The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rider

What do you think of the probabilities of me running EB though? Can it be done? :P

---

It can be done, but you have to be aware of some things. Despite all efforts to make it faster you still have lag. Everywhere. Lots of it. Turns take ages. Better look for something to do in between. Units over normal size are not feasible. In fact, better autoresolve battles anyway (play at medium campaign difficulty or the autoresolved battles make you cry).
If you can't live with this, don't try. I can, because this mod is too terribly great not to play :yes:

another great update

i actually missed chapter 14 being posted somehow :inquisitive:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Roka

another great update

i actually missed chapter 14 being posted somehow :inquisitive:

---

Thank you :beam:

Chapter 14 came about two days before this, which is a great deal faster than my usual update frequency. Maybe you haven't been here in the meantime?
Hope, you have read it now :book:

Chapter 16: Philosophizing

The Tigris is sluggishly streaming south. As sluggishly lies the city, waiting for the lulling midday heat to pass. Most prevalent is greek architecture in the far stretching settlement, but its inhabitants are a mix of many peoples from the vicinity and from far away: Beside the makedonian upper class you find Babylonians, Iranians, Syrians, Armenians and Jews.
It is among the greatest cities in the world, housing more residents than Athinai, Roma or Karchedon, more even than Alexandreia. It is second to none, Metropolis of the empire.
Seleukeia, the city where Sarpedon, the king's brother, resides in a palace, large as a city of its own.

https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3017/85723201mk5.jpg

A man strides through the long and wide corridors. His long dark hair falls in smooth waves, only a hint of silver at his temples and in his well trimmed beard. His appealing face is dominated by dark brown eyes. Subtle wrinkles around them betray a certain waggishness.
His prime is near an end, but he has tasted from the fruit of life and certainly knows the art of otiosity.
Soon he reaches the spacious accommodation of the co-regent, where Sarpedon awaits him.
"Ah, i am pleased to see you had time for a visit, today." - "Oh, yes. Rest assured, i am equally pleased."
Sarpedon lays an arm around his guest's shoulder and leads him to his marmoreal desk. "You see, Ikadion, after we signed that favorable treaty with the Hellenes - which has been one of the rare occasions that saw my brother blessed with a good idea, this is for sure - anyway, after we signed this treaty I saw the chance to take up correspondence with Hermarchos of Mytilene, who - as you most certainly know - now is the highly praised patron of the garden of Epikouros."
While his host proceeded with his sermon, Ikadion Anthemusias Babyloniakes, the appointed regent of the city of Babylon, freed himself of the embracement and walked over to the patio.
The voice is getting quieter, as Ikadion leaves the room and steps between the palm trees beyond the archway. He is fumbling with some papers, that he stored in his garments, while Sarpedon catches up.
"... so I decided to write him a letter to articulate my deepest admiration for his achievements and that of the late Epikouros and to express my interest in a discussion about his approach especially to Aristoteles and to the Stoa - as you are certainly aware I have made some considerations based on Epikouros' work - and luckily i received his answer from Athinai recently, in which he..."
Antiochos Soter's youngest son stops his speech.
"What are you doing? Are you even listening to me?"
A smirk plays about Ikadions mouth. "Of course I'm listening, dear. You didn't know, I'm working on an epic to praise your brother's deeds, did you?"
Sarpedon knits his brows. "Do you. I ... You know, I didn't really like your last work."
"Hmhm? Could have done it better, hurr?" Ikadion makes a heavily concentrated face, while theatrically skimming through his papers.
"Oh, oh, yes, I could have. Ask around the court. They all like what I'm writing."
"Well, that may be because they fear to get hung. Not that it would happen often, as they all are prolific yeasayers, but the imagination is in a way ... intriguing. Maybe I'd rather write about the secret tyrant than the glorious vanquisher. Hm."
Ikadion puts a finger on his chin and observes Sarpedon with a searching gaze. "You are quite a special breed of brothers, you know - but of course, not to forget your sisters. They have some extraordinary qualities, too. Perhaps a heritage from your also most extraordinary mother."
The Basileus' brother sighs deeply. "Sometimes you are just so disgusting beyond all bearing, Ikadion, I really don't know why I'm still inviting you into my chambers."
The accosted laughs out loud and steps closer. He lays his hands on Sarpedon's shoulders and mumbles in his ear, a broad grin on his face.
"From what I know of you, my dear, we are certainly playing in one league of disgust, but - admittedly - in a very cultured way, and you wouldn't want a lesser man to reveal the truths of life to you, would you?"

Nice, Lysimachos. Very nice. Keep it up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Theodotos I

Nice, Lysimachos. Very nice. Keep it up.

---

Thank you :beam:. Your latest chapter is nice, too.

Excellent update, as always:wink:

Maion

Hi folks! Another short update from me. I'll be away for some weeks soon and i don't know if I can update another time before that, but I'll certainly be back, so don't worry :beam:

Chapter 17: A Newborn Child

A newborn child in all its innocence and fragile vulnerability can remind a man of many things. It is at the very beginning of its life that is threatened to be ended, from the first day on.
Antiochos has spend most of his years with ending the lives of other men, yet the eyes of a little girl in his arms still reveal the desire that is buried deep in his heart to renew, to create. Her name is Artemesia, she is Antiochos' granddaughter, the child of Kleopatra.

It is the seventh year of Antiochos Theos' reign, the seventh year after his father's death and much has happened in the past years. Three years ago the Second Syrian War ended in a sea of blood in front of the gates of Hierosolyma and the following seasons Antiochos spend in campaigns along the borders of the desert, fighting against people who didn't recognize the Basileus' rule, taking their strongholds of Palmyra and Bostra.

https://img212.imageshack.us/img212/...3731389uy1.jpg

https://img181.imageshack.us/img181/...5952606ql4.jpg

https://img181.imageshack.us/img181/...5267101mr5.jpg

https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/398/98371511qy1.jpg

A king has not much time for his family and Antiochos was camping outside of Bostra when Kleopatra, his eldest daughter, was betrothed to Timarchos, a young promising officer from a hellenic Polis in Karia, while in those very days far to the west his brother-in-law, Magas Kyrenaios, died a humiliating death from overeating.

https://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6852/94417226jd3.jpg

The king returned to his capital just in time to see his grandchild born, a reminder of how time is passing and a reminder to start taking up things for which to be remembered, as long as there is time.

Chapter 18: Kleronomos Basileois

Today is his day. Every single one of them has come to see him, a mere boy - no! - a young man, now that he reached the sixteenth year of his life.
He bears the name of Seleukos, his great grandfather, but they call him Kallinikos - the beautiful victor - although his beauty may be hidden under his early beard and a victory has yet to be seen.
But that does not matter today. Who of them that have come to Antiocheia to witness his proclamation as Kleronomos Basileois could dare to doubt great deeds to be expected of him?

https://img339.imageshack.us/img339/...4141466tv3.jpg

"I'm not impressed, to say the least." Sarpedon attests uncomfortably, brows knitted. Ikadion turns his head to the left. "Pardon? Not impressed by what exactly? The Academy as a whole?"
The two of them had traveled to Antiocheia to attend the festivities on the occasion of Kallinikos' appointment, but they took the opportunity to visit the lately completed educational facilities of the city. Due to generous funding were only few years needed to establish a new center of learning and knowledge by compiling enormous libraries and luring renowned capacities into the city on the Orontes. A center that - to Sarpedon's dissatisfaction - may well prove itself equal to those at Alexandreia or Seleukeia.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/...0021312rc4.jpg

"Nah, not the Academy." He exclaims. "That b-" The king's brother holds his breath, the hand in front of his mouth, as to keep the words inside. After a suspicious glance around, he mutters: "That boy! He won't get his mouth open if you put an iron between his teeth. He is just so... unimposing. Although..." In an unconscious movement raises Sarpedon's hand to his chin, feeling the hair in his face.
"Although he has quite an impressive beard for that age." The two continue walking across the academy's main yard.
"I tell you, Ikadion, no good will originate from that seed. Have you seen the younger one? I think he is kind of weird. On the other hand" - Sarpedon points behind to the two juveniles following in respectful distance - "look at my sons. What splendiferous young men. Well mannered and educated and adept at..."
Ikadion interrupts his speech abruptly, watching the two boys attentively. "My dear, there is a thing you have to tell me."
The addressee grunts to announce his disapproval about the unwelcome - yet not unfamiliar - disturbance of his speech. "What?"
"You are sure they are your sons? I just mean, their eyes kind of remind me of... mine..."

That was a funny chapter, really, made me laugh (Last part). It did however bring up some (possible) future plots, which was nice. As always you manage to give a coloured image of what is going on with very few words, atleast for me. I like it! Keep it up!

Though, regretfully, I've forgotten most of the characters since it was a long time ago I read your AAR. Would be nice with some post in wich the family-tree is explained (Can be edited when new ones are born/adopted, old one dies, and when they change traits, gain victories etc!, just a thought :idea2:)

I would just like to say that this is an awesome aar. Just splendid! Keep it up!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by King Vasiliyi

I would just like to say that this is an awesome aar. Just splendid! Keep it up!

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Socy

That was a funny chapter, really, made me laugh (Last part). It did however bring up some (possible) future plots, which was nice. As always you manage to give a coloured image of what is going on with very few words, atleast for me. I like it! Keep it up!

Though, regretfully, I've forgotten most of the characters since it was a long time ago I read your AAR. Would be nice with some post in wich the family-tree is explained (Can be edited when new ones are born/adopted, old one dies, and when they change traits, gain victories etc!, just a thought :idea2:)

---

Thanks to both of you! Maybe I'll finish another chapter this weekend, but after that I'm really on vacation.

