From the Hindu Kush - An Arche Seleukeia AAR

[Hax]

Since I screwed up my old Epeirote game, I've been busy with this AS thing.

Instead of most AAR's, this story will be told from two viewpoints. Two men who were unlikely to ever become friends.

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Prologue: From the Mountains

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/hindu-kush.jpg

'The mountains were my home. I am called Amhan, the Fearless. My father told me Brahma created the world we live in, he erected the mountains and filled the oceans with water. I have never seen the sea in my entire life. I grew up in a hut in the mountains, destined to be a goat herder later. Until the men came from the low-lands. They took me from my home, and told me I was to become a great warrior, a warrior of the Sreni. I did not understand. And I left my home in the mountains.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/HinduKush2.jpg

'I remember little of the march to Taksashila, except the terrible rains that kept plagueing us.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/Moesson.jpg

'At the age of seven, I witnessed the first death in my life (except for the goats, but they don't count). A venomous spider had bitten one of the men who came to take me. He turned ill and died within a day.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/Arachosianspider.jpg

'I remember seeing the walls of Taksashila from far, glistening from far. When I first set eyes on them it seemed as if Brahma himself had lifted up stones to create these walls, for what man could make such a thing?'

'I was brought to a rich Indian nobleman to live, and serve, though I spent most of my times training to be a great soldier, or so they told me. They gave me a bow, a sword and a shield, and I was now a warrior. As I progressed and I reached the age of fourteen, they incorporated me into a Guild.'
https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/1.jpg

'They gave me a house, servants and status. Everything was well. Until the white men came from the desert...'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/TharDesert.jpg

[Chirurgeon]

I like the feel that the pics add. Makes it easier to see what you are describing. Beautiful as well. This should be good. The second wave of AARs is under way!

[TWFanatic]

Yikes! Spiders! :hide:

[Frodge]

Osome start Hax, Indians FTW

[Gebeleisis]

good start m8 :)

[Basileus Seleukeia]

Oh, finally a Seleukid AAR! I will shurely follow this one. It looks very promising to me so far.:2thumbsup:

[Wolfman]

This looks like its going to be interesting:2thumbsup: . Can't wait for the next update Hax!

[Reality=Chaos]

Nice!!! finally a AS AAR and not just an AS AAR. One with an awesome first chapter:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:

[Hax]

Discovery: The entire Indian state is one big sissy. They just refuse to sally and surrender >.> Very little to no battle pics.

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Chapter I - At the end of the world


June 6th, Just outside of Opiana, 539th year after the first Olympiad, by the annals of Ktesikles Apollonikos Sozopolitikes.
'Enter.'

Rain kept pouring from the skies, and ticked against the canvas of the tent. I looked up.

'Stratege?'

'What is it, speirarche?'

'The city has surrendered...the siege is over.'

I got up from my improvised desk and followed the speirarche outside. Despite the heavy rainfall it was immensely hot. This truly was the end of the world, it would seem.

'Ready my horse,' I said to one of my servants. The Speirarche looked at me questioningly.

Why was he doing so? Did he not know I had no further use for him.

'Dismissed!' He simply nodded and left.

One meets such foolish people sometimes.

==========================================================

October 23th

'We marched away from Opiana three weeks ago.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/RomeTW-BI2008-02-0717-25-25-80bmp.jpg

'I have installed my speirarche in the city as head magistrate, serving as a client ruler while I march to Taksashila. The rain is still terrible, though our scouts report the weather is better about 20 miles north. We are following the great river up north. I have installed a small Indikoi garrison in the city known as Opiana.'

