From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

From Basileion to Arche

ΑΠΟ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΣΕ ΑΡΧΗ

From Kingdom to Empire

Chairete! I have long been planning to write my own AAR, though I've always found myself ending it a few days after I start writing:smash: That's why, I have decided to begin writing a sort of AAR following your advice. So basically, you EB members will work as members of the ''Synedrion'', or the Royal Council of Pella. I will post maps and state every important happenings here, so you will be able to follow up easily. At the end of each post, I will ask for your suggestions, or votes, as for what the Basileion Makedonias should do.

As for the campaign itself, I will be playing as Makedonia (renamed as Basileion Makedonias or Kingdom of Macedonia) with BI executable on H/M. I'm also using MAA's City Mod, Darth Formations and Victory Conditions, all of them mini-mods that can be found at the ''Unofficial Modding Projects'' section of the EB forum. Furthermore, I have enabled the ''shieldwall'' formation for some units (like hoplites), as well as done some minor tweaks of my liking (added many more units to the Makedonian roster, changed some faction names and descriptions and other things). I have also enabled the hording ability for the Sweboz, Sauromatae, Getai and Sakae. For any other questions, feel free to ask/pm me.

May your wisdom lead the forces of Makedonia to the furthest corners of the world (again:sweatdrop:)!

Current campaign date: - (AAR ceased)

Current subject of discussion by the Synedrion

Synderion Ceased

You may have noticed I use the Greek dating system. A simple formula for calculating the date according to the Greek calendar is the following:
776 – CC = GC, where CC is the year according to the Christian calendar and GC the year according to the Greek calendar. This only applies to BC years, though.

The Royal Family Tree

Kalos Demetriou Argeades: Governor of Demetrias
Wife: Olympias

Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades: Basileus
Wife: Alkmena
Nicknames: Hegemon Hellados, Timoros Barbaron, Nikator Pergamou

Alexandros Kraterou Argeades: Strategos Autokrator
Wife: Hermione

Demetrios Antigonou Argeades: Strategos
Wife: Periboia

Baias Kynoskephalaios: Governor of Korinthos
Wife: Aketa

Menephilos Thebaios: Governor of Ambrakia
Wife: Iphianassa

Neikostratos Pheraios: Supervised Strategos
Wife: Apama

Adaios Antigonou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Kaliphana

Priamos Kalou Argeades: Supervised governor of Athenai
Wife: Erigone

Hygienos Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Chalkis
Wife: Tekmessa

Deinokratis Kraterou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: Metriche

Perseus Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Thermon
Wife: Ktimene

Hephaistionas Alkyoneos Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Harpalos Kalou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Zopyros Alexandrou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: -

Pyrrhos Menephilou Thebaios: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Rhodope

Translation of the Hellenic words used in this AAR

You might have noticed that quite a few Hellenic words are being used in this AAR. I do this mainly to give a more ''Hellenic'' feel to it, but I understand that there are people who are unaware of many if any of these words. Here I will present a list of those words:

Chairete (ΧΑΙΡΕΤΕ) = Greetings
Basileion (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ) = Kingdom
Basileus (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ) = King
Synedrion (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟΝ) = The Royal Council of Pella, formed by a body of Makedonians that discuss the matters of the Basileion. Everyone is allowed to freely express himself within the chamber's walls, though no matter the Syendrion's decision, the Basileus still remains the one with the last word
Synedros(sing.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΣ) = Councilor
Synedroi(pl.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΙ) = Councilors
Auletes(sing.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΗΣ) = He who plays the aulos (Greek musical instrument)
Auletai(pl.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΑΙ) = Aulos players
Somatophylakes(pl.) (ΣΩΜΑΤΟΦΥΛΑΚΕΣ) = Bodyguards
Sympatriotes(sing.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΗΣ) = Compatriot
Sympatriotai(pl.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΑΙ) = Compatriots
Polis(sing.) (ΠΟΛΙΣ) = City
Poleis(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ) = Cities
Elephantas(sing.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΑΣ) = Elephant
Elephantes(pl.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΕΣ) = Elephants
Pole-Kratos(sing.) (ΠΟΛΗ-ΚΡΑΤΟΣ) = City-State
Poleis-Krate(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ-ΚΡΑΤΗ) = City-Sates
Megale Hellas (ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΛΛΑΣ) = Magna Graecia
Italos(sing.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΣ) = Italian
Italoi(pl.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΙ) = Italians
Taxiarchos (ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a taxis (military unit)
Dioiketes (ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ) = Commander
Polemarchos (ΠΟΛΕΜΑΡΧΟΣ) = Warlord
Barbaros(sing.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΣ) = Barbarian
Barbaroi(pl.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΙ) = Barbarians
Keltos(sing.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΣ) = Celt
Keltoi(pl.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΙ) = Celts
Galates(sing.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΗΣ) = Galatian
Galatai(pl.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΑΙ) = Galatians
Makedones (ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΕΣ) = Macedonians
Hellen(sing.) (ΕΛΛΗΝ) = Greek
Hellenes(pl.) (ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ) = Greeks. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, I use this word to express every ethnic group that historically spoke Greek and worshiped Greek gods, along as had Greek customs at that time. This includes Macedonians, Epirotes and Greeks from southern Greece
Peirates(sing.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΗΣ) = Pirate
Peiratai(pl.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΑΙ) = Pirates
Strategos(sing.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ) = General
Strategoi(pl.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΙ) = Generals
Eiar (ΕΙΑΡ) = Spring
Theros (ΘΕΡΟΣ) = Summer
Phthinoporon (ΦΘΙΝΟΠΟΡΟΝ) = Autumn
Cheimon (ΧΕΙΜΩΝ) = Winter
Sarrisa(sing.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑ) = Sarrisa(duh...)
Sarrisai(pl.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑΙ) = Sarrisae
Syntagma(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑ) = Macedonian pike formation of 16x16 troops
Syntagmatarchos(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑΤΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a syntagma
Heterogenes(sing.) (ΕΤΕΡΟΓΕΝΗΣ) = Man of mixed blood. It refers to men with fathers of purely Hellenic blood and mothers of non-Hellenic, or barbarian (non-Greek) blood
Oudeteros(sing.) (ΟΥΔΕΤΕΡΟΣ) = Neutral
Symmachos(sing.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΣ) = Ally
Symmachoi(pl.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΙ) = Allies
Symmachia(noun) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΙΑ) = Alliance
Synomospondia (ΣΥΝΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ) = League
Philos(sing.) (ΦΙΛΟΣ) = Friend, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friend
Philoi(pl.) (ΦΙΛΟΙ) = Friends, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friends
Konion(sing.) (ΚΟΝΙΟΝ) = Poisonous liquid composed of a mixture of mandragora and other substances, which causes asphyxia to the drinker. Known to have been historically used in Athenai (among others) as a death penalty.
Basilikos Grammateus(sing.) (ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΣ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΕΥΣ) = Royal Secretary, a man appointed by the Basileus of Makedonia to assist him in the management of the Basieion
Xiphos(sing.) (ΞΙΦΟΣ) = Short Hellenic double-bladed sword
Kopis(pl.) (ΚΟΠΙΣ) = Short Hellenic one-bladed sword
Rhomphaia(sing.) (ΡΟΜΦΑΙΑ) = Thraikian falx
Proskynesis(noun) (ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΙΣ) = An act performed in eastern Hellenistic Kingdoms, where monarchs where worshiped by their subordinates as deities
Strategos Autokrator (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ) = Non-canon title given by the Basileus to someone, meaning "General Who Bears All Power". It is a very honoring position, which grands the man with absolute power over all armies of Makedonia, after the Basileus

I would very much appreciate it that, if you are planning to use Hellenic words during your speeches, you also use them correctly.

Maion

http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...nm_5b98382.jpg

Beginning of the Synedrion, Spring 272BC

https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/...nedrionit1.jpg

Sympatriotai, I salute you. It is Eiar, 504th year after the first Olympiad (272BC) and our Basileion is on the verge of destruction.

In the west, the Basileus of Epeiros, Pyrrhos Aiakides, has taken up veterans from his campaigns in Italia along with his fearsome elephantes and is threatening Pella itself!

If that is not enough, our rightful rule over southern Hellas is questioned by the Hellenic alliance of Chremonides, better known as the ''Koinon Hellenon''. This alliance composed of pesky poleis-krate led by the once-mighty cities of Athenai, Sparte and Rhodos, has openly declared war upon us. Furthermore, this alliance has support from the Ptolemaios Philadelphos himself!

In the north, there is the ever-presnt fear of another marauding barbarian horde. We are at war with many Thraikian tribes, which means we must always keep a watchful eye for them.

In an attempt to empower Makedonian rule in southern Hellas, our Basileus Antigonos Gonatas has taken up arms and is currently campaigning in Attike. His plans are to take the city as soon as possible, in order to fill the royal coffers with much-needed gold. What he didn't count on though, is that Pyrrhos would march his troops quickly to Makedonia, in an attempt to sieze the royal city of Pella.

Here lies the dilemma: what should Antigonos do? Try to capture Athenai, or turn back and try to save Pella from the power-hungry Epeirote king?

Here is a map of the world:
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...pm_64a25d0.gif
The faction colours are not the real ones also, but you get the idea.

That's a cool idea Maion. :grin: I have the map with all provinces and corrected boundaries in spain, so if you like I'll send it to you.

------------------------------

Basileus, Pyrrhos of Epeiros is not only a threat to our kingdom itself, but also does he claim to be the rightful Basileus of Makedonia, and not you! Some of our soldiers have already shared his opinion, if you may remember our last encounter with him, where you only managed to escape in the disguise of a goat herder, ho Basileu! It would be my advice to march north and get rid of this pestilence once and for all, and take on these effete wannabe-powers later!

Basileus, the insolence of the epeiros are intolerable indeed...thou must hold Pella! Levy the masses! Akonkists, spendones, HUNT THOSE ELEPHANTES!