I'll think about that family-tree-thing. I'm not sure how exactly to do this.


Edit: Hope this helps for now (should be the more important that have been mentioned, yet):

For 257 BC = 55 of Seleucid Era = 8th reigning year of Antiochos II Theos:

1. Seleukos I Nikator
Founder of the seleucid Empire, died before the beginning of the game.
Sons: Antiochos I Soter (ingame: Antiochos Syriakos); Achaios Syriakos

2. Antiochos I Soter (ingame Antiochos Syriakos)
2nd seleucid king, died in Summer 264 BC at the battle of the Kephisos in Attike
Sons: Seleukos (not ingame); Antiochos II Theos (ingame Theodoros Syriakos); Sarpedon Syriakos
Son-in-law: Magas Kyrenaios (rebel); ...

3. Achaios Syriakos
Died in early 260ies
Sons: Alexandros Syriakos; Andromachos Syriakos
Daughter: Laodike (ingame she is not his daughter)

4. Antiochos II Theos (ingame Theodoros Syriakos)
Ruling king of the Arche Seleukeia
Wife: Laodike
Sons: Seleukos Kallinikos (ingame Kallinikos Syriakos, 16 y/o); Euphorion (9 y/o)
Daughters: Kleopatra, Pamphile
Son-in-law: Timarchos Mylason Karikon

5. Sarpedon Syriakos
Gouverns the eastern part of the empire from Seleukeia on the Tigris
Sons: Omanes Syriakos; Athenaios Syriakos (both minors)
Daughters: two (don't have their names in my notes)

6. Seleukos Kallinikos (ingame Kallinikos Syriakos)
Kleronomos Basileois; attending the Akademia in Antiocheia on the Orontes; 16 years old

7. Andromachos Syriakos
Satrap of Persis; son of Achaios

8. Alexandros Syriakos
Satrap of Susiane; son of Achaios

9. Magas Kyrenaios
Son-in-law of Antiochos I Soter; Ruler of Kyrene; died probably in Fall 259 BC

Out of bloodline:

1. Ikadion Anthemusias Babyloniakes
Client ruler of Babylon; Epic Poet; close friend to Sarpedon Syriakos

2. Apollonides Damaskenos
Satrap of Phrygia; Commander-in-chief for Asia Mikra

3. Sosiphanes Beroias Syriakes
Olympionikes; former governor of Antiocheia; now Satrap of Phoinike

4. Keraias Pergamou Mysiakes
Highly skilled diplomate; Ambassador in Pella

5. Philippos
Most esteemed hetairos of Antiochos I Soter

Other factions:

1. Antigonos Gonatas (ingame Antigonos Argeades)
King in Makedonia; spends his life with battling greeks and epeirotes; Ally of Antiochos I Soter

2. Ptolemaios II Philadelphos (ingame Philadelphos Ptolemaios, I think)
King in Egypt and head of the ptolemaic/lagid dynasty; Archenemy of Antiochos I Soter

Chapter 19: To New Shores

The wings of the Alep-gate open with loud noise. They give way for an iron snake, meandering through the city's streets. Thousands upon thousands stream out the gate. At the snake's head the Basileus rides, amongst his Hetairoi. At his side a young boy, at a tender age of eleven years, proudly riding his own horse.
Antiochos leaves most of his family behind and he doesn't know how many years may pass until he meets them again: his wife Laodike, his firstborn Seleukos Kallinikos and his daughters Pamphile and Kleopatra with her husband Timarchos, who brought this summer's victor's laurel from Olympia.
Only the young Euphorion accompanies his father on a voyage with uncertain end. Antiochos Theos is going to take his rightful place amongst the heroes of the Hellenes, while the previous generation of the Epigonoi is slowly fading away: Almost a decade ago his father died in the battle of the Kephisos, this autumn Antiochos Soter's old ally Antigonos Gonatas joined him in the realms of the dead and Ptolemaios Philadelphos is suffering from grave illness, but with an iron will clinging to life.

Makedonia, her allies and enemies at the death of Antigonos:

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4140/13bb5.jpg

Chionis puts his hands on the ship's guardrail. His view wanders across foredeck and port basin, towards the open sea. The setting sun's beams reflect from the easefully floating waves. The last night before their voyage is coming.
Chionis had never before met the Basileus, but as Nauarchos of the fleet he had the honor to dine with Antiochos. At first, Chionis was impressed by the pure authority that was emanated by the king's presence, but the later the evening grew, the more Antiochos fell victim to the abundant quantum of wine that ran down his throat, until he was hardly articulate.
The admiral felt pity for the young prince, who often must have seen his father losing control of himself, but Chionis knew, it was not his place to question his Basileus. His task was a secure crossing and all beyond lies in the king's hands.

The air is dry and hot. In the north the Persikos Kolpos shines blue, sun rays and foam dancing on the waves' tips. The fleet has again left the shore not to permit an enemy to catch it defenselessly cowered to the beach.
The royal army is widespread, closing around the settlement that is situated over the beach. Humble sheds with a crude palisade, but nonetheless an important place in the region, due to sources of fresh water and a natural harbour.
The town's name is Gerrha. A local tribe's leader has gathered the folk of the surrounding area, shepherds, sailors, pirates and traders. It remains a mystery what makes him think he could resist the seleucids' iron fist.

https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6688/14md8.jpg

Another nice chapter.
Just like to add that I've been lurking this AAR. :2thumbsup:

A very emotional narrative, i like it. Thanks for sharing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus

Another nice chapter.
Just like to add that I've been lurking this AAR. :2thumbsup:

---

Thanks! I'm lurking yours, too :2thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by schlappi

A very emotional narrative, i like it. Thanks for sharing.

---

Always a pleasure :beam:


And i have a surprise for you, guys! Guess what? The third update in three days! Coming soon to a forum near you!

Chapter 20: Naumachia

The ships are cutting through the waves, following the coastline eastwards but with enough distance to allow maneuvering in all directions.

After the short fight for Gerrha, the inhabitants of the town soon came to terms with their new lord. Among them the leading merchants saw the opportunities that open harbors along the iranian coast could offer and agreed with Antiochos to work for mutual benefit.
With the merchants on the conqueror's side the tribal elders had to repress their zeal of independence, and they were soon appeased when it became clear that the seleucid king was not willing to install a rigorously bound regime.
This enabled the Basileus to continue his campaign after a short sojourn and the army again boarded the fleet.

A loud call disrupts the dozy silence and reproduces itself through many mouths. "Sails ahead! Sails ahead!"
Nauarchos Chionis rushes to his flagship's lookout to get an idea of the approaching ships. In the distance the oncoming sails stand out against the clear sky. A forest of masts is spread over the waves, dozens of dozens of slender and swift vessels.
As Chionis hurries back to the bridge of his Trieres Antiochos Theos awaits him, showing a composed smile, his left hand on young Euphorion's shoulder.
"Nauarchos! A new experience for me, watching a battle that is not mine to command. This is your profession, my life is in your hands, so do your very best."
"Sire, you can entrust me with your life. Me too have a reputation and more to lose."
With a nod Chionis turns to commence his orders which are communicated by shouts and colored flags that are panned in direction of the other ships.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7097/10kk5.jpg

The Arabians' fleet numbers more than one hundred ships against Chionis' forty. None of them can compare with the Triereis' strength, but they are very maneuverable.
To counter the enemy's numbers the fleet forms a close formation. The Pentekonteroi secure the gaps between the Triereis, which provide the fire power, while the small Kerkuroi form a screen in the back of the larger ships.
With constant speed the ships approach. An uncomfortable tension rules the minutes before the clash. The men wait silent for the intimidating mass of vessels to draw nearer.

The Triereis are entitled to make the opening move. Their torsion guns start to shoot as soon as the first adversaries get into their range. At long distance the fast pirate ships are not hit often, but strikes prove devastating against the light hulls and the dry wood quickly catches fire from burning projectiles.
Various ships are hit critically, but their numbers are to great to impede the arabian fleet as a whole.

Only short time after the archers start shooting at oncoming boats, the first pirates reach the line of Chionis' ships and in groups they attack the Pentekonteroi like a pack of predators a larger prey.
The outer wings swing around the seleucid fleet where a deadly dance with the Kerkuroi begins.

After little time the vessels have lost their dynamics and the battle becomes static. The hulls of the ships are wedged together, a huge field of wood floating on the sea - the battle has turned into a clutter of melee fights.
Fires are scattered over the scene, clouds of smoke obscuring the view.

Hours pass before the disorder starts to resolve and a result of the encounter seems to emerge.
After the smoke fades away and the clew of ships breaks apart it becomes obvious that the Arabians had no means to deal with the Triereis, which are rowed around the area of the battle and take out one enemy after the other.
Soon the clutter finally dissolves and Chionis and his king are left behind with the aftermath.

https://img157.imageshack.us/img157/1189/11bq7.jpg

The Naumachia has been won and the enemy thrown back, but many ships are lost and not a single Pentekontoros is left.

"Basileus. We have won this day, but will not be able to withstand another attack. I don't know if the pirates have another fleet out there but I'd rather not risk it. We haven't lost a Trieres, but some are in bad shape and without protection of a sufficient amount of smaller ships another encounter might be devastating," explains Chionis.
"I see." Antiochos nods. "Luckily the army is mostly aboard the Triereis. We are not very far from Homna now. This is what we will do: Continue following the coast until we reach the territory of the Maka. There the army will leave the fleet. Sail back to Charax, repair the ships and return with resupplies. I will await the fleet next autumn at the port of Homna."
"This sounds like a wise decision. We will proceed exactly as you said, Basileus."