'The river is great, and it flows broadly.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/Indusriver3.jpg

October 30th

'We are on schedule, everything is going fine. We should reach Taksashila before the next Olympiad if everything goes well. A messenger arrived from the west today, from the city of Ekbatana. The Pontic king has been replaced by one more...fit, and the cities of Amaseia and Sinope have been annexed.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/RomeTW-BI2008-02-0620-36-52-04bmp.jpg

November 21th

'I have seen no snow yet, which surprises me. The climate is more pleasant than it has ever been.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Landscapes/Indusriver.jpg

Spies report that Taksashila is at least a year's march from now...or it would be in normal conditions. In these strange lands, it could be more than ten years before we arrive.

========================================

As I said, I had expected more battles, so I have little to really tell. Hopefully Taksashila will be more of a challenge. You can expect more in the next update, I hope.

[Chirurgeon]

Hehe I like your chapter title...has a familiar ring to it :wink: Gorgeous pictures again :bow:

[Hax]

I've read the way you looked up your pics, Chirurgeon, and they are absolutely magnificent. I'm the lazy guy and just uses Google.com.

I'll go fiddle with Google Earth in the morning and see what I can fix.

Now it appears I completely overrated the Indians. I took my best mercenary archers in fear of those elephants, along with some skirmishers, taking a full stack towards their cities.

Feh!

They are just a bunch of worthless cowards.

[Chaotix]

Nice! a great AAR already, I can't wait to see some battles. By the way, what happened to your Epeiros campaign?

[Hax]

Well, I had to un-install something, and it wasn't save-game compatible <.<

[Wolfman]

I hope this doesn't mean this AAR is dead?

[Hax]

By the way, what happened to your Epeiros campaign?

No, haha. I was responding to this question.

That would've been a new record :P

[Wolfman]

Well thats Good. Had me worried and sweating there for a sec

[Good Ship Chuckle]

I like the scenery, but lets get to the action!! :whip:

[EmporerOfNothing]

Great start to your AAR. hope some of these pathetic cities put u a fight so we can see some good action shots.

[Hax]

Thanks for all your replies, guys. Finally, there has been some action! Against the Baktrians, that is. See chapter.

@Basileus: I will try not to let you down.

===========================================================

Chapter II - The Satrapy of Baktria

Winter, told by Amhan

'There has been some form of truce between the city of Taksashila and the white men. Supposedly, the only thing the white men demanded were two units of the Sreni Patthya Yoddaha, so I've been sent away again. We've been marching past the great river, and are now headed west.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Marches/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1011-56-02-01bmp.jpg

Spring, west of Opiana

The white man that was now are new lord met us on route today. His name is Theri- Thar-, Theris Bost-, well, his name is not important as of now. I will learn Greek in due time. He walks alongside his soldiers as if he were one of us, and he speaks with us in our own tongue.

As we were dining last night, he stood up and spoke.

'Indikoi, sons of Brahma, there is something you may need to know. There is a reason why we have taken you so far from your home. Your skills with arms is known even at my home, many miles from here. We are waging war on the Kingdom of Baktria,'

As he said those last words, it almost looked as if he quivered.

'When Yskander came to your lands, he appointed a governor, known in Hellas as a 'satrap' to govern the lands of Baktria. When Yskander, Alexandros, died, he left Baktria, along with several other states under our guidance. The relationship with their satrap, Diodotos, was good, but his son is a cruel and vile man. He allied himself with terrible nomads from the steppes north of the great mountains, and led a surprise attack on our most northern of cities.

Severely undermanned, the garrison refused to surrender, and eventually, the Baktrians attacked.

The battle lasted nearly 20 hours, from the rising of the sun, till the moon had almost reached it's highest point, but in the end, we were victorious.'

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20Antiocheia-Margiana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-01-56-56bmp.jpg

'This is the reason why we fight. It has become evident that the Satrapy of Baktria has become unstable and corrupt, and can't keep itself together.'

===========================================================

Spring, Prophthasia

'We've been on the march for almost two years, but we've finally arrived in the city of Prophtasia, and when we arrived, I saw new soldiers drilling in the city barracks, carrying enormous lances, almost the size of a tree!

