Just before i start i would like to point out a few things , i do not usually write so my grammar and sentence structure may be slightly odd , just sharing an experience as i play this game through =) .
my rules are as follows , VH/M , Huge unit size , possible use of forced diplomacy , no generic "cheating" , no reloading battles or savegames for that same reason (unless a crash etc ) , fog of war off ,people would of been aware of their surrounding neighbours/empires(i'm sure not all of it but there is no part map fow cheat) with all the migration and emissaries/diplomats roaming. though knowing where exactly where enemy armies are and their basic size is different , so will attempt not to intentionally "spy" with the fog of war system.
Once an army is defeated a lump sum of money is added (cheat) to the bank .. example armycostdefeatedx0.5 = spoils of war. ( trying this out just to add to the ambiance) selling off captured weapons etc.
Across the Danube
The thundering roar of Zalmoxis echoed across the danube , into the ancient lands of the Getae , known to some as the point of no return . Tribes scattered throughout the hills and lakes , constant feuds between neighbours grasping for power and rightful crown of the Getae.
Amidst the battles, a weary tribe displaced ,settles along the rive argyis . With stories mystical powers that are said to enchant the area , and Zalamoxis once bathed in himself .. many a tale of heroes deeds and gods of old can be heard at the drinking halls ..
Their Leader
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6406/18595419.jpg
Zalmodegkos of Odes ..now in his later years , looks to his adopted sons Dizo and Orles to unite the tribes and rule under the Odes bloodlines(the king having two daughters and no sons). With no better time to talk of unity as constant warring has taken its toll on the region , money is scarce and tribal influence is fading . Word from the south brings a message of warning from makedonia and their pending return into the thraco hellenic south , and movement from the northeast with a relative of the skythians . If no action is taken soon, the Odes may just disappear into the ages.
Generals
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For the eldest daughter(Zia) the chief selected Oroles, a royal member of the Kostoboki tribe , west of arges , a strong athletic frame surrounding the 5'10 vessel , with eyes that could pierce a suit of scale , well versed in the arts of war , tactics , and a veteran of many neighbouring feuds. His marriage was to of been accepted as peace between the two warring tribes , though this did not work as intended. Oroles was outcast by his own tribal elders on grounds of suspicion that he had helped subdue Kosotboki allies in order to gain favour to the Odes .
Now outcast from his homeland and in lesser favour with king for bringing war back to the Odes .. he has anger towards both tribes ,with his now Chief whom was soon to of left him as tribal heir only to change his selection. Holding more influence than his brother , Oroles knows that with the right planning he may restore himself as heir of even chief of the Odes ... many a night he can be seen at the drinking halls. he bores two sons not yet of age.
Disgruntled though still with a feeling of loyalty to his people . Oroles looks to set out and carve his empire , to rule by right of blood as his ancestors once had . With swaying influence in the area , Oroles unites with a band of loyal followers . Information from Diales his spy , tells that the once allied homeland of the Krobyzii are feuding and with the right timing , their wealth lay for the taking.
https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/355/dizo11.jpg
Reskuturme the youngest daughter was suited with a distant relative of the Odes, a cousin to the kings nephew , Dizo the bold ... a general whom hast proven himself many times against the northen Agathyrsi and whos ancestors stood and fought Kerethiros the Celt . As sharp as the end of a flax, he stands 6 foot tall and a build of granite rock .. his voice booms throughout the battlefield when commanding , adored by many a loyalist . He commands the remainder of the chiefs army and now rightful heir of the tribe ,he bores a son not yet of age .
Uneasy of his brother Oroles and knowing deep down that himself was not preferred heir , Dizo sets forth with new if not token blessing of the chief to expand the tribal lands , aware of the urgent need to sway influence his way , Dizo sets forth on a bold gesture to conquer the mighty and ancient foe , the Agathyrsi tribe north of the arges river.
Zalmodegkos awakens before sunrise in preparation for his morning physical routine , comprising of exercises designed to increase , endurance , strength and flexibility , this kind of training performed through most of his life and common amongst the Odes. Though not frail even at 60 , his body is not so forgiving , past battle wounds , long campaigning, and little rest adds to the stress and gives no time for healing . todays routine tougher than normal even in the warm spring.
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/886/za1r.jpg"what word of my sons Tarsa?"
the diplomat and chiefs servant pours a cup of spring water for the chief
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/262/taras1.jpg"Dizo still marches , a day away from Sarmiszegethusa"
the chief begins to cough for a moment the stops
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/886/za1r.jpg"and what of these rumours about Oroles , are they true?!"
Tarsa hands the cup to Zalmodegkos , his hands now slightly shaking
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/262/taras1.jpg"It is rumored that on advice of Diales he marches east to subdue the Krobyzii"
Zalmodegkos slighty wheesing now raises his head and voice
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/886/za1r.jpg"the Krobyzii! ,your homeland? our alli....would he have our tribe hated throughout the land? will he bring makedon to war with us?!.. how does he march !?"
Tarsa takes a step back , his attention turns to outside the window , in the distance he sees a group of birds fighting over the remains of what seems to of once been a cow .. he pauses before answering
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/262/taras1.jpg"he marches with his followers , he... he has taken the remainder of the tribes coffers , he now fields an army that matches Dizo"
*a giant hand smashes down onto the table sending jugs and cups of water crashing to the ground*
Zalmodegkos now lays back in his bed , he recounts the days of the Odes
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/886/za1r.jpg"Only Zalmoxis will know what will become of the Odes . Oroles i once favoured for heir , i shall let him go with this army as a last gesture .. but tell me Tarsa .. we are sure to attract unwanted attention in the south , i need to arrange a ceasefire for now with our southern neighbours ... anyway possible "
Tarsa nods and exits the room , while commanding a slave to clean up the floor