Very nice update! :book:
Like your AAR!!!
best wishes

I've commented before, but I've been so busy with college and work that I hadn't taken the time to really read this AAR thoroughly. Now I'm caught up, and I've got to say, Lysimachos, you've done some excellent work. Good luck in the TWC competion, rival! :sweatdrop:

Even though im fighting them in 2 of my 3 current campaigns (see my AAR, below), the Seleukids are one of my fave factions. You can actually make an army with everything in it (HAs, HC, phalanx, hvy infantry, good archers, skirms, etc). Plus its challenging to fight lotsa peeps...

So, I present you with the customary



















:smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

Hi there! Thanks for the comments!
Theodotos I: I'm sorry to see you have closely missed the podium again, though I'm the one who came in third *cough*

I'm back from vacation with chapter 21, the 100th reply in this thread :birthday2:


Chapter 21: Prospects

Kallinikos steps out into the palace's inner yard and leaves behind Agathe, his wife, and Nikomachos, his firstborn son and presumably future heir.
The past years that he spend at the flourishing Akademia in Antiocheia had done much to shape the man he has become. He still is rather withdrawn and seldom brings himself to approach other men, especially those of higher age and gained their status with deeds, but he has learned to use his intellect and his voice if the necessity arises.
Nonetheless, he makes the court doubt if the alikeness to his father exceeds the facial appearance.

Late afternoon's sun warms Kallinikos' face, who stopped in the quiet yard to relish a welcomed moment of repose, as his brother-in-law's voice disrupts the silence.
"Your highness, we have to talk."
Timarchos watches Kallinikos, face raised to the sky, the eyes closed and seemingly with effort ignoring his presence, and decides to test his patience for once.
Timarchos descends from old hellenic nobility of the city of Mylasa in Karia, a heritage that comes with pride and a secure awareness of superiority over all sorts of upstarts and people who only recently discovered the greatness of greek language and culture.
However, a marriage into royalty was not below his standards, despite the share of persian blood in his bride's veins.

With a disappointed sigh Kallinikos finally gives up and turns his attention to Timarchos. "What ails you, my brother?"
"I have been told you are ready to leave the academy now. Your father left instructions for this day. He wishes his son to be acquainted with the provinces of his future realm with his own senses. I took the liberty to commence preparations for your journey to Ipsos. Satrapes Appolonides Damaskenos awaits your arrival and will see to everything you need."
Another deep sigh escapes the prince's breast. "He has written down my destiny and left its execution to you, hm?"
"Maybe you'll even have time to pay my parents a visits, they'd surely be honored."

Of course there is no benefit to blame the messenger, Kallinikos knows. Timarchos himself has been left with a great burden by the king: A young man, not much older than himself, in charge of one of the greatest cities in the empire, including the ambitious project to establish an important center of sciences and learning.
It has to be admitted that Timarchos has shown a prosperous talent for organising and under his hands the Akademia has arrived at a stage where it is without equal in size of its premises, amount of funds and number of renowned teachers.
Timarchos certainly grew with his challenge, but would he himself be able to do the same with his burden, the burden of the Kleronomos Basileois, the future king?
The footsteps that he was to follow are large and the fear of not being able to fill them, just as well.

https://img367.imageshack.us/img367/3818/12da4.jpg

Great update Lysimachos! It's good to read an AS AAR once in a while, it renews my mood of playing my Makedonian campaign:2thmubsup:

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Great update Lysimachos! It's good to read an AS AAR once in a while, it renews my mood of playing my Makedonian campaign:2thmubsup:

Maion

---

It's always a pleasure to see my writing motivating someone :beam: Successors rule :smash:

Just had to correct a little detail :quiet:

Nice to see this AAR is back.
I'll be awaiting the next chapter.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus

Nice to see this AAR is back.
I'll be awaiting the next chapter.

---

Its nice to see fellow writers commenting (this, of course, applies to all others, too). I think I'll have to leave you a comment some time, too :beam: (I'm still following silently)



Some time ago Socy mentioned the difficulty in following and remembering the characters, so I have thought about what is best to do. I thought about one "library" of characters that would be updated, but this could only show the most recent state, which would be to the disadvantage of someone who is behind some chapters and doesn't want to spoil himself the story.
My latest idea is to add a spoiler at the end of every chapter where all mentioned characters are explained in some notes, in reference to the point in time of the chapter.
For chapter 21 it could look like this:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Year: 254 BC = 58th year of Seleucid Era = 11th reigning year of Antiochos II Theos

1. Seleukos Kallinikos (ingame: Kallinikos Syriakos):
Function: Kleronomos Basileois of the Arche Seleukeia
Parents: Basileus Antiochos II Theos and Laodike
Siblings: Younger brother Euphorion, younger sisters Kleopatra and Pamphile
Wife: Agathe
Children: Nikomachos
Personality: Rather introverted and uncharismatic; Pessimistic and unsecure about his abilities, especially concerning the rule over the empire; had an exceptional education at the great Academy in Antiocheia on the Orontes, which helps him with his problems at interacting with others; earlier it was thought he would "take after his father", but it seems he developes in a different direction

2. Agathe
Husband: Seleukos Kallinikos
Children: Nikomachos

3. Nikomachos
Function: Second in line of succession; Doing what a baby does
Parents: Seleukos Kallinikos and Agathe

4. Timarchos Mylason Karikon
Function: Governor of Antiocheia on the Orontes
Parents: descendants of old hellenic nobility of Mylasa in Karia
Wife: Kleopatra, eldest daughter of Antiochos II Theos
Children: Artemesia (maybe more by now, but I don't have it in my notes, am to lazy to look it up and it doesn't really matter)
Personality: Proud Hellen; Extroverted politician and bureaucrat; Athlete (Olympionikes of the olympic games in 256 BC)

5. Apollonides Damaskenos
Function: Satrapes of Phrygia and Commander-in-chief for Asia Mikra
Seat: Ipsos, which economically is of less importance than Sardis in Lydia, but the center of the military facilities in the peninsula
Personality: To be revealed in later chapters :beam:

Please tell me what you think about that.

Loving it man. Love the character note thing. But then again, as I´ve said elsewhere, I love everythign tonight, so don´t trust anything I say.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by General Appo

Loving it man. Love the character note thing. But then again, as I´ve said elsewhere, I love everythign tonight, so don´t trust anything I say.

---

Uh, yeah, unlimited love is fine, anyway thank you :yes:

Chapter 22: Revelations

https://img384.imageshack.us/img384/...8923364kl5.jpg

The white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, the waves softly roll over the beach again and again. In the shallow water a boy is wading. He is wearing only a short-sleeved Chiton which is reaching nearly to his knees and girded at the waist. The boy's keen eyes are focused on the open sea, whilst he holds his step.
"Have you found something?" the tall man standing some dozen meters up the beach shouts.
Euphorion turns his head to his bodyguard. "Aischylos, a ship's coming!"

https://img248.imageshack.us/img248/...2267143zf9.jpg

Antiochos slowly follows the path down to the port, where a single Trieres has anchored. A familiar face awaits him.
"Nauarchos Chionis, I welcome you. Tell me, where is my fleet?" Sailors and soldiers alike watch the king in uncomfortable idleness, while the planks of the wooden runway creak under his boots.
Chionis, feeling the relentless inquiring gaze resting on him, answers with a perceptibly nervous and unsecure voice.
"My Basileus, you... I mean, I fully regret to disappoint your... your rightful expectancy..." He pauses, desperately searching for the right words - if there even are such. "I regret to disappoint your expectancy of a fleet coming with me, but I have to admit there is none."
The last words seem to remain floating in the air, oppressing the men around the king with their weight, making them almost observably shrink in the futile attempt to become invisible, in the anticipation of most unwelcome consequences of any drawn attention.
The king is breathing heavily and closes his eyes. The officers around him and Chionis carefully step back, awaiting the certain outbreak of fury and the prevalent thought regarding the range of the expected outburst is the question whether or not - or rather to which degree - the king yet is drunk.
Antiochos exhales deeply and opens his eyes, which are still directed at Chionis, who feels the unpleasant dankness of his sweat-soaked clothes and the tension of the moment laying heavily on his breast and shoulders.
The Basileus speaks with a restrained and gentle voice. "Will you accompany me on a short walk, Admiral?"

The two men are striding slowly and silently along the beach, where short time before Euphorion spotted the ship.
"So, will you tell me why you brought only one ship?"
Chionis, who has recovered his countenance in the long silence that has past in the time since he followed his king from the runway, responds, carefully arranging his words.
"After we left the army I commandeered the fleet directly to Charax, to complete necessary maintenance in due time, corresponding to your orders." Chionis takes another break, as he well knows the hardest part is to follow now. He breathes deeply and the next sentence springs from his mouth in a fast pace.
"However, your brother prohibited the fleet to set sail, so I had to leave the harbor secretly in the night and was in no way able to bring more ships."
Antiochos turns to the sea, walking down the beach until the water washes around his feet. His eyes look into the far distance, not watching anything particular, because the mind is too occupied to notice the beauty of the calmly dancing waves.
Chionis respectfully follows some steps behind, waiting.

After some uneventful time Antiochos awakes from his apathy.
"So it is true." The Nauarchos suddenly becomes very alert and after a moment he dares to speak himself. "Sire, you did know this was going to happen?"
The king sighs. "I will tell you something. The day when I was proclaimed Basileus, a man came to talk to me. He was a Somatophylax of my father and he claimed to have been with him in the moment of his death. He said, my father's last wish was to let me know of the Pythia's prophecy.
He told me that when my father attended the Oracle in Delphi, he asked if his line would succeed in fulfilling the legacy of Megas Alexandros. The Oracle's answer - as was to be expected - was not clear in itself."
Antiochos pauses, while his Admiral is watching attentively.
"My father was told, in order to prevail, his blood would have to overcome itself."