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Units/166.jpg

They have the ability to form a deadly line of spears that looks terrifying, and these seem to be a great asset on the battlefield.

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Winter, North of Prophthasia

Battle is near. A small Baktrian force has mustered across the river Farah, north of Prophthasia. My Greek is getting better on the other hand. I can decently spell and say the name of our commander now, "Theris Bostras Nabataeikes".

This may be my last day on this earth, we shall see...

Winter,

Yesterday I awoke with the sounds of trumpets. We were all aligned into battle formation before the sun reached mid-way.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-12-33-68bmp.jpg

The Phalangitai, as the long-spear men are called, were sent over the bridge first. Not long afterwards, we followed.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-14-50-93bmp.jpg

As soon as we crossed over, we were greeted by a shower of arrows. With no place to hide, I ducked and tried to make myself as small as possible, while holding my little shield above my head.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-16-42-68bmp.jpg

Suddenly, the rain of arrows stopped. As I looked closer, it seemed that the cavalry had charged into the archers, making them cease their fire.

'Move onward!'

We started marching, and the sun heated my thick leather armour. Before too long, we had reached the enemy. Apparently, they had their own Phalangitai.

We quickly ran past them while the two clashed.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-21-04-06bmp.jpg

'Steady! Wait for it!'

When we finally had encircled them completely, the signal for attack was given.

Charge!

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-21-58-20bmp.jpg

We crashed into their lines and cut them down ruthlessly, as we had learned in the great city of Taksashila. Memories of practice-dummies went through my mind as my blade cut through the flesh of the Baktrians like a knife through butter.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-22-33-76bmp.jpg

One man just had the time to turn, when I slashed his neck open, and we pushed on. Apparently, the stress was too great for them to handle, and they soon broke off and ran.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-23-17-50bmp.jpg

The day was ours.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-24-23-14bmp.jpg

Very little managed to survive, and they quickly scattered, never to be heard of again.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Battle%20of%20the%20Farah%20River/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-27-00-68bmp.jpg

As of now, the way to Alexandreia-Ariana is open, yet there were rumors of a Baktrian army south.

And so we marched on.
===========================================================

[EmporerOfNothing]

Great update Hax:yes: :yes: :yes: :beam: I'm glad that someone finally decided to resist your expansion (as long as you win the battles)

[Chirurgeon]

1. Screenshots are amazing! So real looking.
2. Realism is nice. Made me feel like I was marching with them. I love the screenshot of the column of men marching down the road. So cool to see your man from distant lands seeing things like Sarissas.

Keep it up!!

[Frodge]

Yeah the screens do look top notch and the writing aint bad either

[Gebeleisis]

great,just great cant w8 for an update

[Hax]

Chapter III - Ariana

We finally arrived near Alexandreia in Ariana about two months ago, and have been besieging the city since.

Before we could attack, another Baktrian force attacked from the south.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-37-14-10bmp.jpg

The amount of men was about even, counting almost 1900 men on their side and 1800 on ours.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-37-18-96bmp.jpg

Yet, they took with them something worth fearing, ferocious and terrible, their armour glistening from far. Later I found out that these heavily-armoured men were called 'Kataphraktoi' in Greek.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-37-07-45bmp.jpg

These men are clad completely in metal armour, as are their horses. A terrible sight on the battlefield indeed, ferocious enemies.

I felt how the long grass softly stroked past my leg, as we waited until the enemy to come closer.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-40-57-51bmp.jpg

The slingers, "sphendonetai" as they are called, were already sent forward to pelt the enemy with slingshots.

Soon, a runner was sent back from the slingers, telling us how the Baktrian commander had received a slingshot to the neck, causing him to die, and we cheered.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-46-33-57bmp.jpg

Finally, the long spears appeared at the other side of the hill. The enemy was drawing closer with every step, and I prepared to draw my sword as I heard shouting next to me. As I looked to turn, it seemed the Baktrian reinforcements had drawn very close already! Quickly, the Phalane- Phli-, the long spear men were sent forward, and we were ordered the guard their flanks.