Our situation is grave, it's true. Endure it. Punish those poleis-krate, they no longer deserve their autonomy, a few good strong men would keep them in check as well as toughen up our pezoi.

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!!!

Thank you both, sympatriotai, for your support and participation in the common affairs of the state. Be sure that I will lead our invincible armies to glory again, with Nike on our side!

I will update very soon with some pics and stuff. I haven't actually started the campaign yet, as I am planning on adding a new unit (secret:wink:). i will do so very soon, though.

Maion

P.S.: I'd be immensely grateful to you Centurio if you could send me that map:wink:

Basileus, I speak to you as a friend, but also as a veteran from many a campaigns under your command.

The situation is grim indeed, and no matter how you choose, consequences will follow. While the mainstay of your army is situated near Athenai, and a quick victory against the city itself is at hand, we need to look at the broader picture. Pella can not fall. Not only is it the capital of our kingdom, but loosing it would be symbolical, and break the spirits of many our men. Allowing the royal tombs at Aigai to be pillaged by Pyrrhos would deal a blow to your rule far worse than any military defeat possible at the moment. Further, many of your men have families and friends in Pella. Loosing it would most likely make many of them loose heart and would destabilize your army. Further, having the nobles in Pella massacred or worse will destabilize your rule and the faith in you as Basileus.You need the men, wealth and support of Pella. Letting it fall will make you loose all of them, something that you cannot let happen. The decision not to save Pella, if possible, would in worst cases even lead to mutiny amongst your ranks, something you can not afford at this time.

However, should you abbandon your campaign at this so called Koinon Hellenon, you will leave the city of Korinthos at the mercy of the Koinon. The garrison stationed there is not enough should the Koinon decide to fully focus their strength on it. You risk loosing it, but it can be reconquered. Alas, Pella can aswell, but as I said, loosing it would be a symbolical defeat.

My advice, my Basileus, is following:
Disperse a portion of your army to Korinthos, not too many, just enough that it will hold for a decade ahead. Take the rest of your army, as many men as you can, and start marching towards Pella as fast as you can. Further, use your navy to quickly transport men and supplies from Demetrias to Pella, they should reach it in time to help the existing garrison. In Pella itself, call upon any man that can fight and equip him with whatever you can afford or find.

Times like these requires fast decisions, my Basileus, but finding all these desicions yourself can be troublesome. Alas, a Basileus can only be at one place at a time! One of the most important decisions is finding friends amongst your own court. Your sons and brothers must each be trusted to his own ability and be given a task.

Dark times are ahead of us, Basileus, but under your command, we will prevail!

Socy, my great adviser, your words are those of wisdom and reason indeed. The decision that there has to be made is crucial for the survival of the Basileion.

I hereby present to you, oh noble Synedroi, the members of the Royal Makedonian Family:
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...sm_17a24ab.png

From top to bottom, Antigonos ''Gonatas'' Argeades, great Basileus Makedonias. A man with a strong oppinion and character, compassionate with his subjects and harsh where he must, he has managed to keep the kingdom alive after the great invasion of the Keltoi hordes. He has a personal grudge with Pyrrhos Aiakides, Basileus Epeirou, who has set his eyes upon his crown.
Next is Krateros Argeades, Antigonos's older brother. He has been given the governance of the region of Achaia, his base lying within the walls of the ancient city of Korinthos. He has spent many years of keeping order in the area, constantly warding off invading forces of either the Koinon Hellenon or the Aitolike Synomospondia (Aetolian League).
Right after are Alkyoneus, Kalos and Alexandros Argeades, all of them young men with a bright future. All three of them have still to prove themselves, as they are all candidates of the Makedonian throne.

After this brief introduction of the members of the Royal Makedonian Family, I present you of the enemies of the Basileion.

The greatest enemy of the Basileion at this time, is no other than Pyrrhos Aiakides. He has gathered a force of several thousand men, including fearsome elephantes, and has reached the heartlands of our kingdom. Due to his impatience, the Basileus Epeirou has broken his forces in two, one personally led by the king himself, the other led by his eldest son, Ptolemaios. According to our spies, Pyrrhos is intending on attacking Pella with his leading army, while using his numerically superior force led by his son to guard the passage from Makedonia to Thessalia.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...lm_7aa40da.png

In the south, we are threatened by two Hellenic anti-Makedonian alliances, the Koinon Hellenon and the Aitolike Synomospondia respectively. The chief representatives of these two alliances, is the Athenian Chremonides and the Aitolos Alkemachos. The former is a great politician and strategist, the true mastermind of every move of the Koinon Hellenon. It is known that he has personal ties of friendship with Ptolemaios Philadelphos, from whom he has direct financial support. The latter is an uncharismatic man who has taken the leadership of the Synomospondia through fear, as he commands a great number of soldiers. He and his brother work together as tyrranoi of Aitolia and are behind every military movement. Alkemachos himself has gathered a sizable number of soldiers and has camped roughly 405 stadia to the east of Thermon, the region's capital. His intentions seem unclear at the moment, though there are rumours of an alliance between the two anti-Makedonian factions.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...sm_7335e4d.png
http://img32.picoodle.com/data/img32...sm_59f2b96.png

COWARDICE! Socy, you care only of your own wealth and fortune held at Pella. Basileus, I urge you, DO NOT LEAVE ANY WARS HALF DONE. The poleis-krate MUST be punished, THEIR wealth shall fund our armies.