The king's officers are still waiting at the port, when their master returns with fast steps and a mask of his known adamantine determination on his face.
"We've got work to do!" he shouts. "Get me every ship and every boat in this godforsaken land! I want every raft and every piece of wood large enough to support a man! Is this clear, you lazy lot?"


For some notes on the characters in this chapter see following spoiler.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Year: 253 BC = 59th year of the Seleucid Era = 12th reigning year of Antiochos II Theos

1. Antiochos II Theos (ingame: Theodoros Syriakos)
Function: Basileus ton Basileon; Ruler of the Arche Seleukeia
Parents: Basileus Antiochos I Soter and Stratonike
Siblings: younger brother Sarpedon; Two sisters, one of whom was married to Magas Kyrenaios (and is not existant in game)
Wife: Laodike
Children: Seleukos Kallinikos; Euphorion; Kleopatra; Pamphile
Son-in-law: Timarchos Mylason Karikon
Personality: Charismatic, uncompromising leader; Known for his prowess as General, for his defiance of death and for being a notorious drunkard

2. Euphorion
Function: Third in line of succession after his brother Kallinikos and his nephew Nikomachos
Age: 13
Parents: Basileus Antiochos II Theos and Laodike
Siblings: older brother Seleukos Kallinikos; younger sisters Kleopatra and Pamphile
Personality: unflagging and intelligent juvenile, despises his father's drinking habits

3. Sarpedon Syriakos
Function: Co-Regent
Seat: Seleukeia
Sons: Omanes; Athenaios
Personality: Poet, Philosopher, Gourmet of Life; Skilled Politician and Schemer; The riches of the empire run through his city and his hands which has left him very wealthy; Egocentric

4. Chionis
Function: Nauarchos (Admiral)
Personality: Loyal, but not uncritical

5. Aischylos
Function: Bodyguard of Euphorion

Chapter 23: Uninvited Guests

Late afternoon's sun follows the path of the mountain's slope, bathing the small valley with soft light. A few clouds travel across the blue dome spanning above.
A small column of smoke ascends from a fire over which a Bezoar Ibex, a wild goat, is roasting on a spit. The hunters, a hand full of young men, have erected some tents and have gathered around the fireplace, their horses grazing nearby.
The men are relaxing from the travails of the day, joking together and laughing, while they are waiting for their meal, the smell of which is in the air.
In the distance the sound of horses' hooves comes up the valley and one of the men with knitted brows attests: "We're getting company."
He stands up, grasping his sword belt and fastening it around his waist. The others fall silent, while watching two dozens of horsemen coming along the trail. One half of them is wearing heavy armor in fashion of the Hetairoi, while the other half are light troopers of the Galatoi, fierce warriors who by now live in central Asia Mikra for a generation and serve in the seleucid armies in significant numbers. The newcomers slow down and spread out over the glade.
Another of the young men struggles to his feet. "Stand aside, Gorgias, I guess they are here for me."
Kallinikos leaves the circle of his companions and addresses the one mounted stranger who has separated from the others, leading his horse in slow pace ahead.
"What is this about?" - "The Satrapes requests your immediate presence at Ipsos." declares the horseman.
"Well, then tell Apollonides I will come to see him as soon as I deem it fit." Kallinikos replies sharply and starts to turn back to the fire, as his interlocutor speaks up. "Obviously I didn't make myself clear adequately. You are to accompany me now."
The prince is struck with awe, as he hears the cold, unapologetic voice. "You... you do know who I am, don't you?" he demands incredulously.
"I well do," retorts the stranger confidently. "I come by order of the Satrap Apollonides Damaskenos who answers exclusively to the Basileus himself. You do not possess any authority over me and as long as you sojourn in the Satrapy of Phrygia - which you do now - you are bound to the orders of the Satrap. So, will you be so kind to mount your horse and follow me or do I need to make you do?"
Kallinikos helplessly and stunned with disbelief shakes his head, but then straightens himself.
"I decided to meet your master, but he... he'll better have a good explanation for this... this insolence!"

Chapter 24: Hostage

Kallinikos enters the fortress of Ipsos, where Apollonides Damaskenos resides. His escort didn't exactly treat him as a prisoner, but their attitude still made clear that a deviation would not be tolerated.
He is led along a ramp up to the main structure situated in the center of strong fortifications. There the remaining soldiers follow a staircase into a dim hallway, lightened through some small openings in the massive wall.
Some meters ahead a man is standing near a window, beside him a small one-legged table has been positioned on which a carafe and a bowl with fruits stand. He turns around, revealing his face in daylight.
"Leave us alone," the Satrapes of Phrygia commands and his soldiers back off. "I welcome you, Seleukos. You are certainly aching to ask why I send my guards for you and rightly you do."
Hesitatingly Kallinikos takes some steps forward until he is only two arms length from the older man. "You are behind this," he states. "What were you thinking to make the king's son your prisoner?"
A slight smile shows on Apollonides' lips and vanishes again. "You are not my prisoner." The Satrap turns his attention to the fruit bowl beside him and with a gentle grip in two fingers he carefully raises a grape to the height of his eyes.
"I just had no option to leave any alternatives. All this - " his eyes meet Kallinikos' and his left hand describes a not too distinct circle - "serves your security."
He focuses again on the grape between his fingers and slowly pushes it into his opened mouth before he thoughtfully chews.
The last minutes Kallinikos somewhat fascinated and at the same time alienated watches the Satrap, being disrupted in his thoughts when Apollonides piercing glance again hits his eyes.
"And me. You see, tomorrow another guest will arrive at my modest halls." The Satrap steps closer to the window, pointing into the outside. "He will sojourn over there to the right, while your chambers will be there, in the wing to the left," now pointing in the other direction.
"This guest is here for you. His name is Lysimachos Sardikos. This may ring a bell to you. He is Satrapes of Lydia and a son-in-law of your uncle, Sarpedon."
The look on Apollonides' face now seems nearly expectant, but Kallinikos has found no way out of his confusion.
"What are you even talking about? Where is this going to lead to?"
Damaskenos sighs. "You see, I like being well-informed, so I have some of my own sources here and there. One of my sources in Seleukeia told me about something you too should be interested in. Your lovely uncle has forbidden the king's fleet to leave harbor. He is cutting his brother off from support. He has promised arabian chieftains to pay for the king's death."
Kallinikos is stunned with shock. "My wife, my son, are they safe? Is he going to kill me, too?"
Apollonides is raising his hands, trying to soothe the king's son. "Calm down, young one. They are safe and as long as they are, you are too."
Seleukos leans on the massive stone walls, searching for a hold. "Explain this."
"Sarpedon knows that he has too little support to make himself king, at least for now. Sarpedon needs a weak but rightful king to use as a puppet, something which he never could with your father but is confident to achieve with you or your son.
Your son is at Antiocheia and under the protection of Timarchos. Timarchos has nothing to gain from siding with Sarpedon, in fact as your brother-in-law he would be losing status, once Sarpedon or one of his sons would be king. So, Timarchos and Antiocheia will remain loyal and for now the city is untouchable for your uncle and as long as he can't get your son, he needs you alive.
And to achieve his goals he needs the support of people for whom choosing his side could be a real opportunity. People like Lysimachos Sardikos or..." Apollonides shrugs his shoulders and performs a waving movement with his hands.
Kallinikos glances up to him. "Or you." The Satrap nods. "Or me."

Chapter 25: Encounter at the Baths

https://img385.imageshack.us/img385/7072/21ep1.jpg

The eyes closed Andromachos is slowly floating in the water, enjoying the sun warming his body. It is a sound late morning and he firmly intends forming it into another sound day, a day of the small, the quiet pleasures of life.
His thoughts are not directed anywhere, but unstressedly revolve around things of beauty and leisure. After the bath he would do a bit of light reading and then perhaps a ride, not too far, though, as he would want to have returned to the palace shortly after noon for a refreshment, not too much, though, as an extensive meal would be a burden in the midday heat of these quite early warm days.
In the afternoon it would be time to pretend to do some governing until he is tired and would proceed with doing nothing till evening when he would sup with the boys, listen to some music and watch the dancers.
Ah, this day is going to be great, worthy to be named in the same breath with most of its predecessors, and there was nothing imaginable to disturb this vision.
Andromachos is approaching the edge of the pool. Staying in the comfortably temperated water for some more time could do no harm, could it?

"Excellency." Andromachos, who is floating near the edge and is not used to get attention unless he asked for it, hesitantly blinks up to a servant of moderate rank, standing almost right above him, illuminated by the beaming sunlight. "Hm?"
The servant leans downwards to whisper a short sentence to his lord, who suddenly whirls upward and with oaring arm movements holds himself upright. Andromachos is fumbling for words.
"Urr... eww... wha... What does that mean: he is here? Tha... That cannot possibly be possible..."
Another person moves into his sight, the beaming sun forming a glowing halo around his face and the polished cuirass at the edges gleaming from reflected light.
Andromachos is unable to make out the face against the glaring light, but he doesn't need to wait for the voice to rise to recognize his Basileus.
"Receive my greeting, cousin. I see you keep the Satrapy in good shape."
"Oh, urm, I'm very gracious you have noticed that, my king, but let me tell you, you have not seen Persepolis in her best season."
Abruptly Andromachos' comfortable bath has begun to become very uncomfortable and his great day is going to become awful. He is silently cursing the moment he left his bed.
"Tell me, Andromachos, whose side is the one of the Satrapes Persikos?" - "Oh, my lord, all the loyalties of Persis belong her rightful king. I... You know that I have not a single reason to seek treachery. My life is as fulfilling as it could be... well, actually it was until now... However, I have no ambition than to hold onto what I have here. Urm, uh, yes, exactly."
"This is good to hear, cousin. I have fought beside your father and I well know his qualities and his flaws and I have the impression you are a worthy heir to him," responds the king. "I trust your word, but now I have to demand your service. I need every man you can muster, I need grain and I need cattle and I would appreciate if I get them rather today than tomorrow."
The Satrap of Persis is helplessly oaring with his arms under water. "My king, I can call upon my Klerouchoi and I can levy Psiloi, but you know as good as I do, that all I have will be no match against what your brother's arsenals may provide."
"Pah!" Antiochos almost spits out. "He may have access to the finest smithies of the Empire and - oh! - he may be a Strategos in his office, a genius of desk-tactics, but he has yet to see a single battle, while I have lost count of mine!"
That could very well be true, Andromachos has to admit silently.
"Besides. I have not come completely alone from Arabia, although I had some choices to make and I've been told that some of my fellow passengers have not traveled as conveniently as on the travel there."
"Ah, oh, Basileus, I would be honored if you take my oldest son, Antiochis, with you, as a sign of my devotion to you and that, urm, there is no reason to doubt my loyalty."
The addressee nods approvingly. "Very well. Then my son Euphorion may stay here in Persepolis and learn the ways of the east."