The white-skinned men drew closer and closer, and when they were about to charge, we did so before them, crashing into their lines.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-49-52-28bmp.jpg

This fight lasted less than five minutes, but a lot of blood was spilt...on their side, at least.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-50-09-18bmp.jpg

It did not take long before they turned and routed, and we cut them down as they were running away.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-51-04-12bmp.jpg

As we re-organized and counted our losses (2, to be exact, both eligible for healing, but were unable to fight for the rest of the battle), we saw another band of light-skinned men approaching, these carrying spears and bows.

Again, the horn was blown, and we charged into them.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-52-28-01bmp.jpg

These being very poorly armoured, our blades quickly cut a bloody swath through them.

As we cheered in our victory, we looked at our front, and choked in our cheering. About a thousand feet further, our General was in trouble. His bodyguard was being decimated. We quickly looked at each other and then started running towards them.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-56-29-70bmp.jpg

Finally, we were there. I saw him look upon us with the look of utter gratitude upon his face. A battle was hardly necessary.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-57-10-98bmp.jpg

The sheer charge was already enough to break the cowardly pale archers.

We looked upon the field. We barely missed more than 300 men, and the enemy was completely decimated.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-59-23-68bmp.jpg

The last remaining soldiers of the Baktrians ran as fast as they could, leaving Ariana wide open for our soldiers.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1117-27-00-68bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1119-08-02-45bmp.jpg

That night, Theris held a flaming speech. At least, I think it was one, because I could only catch up parts of what he said. I believe he said 'fighting for justice' and 'unquestionable bravery'. I almost fell asleep when he suddenly started speaking in our own language.

'And, at the last, but certainly not the least, I wish to thank the bravest soldiers I have ever met, the Sreni Patthya Yoddaha, for they have killed many a Baktrian soldier today, and without their fearless way of fighting, maybe victory would not have been ours! So I drink, to my Indian friends! May the live long and prosper, and live their days in happiness and health!'

He raised his cup and immediately gulped everything down.

We erupted in loud cheering and raised our own cups. The liquid was extraordinarily sweet. I tasted honey, mixed with anise, and I believe some strange fruit. It was delicious, and the feasting lasted long into the night.

==========================================

The conquering of Alexandreia in Ariana was most peaceful. The inhabitants were left mostly alone, and Theris spoke on the market-place, I believe it is called the 'Agora'. I was invited into his residence once, and saw him bent over a great map which I did not recognize at all.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Maps/ArcheSeleukeia-235BC.jpg

'Amhan, I wished to speak with you. We are leaving for the city of Baktra in the north,' he pointed towards a location about a years march north of Alexandreia.

'I shall inform the soldiers, then'.

As I turned to leave, suddenly, a man came rushing in. He bowed and exchanged a few words in Greek with Theris. I tried to understand, but he talked too fast. Theris looked most worried, and with a stern face he handed a letter to the man, that saluted, and left.

'The...Baktrians have moved before we did. They are on the way to our city as we speak. Come with me to the walls, and we shall see what is happening.'

I followed him out and we climbed upon the wall. And at the tip of the horizon, we could see the large pikes drawing closer like a bad cloud.

Baktria had come to us.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/First%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1119-13-01-35bm-1.jpg

[General Appo]

Great story, keep it up Hax.

[Gebeleisis]

very good update ,bravo!:2thumbsup:

[Chirurgeon]

Gracious that was a fight. Phenomanal story!

[CaesarAugustus]

Megas Hax!!! :charge::charge::charge: Those Indians are awesome.

[Chaotix]

Nice AAR! Those are awesome swords that the Indian warriors fight with... hard to imagine anything beating them!

[Hax]

Megas Hax!!! :charge::charge::charge: Those Indians are awesome.


Nice AAR! Those are awesome swords that the Indian warriors fight with... hard to imagine anything beating them!

