Opulentissimum Illud Mille Urbium Bactrianum Imperium : A Baktrian AAR

You'll notice I changed the title. The first one was crap.

Some General Information
Difficulty: H/M
Mods: RP Mod V1.1, Darth_AI_8.0

House Rules

1. Cities must be governed in order to build buildings. However, a small levy force of the most basic troops (ex. Pantadapoi [Hellenic Native Spearmen])can be recruited if the city is under danger and no family member is nearby.

2. Armies must winter in cities or forts. The one exception is if the army is besieging a town, in which case it is assumed the army is already camped. If an army led by a captain is caught out of a settlement or fort in winter, the entire army must be immediately disbanded. This rule does not apply in warm provinces which do not get cold enough for snowfall in winter.

In Desert Provinces, armies must spend the summer in a settlement or fort. If an army led by a captain is caught in the desert in the summer, the entire army must be immediately disbanded.

Please note that I might change some small things here or there, for roleplaying purposes (like I really don't know if Diodotus I became Satrap of Baktria in 277 BCE, but in this world, he did).

Opulentissimum Illud Mille Urbium Bactrianum Imperium*

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...iodotusI-1.jpg

Chapter 1 - Theodotus, Mille Urbium Bactrianarum Praefectus**

Part 1 (c. 277 BCE - 268 BCE) - Diodotus; 1st Regent of Baktria


Little is known about the early years of Diodotus (Latin: Theodotus) reign as Satrap of Baktria, and Head Regent over Baktria's Vassal Kingdoms of Sogdiana and Dayuan. What is known is that Diodotus I likely came to power in the mid-270's BCE. Being unhappy with Antiochus I Soter's inability to protect Baktria and her dependencies, he became more and more autonomous, with the final declaration of Baktrian independence coming in the spring of 272 BCE.


A Forbidding Land: The Empire that Diodotus I Ruled

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...iaLandshot.jpg

Baktria was a vast land centered around the mighty Oxus River. Rugged mountains and fertile valleys went off in every direction. Bactrian Suzerainty in the north ended at the Jaxartes River, beyond which it was said dark forests and forbidding mountains were inhabited by fierce monsters, who were half-men, half-horse, and few Bactrians, native or Greek, dared to cross into that forbidding place. It was said to be a land of monsters and legends, gods and demons. In the south, Baktrian influence extended to the deserts of Drangiana and Arachosia.

The great capital city of Baktra (Balkh) was famous throughout the east for it's unique mix of Hellenic, Persian, and Indian culture. The city would become a center of Hellenistic culture in the east for centuries to come.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...7/BaktraSS.jpg

The great capital city of Baktra would become a center of Hellenistic culture.

Baktria, like other successor states, had a professional standing phalanx army supported by archers, skirmishers, and both light and heavy cavalry. This army was under the command of the Basileus himself, and was officially named the Royal Bactrian Army.

Baktria in 272 BCE, had two "allied" kingdoms, Sogdiana and Dayuan, which also provided an allied army of slingers, skirmishers, pantodapoi, and light cavalry. This army was placed under control of Diodotes I son-in-law, Patrokles Marakandos. It was officially named the Royal Allied Army, and this force would be called upon to support the larger Royal Baktrian Army in times of need.

Sogdiana was an ancient land, centered around the ancient city of Marakanda in the fertile Polytimetus Valley. The Jaxartes River which lay just north of the ancient city, was considered the border between civilized men and the barbarous nomads to the north.

Further east, along the Jaxartes, lay the city of Alexandria-Eschate, capital of the Kingdom of Dayuan and the easternmost city founded by Megas Alexandros. This city had long been a Hellenic Stronghold against nomadic raiders coming down through the mountain passes. Few greeks had tread here since the days of Alexandros, but Diodotus knew he must maintain control over Alexandria-Eschate, as it controlled access to the lush Polytimetus Valley from the East. It was here that the newly formed Kingdom of Baktria would face it's first real threat from the north.

