even after building a fleet and a third army, I am still making a profit every turn.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-22-2007, 01:17
Thank you for the explanation.~:)
Can't wait for the next installment MAA, brilliant AAR. :2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-23-2007, 06:24
Well F***! :wall:
I just wrote up the next part and was almost done, but internet browser randomly changed pages (think I hit something on the keyboard) and when I pushed 'back' everything was missing. Now I'm pissed. :wall:
I might try again tomorrow, but I really don't want to rewrite that. I usually write it elsewhere and copy/paste it to the forum. That will teach me for writting it in the forum. :wall:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-23-2007, 22:29
:wall: :wall: :wall:
That's as pissing as fighting four huge battles on AI's turn and then the game CTDs.:rifle:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-25-2007, 07:41
Chapter 4: Syria
In the winter of 235BC, the city of Mazaka lay beseiged by the forces of the Ptolemaioi. Due to the winter, Demetrios didn't risk marching his large army across the mountain passes from Kilikia. The next closest force that could assist was stationed in Ipsos, on the far side of Galatian territory and would never be able to arrive in time.
Seeing they were alone, Pantauchos Singios, son-in-law of Kalos, decided the garrison would fend off the Ptolemaioi with only the city garrison of Hellenic levies and local peasants:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9720/maa283qy3.png
The main army marched out one gate, while the peasants and Peltastai, led by Pantauchos went out the other. As the Hellenic levies tied down the Ptolemaic line, the peasants and skirmishers circled around their rear and pelted the enemy phalanx from behind with stone and javelin then charged. Completly surrounded and outnumbered, the Ptolemaic line lost their nerve and fled, with the townsfolk in pursuit:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6580/maa286kc3.png
As the day ended, the people of Mazaka rejoiced. The city had been saved, and with no small amount of help from the simple townsfolk.:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4025/maa287qe5.jpg
As the new year started, replacement troops from Pella arrived in Tarsos. Demetrios had sent for the reserves, stationed in Pella apon his last costly victory and they had hurried across Asia, along the way hiring some Thracians to replace Demetrios' lost Thracians.
With his newly replenished army assembled, Demetrios left his son-in-law, with some locals and reserves from Pamphylia, in charge of Kilikia. Demetrios then started his march eastward into Syria. In Syria were good Makedonian peoples who had followed Alexandros east, and who now were under the domination of a corrupted man who called himself "Pharoah".
Around this time, centered near the Island of Rhodos, an earthquake shook western Asia. Although relatively few were killed, the earthquake was certainly worth making note:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4475/maa289nx6.jpg
In Northern Asia, was the Kingdom of Pontos, a land created by oppertunists who were quick to steal parts of Alexander's empire apon his death. They had been allowed to live only because they had sworn loyalty to the Seleucid Basileus, but these betrayers couldn't even keep that promise. When the Ptolemaioi began defeating the Seleucids in Asia, Pontos quickly broke their alliance with the Seleucids and allied with the Ptolemaioi.
Over the years, the Kingdom of Pontos murdered and enslaved many good Greeks who live along the Pontic Sea. As time went by, the Kingdom of Pontos destroyed or occupied Greek colonies along the coast and began to expand into areas that were clearly not theirs. A couple years ealrier, the Pontics had invaded Galatia (ally of Makedonia) one mor time, this time taking the city and putting its citizens to the sword.
Soon, the Pontics made the ultimate betrayal. In the summer of 234BC, Pontic forces moved west and attacked the Makedonian city of Nikaia.
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/950/maa290sk8.png
This was the last straw. Alkyoneus decided that it was time that the Kingdom of Pontos be wiped from the earth. Alkyoneus assembed his army, not yet fully trained, and marched east to wipe this nation of theives and murderers from the planet. But Alkyoneus couldn't reach Nikaia in time to save the city. Instead, Hephaistion Skionaios, governer of Ipsos marched his garrison north to confront the enemy. Hephaistion Skionaios was another son-in-law of Kalos and had as much experience as he had had when he failed to take Pergamon a decade earlier.
The Battle of Nikaia Bridge
As Hephaistion approached the Pontic forces, they fell back to their camp on the far side of a river. Though, as Hephaistion approached, the feared loosing control of the river crossing and charged back across. Hephaistion barely had enough time to reform his line in front of the bridge. The Pontic forces started pushing through, but the Makedonian line lacked the reinforcements of the medium infantry, which Hephaistion was forced to possition to the south to counter a crossing of Pontic forces just upstream:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4762/maa291ln6.png
With the seige lifted, the forces from Nikaia sallied forth and were not far behind Hephaistion. Seeing that the battle had already begun, the Nikaia pikemen ran to the battlefield and formed a line behind the exsisting one. Meanwhile the Nikaia slingers formed up and began firing at the Pontic horsemen still on the bridge:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/479/maa292lq7.png
Now reinforced, the flanks of the first line reformed and the center broke formation and fell back. As the Pontic horsemen gave chase, they quickly met a second wall of pikes:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7609/maa295hx6.png
To the south, the two Makedonia governors and a Pontic general spotted eachother. The Makedonian Hetairoi quickly lined up and changed the Pontic general:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9973/maa293ly0.png
After chasing off a group of archers, the Makedonian Petastai and Hoplitai charged the rear of the Pontic general, surrounding him:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/222/maa294zu7.png
The cowardice of the Pontic general soon became aparent, as he turn and fled, abandoning his army:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6917/maa296rm7.png
But it was of no use, the heavy Pontic cavalry were just too slow and were quickly caught by the Hetairoi, killing the cowardly general:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5012/maa297jy8.jpg
At the bridge, Pontic units began to panic and flee back across the bridge. As they flee, the received volleys of lead shot from the Makedonian slingers, stopping many where they stood:
https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7849/maa298wm3.png
Soon the Pontic general who had lead the forces across the bridge was alone with this guards. They were easily surrounded and perished:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9765/maa299bu6.jpg
The Makedonian forces quickly crossed the bridge and finished off the reforming Pontic forces. As they fled, the Makedonian forces gave chase. They gave no quarter and wiped out the remaining army:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4592/maa302ce5.jpg
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3702/maa303xy4.jpg
That day, the Kingdom of Pontos suffered the first of many defeats, which would hopefully lead the end of their Kingdom:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/118/maa301yw9.png
In the years before he followed his father into war in Asia, Demetrios had a child, several children. When his first son was born, he named him Aristotelis. Aristotelis spent many years in Athenai, learning from the great teachers who lived there. When he reached the age of twenty, he gathered an army and wandered Makedonia, Illyria, and Thrace, killing brigands and putting down rebellions that had arisen in isolated regions of the Makedonian realm. One time, he even found himself far north, near the Greek colony and trading city of Olbia. During his travels, Aristotelis began assembling a mighty army of Thracian, Dacian, and Scythian soldiers.
When word reached Aristotelis that his father was invading Syria and would need assistance with the Ptolemaioi, Aristotelis started the long march south and into Asia. Along the way, Aristotelis separated from his army and hired local mercenaries to assist him in his ongoing attacks on brigands and rebels. During one of these battles, he noticed that he had begun to develop a grasp of greater tactical skills:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6825/maa305jg6.jpg
As winter approached, Aristotelis camped his army along the Pamphylia coast and awaited the Makedonian fleet. He was to sail to Kypros in spring and ensure it was in Makedonian hands:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9374/maa304eb2.png
As spring came, Demetrios found himself confronted with the last of the great Ptolemaioi armies stationed in Syria. The Ptolemaioi attacked Demetrios as he was about to cross a river north of Antiocheia:
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3153/maa306kn5.png
Demetrios quickly formed up his men to defend the river crossing. Meanwhile Demetrios, the Thessalians, Thracians, and Thureophoroi made for a ford upstream to cross the river and attack the Ptolemaioi from the rear:
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3200/maa307xt3.png
[Ok, this battle was basically frozen on my computer. Between the vast numbers on the field and the lag that accompanies a bridge crossing, my computer couldn't take it. Fraps said I was getting 1FPS, but it was much lower than that. I lowered all of the graphic details as low as they could go and tried to continue. Fraps still said 1FPS, but I believed it was actually near 1FPS now. Since all you would see is a jumble of sprites, I didn't take any pictures.]
The Ptolemaioi refused to cross the bridge completely and impale themselves on the Makedonian pikes. The Makedonians were unwilling to break formation and attack the enemy on the bridge. The battle was at a stalemate, but Demetrios managed in coming around the back of the Ptolemaioi and possitioned his men on the other landing. As the Thracians and Thureophoroi started throwing their javelin from one side and the slingers fired from the other, segments of the Ptolemaioi army began to break. The Pezhetairoi took advantage of this moment and moved in, resulting the the entire breaking of the Ptolemaic forces. As they fled across the bridge, they were greeted with the charging of Thessalian cavalry.
Demetrios mopped up the confused mass of paniced soldiers and moved his army completely across the river:
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6457/maa308eo2.png
Demetrios quickly moved on and besieged the city of Antiocheia, a city which had once been the seat of government for his ally. Though, built in the eastern style, the city had a large population of Makedonian colonists who were tired of strict Ptolemaic rule.
The seige had barely begun, when a small army of Ptolemaic reinforcements arrived. They were a small force, but Sogenes Euphrantas Pyrgas decided that it would be enough for him and refused to wait for reinforcements:
https://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3941/maa309lz3.png
Sogenes Euphrantas Pyrgas was a Ptolemaic hero of the Syrian wars, who had won many battles and gain much experience. It was said that his personal bodyguard were some of the best in the entire world. Today, his pride would be his undoing.
Demetrios lined up his men along the top of a gentle slope and awaited the enemy:
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7214/maa310sp2.png
The Ptolemaic phalanxes rammed the Makedonian line and the battle began. The levies from Judaea were hesitant, though. At first, it seemed they would charge headlong into the Makedonian pikes, but instead pulled back and began to move and flank the Makedonian right:
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4583/maa311we0.png
The Thracians quickly moved ot the right flank to counter the Jewish levies, while Demetrios and the cavalry moved to the left flank.
Once again, Makedonian Pezhetairoi found themselves up against Egyptian elites:
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8092/maa312hr9.png
Building apon his previous experiences, Demetrios managed to move around his own left flank and possition himself behind the Ptolemaic line. Once again, he managed to crash his heavy cavalry into the rear of the Ptolemaioi and make the run in terror:
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4572/maa313nm8.png
As Demetrios possitioned himself for another charge into the rear of the Ptolemaic line, Sogenes Euphrantas Pyrgas suddenly appeared and charged into the Thessalian cavalry. Demetrios make a quick decision and decided to leave a segment of the Thessalian Cavalry in possition while the other half and his personal guard charged Sogenes Euphrantas Pyrgas as he was bogged down fighting:
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2087/maa314vw0.png
Sogenes Euphrantas Pyrgas was quickly surrounded, but more than half of the men left to tie him down lost their lives. Their sacrifice was worth it, as the great Ptolemaic general fell dead on the field:
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6051/maa315ys9.jpg
Seeing their general dead, both phalanx and levy broke order and ran. Demetrios quickly chased them down, killing and capturing them to ensure they did not return to Antiocheia to secure the city:
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5820/maa316dg9.png
https://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5485/maa317tz0.jpg
Demetrios immediately marched to Antiocheia, whose remaining garrison surrendered. Demetrios ordered no looting or killing was to be done by his army and they peacefully entered the city. Demetrios was greeted as a great liberator and a savior to the people of the city. Though the city had not been returned to the hands of the Seleucid Basileus, they were much happier to be out of the hands of the Ptolemaioi. The city was now added to the newly reformed Makedonian Empire, reborn from the ashes of Alexandros' Empire.
As celebrations began to slow down and after several months passed, Demtrios received word from his son:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4159/maa319zx3.jpg
To the north, Alkyoneus' quickly suplimented army approached the Pontic border. Alkyoneus finally had his own war and he as intent of wiping out the Kingdom of Pontos:
https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/440/maa318xb7.png
The known world in 233BC:
https://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6551/hxmak233ei8.png
Next: Chapter 5: 233BC - 230BC (aka That name describes about how exciting it is.)
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
10-25-2007, 21:29
Ahh, the good cavalry! I'm missing it in my current Sweboz campaign. Very nice again MAA. :2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-26-2007, 08:28
Yeah, I'm winning all of my battles with the hammer and anvil tactic. It works well, but the same type of battle over and over doesn't make a very good story.
I managed to play tonight (hadn't had any free time near my computer that can run EB for nearly a week). I had a huge war with Pontos and it ended, basically with both of us losing...
Very good AAR! One observation: Pavla has a freaky territory East of AS & South of Baktria....like an isle. Let us see how long that one will last?!?!
CaesarAugustus
10-26-2007, 21:36
Nice AAR, those I love those Uazali from the third chapter!
This is interesting MAA, keep updating. I always wished that you had made that ridiculously huge Roman Empire you had in 0.8 into an AAR, but the Maks are a good choice too.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
10-27-2007, 00:06
Thanks!
Yeah, the Seleucids attacked India early on and managed to take one town. However, when the Ptolemaioi started kicking their butt, they lost that town and it defaulted to Pahlav (because that is the founder/creator faction for Indian provinces). I thought they would loose it or AS would take it right back, but they haven't. In fact, Baktria recently reached the point of critical mass (they get to a certain point of power and just steamroll the entire east) and swept westward against the Parthians. The Pahlav capital then went to Opiana, India. I think there may be an Indian faction and now Parthian faction in my campaign, soon.
I am trying to use more new units, but it is hard since most battles worth taking pictures of have old elite units. I got some nice pictures of some new Pontic units though, for the chapter after next.
I had a short AAR about my Roman campaign, but I got bogged down in my Gallic Wars and realized that my writting style wasn't good enough without any pictures to back it up.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-01-2007, 06:54
Chapter 5: 233BC - 230BC
In 233BC, Mazaka was once again besieged by the forces of the Ptolemaioi. This time the heir to the Pharoah, Alexandros Thraikikos lead the army himself. Alexandros was a great politician and ruler, but his military skill was lacking. Even at his age, it seemed he had seen very little battle:
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/831/maa320vm5.png
With superior numbers of archers and long range units, the Ptolemaioi are chased off and the seige lifted. Alexandros Thraikikos fell back to Sophene and readies another attack:
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5316/maa321mf5.jpg
In Syria, Demetrios establishes Makedonian power and secures Antiocheia against future attacks. Although he is known as a great general, Demetrios becomes known as a good man who is just in rule. Even though it may be harmful to his reputation amongst his equals, Demetrios becomes known as an intellegent ruler who refuses to oppress the people he rules:
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2552/maa322ed1.jpg
To his enemies, Demetrios is seen as less just. To the south of Antiocheia, the first wave of a counter attack begins to assemble. Rather than wait for reinforcements to arrive and assemble a large army, Demetrios attacks the Ptolemaic forces south of Antiocheia:
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/599/maa323fw0.png
Though a failed flanking manuever costs the lives of many Thracians, the battle comes to a quick end. Lacking anything to counter the Makedonian Pezhetairoi, the Ptolemaioi recieve a crushing defeat.
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1331/maa324ms5.png
In Pella, Perseus, son of Alkyoneus is left in charge of local administration. Perseus lacks the skill and charisma that his father, uncle, and grandfather had, but Perseus manages to govern Makedonia and Thrace well enough. Alkyoneus' other son, governor of Kallatis, is definately the one who follows in the footsteps of the great men in his family, but Perseus is heir to Alkyoneus.
Perseus takes over his father's job of monitoring distant areas and covertly assisting distant colonies of the Hellens. As the time went by, a messanger arrived in Pella. He gave the simple message, "Rejoice, Syrakousai is rebelling." Alkyoneuis had once considered using his army to liberate the Hellens of Sicilia, but was now forced into a war with Pontos. Now the need was no longer there. On the distant island of Siclia, the great Hellenic colony of Syrakousai had managed to once more repulse the forces of Carthage from the south of the island:
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9316/maa325ft3.png
During this time, Perseus also managed to build the proper infrastructure and convince the Thracians to support the Makedonian Empire more than they had before. Now, Thracian nobles were willing to fight for the Makedonians. Perseus quickly recruited some of these elite soldiers for the wars in the east:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3017/maa346ku2.jpg
In Asia, the city of Mazaka was again besieged by the Ptolemaioi. With every attack, more and more locals were conscripted into the garrison force of the city to replace and augment the original Hellenic/Makedonian garrison. Now, another Thraikikos besieged the town with a small army centered around elite phalanx units:
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4168/maa326rz1.png
As the battle began, Pantauchos Singios, governor of Mazaka, had his pikemen assualt from one side while he and the more mobile men attacked from the other. With several battle pulses by the Peltastai and Mazakan townsfolk, elements of the Ptolemaic army began to flee. As the bulk of the Jewish spearmen and levies attacked the peasant lines, Theokles Thraikikos saw his oppertunity and took his guard around the Makedonian flank. Though successful in flanking and crashing into the rear of the Makedonian line, Theokles soon found himself surrounded and began to panic. As Theokles Thraikikos fled, much of his army broke and followed him. Pantauchos Singios gave pursuit and cut down many of the fleeing Ptolemaioi.
Meanwhile, the Makedonian pikemen held the superior Ptolemaic phalanxes in place. As the phalanxes were held in place, the Armenian bowmen circled around behind the enemy line. Regrouping after their battle, the Mazakan peasants formed up with the archers. Now in possition, the bowmen opened fire at close range apon the rear of the Ptolemaioi line. As scores of men fell, the line broke and tried to flee. With the enemies in disorder, the surrounding Makedonians broke formation and all charged in at the remaining Ptolemaioi. Soon, none remained and the day had been won:
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8190/maa327cs3.png
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6953/maa328as4.jpg
The next spring, Alexandros Thraikikos made this move. With his supplies replenished, the Ptolemaic heir, marched his depleted army to Antiocheia, where it was reinforced with Galatians from Egypt:
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4699/maa329qu1.png
Even greatly outnumbered, the inept tactician, Alexandros Thraikikos, didn't retreat. Eventually, Alexandros made the mistake of engadging the Thessalian cavalry under Demetrios. Quickly surrounded, Alexandros soon lost all of his bodyguard and was alone:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8559/maa330po7.png
Fighting to the end, Alexandros was killed and the would-be next Pharoah died on the plains of Syria, just outside the city of Antiocheia.
Seeing their general killed and the forces they came to reinforce wiped out, the Galatians turned and fled the field before they even fought. Once again, Demetrios had won the day and won the support of the Makedonians living in Syria:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2596/maa333zh0.jpg
In Kilikia, a Ptolemaic army had managed to move in from Sophene and march over the mountains during the winter to attack the garrison at Tarsos, the same spring. The garrison of Tarsos was weak. Demetrios had expected any attack on Kilikia to be made through Syria where he and his army could counter it. Now, with Tarsos besieged, Demetrios couldn't risk leaving Syria without a garrison while he marched to Kilikia. Instead, Demetrios ordered his son, already enroute to Syria from Kypros, to engadge the Ptolemaioi in Kilikia. Landing south of the city, Aristotelis marched around the city and confronted the enemy at their camp near a river crossing:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/319/maa334uk3.png
Aristotelis lined up his Dacio-Thracian army near a bridge, but both sides refused to move at first:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2742/maa335wd2.png
Aristotelis ordered his steppe horsemen to move downstream and find a crossing to flank the enemy. Meanwhile, the Thracians slowly marched across the bridge, completely unappossed by the Ptolemaioi:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6093/maa336pd3.png
With the cavalry successfully flanking the Ptolemaioi, and the Thracians safely across the bridge, both lines opened fire. The Thracians threw their spears and the cavalry fired their arrows:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6847/maa337wc7.png
The Ptolemaioi remained in formation and didn't counter the Thracians. Though, as soon as the Dacian spearmen moved to cross the bridge, the Ptolemaioi decided to engadge their enemy before they would have to face the entire army of Aristotelis:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1151/maa338lg8.png
As the fighting went on, the Galatians serving the Ptolemaioi quickly learned that their army was no match for the Thracian weapons. As the Thracians continued to cut through the Galatians, the Dacians rushed across the bridge and joined the fight:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7813/maa339tj4.png
The decreasing number of Galatians tried to hold off their falx weilding enemy, but were soon forced to flee the battle:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4186/maa340py5.png
As the day ended, Aristotelis had won his first important battle and gained the respect of those in the Makedonian Empire:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9610/maa341pc1.jpg
After the battle ended, Aristotelis reorganized his men gained supplies and marched north. Aristotelis moved to gain control of the mountains that the Ptolemaioi had been using to attack Kilikia and Kappadocia for years. As winter came, Aristotelis set up winter camp in a valley, but soon was confronted by another Ptolemaic army. Fearing their escape route had been cut off, a army heading for Mazaka doubled back and attacked Aristotelis:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/734/maa342mm8.png
The weak Ptolemaic forces lacked a compitent leader and didn't stand long before they broke and fled. With nowhere to flee safely to, most of them were chased down and killed in the Kappadocian hills:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8262/maa343zp7.jpg
In Galatia, Alkyoneus had managed to take the city of Ankyra and gain control of the rest of the region. The Pontic garrison gave in without a fight, even though there were large Pontic armies near by, they did not risk a battle over the Galatian, even though a relative of the Pontic king lead the Ankyra garrison:
https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3144/maa344jc4.jpg
As Alkyoneus took the city, he quickly ensured the people that he was their to help as an ally and not a conqueror. To show his support to the Galatians and shared hatred of Pontos, the Pontic general was executed. Alkyoneus quickly repaired the Galatian infrastructure and set up a temperary government. After a while, Alkyoneus found one of the few surviving Galatian nobles, after the Pontic slaughter, and set him up as ruler of the region. Alkyoneus then took his army and left, leaving the Galatians to rule themselves as they had before:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7554/maa345ze5.png
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9448/maa351bt0.png
In Syria, the Ptolemaioi once again attempted a futile attempt to capture the the city of Antiocheia:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3505/maa347wk8.png
Thanks to the Creten archers and their flanking, the Ptolemaioi attempted to retreat. As they retreated, Demetrios managed to seperate small groups from the main group and run them down with his cavalry. In the end, the Ptolemaioi lost two thirds of their army:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/949/maa349pu9.jpg
Word soon reached Syria and the Makedonian Empire that the Satrapy of Baktria had separated itself from the Seleucids. Though they had not openly challenged Seleucid power, they no longer followed orders coming from Seluekeia. They had begun to independantly expand and had even attacked the Pahlav, allies of Seleukia. Soon the Pahlav core was conquered and the northern territories of Arche Seleukia were threated by these rebels:
https://img91.imageshack.us/img91/615/maa350bc4.png
As the winter of 230BC came, the Makedonian Empire faced a new set up problems and challenges. In Assyria, the Seleucids continued their counterattack against the Ptolemaioi by attacking the city of Edessa. North of there, Aristotelis had decided to attack Sophene, the staging point of countless invasions into Makedonian territory:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7724/maa352kw3.png
In northern Asia, Pontos once again beseiged the city of Nikaia. Along the northern coastline, Alkyoneus besieged the city of Sinope where Artaxerxes, king of Pontos ruled his kingdom from:
https://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3527/maa353sr3.png
And in Syria, Demetrios was once again besieged. This time the Ptolemaic forces were vast in number and yet not too threatening:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1990/maa354xz2.png
The known world in the winter of 230BC:
https://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3715/hxmak230wae5.png
Next: Chapter 6: The Pontic War
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-03-2007, 02:20
Again very enticing to start a new Makedonian campaign on my own. I like how you roleplay the characters. Can the Maks now recruit the Skytho-Hellenic Bowmen, Toxotai Thureophoroi I think they are called?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-03-2007, 07:02
Again very enticing to start a new Makedonian campaign on my own. I like how you roleplay the characters. Can the Maks now recruit the Skytho-Hellenic Bowmen, Toxotai Thureophoroi I think they are called?
I'll answer that question with a picture of them fighting for me in the next chapter:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/809/maa408yl2.png
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-03-2007, 18:49
Cool. Makedonia really has one of the best unit-rosters. Only thing they really lack is Thorakitai.
Intranetusa
11-03-2007, 20:03
:wall: :wall: :wall:
That's as pissing as fighting four huge battles on AI's turn and then the game CTDs.:rifle:
You can actually save the game during an AI's turn-seige by pressing the esc button. XD
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-03-2007, 20:31
You can actually save the game during an AI's turn-seige by pressing the esc button. XD
Really? That'll help alot... Thank you.~:)
Puupertti Ruma
11-03-2007, 22:17
You can't active the script until your own turn if you load that kind of save, unless there has been some improvement on the script activation.
Pharnakes
11-04-2007, 00:17
There hasn't and there never will be, however, missing a couple of turns once in a while won't do much harm. If it was near the beging of the campiagn, then possibly the AI would stall, but deep into a campaign missing a turn will not break your game.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-07-2007, 07:57
Chapter 6: The Pontic War (Part 1)
In Syria, Demetrios was once again faced with fighting off another Ptolemaic army. Over time the Ptolemaic forces continued to decrease in quality, drafting many Jewish levies, Galatians, and random locals. Demetrios was beginning to be annoyed by the mail armor of the Galatians and Ptolemaic Thorakitai, though:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1990/maa354xz2.png
The battle when quick, and after the main force was flanked, they crumbled and were wiped out. Seeing the main force fleeing, the reinforcements turned and ran, but not before they were chased down by the Thracians and Thessalians and took heavy casualties:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/983/maa356jb3.jpg
Meanwhile, in northern Asia the Pontic War finally began to heat up. The city of Nikaia was once again besieged. Theodoros, son of Kalos, was forced to fend off Megabazos Stameneus and his army alone. Though, as spring approached, an army of elite Thracians, deployed by Perseus to assist his uncle in Syria, was passing by. Perseus immediately sent word to them that they were to assist the city of Nikaia. As the Thracians approached, Theodoros sallied forth to meet the Pontic enemy:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8004/maa357ok7.png
As Theodoros assembled his army outside the city gates, the Thracians marched along a ridge to the north of the town and moved to the Pontic right flank:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3755/maa358cy7.png
As the Thracians approached, Megabazos Statemeneus sacrificed several units of Hoplites from the city of Sinope as he weighed his options:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2199/maa359yn1.png
The Thracians cut through the Hoplites as though they had sheilds made of straw and slaughtered all who stood their ground. When Theodoros moved to attack the Pontic left flank with his personal guard, the Pontic forces turned and moved away from the city. Seeing the opportunity, Theodoros signalled for his entire army to charge the enemy. Fortunately the attack went well and half the army was killed before they could flee:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/731/maa360kg0.jpg
Near Sinope, Alkyoneus had the Pontic king, Artaxerxes Herakleotes surrounded and outnumbered. Only the city walls were between the two leaders. Realizing that an assualt on the walls of a great city would cost the lives of many men, Alkyoneus had his own army retreat and had an army of allied Galatians move in to attack the city:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6904/maa361cu8.png
The Galatian swordsmen manned the towers as they moved in on the great city. The city had been conquered and subjugated by the Pontic armies, but it still showed signs of the fact it was a Hellenic colony:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2755/maa362dv9.png
As the Galatians charged out of the towers onto the city wall, the defenders quickly realized their fates:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2053/maa363wo8.png
The swordsmen fought the skirmishers on the wall to the last man and opened the gates as the few archers who guarded the walls retreated to the city center. The Galatian spearmen then marched to the city square, followed by Alkyoneus and the cavalry. They expected to met an envoy telling them that Artaxerxes had surrendered the city and honorably taken his own life, but instead they were met with a cavalry charge of Artaxerxes and his personal detactment of cataphracts. The spearmen held their ground as Alkyoneus and the cavalry went around the reat and hit Artaxerxes from behind:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1249/maa364ww3.png
Eventually Artaxerxes was alone and being attacked from all sides. The elderly king continued to fight, alone, for many minutes, personally killing sixteen Galatians after his bodyguard was wiped out. But finally, he was pulled from his horse and stabbed many time by the Galatians. As Alkyoneus watched from his horse near the edge of the battle, he was reminded of the heros of old:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6841/maa366jy6.jpg
As the battle drew to a close, the Galatians began to celebrate. The celebration turned into looting. The looting turned into raping, pillaging, murder, and destruction. Unable to do anything about it, Alkyoneus watched as parts of the city burned down and the Hellenic people he had come to save were murdered before his eyes:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4153/maa367qd1.png
Word eventually reached Demetrios that this battle and the aftermath had greatly effected his brother:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2504/maa368tj9.jpg
Alkyoneus was quick to move the Galatians from the city of Sinope and ordered his own army in to regain order in the town. The Galatians were then ordered to engage a series of Pontic armies. Since they were clearly outnumbered, Alkyoneus had originally planned for this to just be an attempt to weaken the Pontic forces in preparation for his attack:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4290/maa370pv6.png
As the battle went on, though, the Galatians proved to be quite valuable in battle. By taking up a defensive possition on a hill, the Galatians had managed to gain just enough advantage to swing the battle and win. The Galatian army chased the Pontic forces from the field that day:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3082/maa371bn0.png
Even with half the forces, the Galatians succeeded:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1373/maa372uw0.jpg
The Galatians then confronted the retreating army of Megabazos Stameneus, on his way back from Nikaia. The Galatians succeeded once more, but Megabazos managed to escape:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4610/maa374pp2.jpg
In Sardis, a great trade hub at the end of the Persian Royal Road, where Kalos administers the western parts of Asia, a plague breaks out, so severe it even reaches the palace and Kalos himself:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9803/maa373um7.png
In Sophene, Aristotelis, son of Demetrios continued his seige of the fort city of Karkathiokerta. Karkathiokerta had long been the gathering place of Ptolemaic military expeditions into Kappadocia and Kilikia to attack newly acquired territories in the Makedonian Empire. Now, Aristotelis sought to capture this strategic city and put an end to the Ptolemaic invasions.