Hell yeah. I've seen them cut down an entire unit of Klerouchoi Phalanigitai while being undermanned

They had 220 men, I had 112 or something. Man, do they ROCK!

Okay, sleepz now, update tomorrow. I downloaded Rise of Persia at about 11 PM last night, and I've been playing it non-stop, kicking Athenian and Tarentine arse while playing as the 'TONIGHT WE DINE IN HELL' faction. Awesome stuff, I recommend it. It's not quite the same as EB, but it's still pretty good!

[Frodge]

Can you dowload ROP alongside EB cos when i did that they both kinda screwed one another, also great AAR.

[Hax]

Well, I first copied my entire RTW folder (excluding EB that is) and renamed it RoP, so I don't think there'll be much of a problem. Thanks, btw

[Basileus Seleukeia]

Go Hax, Go, fulfill Seleukos' destiny! This AAR is very good, can't wait for the next chapter.:2thumbsup:

[Hax]

Well, there's going to be a chapter called 'The Desert Wars', and you may guess why :roll:

Here's a hint! The filthy unwashed Sab'yn backstabbed me.

[Hax]

Woohooo!

I'm so terribly sorry I haven't been able to update any faster, but I've been quite busy with the bèta-testing of 1.1, and you guys are truly in for a treat when it is released!

I'm editing all my pics and readying them to upload and post, so I'll update in the morning!

Now, I'm off to bed.

/me is in BrainDeadmode

[Hax]

Chapter IV - On the Defensive

After a year, they attacked. We could see them coming from the walls. Even though many soldiers were shot down by the valiant archers, they kept coming, and their ladders finally scaled the walls.

I felt the heavy sword hanging from my waist, and as soon as I saw the first hand on the rough wood, I drew it from the scabbard.

Finally, they climbed onto the walls and they attacked.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-02-34-90bmp.jpg

Although these men were probably poor levies, as they hardly knew how to grasp a sword, battle took longer than I had expected.

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I remember a soldier slipping over his own blood and falling down the wall. It was a long fight.

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That day, we fought side-by-side with the strange light-skinned men, and this was the first time it felt like we were equals.

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Finally, the last of the soldiers was destroyed. The last man alive tried to grasp the ladder and climb back down, but before he was able to do so, we pushed the ladder down, while he was still on top. He was crushed between the ground and the wood.

But we had no time to rest. Even more soldiers were crawling up the walls, and we ran back to help.

When we arrived though, almost all of their men were decimated.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-07-11-34bmp.jpg

When we looked down, it would appear no more men would come up the walls. The last soldiers that were alive was a band of long-spear men, that had refused to run away.

So we were sent down.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-13-58-90bmp.jpg

Although we were the best soldiers east of the Indus, many of us were impaled on the long spears they held. Finally were able to flank them, forcing to fight with their short swords.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-14-18-12bmp.jpg

They were persistent though. I was kicked down by one of their soldiers, and watched him lift his sword to end my life.

I took a deep breath, grasped my sword, avoided the deadly steel, and cut his leg of from underneath the knee. Screaming, he fell down, and I pushed my blade straight through his body, bypassing his armor with ease.

When I got up again, we were gaining the upper hand.

Most of them were starting to tire, and we took advantage, by swiftly picking them off, one by one.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-14-24-89bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-16-18-18bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-16-23-96bmp.jpg

Before long, they ran, and it wasn't until later I found out that at that moment their Lord had been killed.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-18-33-65bmp.jpg

And so, though outnumbered, we won again that day.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Second%20Battle%20of%20Alexandreia-Ariana/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1217-19-14-87bmp.jpg

================================================================

The victory at Ariana proved vital. Another man, nicknamed 'Soter', which I think means something as 'Savior' in Greek, was able to march up to Baktra herself, and win a crushing victory.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Conquest%20of%20Baktria/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1218-17-56-29bmp.jpg

And by defeating them, he managed to take the capital city of Baktra herself!