The Invasion of the Davan (272 BCE - 268 BCE)

The northern horseriders had long been conducting small raids on the more settled peoples south of the Jaxartes River. In the spring of 272 BCE, just as Diodotus was preparing to declare independence and attack the Kingdom of Parapomisadae, he was informed by a loyal messenger that a Nomad Chieftain from the north-east by the name of Mavakes was seeking lands for his tribe, the Davan, just to the east of Alexandria-Eschate. Diodotus ordered the ranks of the Allied army bolstered to protect the city from this new threat. Parakles Marakandos was also ordered to leave his palace in Marakanda and take up residence in the city of Alexandria-Eschate itself, so he might better supervise the recruitment of fresh native troops.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...7/Rebel272.jpg

Diodotus I, anxious to spread Hellenic civilization to the ends of the earth, had gathered his Royal Bactrian Army, and set out for the indian city of Kophen in 273 BCE. Diodotus wanted Parapomisadae, which controlled the mountain passes of the Hindu-Kush, which led into the fertile Indus valley. However, after hearing of the invasion by the Davan in northeast Dayuan, Diodotus left Parapomisadae and began to fall back into Baktria Proper.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...eastspring.jpg

Diodotus I prepares to invade Parapomisadae in the spring of 272 BCE.


At first, Diodotus attempted to negotiate with the Davan Chieftain, offering Baktrian protection of his people if they would settle just north of the Jaxartes River. Mavakes argued that his tribe had just been expelled from these lands, which were controlled by a fierce and warlike people known as the Saka Rauka, and he couldn't risk the lives of his tribe. He demanded lands south of the Jaxartes, and east of Alexandria-Eschate, to which Diodotus I stallwortly refused time and again. Eventually, negotiations broke down, and Diodotus and Mavakes both knew that only war would settle it...

Meanwhile, Diodotos I, being preoccupied with leading his Royal Baktrian Army in the field, placed the day-to-day administration of Baktria Proper and it's capital at Baktra under the supervision of his son, Diodotus II. The city prospered greatly under his rule...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...aAutumn272.jpg
The Capital of Baktria grew and prospered undered Diodotos' son, Diodotos II.

Diodotus II also sent out scouting parties, intent on finding merchants and encouraging them to travel through Baktrian lands.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...adeRouteSc.jpg

He also created a formalized road system maintained by the state.

Patrokles Marakandos, a Sogdiana native and son-in-law of Diodotus I, was given control of the allied kingdoms of Sogdiana and Dayuan. Trade was encouraged, and the infrastructure of the kingdoms improved...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...tspring272.jpg

In the spring of 271, Diodotus approved the marriage of a young Sogdian nobleman and the Baktrian Princess Melissa...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...sautumn272.jpg

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...asMarriage.jpg

Oxyartes Nikaiaios was given governance of Marakanda and Sogdiana, while Patrokles Marakandos moved his court to the city of Alexandria-Eschate, so he could better oversee the training of the Royal Allied Army, and defend against Marvakes if he decided to attack.


The Battle of the Davan (268 BCE)

The Saka Rauka, a nomadic tribal nation offered an alliance in the winter of 269 BCE, which Diodotus I graciously accepted...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...lliance270.jpg

Having secured his northern frontier, Diodotus I undertook the long march from Baktra to Alexandria-Eschate...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ria-Eschat.jpg

Having arrived in the summer of 268 BCE, Diodotus I and Patrokles Marakandos moved east to engage the Davan and push them out of Dayuan or destroy them utterly.

At first, Mavakes, with a large cavalry force, refused to engage the two armies. Eventually, Mavakes, with the Jaxartes only a few miles away, had a decision to make. He could either lead his army, with their large baggage train, and hundreds of women and children, across the Jaxartes to avoid annihilation by Diodotus' larger force, or he could muster his formidable cavalry force and fight the Baktrians for north-east Dayuan.