Our capital is important indeed, but do not be frightened by a few lumbering beasts. Provide us with the javalin and pikes and I shall arm MY OWN household as akonkists and phalangitai. My slaves and serfs are valuable indeed, but the glory and might of ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ is at stake. My men would rather DIE than becoming servants of the babbling Epeiros.

TO ARMS BREATHERN!!! SEND THE BEASTS BACK TO TRAMPLE THEIR OWN RANKS!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!

-Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ

Perhaps you shall restrain yourself from wine, Satalexton, as it clearly dulls your mind. With zealotry you seem to speak about our kingdom, yet behind those words I sense pure lust for riches and greed. What is it worth conquering Athenai if our own capital falls? Would you rather see our people butchered and our capital itself pillaged than postponing the war against the Chremonedian usurpers? Our king does not risk loosing one mere city, but the capital, and with it a large portion of our noblemen. Who then shall supply our armies with men? Who then shall see to at that we have a treasury from wich to pay our already campaigning men? What shall then shall our men fight for!? A kingdom without a throne!? Madness! Blasphemy! (Sorry, just had to) We are not leaving any wars half-done, we are merely prioritizing what is important. And yes, I will not lie about my wealth and estates at Pella, but I detest the claim that its the reason why I ask our great Basileus to act as I wish.

Loosing Pella is not an option, and it is clearly outnumbered should Pyrrhos decide to attack it. You say that neither you nor your men wish to become Epirote slaves? Yet still you want to take actions that will leave Pella burned to the ground and pillageged? The rantings of a drunken madman I say! The only rational option we have is to defend Pella with everything we got. Leave a portion of the army at Korinthos, ship the rest back to Pella while reinforcing Demetrias. Its the only way we can hope to deal with this crisis and survive it.

Basileus, if you do not send relief-forces to Pella, we are all doomed. As for me? I will stay in Pella. I'd rather die defending it than live with the shame of having lost it without even trying to save it. As for, Satalexton, if I survive this war, may the gods have mercy upon your folly, for I shall not.

(Nothing personal against you in this AAR satalexton, mere roleplaying :smash:)

''Fellow Synedroi, by order of Megas Basileus Antigonos, I hereby present you with the military forces of Makedonia'':

''In Pella, Alkyoneus Argeades has been assigned command of a 6.030 men strong garrison, composed of psiloi and some phalangitai, along with his personal bodyguard of hetairoi. The 1.500-strong unit of Hypaspistai is excluded, as they have been assigned with police duties in order to keep law and order within the streets of Pella and the royal tombs in Aigai respectively.''

''In Demetrias, Kalos Argeades commands a garisson of 6.960 men, composed of phalangitai, psiloi, some hippeis as well as his personal bodyguard. The 1.000-strong Hypaspistai unit is excluded from this number, given same duties as mentioned above.''

''In the southern region of Attike, Basileus Antigonos campaigns against the Athenaioi with an army numbering 14.355 men, including his personal bodyguard. The army is composed of phalangitai, psiloi, some hippeis, keltoi swordsmen and an additional force of 500 Hypaspistai, with the task of protecting the Basileus as well as the army's camp and rations.''

''In Korinthos, Krateros Argeades has given command, after the Basileus' approval, of his experienced garrisson force numbering 9.090 men. The army consists of phalangitai and psiloi, most of them experienced from defending the southern parts of the kingdom from occasional anti-Makedonian armies.''

''The above numbers have been confirmed by our numerators.''

''Now that I have informed you of the available forces under our command, I will announce you personal requests of Royal Family Members, who, due to their inability of being here today with us, have send representatives here today.''

''I will give speach to Aristodemos Demetriados first, the chief representative of Kalos Argeades and Demetrias in general first. Please Aristodemos, strep forward.''

*Aristodemos steps forwards to the central pedestal facing the Synderion*

''Noble Synedroi, I come here tonight in name of Kalos Argeades. My liege's message to you is short and clear; he is willing to offer a number of his own garrison in order to further enforce the garrisson of Pella, as well as some siege engineers, surgeons and physicians. Furthermore, he is willing to provide shelter to anyone who wants to abandon Pella and seek refuge in Thessalia.''

''Thank you, Aristodemos. Next, I will give word to Periandros Elinios, chief representative of Krateros Argeades and Korinthos in general. Please, Periandros.''

*Periandros comes forward and faces the Synedrion*

''Chairete, great and noble Synderoi. I come here with a message from my lord, Krateros Argeades. He requests you to give permission to his son, Alexandros Argeades, along with a good number of his own garrisson, to besiege the city of Athenai instead of out Basileus. He reasons that it is of outmost importance that Antigonos returns with a good portion of his army, in order to protect the great city of Pella. The portion he will leave behind is to strengthen Alexandros, as well as discourage any enemy attempts to invade Achaia.''