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Battles/Conquest%20of%20Baktria/RomeTW-BI2008-02-1218-18-53-87bmp.jpg

The Hindu population in the city were deported to serve as slaves in major cities as Susa, Ekbatana, Seleukeia and Antiocheia, names I had only heard of in stories. Apparently, the walls were made out of pure obsidian and marble, with huge houses made out of white glass, glistening in the sun.

================================================================

Autumn came, and we had to march out of the city once again, to join the army in Baktra.

Before we could reach the city, a huge Baktrian army attacked us. We were outnumbered almost 10 to 1, and the night before the battle, we watched down from the snowy hills to the many campfires the Baktrians had started. We looked at eachother, and the entire evening we could not help but feel that our luck had finally passed, and this battle was impossible to win...

[Ayce]

Great update, and a cliffhanger to boot!

[I of the Storm]

Wow, great pics, and an excellent cliffhanger too! :2thumbsup:

[Hax]

Thanks! Originally I was planning on doing that battle too, but I felt even more sadistic today.

Oops, it would seem some pictures didn't get through properly, will fix that now.

[Chaotix]

Awesome chapter Hax, keep it up!

[IndianPrince]

Chapter IV - Homeward


The Hindi population in the city were deported to serve as slaves in major cities as Susa, Ekbatana, Seleukeia and Antiocheia, names I had only heard of in stories. Apparently, the walls were made out of pure obsidian and marble, with huge houses made out of white glass, glistening in the sun.[/SIZE]

Correction: Hindu population :)

Good update :smash: :smash: :smash:

Prince

[Hax]

Thank you very much.

I was always interested how an Indian reader would respond to my AAR, since I truly have a lack of knowledge in Indian history/culture/mythology etc.

[IndianPrince]

No problem buddy,
Yes it is an excellent read. I mean the theme isn't neccasarily 'Indian' but universal. But im glad that an Indian finally gets into a GOOD AAR. I shall be watching this one.

Prince

[Hax]

Hehe, thank you very much.

Well, I tried to write it from an Indian-Hellen perspective. An Indian that gets raised into the Hellenic culture more and more.

[IndianPrince]

An Indian that gets raised into the Hellenic culture more and more.

We dont need ur hellenic culture !!! STOP TRYING TO CONVERT OUR MEN ... :laugh4:

Prince

[Basileus Seleukeia]

Well, I'm back and what can I say! Great chapter, great cliffhanger you sadistic :furious3: :laugh4:

[Hax]

Mwahahahaha!

Well, I've been quite busy, both with Diadochi: TW and Betatesting 1.1. Other from that, somehow, something got messed up when I tried and install it for ALX, but I'll solve that.

[Hax]

Right. This is not dead yet. I will update again soon, I hope. Something got messed up in my old AS savegame, though. HOWEVER, I've almost reached the same stage in my 1.1 AS campaign, so I will continue from there. Some things may be different, so just ignore those things.

[CaesarAugustus]

Some things may be different, so just ignore those things.

Including the new 1.1 features we will get a sneak peek at? :eyebrows:

[Hax]

Oh, I'll try and leave as many 1.1 stuff not available, keke.

[Hax]

Hmm, apparently I've lost all my screenshots, but the outcome of the last battle goes as followed: I got reinforcements at the last moment, so everything went well.

======================

Chapter V - On the Move

I felt the soft grass stroke past my bare back. Some of the longer brushed against my ears, and strangely enough, each stroke was accompanied by the sound of a trumpet.

Again.

And again.

And again...

Suddenly, I flung up in bed. The trumpets were being rung early in the morning. It took me a while to remember where and who I was.

Last month, we had arrived in the city of Seleukeia, capital of the great empire of the Seleukidai. Apart from that, my study of Greek is going well.