After about a year of seige, the city was reinforced by an army lead by Pasikrates Koptios. As soon as the battle began, Serapion Anemurionios, governor of Sophene sallied forth with his army to assist in the battle:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5083/maa375hw6.png
Aristotelis arranged his forces in a defensive possition on the top of a hill, though it was hard to find a battle field in the region that wasn't a hill. The Dacian spearmen took the center, with the Thracians on the flanks, protecting Persian archers, all in front of the cavalry and steppe cavalry archers:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9422/maa376uo5.png
As the battle began, the garrison of Karkathiokerta was the first to make its move, charging in on the Makedonian right flank. The Persians and cavalry immediately opened fire on the approaching enemy:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/714/maa377xd6.png
As the two lines met, the Ptolemaic levies and Galatians charged the center while their general moved across the front of the line and approached the far left flank of the Makedonian line:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2481/maa378uu0.png
Seeing the flanking cavarly, Aristotelis ordered that all archers open fire on the enemy general, Serapion Anemurionios. As Serapion approached the enemy line he soon found himself under the fire of the Thracian javelin as well. Attempting to regroup, Serapion turned and moved away from the Makedonian line, but it was too late and an arrow found its mark in side of his neck:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4210/maa379sv1.png
On the right flank, Galatians attempted to flank and attack the Persian archers. Countering the threat, the Thracians rushed in and attacked the Galatian troops:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5384/maa380sj4.png
With an opening, Ptolemaic Thorakitai charged the engaged Thracians from behind:
https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9431/maa381fe0.png
Soon the forces attacking the center of the Makedonian line began to desolve and flee, which was soon followed by those fighting and loosing to the Thracians on the right flank. Aristotelis took his cavalry and gave chase, cutting down many before turning back and reforming. The Thracians and Dacians, meanwhile regrouped and began to march down from the hill to meet the rest of the Ptolemaic forces:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6836/maa382so4.png
With the Makedonians forces out of formation and marching, Pasikrates Koptios, general of the Ptolemaioi, charged the Dacio-Thracian line. The Dacians and Thracians held their possition and began to cut through the heavily armored enemy cavalry:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/856/maa383tz3.png
After some time, Aristotelis managed to move his heavy Thracian cavalry around the rear of the battle and charge into the rear of the Ptolemaic general and his bodyguard:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7962/maa384mc8.png
Pasikrates Koptios quickly fell and his remaning guards began to flee. As the fight came to a close, Aristotelis soon realized that the remainder of Pasikrates' forces were lining up to attack. All that remained was a group of elite pikemen, Thorakitai, and some Jewish levies. Aristotelis quickly ordered his Dacio-Thracian line to reform and prepare for the fight:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/200/maa385ob6.png
The steppe cavalry quickly dispersed the Jewish spearmen, while the Dacians and Thracians took out the Thorakitai. Seeing they were surrounded and outnumbered, the Ptolemaic army folded and ran. The cavalry chased them down and killed the cowards:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3622/maa386rw2.jpg
With the sun low in the sky, Aristotelis marched into Karkathiokerta and claimed the city as his. He was surprised to find that the people were neither happy nor angry at his presence. Declaring that he was their to assist them, not subjugate them, Aristotelis kept looting to a minimum and quickly set to the task of setting up an 'independant' local government.
In Sardis, Kalos, brother to the great Antigonos dies. He was a great governor and a terrible general, though he fathered many sons and established control in Asia for this brother and nephews. Having survived the plague, he lived for nearly a year in a weakened state, only to finally fall to the forces of time:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6944/maa387hh7.jpg
In Makedonia, Perseus, son of Alkyoneus is left in control of the region. Seeking to expand the borders of the Makedonian Empire, locally, Perseus looks to the north. With a strong Getic Confederation, Perseus decided to do the same as his father and avoid all out war. Instead, Perseus enters negotiations to redefine the borders. Eventually after much negotiation, the Getic Confederation agrees to transfer ownership of all lands south of the river and north of Makedonia to the Makedonian Empire. In exchange, Perseus offers a large some of money and the promise of continued friendship:
https://img458.imageshack.us/img458/2708/maa416rk7.jpg
Perseus then personally moved to the fort city of Naissos, where he quickly established military control:
https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2858/maa419kh0.png
With the city in control, Perseus immediately refounds the city and begins to completely rebuild it from the ground up. With a new territory, Perseus busies himself with surveying the land, controlling the locals, and building up his new city.
The known world in 229BC:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3766/hxmak228pm9.png
Next: Chapter 7: The Pontic War (Part 2)
Another great update to a great AAR. :2thumbsup:
PS: Silly Romans, bypassing Segesta. It's the easiest town in Northern Italy to conquer :idea2:
Very entertainig & well written! :2thumbsup:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-07-2007, 18:49
Very good update and a very nice AI faction progression.The only thing I don't like about 1.0 is that the soldiers are almost invisible on the shadow-side. And that the snow sometimes looks yellow... But in general the beauty of the landscape has increased a lot from 0.8 (vanilla) to 1.0.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-07-2007, 18:52
Very entertainig & well written! :2thumbsup:
Yes I think it must be quite hard to find a banlance between details & overview. You want to learn about the characters by role play aspects, but at the same time too much detail could lead to ennui. I think MAA did that very well.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-07-2007, 21:36
Thanks for the feedback and compliments! :bow:
I've watched the Romans since the beginning and ever since about the second turn they have been beseiging Segesta, always failing. And with every failure, they send a smaller army to try again. I think last time I looked half a unit of Rorari were besieging about 50 defenders, but that failed as well.
Yeah, I've got to agree, winter battles in some regions do look odd some times.
I was originally going to show every battle in detail, but lately I've had so many I've had to compromise and just mention them shortly so I can add other content. The defensive battles of Antiocheia every other turn would definately get repetative.
gurakshun
11-08-2007, 06:11
I'll answer that question with a picture of them fighting for me in the next chapter:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/809/maa408yl2.png
awwww man are you serious? just when i thought pontos had a decent advantage over the massive juggernauts in the area. now when i think about it, pontos is outclassed in phalanxes (chalkaspides <<< argyraspides, reformed mak heavy phalanx), infantry (do those pontic thorakitai even count?), cavalry, and now even archers are the same. i suppose our only advantage is the ability to recruit tindanotae...but that is hardly factional nor does it make sense for pontos to have their best unit be gallic.
any suggestions on how to play pontos properly based on its units? so far i've only been using an imitation alexandrian style army - a line made up of the best phalanxes, behind is the bosphoran heavy archers, swinging out to the flanks is tindanotae while the galatian heavy spearman screen enemy cavalry, supported in their role by scythian noble cav and FM. any suggestions on how to make better use of the pontic roster?
On topic: really enjoying this AAR and the awesome armies and their compositions you bring up. i'm staying tuned in.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-08-2007, 19:53
Actually, in my next battle I had fight between Pontic chalkaspides and my argyraspides and I was taking signifigant losses. I won, but I definately underestimated the strength of those chalkaspides.
And Mak has to go into Skythia or Crimea to get the Bosphorian archers, so it isn't really that unfar.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-10-2007, 10:19
Chapter 7: The Pontic War (Part 2)
After some time, Alkyoneus manages to establish control of Sinope, hiring some local levied Hoplites to defend the city. With the city in relative order, Alkyoneus decides to move in and hit the Pontics before they can build an even bigger army. The Pontic forces consisted of two large armies and two smaller armies. One small army had been defeated by the Galatians, while the other had attacked Nikaia and failed, only to be defeated by the Galatian army as well. The largest army guarded their capital at Amaseia, while the second large army had conquered Trapezous. After the Makedonian-Pontos war had started, the Pontic forces at Trapezous had withdrawn to their capital. The citizens of Trapezous saw their opertunity and overthrew the remaining Pontic garrison and liberated themselves. But now, Alkyoneus marched against the Pontic capital and their two remaining armies. As he besieged the city, the Pontic field army moved to attack the rear of Alkyoneus' camp:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6149/maa388tb9.png
Alkyoneus possitions his army to counter the Pontic field army, hoping he could crush it before the army from Amaseia arrived:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/821/maa389ok8.png
On the flanks were the elite Basilikon Agema, sent to defend the Makedonian king:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1156/maa390uc7.png
In the center were elite veteran pikemen:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9717/maa391ux4.png
As the battle started, Alkyoneus quickly noticed the Pontic chariots rushing forward:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1751/maa392zt3.png
As the Pontic chariots attempted to flank the Makedonian line, the Pheraspides squad of the Basilikon Agema opened fire with their javelin. Taking losses, the chariots turned to charge their attackers:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1353/maa393fa0.png
[Stupid arrows.]
Though having taken many losses, the chariots turned and fled before most of them could even have a chance to use their deadly blades against the Makedonian flank. Meanwhile, the two lines of infantry slowly began to clash:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5775/maa394hl6.png
Alkyoneus began to move to the flanks with his Hetairoi, while in the center of the lines two groups of elites fought:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4425/maa395im8.png
As his elite silver shield pikemen began to suffer losses, Alkyoneus quickly made a charge on the rear (now undefended with the flight of the chariots) of the Pontic phalanx:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2617/maa396xd4.png
The elite Pontic soldiers quickly started fleeing, but before Alkyoneus could make another move, he was confronted with Galatian mercenary cavalry serving the Pontic king:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9259/maa397as5.png
While the two sides of infantry fought, Alkyoneus and the Hetairoi were faced with defeating many groups of Pontic cavalry right behind the Pontic line. As the Galatians turned and fled, Alkyoneus tried to possition his men again to attack the Pontic infantry, but was now faced with skirmishers. As he turned to face the skirmishers, the fled just far enough to continuing harrassing the Makedonians. Using a few tricks, Alkyoneus finally managed to force one group into combat:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6624/maa398eg6.png
As the Pontic cavalry broke and fled, Alkyoneus turned to see that the Pontic infantry had broken as well and were fleeing. Alkyoneus quickly charged in and crushed the Pontic troops who were attempting to reform. As Alkyoneus chased down the Pontic army, the main battle line turned and reformed to counter the Pontic army from the city, which had recently appeared, marching down from the edge of hill:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/815/maa399iv7.png
First forward from the Pontic army was, again, the chariots. As the Pontic chariots seemed to be flanking the main line, Alkyoneus decided to counter them personally with his Hetairoi, rather than devert troops. Alkyoneus lined up his cavalry and charged into the formation of chariots:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3849/maa400ji2.png
As he hit, both sides took losses, but soon the chariots paniced and began to flee. Rather then let them get away, Alkyoneus gave chase, but then tragedy hit. As one of the chariots rushed past Alkyoneus, the blades hit his horse, cutting its legs out from under it. Alkyoneus flew through the air, chashing to the ground in a mangled mass. His Hetairoi broke off and turned to assist, but it was too late. He lay motionless on the field, dead:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8073/maa402py6.png
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7509/maa401pk8.jpg
[I didn't do that on purpose, I was actually stupid enough to get my faction leader killed off by taking on scythed chariots.]
Seeing their king fall, the Basilikon Agema quickly rushed forward to save their king or at the least defend his corpse from Pontic desecration:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5272/maa403mc2.png
The Hetairoi quickly attacked Pontic cavalry attempting to make their way to Alkyoneus' corpse, chasing them from the field. Meanwhile, the Basilikon Agema fended of nearly the entire Pontic army, including the general and next in line to the Pontic throne, Megabazos Stameneus. The Pezhetairoi line moved forward to defend the body of their king:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9607/maa404fg2.png
Just to the west, Arsiochos Amaseios, the new king of Pontos charged straight into the Makedonian phalanxes, with surprisingly few lossses:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2650/maa405ik6.png
Without their king and general, the Makedonian army struggled to maintain order. With their flanks wide open, the phalanx line attempted to continue to engage the enemy:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9743/maa406vb5.png
To the south, the Basilikon Agema achieved a victory, with the long overdue death of Megabazos Stameneus:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6705/maa407xv9.jpg
But soon, the battle was too much, even for these elite Makedonian men. As they became overwhelmed, groups started to break off and flee. Soon, only one lone unit of Hypaspitai spearmen held the Pontic army from attacking the rear of the pike line:
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1489/maa413ec1.png
As the Pontic king began to force his way through the Makedonian phalanx, the Bosphorians, who had been considering retreat, moved to flank the cavalry:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7120/maa408vj2.png
As the Bosphorians fought on, it seemed that even the pikemen and flanking manuever wasn't enough to stop these heavy cavalry. Just as the battle looked completely lost, the Hetairoi returned from chasing off the rest of the Pontic cavalry and charged the Pontic king with all the energy the poor horses had left in them:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1681/maa409bz0.png
Arsiochos Amaseios' cavalry finally began to die, and soon the Pontic king was nearly alone. Fearing for his own life, he turned and fled as the remainder of his personal cavalry fell. The Hetairoi chased him from the field as the Makedonian line turned to face the rest of the Pontic army:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3593/maa411fi0.png
As the Makedonian line once again formed up to protect the body of their king, the Pontic army began to flee. Seeing their king fleeing and the Makedonians revitalized to face them again, the fled to the defenses of their city:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9420/maa412ns5.png
Even with the death of their king, the Makedonian army had achieved an amazing feat that day. Facing forces nearly twice their number and fighting after the death of their king, to the death in the case of much of the Basilikon Agema, it was a day to be remembered for all time. On the site where Alkyoneus had fallen from his horse, a plaque was placed to comemorate the battle and the death of the king:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4435/maa414tx2.jpg
When word reached Demetrios that his brother had died, they say he had to hide himself away from the public for the rest of the day. Even though they had competed at nearly everything, Demetrios had loved his elder brother. Even when their father had died without an heir, they cared enough for their family and eachother that they had promised to share the thrown. Now, however, Demetrios was the sole king of the growing Makedonian Empire:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5641/maa415sd4.jpg
Demetrios gave a speech to the people of Antiocheia and sent for his son, Aristotelis. When Aristotelis arrived in Syria (he had already been on his way after setting up a local king to rule Sophene for Makedonia), Demetrios handed over the governorship of Antiocheia and the command of the eastern army to his son. Demetrios then immediately boarded the Makedonian fleet in the Syrian harbor and sailed for Makedonia itself.
In Thessaly, Euboulides, youngest son of Antigonos, received word of his eldest brothers death and his brother, Demetrios' ascension to the throne. Euboulides had been governor of various places in Makedonia, Epeiros, and Thessaly for some time but had little hands on experience with warfare like his brothers:
https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9862/maa418we0.jpg
Rather than sadness, anger overcame Euboulides. He quickly sent message to Pella and to his brother that he was headed for Pontos to join the forces still beseiging the city. When word reached Demetrios in Rhodos, he sent a messenger to meet up with Euboulides and grant him full command of Alkyoneus' army to crush the remaining Pontic forces and completely destroy the entire kingdom. The only condition was that once Pontos fell and the territory secured that the army was to be sent back to Makedonia. The army, thus waited in their depleted state for Euboulides to arrives so that they might continue the war and avenge their king.
Demetrios soon landed in Makedonia, arriving before the body of his brother. Demetrios puposely brough no military forces with him as he approached Pella:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2279/maa421tr1.png
As Demetrios entered the capital city of Pella, he was greeted with hesitant cheering and praise. As he came to the center of town he was greeted by his nephew Perseus, first born son of the previous king. An awkward silence filled the entire agora for what seemed like a lifetime. Then with a sudden fluid movement the tension was released as Perseus embraced his uncle. The next morning, the two men appeared in the agora and annouced that Demetrios was the new king of the vast Makedonian Empire.
Soon, the body of Perseus arrived in Pella, where it was burned in the pyre in a great ceremony. The ceremony was even grander than the ceremony that was for Antigonos. When Antigonos had died, the Makedonian Kingdom was in a precarious place, but now the Makedonian Empire was strong and rich and could risk having all the distant generals travel to Pella for a burial.
As Alkyoneus was entombed in Aigai, on the far side of the empire, Euboulides had finally arrived in Pontos. With minor forces defending the last loyal Pontic city, where the Pontic king hid, Euboulides decides to risk an attack on the walls:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3728/maa424mq4.png
With mercenaries leading the attack, Euboulides prepares to attack the northern gate of the city:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/412/maa425vp4.png
After receiving missile fire from archer, skirmisher, and tower, the seige towers reach the wall. As the caucasian swordsmen charge out, they quickly deal with the Hellenic archers and Hellenic skirmishers in front of them. On the east side of the gate, the opposition is light:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/1659/maa426qh0.png
To the west, though, the fighting is much tougher:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8866/maa427jr3.png
The Basilikon Agema quickly moves to the eastern tower to get passed the fighting and enter the city, while Pezhetairoi move to the western tower to assest the outnumbered mercenaries. As they take the walls, the Pheraspides move into possition where they are just above a group of Pontic chariots. Realizing that these can be none other than the the chariots that killed their king, they open fire with the javelin [with help from a captured tower]. Soon the entire unit lays dead in a twisted heap of horse, man, and machine:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/3026/maa429lg3.png
The Hypaspistai, on the other hand, quickly move to assist the mercenaries at the eastern tower:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4615/maa430gi0.png
As the enemy on the eastern side are defeated, the Hypaspistai move to assest the western side, as the Pontic forces are crushed between them and the Pezhetairoi:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5843/maa431xa7.png
As the walls are taken, the rest of the infantry move in through the captured gate. The Bosphorians and slingers then move in and take up possition on the walls of the city. Near the eastern gate, they see an oppertunity and open fire on the Pontic king in the town square:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2955/maa432px4.png
Angered by the attack, the Pontic king and his remaining cavalry rush from the town square and charge down a road at the assembling Makedonian forces. Unprepared for the attack, the Pezhetairoi and Hetairoi simply attack with sword and counter the Pontic heavy cavalry:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6117/maa433qk2.png
The battle lasts quite some time, but eventually Arsiochos Amaseios, King of Pontos, falls dead in the streets of Amaseia:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/180/maa437od6.jpg
Even as the Pontic king fought on, a flanking force of Makedonians manages to make it to the center of the town. As the enter the town square, the face a line of elite Pontic pikemen, whom they counter:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5437/maa439mm9.png
As the fighting goes on, it eventually desolves into broken formation sword battle:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5379/maa440ym1.png
As the last Pontic soldier falls dead, the town taken, the Makedonian soldiers celebrate and cheer Euboulides' name:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6979/maa441kg4.png
[Look at the time. I almost lost the battle even though there were only a couple Pontic guys left.]
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/7796/maa442tq9.jpg
With the death of the last Pontic king and the fall of their capital, the Kingdom of Pontos fades into history, as its citizens are integrated into the Makedonian Empire:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/1905/maa443gy1.jpg
As the era draws to a close:
Aristotelis fends off another attack on Syria by the Ptolemaioi, with little effect:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/175/maa444qq9.png
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/8117/maa445xe1.jpg
A plague from Egypt arrives in Kypros and devistates the population:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7215/maa446qg5.png
Makedonian greatness once again trumps all other nations:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2364/maa447nm2.jpg
North of Makedonia, the reconstruction of Naissos is completed as it is rebuilt as a Hellenistic city:
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2136/maa448bb1.png
And to the east, the Kingdom of Hayasdan conquers the newly liberated Hellenistic colony of Trapezous:
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3625/maa452ui1.png
Next: Chapter 8: Kyrenaia
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Ha! I found the forum cap for number of pictures.
Ha! I found the forum cap for number of pictures.
Lol, I'll say you did some thorough searching for it. Glad I'm not on dial-up...
It's an excellent update really. I was so sad that Alkyoneus died... Not least because he was a special character in my 0.81 Makedon campaign, where he went from the bookish prince of an unstable kingdom to being the greatest conqueror and general since Alexandros himself.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-10-2007, 21:39
That was really epic! How can you charge chariots with cavalry? That's really foolish.:no:
Did you move the Generals for burial really to Aigai? And Caucasian spearman, are they hired mercenaries? Because I thought Makedonia can't recruit them.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-10-2007, 23:05
I had 52 pictures and had to drop two or else it wouldn't let me post. For anyone having problems, sorry for mass of pictures. A while ago, my internet wasn't working correctly (turns out the ISP was purposely doing it to me as some sort of retarded punishment... long story), but I couldn't even load my own AAR. :sweatdrop:
My Alkyoneus was really bookish too, but he turned out to be a decent leader. And yes, I was so stupid as to charge him into chariots. My Hetairoi had already taken a whole lot of losses and I though, "What's a couple more? My faction leader has multiple hitpoints, he should be fine," but he wasn't. I thought of just quiting and fighting the battle over again, but then decided his death would be nice roleplaying event.
Yep, I roleplayed that Alkyoneus was entombed in Aigai and move a bunch of family members to Pella for the funeral celebration.
The Caucasian swordmen are mercenaries now. I was suprised when I saw them, but needing some augmentation, I thought they would be a good choice.
Great AAR Marcus! I'm looking forward to the next chapter. :)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-11-2007, 22:24
Thanks. :bow:
The next chapeter is going to be a short(er) one since it is basically a series of repetative battles. :shame:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-12-2007, 02:05
Chapter 8 : Kyrenaia
As time went by, events in the Makedonian Empire began to return to normal. The reign of Demetrios was not that different then when Alkyoneus and he had shared the throne. The war with the Ptolemaioi continued, troubles to the west with the Romanoi and Punics conquering Hellenic colonies and defeating Gallic allies remained, and the Hellens still continued to complain. To the East, Pontos and Kappadocia were integrated into the Makedonian Empire, and Euboulides began to build a defensive border against the growing power in Armenia. In Rhodos, the great port was upgraded to provide more advanced ships then have ever been available to the Makedonians:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4262/maa422cb7.jpghttps://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9944/maa423xm1.jpg
In Syria, Aristotelis, son of Demetrios, and now the presumed heir, defended the growing city of Antiocheia. The city had suffered greatly during the Syrian Wars, but since Demetrios and Aristotelis had taken over, the city had begun to grow, dispite the near constant invasions. As fate would have it, the Ptolemaioi were once again attacking the city:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/4232/maa449cc6.png
With a quick sally, and a flanking maneuver by the Thracians, the battle was won and the Ptolemaioi fled the region:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2807/maa451oe9.jpg
As Aristotelis surveyed the damage to the region and began to make repairs on that which the Ptolemaioi had looted and destroyed outside the city, he received word from his Dacio-Thracian army in Sophene:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/38/maa453er0.jpg
Though, before Aristotelis could even think upon the matter, he receive another messages saying that the local ruler had lifted the seige on his own. [I had some mercenaries hiding near by to initiate the battle, since the client ruler couldn't.] Even outnumbered, the combination of the locals, the depleted Dacio-Thracian army, and some Hellenistic mercenaries, the battle was won and the region defended.
In Makedonia, the Alkyoneus' army had managed to return home from Pontos. Demetrios quickly supplemented, retrained, and re-equiped the army at the military facilities of Demetrias. Once the army was reassembed, Demetrios took it on a march. When there is a transfer of power, the Hellens often seek to betray their Makedonian protectors. To avoid this, Demetrios made a grand show of strength by marching through the Hellenic city states with his army, all the way down to Lakonike. South of Sparte, Demetrios met up with the Makedonian fleet, which had been hunting pirates in the Aegean, and sailed south:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6464/maa454xk4.png
To the east, the city of Trapezous had once again thrown off their foreign oppressors. Now the city was left with little defenses and a damaged infrastructure. The city could no longer hold off the enemy on their own. Trapezous was thus forced to turn to the Makedonian Empire to ensure they would not be conquered by a foreign culture. Believing in his brother's (Alkyoneus') idea of assisting all Hellenic people who desired assistance, Euboulides sent an army, including some veterans from the battles of Nikaia, to garrison the city of Trapezous against any further attack:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/1336/maa455rz7.png
From late spring to late summer, Demetrios sailed from Lakonike, to Krete, to Kyrenaia. In Kyrenaia, Demetrios set out to liberate other Hellenic colonies being oppressed:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9320/maa456ik0.png
Though he wanted to assist Kyrene and the surrounding colonies, the real reasons behind Demetrios' attack on Kyrenaia were much more political. There were now only three great successors to Alexandros: the family of Antigonos, the family of Seleukos, and the family of Ptolemai. For decades, the Antigonids and the Seleukids had been allied by their hatred of the Ptolemaioi, whose territory had always been situated between the two. In Syria, Demetrios had purposely stalled his expansion, fearing what would happen if his Makedonian Empire was now in between the other two. If the Seleukids were no longer fighting off the Ptolemaioi, then they would begin to demand the return of territories that had once been theirs but had now ended up in the hands of the Antigonids. To weaken the Ptolemaioi and ensure a continued alliance with the Seleukid dynasy, Demetrios decided he would force the Ptolemaioi to fight on two fronts and he would conquer Egypt from the west.
In Syria, Aristotelis found himself once again attacked by a Ptolemaic army:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2333/maa457ia9.png
As Aristotelis marched his army out, the Ptolemaioi began to retreat. The Thracians chased them from the field, cutting down the stragglers:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8444/maa459ce4.png
By the next spring, another army, this time from Assyria, approached the city of Antiocheia:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8101/maa460wl4.png
Once again, with the assistance of the Thracians, the Ptolemaioi were chased off:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2432/maa461vp9.jpg
Aristotelis once again received word that the city of Karkathiokerta was under siege by the Ptolemaioi. At the same time, a second army had moved into Sophene and was was attacking the Dacio-Thracians which had been stationed just outside of the town. Refusing to fall back, the Dacians and Thracians held their ground against the first army. The Ptolemaioi were taken by surprise by the skill of the army. Soon the Ptolemaioi fled the field, but now the second army which had besieged the city approached:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/4539/maa463ic0.png
By the end of the day, a messenger was riding to Syria to inform Aristotelis that the mix of heavy cavalry and cavalry archers had won the day against the superior forces:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6329/maa464hd7.png
Even on the uneven terrain, the Thracians Prodromoi and Steppe cavalry had managed to wipe out the forces thrown against them, even without assistance from the garrison of locals and their 'king':
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8054/maa465wh1.jpg
In Asia, the sons and the in-laws of Kalos, continue to administer the region. With the recent fall of Pontos, the territory manages to grow in size and gain a level of security never seen before. With the Hellen cities liberated, the locals subdued, and the Galatians allied, the region was beginning to prosper. Under the new found peace, the family of Kalos begins to set up colonies and estates for soldiers, both for veteran soldiers to retire and to ensure military families that may be needed in the future. With the establishment of these estates, the regions started to gain even more stability:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4092/maa466yq4.jpg
By the summer of 255BC, the Ptolemaioi manage to march an army across the Libyan desert and into Kyrenaia to face the army of Demetrios:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/9194/maa467dp3.png
Soon after the battle begins, the forces from the city of Kyrene attack the Makedonian flank and engage the Basilikon Agema:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/504/maa468wf8.png
As the Basilikon Agema is preoccupied with the Ptolemaioi infantry, the general Mikikos Theadelpheus and his cavalry manages to hit the flank of the Makedonian pike line. The flank breaks formation and confronts the enemy, as Demetrios moves his Hetairoi around and hits the rear of the engaged Ptolemaic cavalry:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3225/maa469kv9.png
Mikikos Theadelpheus attempts to flee, but is chased down by the Makedonian Hetairoi:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2207/maa470gl2.jpg
As Demetrios turns back to look at his own line, he sees that the Ptolemaic army from Egypt has already engaged the Pezhetairoi:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7294/maa471ba6.png
The battle continues for some time, but the Ptolemaioi continue to break, regroup, and attack over and over again :
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6965/maa472fa7.png
Taking initiative, the Makedonians' right flank Basilikon Agema move forward and chase off a small flanking party and chase them back toward the Ptolemaic center:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8168/maa473qs4.png
While much of the Ptolemaioi flee, both flanks of Basilikon Agema manage to circle around the rear of the Ptolemaioi. Seeing their oppertunity, they charge the rear of an elite Ptolemaic phalanx unit, while they are already engaged:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9986/maa474ut1.png
While the Basilikon Agema and returning Hetairoi break the last units, the Ptolemaic army flees the field. Though, in order to prevent them from fleeing back to the city and hiding behind the walls, Demetrios has his Hetairoi chase them down and capture or kill as many as possible. With their effort, the day is won and the city of Kyrene is taken:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3388/maa476mq6.jpg
As winter arrives, Aristotelis once again faces an enemy army in Syria:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4963/maa477am3.png
With effort from the Thracians, the battle is won, once more:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1913/maa478bc0.jpg
Though tedious, Aristotelis soon realizes that these battles have at least taught him something new about the ways of war:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8041/maa479ht7.jpg
As Aristotelis thinks back to the battles he has faced defending Antiocheia, it is clear that the majority of these army's core units of Klerouchoi are the same as the previous army's. Every year, Aristotelis kills the support troops of the army and the Klerouchoi return to Ptolemaic territory, where they recruit more support troops and attack Antiocheia again. Unless Aristotelis can kill this core and damage the power of the Ptolemaioi in the region, he will have to face this same battles, every other season. After sending a spy, to locate the Ptolemaic army, Aristotelis assembes his men and marches south, to destroy the Ptolemaic forces in the open field, once and for all.