For information on new character see following spoiler:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Andromachos Syriakos
Function: Satrap of Persis
Seat: Persepolis
Father: Achaios Syriakos, brother of Antiochos I Soter
Brother: Alexandros Syriakos, Satrap of Susiane
Sons: Antiochis; Xenoitas
Personality: Similar to his father and his brother, a man with little ambition; His passion is the beauty of life; Has proven a lucky hand with governing the province, although his enthusiasm starts to lack.

All i can say is AWESOME AAR man! Keep it up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes

All i can say is AWESOME AAR man! Keep it up.

---

Thanks! And I can reveal we are approaching a highlight in my campaign, if you haven't guessed yet :yes:

Chapter 26: Amongst Colleagues

Lysimachos Sardikos is led to his host's private chambers. As he arrives, Apollonides arises from his seat to take his guest by the shoulders. "Welcome, dear colleague! You are looking good. I hope your journey went well. Come, have a seat with me."
"I thank you, Apollonides, for your hospitality. I'm fine and the journey to Ipsos not too far to enjoy it," answers the Satrap of Lydia and follows.
After sitting down Apollonides closely examines his counterpart. "Would you like to have a snack to refresh from the ride or perhaps something to drink?"
Lysimachos is a handful of years younger, a pair of lively, watchful eyes betraying an agile mind. A warm smile shows on his lips. "I have to thank you again, but I don't need anything at the moment. I would be honored to sup with you later, though."
Be careful, Apollonides reminds himself. He is a dangerous man, as dangerous as a beast of prey that is concealing its fierce brutality under its elegance and a beautiful fur.
The Satrap of Phrygia smiles back. "It will be my honor and a pleasure to do so." The games may begin, he thinks. "Perhaps the prince will join us, then."
A look of surprise on Lysimachos' face and Apollonides is not sure if it is true or well-acted. "He is here? Today?"
"Oh, yes, he is. But he won't stay for long." He pauses a moment, waiting for a reaction, which is not coming. "The regent, your father-in-law, has requested him to come to Seleukeia for an assignment of importance. We are right now preparing for his departure. The Royal Road will be secure for most of the way, but I send a strong body of cavalry with him, to make sure he will arrive his destination."
Another pause. "You certainly understand." A small statement, as such meaningless, but maybe implying the unspoken, maybe not. You can't trust anyone these days, can you?
Lysimachos slowly nods. His mind is working. Definitely he knows he's none the wiser than before.
The guest calmly answers: "It is good I'll have the opportunity to meet him again. I'm lucky I haven't come tomorrow."
"Yes, that is true. Very well," adds Apollonides, now considering to lead over to a nice, innocuous conversation about the latest development in mining business.

Good update, Lysimachos! It's really nice to read you AAR from time to time, for the reasons I've forementioned, but also because the Arche Seleukeia are my second favorite faction!:2thumbsup:

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Good update, Lysimachos! It's really nice to read you AAR from time to time, for the reasons I've forementioned, but also because the Arche Seleukeia are my second favorite faction!:2thumbsup:

Maion

---

Your comments are always welcome! As a matter of fact I'm right now considering to join the ranks of the Synedrioi in your interactive campaign, because the introduction of rivalling parties has stirred my interest again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lysimachos

Your comments are always welcome! As a matter of fact I'm right now considering to join the ranks of the Synedrioi in your interactive campaign, because the introduction of rivalling parties has stirred my interest again.

---

Well, just the fact that someone like you reads my AAR is very honoring to me!

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lysimachos

Your comments are always welcome! As a matter of fact I'm right now considering to join the ranks of the Synedrioi in your interactive campaign, because the introduction of rivalling parties has stirred my interest again.

---

Not only do I love reading your AAR (Though I do not post as often, yet still!), which in my opinion is like a well-written book, but having you onboard in Maion's AAR would be totally awesome, especially since your knowledge, language and interaction seems to be just like the stuff that would really contribute in that AAR! I hope we'll see each other there, either as comrades, or as rivals! :yes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Well, just the fact that someone like you reads my AAR is very honoring to me!

Maion

---

Now that is more than I deserve, you are flattering me!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Socy

Not only do I love reading your AAR (Though I do not post as often, yet still!), which in my opinion is like a well-written book, but having you onboard in Maion's AAR would be totally awesome, especially since your knowledge, language and interaction seems to be just like the stuff that would really contribute in that AAR! I hope we'll see each other there, either as comrades, or as rivals! :yes:

---

Thanks to you, too. I'll need to think about an interesting background story before I can promise anything.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lysimachos

Now that is more than I deserve, you are flattering me!



Thanks to you, too. I'll need to think about an interesting background story before I can promise anything.

---

Well, it would be nice if you did, but really, just have a place of birth, small background (Family, etc.) and your position. My own backstory kind of started like that and I'm evolving it as the AAR grows. Just an idea, join in on the fun and you will eventually get a background! :yes:

Chapter 27: A Son's Duty

Kallinikos and his escort are riding at fast pace. His destination indeed is Seleukeia, yet he soon leaves the Royal Road, because first the Kleronomos Basileois has to head somewhere else, as he is not going to enter the Metropolis as a prisoner.
If the king is still alive, it is his son's duty to save his kingship.

Mighty walls rise into the sky. Antiocheia on the Orontes - western pearl of the Arche Seleukeia. The city is heavily guarded, squadrons of cavalrymen patrol the surrounding land. Alarming rumors have reached the governor's ear. Some say, the Basileus has died in Arabia and others that he has been arrested by his own brother, who tries to claim the throne. No news from the king's son have arrived for some time, who should be in Asia Mikra and the future is uncertain.
Only one thing is certain to Timarchos: Nikomachos, the Basileus' grandchild, lives in his house, the rightful heir, if father and grandfather fall to misfortune. So the governor knows, he who seeks the power has to follow the path to Nikomachos, and Timarchos made the decision to protect the child from whatever harm may come to him.

"Excellency! Excellency!" - "Yes, what is it?" Timarchos looks up from his work, stacks over stacks of papers, that are piling on his massive marmoreal desk.
"The prince has just arrive at the palace, sir," the messenger replies. A load is taken off Timarchos' mind. "Thank the gods he is alive! I reckon he will be seeing his family first. You can leave now, soldier."

"I'm glad to see your highness alive and well," Timarchos states. Kallinikos, his arm around the shoulders of his three year old son, looks up and rises. "So am I. And now I need your help, my brother."
The two of them retire to Timarchos' office and there the prince tells him about the past events. "And so," Kallinikos closes, "I owe my father to take an army to the Tigris. That is what I have come for."
His brother-in-law nods. "I have no confirmed report about his whereabouts, but word has he sailed to Persis. Though it is nothing more than hope, as today you can't trust any rumor."
He starts walking up and down the room. "You have to be aware that you can not be certain that the Basileus is still out there. So if it is your decision to confront your uncle I suggest you proceed carefully and try to gather supporters. It is of great importance that Sarpedon doesn't learn of your plans until you have reached northern Mesopotamia with its huge reserves."
"I am grateful for your help, Timarchos. It seems fate finally has decided to impose a great task upon me." Kallinikos is gazing off into the distance. "I hope it won't break me."

Very good! Will you continue this?

Good to see you're back. Got some time off, I persume? It's a good thing, your mind freshens up and you continue with renewed enthousiasm. I did it some time ago too:wink:

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by I of the Storm

Very good! Will you continue this?

---

Oh, yes, there are some interesting things to come and I wouldn't want to quit before I get them in, despite 1.2 being out :yes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Good to see you're back. Got some time off, I persume? It's a good thing, your mind freshens up and you continue with renewed enthousiasm. I did it some time ago too:wink:

Maion

---

Uhm, actually I'm not back yet, as it is almost two weeks since I posted the latest chapter, but I'm going to update this weekend or perhaps at the beginning of next week.

Excellent! I'll be waiting for your next chapter then!

Maion

Chapter 28: Gaugamela

Two riders are slowly moving through the busyness of the camp. They ride in silent, with disregard for the soldiers who are inspecting and repairing the equipment and preparing their meals.
When they have left the last tents behind Gorgias Dahaikos stops on a small slope, viewing to the south. "You know what this is, Kallinikos? Over there Alexandros fought the battle of Gaugamela." He is searching the surroundings. "I've heard here is an altar somewhere."
Seleukos Kallinikos catches up with his companion. "I dare to say it won't help us much, if you don't mind," he demurs.
"You're a croaker," Gorgias asserts, shaking his head. "If that was Alexandros' attitude, he wouldn't have won a battle on that very plain in front of us."
Kallinikos spurs his horse and exclaims: "I'm not Alexandros and am not going to change that! Now stop this!"