The war with Baktria came to a close about two years ago, with the borders being reshaped, and a ceasefire signed. From what I've heard, they have agreed to guard against the steppe nomads from the north, if we would return the city of Baktra to them. We returned to the city of Taksashila as great victors, and were rewarded with a huge amount of money, as well as our own agricultural estates in the country.

I remember very little of the calm traveling by sea, which was surprisingly quiet. Finally, after a year, we had arrived at the port-city of Charax, from where traveled to the city of Seleukeia. I remember when we first arrived. The city was huge, and I could not imagine that mortals had built this.

The first thing we saw were the enormous walls, even greater than those at Taksashila. Glistening like pure gold, we saw their stones from far out.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-22-42-12bmp.jpg

Within, the marvel and splendor was even greater. The Seleukidai were favoured by the Gods themselves, for who could build these kind of cities without the favour of the Gods?

When we walked around the city, we passed a great temple to one of the native Gods, built in the classic 'Greek' style, whatever that meant.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-22-58-15bmp.jpg

Apart from that, the city had hospitals, great schools to educate the children, a huge theater to entertain the adults, and a road that led all the way to the far west.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-23-07-81bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-22-54-17bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-23-12-92bmp.jpg

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Cities%20and%20Buildings/RomeTW2008-03-2422-22-20-34bmp.jpg

However, when we entered the city, we were not the only ones surprised. The inhabitants of the city looked upon us with great interest, as we brought great "elephantes" from the east, native beasts to our lands.

And here I am. So far from home, further than I could've ever imagined. The world is most certainly a strange place.

===================================================

However, eventually we bid Seleukeia farewell, not knowing if we would ever look upon it's great walls again. We left the city at the dawn of a summer day, when the hot winds from the south had not yet reached their full power.

Apparently, we are headed west, and I got a look of a recent map a few days ago.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Maps/HellasetMikraAsia.jpg

I have no clue on what they are depicting, but something tells me it is important. I've heard the officers talk, and they said (not-knowing I do know Greek) that this was 'most important for the memory of Meg&#225;s Alexandros'.

===============================================

Our new general is...strange.

He refuses to talk with any of us, and looks at us with hate in his eyes.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Marches/RomeTW2008-03-2422-21-45-09bmp.jpg

From what little I've heard of him, he's a personal friend of the King of the Seleukidai.

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Marches/RomeTW2008-03-2422-21-33-98bmp.jpg

We shall see what kind of man he is in the future, and I've recently heard of our final destination:

Makedonia.

==================

Mweh, boring update. I wanted to tie a few things up, hopefully we'll reach Makedonia soon (they're about to take them ships from Antiocheia).

Lot's of narrative, something I actually despise, but I couldn't really jump straight into everything. :P

[Chaotix]

Nice update... but what's with your map of Hellas?? Is Makedonia or the Koinon blue in 1.1, or did you just gift it all to Baktria?

[Hax]

Hehe, if I had only done the last.

I'll explain.

When the Koinon Hellenon defeats Makedonia, I always felt they become a bit...pointless. To represent the city-states of Athenai, Sparte and Korinthos, wishing to take the far-fletched colonies, I give them a blue color

This is not a 1.1 change, it's just my own personal.

[Tellos Athenaios]

Last month, we had arrived in the city of Seleukeia, capital of the great empire of the Seleukidai. Apart from that, my study of Greek is going well.

:laugh4:



https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Elphir/Arche%20Seleukeia%20AAR/Maps/HellasetMikraAsia.jpg

I have no clue on what they are depicting


<_< Ssh... Despite what he writes, Hax is actually very fond of that Baktrian blue...

[Hax]

Yeah, I decided to gloat my victory, mwahahaha.

Anyways, I could've sworn I read 'Seleukidai', but I could be mistaken, for someone that never had a study of Greek.

[Belisarius12]

is this aa death

[Ibrahim]

its the AA afterlife now..

[Fish-got-a-Sniper]

Would you mind uploading a save?