The known world in the winter of 225BC:
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5287/hxmak225rm5.png
Next: Chapter 9: The Desert Storm
Sweet. I like the way you get some roleplay out of decisions that actually are the best in terms of gameplay anyway. Ie. avoiding a border with AS and moving your general through mainland Greece to go south for the attack.
But will you ever need those ships you can build now? In my games it seems like one unit of triremes buys you eternal control on the waves.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-12-2007, 21:30
A real Basileus need a really Basilike ship of course!:yes: But I wonder how you keep track of the family relations. I always have severe trouble with it, once the initial family has passed.:stupido2:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-12-2007, 21:55
I always try to make a justification for things that the game does (or just cheat when I really disagree - forced diplomacy :yes:). I figured if this situation was real, the Seleukids would start demanding their old territory back after the war was over, so I didn't invade Judaea.
I doubt I will ever need those ships, but I may build some (probably just one) for roleplaying purposes when I can afford them.
One of the main things I try to do for roleplaying is to keep track of my family lines. It is kind of easy since I always send relatives to work near eachother. Antigonos' elder brother conquered Illyria, so now his family governs Illyria and Epeiros. Antigonos' younger brother (Kalos) followed him into Asia, so now his relatives govern that region. And Antigonos' decendants (which seems to be my smallest branch of the family) is fighting the wars and guarding the borders.
Brilliant as usual Marcus. :2thumbsup:
Andronikos
11-13-2007, 18:26
Some of the best (if not THE BEST) of AARs I have ever read (perhaps because it is makedonian). Go on!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-13-2007, 19:52
Thanks, guys. :bow:
Jurdagat
11-13-2007, 21:43
Actually you inspired me to play my own Makedonia campaign. :)
Chirurgeon
11-14-2007, 00:22
Such a great job with the Makedonians....Keep up the great work :) They are a wonderful civilization
Wow...just finished reading through your whole story...amazing AAR, Marcus! As with many other readers here, you're getting me fired up to start a Makedonian campaign (although I'm at only 246BC with my Romani campaign...!). A really great read...the diversity of units you have included is killer!
As with one of the earlier posts, I'm also amazed at how much money your core settlements are pulling in...those mines are incredible sources of income...
Keep it up!!!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-14-2007, 08:09
Thanks for the support. Good to see that I'm converting people over to the Makedonian ways.
No matter how much money I'm making, it isn't enough. Before I started training the elite army that invaded Pontos, I had nearly 300,000 mnai (part of the reason I built the army - to waste my excess income). However, once the army was built I lost money quite quickly. After disbanding excess mercenaries and the 'defeat' at Amaseia, I started being able to afford more. Now that I've retrained the army, I am having problems again. :wall:
Here is my boom/bust cycle for this game:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6461/maa495kb2.jpg
Isn't it risky to have that much cash? AFAIK it can give your FMs bad traits if your treasury is over a certain limit. I usually just queue up a ton of buildings in my capital and the nearest cities around it, to soak up the dough.
As with one of the earlier posts, I'm also amazed at how much money your core settlements are pulling in...those mines are incredible sources of income...
Lol, I just noticed: Serdike, 5681 ~:eek:
Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'm making something of 8 k per turn in Pella, while maintaining a pretty good, large army, just by mining. Another 2 k by tax rates and trade.
Marcus, I must say I really like your AAR, it's awesome. I never really liked Makedonia myself, but I think the way you write has placed a perfect balance between role-playing and gameplay.
~:eek:
Lol, I just noticed: Serdike, 5681 ~:eek:
Yeah...that's exactly what made MY eyes pop out too!!! ~:eek:~:eek:
My own mines in Rhegion and Karali are smelly mudholes by comparison...I gotta start movin' my legions eastward...
Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'm making something of 8 k per turn in Pella, while maintaining a pretty good, large army, just by mining. Another 2 k by tax rates and trade.
Marcus, I must say I really like your AAR, it's awesome. I never really liked Makedonia myself, but I think the way you write has placed a perfect balance between role-playing and gameplay.
Yup, it's got everything...giant bankrolls, lots of huge-unit full stacks, great rows of sarissas that extend for what seems like miles in either direction, good narrative...a fun one for sure!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-14-2007, 21:36
I don't mind the negative traits. They really aren't that bad and having money when you really need it is a nice trade off. Besides, for role-playing, a kingdom with tons of money would have leaders that act differently from a kingdom with little money. If a town turns out bad because of a bad general, you have the money to 'throw money at the problem'.
My mines sure do save the day. When I had my first depression, I built as many L2 mines I could (which increased the speed of the depression). When the L2 mines all started finishing around the same time, my money shot up faster then I could think of ways to spend it. This new depression is going to be harder to get out of, as all of my mines have been fully upgraded.
It is good to hear that people like this AAR. A couple chapters ago, I was thinking about stopping. Since people are enjoying it, and due to an interesting turn-of-events in the campaign, I guess I'll continue for a while. Though, after the next chapter, which I'm planning on posting today or tommorrow, I'm out of stuff since I haven't had the time to play the game recently.
Thanks again for reading.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-16-2007, 09:32
Chapter 9 : The Desert Storm
Before the winter of 225BC could turn to the spring of 224BC, Aristotelis marched his army out from Antiocheia. To the south lay two Ptolemaic armies, one proceeding toward Antiocheia and one recently repulsed from Antiocheia, in the cycle all of Syria was becoming accustomed to. In order to secure Syria, Aristotelis sought to destroy both armies:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6638/maa480bj4.png
Aristotelis marched south until he reached a plain near the sea, which the now abandoned Syria-Phoinike trade road passed through. There he met the Ptolemaioi. Aristotelis formed up his ranks and slowly marched forward:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2029/maa481vb3.png
As the Ptolemaic units came into sight, the Makedonians took note of the Klerouchoi they had come to destroy, formed up in the center of the enemy line:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4818/maa482to1.png
As the Makedonian line approached and possitioned itself parallel to the Ptolemaioi, the Makedonian slingers and Cretan reserves prepared themselves. On Aristotelis' order, the open fire on the units possitioned behind the Ptolemaic line:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5016/maa484tn7.png
With the Ptolemaic slightly distressed, the Makedonian phalanx line slowly moved forward to confront them. As the two lines clashed, the Ptolemaic reserves rush in and attempted to break through the Makedonian formation. Soon the bulk of both armies are in combat. Breaking from the fighting, the Thracians along both flanks make an attempt to circle around the rear of the Ptolemaioi and attack them from behind. Noticing the flanking move, Stasioikos Arrhidaeos, the Ptolemaic general, charges his cavalry in to counter the flankers. Unprepared to fight the Thracian weapons, Stasioikos soon finds his cavalry cut to pieces:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3540/maa485xc3.png
Stasioikos Arrhidaeos is quickly cut down. Though, before they can even regroup, the same flank of Thracians are once again charged by a Ptolemaic general. Theoxenos Soknopaiou Nesou charges in quickly from the hills to reinforce the Ptolemaic line:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4738/maa486nh4.png
After a short battle, Theoxenos falls dead, as well. With both flanks now secured, both flanks of Thracians met up behind the engaged Ptolemaioi and charge their rear, risking being surrounded themselves, by the approaching Ptolemaic reinforcements:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6149/maa487ys2.png
With the first army routed, the exhausted Thracians fall back through the wall of sarrisas as the Pezhetairoi attempt to regroup. As they regroup, the approaching Ptolemaic reinforcements force the Pezhetairoi to make a hasty stairstep formation, as they prepare to counter the new line of Klerouchoi:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/858/maa489gp9.png
With the Thracians exhausted and displaced and the cavalry chasing down the remains of the first army, the Makedonian flanks are left open. Seeing the vulnerability, Ptolemaic Thorakitai rush to the flanks and began to pepper the Makedonian phalanx with javelin. But the Thorakitai hesitate to attack and loose their advantage as Aristotelis and his cavalry return to crush the unit from behind:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8382/maa490wk4.png
With the loss of the majority of the reinforcements, the remaining enemy begin to fall back and attempt to regroup. Before they can, the Makedonian line breaks formation and charges them, winning the day:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6286/maa493fw1.jpg
Aristotelis takes the battle as a learning experience and his command skills improve from what he has learned this day:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2900/maa494ni9.jpg
In Kyrenaia, with a semi-rebuilt economy, African goods are quickly shipped out and to Greece, where greatly welcomed. Not since the early days of Antigonos, when there was peace with the Ptolemaic Dynasty, did African and Egyptian goods easily make their way to Greece and Makedon. Rare goods from the south had had to come through other nations, like the city of Kart-Hadast. But Kart-Hadast's distance and agression against Hellens had always complicated the matter. Now, however, the Makedonian Empire had a foothold in the Africa and the African market:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3213/maa497qh1.png
[In case you're wondering, I tore down the port and rebuilt it to the same level using process_cq so that it would look Greek instead of Eastern.]
With Syria momentarily secured, Aristotelis arranged for an diplomatic and scientific expedition to the east. Very little was known by the Makedonians, about the current state of Persia and beyond. The Seleukids did not share their exact conditions and trade had been nearly completely been cut off by the Ptolemaioi in Assyria. Seeking to learn more of the east, Aristotelis hired several diplomats, scouts, and envoys to head east and report on the state of nations, economy, geography, technology, and foreign knowledge. One group headed across northern Persia, first through Media, while they other group headed through Babylonia and into Persis. As the scouts passed through Persis, the came to the rebuilt city of Persepolis. The Seleukid Dynasty had unexpectedly managed to rebuild the city, nearly to the greatness that it had held when it was the capital of the old Persian Empire:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8233/maa498io2.png
With the Ptolemaioi distracted with a loosing war in the east, Demetrios assumed that Kyrenaia was safe from large scale attack, for the time being. Demetrios, however, did not take into account the treachery of the Poeni people. To the west was the insignifigant city state of Kart-Hadast, once a colony of the Phoenicians, now the last of an outdated way of life. Hellens had long traded with them (they were infact, current trade partners of the Makedonian Empire) and had interactions with them. To the various Hellens, Kart-Hadast had been both friend and foe. Though, for most Hellens that interacted with them, they were only ever seen on the battlefield. For centuries, this city state had attempted to make an empire in the west but had always been defeated by the Hellenic colonists in their way.
Unable to hold the single Hellenic city of Syrakousai, they now marched across the deserts to confront the united Hellenic and Makedonian Empire in Kyrenaia. Without even a declaration of war or any form of warning, they sneaked across the deserts from one oasis to another, as they made their way into Makedonian territory. Their suprise failed, though. Demetrios had set up outposts across Kyrenaia to spot desert raiders and send advanced warning of attack. These outposts had spotted the forces of Kart-Hadast and had given Demetrios enough warning to send his army out and counter the threat:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8625/maa499ng5.png
The forces of Kart-Hadast were divided into two main groups. Demetrios moved quickly to wipe them out separately and not have to deal with a huge battle against a superior number of enemies. As he approached, he lined up his men in formation:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2636/maa500kz0.png
Seeing the Makedonians, the enemy moved forward. Demetrios halted his line and and prepared for defense, waiting for the over anxious enemy to come to him.
As the enemy approached, Demetrios surveyed the new type of enemy. Their ranks were a mix of many different unit types. They ranged from the savage barbarian:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7225/maa501iq9.png
...to the elite pikeman, trained in the Makedonian style:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5161/maa502xl9.png
...but most of their army was medium infantry similar to the Hoplitai, Peltastai, or Thorakitai.
As they army approached, the Kart-Hadast general and heavy cavalry possitioned itself on the flank. Seeing this isolated unit, Demetrios moves his Hetairoi around to the same flank and orders a charge of the enemy:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4958/maa503si1.png
As Demetrios eliminates the cavalry and kills the enemy captain, the rest of the Makedonians hold their ground against the onslaught. The Kart-Hadast army fails to find any holes in the Makedonian line and soon looses their nerve as they throw themselves against the pikes. Fearing defeat, they turn and slowly move away from the battle, leaving two groups of elite pikemen:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1149/maa504np1.png
With the Kart-Hadast pikemen before them, the Makedonian phalanx doesn't dare break formation and charge after the fleeing enemy. Already chasing after the retreating enemy, Demetrios signalled to the Basilikon Agema on the flanks to join the pursuit. Upon seeing the pursuing units, the Kart-Hadast split off a few groups to turn back and intercept both flanks of Basilikon Agema. As the selected Kart-Hadast units fight to the death, those units Demetrios couldn't finish off with cavalry alone, flee the battle:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/332/maa505hs9.png
After finishing off the units sent to hold them down and unable to catch any more units, the Basilikon Agema turns back to attack the Kart-Hadast pikemen. As they approach, the Kart-Hadastism pikemen turn to confront the would-be flankers, turning their backs on the Makedonian line. Seeing a chance to win, the Basilikon Agema hold down the enemy as the main battle line ironically attacks them from behind:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3927/maa506vf1.png
With the enemy broken and fleeing, Demetrios organizes his army for another battle:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4231/maa509zj1.jpg
After dealing with the dead and wounded and replenishing his supplies, Demetrios heads further south to face the remaining Kart-Hadastism army:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2015/maa511fo4.png
The battlefield, chosen by Kart-Hadast, is on a small plateau, already occupied by the Kart-Hadast forces. As the battle begins, Demetrios rushes his forces up the edge of the plateau and onto the flat high ground:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4484/maa512qr2.png
As the two lines converge, the Kart-Hadastism test the Makedonian line with skirmishers and light infantry:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6623/maa513iy1.png
Not wanting to make the same mistake as the last army, the Kart-Hadastism move their forces to both flanks and attempt to attack the Makedonians from the sides. On the Makedonian right flank, the Pheraspides hold down the flankers as the Hypaspistai outflank the flankers:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/835/maa516bq5.png
On the Makedonian left flank, a large force, including general Melqartpilles Gisgo's cavalry charge the Basilikon Agema:
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5430/maa514xn8.png
As the Basilikon Agema hold down the enemy, quite successfully, Demetrios flanks his Hetairoi and charges in at the mass of enemies from the rear, eventually killing the general:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2580/maa515jh8.png
As both flanking groups are defeated, the mass of men holding down the Makedonian center break and flee back into the desert:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6751/maa518xn5.png
Demetrios chases the enemy into the hills and kills as many as he can:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2007/maa520he0.jpg
Kyrenaia is saved and the forces of Kart-Hadast are completely crushed. As Demetrios marches his army back to the city of Kyrene, he takes note of the battles and realises that, even though easily won, they have taught him something new of war. Even at his age and level of experience, he continues to improve his battle tactics:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/968/maa510ce5.jpg
In Syria, Aristotelis receives two messages that he wasn't expecting. First, his scouts in Persia relay back that Arche Seleukeia has completely rebuilt since their massive defeats in the Syrian Wars and is now in a possition superior to both the Ptolemaioi and the Antigonids:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1069/maa521yz5.jpg
The second event in Syria is even more suprising to Aristotelis. The Ptolemaioi have marched an army across the Syrian border and are once more planning an attack Antiocheia. As it turns out, the battle Aristotelis fought near Sidon only provided him with a year of peace in Syria. So, Aristotelis prepares for war once more. To the north, however, another surprise awaits the Makedonian Empire.
Next: Chapter 10 : The People of the Mountains
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Sorry if there are a bunch of spelling/grammar errors. It is late and I can't manage to thouroughly proofread it right now, but wanted to post it before going to sleep. Finally proofread and fixed errors.
Jurdagat
11-16-2007, 12:07
Lovely update! :)
Chirurgeon
11-16-2007, 16:04
Wow those were some impressive battles. The way you described them it sounded almost like you were evenly matched. Then I looked at the battle results. Man you hardly have any casualties! That last battle you only had 48 casualties. Very impressive indeed. I like how you got a foothold in Kyrene. Can you recruit home units there? Anyway keep it up!
Basileus Seleukeia
11-16-2007, 18:49
Oh oh, looks like now the Getai want a piece of the pie, too^^
You have done marvelous work with this AAR, MAA. You have even inspired me to start my own Makedonian campaign. But I'll use more Agrianikoi Pelekuphoroi, I think they are just too sexy not to use:laugh4:
this AAR is beautifully composed Marcus. Your AAR's are always entertaining and informative at the same time good work! :2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-16-2007, 21:42
3000th post!
Thanks for the comments.
I try to make my battles dramatic, even if they really aren't. Though, when I saw those two huge Carthaginian armies marching towards me, I thought I was in trouble. As it turned out, they really didn't stand a chance against that army and tactics. Maybe if I fought a Carthaginian general with more stats it would at least keep them from breaking too early, but right now it seems I could easily conquer Kart-Hadast.
Kyrene gives most of the basic Hellenic units, and I think they even get the reformed Pezhetairoi.
Yeah, I was suprised at how well the Getai are doing, and even more suprised that they haven't attacked me. Even though they were allies of Ptolemai, they have always been my friends, trusting me (they will only leave 1 or 2 units in their border towns). Recently, their alliance with Ptolemai broke and I allied to them quite easily. They've run up against the Boii and Lugia, though, and will soon run out of places to expand except towards me...
I didn't end up using any Agrian units. Their recruitment was so high up in the MIC. By the time I got them (I took a while to upgrade Pella's MICs) my fighting armies were already so far away from Makedonia.
The Getai seem to be a powerhouse in 1.0, at least in my campaigns so far. They definitely got fixed compared to 0.81 when they usually stayed at 1 province forever.
You better put down the Ptolies quick, before you end up in a 3-front war against Kart Hadast, Ptolies and Getai. That could be a bit of a nasty situation.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-17-2007, 07:11
I'm lucky, Getai is throwing themselves at the Boii right now and don't care about me... yet. Though I am faced with a three front war (see 'next chapter' hint) that is quite draining right now.
While I'm posting I'd just like to complain a little. I was playing this campaign today and I got to one turn where I fight two epic battles in the enemies turn, then I fight a tiny little battle just before my turn. As the little battle ended, CTD. :wall: I lost more than an hour of gameplay. :wall: [/COMPLAIN] I've got some nice pictures of the battles, though. :sweatdrop:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-17-2007, 19:02
Great update, MAA. Ahh, the good ol' Makedonians...
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-19-2007, 00:43
Chapter 10 : The People of the Mountains
In Kyrenaia, war was now being faced on two fronts, but in the rest of the Makedonian Empire, little had changed since the fall of Pontos. In Athenai, Karpophoros, tyrant of the city, dies peacefully in bed:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4156/maa522zu1.jpg
The old tyrant had ruled Attike for decades, ever since Antigonos had defeated the anti-Makedonian tyrant in 271BC. With the city now leaderless, Perseus in Pella contimplated the fate of the city which had long been, in name-only, an 'ally' of Makedon.
To the Northeast of the Makedonian Empire, in the mountians, hid the Kingdom of Hayasdan. Once a protectorate of Arche Seleukeia, the tiny kingdom grew into a relatively large power with a powerful line of kings. Since the Syrian Wars and the decline of Seleukid power, the Hai people had managed to gain a base of power. They then began to expand in their region, conquering all of their neighbors, including the Iberians.
After conquering all of the Caucasus area, they spread northward onto the plains. This act, however, pushed steppe nomads westward, threatening Hellenic colonies. These colonies and Hellenic peoples began appealling to Makedonia for help, which they received. Alkyoneus quickly sent diplomats north to make an alliance with the steppe people. Gaining their friendship, through promising the return of their lost lands. Alkyoneus then sent envoys to the Hai and exchanged Makedonian silver (which was abundant in the Makedonian treasury at the time) for the steppe territories. In the process, Alkyoneus had thought he had made two friends. The loose alliance of steppe peoples were happy to have their land back and the Hai were happy to have a large portion of silver, not very concerned about the loss of worthless land.
[I just want to say that I didn't cheat or use forced diplomacy with any of that. It cost me a great deal (probably around 50,000) to give the Sauromatae back two provinces.]
The Kingdome of Hayasdan didn't just sit quitely in the mountians, though. As the Kingdom of Pontos collapsed under Makedonian assault, Hai forces headed westward to grab a piece of the decaying kingdom. With acquistions in Kappadocia, the Hai attempted to grab a piece of the Pontic coast but failed to hold the Hellenic city of Trapezous for very long. Desparately needing help, Euboulides sent a garrison to hold Trapezous and defend the town, as an allied city. And with that, it seemed Hayasdan gave up on the area and went back into their moutains.
Nearly all Armenian peoples were now members of the Kingdom of Hayasdan. Only in one territory outside the Kingdom of Hayasdan were the Armenian people the majority. This area had been part of the conquest of Alexandros and had been traded off several times in the wars of his successors. Now, this territory, the land of Sophene, was in the hands of a Makedonian-friendly tyrant. It is unknown whether the the Hayasdan simply wanted the territory, the people of Sophene requested help from their Hai cousins, or if the tyrant of Sophene had betrayed the Makedonians and requested help, himself. The end result was the same, though. One autumn morning, an Hai army marched down from the mountains, crossed the Tigris, and besieged the garrison of Karkathiokerta.
Unable, or perhaps unwilling, the tyrant of Sophene did not sally to meet the enemy. Aristotelis quickly sent word to his loyal Dacio-Thracian army in the area, who attacked the Hai forces. Fearing the combined forces of the Dacio-Thracians and the city garrison, the Hai retreated. The Dacio-Thracian pursued and attacked them again a few weeks later:
https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1187/maa523zz9.png
As the battle began, the steppe horsemen quickly flanked the enemy and showered them with arrows:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6136/maa524mo6.png
Between the steppe horses and the Thracian weapons, the little Hai army couldn't stand up against the forces of Makedonia. As they fled northward, the steppe cavalry gave chase and killed the majority:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5656/maa525bh7.jpg
Aristotelis quickly sent word to his father that the Hai had attacked, but his uncle Euboulides, did not wait for an answer to escalated the war. Euboulides took this chance to crush the Hai forces which had been slowly encroaching on territories in Pontos. To the east of Trapezous, was territory claimed by both the Makedonian Empire and the Kingdom of Hayasdan. Seeing as there were Hellenic settlers in the area, Euboulides ordered the garrison of Trapezous to expel the Hai from the area and free its people:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1675/maa526uw2.png
On a cold and rainy day, the garrison lined up as they met up with the local Hai forces:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/83/maa527ak9.png
Slowly marching forward into a forested area, the Hellenistic forces met the Hai battle line:
https://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5404/maa529ao1.png
With the line held in place, the Peltastai flanked the enemy and threw their javelin. The untrained Hai levies soon broke and fled:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/8607/maa530nj3.png
After throwing all their javelin, the Peltastai found that only one group of Hai soldiers stood their ground. Completely outnumbering them, the Peltastai charged in:
https://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4456/maa531vg7.png
The remaining Hai soldiers stood their ground for a good amount of time but eventually broke and fled with the rest of their people. With the victory, the Hai pulled out of a long stretch of land along the coast, east of Trapezous:
https://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4408/maa533an2.jpg
Euboulides himself quickly assembled an army from the Amaseia garrison and of the Kappadocians (veterans of the Mazaka seiges). With his army, he marched north to confront armies of the Hai who had clearly transgressed on Makedonian territory:
https://img128.imageshack.us/img128/6167/maa534vf9.png
As the battle begins, Euboulides marches his strangley mismatched army forward to confront the enemy on the flat high ground:
https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/4949/maa535dy4.png
As the armies meet on the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, the archers on both sides open fire. While the armies are occupied, Euboulides moves his Kappadocians to the flanks:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1613/maa536dl7.png
Marching forward once more, the Helleinc phalangitai are charged by Hai elites, halting their progress:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5049/maa537va6.png
On the Makedonian left flank, the Kappadocians move forward, only to be engaged by Hai cavalry:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1692/maa538pr3.png
As the left flankers are held down, the reinforcing Hai army arrives and charges in. As a select few hold down the pikemen, the rest of the Hai attack the separated left flank of Kappadocians, but fail to break them:
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3366/maa539rn3.png
On the right flank, the remaining Kappadocians attempt to circle around the rear of the enemies holding down the pikemen, while the Peltastai hold the flank. Before too long, Yervand of Artzruni charges in at the depleted right flank and clashes with the Peltastai:
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/924/maa540wx5.png
The Kappadocian flanking on the right quickly return and surround the Hai general and slays him. With the general dead, the Hai forces begin to retreat. What remains of both flanks of Kappadocians and Peltastai charge the fleeing units and surround the last man as he fights to the death:
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6624/maa541pu7.png
A few skirmishes is one thing, but with the death of a relative to the King of Hayasdan and the destruction of a large army, an all out war seems all but unavoidable:
https://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3388/maa542cy8.jpg
The following year, with consent of his brother Demetrios, Euboulides invades Hayasdan territory and besieges the fort at Ani-Kamah. To the south, the Dacio-Thracian defend the Tigris River crossing from further attack from the Van Lake region:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9623/maa552wu5.png
In Syria, Aristotelis continued to rule the secondary capital of the Makedonian Empire, Antiocheia. Over the last decade, the city had flurished under Makedonian rule and had expanded greatly. As the city grew, it came to look more like a Hellenic city and less like eastern Hellenistic city, founded by Seleukids and built by Syrians. Even though Aristotelis had hoped he had crushed Ptolemaic power and provided peace to the region, an army of the Ptolemaioi once again marched into Makedonian territory. Aristotelis marched out of Antiocheia and confronted the enemy on the open field:
https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2774/maa543qo9.png
As Aristotelis approached, the Ptolemaioi marched down from the high ground, to confront the Makedonians on level terrain:
https://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7987/maa544yp6.png
To the east of the battle was a great outcropping of granite, and to the west a great storm was building out at sea:
https://img251.imageshack.us/img251/897/maa545np8.png
As the Makedonian line made its way up the gentle slope, the Ptolemaioi moved to counter. As the Klerouchoi moved toward the Makedonian Pezhetairoi, a large contingent of Jewish spearmen attacked the Thracians on the Makedonian right flank:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3838/maa546wh8.png
As they continued to be confonted with more attackers and continued to wipe them out, the Thracians slowly move forward. Soon, they found themselves up against the Ptolemaic reserves, fighting far from their own line. Depleted of arrows, the Kretans move to the right flank to take the place of the Thracians:
https://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8274/maa547tn5.png
In the center of the line, a group of Klerouchoi some how manages to decimate a section of the Makedonian line. Nearly wiped out, the section of Pezhetairoi breaks and flees. The Kretans quickly rush back to the center to fill the newly made hole:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/795/maa548wg0.png
This was one of those game bugs, where sometimes when two phalanxes fight, the defending unit just stands there and doesn't fight back, eventually dying. I should have watched closer and told them to attack.
As the Kretans hold down the Klerouchoi, Aristotelis hits the phalangitai in the rear, breaking the whole Ptolemaic army. Filled with anger over the loss of his men, Aristotelis ignores the Ptolemaic signal of surrender and kills as many of the routing men as possible:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9329/maa550fx0.jpg
To the west, the Makedonian fleet arrives in the Aegean, returning from Kyrenaia. As they pass Krete, they are ambushed by an army of pirate ships, who had been enjoying raiding the Aegean with the lack of any navy in the area, for the last few years. Even though outnumbered, the experienced Makedonian admiral manages to pull out a victory, only loosing one small fleet:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/2197/maa551bz6.jpg
After about a half a year of sieging the fort city of Ani-Kamah, reinforcements from Armenia arrive to attempt to lift the Makedonian siege. The small army of elites attack the Makedonians, attempting to save the Hayasdan faction heir, isolated in the city:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2996/maa553er6.png
Euboulides assembles his awkward army on the awkward terrain and awaits the Hayasdan army:
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1456/maa554yo5.png
The Hayasdan elites slowly approach the Makedonian line, then charge into the center of the sarrisa spears, trying to make a hole:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9483/maa555rq8.png
As the pikemen try their best to prevent a hole from forming in their line, Euboulides circles around back and charges the Hai elites, breaking them:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5189/maa556qi0.png
As Euboulides attempts to chase down the fleeing Hai elites, he is suddenly confronted by a huge unit of cataphracts. Vahagn Yervanduni and his bodyguard had managed to arrive from the city and suprise Euboulides' Hetairoi by crashing into them. Completely outnumbered and outmatched Euboulides breaks from the combat and attempts to escape the cataphracts. But nothing Euboulides does can shake the cataphracts as they continue to draw closer to him. After circling the field of battle, Euboulides turns and heads for his own battle line. Slowing just enough to prevent massive losses on his own side, Euboulides and his Hetairoi go through their own line and draw the cataphracts into battle with the Kappadocians:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/58/maa557bk3.png
As the cataphracts are tied down, Euboulides circles around the battle and charges the Hai heir from behind:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7032/maa559ac8.png
Outmanuevered, the Hai heir attempts to flee, but doesn't manage to escape:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3213/maa560fr1.jpg
As his army chases the enemy from the battlefield, Euboulides is finally able to relax. The next day, they march into Ani-Kamah and claim the entire region for the Empire of Makedonia:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1991/maa561lq5.jpg
Suffering defeat after defeat, the Hai turn to the one surviving people in the region who have hatred for the Antigonids, the Ptolemaioi. Though, even with an alliance of these powers, Makedon does not fear. Both kingdoms have had their backs broken and it is simply a matter of time before they both fade away.