The two of them now are riding faster, in a curve across the ancient battlefield and then back in direction of the Royal Road.
The prince's forces have grown since he left Antiocheia behind, yet it is still a small army, but able to move quickly. Kallinikos doesn't plan an open confrontation, but through his armed presence putting pressure on those who haven't fully abandoned loyalty to their king.

He interrupts his thoughts and points southeast. "Look there, who's that?"
A single rider comes fast along the road and Kallinikos and Gorgias rush their horses to intercept him. "Stop your horse, stranger! Where are you going?" Gorgias calls out.
The newcomer firmly pulls the reins and brings his mount to a sudden halt. After a moment of hesitation he recognizes the king's son. "I'm coming for you, Strategos! I bring message from Seleukeia. The regent has ordered the army to prepare for march."
Kallinikos glances up, to the sky. "This can mean only one thing."
Gorgias sceptically looks at him. "No. It can't, actually."

https://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4382/15zl7.jpg

The audience is attentively watching the actors performing on the stage the premiere of a new komoidia written by the famous babylonian politician and playwright Ikadion Anthemusias.
Yet not all who have come to see the play, here in the Thaumaton Theatron of Seleukeia, are lucky enough to be able to commit their full concentration to it, among them the poet himself.
A pressing matter has forced him to leave soon after the begin and now he is standing in the dim and chilly corridors below the terraces.
"I don't like the way you are gambling," Ikadion emphasizes with rarely known gravity in his voice. "I will keep my hands out of this, you understand?" - "So you are deserting me, too? I swear to you, you will see where this will get you once I've come back," retorts his guest with fury and hurries away with a quick turn.

Now you're back. :2thumbsup:
Good to see this continue.

Good update:wink: By the way, I wonder how much treasury you got.

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus

Now you're back. :2thumbsup:
Good to see this continue.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Good update:wink: By the way, I wonder how much treasury you got.

Maion

---

Yes, I'm back :yes: I'm planning to update at least once a week, hope this will work out.

I can't give a certain figure regarding my treasury, but once all the mines are constructed and upgraded the financial cituation becomes comfortable, especially because I don't maintain a lot of expensive units (I don't need many armies, because I don't plan any fast and huge-scaled invasions all over the place).

A number would be fine:wink: Anyway, if you don't want to say, I understand :-P

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

A number would be fine:wink: Anyway, if you don't want to say, I understand :-P

Maion

---

It's not like I didn't want to, I just can't. What is recently happening in the AAR is about ten years back in the game and I don't have a clue how much money I had back then.
Short time after this I recruited my first elite units and elephants and later I've had something more than 100k at one time, but I usually try to spend my money on buildings. The theater is not the only top-level building I have in Seleukeia, for example, I just don't see a roleplay opportunity for every one of them.

Ah, an update! Good to see.

Quote:

---

The theater is not the only top-level building I have in Seleukeia, for example, I just don't see a roleplay opportunity for every one of them.

---

All those glamourous, sinfully expensive, high-end public order buildings and parks etc. are always good for conspirative meetings. Or showdowns.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lysimachos

It's not like I didn't want to, I just can't. What is recently happening in the AAR is about ten years back in the game and I don't have a clue how much money I had back then.
Short time after this I recruited my first elite units and elephants and later I've had something more than 100k at one time, but I usually try to spend my money on buildings. The theater is not the only top-level building I have in Seleukeia, for example, I just don't see a roleplay opportunity for every one of them.

---

Aha, I see. That makes sense:juggle2:

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by I of the Storm

Ah, an update! Good to see.



All those glamourous, sinfully expensive, high-end public order buildings and parks etc. are always good for conspirative meetings. Or showdowns.

---

This is true. I think there will be some more opportunities then...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Aha, I see. That makes sense:juggle2:

Maion

---

Maybe I'll write down what I have now in the game and when I'm as far in the AAR I might tell you :laugh4:

Btw, when beginning to write the next chapter I realized I have one unit of Argyraspides, so technically I already have an elite unit. :2thumbsup:
Anyway, I'm full of anticipation for completing this chapter, because it will be an important and large one and I hope it might also become one of my best so far :smash:
Back to work now :skull:

Here I am again and I think this is my longest chapter yet, although I made the last parts shorter than I originally intended to. Well, I guess I might have to answer some questions soon :beam:

Chapter 29: The Hour of Steel and Blood

So this is the day, Sarpedon thinks. He watches the Taxiarchai commanding their regiments in formation, arranging the Phalanx, Syntagma for Syntagma. He is not used to wearing armor but his smiths and tailors have done greatly in composing a military outfit for him.
The silver-coated cuirass is finely crafted and highly ornamented. On the right it shows Apollon Argurotoxos - with the silver bow - in his personification as god of archery, armed with Hephaistos' bow slaying Python, the chtonic dragon. The left shows Apollon as Musagetes playing the Kithara, surrounded by his choir of Muses. Between them, upon the solar plexus, the sun disc is set in gold.
From his shoulders falls a bright red cloak and for his head he has chosen the two-plumed helmet of the Hetairoi.
Sarpedon is riding ahead of his sons and highest officers, inspecting the buildup of his battle line. He turns around, seemingly satisfied and looks over the plain in front of the host. To the south the Tigris is slowly flowing in eastern direction, before turning south where the land rises to the Zagros mountains. The terrain is flat except some small elevations and it becomes more marshy closer to the river itself.
"Omanes!" he calls for his oldest son. "Yes, my father?" The addressee responds, lashing his mount to catch up.
"You take the cavalry and proceed ahead of the main line. I don't want any surprises." Omanes straightens himself with the confidence of an adolescent who never had to experience failure. "Of course, my father, I won't disappoint you!"
Sarpedon nods and looks to his younger son. "Athenaios, you stay with your brother. Heed his command." He is turning away, but stops and faces his son again. "And sit upright!" he snaps in a low, yet sharp voice.
So this is the day. He was going to face his brother in battle. Ah! He should have known from the start that this narrow-minded Admiral wouldn't obey his orders. But did it really matter? What aces could remain in Antiochos' sleeve? A victory today and an easy victory against the rabble that his nephew gathered in the north and the kingdom would be his. Then, at last, it would have a prospect of being well-governed.

A strong, black Arabian steed carries a tall man, wrapped in a blueish-gray cloak, unshaven and with disorderly hair. His carelessness however doesn't conceal the grandeur of his nobility, his uncompromising assertiveness and the muscular physique. The warrior-king is riding again.
He is riding again and he has an army. He brought from Arabia as many troops as he could, who now form the core of the host, that has been bolstered with the Klerouchoi from Persis and Susiane and with local Psiloi. Not the best he could wish for, but the experience of his veterans and his own proficiency in leading them should be enough for any foe.
"My Basileus?" With him is Antiochis, his cousin Andromachos' son. The king looks back, raising his eyebrows to signal his attention. The young relative is insecurely gnawing on his lip, as if considering the words to chose.
"Basileus, if you don't mind me asking, how does it feel, riding to fight your own brother?"
Theos silently gazes into Antiochis' eyes until the younger uncomfortably turns his eyes away. Then the king speaks, slowly and considerate. "When the day of battle comes, there is not time for feelings. When the horns of war call for slaughter it is the hour of steel and blood and not emotion. Victorious is he who doesn't fear, doesn't doubt, doesn't hesitate. The soldier may hate and lust, but never the commander, even when the dance of swords carries his body. Remember that."
A voice raises nearby. "Sire! Cavalrymen ahead!" Antiochos' head wheels around and follows the pointing finger of the Hetairos. "There, below the trees."
"I see. Prepare for engagement. We will offer a skirmish." - "Yes, Basileus!"
Antiochos again faces the young man. "You take the lead of the Infantry. No hurry, no experiment. Just hold formation and proceed according to the plan." In Antiochis' eyes the surprise shows, suddenly being in command over thousands of men, but he soon finds back his countenance. "As you order, my king!"
Antiochos Theos has deployed his cavalry on the right wing, because on the left, to the south, the ground near the Tigris is too soft to support horses at a steady speed, posing a reasonable defence against any mounted flanking. Now the king takes his riders forward and battle is imminent.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6355/22jw1.jpg

Omanes watches the king's right wing separate and leave the infantry behind, approaching in trot: the Hetairoi, the chosen companions, Lonchophoroi, protected by the Aspis and Prodromoi, not heavily armored, but mounted on exceptionally fast and agile horses.
Athenaios carefully voices his thoughts. "We should return now, brother. We are to far from the army, father would not want this."
Omanes laughs out loud and pulls his horse around, jerking his heels in its flanks. "No! This will be my victory! My glory!" The fire of passion is burning in his eyes and he turns towards the approaching enemies, unsheathes the Kopis and pushes it into the sky.