The choice for Mavakes was simple...he could have no future in the land of the Saka Rauka, having been exiled from the lands some months earlier. He had only one option... To fight and forge his own kingdom in north-east Dayuan.

Diodotus had other ideas....

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan1.jpg
The Battle of the Davan (268 BCE)

Scenes from the Battle of Davan:

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan2.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan3.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan4.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan5.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan6.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan7.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ftheDavan9.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...theDavan10.jpg

Diodotus routed the forces, and the Davan Chieftain known as Mavakes fell from his horse, struck by a Baktrian arrow....
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...theDavan11.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...theDavan12.jpg

Having defeated the Davan, Diodotus I retired to Baktra, intent on building his kingdom's infrastructure. Unfortunately, he would only have a few months before he would be called to war again.

The Pahlava, allies of the Arche Seleukeia, declared war in 267 BCE. Pahlava was still nominally under Seleukid control, and Antiochos I Soter would not give up Baktria without a fight.

Diodotus knew this war would be hard fought, and the very existence of the Kingdom of Baktria and it's dependencies depended on the outcome. Diodotus called his men to arms, for all of Baktria was under threat by these nomads from the West...

* "The extremely prosperous empire of the thousand cities of Bactria" Justin, XLI,1
** "Diodotus, the governor of the thousand cities of Bactria " Justin, XLI,4
Source: Wikipedia Article on Diodotus I
End of Chapter 1, Pt. 1

There ya go, hope you guys enjoyed it.:2thumbsup:

in that case...

GO NOMADS! Pahlava, Saka, Sauromatae, go go go! :whip: :beam:

good luck Bootsiuv, kick butt!:2thumbsup:

Wow thats a great screenshot!! Two cavalry units colliding...I can almost feel my teeth rattle with the impact! Can't wait for this AAR

Finally another Baktria AAR has arrived. Many blessings to you Bootsiuv:bow:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chirurgeon

Wow thats a great screenshot!! Two cavalry units colliding...I can almost feel my teeth rattle with the impact! Can't wait for this AAR

---

I actually liked that one so much that it's my desktop background now.:laugh4:

Hopefully, the first chapter will be up tomorrow.:egypt:

LURKER ALERT :book:

:2thumbsup:

Damn, got me all excited...

Alright, this could be a good one! Im looking forward to the first update!

Top!

very nice so far man, keep up the goodness!

Ah, I like the history book format. My kind of reading. You make it sound like thats what happened. I like the battle between the banished horsemen and your army. A few questions...what unit size are you using? Is it going to be tedious to not build things without governors? Could you show a screenshot of how big your kingdom is? I dont know that much about starting areas of Eastern Cultures. Overall very good and I like the rhythym. Keep it up

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chirurgeon

Ah, I like the history book format. My kind of reading. You make it sound like thats what happened. I like the battle between the banished horsemen and your army. A few questions...what unit size are you using? Is it going to be tedious to not build things without governors? Could you show a screenshot of how big your kingdom is? I dont know that much about starting areas of Eastern Cultures. Overall very good and I like the rhythym. Keep it up

---

My unit size is large. I usually play with the governor rule....it usually isn't too bad. Sometimes, one family member will act as governor of two cities, travelling back and forth between them. I'll get a screenshot up soon, but my territory hasn't changed yet.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm actually not 100% happy with it. It could have been better. Oh well, I might take a little more time with the next chapter. I just wanted to get the first chapter up.:2thumbsup:

I agree with Chirurgeon.

good start!

Thanks, guys.

I wasn't really happy with part 1. It feels a little rushed to me (and it was a little rushed, honestly). I'm going to take a little more time with the next part. It will also be far more interesting, now that I'm actually fighting a real faction.

And just for the record....Pahlavan General Bodyguard are friggin brutal.