Around the same time, in the east, the traitorous people of Baktria repel an invasion from the steppes. After loosing several territories, the steppe invaders promise an subseviant alliance to the Baktrian king:
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4303/maa562fg3.jpg
In Greece, two armies of Greek allies is assembled (reducing the number of fighting men in Greece). The armies make a quick stop in Sparte to train, then head over to meet up with the Makedonian fleet, to sail south to Kyrenaia:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7924/maa563ka4.png
In Illyria, Nepos gathers the Illyrian army and prepares for his own invasion of foreign territory (sanctioned by Demetrios):
https://img251.imageshack.us/img251/9840/maa564ff4.png
Illyria had been conquered by Krateros, elder brother of Antigonos. It was then governed by Alexandros, son of Krateros. But recently, Alexandros had died, leaving control of the region his son, the well educated but violent Nepos. To the north of Illyria lay fertile lands, controlled by hostile tribes. But war with the Getic Confederation and northern tribes had left the area weaken. Nepos knew if he attacked the region, the northern allies of the region's tribes would come to their aid, but if he could take the territory, their northern allies wouldn't risk their lives to liberate them. So Nepos sent spies and diplomats to the fort city of Vindobona, to prepare the region for conquest. Then Nepos and his son, Neikolas, gathered the army and headed north.
In Thermon, the Makedonian-friendly tyrant, Kalas dies quietly. Perseus makes plans...
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5341/maa565nu4.jpg
The known world in the winter of 223BC:
https://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9914/hxmak223im8.png
Next: Chapter 11 : War on Every Front
Awexome update, Marcus! A 3 front war... must be rough. Don't you think the Getai might join the fight if you take Vindobona, though? And you always have to worry about those Romani...
Jurdagat
11-19-2007, 01:35
Awesome, really enjoying this and overjoyed of the update.
Thank god I don't have work tomorrow! :)
Great update as usual :yes:
I think I might have used my spare troops to arrest the growing Roman danger instead though. Pyrrhus showed well that the city of Kart Hadast can be defeated by good Greek warfare without too much trouble, but these Roman upstarts fight in strange ways. Their tyrannic grip on Megale Hellas should be broken as soon as possible. The good Greeks there would surely welcome the Macedonians as liberators, and accept their protection. :idea2:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-19-2007, 02:58
Thanks. :bow:
At least I still have enough power to continue attacking. At least with Hayasdan, if I loose the initiative, I may get stuck in a defensive war against cata-tanks. My complete lack of money makes reinforcing all fronts difficult, too.
My attack on Vindobona and a war with the Romanoi are actually one in the same. My plan is to take Pannonia and the Alpine territories, then attack the Romans from the north. In every other campaign where I fought the Romans, they have always put up little challenge and just retreated northward, where they become essentially a bad version of a Celtic nation. In order to prevent them from retreating north, I'm going to cut them off (which doesn't actaully seem necessary with the Boii script).
I'm just suprised that the Romans haven't attacked me again. We had one battle near the start of the game over Segestica, then we made peace, which has lasted. I'm allied with the Aedui though, for anti-Roman support.
I'm upgrading about four mines in Anatolia. Hopefully when they are completed and Egypt falls, I will be able to afford things again.
Chirurgeon
11-19-2007, 16:20
Finally Im seeing some pitched battles. I was tired of only seeing 40 or 50 dead Makedonians....just kidding. Keep up the good work. Im surprised Rome hasnt attacked your holding in Epirus. You have territory right next to them. I am sure they will. As a fellow AAR writer I can attest that you must have spent alot of time on the editing of screenshots. Thats incredible how many screenshots you have in there :) I hope to see some upcoming battle with Phalynx versus Phalynx. Jewish spearmen are cannon fodder. Have you lost a battle yet? I remember fighting the Ptolemies as Carthage and getting my ass handed to me by those Galatian Swordsmen. The Ethiopian axemen are brutal as well. Perhaps as you get into the larger Ptolemic holdings they will field an army comprable to your own. Good job and keep it up. I'm enjoying this :)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-19-2007, 20:28
If you like seeing me loose, you'll like the next chapter. Though I don't actually loose the battle. I don't really take many risks in war, if I'm not sure I'll win, I wait until I have more forces. Though, I'll occationally loose when I do something stupid or the AI 'magically' suprises me. And sometimes I'll take little, unimportant, easily replaceable forces to war and end up getting them wiped out.
I'm surprised that peace has lasted with Roma, too. I have a fort on the Illyria - Cisalpine Gallia border, and I think that has detered them.
About the screenshots, thanks. My last AAR was really lacking in screenshots, so I went with a lot for this one.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-19-2007, 20:47
Nice update, MAA.
It's surprising how much your campaign resembles my own. I too "liberated" the southern steppe from the Hai to give it to the Sarmatae... they weren't very thankful though but betrayed me instead.
I also conquered the alpine regions, liberating them from the Getai. Suddenly I was attacked by Sweboz Giant Empire and Roman Tiny Empire. I was not able to hold the territories up there, as reinforcements could never arrive speedy and were always needed elsewhere (Persia, Caucasus, Egypt). I gathered a mercenary Celt army though and rampaged through northern Italy, taking the Roman levies by surprise, pillaging and sacking every northern city. As I had finally assembled another army, a attacked them from the south at Taras, totally rolling them up from south to north.
I'm really looking forward how things will go in your campaign. Good luck!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-21-2007, 09:42
Thanks, Centurio.
I don't think I have anything to fear from the Sweboz, in this campaign. They have just been sitting around for half a century. I have used the "give_money germans, 40000" code several times and I think they are finally out of debt. They just conquered their second town. I think both me and Sweboz will have to start worring about the Aedui, though.
I finally finished a paper I was working on, so even though it is nearly 1:00 in the morning, I'm uploading my pics right now. I'll plan on making an update for this AAR over the weekend...
Chirurgeon
11-21-2007, 16:18
waits for another update :)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-21-2007, 23:40
Chapter 11 : War on Every Front (Part I)
In the year between 223BC and 219BC, the Makedonian Empire found itself at war with nearly everyone they bordered. The Ptolemaioi knew they could no longer stand alone against the combined forces of Arche Seleukeia and the Makedonian Empire. They had, thus, enlisted the help of their allies: the city of Kart-Hadast and the Kingdom of Hayasdan. Makedonia now faced the threat of these three powers as well as smaller nations and peoples in the southern deserts and in the northern forests.
In Kyrenaia, Demetrios, king of Makedonia, faced the forces of Kart-Hadast as well as the threat of the Ptolemaic Egypt to the east, on the far side of the desert. In Armenia, Euboulides, uncle of King Demetrios, faced the forces of the Kingdom of Hayasdan. In Syria, Aristotelis, son of King Demetrios, defended the territory from constant Ptolemaic attack, unable to move his forces southward to invade, fearing the armies of Assyria. And in Illyria, Nepos, decendant of Antigonos' brother, sought new territory to expand into with his family, choosing to face the celtic tribes of the north. In Pella, Perseus, nephew of King Demetrios, attended to the adminstration of Makedonia, Thrakia, and the Hellenes.
The African Front
In Kyrenaia, Demetrios was once again forced to devert his army to counter a threat from the city of Hart-Hadast. This time Admetos, supreme leader of the combined forces of Kart-Hadast, personally lead an army, supported by artillery, into Kyrenaia. About a month behind the Kart-Hadast army was another army, planning to join up once they reach Kyrenaia, where the fertile land, unlike the desert, could support two large armies. Not wanting to fight two large armies, Demetrios moved to attack Admetos before his reinforcements could cross the desert:
https://img110.imageshack.us/img110/2233/maa572od7.png
As Demetrios engaged the Kart-Hadast army, they stood their ground, forcing Demetrios to take the offensive and move his army forward:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/8183/maa573dq1.png
As the Makedones approached the enemy, they noticed a group of Kart-Hadast elite spearmen, the acclaimed Sacred Band of Kart-Hadast that was well known from their wars with Syrakousai:
https://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4517/maa574wi2.png
Even with their elites, the forces of Kart-Hadast took note of Demetrios' forces and choose to flee. As the enemy turned to head back into the desert, Demetrios gave chase with his Hetairoi. As he charged, the Sacred Band (and some other spearmen) turned to face him:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/673/maa575wm9.png
As the Hetairoi fought with the elite spearmen, hoping they would break and flee, they began to take losses. Too pridefull to let they escape, Demetrios kept up fight, eventually breaking the enemy as planned.
Even though they enemy had fled Makedonian territory and Demetrios had wiped out an entire devision of Kart-Hadast Sacred Band spearmen, the battle had cost Demetrios more than a tenth of his cavalry:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2064/maa576ub4.jpg
Following the battle, Admetos retreated back into the desert, to be reinforced by his second army. At this time, a Makedonian reinforcement of Hellene soldiers landed in Kyrenaia and garrisoned the city of Kyrene. With the province defended, Demetrios decided to give chase to the Kart-Hadast army and head south as well. Along the way, he came upon a Ptolemaic army, that had been wandering the deserts since before Demetrios had taken Kyrenaia. Wishing to remove this force from what was now Makedonian territory, Demetrios engaged them:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/5890/maa577sl7.png
With a flanking manuever from the Basilikon Agema units, Demetrios wiped out every last man along the shores of a desert lake:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/3667/maa579yq2.jpg
Near the Kyrenaia - Hart-Hadast border, the Makedonian navy managed to move in and deploy a Hellenic army, which moved to assualt the desert dwellers in the southern regions. The navy then moved along the coast as Demetrios marched, ensure he and his army was well supplied. As Demetrios entered Hart-Hadast territory, the second army enemy army retreated. It seemd that the Hart-Hadast had given up on their invasion. Though, before Admetos and his army could get away, as well, Demetrios attacked them:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/8706/maa581fa7.png
As the two armies lined up to face eachother along a surprisingly well built desert road, Demetrios was once agian force to take the initiative:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2995/maa582xq4.png
As the Makedonian line approached, the well possitioned Kart-Hadast artillery open fire on the line:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/6361/maa583rk4.png
Due to the large bolts, the Makedonian army took considerable causalities. The bolts came crashing through line of men, ignoring defensive the wall of sarrisas, and killing several Makedonians at a time. Only by the charisma of Demetrios was the army able to maintain its slow march forward, without panicing or tiring itself by charging.
The Makedonian line finally came within range of missile fire and halted. The Bosphorians and slingers let fly on the Kart-Hadast line, eventually goading them into charging the Makedonian pike line:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1826/maa584hj6.png
On the Makedonian left flank, Admetos himself charged the line. He and his cavalry quickly pushed through the spears and began tearing a hole in the Makedonian line:
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4618/maa585vo9.png
As the line began to suffer, the left flank Basilikon Agema managed to move behind the enemy general. The pikemen tried their best to hold the general, as the Basilikon Agema charged in from behind:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/7645/maa586nn8.png
In the center of the Makedonian line, the Kart-Hadast elite pikemen had managed to force a hole in the line, killing many Pezhetairoi. With the Basilikon Agema tied down on both flanks and the Hetairoi occupied, the Bosphorians reluctantly moved in to fill the hole. But just then, they caught glimpes of Demetrios and the Hetairoi coming over the hill, completely suprising the enemy reserves from behind:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/6261/maa587um5.png
[Same stupid bug where the guys just stand there and die without fighting back.]
As Demetrios wiped out the Kart-Hadast reserves and their artillery, the Basilikon Agema managed to kill the enemy general, Admetos:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4937/maa588dy8.jpg
Realizing they were surrounded and leaderless, the Hart-Hadast army turned and fled. Angry over their losses, the Makedonian pike line broke formation and charged after them, intending to wipe out the fleeing enemy:
https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3903/maa590gp7.jpg
With the Kart-Hadast defeated and retreating, Demetrios turned and took his slightly weakened army eastward, assisted by the navy. A year later, he was besieging the city of Paraitonion, along the Libye coast. The Makedonian navy always followed Demetrios staying off the coast from his camp to ensure resupply, to disrupt enemy resupply, and to prevent any seaborn reinforcement:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4263/maa600pe6.png
Next : Chapter 12 : War on Every Front (Part II) - The Armenian Front
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I decided to split these few year up a bit and make an entry for each different war so I wouldn't have one giant update (and have to cut out pictures).
Jurdagat
11-22-2007, 00:02
Nice to see a fresh update somewhere among all the great AARs we got around now! :)
Great update as usual, Marcus!
I enjoy reading every passage of this awesome story!
Treverer
11-22-2007, 00:29
Well, I have been lurking this AAR (almost) from the beginning and I've to say:
"Splendid work!" And even more, if one considers that you have family, a job/college/university, eb-team- & moderator-duties.
Yours,
Treverer
:thumbsdown: You killed Admetos.
:whip:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-22-2007, 01:31
Thanks, everyone. :bow:
Treverer; actually writting is kind of a stress release for me. When I write I don't think about anything else. So the more real world crap I'm having to deal with, the more I feel like writting. So, given the fact I'm going to have to deal with relatives during the next week (Thanksgiving), I may write a whole lot. :egypt:
Admetos; yes, I killed Admetos. But it is a silly name anyways...
:clown:
...jk... At least he was a challenge. He actually managed to get through the line to my Pezhetairoi. It is rare for anything less than a cataphract to do that.
CURSE YOU MARCUS!!!!! You and your Machiavellian schemes have turned my two favourite faction against each other(Kart-Hadast and Makedonia):laugh4:! Cool Update:2thumbsup:
Truly a great AAR, Marcus well done and keep it up
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-22-2007, 18:30
Thanks.
Wolfman; you mean the Makedon-KartHadast war? I don't really want to be at war with them, really. (They just won't give up on Kyrene.) But if they want war, they shall have war!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-22-2007, 18:43
Chapter 11 : War on Every Front (Part II)
The Armenian Front
Along the Kappadokia - Armenia border, Euboulides had captured the Hayasdan fort-city of Ani-Kamah and was defending it with an army of mostly Kappadokians while he established military control of the region. Because of the military possition and the chance of rebellion, Euboulides didn't risk setting up a client kingdom as the Makedonian Empire had done to the south in Sophene, instead he planned to incorporate the area into the Makedonian Empire under firm control. Because of the war, Euboulides had also sent his young son to Trapezous, at first to command the garrison. However, in Trapezous, it soon became clear that the Makedonians were going to stay. Euboulides quickly ordered the incorporation of Trapezous into the Makedonian Empire, as well. The war ravaged city did not protest, though. The security and prosperity provided by becoming part of the Makedonian Empire was enough insentive to give up their local sovereignty.
As Euboulides establishes Makedonian order in the border provinces, the Hai moved to retake their lost territory. Euboulides answered them and moves out of the city to meet them in the field:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6506/maa591kr8.png
Euboulides takes up possition on a hill, preparing to attack, but the Hai do not wait and instead attack first, uphill:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5421/maa592rg2.png
The Hai send up their cataphracts first, running them up the hill. As some charge straight into the pikemen, others come around to the flanks, where they are countered by the Kappadokians. The Hai general, Aram Hayasdanits, charges in on one of the flanks but is countered by Kappadokian Hillmen. As they are tied down, Euboulides charges them from the rear, inflicting heavy losses on the Hai, eventually killing the general:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7694/maa593cf6.png
The poorly armored Hai infantry, on the other hand, were mostly killed before they could even get up the hill. Euboulides' Kappadokian archers and slingers fire over the battle and do away with most of the Hai levies.
The cataphracts are enough of a challenge by themselves, though. After pushing for some time, the Hai cataphracts manage to completely scatter the pike formation and break through it. Euboulides had been expecting this, though. With a signal, the reserve spearmen rushed in and filled all the holes in the line, attacking the enemy cataphracts:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9150/maa594ti1.png
Only costing them their cavalry, the Hai reinforcing army turned and flee Makedonian territory:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9050/maa595ue2.jpg
After Returning his army to Ani-Kamah, Euboulides quickly marches north. Upon arriving in Trapezous, Euboulides greets the people. Having been the one who sent the garrison to rescue the city, he is greeted a somewhat of a hero, though hesitantly due to more recent events. Promising the people security, he takes the bulk of the garrison and heads eastward to take the fight into Hai territory, hiring some steppe cavalry mercenaries along the way:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5304/maa596ih0.png
As Euboulides was to the north, moving into Egrisi, the Hai once again attack the fort-city of Ani-Kamah. The garrison of the city quickly moves to counter the besieging army:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9025/maa602rm7.png
As the Kappadokian army moved out to counter the Hai, the Hai continued to avoid conflict with the army, constantly reforming their line. Finally, the Kappadokians move into possition perpendicular to the city and decide to make their attack:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7361/maa603fl7.png
The battle only lasts only a short time before the whold Hai army decides to give up the attack and retreat:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2787/maa604lu8.jpg
To the south, the Hai once again attempted to cross the Tigris and attack the land of Sophene. Captain Aristokles and the Dacio-Thracian army once again counter the threat, this time as they attempt to cross a bridge:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4447/maa606ka2.png
With the steppe horsemen, the Dacio-Thracian army is able to counter the enemy before they cross the bridge, firing on the Hai army still in Hai territory. After taking losses, the Hai gave up on crossing and decided to stand their ground in their own territory:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9029/maa607rg6.png
[I had to set the timer to triple speed and leave.]
Eventually the Hai give up attempting to cross the river and go home:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/6141/maa608mn9.jpg
In Kappadokia, the Hai once again attacked the city of Ani-Kamah:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7851/maa609ap2.png
However, this time, when they come near the walls, the Kappadokian archers and slingers opened fire. After only a few losses, the Hai retreat, before the Kappadokian infantry could even sally out of the walls:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8269/maa610jm8.jpg
After about a year and a half of besieging the small city of Kotais, Euboulides is finally confronted by a reinforcement force from Hayasdan:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8991/maa627eq9.png
With early notice of the attack, Euboulides moves his cavalry into the forest and orders them to hold their possition until they can ambush the enemy. As the Hai approach, Euboulides sets up his pikemen along the top of a hill, with the archers just behind them. The Hai approach from the valley and make their way up the hill:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8130/maa628ov9.png
As the Hai approach, the archers hold their fire. Then, once the entire army is within range, Euboulides orders them to fire at will. Massive amounts of arrows and lead shot rain down on the Hai:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1995/maa629ab7.png
As the Hai approach the Makedonian line, Euboulides charges his cavalry in from the flank breaking the remaining Hai soldiers.
Meanwhile, the garrison of the city and general Aram Yervanduni moves against the Makedonian possition:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3858/maa630tu8.png
Nearly out of arrows, Euboulides orders the archers to reserve their arrows for an emergency. As the Hai charge forward toward the Makedonian line, the steppe cavalry charge out from the woods and toward the rear of the Hai forces. All Hai forces, including the general, charge into the pike formation:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4885/maa631uj5.png
The general's heavy cataphracts quickly push a hole through the line and start slaying the Makedonian soldiers:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8229/maa632am9.png
The steppe cavalry quickly disposes of the Hai infantry with a rain of arrow fire from behind. Without fear of spearmen, Euboulides and his personal cavalry guard flank the Hai general and charge him from the rear:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8079/maa633gd4.png
Breaking from the battle, the Hai general attempt to make a run back to the city. Euboulides quickly disengages his cavalry and motions to the archers. And so, Aram Yervanduni falls dead at the base of the hill under a rain of arrows:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6573/maa636lo3.jpg
The next day, Euboulides enters the city and makes claim to the whole of Egrisi in the name of the Makedonian Empire. With the fall of this western city, Makedonian forces push the front forward into Hai territory and make claims to large portions of land. The next spring, however, Euboulides finds himself besieged in Kotais with the bulk of the Hai forces waiting outside.
The Armenian front line in 219BC:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1125/maa639edit01ej7.png
[I know, I should have put more time into that picture.]
-Showing the borders of Makedonian and Hayasdan control.
-With Seleukeia and Ptolemai in the south, plains to the north.
-The gray represents the Makedonian-friendly protectorate of Sophene.
-Areas in between are claimed by both factions, but controlled by neither. Namely the Van Lake basin, occupied by the Dacio-Thracian army of Makedonia.
Next: Chapter 13 : War on Every Front (Part III) - The Egyptian Front
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Like I said, I might get a lot done this week...
Neat update. Those Hai cataphracts look beautiful, especially in the third pic from the top, and against the pike line in the third pic from the bottom. Too bad the AI likes to get them charged from behind by hetairoi :laugh4:
Basileus Seleukeia
11-22-2007, 19:51
Neat update. Those Hai cataphracts look beautiful, especially in the third pic from the top, and against the pike line in the third pic from the bottom. Too bad the AI likes to get them charged from behind by hetairoi :laugh4:
They're not even the real deal, wait until the Armenians have their late bodyguard:smash:
They're not even the real deal, wait until the Armenians have their late bodyguard:smash:
Getting them charged from behind is still sad :no:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-22-2007, 21:15
I'll probably end up seeing the late bodyguards. I don't plan on completely wiping out the Hai and a spy in Italy saw that one of the towns there has 25,000 and should be upgraded soon.
This is an impressive AAR. I love the Maks so see them so far into the game is always enjoyable. I would love to see more maps though. My favourite part of an AAR is looking at the interesting ways a faction has expanded.
Chirurgeon
11-23-2007, 16:14
wow it looks really good. Now I just need to get my AAR updated. Damn holidays :)
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-23-2007, 23:01
Those are some nice massacres you conducted there, MAA. :2thumbsup: The picture with the front lines is a good idea.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-24-2007, 01:45
Thanks, fellas.
Since the last two and the next two updates are happening at the same time, I haven't posted a map yet, but plan to have one in a couple chapters.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-24-2007, 02:15
Chapter 13 : War on Every Front (Part III)
The Egyptian Front
As Demetrios fought the armies of Kart-Hadast, he son spent a quiet year in Antiocheia. The city continued to grow and become more advanced. Even though Syria was invaded often, the walls of the city of Antiocheia had not been breached by a foreign army since Demetrios had taken the town. Since then, Demetrios and Aristotelis had managed to keep the town safe and prosperous. Over the last decade, they had built up the infrastructure of the city and developed a moderatly advanced military system. The Makedonians who had settled in the region after the conquest of Alexandros were quite willing to fight for the Makedonian Empire, and now they could. The local Makedonian population was able to be trained to replace any losses in Aristotelis' professional Pezhetairoi army. Besides the Makedonians, there was also some good local soldiers. One of the most renouned soldiers of Syria was their archers, which were some of the best on the Mediterranean:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4619/maa638jp4.jpg
[I moved this unit one level down for this one town. I wanted Syrian archers but I didn't want to have to build a Type3, upgrade the MICs, then build a Type2 (which was the government I wanted), so I just changed the file.]
Demetrios had, years earlier, attempted to established a unique system to Antiocheia. The Seleukids had established an elephant stables and breeding facility in Antiocheia, but it had been taken out of commision by the Ptolemaioi. Upon taking the town, Demetrios took note of the old facilities in the city and made sure to have them repaired. After several years, Demetrios conviced the Seleukids to sell him some elephants they imported from India. Now, under the control of Aristotelis, the long promised elephants had finally arrived. Aristotelis immediately reestablished the elephant stables and hired a good deal of Indian breeders and handlers, who had travelled with the elephants. The Makedonian Empire would never be able to train any sort of advanced elephant devision, but they now had some beast of their own, to one day use in the simplest sense:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6691/maa580oy3.jpg
[I cheated add these guys too. I wanted the possibility to have elephants, without going to Baktria, even if I would never use them.]
Eventually the peace in Syria was broken by an invasion of a sizable Ptolemaic army of levies:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/402/maa597aw3.png
Aristotelis moved out to counter the threat, but after a little bit of fire from the Kretans, the Ptolemaioi withdrew from Syria:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1047/maa598ol1.jpg
In Libye, Demetrios continued his seige on Paraitonion. After about a year, the Ptolemaioi had managed to get an army across the desert to counter him. So, on a dark autumn day, the Ptolemaioi marched against the army of Demetrios:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4863/maa611rx9.png
Just before the battle began, a dust storm from from inland came blowing across the parched earth.
With enemies attacking from both sides, Demetrios ordered his Hetairoi and Basilikon Agema to attack the smaller army to the rear. Meanwhile, the main battle group lined up, with a large stone outcropping to one side, to counter the main enemy force:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3351/maa612su5.png
Through the storm, the Makedonian line finally saw the Ptolemaic main force. Fearing an attack on the exposed flank, the Pezhetairoi repositioned themselves, using the stone outcropping to their advantage:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/344/maa613zn0.png
With the other flank exposed, the pikemen at the edge of the line broke formation to defend the flank, themselves. The Basilikon Agema rushed to the flank as well, but were already exhausted from the tough fighting they had endured in the storm. On the other flank, Demetrios attempted to guide his men around the rocks and circle the enemy, but soon his Hetairoi were exhausted, too. Meanwhile, the Ptolemaioi began their attack on the Makedonian line:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4051/maa614up4.png
Seeing the disorganized flank, the secondary general of the Ptolemaioi army moves his cavalry around the flank and attempts to attack the rear of the Makedonian line. Out of desperation, the Bosphorians rush in to counter the cavalry. While the Bosphorians hold down the general, the exhausted Basilikon Agema move in and attack:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/567/maa615uq0.png
Soon, the general died, but the Makedonian line began to faulter. A huge Ptolemaic force crashed into the exposed flank, while another, lead by the general Stephanos Anemurionios, pushed through the middle of the Makedonian line. The Basilikon Agema rushed to the flank, hoping to keep the men from breaking. The Makedonian line was in chaos, though. Soon, the pikemen were breaking formation and resorting to their sword to keep the Ptolemaioi from completely out fighting them. Just as things started looking bleak and the losses started to compond, Demetrios came over the hill charging into the heart of the fight at the center of the line, killing Stephanos. Later Demetrios explained, he had gotten stuck fighting on the far side of the stone outcropping. He had left his army not only without cavalry support but without a general.
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5729/maa616vm0.png
Fortunately, upon Stephanos Anemurionios' death, the Ptolemaic soldiers in the center broke and fled, including Epikles Ptolemaios, relative to the pharaoh and governor of Paraitonion. Freed from fighting, all Makedonian forces turned toward fighting on the flank, which had turned into a disorganized mob, and finally defeated the Ptolemaioi.
As Demetrios left the field he took stock of the battle. Even though his army had clearly won the battle, he had lost more men than he had ever before, many of which being his mobile forces: the Hetairoi, the Basilikon Agema, and the Bosphorians:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5030/maa618th7.png
Before Demetrios could even rest, the Ptolemaioi attacked once more:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5387/maa620ti4.png
As the first force approached, they were greeted with a hail of arrows and lead shot:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3315/maa621iu1.png
Weakened from the missile fire, the Ptolemaic forces were quick to break and flee when Demetrios flanked them with the Hetairoi.
Epikles Ptolemaios then approached from the city. Holding their fire, the Bosphorians waited until he came close. Thinking he was in no danger, he did just that. Finally, Epikles came just close enough and the Bosphorians opened fire, killing him:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5548/maa622ka4.jpg
Part of the army was already repossitioning, but upon the defeat of the remaining Ptolemaic forces to the east, the entire Makedonian line moved to counter the next Ptolemaic force to the south:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9589/maa623ij1.png
As the two armies clashed, the Hypaspistai filled in the gaps in the line and pushed the enemy back:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9387/maa625xz0.png
Having circled around the stone outcropping, much easier this time, Demetrios hit the enemy from behind, breaking them and causing them to flee:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7631/maa626ix6.jpg
Demetrios marched into the city of Paraitonion and had his men sack the city. The population was not slaughtered, but many were sold into slavery.
Demetrios settled down and prepared for a long stay, as he sent word back Makedonia that he required reinforcements.
Next: Chapter 14 : War on Every Front (Part IV) - Illyria and the Home Front
[I moved this unit one level down for this one town. I wanted Syrian archers but I didn't want to have to build a Type3, upgrade the MICs, then build a Type2 (which was the government I wanted), so I just changed the file.]
[I cheated add these guys too. I wanted the possibility to have elephants, without going to Baktria, even if I would never use them.]
Dirty cheater :shame:
Nah, it's understandable. I doubt the Makedons would have been any less willing to use elephants, and alliance with the Seleukids provides a fair explanation for adding a small contingent of them.
By the way, in the first battle your forces are the one on the right, right?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-25-2007, 04:10
By the way, in the first battle your forces are the one on the right, right?
This one:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4051/maa614up4.png
?