His brother's horsemen are swinging in and a smile of cold, superior confidence shows up on Antiochos' lips. "Those bloody fools," he mumbles before raising the voice: "Ready for charge!"
The wind carries the shout far and a many-voiced exclamation answers his call, the heavy cavalrymen speeding their horses, closing the lines shoulder by shoulder and couching the lances, while the Prodromoi, slight statured men on fast horses, prepare to hunt down Omanes' Hippakontistai.
Now the opponents' horses also accelerate to a tantivy. The horses are flying across the plain, hurling dust into the sky, the hard sound of their hooves hitting the ground unifying with the men's furious shouting and the mounts' nervous neighing in a thunderous cascade of noise.
The lines collide in an explosive cracking of steel against steel, which makes place for the cries of pain and the frightened sounds of the men's mounts.
Many have been unmounted in the powerful impact, riding without a saddle, and the cavalrymen's clash becomes a vicious melee - nothing left of the grandeur of mounted nobles - no! One thing already has been decided: This fight won't end as a skirmish, but when one side has ceased to stand.
The king is still on his horse, blazing his trail with the Kopis like the mower cuts the grain with his scythe. His vengeance comes upon his foes - cold and motionless, but unforgiving - and he is barely noticing who is falling under his blade.

https://img89.imageshack.us/img89/876/23zd1.jpg

The world turns silent around Omanes as he helplessly watches his brother collapse under a forceful blow. The Kopis slides from the young man's hand and he is grasping a Xyston, the fingers closing strongly around the trusty wooden shaft. The lance uplifted Omanes is stumbling across the fighting ground, towards the tall rider who just killed Athenaios with a slash off the cuff without even conceding him attention. Omanes is slowly, but irresistibly moving forward, the blood pounding in his temples, his eyes fixed on his aim. He is dropping his shield to grip the Xyston with both hands, preparing a powerful thrust. He is close, very close. An acute pain is hitting his left thigh. He has no time for pain and it is fading away, but the leg is giving in and the thrust misses. The Xyston's point is deflected by the king's muscled cuirass, its edge leaving a small cut on the inside of Antiochos' upper arm.
Omanes is on his knee, breathing heavily. He is preparing the next thrust, when his eyes meet Antiochos' gaze. The king's cold, piercing glance is perturbing, the calmness in the face of death even more so. Omanes is hesitating, before he raises the weapon.
But he has waited to long. A hand is grasping his hair, pulling his head backwards. He feels the shock of cold steel at his throat. He is gasping for air and he doesn't know why he can't breath. Then the pain is over, sensation has gone and his body is caving in, gushes of blood running from the deep cut in his throat in the rhythm of his heart's last beats.

https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8672/24sh8.jpg

Not many of Omanes' soldiers live to escape, chased away by Antiochos' Prodromoi, not enough to make a difference at another time. Already the scales have almost been tipped in the king's favor, when the wounded retire to the camp or after receiving basic treatment return to the right wing, for there is still a battle to be won.
Antiochos, now clearly superior in terms of cavalry, has chosen a conventional lineup. About two thirds of his infantry form the phalanx: to the left the Klerouchoi from Persis and Susiane and to the right the veteran Pezhetairoi, who fought under his command in the campaign to Hierosolyma and later in Arabia. Among them, the guard troops, the Argyraspides, hold the position of honor at the right edge of the Phalanx.
The last third of the king's infantry are Psiloi, light infantry. They are mostly Persians, armed with bows and varying quality of armor. Their numbers are complemented by slingers and a compartment of experienced Toxotai Kretikoi.
The main disadvantage of Antiochos' army is the lack of any heavy infantry or other mobile, but capable of melee, footsoldiers.
Across the field the king's brother has to rely heavily on his spearmen, now that he lost most of his cavalry, as he commands considerable numbers of well-armored Thorakitai and Thureophoroi as well as jewish and babylonian spearmen.

The battle lines stand ready, huge blocks of pikemen slowly closing in to the marching music of the Auletai. The Phalanx is the heart of a successor army, its most important part. The decision, however, will be made on the flanks and both generals know this and both have to take a risk in order to succeed.
The opening move in the struggle for the flanks comes from Antiochos. He has to move first, because he has to be quick, as his left flank is protected by not much more than the soft and not easily passable bankside terrain of the Tigris. His Hetairoi and Lonchophoroi encounter Sarpedon's Thureophoroi, who have been put here to hold the left, assisted by the remaining cavalry and the Peltasts, while the king's brother sends his heaviest troops, the Thorakitai, together with the Babylonians to attack on the river side.
The king, having suffered only a small cut in the preceding fight, is again leading his men at the front, while his brother is trying to retain the overview.

Antiochos knows the steadfastness and proficiency of the Thureophoroi, so he decides to fully exploit the enemies' lack of cavalry, by dividing his own heavy horsemen in three compartments, that repeatedly charge from different directions into the spearmen's defensive position, thus weakening them more and more without getting drawn into a lasting melee.
At the southern flank Sarpedon's Thorakitai and Iudaioi viciously attack the Klerouchoi, inflicting serious casualties to them, while the Babylonians are making their way even farther out to reach the back of Antiochos' formation, but they are not able to proceed fast and suffer greatly under concerted pounding by the Persian bowmen and slingers, while the king's Cretans get the upper hand in their ranged duel against Sarpedon's Syrians.
Finally, the Babylonians have come around the southern flank, but they see themselves unable to attack the back of the Phalanx, being threatened by the numerous Psiloi and the Prodromoi, who have been held in reserve, so they decide to rather flee into the dense sea of reed, abandoning what had been planned for them to avoid demise.
At this moment, Sarpedon's battle plans seem to be doomed: his own flanking maneuver severely weakened by the flight of the Babylonians, while the Thureophoroi and Peltastai no longer can resist the charges of Antiochos' heavy cavalry and the Argyraspides at the very right of the Phalanx get the better of their opponents, the gain of the Thorakitai in the south becoming in vain.
After the line starts crumbling, a determined strike of all reserves is enough to turn a close fight into total destruction.

https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5403/28hf4.jpg

Once again the king was victorious and his brother's army has suffered obliteration, but the traitor's body has not been found...

Wow, that was a very intense chapter! My sincere congratulations:thumbsup:

Maion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Wow, that was a very intense chapter! My sincere congratulations:thumbsup:

Maion

---

Thank you very much! I have a slight bad conscience though, because originally I wanted to describe the main part of the battle from Sarpedon's view, between hope and realization of defeat, but I got something like a "lazy-flash" and I just wanted to post it without separating one battle into two chapters.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

Wow, that was a very intense chapter! My sincere congratulations:thumbsup:

---

Indeed. A very good chapter.

Excellent update.
Out of curiosity: how did you get pre- and post-battle screens of two opposing seleucid armies with the proper character names? I mean, you can't really make them fight eachother on the campaign map, can you?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by I of the Storm

Excellent update.
Out of curiosity: how did you get pre- and post-battle screens of two opposing seleucid armies with the proper character names? I mean, you can't really make them fight eachother on the campaign map, can you?

---

No, you can't. But you can take two separate pictures of the two armies and merge them in one using a picture-editing program.

Maion

Hehehe, finally someone brings up this point, I've been waiting for it all the time :laugh4:

Actually, it is not all picture editing and I really fought a battle with Theodoros Syriakos against Sarpedon Syriakos and I would even have posted screenshots, if the graphics quality of my computer wouldn't suck that badly :yes:

What I did is probably a bit too much effort for this, but I really wanted them in the battle instead of some replayed custom battle or not having one at all. :idea2:
Somewhere in this forum I found directions on how to take control over a different faction. After bringing Sarpedon, Omanes and Athenaios in position I used that information to take control over the Ptolemaioi, so I could bribe them.
Then, I took control of the Seleucids again, used the console to spawn them some units and attacked to start the battle.
Some picture editing is involved of course. I copy-pasted the seleucid symbol over the ptolemaic and on the messages for the dead generals I deleted the reference to the Ptolemies, too. Regarding the unit cards in the pre-battle-screen I copied seleucid cards over the ptolemaic cards of respective units (but not all, some of them are still ptolemaic cards and the artistic skill is lacking on some parts, too, which you can see if you watch closely). In the battle, they were of course a completely ptolemaic army.
So now I don't even have to kill them off by some other way (hunting pirates in a jollyboat...) and still they are not around anymore and marked in the family tree as whatever-the-game-calls-it (defected or something) :skull:

And of course: Thank you all for your nice comments :2thumbsup:

Ingenious!

You deserve a balloon: :balloon2:

Quote:

---

Hehehe, finally someone brings up this point, I've been waiting for it all the time

---

tbh, I was surprised that noone did yet...:inquisitive:

W00t! Thank you!

Smart move! ~:) Thats something other AAR writers should keep in mind... ;)

Oh and is it possible to post a picture of your campaign map too? It would be a nice addition to your great writing ~:)

Forced Diplomacy FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beam::beam:

Bump! I'm still hoping for an update here... ?

C'mon please don't tell me this is dead:no:

This is not dead, I repeat: This is NOT dead! I've just been hibernating :beam:

Chapter 30: Gem of the Empire

"Strategos! Our scouts have returned." A young Dekarchos, a junior officer, is quickly riding up the hill, where Kallinikos is waiting, overlooking his small army marching south along the Dialas river that meets the Tigris not far north of Seleukeia.
The prince faces him and commands: "Report!" The horseman with force restrains his mount, which is uneasily obeying the pulling reins, neighing loudly while lifting its forelegs into the sky. "Strategos, the army has left Seleukeia and is marching in southeastern direction. Their baggage is not provided for a long time and the city is left behind with almost no garrison."
"Dismissed, Dekarchos." Kallinikos nods and turns to his staff. He shows a rare moment of resolution - perhaps because this decision has been made long before - and without hesitation he announces: "Gentlemen, we'll take our chance. Forced march to Seleukeia!"