EDIT: I also wonder how the title of the thread changed. I changed the title, but it didn't change for a while. It still said the kingdom of Baktria (even after refreshing)....then I came back a few hours later, and it was Opuletissimum Illud Mille Urbium Bactrianum Imperium. Did it take a while for my cookies to update, or did a mod change it for me? I was just curious. If it was a mod...thanks, that was bugging me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bootsiuv

EDIT: I also wonder how the title of the thread changed. I changed the title, but it didn't change for a while. It still said the kingdom of Baktria (even after refreshing)....then I came back a few hours later, and it was Opuletissimum Illud Mille Urbium Bactrianum Imperium. Did it take a while for my cookies to update, or did a mod change it for me? I was just curious. If it was a mod...thanks, that was bugging me.

---

I changed it for you. You said you wanted to change it, and the forum doesn't let you change the title once there are replies. I was going to ask, to make sure, but since you changed the title in the subject bar of the first post, I figured you wanted it changed.

BTW, nice start! :2thumbsup:

Thanks, Marcus....you have no idea how much it was bugging me. Good looking out. :)

Look for an update by tomorrow evening. :)

I think you're off to a great start. It didn't seem rushed to me, although I know people are usually more critical of their own work. Anyway, keep em coming because I'm sure they'll all be good :2thumbsup:

Very nice, Baktria is especially picturesque faction

Even if the title was a bit of a shock to me... Latin for Baktria ? Then I remembered the account of Justin....still I love what you are doing with Baktria, (obviously) :laugh4:

I only hope that you can keep up. I hope I can give compliments on you for chapter 10.

Heh, yeah....I know, Latin for Baktria is a little strange.

If you would be interested in helping me with some accurate chapter names in greek, that would be pretty sweet.

I know I said update yesterday, but real life rears it's ugly head from time to time. I have been working on it in my spare time, and it should be up today.

Sorry, real life once again has delayed this, but it has a lot of pics so....it should be done soon

Opulentissimum Illud Mille Urbium Bactrianum Imperium*

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...tleScreen2.jpg

Chapter I: Theodotus, Mille Urbium Bactrianum Praefectus**

Part II: The Pahlavean Wars: The Early Years(267 BCE - 266 BCE)

When Diodotus I declared independence from Seleukia, he knew that it was a bet he would very likely lose. The Arche Seleukeia in 272 BCE was the largest land empire on earth, it's standing army amongst the most formidable in the known world.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...eSeleukiea.jpg
The Arche Seleukeia (Seleucid Empire) c.272 BCE

Thousands of loyal Hellenes had resettled in Babylonia, Syria, and other fertile lands of the empire following Alexandros' conquests. These men's descendants were now firmly entrenched in several cities throughout the empire, giving their support to Antiochos I Soter in the form of military service in Seleukeia's Armies. Thousands of regional auxillaries also bolstered Antiochos' military. The Arche Seleukeia also had a tremendous taxpayer base from which to extract taxes for infrastructure and administrative and military upkeep.

For all of it's strength's and virtues, Diodotus knew that this juggernaut of men and metal also had some glaring weaknesses. The vastness of the Arche Seleukeia was almost as much of a weakness as a strength, for there were hundreds of thousands of habitable square miles which the empire was obligated to defend. The border of the Arche Seleukeia stretched for thousands of miles, through every sort of terrain. These lands were constantly under threat from envious outsiders. The bureacratic machine of the Arche Seleukeia was also vast beyond measure, that, coupled with the naturally slow movement of news in these times, often meant the emperor would recieve important messages weeks, or even months, after the news was relevant. It was for this reason that satraps became themselves like kings, especially in the far east of the Empire.

If these weren't problems enough, Ptolemaioi Philadelphius and Antiochus I Soter, while not nominally at war, we're both forced to garrison large armies on their respective borders, lest one break peace and attempt to annex land from the other. It was in this hostile atmosphere that Diodotos I had grown up and eventually gained the commission of satrap shortly after Antiochos I Soter came to power. He was charged as "Defender of the East" by Antiochos I himself, and expected to defend his emperor's claims in Baktria, to the death, if needs be.