''Synedroi, you are now aware of the situation and have heard both mean, so it is time to decide. Do not be hasty, neither take your time. Pyrrhos is marching towards Pella as we speak, while Antigonos is still waiting for our decision. Chose your votes wisely, sympatriotai, as the fate of the Basileion lies in your decisions. Let me remind you though, that the Basileus and him only will have the final word. Thank you.''

As commander of the Hypaspistai stationed in Pella, I will stand by my Basileus wish, no matter what it is. Diverting forces from Korinthos to besiege Athenai with a portion of Antigonos army is one that I bless, however, it will leave Korinthos vulnerable to attack from Sparte. Let us pray that this will not happen. I have stationed my men in both Pella and Aigai, but we are undermanned. Panic has erupted in the city streets as Pyrrhos advance towards it has been noted. Many nobles are as we speak fleeing to Demetrias for shelter. At nightfall today I will petition martial law in hope of restoring some public order and make fortifying the city easier for the troops stationed here. I will also make sure that my own Hypasistai will greet any reinforcements comming with boats to Thessalonike. They will recieve what supplies we can muster aswell as fresh horses and slaves with wich they hopefully will be able to move faster as they can carry portions of the equipment. I am, in spite of my position, a mere servant of our kingdom, and our Basileus.

Basileus, allow me to phrase myself properly, now that I have awoken myself from this 'barley wine' a keltoi slave of mine have brewed for me (I swear it tasted like beer...urgh)...

There is no need to pull any troops back to reinforce the capital, the garrison of ΠΕΛΛΑ should be enough to hold for at least a season. Levy a few more of the urban undesirables as psiloi to bolster the amount of javalin thrown and their elephantes shall be sent trampling back to the epeirote ranks, without a scratch to the capital.

Have part of the garrison of ΔΕΜΕΤΡΙΑΣ ready to forcemarch back to the capital within a season's notice, BUT THEY MUST NOT CAMP IN THE FIELD. The Eperiotai must not know of our troop movements.

This elephante hunting should buy us plenty of time to subjucate those southern rebels. Without his elephantes, the babbling Eperios would have to resort to storming the walls of our capital...nothing a few toxotai and phalangitai cannot handle. =]

Glory to MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!! (we should end all of our meetings with "ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!" It's good for morale =])

-Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ

Perhaps we should seek an alliance with the Italiote. Faced with enemies from all sides and her best troops wasted in fruitless assaults on our Capital, the Eperios would be reduced to nothing but a neglegible threat that we can finish off at a later date, using trustworthy levies from the would be subjects of southern Hellas.

''Synedroi! While your flaming spirits and passionate debates trully show your devotion and caring of the Basileion, I must ask you to keep calm. We are the elite of Makedonia, we represent our people. If our people see the Synderion losing their calmness, the whole kingdom will surely fall into chaos. I trully wish to thank you, Attalos, taxiarche of the Hypaspistai. Your calmness and reason in situations such as these are examplary. You too, Satalexton, speak with reason, even if it seems to smolder under your hasty words.''

''In the name of the Basileus and speaking as his chief representative of Pella, I believe the best solution to be the next;
Let us summon Antigonos back to Pella and protect us from Pyrrhos, while leaving a small portion back which in turn will enforce Alexandros' army. We hereby will give Alexandros the task of besieging the city of Athenai and finishing the work of Antigonos. Furthermore, I believe a small portion of psiloi should be sent from Demetrias as quickly as possible and enfore our garrisson. I understand, fellow Synedroi, that this move will leave both Korinthos, as well as Demetrias open for attack. Even so, I believe it is a risk we should take.''

''What say you noble Synedroi''?

''All hail Makedonia!''

I agree, but remember not to leave the reinforcements out in the open while traveling, for it may lure the enemy into attacking....

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

A daring plan indeed, but one we must succeed with. I fully support this plan, however riskful it may be. Things are getting calmer here in Pella. Night have fallen and the gates have been closed and will remain so untill this threat has been neutralized. Some nobles have fled, and may Hermes watch over them, lest they become ambushed by brigands able to overpower their escorts and guards. Supplies have been stacked, the milita rallied and as we speak men are fortyfing the city. Battle-plans are being made aswell, but I fear that only courage and strenght of arms will win this battle. May the gods watch over us.


I talked a little to Maion and thought it would be cool if anyone interested in being part of the "Synedroi", the council, would create a sort of "Character" that they "roleplay" when posting thoughts and ideas. This way we could adress each other with our in-AAR names, and create a more immersive AAR. What say ye all? It doesn't have to be very in-depth I think. Merely name, age and position. I'll post mine right away!

Name: Attalos Aiginios, epithet "Monophthalmos", for being one eyed (Duh!)
Age: 42 years old
Position: Taxiarche of the Hypaspistai currently stationed in Pella, otherwise the kings own. Nobleman and estate-holder with estates near Aigai, former capital of Makedonia. Raised and educated there.