Yes, Makedonia (me) on the right and Ptolemaioi on the left.
Hooahguy
11-25-2007, 04:22
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5030/maa618th7.png
what a coincidence you had 2007 men left......
keep it up.. i love this AAR! :2thumbsup:
This one?
Yes, Makedonia (me) on the right and Ptolemaioi on the left.
Yep, thanks. :yes:
Would have been rare for AI to line up the forces so neatly, but then again one of the phalangite units was moving backwards on one of the pics so I wasn't quite sure :sweatdrop:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-25-2007, 07:09
Chapter 14 : War on Every Front (Part IV)
Illyria and the Home Front
While Demetrios was still marching south to confront the armies of Kart-Hadast, Nepos and his son Neikolas attacked the celtic city of Vindobona. The people of the region were very hostile, but not too smart. The combined armies of the celtic tribes of the region had moved north, to fend off attacks from the Getic Confederation and Germanic tribes, leaving the town all but defenseless:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2434/maa566kz0.png
Before the battle, Nepos' agents had sneaked into the town and managed to bribe the gatemen into sabataging their own gates. As Nepos' army arrived, they entered the city with ease, taking control of the walls. With the walls secured, the army moved into the center of town, where they surrounded the small but elite defenders:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/402/maa568qf5.png
The Makedonian slingers opened fire on the enemy, causing them to charge the Makedonian pikemen. After a short battle, the town was taken:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5495/maa570ub1.jpg
In Pella, Perseus still adminstered the region. After his father Alkyoneus had died, he had simply accepted the job of governor of the homeland, rather than risk rebellion against his extremely popular uncle, Demetrios.
Perseus wasn't the brightest man in the world, nor a very good governor, but he had done quite well at his job, thus far. When they were young, his brother Chrysoloras and he had accompanied their father in his rescue of the city of Kallatis. Though, Perseus had not seen any war, as his father had expected. After his father returned to Pella, Perseus and his brother were left to governed Kallatis, where Perseus assembled an army. When Alkyoneus went to war, taking some of his son's army, Perseus was left in charge of Makedonia. After Alkyoneus had died, Demetrios allowed Perseus to keep his possition in Makedon.
Now Perseus spent his time dealing with the internal troubles of the homeland. One of the main problems that had troubled the Makedonians since the time of Philip was, of course, the Hellenes. Over time, Perseus had come to grow quite annoyed by the complaints and demands of all the Hellenic tyrants of the various city states to the south.
To compound his troubles, nature itself turned against Perseus, as he now had to deal with the deaths and destruction caused by a flood in the city of Thermon:
https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1964/maa571ga5.png
[I thought these were disabled... Maybe they were only disable at the last minute before the release...]
Around the time Perseus received word of Demetrios' victories over Kart-Hadast, King Iolaos of the Kingdom of Tylis died. With no hier, Perseus left the town to military control and considered its future:
https://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1641/maa599lh1.jpg
With the control of Vindobona and the surrounding area ensured, Perseus decided it was time for some diplomacy. Perseus sent envoys north to the Getic Confederation, a long time friend and recent ally to the Makedonian Empire. Perseus sought to ensure that the great river Danube, to the north, would be the edge of the Makedonian Empire. With a well defined border to ensure peace, the Getic Confederation was willing to consider selling their territorial possesions to Perseus. After some negotiation, it was finally decided that Perseus was to award the Getic Alliance with just under half the current treasury of Makedon, for the territory:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/181/maa601rc9.jpg
Securing new territories, a vision of the Makedonian Empire became clear. With victories and conquests on all fronts, to was once again obvious that the Empire of Makedonia was the greatest kingdom known to man:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9501/maa605sx4.jpg
To the north, the city of Kallatis had been governed, jointly the alone, by Chrysoloras, son of Alkyoneus, for years:
https://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9851/maa637ng6.jpg
As fate would have it, both Perseus and Chrysoloras were unlucky and their wives had failed to give either of them a son. With only sisters and daughters, the brothers were forced to pass on their knowlege, wealth, and titles to men who married into their family. With two son-in-laws in Kallatis, Chrysoloras gathered his belonging and moved back to Pella, where he had grown up. Whether he was order to Pella by Demetrios, by Perseus, or whether he had simply wanted to go home, was not known. Though, upon his arrival, the two brothers once again ruled jointly. Rumors went about the common people. They ranged from, "Perseus and Chrysoloras were joining forces to appose Demetrios," to, "The smarter Chrysoloras had come to take power from the dull Perseus," and even that "Demetrios had sent the loyal Chrysoloras to watch over his brother for signs of betrayal." Whatever the reason, two brothers now dealt with all the homeland administration.
Receiving word, the brothers were quick to gather an army of reinforcements for Demetrios. Gathering the men in Thessaly, they waited for the returning fleet to take them back to Libye.
The known world in the spring of 219BC:
https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7807/hxmak220kk6.jpg
Next: Chapter 15 : Quiet Before the Storm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I thus conclude my Thanksgiving update spree.
Thanks to those who have read and commented.
Hopefully I'll be able to invade Egypt soon and crush the Ptolemaioi once and for all.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-25-2007, 19:36
Great update. I love to imagine "real" reasons behind normal gameplay moves. :2thumbsup:
Yeah, great update. What's that guy Chrysoloras looking at? ~:eek:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-25-2007, 21:08
Thanks.
I think Chrysoloras' portait painter was a Gaesatae or something. It was hard for him to not look shocked.
Chirurgeon
11-25-2007, 21:25
Damn Marcus that was a marathon! Some nice battles. Looks like your squeezing the Ptolemies on two sides. Well done. Seems like everyday you had an update. Even with a fast connection it took nearly five minutes to get all the pictures up! Must have taken alot of work. I am concerned that your army in Paratonion will lose through attrition, unless you can reinforce them from Kyrene or something. Anyway it seems things are quite busy with your Makedonian "reconquista" of the old empire.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-26-2007, 03:15
Yep, I made an update every day, but I haven't even editted my photos for the next update.
Sorry about the slowdown. :clown:
My AAR must be unviewable with dailup. :shame:
And about the Libyan Front, that isn't even the low point. It gets worse.
Chirurgeon
11-26-2007, 04:54
oh jeez. Things seem to be going so well.
what did u change to edit recruitment of the elephants and the syrian archers MAA?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-26-2007, 06:31
what did u change to edit recruitment of the elephants and the syrian archers MAA?
I added this to Makedonian/Baktrian MIC in the levels that Baktria could get elephants at:
recruit "indian elephant standard" 0 requires factions { macedon, } and hidden_resource EA and hidden_resource C and hidden_resource y1 and hidden_resource n2 and hidden_resource n4 and hidden_resource y8
(That is the only elephant that Mak has ownership for, but it doesn't have any recruitment for them.)
And added this to the level just above the level you are supposed to get Syrian Archers at:
recruit "eastern missile syrian archers" 0 requires factions { thrace, greek_cities, macedon, } and hidden_resource EA and hidden_resource C and hidden_resource y1 and hidden_resource n2 and hidden_resource n4 and hidden_resource y8
alrighty, thanks.
just one thing, what files respectively am i editting here?
P.S. great AAR, For some reason even though the Mak's are my alltime Fav faction all i can ever do is conquer greece, and maybe half of asia minor, then I get bored, because the Seleucid's or the Ptolemies end up being huge monsters so I switch to a faction that in no way will EVER Have to deal with either of them..... lol :clown:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-26-2007, 21:30
That would be in the export_descr_buildings.txt. You'll have the find the Makedonia/Baktria factional MIC and the Makedonia/Epeiros/Koinon Hellenon regional MIC to make the same changes. I don't remember what letter they were...
I'll usually loose interest in a campaign after getting my first goal too. This campaign has been kind of tough, though. I've had a whole lot of fun since my Pontic war due to lack of funds. Usually I'll have tons of money and won't ever have to worry. I can have huge garrison and big armies, and even if I loose an army or town I can easily replace the losses. Every since my Pontic war in this campaign, though, I've had no money and I can't just overwelm the enemy and take chances with my forces.
The General
11-26-2007, 22:07
Very nice AAR, have been enjoying it a lot so far. The multitude of pictures has maked it very easy to immerse oneself to the battles and the campaign.
*Thumbs up*
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-27-2007, 19:23
Thanks. :bow:
I've got 151 more pictures since the last posted update to the this AAR. I'm contimplating making several updates (it would take at least 4 to put all my pics in) or just give general overview and throw out more than a hundred pictures. I'm really having fun with the campaign right now, though. Last night was one of those "just one more turn" nights.
But, my internet died at my place so I can't even upload an update if I wanted to (at uni with my laptop).
Chirurgeon
11-27-2007, 23:06
Thanks. :bow:
I've got 151 more pictures since the last posted update to the this AAR. I'm contimplating making several updates (it would take at least 4 to put all my pics in) or just give general overview and throw out more than a hundred pictures. I'm really having fun with the campaign right now, though. Last night was one of those "just one more turn" nights.
But, my internet died at my place so I can't even upload an update if I wanted to (at uni with my laptop).
I can relate to the "one more turn" syndrome :) Last night happened to me too. It was 11:30 and I was like damn I need to go to bed...gotta be up at 6 Im having alot of fun with the campaign as well. Its cool discovering the new units and mercenaries that are out there. What a great game!
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-29-2007, 08:34
Chapter 15 : The Quiet Before the Storm
The reign of Demetrios had gradually come to be known as the "Era of Warfare". When Demetrios had assumed the throne, alone, Pontos had just been defeated and the the only warfare Makedonians experienced was a Syrian border dispute with Ptolemai. Now, the Makedonian Empire was at war with several neighbors and was at risk on all borders. With war with three nations and alliances with only the Seleukid Dynasty and the most powerful barbarians of Europe, Makedonia was short on friends nearby:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9752/maa670qx9.jpg
In Kyrenaia, the armies of Kart-Hadast had turned back and fled back across the desert after their last defeat against Demetrios, so the area was fortunately quiet for the time being. In Libye, an army of Hellenic allies marched toward the oasis of Ammonion, and along the coast Demetrios was awaiting reinforcements from Makedonia. To the east, Euboulides had camped his army in Egrisi, without any current plans of expansion. The Hai, however wheren't simply going to let Makedonia occupy territory they claimed.
With an army of the Hai waiting outside, Euboulides marched out to confront them:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9734/maa640ry1.png
The Hai lined up in distance and waited for the Makedonian forces to the exit the city:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5570/maa641py9.png
With the Makedonian battle line formed up along a ridge, Euboulides ordered his archers to open fire from behind the line. Meanwhile, the steppe mercenaries moved around the Hai and attacked their right flank:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/466/maa642gs1.png
Under a rain of arrows from multiple directions, the Hai turned to move away. Expecting a false retreat, Euboulides waited. However, when it became clear that the Hai army was actually running, he gave chase. Euboulides and his bodyguard were alone at first but were quickly joined by the steppe cavalry. Thanks to the cavalry, many Hai fell before they could retreat and regroup for another attack:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4686/maa643fr0.png
With the Hai retreating, Euboulides took note of the Hai causualties. The act of retreating had cost them more than a third of their army, killing only a handfull of Makedonians:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9845/maa644al9.jpg
On the far side of the Makedonian Empire, an army of Hellenic allies, attempting to capture the oasis of Ammonion from the Ptolemaioi, were attacked:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1322/maa645ph8.png
[Weird error where I can't select the enemy army, so I couldn't show the AI forces for this one.]
The army of Hoplitai, fighting in the old Hellene style, lined up on the parched terrain and awaited the Ptolemaic forces:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/528/maa646es8.png
The small Ptolemaic army, survivors of the battles with Demetrios, attacked first:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6708/maa647ql8.png
As the Hoplitai battle line confronted the small forces, the forces from the settlement were quick to join in the fight. Confronted with Galatians, the Hoplitai line soon became disorganized. As the battle became fierce, the idle Hoplitai quickly rushed in to assist their bretheren:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4165/maa648nx4.png
Soon, the battle became an unorganized mass of fighting, without battle lines or flanks. The Galatian forces began to falter, but soon the Ptolemaic pikemen joined in the fight:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3461/maa649gd8.png
As the Thureophoroi engaged a flanking group of Galatians, the Hellenic Hoplitai attempted to break through the pikemen's ranks:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6950/maa650ut8.png
Fighting hard, the exhausted Hoplitai soon found themselves surrounded by Ptolemaic pikemen and loosing men rapidly:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7527/maa651ig4.png
Soon, it was apparent to the Hellenes that the battle was moving out of their favour. Seeing defeat approaching, half the remaining Hoplitai turned and started to flee. However, they soon regrouped and turned back to face their pursuers. Lookin back, they saw pursuing them was only one group of Egyptian levy pikemen. The group Hoplitai now outnumbered their enemy and had the advantage. As one group charged the center, two others circled around the flanks and attacked the Egyptians from the rear:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4594/maa652do1.png
Meanwhile, at the main battle, the Thureophoroi had chased off the Galatians and charged in to assist those Hoplitai which hadn't broken:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5879/maa653jk1.png
Even outnumbered and surrounded, the Ptolemaic elite phalangitai were holding their ground defeating the Hellenes. Seeing the bravery of their betters, the retreating Ptolemaic forces stopped their retreat. Turning back, they crushed the Toxotai who had been chasing them from the field and charged the battle. The Hoplitai were quickly surrounded by returning forces. Paniced, they broke:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2425/maa654tf1.png
Not only did the loss destroy a Makedonian army and leave a battle front undefended, but it proved a fact that many within the Makedonian Empire had long believed. The Hellenes and their city-states were outdated. Their government, their military, and their culture had failed to change through the years since Philipos and Alexandros. It was clear that change was necessary amoungst the city-states, and if they wouldn't change themselves, someone would have to change them...
To the north of Libye, there was good news, at least. The reinforcements from Makedonia were underway and had recently left Krete on their way south:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8179/maa655eu7.png
As time passed, the Hai once again made an attempt to recover the Van Lake basin. Prepared for the attack, the Dacio-Thracian army, under Captain Aristokles, set up defense along a river crossing:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6668/maa656ai3.png
As soon as the Hai forces approached the crossing, the rushed across the bridge and into the Dacian spearmen waiting on the other side:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8665/maa657ck9.png
The Hai plan seemed to work, though. The Hai cavalry were quick to push through the pike line and start tearing the line to pieces. Seeing the trouble, the Thracians rushed in to attack the enemy:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6282/maa658fo4.png
Realizing their spears were not enough, the Dacian spearmen dropped their weapons and pulled out their unique blades to continue the fight. Soon, the Dacio-Thracians were pushing the Hai back to the bridge:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9980/maa659to4.png
As the battle moved to the bridge, the Dacio-Thracians fell back to regroup. The Hai forces insisted on continuing the fight and pored across. With a sizable Hai force across, the Dacio-Thracians charged in once more. As they wiped out or pushed the Hai forces back onto the bridge, they fell back and repeated the same tactic again.
Meanwhile, the Thracian cavalry had found a crossing down stream and circled around the rear of the enemy. As the Hai pikemen attempted to push their way across the bridge, they were hit from behind:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/7188/maa662vy0.png
Falling back for the third time, the Dacio-Thracians allowed the remaining Hai forces to cross, where they surrounded them:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7947/maa663hn7.png
Successfully luring the entire Hai force across the bridge, Captain Aristokles won a great victory for the Makedonian Empire that day:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9692/maa664gw6.jpg
In Syria, Aristotelis once again faced a poorly assembled Ptolemaic army:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3336/maa665df8.png
Once again, they retreated as soon as taking losses under missile fire. Aristotelis then chased them down with the Thessalian cavalry and attempted to kill as many men as possible:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8031/maa667hr9.jpg
In Libye, Demetrios finally reinforced his army with new men from Makedonia. The newly resupplied army was not a full strength but was clearly at battle strength:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7445/maa668bh1.png
As Demetrios assmebled his army, preparing the leave the town in the hands of mercenaries and the excess reserves from Makedonia, he received bad new. The elite reserves stationed outside the city had taken Kart-Hadast gold and defected against the Makedonian Empire. Demetrios was outraged and forced to delay his attack until reserves from Kyrene could arrive in Libye. The longer Demetrios had to wait, the more men the Ptolemaioi could raise and the sooner they would realize that they could take Kyrene without difficulty.
The defectors quickly choose money over loyalty to their homeland. In a way, it was not all that suprising. The reign of Demetrios was not only the "Era of War" but also the "Era of Debt". The wars had cost a great deal of money. Ever since just before the Pontic War, the Makedonian Empire had been running low on money. The Empire had enough to pay it soldiers and continue infrastructure throughout the Empire, but there was little to no excess money to go around:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7223/maa669qc4.jpg
Meanwhile, in Hayasdan, Captain Aristokles found himself defending Makedonian claims, once more:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/2214/maa671wx0.png
The Hai forces refused to cross the bridge this time, though. They attempted to trick Captain Aristokles into crossing, but he did not fall for the trap. As soon as the steppe horsemen wiped out their light infantry, the Hai retreated:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2125/maa672sl5.png
The only casualties on either side fell to arrow fire:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5782/maa673fz4.jpg
To the south, an army of Hayasdan had managed to go around the Lake Van region and cross through Seleukid territory, attacking Sophene. With assistance from some mercenaries, the local king decided to stand for Makedonian this time and attacked the Hai army:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1760/maa677em4.png
The Hai took up possition atop a hill as the mercenaries moved in, with the forces in the city not too far behind:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4962/maa678ze2.png
The mercenaries moved into a forested area to protect themselves from missile fire as they waited for the main force from the city garrison:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1716/maa679ua7.png
As the city garrison approached, however, the Hai forces lost their nerve and fled. The army of Sophene gave chase and attacked the fleeing Hai:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/507/maa680bw2.png
Managing to take out a third of the Hai army, the king of Sophene returned to the city:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5232/maa681mn6.jpg
The garrison, on the other hand, moved south to counter Ptolemaic forces in the area and chase the Hai army, who had retreated into Assyria:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/836/maa682rg0.png
The Ptolemaic family member attempted to flee, but was eventually caught, as he took up possition on a hill and prepared to defend himself:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6773/maa683ph4.png
With an overwhelming number of archers, the Ptolemaic forces were decimated:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4509/maa685ff4.png
Once the archers were out of arrows, the Sophene spearmen moved in and attacked the exhausted Ptolemaic cavalry:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2029/maa686my8.png
Although, the relative of Pharaoh escaped, he knew not to violate Makedonian territory again:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1111/maa687gg4.jpg
The garrison of Sophene then confronted the Hai army that had besieged them:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7037/maa688md4.png
As the two armies approached, both went on the offensive, charging into eachother in the middle of the battlefield:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5512/maa689lj6.png
With superior archer numbers to counter the weak infantry and spearmen to counter the cavalry, the army of Sophene won an easy victory and wiped out the army of Hayasdan:
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5985/maa690wd1.jpg
Finally with reinforcements from Kyrene, Demetrios headed eastward and attacked the great capital of the Ptolemaic Empire, the great city of Alexandreia. The attack was quite the risk. To the west, Kyrenaia and Libye had nearly no forces defending it. If Kart-Hadast or the Ptolemaioi took advantage of the weakness and could successfully repulse the siege of Alexandreia, then the Makedonian experience in Africa would be cut short:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6148/maa674hw6.png
As Demetrios prepared to attack the ancient land of Egypt, the north of Makedonia territory had its own problems. In Italy, the Romanoi were gathering forces along the Makedonian border. It seemed war may come sooner than expected to Nepos, in Pannonia and Illyria:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/10/maa675kj9.png
Though, in Pannonia, Nepos had another problem. The celtic armies of the region began to resent Nepos and his occupying forces. Armies of celts wandered Makedonian land and threatened its borders:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1/maa676gj8.png
The known world in 219BC:
https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6438/hxmak219rv8.png
Next: Chapter 16 : Land of Ancient Wonder
BerkeleyBoi
11-29-2007, 13:41
Wow, awesome update! I'm amazed by how huge your battles are! Keep it up!
PS. and avenge the death of my AAR for me! wipe out those ptolmies!
Great update :2thumbsup:
"the Hoplitai line soon became disorganized"
You have to set them to defensive stance to keep them in formation.
Chirurgeon
11-29-2007, 16:23
Keep it up man a fantastic updat as usual. Hell now the Romans look to throw in their lot to the mix.
The General
11-29-2007, 18:04
Very nice!
*Starts waiting for an update, again*
8D
Please update soon this is such a cool AAR
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-29-2007, 21:11
Thanks everyone. Hopefully, I'll be able to update regularly now, since all I have left is finals...
BerkeleyBoi; I'll definately make those dirty Egyptian scum pay for what they have done to both of us. :egypt:
Folgore; I had them in defensive formation, but when they started to get poked by pikemen, they just stood there and died. While I attacked the few units of pikemen, the Galatians surrounded them before I could regroup. Though, I wondered how much better I would have faired if I had just kept them in line and in defensive formation. :shrug:
With the Hai retreating, Euboulides took note of the Hai causualties. The act of retreating had cost them more than a third of their army, killing only a handfull of Makedonians:
Next: Chapter 16 : Land of Ancient Wonder
Heh, your own archers killed more of your guys than the enemy did.
Can't wait to see the next chapter of this excellent AAR. :pirate2:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-30-2007, 03:18
Heh, your own archers killed more of your guys than the enemy did.
Can't wait to see the next chapter of this excellent AAR. :pirate2:
Ha, your right. I think it was because I lined up my pikemen right at the top of the hill. I should have moved them slightly down the slope with the archers at the top. :wall:
...writing the next chapter right now... (50 pics :sweatdrop: )
Great update, Marcus! (although if that's calm, I wonder what you perceive a "storm" to be!) So, will you go to war with the Romani too in the next chapter? How much longer do you think it'll take to beat the Ptolemaioi?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-30-2007, 06:48
Yeah, I came up with the title before I decided to add the last few battles with the Hai. Also, the title kind of refers to territorial progression.
The Romanoi are always unpredictable...
As for the Ptolemaioi, it depends on your definition of 'defeated'. If you mean the defeat screen, then I haven't even gotten that yet and I'm playing about three chapters ahead of what I've written.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-30-2007, 07:01
Chapter 16 : Land of Ancient Wonder
Demetrios had decided to risk all of Makedonia's African territories and send his army east, into Egypt. Resupplied by the Makedonian navy, Demetrios crossed the desert and attacked the city of Alexandreia. Alexandreia, the capital of the Ptolemaic Empire, had been founded by Megas Alexandros upon his conquest of Egypt. Since then, the Ptolemai Pharoahs had built up the city around the great harbour to become a great city of learning, culture, and trade. The city housed the body of Megas Alexandros, himself. Murdered by Ptolemai (or so the Antigonids told everyone), the body of Alexandros had been sent to Aigai, Makedonia to be buried, but the traitorous Ptolemai had attacked the funerary procession and stolen the body of the great king. Demetrios knew that if he could take the city he would not only take the enemy capital, a city of learning and knowledge, a critical trade hub, as well as cut the Ptolemaic empire in half, but he would also take the body of Alexandros, proving to the world that the Antigonids were the undisputed true hiers to his empire.
Demetrios set up his forces and prepared for a long seige, but it was not necessary. Reinforcements came up from the south, sailing down the Nile, attacking Demetrios and his army:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2169/maa691tm9.png
[Stupid bug again.]
Demetrios set up his phalangites in a line and awaited the Ptolemaic forces. The Egyptian levies slowly marched forward and confronted the Makedonian elites:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/769/maa692vz0.png
After a short fight, the Ptolemaic left flank was quick to break and flee. The Hetairoi gave chase and wiped them,making sure they couldn't regroup. Circling around the rear of the engaged Egyptians, Demetrios crashed his cavalry into them:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2631/maa693xz2.png
As the reinforcements from the city arrived, a group of Pezhetairoi turned to face them. As they held down the Ptolemaic elites, Demetrios' Basilikon Agema flanked them and charged from the side:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7999/maa694go9.png
After the army from the south was wiped out, the Makedonian line turned to face the forces of Alexandreia. Meanwhile, the Hetairoi moved into possition to cut off their retreat:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1102/maa696aq0.png
Surrounded, the Ptolemaic remaining forced paniced and attmepted to flee. Before they could get back to the city, though, Demetrios chased them down and wiped them out:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/623/maa697hv9.png
Demetrios marched his army into the city of Alexandreia and quickly made sure the population knew who was now in control. The city of Alexandreia was the largest city any Makedonian had ever seen, far larger than Pella, Athenai, or Antiocheia. The population was deverse, consisting of Egyptians, Hellenes, and Makedonians. There were also some from far further, who had come trading wares, goods, or knowledge. Seeing such a vast population, many of whom did not want Makedonia there, Demetrios decided to gather slaves from the population of the city and the Nile Delta region, to be sold elsewhere. Now, well aware of what the Makedonians were willing to do, the locals quieted down and piece was established in the delta
Touring the city, Demetrios made a visited the tomb of Alexandros. Demetrios stood quietly for some time, only commenting that he wished his father and older brother could have been there with him that day. Demetrios realized that not since Megas Alexandros had anyone accomplished quite what he himself had done. After only a short stay, Demetrios left the tomb and prepared to continue his quest against the Ptolemaioi.
As soon as military control was established, Demetrios hired local mercenaries to defead the city (mostly from those within) and marched south to continue the war before the Ptolemaioi could regroup:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2482/maa698jm9.png
Far from Alexandreia, Captain Aristokles once again defended the river crossing into the Lake Van basin:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3884/maa709fz0.png
The Hai forces quickly rushed across the bridge, backed up by a small reserve of cavalry archers:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9457/maa710cb9.png
This time, the Dacio-Thracians didn't bother trying to hold the crossing with their spears and instead charged in with their blades as soon as aproximately a quarter of the Hai army was across:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3779/maa711iq8.png
It soon became clear that the Hai infantry would be wiped out. Attempting to relieve his men, the Hai general charged his heavy cataphracts across the bridge in an attempt to break through the Dacio-Thracian line:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7441/maa714sb1.png
Meanwhile, the Thracian cavalry had once again crossed the river and attempted to attack Hai cataphracts on the opposite side:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1315/maa713no4.png
The Thracian cavarly soon took heavy losses and began to panic, but unexpectedly the cataphracts broke and fled from the very battle they were winning. Though, it may have been due to the fact that their general fell dead on the bridge. Captain Aristokles once again maintained control of Lake Van:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3514/maa716hs1.jpg
Around the same date, a small Ptolemaic army attempted to lift Demetrios' siege of Memphis, putting all their hope, not in numbers but in the command skill of Hermon Ptolemaios, son of the Pharoah:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1255/maa699fh9.png
The Ptolemaic forces chose to take shelter in the shade of great megaliths of the long gone past. As they waited, Demetrios marched in to attacked, not caring if the ground may be sacred:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3619/maa700mn0.png
The Ptolemaic reinforcements at the pyramids stalled, giving time for Hermon Ptolemaios to move his army in from Memphis. Realizing that he would have to fight off an army on both sides, Demetrios ordered both flanks of his battle line to break formation and form a second line, protecting the rear:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6263/maa701ao7.png
With the line greatly shortened, Galatians quickly moved to exploit the flanks. They were, however, counted by Demetrios' Basilikon Agema a then outflanked by the Hetairoi:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6446/maa703tm9.png
With the Ptolemaic reinforcements fleeing, the entire Makedonian battle line moved to counter the forces coming from Memphis just as Hermon Ptolemaios charged the edge of the Makedonian phalangite line:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3762/maa704xh4.png
Along the flank, the Basilikon Agema quickly moved to counter the cavalry and prevent the flank from being surrounded:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2377/maa705me7.png
Just as the Ptolemaic cavalry were begining to falter, Ptolemaic Thorakitai rushed in, surrounding the Makedonian Basilikon Agema. Meanwhile, the second row of Pezhetairoi charged in from behind the engaged Pezhetairoi to prevent the Ptolemaic cavalry from pushing through the line:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7632/maa706mx8.png
Faced with the Thorakitai, the Basilikon Agema turned to face the enemy infantry. Although managing to wipe out the Thorakitai, this act allowed Pharoah's son to escape and return to Memphis:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8490/maa708bp5.jpg
Demetrios immediately followed the battle with an attack on the ungarrisoned city:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4240/maa718fk1.png
Only the Pharoah's son, his cavalry, and a few townfolk manning the towers guarded the city. As soon as the Pezhetairoi ran from the siege towers, the wall defenders surrendered, though. With the walls taken, Demetrios slowly marched his army to the town square where Hermon Ptolemaios sat, donned in his best armour and with his best sword. With pikemen on one side and the Basilikon Agema on the other, the Makedonians surrounded and attacked the enemy cavalry. Fighting bravely to the death...
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9344/maa723lr6.png
[Spot the bugs...]
...the heir to the throne of Egypt fell dead in the streets of Memphis:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3845/maa724ka3.jpg
Demetrios quickly assumed that throne, informing the the Egyptian people that the Antigonid Dynasty now ruled all of Egypt. After enslaving just enough people to ensure the local's fear and setting up military control, Demetrios once again left the town in the hands of mercenaries as he sailed his army up the great river once again.