Diodotes I was, in the beginning, a stalwart ally of Antiochos I, defending the emperor's easternmost provinces from nomadic incursions. For five years, Diodotus defended the Satrapy of Baktria from barbarous nomads, all the while growing more and more disillusioned with Antiochos' ability to effectively control these lands...his lands.

Diodotus realized that it was he, not Antiochos I Soter, who had defended the Seleukid East. Therefore, he felt quite justified when he declared Baktrian Independence in the spring of 272. He expected that Antiochos I Soter, being preoccupied with rebellions in Asia Minor and the threat of the Ptolemaioi in the west, would not challenge him, and for five years he was right. Trade continued between Aria and Baktria just as it had before, and people crossed the borders rather freely.

Peace would not last, however.

Following the Battle of the Davan in 268 BCE, Diodotus I had retired to his capital at Baktra. Having arrived in the capital in the spring of 267, Diodotus I arrived just as the new Palace of Baktra was being finished.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ouBaktra-1.jpg

Meanwhile, Baktrian Diplomats had been sent far and wide, forging trade agreements and alliances with many different nations.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ewinter267.jpghttps://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...winter2672.jpg


In autumn of 267 BCE, Antiochos I Soter ordered his vassal king, Arsaces I of Pahlava, to attack the Baktrian-controlled Kingdom of Sogdiane.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...lwinter267.jpg

Arsaces sent a relatively large force, led by Prince Achaemenes, to attack the capital city of Marakanda.

Oxyartaios Nikaioas, having recently been named Ruler of Sogdiane, had begun recruiting local levy troops when Pahlava first invaded Western Sogdiane and began burning crops and razing villages.

Now, the Parthians were at his door, and he would be forced to defend Marakanda in the spring of 266 with an inferior force of local pantadapoi and a few regional archer divisions.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...dwinter267.jpg

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...aspring266.jpg
The First Battle for Marakanda c. 266 BCE
Oxyartaios Nikaioas, son-in-law to Diodotus I and third in line for the throne after Diodotus II and Patrokles Marakandios, was unable to repel the attackers, and the young Baktrian Nobleman was cut down in the streets of Marakanda. Princess Melissa would mourn him for the rest of her life.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...spring2662.jpg

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...spring2663.jpg

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ssummer266.jpg

Following the loss of the battle, the Pahlavans annexed the entire Kingdom of Sogdiane in the name of Antiochos. Arsaces was to be allowed to govern the kingdom as he saw fit, as long as Pahlava paid it's yearly tribute to Seleukeia.

Patrokles Marakandios and the Royal Allied Army was just over a season's march away, as the Royal Allied Army had been stationed in Alexandria-Eschate shortly following the invasion of the Davan some six years earlier to guard against any further nomadic incursions.

Upone hearing of the fall of Sogdiane, Patrokles Marakandios immediately set out for the west, intent on retaking the Kingdom of Sogdiane before the winter's frost set in.

Late in the year of 266 BCE, the Shahrdar Arsaces passed away, and his son Ardumanish became Ruler of the Pahlava Empire. The Kingdom of Sogdiane was to become the third province of the empire, and the Sogdoi were to lose the autonomy they enjoyed under Diodotos' rule.


The War Over the Kingdom of Sogdiane: The Second Battle of Marakanda

Late in the year of 266 BCE, Patrokles Marakandios passed into Sogdiane and layed siege to the capital at Marakanda.

By autumn of 266 BCE, Patrokles was ready to attack the gates and bring the Kingdom of Sogdiane back under his control.

The following excerpt is from Patrokles Marakandios personal memoirs....

September 23, 266

My men are eager for battle. We have surrounded the city in an attempt to starve the wretches out. The Pahlava are a barbarous people, but they are skilled in the art of the bow. I will take them by surprise at first light. I know this city well. My men are ready to die for their King, as am I. For Diodotus, we will break these gates, and then we will break the men behind them.