I will speak as head of the Synderion and chief representative of the Basileus henceforth.
Name: Antisthenes Pellinios
Age: 51
Position: Head of the Synedrion (not neecessarily the chief, rather than co-ordinator, presenting messages and keeping the Synedroi in check), as well as representative and personal advisor of the Basileus. Noblemean from pure Makedonian birth (claims ties with the philosopher Aristoteles himself), educated in Athenai.

I will play some today and post tomorrow. Be sure that the forces of Makedonia will prevail!

Maion

Name: Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ - a clearly non-greek jargon of a name =P
Age: 40
Position: Descendant of Mega Alexandro's Agyaspides-turned nobility. Current head of the House Ηαιρετικοσ. Major arms and manpower provider for the Hetairoi Royal Squadron. War Veteran. Extremely proud of his heritage.

Excellent! Expect an update very soon, maybe even 2 today. I have played some and I must say things are turning to be very interesting indeed.

Maion

P.S.: Satalexton, I wonder if you could write your name in latin characters, so that i can make the correct translation for you (excuse me, but I can't make much of it). Thank you for your support!

“Synderoi, it seems that we have finally come to mutual agreement. I will now, upon the dissolution of the council, send our fastest messenger to inform Antigonos of our decision. Before we call this meeting off, I would like to present you with another map that has been prepared to us. This map shows us the most important military activity in Hellas, represented here by ''X''es:
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...pm_55a3e44.jpg

''Each 'X' has a different color, representing a different army. The green one represents the invading Epeirote army led by Pyrrhos. The grey one represents Alkemachos, whereas the red and blue ones represent Antigonos and Alexandros respectively.''

''The numbers of the enemy armies are still unknown, though our spies have made some speculations. They assume Pyrrhos' total army must number more than 10.000 men, while Alkemachos commands no more than 7.000 - 8.000 men. The latter of course, does not pose an immediate threat to us, though that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful. In these dark times, you cannot trust anyone, however wise or kind their words may be.''

''There is, Synedroi, a last matter I would like to discuss with you. We all know that Pyrrhos will have our great city besieged before the beginning of Theros. That is why, knowing that our city may fall, many of our fellow sympatriotai have fled to Thessalia or our island holdings. Seeing that this will be the last of our meetings in these halls at least for this year, unless a miracle happens, I hereby and by the will of Basileus Antigonos himself, give you the permission of fleeing from this endangered lands. I, myself, am intending on moving to a small estate of mine in southern Thessalia, where I will protect myself and my family. I am not proud of leaving my homeland, but I am not a fool either. Nor should you be, by staying here and risking your lives. Of course, I do not want to encourage you to leave your country, rather than give it good thought. Even if this polis falls, it won’t necessarily spell our demise. Our nation is a strong one, we have been through much worse.''

''That is all what I have to say, any further events will be personally announced to you by messengers that will be sent to your homes. May the wisdom of ours Basileus and the gods be on our side, Synedroi. I wish you for the best, and may our next meeting find us all here again.''

*Antisthenes leaves the central pedestal and slowly walks towards Attalos*

''To you, noble and brave Attalos, I wish you good luck, for I believe you need it the most of us all. You have never given up on us, not I believe you will now. Protect the citizens of Makedonia and make sure this Pyrrhos will not take our city. Protect Alkyoneus, for he is a young man with great potential, one that I believe will one day be a great Basileus that will take us far. May the gods protect you and your family. Until we meet again, wherever that may be!''

Closing of the Synedrion

I shall stay D= I have not used this Xiphos for many a years. Antisthenes, take my women, children and the elderly with you, I Satalextros "Zaero" Haereticine shall personally lead the men of my house to the defence of Pella!

That is fine to me, I personally guarantee you the safety of your people.

Btw, about your name, I think Σαταλεξτος ''Ζαιρον'' Αιρετικος would be the correct form, though I doubt they derive from pure greek words. With the exception of Αιρετικος maybe, but that means ''misbeliever''... Anyway you can keep to the one you have, np there :thumbsup:

Maion

''Noble Synderoi of Makedonia, I speak to you as a personal messenger with the task of announcing the latest happenings to you'':

''It has been known that Kalos Argeades, governor of Demetrias, has sent us 4.335-men strong reinforcements. These troops consists of phalangitai, psiloi and even a lochos of their famous hippeis! The reinforcements are moving as we speak in small groups and will be transported with ships to the harbor of Thessalonike. There, a taxis of Hypaspistai will greet them and lead them to Pella. The soldiers will come in small groups, as to try and keep this project in utmost secrecy. If Pyrrhos finds out we have further strengthened Pella, he will surely decide to attack full-force, instead of splitting his army.''

''Furthermore, Antigonos seems to have begun moving to the north with 7,950 troops. The troops which where left behind joined with Alexandros' army who is now besieging the gates of Athenai. His army now numbers 13,245 men.''