Over the decades, the Antigonids had faced many enemies with many different types of fighting styles and many times of equipment. However, ever since the celtic invasion and the settling of the Galations, a new type of equipment began to become common in the area. The Galatian chainmail had proved to be a superior form of armor and it had quickly become popular amoungst Alexandros' successors. After fighting waves of Galatians and various Hellenized form of the armor, Demetrios decided it was time to adopt something similar. He sent word back to Pella, where Perseus and Chrysoloras made contact with Makedonia's Galatian allies. With Galatian and defecting Romanoi smiths, they set forth a plan to refit the entire Makedonian military with new armor. As part of the plan, Perseus and Chrysoloras also decided to increase the base from which the Pezhetairoi could be recruited:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7712/maa717bgq3.jpg
In Hayasdan, Captain Aristokles once again fought off an army of the Hai:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5590/maa725sq8.png
After exchanging arrow volleys, the Hai charged all but a detachment of cataphracts across the bridge. Loosing everything they sent, the Hai captain retreated with the few remaining cataphracts:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1777/maa726vc8.jpg
To the south, Egypt was falling to the Makedonian Empire. The only remaining forces of the Ptolemaioi now lay in the Levant. It was only a matter of time, however before the Ptolemaic King (no longer could he be called "Pharaoh") moved his forces south to retake the poorly defended cities of lower Egypt. To prevent Ptolemaic reinforcements from reaching Egypt and to further weaken the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Aristotelis moved against the armies of the Ptolemaioi in Syria and Phoinike.
Moving south from Antiocheia, Aristotelis confronted a Ptolemaic force on the plains of Syria:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4470/maa727op4.png
The Ptolemaic forces took up possition on a rocky hill and awaited the Makedonians. Aristotelis moved his army forward, taking up possition at the base of the hill, where he ordered his archers and slingers to open fire. Faced with missile fire, the Ptolemaioi rushed down off the hill:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9807/maa728dw7.png
The Ptolemaioi charged into the Makedonian left flank, attempting to wrap around it, but the Thracians were prepared. With the flank threatened, the Thracians moved in and started pushing the enemy back:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8746/maa729vm6.png
The Ptolemaic infantry along the flank eventually broken and fled, with the Thessalian cavalry in pursuit. That fight was hardly over when a flanking division of the Ptolemaic army made its move and hit the flank of the Pezhetairoi phalangite line:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1748/maa730sg3.png
The Thracians quickly rushed in to relieve the Pezhetairoi, allowing them to fall back and regroup. While the Thracians held down the Ptolemaioi, Aristotelis outflanked the flankers, charging in and breaking the whole group:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5905/maa732xv6.png
Surrounded, that entire division of the Ptolemaic army was wiped out, including their general, Chairas Larnakaios.
With only a small group of Ptolemaioi left, the Makedonian line reformed and confronted the enemy:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5573/maa734fu7.png
Once again, under missile fire, the Ptolemaioi charged forward:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7882/maa735uk5.png
The fight didn't last, though. Before long, the entire Ptolemaic army was retreating. Only a hand full of Ptolemaioi got away, including the secondary general:
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1930/maa736io3.jpg
Before heading north, Aristotelis hired an army of mercenaries and ordered them to head south and pester the Ptolemaioi. The mercenaries were promised more money for every man that the Ptolemaioi were forced to devert to the region to fight them off. After ravaging the countryside, the mercenaries moved south and besieged the city of Sidon. It wasn't long, however, before the Ptolemaioi sent in reinforcements to lift the siege:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7010/maa738yj4.png
The widely varied range of mercenaries lined up to face the Ptolemaioi, who nearly equalled them, in number of men:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/423/maa739on2.png
The Ptolemaioi charged in and soon the entire length of both lines were fighting:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/619/maa741fm4.png
The Ptolemaic right flank didn't hold long and soon the Karians were able to break free and circle around the rear of the Ptolemaic center:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4862/maa742cz4.png
The battle began to turn in the favor of the Makedonian mercenaries, but soon the reinforcement from Sidon arrived. The two personal guards of the Ptolemaic generals charged into the Makedonian right flank, and even though the Makedonian mercenaries still held the upper hand, the Galatians began to brake and flee:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9276/maa743zn3.png
The rout soon rolled across the line, as the entire mercenary army broke and fled northward:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3682/maa744nf1.jpg
In Egypt, Demetrios continued to conquer his way up the Nile. Upon reaching the ancient city of Thebes, he became bogged down. A small garrison under a relative of the Ptolemaic king held the city and prevented Demetrios from heading further south. Besieging the city, Demetrios was soon attacked by several groups of reinforcements assembled in the countryside:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/126/maa745to0.png
As the first Ptolemaic army approached, they were torn apart by arrow fire. Seeing no threat from the front, Demetrios once again moved his flanks to defend the rear:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6424/maa746mo0.png
The Ptolemaic phalangites to the rear delayed their attack, but a group of Nubians attempted to flank the newly formed Pezhetairoi line. Seeing the flankers with ample time to counter them, Demetrios and the Hetairoi chased them from the field:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/57/maa747gx7.png
As the rear line faced the Ptolemaic phalangites, who were now moving forward, the front line moved to counter the third Ptolemaic army approaching from the city of Thebes:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4476/maa748rh8.png
The frontal line engaged the third Ptolemaic army, as the second Ptolemaic army broke and started to flee. With the enemy in disorder, the rear line broke formation and gave chase:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3133/maa749pd4.png
Demetrios was busy dealling with the routing enemy, but to the southwest his army needed leadership; Terpnos Ptolemaios and his cavalry managed to push their way through the pikemen and breach the Makedonian line:
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1613/maa750nu4.png
After defeating the other Ptolemaic forces, the Basilikon Agema and Hetairoi moved to flank the remaining Ptolemaioi army. The Basilikon Agema flanked the Galatians, surrounded them:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/789/maa751up0.png
The Hetairoi then charged Terpnos from behind, killing him. Demetrios had once again taken a major Egyptian city:
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7028/maa753uh2.jpg
Demetrios quickly established control of the region, as he had the north, and headed up the Nile once more. Demetrios was reaching the end of Ptolemaic control and would soon be coming to the lands of Nubia...
The known world in 218BC:
https://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8900/hxmak218bdz0.png
Next: Chapter 17 : Egyptians and Hellenes
Basileus Seleukeia
11-30-2007, 14:47
Another great chapter for a great story!:2thumbsup:
I didn't know the Aithiopikon Agema are still in the game, I thought they were deleted.:dizzy2:
such a nice, well written AAR, i can't wait for the next chapter
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
11-30-2007, 19:49
Marvellous update. :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
Can't wait when you will cut down those damn Romaioi! Romaioi always need punishment.:yes:
Andronikos
11-30-2007, 20:52
Very nice, I like your army composition.
However this AAR takes eternity to load. But this is a tax which I pay with pleasure to see taht beautiful pictures (just a idiom common in our language, I think it shoul be said differently in English, but you culd understand it).
One more advise: take more pictures of Armenian cataphracts.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
11-30-2007, 21:38
Thanks, everyone. :bow:
I think Ptolemai starts with one or two Aithiopikon Agema but can't recruit any new ones, or something like that.
I already have a battle plan for the Romanoi, but I have been attempting to keep the from attacking as long as possible. It is almost impossible to fight three wars at once and I think a fourth would break the Empire, especially if it was against the Romans.
I had some more pictures of the cataphracts but bridge battles are just so boring so I didn't include them. I'll see if I can find any good shots for my next update.
Excellent update Marcus!
:Edit:So they really were cut out of the game to bad:no: they and those german axe nobles that you also cut were 2 of my favourite units in the game. Lets hope those two units are replaced with a good unit and not another levy:inquisitive:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-01-2007, 01:48
Yeah, the Aithiopikon Agema did exsist as Cleopatra's bodyguard, for example. And IIRC they were added to EB because someone found proof that they exsisted earlier (at the start date). But it turns out that that proof wasn't true and it was thus decided they would be removed from EB because they now lacked proof in this time period. :dizzy2:
So if they existed during Cleopatra's time why wouldn't they have existed a couple of hundred years before that time period as part of another family members bodyguard?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-01-2007, 06:11
IIRC, because they still had some Makedonian elites available and they weren't on great terms with the locals (Egyptian and Nubian). Cleopatra was one of the first Ptolemai who actually reached out to the locals and got their acceptance.
I hate to pry again or sound rude and unappreciative but couldn't you just make another reform like with the selucids and their cataphracts? Or make a set of smaller reforms like the hayasdan to represent the population warming up to you? (I just really like this unit i'm having nostalgic memories of sending them into the rear and flanks of enemys and watching them cut through them like butter. like i said before i hope i don't sound rude or unappreciative.)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-01-2007, 08:46
Well, first of all, I'm just repeating what I heard internally. I personally don't have a relatively vast knowledge of Ptolemaic Egypt. M2TW does open the way for many new reforms and you may someday see some sort of reform for the Ptolemaioi.
The problem with leaving the unit it in some sort of delaying fashion is that it would open a huge doorway. For example, there are tons of things that were removed from Sweboz or could be added to Sweboz, but the only proof for them comes from Caesar's time. If the Eithiopians are allowed they should be too. Again, wait for EB2...
As for the AAR, I just finished writing the chapter, which is somewhat short, and I'll be uploading it tommorrow after I have time to proofread it for the tons of errors I always make...
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-01-2007, 20:25
Chapter 17 : Egyptians and Hellenes
With Thebes in Antigonid control, Demetrios once again sailed up the Neilos, making Makedonian dominance known to the locals, as he went. Though Demetrios was once again halted. This time by the garrison of the city of Pselkis. The large city was the southernmost large urban center within the control of the Ptolemaioi and the city had long been the defensive location against Nubia. Demetrios disembarked south of the city and besieged the town, awaiting their surrender:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3227/maa758ub0.png
Although the focus of all in the Hellenistic world was on the events in Aigyptos, the rest of the Makedonian Empire and the rest of the world continued on. In Pannonia, Nepos began establishing military colonies and estates for his soldiers. With such a hostile population, it would be necessay to move in a loyal noble class to control the region once the garrison was moved:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3294/maa754ic5.png
With all of the combat in Hayasdan being over the Lake Van region, Euboulides had managed to secure Egrisi and build up the infrastructure and economy. Though, the act of managing cities no long interested Euboulides. Even though he had spent the majority of his life as a governor, he found much more satisfaction in commanding men in battle. Not even the tremors in the earth and smoke from the north could sate his boredom:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2278/maa755bb1.png
In Kyrenaia, the armies of Kart-Hadast had returned. Rather than attack the garrison of Kyrene, though, they simply set up camp along the desert lakes. It was as if they were simply setting up a challenge for Demetrios and waiting for him:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/8097/maa756vr2.png
In Babylonia and Persia, the Seleukids had basicallygiven up on fighting the Ptolemiaoi. After retaking Babylonia and Media, they switched to a defensive front. Letting the Antigonids take the entire weight of the war, they instead turned their attension eastward. Making several attempts to cross the Indus and go beyond Alexandros' conquests, the Seleukids had managed to make many great mistakes. Rather than gaining new land, they simply caused a war. Now, Indians invaded Persia and took territory there:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3363/maa759bn2.png
Being repelled from Phoinike and later reinforced with Hellenists living in Syria, Aristotelis' mercenaries attempted to attack Damaskos:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1445/maa757tw9.png
After a short time, the seige of Damaskos was lifted when the mercenaries were forced to flee back to Syria. Attempting to disrupt the Ptolemaioi once more, the mercenary army headed to Palmyra. After a short battle there, they fled back to Syria, nearly completely wiped out.
Realizing that he had to take things into his own hands, Aristotelis marched his army south, leaving Antiocheia in the garrison that was previously stationed in Tarsos. Heading down the coastal trade road, Aristotelis besieged the port cities of Sidon and Tyre:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/7824/maa773lc4.png
Back in Hayasdan, the earth had calmed down, but the war continued. Suffering losses and yet still needing to hold a strategic possition, new men had arrived to reinforce the Dacio-Thracian army. Dispite the increase in forces, though, Captain Aristokles once again lead the Dacio-Thracians against the forces of Hai:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4482/maa760ve0.png
Completely outnumbered, the Hai charged across the bridge to their death:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4084/maa761qn4.jpg
Along the Neilos, reinforcements arrived to relieve the garrison at Pselkis and attack Demetrios:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6551/maa762ez2.png
Backing up the Ptolemaic army were several elephants from Nubia:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5462/maa763nt1.png
Demetrios had seen the creatures before, during his negotiations with the Seleukids to acquire some for himself, but his men had never seen such beasts. Knowing that the creatures were all about the fear factor and lacked any real threat, Demetrios prepared his men and ordered that they hold their ground. As the great beasts came into range, Demetrios had his slingers and archers concentrate all their fire on them. As they approached the line, they began to fall, filled with arrows and hit by lead shot. The Makedonian line held its ground:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3734/maa764as5.png
Before long, the creatures paniced and ran, but all fell to the arrows before they could escape or run wild on the Makedonian line. Meanwhile, the Ptolemaic infantry charged the Makedonian phalangites:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4163/maa765cb9.png
Some Ptolemaioi attempted to push through the line, but overall they were too light and too inexperienced to succeed:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/230/maa766qe4.png
"The Ptolemaioi : An Equal Opportunity Employer"
Soon the reinforcements arrived from Pselkis, but they were not enought to break through the line. Trying their best, the Ptolemaioi soon found themselves between pikes and cavalry:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1598/maa768ap5.jpg
Almost like one could predict the rising of the sun, the Hai attacked Captain Aristokles again:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2521/maa769og3.png
Neither side risking the bridge crossing, the battle ended when the steppe cavalry ran out of arrows:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3751/maa770sb5.jpg
In Hellas, Kallistratos, tyrant of Chalkis died peacefully, leaving the town leaderless. With a new found hatred going between the Hellenes and Makedonians, Perseus and Chrysoloras knew that Chalkis would not remain loyal for long. Fearing open revolt, the brothers knew it was time to make their move and gathered their armies:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3426/maa771wf3.jpg
While Hellas was threatening rebellion, to the direct south the Hellenic colony of Kyrene found itself finally under siege by the armies of Kart-Hadast. With Demetrios in Nubia, the secondary Hellenic army defending Alexandreia and Libye, and the reserve army wiped out years earlier in Ammonion, the Kyrene garrison was forced to defend the city on their own:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7986/maa772ze9.png
As the west crumbled, Aristotelis was moving to increase territory in the east. Deverting Ptolemaic reinforcements for Aigyptos, Aristotelis had moved against the ancient cities of Sidon and Tyre in Phoinike. After a short siege, Ptolemaic forces, who had been deverted from Assyria, attacked to relieve the Phoinike garrison and lift the seige:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8537/maa774ht8.png
The battle took place in a field crossed by the trade road, where Aristotelis possitioned his army to counter the enemy:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6726/maa775qv1.png
Unprepared for the speed of Sidon's garrison, Aristotelis soon found himself forced to fight a battle on two sides:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5986/maa776ci5.png
With the Thracians possitioned to counter the garrison, who were commanded by Ptolemaic general Timonaktos Thraikikos, the battle commenced on both sides:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8942/maa777df5.png
Reinforcing the Thracians, Aristotelis charged in cavalry in to crush the Galatians. Meanwhile the phalangites held the line against the main Ptolemaic force:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1620/maa778hf1.png
The main battle didn't last long, though. After a short fight, the Ptolemaic right flank broke and fled. Without their general keeping them in line, the Makedonian Pezhetairoi were quick to break formation and give chase. Meanwhile, Aristotelis charged his cavalry into the Ptolemaic phalangites from Sidon, who were held down by the Thracians:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6176/maa779sb9.png
As the sun set, the battle was clearing in the hads of Aristotelis. Even though a Makedonian victory, Timonaktos Thraikikos had survived and fled back to Sidon, where he hid behind the walls:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4487/maa780gy4.jpg
In the north, the Dacio-Thracians were actually growing tired from killing so many Hai, but once again they had the chance:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9412/maa781gu4.png
Giving them just enough space to think they could get across to the other side, the Dacio-Thracian charged in and surrounded the Hai:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7839/maa783kn6.png
Once again, the Hai lost an entire army to Captain Aristokles:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1985/maa784er5.jpg
In Pselkis, Demetrios decided to take a short break. As he sat back and enjoyed the Neilos for a while, he set up a message system down to the ocean, so that he could control his empire. Once set up, one of the first things he did was send word to Makedonia that he would be needing reinforcements once again, especially the Basilikon Agema and Hetairoi.
With the Ptolemaic elites dead or fleeing and much of the local population enslave or displaced, the Neilos valley was full of available land for the taking. Demetrios was quick to set up military land grants to his men and to veterans of old wars. Like in Pannonia, Demetrios wanted to ensure a loyal population in Aigyptos:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6166/maa787rx7.png
The ancient people of Aigyptos had been the least changed by the conquest of Alexandros. Across the rest of the world, peoples were learning to gain from the achievements of the Hellenes and Makedonians. Here, however, the people still worshipped their ancient gods, worked vast numbers of slaves to death, and continued a life of farming that had exsisted for centuries. Not sure what to do with the peoples of Aigyptos, Demetrios decided to simply leave things as the Ptolemaioi had set them up. For the time, the strange blend of Hellenic and Aigyptian religion would remain and the people would be allowed to do as they pleased, as long as they remained loyal.
As Demetrios relaxed in Upper Aigyptos, he made sure to have his men search out any locals who knew the desert. For the next leg of the war, it would be critical that he know each and every watering hole, well, camp site, and oasis on the entire continent. Those guides his men did find, he made sure to pay well, for loyalty was something he had to ensure.
Demetrios sat enjoying the calm water of the Neilos, when a messenger came up to him. "Your son has taken Phoinike and taken the last naval ports available to the Ptolemaioi," he said, handing Demetrios the message:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6369/maa785kd7.jpg
With Aigyptos controlled, Demetrios shifted his attension back to Makedonia and Hellas. It was clear that the Ptolemaioi were going to fall and Demetrios had to consider what was next for the Makedonian Empire. Considering the future, Demetrios ordered rebuilding of the military port in Ambrakia:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8453/maa786au2.jpg
Also, with the pushing of Perseus and Chyrsoloras, Demetrios ordered the official consolidation of lower Hellas into the Makedonian Empire:
https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/319/maa789ip2.jpg
As soon as the order was given, the Hellenic garrisons dispersed and the city states began to rebel. Only in the Peloponnisos, were there any remaining Makedonian-friendly tyrants, but even those with living tyrants were ordered to give up sovereignty. The acception to the order was the city of Sparte, where the ruler was neither removed from power nor replaced with military control.
In order to ensure a smooth transfer of power, both Perseus and Chrysoloras took an army south. The military occupation would ensure the integration of Aitolia and the city of Athenai, at least:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6700/maa790sl7.png
With the Empire's affairs in order (all by the Kyrene problem) and Pselkis secured, Demetrios headed into the desert to weed out the last Ptolemaic strongholds and holdouts:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5739/maa788bd7.png
And to the north, Aristotelis moved against Ioudaia, to finally remove all Ptolemaic access to the sea:
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9708/maa791ns9.png
The known world in the winter of 217BC:
https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1227/hxmak217wwdv9.png
Next: Chapter 18 : Defeat Amongst Victory
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-01-2007, 21:13
Great, I like it like this, more strategy and not so much battles... You moved your forces voluntarily out of the Greek towns? Do you want to provoke a rebellion? I did this one time in Galatia, and the result was that the Galatians broke out of the empire. I could have kept them by simply lowering the taxes. I had a Client Kingdom there, and wanted to change it "naturally", you know.~;)
Do you treat the Parthians as Indians now?
Awesome! You've smashed the Ptolemaioi into 3 pieces and destroyed their resistance in Syria! What are your plans for after you've destroyed them (or severely crippled and left them to only one or two cities)? Is there any chance we'll see a Seleucid-Antigonid war?
"The Ptolemaioi : An Equal Opportunity Employer"
Hahaha, but opportunity for what? :skull:
Brilliant :2thumbsup:
White_eyes:D
12-01-2007, 23:49
Marcus your my HERO:2thumbsup: you killed the Ptolemaioi. In almost every EB game the Ptolemaioi roll over AS and Pontos I HATE that faction so much:furious3: .
P.S. Keep going want to see that Faction Destroyed message and your VICTORY
GO MACEDON!!!!!:2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-02-2007, 04:36
Great, I like it like this, more strategy and not so much battles... You moved your forces voluntarily out of the Greek towns? Do you want to provoke a rebellion? I did this one time in Galatia, and the result was that the Galatians broke out of the empire. I could have kept them by simply lowering the taxes. I had a Client Kingdom there, and wanted to change it "naturally", you know.~;)
Do you treat the Parthians as Indians now?
I was actually getting tired of writing about only battles, but this is 'Total War'...
The garrisons of Hellas were all raised in the towns, so I figured if I removed their sovereignty, they would turn on me. Since the game can't do that, I disbanded them. I also raised taxes to full to represent the city's anger. My plan was to try and hold them, but if they rebel then I'll have to deal with that.
I'm treating Pahlav as two different nations now. The Parthians still have an army of 20 cataphracts in Khiva that the Saka and Baktrians take turns throwing themselves against. And then there are the Indian territories, which I role play are a different nation.
Awesome! You've smashed the Ptolemaioi into 3 pieces and destroyed their resistance in Syria! What are your plans for after you've destroyed them (or severely crippled and left them to only one or two cities)? Is there any chance we'll see a Seleucid-Antigonid war?
Well, I got to the point where Ptolemai was defeated and had Demetrios take a little time to consider whether to recreate Gaugamela or make his own path. The decision ended up being made for him. :beam:
Hahaha, but opportunity for what? :skull:
Brilliant :2thumbsup:
Throwing themselves against my sarrisas? When I looked at the picture I though, "Nobody else throw so many foreign troops at me as Ptolemai. They'll recruit anyone!"
Marcus your my HERO:2thumbsup: you killed the Ptolemaioi. In almost every EB game the Ptolemaioi roll over AS and Pontos I HATE that faction so much:furious3: .
P.S. Keep going want to see that Faction Destroyed message and your VICTORY
GO MACEDON!!!!!:2thumbsup:
Yeah, my decision to take out Ptolemai was in part due to the fact I wanted more than one faction east of me. If I hadn't attacked them after they took Anatolia, they would be fighting Baktria over India by now.
I'd love to see Makedonia go west, out of Egypt through Kart-Hadast. That would be pretty awesome. Maybe keep some kind of buffer of Ptolemaioi between yourself and the Seleukids.
Mordrorru
12-02-2007, 21:15
I'd love to see Makedonia go west, out of Egypt through Kart-Hadast. That would be pretty awesome. Maybe keep some kind of buffer of Ptolemaioi between yourself and the Seleukids.
Don't listen to him. Wipe them out.
All of them.
:laugh4: Haha, great first post Mordrorru, welcome to the Org. :ave:
MAA - Another great update. Keep 'em coming. :2thumbsup:
Hahahaha! That was great.
No! KART HADAST MUST DIE!!!111eleven1
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-02-2007, 22:53
Thanks for the comments everyone, and welcome to the ORG, Mordrorru.
I've written the next update and will upload it later today. Even though the Antigonid-Ptolemai war doesn't end in it, I try to allude to the fate of the Ptolemai and the future of Makedonia.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-03-2007, 01:01
Chapter 18: Defeat Amongst Victory
Aristotelis spent only about a month besieging the territory of Iuodaia before the Ptolemaioi showed up. He couldn't even set up a line of defense before Ptolemaic reinforcements arrived from the south and north to releave the area:
https://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8633/maa792kz9.png
Among the Ptolemaic reinforcements was the Ptolemaic king himself, Ptolemaios IV. There had been non-Ptolemaic kings before Ptolemaios IV, but the title had finally returned to a descendant of Alexandros' general. The young king was not a very good general, but he was very headstrong, as evidenced by the fact he was willing to attack Aristotelis without greater forces.
Aristotelis set up his men along a ridge and waited for the Ptolemaic levies, approaching from the south, to come to him:
https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7291/maa794ro8.png
Those levies barely arrived before they were fleeing back down the hill. Under a rain of arrows, the poor men fell dead before they could reach the base.
Aristotelis then ordered the line to reform and prepare to engage the reinforcements for Hierosolyma, while he personally lead the cavlary and prepared to face Ptolemaios IV and his Hetairoi:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6645/maa795gy9.png
As the Pezhetairoi reformed their line, Aristotelis rushed up to face Ptolemaios IV who had just crested the top of the ridge:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1633/maa796ob4.png
The two lines of cavalry charged at oneanother and clashed with great speed. The fighting soon turned into prolonged melee, and the Thrakians on the left flank of the battle line rushed in to assist:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4959/maa797al2.png
As Aristotelis pulled away from the fight and prepared to charge again, he noticed that the Ptolemaic reinforcements were just getting ready to charge his phalangite battle line:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7126/maa798hw6.png
With enemies on both sides Ptolemaios IV stood his ground, bracing for the charge by Thessalians and Thrakians:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7529/maa799as0.png
His bodyguard wiped out, Ptolemaios IV soon found himself alone. Honorably sparing the enemy king, whose kingdom no longer threatened Makedonia, Aristotelis had his forces pull back. The king just slowly walked away, perhaps in a daze:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5632/maa800rp4.png
Maybe he was injured, maybe he was confused, or maybe he just realized that his empire was gone and wished to die with honor in battle. Whatever the reason, alone, Ptolemaios IV charged into the Kretan archers. Seeing his men in trouble, Aristotelis gave Ptolemaios IV what he wanted, charging in and killing him:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9100/maa801yf5.jpg
Later, word would reach Assyria, where Ptolemaios IV's brother heard the news, thus becoming Ptolemaios V. With Ptolemaios IV's death, Aristotelis shifts his attension back to the infantry battle and his Pezhetairoi.
With all of the fighting in the center of the line, Aristotelis orders his flanks to wrap around the sides. Meanwhile the Thrakians complete the square, circling around the rear:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8264/maa802xw1.png
Once in possition, the Thrakians let loose with their javelin on the enemy rear...
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7760/maa803of6.png
...then charge in and cut through the engaged enemy, from behind:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1823/maa804ar8.png
The Ptolemaioi panic and attempt to flee, but they soon realize they are surrounded and have nowhere left to flee.
With the infantry wiped out, Aristotelis moves his cavalry to counter the enemy general, Aristomenes Krokodilopolites (Aristomenes of the crocodile city):
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/606/maa805bh5.png
Charging down the hill, the general is killed and Iuodaia falls into the hands of the Antigonids:
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9348/maa807gg5.jpg
Aristotelis entered the city to find people who were overjoyed that the Ptolemaioi were removed by angered by the presence of the Antigonids. Holding the territory through military might, Aristotelis sent word for Syrian reinforcements. In the mean time, he quickly set up a local ruler to oversee the area as a allied state rather than a territory, hoping to appease the locals. Even the selection of the ruler (a Hellenized Phoenician) upset the people, though. Leaving the territory in the hads of some levies and the local king, Aristotelis once again moved his army against the Ptolemaioi.
To the west, the one problem Demetrios hadn't been able to solve the prior year, finally caught up with the Makedonian Empire. With the garrison of Hellenes hiding behind the walls, the armies of Kart-Hadast began their attack on Kyrene:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9963/maa808rm8.png
Ready for what ever may come their way, the Hellenic Hoplitai lined up to counter the enemy rams:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5649/maa809gx2.png
[Yeah, I know, where are the stone walls I was supposed to have?]