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...ngofbattle.jpg

The battle would be hard fought...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2661.jpg
The Second Battle of Marakanda c. 266 BCE

Scenes from the Second Battle of Marakanda:

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2662.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2663.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2664.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2665.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2666.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2667.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2668.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...Autumn2669.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...utumn26610.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...utumn26611.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...utumn26612.jpg

Patrokles and Achaemenes battled for what seemed like an eternity, with Patrokles finally slaying the Pahlavan Prince with a sword blow to the neck...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...utumn26613.jpg
https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...utumn26614.jpg

The battle was a clear victory for the Baktrian Allies, and the Kingdom of Sogdiane was annexed back into the Baktrian Realm. Diodotus named Patrokles Marakandios as King of the Second Kingdom of Sogdiane, which was officially established in the autumn of 266 BCE...

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...sSogdianes.jpg

Following the annexation of the Kingdom of Sogdiane, Diodotus I led his Royal Baktrian Army from Baktra, and headed north, ready to meet up with Patrokles' Royal Allied Army.

The combined might of the Baktrian Armies would invade Pahlava in 265 BCE. The city of Kiat was a strategically important city on the Oxus River, and Diodotus I knew if he brought the city into the Baktrian Realm, the Pahlavans would be forced to accept peace on Baktrian terms. Little did he know, that it would be the last military campaign of his life....

https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/...odotusI266.jpg

* "The extremely prosperous empire of the thousand cities of Bactria" Justin, XLI,1
** "Diodotus, the governor of the thousand cities of Bactria " Justin, XLI,4
Source: Wikipedia Article on Diodotus I

End of Chapter I Pt. II

Well, it isn't that big, because I've decided to do a part III. I'm no Chirurgeon, so it takes me a little longer to write the chapters (try getting a free minute with a 2 year old and a pregnant wife...not an easy thing to do). :shame:

There is going to end up being about 80 pics just for Diodotus I reign, so it's taking me a while to edit and upload (especially with dial-up). Hope it doesn't suck, and stay tuned for Chapter I, Pt. III. It will be interesting, at the very least.:beam:

I may abandon this aar due to lack of interest. It's really an awful amount of work (especially with dial-up), and I can only assume that my writing style made too many people feel like they were in school reading a textbook (which I feared from the beginning).

Yes, I know most people don't post in aars, and I'm not taking it personally. Don't worry about my feelings being hurt, cuz it's no big deal AFAIK. Not all of us can be a chirurgeon. :)

Thanks for the support, and maybe I'll try to write a new one in a more popular writing style in a few weeks.

Bootsiuv

Damn man sorry to hear that...Nothing wrong with reading a good history book. What sort of writing style we're you thinking of?

I dunno, probably more of a story-book approach i.e. from a characters point of view.

I just love reading history books....I can read them all day long, but I think I'm the exception, rather than the rule.

I think most people just aren't interested in history textbooks, and my story probably gave them flashbacks of history class. :P

Oh well, like I said, not all of us can be a, well, you. :)

Did you happen to look at the amount of views you have? Chirurgeon didn't get 1000 views in a day it was over the course of weeks.

I know....but usually a few people post after a new chapter....I took the lack of posting to mean a lack of interest.

I do these things for the enjoyment of others, and I was afraid no one was enjoying it.

I dunno, I guess if enough people are interested, I'll continue, I just figured it was too textbooky for people to really enjoy, but that's the writing style that I'm best at.

BTW, I'm not pouting or anything....so please don't take it that way. I'm actually in a really happy mood right now, due to some other factors. :)

Like I said, it's just A LOT of work to do an aar (and anyone who has ever done one with screenshots will attest to that fact) and I'm not going to continue if no one is digging it.

That doesn't mean I won't write another aar....I love to write too much to do that. :)

Whew! You had me worried. I can understand though especially with The Dreaded DIAL-UP!!!:skull: I'll never go back now that I have broadband.