''Remember that this information has been kept a secret from everyone but the most trusted of men. We must not show Pyrrhos that we are calmly organizing our defense. Let us hope that he still thinks we are in a state of chaos, while Antigonos moves to meet him.''

''May the gods bless you and our Basileus''!

And so it begins... My family and household have already been relocated to Demetrias where I hope they will find better safety than here. My hypaspistai and myself will be the last to leave the city, and with our lives we shall protect Alkyoneus. I have dispersed many of my men to act as commanders for the troops stationed here. My men are spread thin, however, but each one of them will fight with the strength of ten men! They have been strategically located as to provide as much support possible for the army, though many are tied up with merely overseeing the battle and cordinating troop movements and signaling. Some of my men, whose legs are blessed with the speed and vigour of Hermes himself, will act as runners, directing orders and such. A picked dozen proven men have been chosen to remain in reserve at the Palace, wich have been fortified and converted into a surgeons place considering the tactical advantage of the narrow hallways inside it, only going into battle should Alkyoneus become injured, as a last resort to save his life. Let us hope that when Pyrrhos decides to attack Pella, and trust me, attack he will, that Ares will watch over us and grant us victory!

It was not long before things where beginning to escalate in Hellas. While Pyrrhos reached Pella and was besieging it, Antigonos force-marched his troops back to Pella. He knew a tired army would not perform well in combat, but he had to reach Pella in time, before Pyrrhos took the city. In the meantime, Alexandros Argeades was besieging the ancient city of Athenai, while at the same time he worried about a possible attack on Korinthos.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...gm_093c50f.png

By Theros of the 504th year after the First Olympiad (Summer, 272BC), Pyrrhos was besieging Pella, while at roughly the same time, the Spartiatai took up arms and marched against Korinthos.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...cm_3f51ca1.png

The Spartan strategos is a man named Eudadimas of the Eurypontid family. Even though the army’s numbers are unknown, it is rumoured that the Eudadimas' army is at least of equal strength as Alexandros'.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...sm_f778575.png

A little information on diplomacy:
It has been announced that the Pontioi, the Armenioi and the Baktrioi have openly declared war upon the Arche Seleukeia.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...ym_80a4432.png

Furthermore, our ambassador in the lands of the Thraikioi has managed to declare a ceasefire with the Getai, a fierce Thraikian tribe. Furthermore, our roads have opened and trade has begun with these people.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...em_fa0a0e3.png

P.S.:500th post!!!

Here's my speech to the garrison of Pella:

"BRAVE SONS OF MAKEDONIA!!! I am PROUD of you ALL!!! For the rabble of Pyrrhos marches upon us as I speak!!! The old, women, sick and elderly have fled, it's true. They are safe from Pyrrhos' horde for the time being, it's true. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN IT'S A REASON FOR US OT TO FIGHT HARD!!!! Just over the hills, lies our royal kings of many eons. Mega Alexandros should be lying there too if it weren't for the Ptolemaios, one of the many knaves that tore ARCHE MAKEDONIA apart. AND TODAY, They supplied Pyrrhos these elephantes that threaten to break through our walls!

MEN! We live in a world of LIES!! The falsehood of Alexandro's so-called "Diadochi" threaten us all! TODAY we defend Pella! TOMORROW we defend the REBIRTH OF ARCHE MAKEDONIA!!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

It is at this moment, all, even whats left of the citizens that have not fled, raised their arms.
"ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MEKADONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...sm_07711e3.jpg

When Pyrrhos besieged Pella, the streets of the polis where filled with shouting and running figures of soldiers. The citizens had all locked themselves in their houses, not daring to go out. Pyrrhos himself stood mounted on a small hill facing the polis.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...lm_d9c3b8a.jpg

"Ah, the smell of fear'', he said to his military adviser without looking at him. He then turned to face him. “What do you think, Polykarpos? Will we be dining in the palace of Pella tomorrow?''.
''I cannot say, my lord'', the man replied. ''Something doesn’t feel right. I expected more chaos in the streets''.
''Indeed, Polykarpos'', Pyrrhos agreed. ''But do not worry, I’m sure they are just hiding in their homes. It seems the Makedones are more proud than I thought, after all. I might enjoy crushing them even more, it seems. What about our forces?''
Polykarpos looked at him for several seconds before answering. ''Our main force has remained behind under leadership of Ptolemaios. As you requested, he will guard the passage from Thessalia to Makedonia.''
''Good'', Pyrrhos said, thinking. ''But there is something else you would like to tell me? I sense some kind of hesitation in your words.''
''Well'', Polykarpos said with an uneasy tone. ''There is something else''. He felt the man's eyes piercing him, while he was unable to face him. After some time, he spoke again. ''The Keltoi regiment, Sir.''
''What about it?'', Pyrrhos asked coolly.
''Well, Sir, they kind of... disobeyed your orders Sir...'', Polykarpos muttered.
''And what may that mean, Polykarpos?'', Pyrrhos asked again with the same cool voice.
''They... they left Ptolemaios' army yesterday night'', Polykarpos answered, not daring to look his king in the eyes.
''And where did they go, Polykarpos?'', Pyrrhos asked, though he knew very well where the barbaroi had headed. After a long silence, Pyrrhos shouted: ''ANSWER ME!''
''To Aigai Sir, we believe they left for Aigai. After hearing you mentioning the riches of their royal tombs, they got agitated. Forgive me Sir, I was intending to tell you earlier'', Polykarpos answered rapidly with a trembling voice.
''I see'', Pyrrhos said. ''Very well, let us hope the Makedones guard their tombs well. If the Keltoi return, make sure they are punished severely.''
''Yes, my lord'', Polykarpos said and left the hill towards the Epeirote encampment on his horse.
''Damn barbaroi...'', Pyrrhos muttered under his breath.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by satalexton