With a crash, the great wooden beams that made up the wall come crashing down. And before the dust can even settle, the Punic warriors come rushing in. The Hoplitai try their best but are gradually pushed back:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5279/maa810jl6.png
The defenders continue to get pushed back and soon the armies of Kart-Hadast are gaining ground within the walls at both breaches:
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5640/maa811ip0.png
Reinforcing those already engaged, the Hoplitai levies rush in, but it is not enough:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7104/maa813zv8.png
The battle line can't hold and before too long the entire Hellenic army is falling back into the city. With the walls taken, the Qarthadastim army parades through the streets:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5930/maa814uo3.png
Thinking the town is theirs, the Qarthadastim pikemen are suprised to find Hellenic forces waiting for them in the town square. Regrouped and ready to fight, the Hellenes charge in to stand to the last man:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7799/maa815gw8.png
Knowing the evil deeds that the Kart-Hadast peoples will do to their own healthy children, the Hellenes can only imagine the horrors that will unleash on the enemies of Kart-Hadast. Fearing their unknown fate, the Hellenes stand to the last man. As Apollo watches on [lets just say that is Apollo], the proove their honor and die, every last man:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7456/maa816gk8.png
Starting with nearly equal numbers, in the end the Hellenes are not even able to defeat half the forces of Kart-Hadast:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7315/maa817sf0.jpg
For the first time since the death of Pyrrhos, the Antigonids loose complete control of an entire region:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6164/maa818fb0.jpg
When word reaches Demetrios of the fall of Kyrenaia, he is quick to order that nobody do anything. All forces are to stay where they are and defend their garrison. The defeat had not only lost a city, though, it had once again cost the honor of Hellene allies. Other than garrison duty, the Hellene allies had failed at every task given to them. Seeking to restore their honor, the last Hellas in Africa ignore Demetrios' order and march westward from Libye:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8784/maa830hq8.png
The task ahead of them is a great one, though, as the city of Kart-Hadast is becoming known as one of the greatest powers in the known world:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2370/maa819md3.jpg
In Hellas itself, though, things where turning bleak. In Korinthos, Karpos, Makedonian-friendly tyrant dies:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2755/maa820cb7.jpg
Without a leader to calm their rage, and now facing the complete loss of autonomy, the people of Korinthos devolve into anarchy:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4881/maa824rv2.jpg
In Euboia things are even worse, though. Setting fire to the home of the old tyrant, the citizens of Chalkis declare themselves independant of Makedonian rule:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7492/maa823xq9.jpg
In the midst of trying to hold Hellas together, Perseus and Chrysoloras recieve word from the west that is more than troubling. The two great powers to the west, neither of which are friends of Makedonia, have signed an alliance:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1566/maa825rv8.jpg
Around the same time, Aristotelis managed to gain an alliance for Makedonia. Sharing an enemy in the Ptolemaioi, Aristotelis arranges for an alliance with the people beyond the desert, to the south:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7115/maa822iz5.jpg
With new friends to the south, Aristotelis moves against the Ptolemaioi once more, attempting to once again devide their territories:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8120/maa826sj1.png
With mostly heavy cavalry defending the city, Aristotelis sends in the Thrakians to cut through them:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2864/maa827pd6.png
With two dead enemy generals, the town is taken:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3549/maa829ze1.jpg
Just west of the Neilos, Demetrios continues to war against the Ptolemaioi. Reinforced by the last remaining Ptolemaic army in Africa, the garrison of the great oasis city of Hibis sallies forth to confront Demetrios and his elite army:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/659/maa831eb3.png
Marching slowly forward, the Ptolemaic phalangites clash with the Makedonian phalangites, while Galatians fill their gaps:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3678/maa833dv9.png
When a small portions of the Ptolemaic army begin to flee, Demetrios moves his Hetairoi around the flank. While Demetrios and the veteran Hetairoi chase off the routing enemy, the newer Hetairoi charge the Ptolemaic rear:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6684/maa835iv6.png
As the rest of the army flees, one group of desert levies stands their ground. Confronted by the Basilikon Agema, they choose to fight. Only with a charge of the Hetairoi do the break and run for the hills:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8715/maa838go3.png
And with that, the last Ptolemaic city on the continent falls to Demetrios:
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4018/maa839jj6.jpg
Demetrios is quick to establish military control of the town and set up a garrison. In fact, a garrison force had already been on the way to the oasis when the battle was fought. Hibis under control, Demetrios heads westward. In the hands of his well paid guides, he takes his army to the oracle of Zeus-Amun at Ammonion. Like Alexandros before him, Demetrios heads into the desert to hear of his future and what is fated for him:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9277/maa841ne6.png
[I hate just marching across the desert and really try to put restrictions on myself when doing it. Like when I made my fleet follow my forces along the coastline for 'resupply'. With the problems in Kyrene, I really wanted to just rush across the desert this time, though. So, I'm saying that there are hired guides who know the region.]
To the north, the Ptolemaic Empire continues to crumble. With the great loss of power, territory, and men, their own cities begin to call out for independance. Aristotelis continues his efforts ot continue that crumbling, as he besieges the city of Damaskos. Once a city fought over by the Ptolemaioi and Seleukids, the town was never cared for or built up by the Ptolemaioi and now welcomed the Antigonids, seeing how they had turned Antiocheia around:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4051/maa842os7.png
Perhaps due to the vast amount of trade passing through the region or maybe by enemy sceming, the land of Phoinike suffers a plague. Blaming the Ptolemaioi for the plague, Aristotelis manages to sneak some infected spies and merchants into Edessa, the new Ptolemaic capital, to return the favor:
https://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5364/maa840mp9.png
And in Hellas, Perseus secures Aitolia as Chrysoloras secures Attica. The rest of Hellas, however, falls into anarchy:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8218/maa844xq6.png
The known world in the autumn of 216BC:
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9176/hxmak216wdi6.png
Next: Chapter 19 : Restoration and Consolidation
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Amazingly the Hai front was quiet for a while...
Mordrorru
12-03-2007, 01:31
Looking a little patchy there.
Where to after the Ptolemaioi are all dead? East or West or North?
Hooahguy
12-03-2007, 02:26
https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8218/maa844xq6.png
in the middle of this picture, right under Demetrias, theres something which looks like a face which is sticking its tongue out, with long hair!
was it intentional?
btw, great update- i was on the edge of my seat!
White_eyes:D
12-03-2007, 02:42
Perhaps due to the vast amount of trade passing through the region or maybe by enemy sceming, the land of Phoinike suffers a plague. Blaming the Ptolemaioi for the plague, Aristotelis manages to sneak some infected spies and merchants into Edessa, the new Ptolemaic capital, to return the favor:
Marcus your the man:2thumbsup: using the Plague on those accursed Ptolemaioi
Kept going because those Kast-Hadast are pushovers when compared to Ptolemaioi.
P.S. weird how your walls were wood guess Bug??:oops:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-03-2007, 03:10
The weird face is the rebel banner over Korinthos. I'd never seen that one before, a gorgon or something. I believe Teleklos made all of the rebel banners. It is nice to add variety amoungst the rebels.
I managed to take that plague to Edessa, Seleukeia, Susa, and Ekbatana. I had three spies in the town at the time the plague started and wanted to use the oppertunity to decrease the population of my neighbors. :skull:
It seems that all stone walls that are built by Western Greeks factions (or maybe only Makedonia) are not actually upgrading in the battle map. This must just be in my game and was something that was fixed at the last minute before the release or I would have heard of it before now. Large stone walls show up, so I may have to upgrade the walls in all of my border towns just to keep them from being easy to take.
As to where to go next, Demetrios takes a couple years off before that decision is made for him...
Hooahguy
12-03-2007, 03:15
The weird face is the rebel banner over Korinthos. I'd never seen that one before, a gorgon or something. I believe Teleklos made all of the rebel banners. It is nice to add variety amoungst the rebels.
*breaths a sigh of relief*
ok. startled me too see that at first! :laugh4:
Awesome! Finish them off, Marcus, they're down to 4 territories! Hehe... wonder what Chirurgeon will say after you've destroyed them. Maybe he'll wipe out Makedonia in his campaign just to spite you. :laugh4:
looking good, I remember now what made me stop playing my Mak campaign, it was because after eevery few battles it would crash to the desktop, it would only happen once but i would have to play the entire battle again, which really pisses me off, especially if i was in your place playing these big battles.
Where to after the Ptolemaioi are all dead? East or West or North?
Yes. :beam: :sweatdrop:
Looks cool MAA. The revolt in Hellas is a neat piece of roleplaying, I might do that sometime too.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-03-2007, 07:45
Chirurgeon can kill off the Makedonians if he wants. The Makedonian throne in the hands of an idiot (the AI) deserves to fall!
looking good, I remember now what made me stop playing my Mak campaign, it was because after eevery few battles it would crash to the desktop, it would only happen once but i would have to play the entire battle again, which really pisses me off, especially if i was in your place playing these big battles.
I had something similar happen. The battles I fought before taking Paraitonion crashed as I was loading out of the last battle. I ending up not playing for a week and when I did, I "auto_win"'d those battles. Since I already won them and I took more losses with auto_win, i didn't consider it cheating.
It really sucks to CTD after those huge battles. If it happened to me a few times, I'd end up giving up. :wall:
Yes. :beam: :sweatdrop:
Looks cool MAA. The revolt in Hellas is a neat piece of roleplaying, I might do that sometime too.
I just wish I could kill off the client rulers or have the switch to rebels. The guy in Sparte refused to kick the can.
White_eyes:D
12-03-2007, 15:11
Why not just switch the Gov. to lvl 1 or 4 again? I do.
CTD's kill my games Once back in 81.0 ver I won HUGE battle against the romans toke rome KILLED three stacks whole of italy ripe for the taking:laugh4: but then CTD.:wall: :wall: :wall: :wall: :wall:played again but this time they seemed to go the safe route and bring ONE more stack..... :sweatdrop:
The General
12-03-2007, 18:08
*Thumbs up* again.
Nice job at beating the Ptolemaioi, but what's up with the rebellious homeland provinces? Time to put them back into order with the use of proper Roman ste- err, Makedonian steel!
Oh, and about expanding, definitely west.
Go go Byzantine Empire-esque empires! 8D
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-03-2007, 18:52
Wow, that's an intriguing update! Very nice with the forced rebellion in Hellas, and very realistic as well. I must say I'm a bit worrying for your empire, you have mighty enemies indeed!:rifle:
Callicles
12-04-2007, 04:17
Maybe you could try using the give_trait "Client Ruler" 0 where "Client Ruler" is the client ruler trait. Hypothetically, you would be able to move them then, right? (I haven't tried this, but I'm thinking about it for the sake of role-play).
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-04-2007, 07:21
Thanks for the comments, everyone. :bow:
Carthage is the only real threat I've got, but they are wasting the most of their money loosing to the Lusotannii in Iberia, so they aren't that worrisome.
As for Hellas, it would be cool if reemerging factions worked in RTW, the rebels don't really have a chance, but going up against Kionon Hellenon again would have been fun.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-04-2007, 23:06
Chapter 19 : Restoration and Consolidation
Demetrios was crossing the deserts of Libye, heading for the oracle of Zeus-Amun, seeking that which may be revealed to him, just as Alexandros had done a century earlier. In Syria, however, his son, Aristotelis, continued the war against the Ptolemaioi. There, he was besieging the city of Damaskos, whose sizable Makedonian and Hellene population welcomed a change after the many years of horrible administration they had suffered under the Ptolemaioi. The area had once been part of the Seleukid Empire, but had fallen to the Ptolemaioi in the Syrian Wars preceeding the war between Demetrios and Ptolemai, and had come to hate their Ptolemaic overlords.
Coming down from Assyria, General Boutrys Andriakeios moved to attack Aristotelis in the desert east of the town:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2241/maa845nv0.png
At first, Boutrys takes his time and slowly marches forward, but once in range of the Makedonian archers, he charges:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5739/maa847om8.png
It seemed like a suicidal move, to charge the line of sarrisas, but it someone succeeded. Boutrys pushed his way through the line, completely disorganizing the Pezhetairoi:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8075/maa848em8.png
His success didn't last, though. Failing to pull out in time, Boutrys Andriakeios fell dead on that field. His remaining pikemen stood their ground as they moved to engage the Pezhetairoi. Meanwhile, the reinforcements from Damaskos arrive under a rain of arrows:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9286/maa849qm9.png
Once again, the Pezhetairoi faced off against units of well armored Ptolemaic Thorakitai:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/3397/maa851hg1.png
Circling around the rear, in their customary style, the Thrakians flank the enemy and open fire on them from behind with their javelin...
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5940/maa850dm4.png
...then charge in and cut the Thorakitai to pieces:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4926/maa852ep3.png
With that, the Ptolemaioi broke and fled. Although, most fell dead under the rain of Kretan arrows:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2996/maa855fr8.jpg
Far off to the west, the 'rebel' army of Hellene allies (mast from Lesbos and Pergamon, territories that were still semi-autonomous portions of the Makedonian Empire) finally arrived at the city of Kyrene. Seeking to restore the honor of Hellenes and Ionions, they attack the city start off. The gates of which are sabataged by the residents, allowing easy entrance:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8668/maa857lv7.png
The Hellenic Hoplitai march through the streets, proudly reclaiming the town for Makedonia:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/412/maa859qh2.png
Though proud, the Hoplitai are soon countered, by the Qarthadastim elite pikemen:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4347/maa860xv7.png
Forming up in a phalanx, the Hoplitai show the Africans only a wall of shields and spears:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8120/maa861kc7.png
Circling around the rear of the Africans, Captain Marsias leads the cavalry in a pincer attack:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1452/maa862yo6.png
The battle lasts for what seemed like hours, as the Hoplitai slowly wear down the Africans:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5938/maa863jm8.png
Finally, as the last African dies, the Hoplitai regroup and take note of their losses. Killing the Africans cost them many men, including Captain Marsias, but at least the Qarthadastim Captain Chaeremon fell, as well.
As the Hoplitai had fought, the levy Hoplitai had managed to circle around the town and flank the rest of the Kart-Hadast forces in the center of the town. After a short rest, both the Hoplitai and the levy Hoplitai charge the center of the town and surround the remain elite Africans:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8286/maa866ku9.png
Costing the lives of many Hellenes, the Africans are finally pushed into a small area and begin the fall:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/950/maa867fm8.png
As the sun sets, the Hellenes are forced to withdraw [stupid battle timer]:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4089/maa868ew0.jpg
However, the next day they attack the city once again and retake the region for Makedonia [a little bit of cheating there]:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8666/maa869ds9.jpg
After a nice period of rest lasting more than a year, the Hai once again attack Captain Aristokles and attempt to retake the Lake Van region:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7975/maa870jo7.png
The Dacio-Thrakians and steppe horsemen launch their standard attack of allowing half the enemy across before charging in and surrounding them:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6561/maa871tg4.png
Fighting more agressively than normal, the Dacio-Thrakians push their way across the bridge and kill the Hai before they can even cross:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1377/maa872ho2.png
Word once again goes across the Makedonian Empire about the bravery of Captain Aristokles and the Dacio-Thrakians:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9618/maa873bo9.jpg
Word also reaches Pella of the completion of new mine shafts in several locations from Ionia to Kappadokia. Seeking money to fund the Aigyptos War, Demetrios had ordered these mines upgraded years earlier. Now, as the war winded down, they were finally opened for use. Though late, the increased income is greatly welcomed in the Makedonian treasury:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5906/maa875ro8.jpg
To the south, Neokles, son of Aristotelis comes of age. The child had long worried Demetrios. He worried what the fate of his Empire would be in the hands of such a man. After coming of age, Neokles still seemed less than the perfect leader. His only talent was his way with the people, perhaps that would suit him well. Seeking to increase his son's skills, Aristotelis ordered Neokles to continue his training and education in Antiocheia:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4266/maa874bn6.jpg
Around this time, the plague in Phoinike spreads to Damaskos (though it may have spread from Phoinike to Edessa to Damaskos):
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5848/maa856ro4.png
Fortunately Aristotelis and his army had left the city a few seasons earlier, heading south to finish off one remaining Ptolemaic stronghold in Sinai:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5931/maa876dl8.png
And in Hellas, Perseus and Chrysoloras had managed to establish control of Aitolia and Attike, officially integrating them into the Makedonian Empire. With those regions controlled, they headed toward rebelling City States in the rest of Hellas. After defeating the army of Elis, Perseus besieges the city of Korinthos. Chrysoloras then moved his army from Athenai to Eubolia:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1/maa877ee7.png
Before leaving Athenai, however, Chrysoloras orders the restoration of the great festivals of Athenai. The city of Athenai had suffered greatly since the time of Alexandros and only minor state monitored festivals had been permitted under Makedonian-friendly tyrants, but Chrysoloras promised the people of Athenai a new age of peace and prosperity under Makedonian rule. He also planned for the expansion of the Athenai library:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1231/maa887tb2.png
To the south, in Libye, Demetrios had finally arrived at Ammonion only to find the remnants of dozens of Ptolemaic armies taking up refuge there:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2637/maa878yu8.png
It seemed that every army that had not been wiped out in the entire Aigyptos conquest had eventually found its way to Ammonion. Promising quarter to all Ptolemaic soldiers, Demetrios offers to not fight on this sacred ground. The Ptolemaioi refuse. It seems that the Ptolemaic soldiers, who had suffered so much against the army of Demetrios were willing to fight one last time for their dead Pharaoh.
Demetrios besieged the city, and thankfully the Ptolemaioi ran out of food before Demetrios ran out of water.
Coming out for the city, the Ptolemaioi march toward the Makedonian line and attempted to find a way through:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7963/maa880ry3.png
Focussing their effort on the center, the Ptolemaioi soon make that hole:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4402/maa882kv5.png
Demetrios' Basilikon Agema, however manages to move around the flanks and prepared to encircle the Ptolemaioi:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1536/maa881wt2.png
Fighting bravely to the death, very few Ptolemaioi are left when they finally brake and flee back towards the town. Many those who remain fall to arrow and sling until just one man remains. The last Aigyptian Ptolemai proudly carries his banner back to the town, falling just outside the city:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2439/maa883vk7.png
Seeing this act, Demetrios orders the banner taken to the city shrine and placed not only as a trophy but as a reminder of the bravery of all the Ptolemaic brothers who had died in this long war.
And so, Demetrios wins his last battle in this long Aigyptos War:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4153/maa885jh2.jpg
The elderly Demetrios then entered the town:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/633/maa886ms0.png
After looking to his men and greeting the locals that lived at the oasis, Demetrios headed to the oracle...
To the east, Aristotelis fights his own battle with an isolated group of Ptolemaioi, ruled by the Anemurionios family:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4482/maa888ec5.png
Aristotelis set his men up along the top of a hill and prepares. As the first force of Ptolemaioi approached, the slingers and Kretan archers kill a large majority. This, however, draws all fire from the forces approaching from the town, who approach mostly unharmed:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5913/maa890gt6.png
As Anemurionios the Younger fights his way to the Pezhetairoi, Aristotelis moved his cavalry around his rear:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1128/maa891zk0.png
As soon as Anemurionios falls dead, the Thessalian cavalry withdraw to avoid the infantry battle. As the forces from the city attack the Makedonian right flank, the left flank moves around to face the enemy from the side. The Thrakians also move around to the rear of the Ptolemaioi:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1900/maa893no4.png
Encircled, the Ptolemaioi fight to the death.
Heading down to met Anemurionios the Elder, Aristotelis personally leads his cavalry in a charge:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/476/maa894cr9.png
Injured from the fight, Anemurionios ultimately falls when a lead bullet hits him in the back of the neck. Aristotelis then marchs into the city of Petra and declared the last Ptolemaic stronghold outside of Assyria as part of the Makedonian Empire:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3050/maa896qz0.jpg
The war approaches its end, but Demetrios is unaware. When he had first entered the deserts, Ptolemai were still in control of most of the Levant. Now, however, he didn't think much of current events, instead he focused on the future and his fate, as he planned to met with the oracle of Zeus-Amun at Ammonion:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4049/maa884sb6.png
Although Demetrios had met with many other oracles, this particular oracle was particularly famous because of a past visitor. Though Demetrios didn't expect the same news Alexandros had gotten, he prepared himself for anything.
The oracle's message of the future is relayed to Demetrios,
"I saw a world where and eagle sits upon the throne of Makedonian, and and great stone lines encircle the Mediterranean."
The oracle then shifted to the more complex and several messages were relayed to Demetrios,
"Friends will be enemies and enemies, friends."
"An enemy fears the dull blade in the hands of a sharp man more than the sharp blade in the hands of a dull man."
"When forced into a corner, the serpent's venom strikes the hardest."
"The man without a city makes a poor neighbor."
"The greater the warrior, the quieter the death."
"Fear that, which strikes a friend in the back."
"One battle will decide the fate of the entire world."
When Demetrios asked about his future and what he should do, the oracle responded,
"Water."
"Follow the treasures of your ancestors..."
"...but remember, to achieve the impossible, it takes more than one lifetime."
With that, Demetrios left to ponder what he had heard. Some referred to the past, some was obvious, other things would require much more thinking. Whatever the distant future held, for now, Demetrios decided to head north and back to the Libye coast.
Next: Chapter 20 : Negotiations and Reconciliation
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I couldn't fit everything I wanted into that update, so I'm going to do a half chapter (20) to finish up what I planned to include.
Wow.
Another great update, MAA, especially the last part, concerning the Oracle, it all sounds very foreboding and you have intertwined gameplay and roleplay to a perfect balance.
keravnos
12-05-2007, 00:05
After lurking for so long in this thread, I think that now is the time for me to say "VERY WELL DONE" to Marcus, and return to the shade...
:2thumbsup:
The oracle then shifted to the more complex and several messages were relayed to Demetrios,
"An enemy fears the dull blade in the hands of a sharp man more than the sharp blade in the hands of a dull man."
"When forced into a corner, the serpents venom strikes the hardest."
"The man without a city makes a poor neighbor."
"The greater the warrior, the quieter the death."
"Fear that, which strikes a friend in the back."
"One battle will decide the fate of the entire world."
priceless. Gotta love the Oracle at times like this. It always speaks the truth! :laugh4:
Good Update Marcus! I like that part with the Oracle. Can all these clues hint at a war with Rome in the near future? Or does a Ptolemy end up on the macedonian throne?
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-05-2007, 00:16
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Impressive heap of militia cadavers you left there in Kyrene! That with the banner set up in the Ammonion is very beautiful. And the best is the part with the Oracle, of course. I get the impression you want to conquer both the whole Mediterranean and the old empire of Alexandros. :yes: :yes: :yes:
Btw, is the "Return-Alexander-to-Pella-thing" working? Sorry I can't remember it right out of my head if you described that in your AAR or not... ~:0
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 01:49
Thanks, everyone. :bow:
I wasn't sure what to do about the oracle part, but last night, half asleep and a little drunk I wrote that stuff down. It turned out pretty good.
PS The first part of the oracle's vision, was the oracle seeing the 'real world'. Or at least thats what I was thinking about.
I think the returnining Alexander thing was deactivated, but even if it isn't, I don't want to risk it. :sweatdrop:
White_eyes:D
12-05-2007, 01:49
'Fighting bravely to the death, very few Ptolemaioi were left when they finally brake and flee back towards the town. Many who remain fall to arrow and sling until just one man remains. The last Aigyptian Ptolemai proudly carries his banner back to the town, falling just outside the city':
Ahhhhh........like seeing MY oracle tell my fate:yes:
Great AAR keep going marcus:whip:
I've got it! Friends are enemies refers to the Seleukids and the snake in the corner is the Getai. Otherwise, I dunno.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 05:39
I guess they all do have meaning. I had some that were nonesense, but I didn't end up adding any of those. Example, "It is easy to hate that which reminds you of yourself." A couple of those have already happened, a couple have happened in what I have played but not yet posted in the AAR, and some are just predictions.
PS
I've finished the next chapter, which includes a little story. Sorry, I'm not too good at writting but decided to write a little story since the next update is so short. I'll post it tonight or tommorrow.
EDIT: Wow, page 8.
Mordrorru
12-05-2007, 07:20
When do we get to see the, "Faction Destroyed: Ptolemaioi" sign?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 07:43
Not quite yet. See next chapter... \/ ...for the why. :egypt:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 07:47
Chapter 20 : Negotiations and Reconciliation
The road stretched out in front of three men. They crossed the arid land heading west. To one side, walked
an old man wearing the padded vest he had been given decades earlier when Greek men came to his home
and told him he would fight for Pharoah. At the time, he was clean shaven and dressed as any Aigyptian
would, now he was dressed as a soldier of a Greek nation and had a slight beard, partly due to the fact the
Greeks accepted it and partly due to the fact he had stopped caring about his appearance. He began to
was long from his homeland, as he walked down that old road. Looking to the ground, he kicked a stone
from its place, revealling the damaged second layer of the road. Everywhere around him, the stones were
loose and falling from their original spots. The great cost of a war had made repairing or maintaining such
roads impossible.
The old man thought back on his life. He had missed almost thirty harvests in his village. He wondered if
his village even still exsisted. The tales from Aigyptos said that the dreaded enemy had been killing or
enslaving the entire population to sell them off to barbarians in the north. He figured his mother was now
dead, but he worried for his sister. His sister had been there to see him off at the river. From there he had
sailed down the Neilos to the great city of Memphis, where he was trained. With a basic understanding of
how to fight with a pike, he and his fellow Aigyptians had been sent across to the sea, to the land of Syria.
There, he had charged across a bridge, following the orders of an idiot general. The only survivor of his unit,
he was assigned to another, only to suffer defeat after defeat. With access to Aigyptos cut off, he found
himself one of the few remaining Aigyptian soldiers in the land of Assyria. There, he eventually joined the
bodyguard of a Ptolemaic envoy.
Ahead of him he saw the river Euphrates at its westernmost point. He could see a camp, just on the other
side of the bridge. He knew that within that camp were enemy soldiers, ready to ride west and warn of any
attack. The old man almost smiled. Little did those men know that there was no attack possible and they
simply wasted their time guarding that bridge.
Tripping on another loose stone, he caught himself on one of the two donkeys that walked with them. One
carried their supplies, the other an assortment of gifts, including fruit from Armenia. The gifts were nothing
that would impress a king, but enough to ensure they were not killed by scouts, patrols, and border guards.
It would be a sight to those men on the far side of the river that they came in peace.
As they finally approached the low lands near the river, the old man could see commotion on the far side, for
they were unaccustomed to visitors. Not even merchants travelled this road any more. The only people
who walked this road any more were soldiers marching to their death on the western side.
Signalling his bodyguard to stay where they were, the Ptolemaic envoy moved just onto the bridge and
yelled something across in Greek. Though he understood Greek, the old man couldn't make it out.
Ignoring what was before him, the old man thought to himself. First sighing, the old man began to speak,
mostly for his own benefit, "To the north, our friends in the mountains continue to fight off the horror, that is
our enemy..."
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5275/maa897rn7.png
"...but they fail, as they always have and will do for all time."
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2331/maa898tv0.jpg
"To the south my people of Aigyptos pay the ultimate price for betraying the enemy."
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6204/maa899lv9.jpg
"And here I am approaching the enemy who has caused great horrors, massacres, and injustices against
not only my people, but the men we once knew as our Pharaohs. I wish than I could charge forward and kill
as many of these men as the gods permitted. Inevitably falling to my death, feeling their sword pierce me.
No! I am here to send the message of our king, the son of Pharoah. The message being the lowest form
possible. The message: 'We fall at the mercy of our hated enemy and beg forgiveness for the what they
have done to us.' I do not have to understand the message, only deliver it." The other man, most likely a
local to Assyria, remained silent.
Noticing a rider mounting and riding west from the enemy encampment, the old man looked once more to
the envoy. Signalling once again, the envoy ordered his two bodyguards to bring the donkeys forward.
Crossing the bridge, the three men soon found themselves surrouned by enemy soldiers. As the envoy
spoke, the old man opened the chests which were tied to the donkey, and started to present the gifts that
were inside. As he stood there, the old man realized that this was the first time he had ever seen one of the
enemy who had not been trying to kill him. They looked much like the elite soldiers of Pharoah. They wore
linen armor and had a helm similar to the one he had been issued, and he had since lost. Being told that
they would stay in the enemy camp for the night, the old man sat near a fire, which had just been built. As
the envoy spoke continued to speak with the enemy captain and the other bodyguard tended to the donkeys
and supplies, a couple of young enemy soldiers came up to the old man. At first he wanted to jump up and
run in fear, but it soon became clear that the men were only offering him some food. He took the food
offered but remained silent, listened to the enemy soldiers talk to oneanother. Had he not seen the horrors
such men where capible of on the battlefield, he would have thought these were normal good men.
In the morning, several riders arrived, who spoke with the Ptolemaic envoy. Before too long, the envoy
returned and ordered his men to make ready to head back.
Several hours of silent travel later, they made the turn north and started heading for Edessa. Feeling
something hit his crooked old nose, the old man looked up to see a few small white particles drifting down
from the heavens. This was something he had grown used to in northern Assyria, something he had never
seen back in his homeland.
As his thoughts once started to shift to his homeland, the envoy spoke, "That certainly was quick. It seems
they were ready for Ptolemaios V's message and had a counter proposition ready. Next month the four
warring parties will gather and determine whether this war can end."
The old man once again looked up at the falling white flakes. He wondered if his sister would believe such a
thing as them could exsist in this world.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In the winter of 215BC, the three families of the Antigonids, the Seleukids, and the Ptolemai met, along with the Kingdom of Hayasdan, to discuss an end to the war. Demetrios had travelled from Kyrene to Syria, where he, his son, and his grandson negotiated for Makedonia. After weeks of negotiations, the terms were decided:
-The Ptolemaic dynasty would be allowed to exsist in Assyria, with an increased territory monetary compinsation.
- - -The Antigonids would pay the old owners for any territories gained by Ptolemai
- - -The western border of Assyria would follow the Euphrates river, then head directly south where the river turned east
- - -The northern border would be the exsisting border with the Kingdom of Sophene
- - -The southern border would be the desert
- - -The eastern border was not defined by the treaty, though.
- - - - - - (The Seleukids assumed it would remain as it was and the Antigonids did not bring it up. The Ptolemaioi, however, assumed it would be a direct straight border between the areas they controlled, encompassing northern Babylonia.)