Here's my speech to the garrison of Pella:

"BRAVE SONS OF MAKEDONIA!!! I am PROUD of you ALL!!! For the rabble of Pyrrhos marches upon us as I speak!!! The old, women, sick and elderly have fled, it's true. They are safe from Pyrrhos' horde for the time being, it's true. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN IT'S A REASON FOR US OT TO FIGHT HARD!!!! Just over the hills, lies our royal kings of many eons. Mega Alexandros should be lying there too if it weren't for the Ptolemaios, one of the many knaves that tore ARCHE MAKEDONIA apart. AND TODAY, They supplied Pyrrhos these elephantes that threaten to break through our walls!

MEN! We live in a world of LIES!! The falsehood of Alexandro's so-called "Diadochi" threaten us all! TODAY we defend Pella! TOMORROW we defend the REBIRTH OF ARCHE MAKEDONIA!!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

It is at this moment, all, even whats left of the citizens that have not fled, raised their arms.
"ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MEKADONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

---

Good speach satalexton, at least I won't have to write one of Akyoneus adressing his men! Thank you again for your support!

Maion

The Battle of Pella - Part I

Two days had passed since Pella was besieged, when suddenly Alkyoneus ordered his men to sally forth and meet Pyrrhos. It was the crack of dawn, when battle horns and drums where played to wake the soldiers. He had a plan, a crazy one that for sure, but if it worked he could maybe even give him and his people more time. Just maybe.
http://img32.picoodle.com/data/img32...3m_d3e606d.jpg

The Epeirote camp was also awakened by the sudden noise coming from Pella, and by order of Pyrrhos they took up arms and quickly formed a battle line. Within an hour, he could see Alkyoneus’ troops marching out of the city. But something was wrong. What he expected to be a garrison of roughly the same number of troops, turned out to be one of almost double his own numbers! Soon this information spread out in his camp, causing some unrest among the troops. Even the elephantes seemed uneasy, trumpeting a little more often than usual, probably sensing the tensed atmosphere.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...pm_a859d52.jpg

From the within the polis, Alkyoneus could see the Epeirotai standing silently several hundred feet away. He had decided to split his forces in two, both armies numbering about 5,000 soldiers. He intended to pincer Pyrrhos’ army, using one force he would personally lead to take Pyrrhos on one-to-one, while the other would wheel around and attack on the sides.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...1m_41e60ee.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...2m_1541538.png

As was customary between two Hellenic armies, Alkyoneus and Pyrrhos rode to each other alone. When the faced each other only several feet, Alkyoneus was the one to speak first:
“Chaire, Pyrrhos. I see surprise in the faces of your men, where you not expecting us to fight today, or did you expect less of us?”.
“Chaire, Alkyoneus. Indeed, I must say that I did not expect both. But I can’t say it surprises me, hardly it does to be honest. Amusement, would be a more appropriate term. Listen kid, I will be quick. I am not intending on moving an inch, if that is what you expect me to do. Nor will I show your people any compassion. I have ordered your surrender, and the only thing I got in return from you was a dung bag with a message saying that thát is my true kingdom. Funny, I agree, but hardly well thought. You have made yourself an enemy, Makedonian, and believe me when I say I will do the same to you as Achilleus did to Hektor during the Trojan Wars. The only difference is, that I will drag you upon the ground with my bare hands”, Pyrrhos said.
“We shall see, Pyrrhos, we shall see. I believe our little ‘conversation’ has come to an end”, Alkyoneus replied unexpressed.

Both men rode quickly back to their armies, while shortly after that battle horns where blown. Soon Alkyoneus started marching forward, with his men following behind. The battle had begun.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...em_4d13e44.png

P.S.: I know the elephants in the picture are african ones, forgive me but I couldn't find any good pics with asian ones :P

Such insolence and rude behaviour will not be forgotten! This Usurper will find justice at the stout pole of a sarissa, I swear! Oh Herakles, guide our arms to VICTORY!!!

Sorry, forgot to say who I am: My name is Antiochos (yes) and I'm 27 years old. My family hails from the mountainous north of our patris, and now I lead a squadron of the fearsome Hetairoi. My biggest skill is essentially talking our enemies into oblivion. Besides that I never go to bed with less than three beautiful Hetairai. In battle, I like best to cut off arms with my sturdy kopis. Yeah! Long live the King!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!