-The Ptolemaioi would also break their alliance with the Hai, sign a peace peace treaty with the Seleukids, and become a protectorate of the Antigonids:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6050/maa902xk7.jpg
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9848/maa901wc9.jpg
-The Ptolemai would recongnized the Antigonid claims on Syria, Iuodaia, and Aigyptos
-The Antigonids, would however, allow the Ptolemaioi to maintain their trade colonies on the Red Sea, allowing the trade to pass through Aigyptos
-To the north, the Hai would give up all claims on Pontos and Egrisi while Makedonia would give up claims on the Lake Van basin
-And finally, the Hai and the Antigonids would sign a peace treaty, ending that war as well:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5854/maa903do0.jpg
With that, peace was assured in the east, and the well defined treaty would hopefully ensure peace between the Antigonids and Ptolemai. The failure of the Seleukid ambassadors and the (perhaps purposeful) ignoring of the issue by the Antigonids had left the situation between the Ptolemai and Arche Seleukeia less secure.
The borders as defined in the Treaty of Zuegma (with northern Babylonia borders undefined):
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8229/maa904bmo5.png
As the treaty was signed in the east, the sons of Alkyoneus secured Hellas once more:
https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1/maa877ee7.png
On Eubolia, Chrysoloras retakes the rebel city of Chalkis:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4118/maa905ek0.jpg
And Perseus retakes the last rebel city in the south, securring Korinthos for Makedonia:
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/7097/maa906wo8.jpg
[Thus completing the 'restoration' part of the last chapter.]
And in Aigyptos, the Herakleotikos family arrives from Makedonia to govern the new territory. With government established and military settlements being set up along the Neilos, the Herakleotikos family turns to their attension to infrastructure and bettering the way of life for the common Aigyptians. Most areas of Aigyptos lacked the simplest forms of waste control. Seeking to improve public health and happiness, the Herakleotikos family order the contruction of basic drainage systems across Aigyptos...
https://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4495/maa908jj9.jpg
...and public sewers in the cities:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/620/maa909jt5.jpg
The Herakleotikos family also lift the ban on local festivals all across Aigyptos:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6576/maa907wq7.jpg
As the area begins to settle down, the people of the region begin to remember that the Ptolemaioi were foreign conquers, just as the Makedonians are now. The difference being, that the Makedonians seek to improve their way of life, while the Ptolemaioi simply dominated them as they ruled from far off Alexandreia.
As spring approaches, spies in Babylonia, watching for possible outbreak of war, make note of a new Seleukid battle unit being trained in Seleukeia. No nation at peace needs such a soldier:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3104/maa910fr0.jpg
The known world in the winter of 215BC, at the end of the Aigyptos War:
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6874/hxmak215wwt1.png
Next: Chapter 21 : May Fate Guide You
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I can't believe I haven't gotten tired of this campaign yet. Usually I'm 'running out of steam' at this date in a campaign. But there is still more fun to come. And I did some more 'cheat' editting, like I did with the recruitment in Syria.
Mordrorru
12-05-2007, 08:00
You're as good as a traitor making peace with the Ptolemaioi! :furious3:
(Did you cheat to make the alliance? Normally at this point the AI would ask for all its cities back and 100,000 money.)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 08:13
I wanted to destroy them, but I didn't want Assyria (and Ptolemaios Theron, for that matter) or a war with the Seleukids quite yet. Though, they are no longer 'the Egyptians', they are now the 'Assyrian Ptolemaioi' with new rulers, which I'm going to consider is a completely different group.
Yeah, :shame: I used forced diplomacy for that treaty. Though I had to pay for Palmyra and Arbela prior, then I offered them triple the territory and 15,000 dnai in exchange for only peace (well, protectorate). Since they had about 10 units left, I amagined that they would have realistically accepted the offer.
Mordrorru
12-05-2007, 08:28
When's Demetrios gonna die? He's been here since page 1. :dizzy2:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-05-2007, 19:09
:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
The General
12-05-2007, 19:22
:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
QFT.
Waiting eagerly to see where you'll take the game next!
very cool, demonstrates that diplomacy can be as interesting as war :2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-05-2007, 21:50
Demetrios will die eventually, though he's only in his 60's so he could have another 10 or so years ahead of him. Though, the oracle did kind of mention a few things about the subject...
Demetrios had kind of ended up my Alexandros. Antigonos was Philipos, uniting Greece and making a plan to invade the east, and Demetrios fulfilled that plan. The difference is that Demetrios took about ten times as long and has only achieved half of what Alexandros did.
I tried to add some role-playing and story into the end of the war. And I knew that it wouldn't be too long before the Seleukids started something, so added a little bit about that.
White_eyes:D
12-05-2007, 23:24
'The Ptolemaic dynasty would be allowed to exsist in Assyria, with an increased territory monetary compinsation.'
WHAT you made peace??? lol thats ok at least your the new Pharoah:egypt:
GO Marcus kill everyone make sure no faction goes without losing one CITY:smash: Love the AAR cause your one of the first to play to the point of beating macedon and having a AAR :yes:
Now get to it:whip:
Basileus Seleukeia
12-06-2007, 20:17
I think the AS are upset because you did not give them their territory in Syria back, which is rightfully theirs. Shame on you, you Antigonid pretender:furious3: ! At least you bet the Ptolemaioi to a bloody pulp:egypt::smash::skull: :laugh4:
Anxiously awaiting the next update:2thumbsup:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-06-2007, 20:42
I have a feeling that the Ptolemaioi won't be around for much longer, anyways. They are right in the middle of everything and someone is going to march through them getting to the other, eventually. I think Hayasdan is even heading south.
Alexandros' Empire belongs 'to the strongest' and the Seleukids are clearly not that. They are having so many troubles in the east that I don't think they care about Syria, anyways. Their invasion of India really backfired, Baktria is gaining power and conquering ever province that rebels from the Seleukids, and I wouldn't be too surprised if the Ptolemaioi tried to invade Babylonia.
I haven't worked on the next update yet. For one thing, the gameplay has gotten a bit monotinous.
I haven't worked on the next update yet. For one thing, the gameplay has gotten a bit monotinous.
it appears the Alexander syndrome is working its magic.
(where ppl set out to recreate alexander's empire and get bored after awhile like me :laugh4: )
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-07-2007, 03:11
Maybe its about time I go to Babylon, have a party, get drunk, and get assassinated. :laugh4:
I've started working on the next chapter. The monotimous parts don't start for a chapter or two.
Sorry Wrong Thread.
P.S. Yeah It probably would be a good idea to go to babylon.
Chirurgeon
12-07-2007, 04:45
More Ptolemy bashing I see :( Anyway great job MAA. 8 pages! thats awesome. Keep it up :)
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-07-2007, 22:22
The Ptolemaioi are now my friendly neighbors. Nothing to fear from them any more, so they are no longer hated.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-07-2007, 22:25
Chapter 21 : May Fate Guide You
With Aigyptos conquered and the Ptolemaioi defeated, a new age began for the Makedonian Empire. To the east, the Kingdom of Hayasdan and the Assyrian Ptolemaioi opened their countries to trade with the Antigonids for the first time in many years. To the north, the Getic Confederation continued its peaceful alliance with the Makedonian Empire and gave no sign of wishing to change that. To the south, Makedonian envoys visited the city of Meroe, offering gifts and promising that, unlike the Ptolemaioi, the Makedonian Empire did not wish to exand into their territory. Only to the west, was there anything to be concerned about.
In the core of the Makedonian Empire, the sons of Alkyoneus, Perseus and Chrysoloras, continue their quest to assimilation of the Hellenes. With Hellas seccured and Perseus heading back to Pella, Chrysoloras announced that the islands of the Aegean would also be added to the Empire and this would result in a reduction of their autonomy. Hearing this, the garrisons of the major cities dissolve, forcing the ex-tyrants to hold things together in their regions on their own:
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1421/maa911gv4.png
In Syria, Demetrios says goodbye to his family and heads back to Kyrene. Demetrios left somewhat disappointed, though. Aristotelis' second son, Bykoli, had come of age, but he was prooving to be even more of a disappointment than his elder brother, Neokles:
https://img85.imageshack.us/img85/4295/maa912qy5.jpg
In order to toughen both men up, Demetrios orders that they both be sent to Sparte for military training. This would be the first time a member of the Antigonid family, or any Makedonians for that matter, had attended training in Sparte since Aristotelis had completed the training decades earlier. This move also attempted to improve standings with Sparte, which was neither a client state, nor a Makedonian province, nor an enemy.
Once back in Kyrenaia, Demetrios faces a problem far different. The garrison of Kyrene had managed to repulse a minor army of Kart-Hadast earlier, but now they were planning to attack in force. Countering the enemy, Demetrios marches his newly reinforced army south to confront they enemy:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9241/maa913if4.png
Though the center of the line was reserved for the Silver Shield veterans, near the center formed the ranks of newly equipped Pezhetairoi, armored in chain:
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5416/maa914mj4.png
With the enemy on a hill, Demetrios has his men move forward slow, pausing occationally to test the enemy. Reaching the base of the hill, the Qarthadastism preform a test of their own, only to fall back under fire from the Bosphorian archers:
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6784/maa915ls3.png
Coming within shouting range, the two phalanx lines possition themselves parrallel to eachother and prepare for battle:
https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8558/maa917rq6.png
The forces of Kart-Hadast fleeing back to their city on the far side of the desert, Demetrios marched north once more. Boarding the fleet, he sets sail for the future the oracle had told him of:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5673/maa919kl6.png
Around this time, other events unfolded across the known world. In India, the elder Seleukid Basileus, Magas, suffers defeat after defeat along his Indian front:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4373/maa920dc1.jpg
In Iuodaia, the locals rebel against the local king, rioting in the streets:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1876/maa921xq3.jpg
In in city of Sardis, the city grows larger. With the city growing, the city's palace, where Antigonos had die so many years ago, also increased in stature to reflect the increased importance of the city as regional capital of Ionia:
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7695/maa922em1.jpg
In Hellas, control was finally established, freeing up the local garrisons for other tasks:
https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/5098/maa923ox7.jpg
In Pannonia, the Makedonian Empire had established control of the region and nearly every local tribe fell in line. In the easter parts of the region, however, one Celtic tribe refused to accept Makedonian rule. During this time of relative peace in the Makedonian Empire, one of the Illyrian Argeades, descendants of Alexandros Argeades, decides to let this tribe know who controls Pannonia. Assembling an army of Illyrians, he marches north and confronts the tribe in their own native territory:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7900/maa924nl7.png
Along a road, built and maintained by Makedonians, passing through a draw, the two armies meet:
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3319/maa925eu4.png
The vast number of poorly armored Illyrians didn't quite match the vast number of barbarians, but prepare for the battle:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2867/maa926ep7.png
The battle begins with Aristophilos charging his cavlary into the Celtic left flank:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1778/maa927xv1.png
With a successfully landed charge, Aristophilos takes his cavalry around the flank and prepares for another charge. This time, however, the Illyrians are countered by a force of Celtic cavalry:
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3097/maa928ik2.png
Meanwhile, the Celtic infantry make their move against the Illyrians only to recieve a rain of javelin. Javelin depleted, the Illyrians run forward, breaking the enemy and chasing them down. Those Celts that didn't break are quickly encircled and wiped out. Soon only the enemy general remained, but he avoids conflict, attempting to regroup his men:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1294/maa930ew6.png
[Stupid AI stuck in skirmish mode.]
Eventually, even the enemy general turned to flee. With the majority of their warrior class wiped out, the tribe decides settle down and accepted Makedonian rule:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8756/maa932hi2.jpg
As Aristophilos heads north to take control of Vindobona and his army heads south to be replenished, the situation in Krete turns bad. Deinokratis, ex-tyrant of Kydonia died of old age and stress. With him dead, the last voice of Makedonian support on the island is lost. Within a year the island declares itself independant of Makedonian rule:
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3831/maa933xb0.jpg
Dispite the situation with the Hellenes, all things seem to be going so well for the Makedonian Empire. But all good things come to an end, and so did this age of relative peace. With an awkward peace for decades, the violent Romanoi finally brake the ceasefire and attack border forts in Illyria:
https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6250/maa934fx5.png
As this war with the Romanoi begun, Demetrios lands his army in Sikilia, beseiging the oppressed city of Syrakousai. Long had the Makedonian Empire planned on assisting the Syrakousians, but there had always been more pressing matters. Now, Demetrios finally followed through on that promise, setting out to liberate the city from the city of Kart-Hadast:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3316/maa948it2.png
To the north, the Romanoi thought they were only facing an army of Celtic mercenaries. What they did not know is Nepos, first born son of Alexandros had been preparing for this event. Along the border, he had an army of Celts, guarding the border forts for decades. To the north, Nepos and his sons Neikolas, Gelon, and the ironcally named Pyrrhos, had been preparing with their force of Makedonian soldiers. And to the south, they Illyrian army had replenished its numbers and prepared to assist the war effort. Meanwhile, the new shipyards of Ambrakia had built a fleet and prepared to sail north to assist the war effort.
With reinforcements out of range the Celts decide to fight off the Romanoi on their own:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8688/maa935tq3.png
Exiting for the sides of the fort...
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8139/maa936fl6.png
...the infanty form up on the right while the cavalry set up on the left:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/904/maa937hk6.png
[I love that picture. Thanks to Goth for the skies!]
The infantry attempt to form a line, but before they can get into possition, the Romanoi send their heavy cavalry forward:
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9194/maa938wl1.png
The elite heavy cavalry of the Romanoi are no challenge of the Celts, as they cut them to pieces, forcing them to flee. Once again reforming the line, the infantry prepared for the main battle. Meanwhile, the Celtic cavarly clash with the Romanoi medium cavalry behind the Romanoi lines:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9140/maa939jf7.png
Regrouped, the Romanoi heavy cavalry charge once more, assisted by Romanoi fighting as Hoplitai:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7392/maa940rd6.png
After the Romanoi heavy cavalry brake once again, there is another pause in the battle. This short pause is then followed by a charge by the entire Romanoi line. Facing the superior number of Celts, the Romanoi unts brake one at a time until only one unit of elite infantry remains:
https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1977/maa943or1.png
The fight lasts quite some time, giving time for the bulk of the Romanoi to escape, but eventually the elites brake as well:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4889/maa945du3.png
Chasing the Romanoi into the forests, the Celtic infantry surround a group of elites, but the clash costs more Celtic lives than Romanoi:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8348/maa946ob7.png
With that, the Celts had heroically defended the borders of the Makedonian Empire:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6037/maa947sr0.jpg
With war in the north, Demetrios hastens his assualt on Syrakousai. Hiring mercenaries from Italia to do the fighting, Demetrios attacks the city garrison:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/79/maa950zu1.png
The siege doesn't get off to a good start, though, as one of the two siege towers bursts into flames before reaching the wall:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/691/maa951dg7.png
However, the other tower easily takes the walls and gateway. As the forces of Makedonia enter the city, not only do the tower defenders surrender, but they also started firing at the Kart-Hadast garrison, fighting for Makedonia:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8183/maa952tb1.png
With the walls lost, the Kart-Hadast forces retreat to the town center and prepare to defend the city palace:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8682/maa956wj6.png
[The guy right next to the officer is thinking, "Haha, my spear is bigger than everyone elses."]
Charging in from both sides, the Italians surround the city defenders:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4218/maa958lg8.png
Fighting as hard as they could the Kart-Hadast forces get wiped out. Eventually only one African remains:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2250/maa959ya6.png
With his death, the city is taken:
https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6135/maa960ml8.jpg
Finally, after decades of fighting on their own against the Kart-Hadast war machine, Syrakousai is rescued. Demetrios quickly sets up a military system to take advantage of the large population of Hellenes, so that they might defend themselves. Greeted as liberators, the Makedonian army marches into the city, but they have little time to enjoy celebrations. Sparing no time, Demetrios leaves the town in the hands of the mercenaries and moved against the rest of Qarthadastism Sikilia:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5900/maa962jm9.png
The known world in 213BC:
https://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7262/hxmak213ff2.png
Next: Chapter 22 : Sikilia
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Now you know of the red monotony I spoke. I call them the "Extraordinarii". I know not this "Roma" of which you speak, Italia seems to be control by a nation called "Extraordinarii".
Chirurgeon
12-07-2007, 23:09
This is a feverish pace of updates! It saddens me to see the Kart Hadastim in battle. Even more when they lose. I so miss them! Anyway keep up the excellent updates!
Mordrorru
12-07-2007, 23:14
So...how many turns did peace last until the western factions went to war with you?
The General
12-07-2007, 23:52
Oooh, interesting. Your empire's indeed seeming to become the Byzantine Empire-lookalike, now that you're gun' conquer Kart-Hadast+Rome (/Vandal Kingdom+East Gothic Kingdom). IF you intend to conquer them, that is, of course. :p
Anyway, nice update once again.
Callicles
12-08-2007, 00:16
Speaking of, is your capital still Pella?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-08-2007, 00:30
Thanks for the comments.
Since I'm a fan of the Romani, I've never really like the Carthaginians. This campaign's experiences have really reinforced that opinion, too. I've never even played a Carthaginian campaign more than two or three turns.
I was at peace (never with Kart-Hadast) for about 5-8 turns. I think it was the AI hardcoding forcing 'Total War' that caused the Romani to attack.
The Romani have started their trek north (at least they are going through Gaul), so there is only one way to stop them from expanding. Nepos Argeades is well prepared for an invasion of Italia. As for Carthage, I'm not sure I want a poorly defendable desert yet.
My capital is still Pella, though Antiocheia is definately a close second, in the role-playing department. Antiocheia is where Demetrios was in the Pontic War and where Aristotelis (the heir) is now.
Nice AAR... i love to read your updates :yes:
Just a question: do you use any AI/formations mod or the standard from EB?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-08-2007, 19:30
Nope, no minimods of any kind. I've done a couple hand edits since I started but those have been restricted to stuff like recruitment changes.
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-08-2007, 21:27
Chapter 22 : Sikilia
With a war with the Romanoi dominating Makedone interest, Demetrios attempts to conquer all of Sikilia quickly to prevent another multi-front war. The fact that Kart-Hadast and the Romanoi are allied makes the task much easier, seeing as the Kart-Hadast have left the island lightly garrisoned and sent all of their forces of to Iberia, where they were currently murdering Iberians and Hellenic colonists alike.
Besieging the Kart-Hadast colony of Lilbeo, Demetrios is confronted with Kart-Hadast reinforcements from Messana:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9207/maa963lr7.png
Demetrios possitions his main battle line to confront the reinforcements from Messana, while he moves his Hetairoi and Basilikon Agema to defend the rear from any forces sallying out of the city of Lilbeo:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9609/maa965fl8.png
As the Kart-Hadast reinforcements come into range, the Bosphorians let loose their arrows:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9623/maa964ev3.png
Under fire, the Kart-Hadast elites charge forward and engage the phalangite line:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7483/maa966gx2.png
To the rear, the forces from Lilbeo charge the Basilikon Agema, but as soon as the battle is engaged the enemy general breaks off with his cavalary:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8461/maa967po1.png
Maneuvering between the two battles, the Kart-Hadast general charges the Makedone missile troops. Falling back to a grove of trees, the Bosphorians move to engage the cavalry while the slingers retreat:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/596/maa968vf4.png
The move was a excellent maneuver, but the Kart-Hadast general overestimated his men and underestimated the Basilikon Agema. Soon, the engaged general finds himself pinned in, as the Basilikon Agema charges from behind. With their general dead, the remaining Kart-Hadast forces begin to withdraw and are chased from the field of battle:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5756/maa970sn3.jpg
Demetrios enslaves a portion of the Phoenician population of Lilbeo and quickly sets up military control. Once relative control is established, Demetrios once again leaves a garrison of mercenaries and moves eastward to defeat the last of the Kart-Hadast strongholds on the island.
Demetrios always had on his mind that he had to hurry and defeat the forces of Kart-Hadast. The Makedonian Empire has to focus all of its efforts on the Romanoi, who were quickly becoming one of the most advanced nations on the Mesogeios:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6132/maa971ys1.jpg
As the war between the stongest nation on the eastern Mesogeios and the two nations of the western Mesogeios began to heat up, rebellions still plagued regions where old client kingdoms were now being integrated into the Makedonian Empire. The long leaderless Kingdom of Tylis saw what was going on in Hellas and officially cut all connections with the Makedonian Empire. Seeing this as a hostile move, Perseus ordered that the Byzantion garrison to counter the little kingdom. Striking out with a small force, Aristonos Metropolites, son of Byzantion's governor, attacks the city of Tylis in order to reintegrate it into the empire:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2109/maa972qb5.png
To the south, Chrysoloras lands men on Krete, to retake the rebelling island. He is immediately countered by an army of levy Kretan archers. Facing off against the enemy army, Chrysoloras retakes the island for Makedonia:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2892/maa973ym1.png
[I thought I was going to loose against them when I autocalculated, but I won. I was so suprised I forgot to take a picture of the results.]
With his father in Sikilia, chasing his fate, and the sons of Alkyoneus dealling with rebellions, Aristotelis begins to assume more administrative powers as heir to the throne. As Aristotelis ruled the Empire in his father's stead, he left management of distant areas to he local governors, usually his distant relatives. Managing from Antiocheia, Aristotelis had direct control of Anatolia, Aigyptos, and the Levant, with indirect control over Makedonia, Thrakia, Hellas, and Illyria. Being in the eastern regions for so long began to influence him.
After the establishment of Alexandros' empire, colonies had been set up for Makedones and Hellenes. The Makedonian Empire had done this as well, in order to establish control of places by inserting a loyal populace, but the Seleukids and Ptolemaioi had taken it one step further. In the east, land was granted to soldiers in exchange for military service in times of crisis. Many of these settled men were now serving the Makedonian Empire as Deuteroi or Pezhetairoi, but the system itself had collapsed. Seeking to return the system of indepted soldiers to the eastern regions, Aristotelis revived and reformed the old Seleukid system:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9002/maa975nt5.jpg
Though it will take time, Aristotelis starts granting lands in Anatolia, Syria, and Aigyptos to soldiers who will fight when called upon and whose children would continue the system after their death. Fighting either as phalangitai or peltastai, the main unit of the system was the Klerouchoi Phalangitai:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4993/maa976od4.jpg
Speading from the Seleukids to the eastern parts of the empire, the system soon starts to spread into regions nearer Makedonia.
As Demetrios marches against the last of the Kart-Hadastism forces in Sikilia, Nepos marches into Romani territory, where he is countered by General Sextvs Cornelivs Blasio:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5295/maa977dh6.png
Taking up a possition on a hill, Nepos and his army made quick work of the exhausted Romani forces, killing Sextvs Cornelivs Blasio in the process:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7148/maa980kt0.jpg
Back in Sikilia, Demetrios is finally confronted in open battle again. There, he faces three small Kart-Hadast armies on the plains near the sea:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2687/maa981kz1.png
With ash falling from the sky, the first Kart-Hadast army moves forward:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6382/maa982xo7.png
Charging forward, the Hellenic Hoplitai (in service of the Kart-Hadast) surprisingly breach the sarrisa line:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2015/maa983wh3.png
Even with their success they soon brake, however, and are chased down by the Hetairoi. Regrouping just in time, the Hoplitai counter the Hetairoi charge...
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2703/maa984ga9.png
...but they are no match for the heavy cavalry:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9321/maa985pg7.png
The Hetairoi chase down the last Hoplitai as the second Kart-Hadast army charges the Makedone battle line:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/987/maa986oj5.png
The Africans soon push through the line, as well. With the battle line in trouble, the Basilikon Agema circled around the flanks and attack the engaged Africans:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9232/maa987oq2.png
The Africans soon retreat, but the the third Kart-Hadast army arrives before the Makedones can rest. Preparing to face them, the Basilikon Agema forms a line and braces themselves:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6912/maa988jj1.png
The fight doesn't last long. It ends as the Kart-Hadast turn and run:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9395/maa989to0.png
Chasing the enemy from the field, the Makedone phalangitai march forward to take the last Kart-Hadast stronghold on the island:
https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2215/maa990xw9.png
Almost no Kart-Hadast soldiers survive the day:
https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6060/maa991lm5.jpg
The known world in 212BC:
https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7517/hxmak212xz3.png
Next: Chapter 23 : The Extraordinarii Romani War (Part I)
The General
12-08-2007, 21:50
Next: Chapter 23 : The Extraordinarii Romani War (Part I)
You have just got to love the Pedites-spam, now don't'cha? :p
Anyway, nice update, and good progress at liberating Sicily from the Qarthadastim.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-08-2007, 22:23
Very nice update! I thought the Maks don't get Klerouchoi Phalangitai? Or did you cheat?
Extraordinarii
What are the tags for crossed out?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-09-2007, 00:09
I'm fighting Pedites assisted by Triarii and Peltastai. :wall:
I'm thinking of just removing all the Extraordinarii from the recruitment in the EDB so I can fight some Romans.
Makedonia has the Klerouchoi Phalangitai, in fact I think they even have their own skin. The only way to get them, however, is to bribe them from another nation.
[ S ]Extraordinarii[ /S ] = Extraordinarii
I'm fighting Pedites assisted by Triarii and Peltastai. :wall:
I'm thinking of just removing all the Extraordinarii from the recruitment in the EDB so I can fight some Romans.
Makedonia has the Klerouchoi Phalangitai, in fact I think they even have their own skin. The only way to get them, however, is to bribe them from another nation.
[ S ]Extraordinarii[ /S ] = Extraordinarii
any idea's on how to add them to the military colony building as recruitable? :juggle2:
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-09-2007, 00:20
This is the code I used:
apoikia requires factions { thrace, greek_cities, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, egypt, } and building_present_min_level government gov2
{
capability
{
law_bonus bonus 2 requires factions { thrace, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, }
law_bonus bonus 1 requires factions { greek_cities, egypt, }
population_growth_bonus bonus -2 requires factions { thrace, greek_cities, macedon, romans_julii, romans_scipii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, egypt, }
trade_base_income_bonus 2 requires factions { greek_cities, egypt, }
trade_base_income_bonus bonus 1 requires factions { thrace, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, }
recruit "greek skirmisher peltastai" 0 requires factions { numidia, romans_julii, thrace, macedon, carthage, romans_brutii, slave, }
recruit "greek infantry kleruchoi hoplitai" 0 requires factions { numidia, romans_julii, thrace, macedon, carthage, romans_brutii, slave, }
}
construction 8
cost 8800
settlement_min large_town
upgrades
{
}
}
I simply added the recruitment without an AOR, however due to the Type2 governement restriction on the 'apoikia' Its not like I'll be able to recruit them everywhere. I also removed the port requirement for the 'apoikia' so that I could build the Klerouchoi Phalangitai inland as well.
This is the code I used:
apoikia requires factions { thrace, greek_cities, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, egypt, } and building_present_min_level government gov2
{
capability
{
law_bonus bonus 2 requires factions { thrace, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, }
law_bonus bonus 1 requires factions { greek_cities, egypt, }
population_growth_bonus bonus -2 requires factions { thrace, greek_cities, macedon, romans_julii, romans_scipii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, egypt, }
trade_base_income_bonus 2 requires factions { greek_cities, egypt, }
trade_base_income_bonus bonus 1 requires factions { thrace, macedon, romans_julii, seleucid, parthia, numidia, romans_brutii, }
recruit "greek skirmisher peltastai" 0 requires factions { numidia, romans_julii, thrace, macedon, carthage, romans_brutii, slave, }
recruit "greek infantry kleruchoi hoplitai" 0 requires factions { numidia, romans_julii, thrace, macedon, carthage, romans_brutii, slave, }
}
construction 8
cost 8800
settlement_min large_town
upgrades
{
}
}
I simply added the recruitment without an AOR, however due to the Type2 governement restriction on the 'apoikia' Its not like I'll be able to recruit them everywhere. I also removed the port requirement for the 'apoikia' so that I could build the Klerouchoi Phalangitai inland as well.
haha! kind sir it appears you have added the last link to the PERFECT Makedonian campaign of mine, I thank you greatfully :2thumbsup:
question about the next level of colony, the bigger one, do i need to change anything for it?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-09-2007, 00:52
Actually, that is the second level. I left the first level unchanged so that it takes a really long time (4+8 turns) before I get any kind of recruitment due to my edit. If you want to have recruitment on the first level, just copy the two recruitment lines and paste them under all of the bonuses of first level.
P.S.
That alteration will make it so that any faction with Klerouchoi Phalangitai (Ptolemai, Arche Seleukeia, Epeiros, Makedonia, Pontos, and Baktria) can recruit them on the second level colony building.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-09-2007, 02:17
~:0 What file is it? ~:0 Export_describe_buildings.txt?
MarcusAureliusAntoninus
12-09-2007, 04:02
export_descr_buildings.txt
Basileus Seleukeia
12-09-2007, 12:33
Actually Makedonians and Epeiros can recruit kleruchoi phalangitai, you just need a level 3 regional MIC in the provinces that the recruitment viewer shows you.
Anyway, very nice update:2thumbsup:
Actually Makedonians and Epeiros can recruit kleruchoi phalangitai, you just need a level 3 MIC in the provinces that the recruitment viewer shows you.
Anyway, very nice update:2thumbsup:
yes but that is only in previously owned Seleucid and ptolemy provinces that had the military setup already, as Makedon and controller of the Makedonian homeland it would only make sense to allow them to also have the ability to settle military people into newly conquered provinces.
just my opinion.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
12-09-2007, 20:56
export_descr_buildings.txt
Thx~:)
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