Apollodoros is a quite small man and the years of comfortable service have done their part in forming his body in a rather grave fashion. His graying hair is slowly retreating from an uphill battle and gives room for a deserving presentation of Apollodoros' huge, almost cubical head, inside which most of his work, if any, is done.
Concerning his work, Apollodoros has just begun a break from the demanding task of acknowledging the next month's plans of watch, in order to savor some of his wife's famous cakes, when excited knocking arises at the door of his office, the office belonging to the commander of the city guard of Seleukeia.
Apollodoros is tempted to ignore the assumed supplicant, who dares to disturb his sacred break, but as he is not a dumb man and well knows that he seldom has to handle matters that tend to cause excited knocking, he allows the messenger into the office, but of course not without indicating his disapproval with the whole affair of disturbing him.
"Enter if it's important..." he shouts. A young and slender Babylonian enters the room shyly and Apollodoros recognizes him as one of the guard's runners and adds: "... or else you'll receive a fair share of whipping."
The commander leans back in his chair, that is groaning under the heavy weight's movement. "So, what is the matter?"
"An army is approaching the syrian gate. The officer of the watch requests order if the gate is to be closed, sir." Apollodoros heaves himself in an upright position, which induces the chair to emit another groan that is full of pain. "I reckon it is Seleukos Kallinikos?"
"We think so, sir."
He slowly nods. "Well, then, I guess, the choice has been made for us. He is here and the regent is not, so open the gates and give the prince a warm welcome. I will have to take care to inform our dear dignitaries."
The runner backs away, but before he turns to leave the office, he carefully asks: "So, there is no whipping?"
Apollodoros generously lifts his hands to show his renouncement. "No whipping!" Though, before the door closes behind the Babylonian, he shouts: "This time!", eager not to dilute his reputation among his subordinates.

The great iron gates open for the young prince's host. The sunlight is reflected by the tips of the soldiers lances and from the proud city's roofs, making it gleam brightly as the gem of the empire that it is. The people, who are living beneath this shimmer, bode farewell to the regent Sarpedon days ago, just as they now welcome the prince Seleukos Kallinikos and decorate his soldiers and horses with flowers, celebrating them as victors without a battle. The feud of the royal siblings has done little to touch them, until now, when thousands of husbands, brothers and sons have died at the shore of the Tigris, died not to defend their land and loved ones but for the will of their betters. The commoners don't know what the great ones argue about, what the nobles grind their blades for. They never do.

Good to see this is back!

WOOT!!!! IT LIVES!!!!!!

Ok excellent chapter, this is gonna get real interesting real fast. I sense an execution scene coming up.

Yeeeehaa!:laugh4:

Great as ever! :2thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus

Good to see this is back!

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes

WOOT!!!! IT LIVES!!!!!!

Ok excellent chapter, this is gonna get real interesting real fast. I sense an execution scene coming up.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kuningaz

Yeeeehaa!:laugh4:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by I of the Storm

Great as ever! :2thumbsup:

---

Thank you very much, guys! Your comments are a nice welcome back and as always a motivation to continue!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes

I sense an execution scene coming up.

---

I will stay silent about the details of coming events, but I think I can tell you there is something like a twist awaiting you :yes: If it involves anything like an execution I can't reveal now :fortune:

Chapter 31: Crossroads

Kallinikos walks up the wide stairs to the Royal Palace, a city of its own inside the Metropolis. At the top steps he looks back down, before turning to Gorgias Dahaikos, who has become his right hand in the last few months.
"Replace all guards inside the palace. The gates are to be closed and a transitory curfew enacted. Then we will have to find out whom to trust."
Again he spins around and with a deep sigh heaving from his breast he looks up the marmoreal facade, in abundance decorated with frescoes and statues, overwhelming the viewer with the sheer multiplicity of its elaborate illustrations, a convincing symbol of power, of wealth and of prodigality.
The gilded gates show no less than six representations of Apollon, the mythical progenitor of the seleucid house: Phoibos, the god of light, Akesios, the healer, Smintheus, the mouse-catcher as defender against plagues, Argurotoxos, the one with the silver bow, as god of archery, Musagetes, as the leader of the nine Muses who bring inspiration to the mortals and Agyieus, the protector of homes. Around those are depictions of scenes from the god's life, so closely arranged that on the whole gates there is no flat spot left, big enough to lay an open hand upon it.
Now the gates open for the king's first born son.

The Metropolis' dignitaries are gathered around the prince, magistrates, priests, judges and officers, all of those responsible for the city's government and the royal bureaucracy. An uneasy atmosphere persists below the high ceiling, as the crowd of honorables suspects not to receive much honor this day.
Apollodoros, the commander of the city guard, as the highest ranking military position in Seleukeia, is a prominent guest, not to his enjoyment, though. The cold sweat makes his bald head gleam in the light and soaks his Chiton, leaving an unpleasant wetness on his back. He is just raising his voice, as Kallinikos impatiently cuts his word with an impatient movement of his hand.
"Would you mind telling me, Apollodoros, if you are now so glad and delighted to see me, why did you not use your position and the gravity of your word to do something about this current... unruliness, before it could do any harm?"
"You see, my lord, I... I rather continued to serve the Arche as such, than get myself killed and leave my important responsibilities orphaned, because as you know, our neighbors in their greediness and vassals in their mislead contumacy are waiting for every weakness, and so... so the tiny cogwheel that I am decided to continue its work to protect the empire as a whole, oh, yes, because if only one..."
His voice was going faster and higher with the progress of his speech until Seleukos Kallinikos disrupted it, because the sound of the hasty step of an approaching pair of boots grows nearer.
"Just leave it, you blatherer." The prince faces the newcomer, a royal companion, identifiable by the typical two-plumed helmet that he is carrying under his left arm and the Kopis by his side, as only the Hetairoi and the new palace guard are still allowed to carry arms inside the building.
"I welcome you, Hetairos. You bring a message for me?" The addressee quickly examines the people present in the hall and answers the welcome with a loud voice.
"I greet you, Strategos. I bring word from the divine Basileus, who has defeated the viperish Usurper Sarpedon and demands the city to prepare for the arrival of his victorious army."
With a smile on his face Kallinikos turns back to Apollodoros. "Now that you have communicated your opinion you surely are eager the learn my father's. And..." - his glance wanders over the faces around him - "... you certainly know, the Basileus is not as forgiving as I am."
An embarrassed silence lies upon the hall, until Kallinikos raises his voice again: "Hail to the Basileus!"

Antiochos enters the city in Triumph, the warrior-king who again has enlarged the empire at his arabian campaign and defeated the greater numbers of his brother's army with ease.
He is Theos - the god - before whom his rivals tremble, victor against Parnoi and Sakai and the mercenary generals of the Ptolemaioi. A glance of his eye is cold as ice and deadly as steel. And he who crushes his foes is returning in glory, eager to seek revenge.

Kallinikos is standing at the top of the steps to palace, waiting and watching the army marching through the city's streets, bordered with people who are welcoming their king and his army.
A man, who has arrived early this day, approaches Kallinikos. The name is Eustathios, he remembers and he is a Heterogenes - a descendant of both hellenic and persian heritage - like the Kleronomos Basileois himself.
"Strategos, as you know, I've been send by the Basileus to take care of the formalities of the ceremony. You, too, should be informed that a new protocol of court has been enacted, which includes the Proskynesis to honor the king."
Kallinikos frowns in bewilderment. "What are you talking about? Those are honors not fit towards another man!"
Eustathios answers motionlessly: "What you say is true, but we had to realize that he is not man, but divine and thus should receive the honors fitting a true god. According to your standing you will be required to give the king a respectful kiss on the cheek, my lord."
The young man confusedly shakes his head and again looks down, where his father approaches at the head of his army. The world is changing fast around him in these days, he thinks, but how fast it really is, he doesn't know yet...

Finally, Antiochos II arrives at the palace. He doesn't wear his almost humble armor anymore, because now he has to look like a god to be received as one. A new armor has been made, just for this day, a glaring dream of gold. The motives that have been chosen to ornament it are intertwining patterns, as it doesn't fit a god to adorn himself with someone else's deeds.
Slowly he takes step after step. He is a tall man, seeming even larger due to the high helmet's crest, and constant exercise has given him a muscular athlete's body. It really doesn't take much to believe in his divinity, Kallinikos notices, struck with awe.
Mesmerized he walks forward to meet his father, who takes down the helmet and without a noticeable motion on his face looks down to his son, to receive a shy kiss on his well-shaved cheek.
The bearded son takes two steps back, clearing the way. His father's eyes rest on him and at this moment Kallinikos is more certain than ever that it takes a greater man than him to fill his father's shoes and sorrow fills his heart.
"My son." The king's deep masculine voice leaks to his dazed senses. "How long has it been? Five years? You are a grown man now." A faint smile shows on Antiochos' face for a moment before it vanishes again and the king proceeds on his path.
"Thank you, my king," mumbles the prince without really listening and follows few steps behind, through the gilded gates.

Antiochos went to the throne room to hold court and receive homage from the nobles and the leading men of the city. Kallinikos is standing at his right hand side, silently watching the courtiers, the bootlickers bowing or kneeling in front of the king, kissing his garments or blowing a kiss, each according to his status. It was an unaccustomed sight and certainly one that was hard to accustom to.
After the last of the sheepish supplicants has given his obeisance, Antiochos ordered to bring wine and waved his son to come closer.
"I have learned my part. It is much more demanding for a man to betray a god than another man and even more to do so with the soldier's consent. Never admit someone as your equal and never let the people think there could be a way different to yours. But now," he knits his brows, "I feel like I miss a certain face in this room. I guess someone has to be fetched from Babylon..."

Ikadion Anthemusias is worried and this unfamiliar state of mind is decidedly derogatory to his famous wits. A large group of armed men has - in a manner of speaking - invited him to the royal palace in Seleukeia and the precipitous departure which had been necessary - or at least is this what the more or less friendly visitors made him convinced of - hindered him from taking his usual precautions before visiting the Metropolis.
Now he is waiting - standing, due to the lack of seating-accommodations - in a rather gloomy and small room inside the palace, far away from the parts where visitors usually were brought. If this was not enough in itself, a hunk of a man was standing next to the door and watching every step that he, like a tiger in a cage, was taking.
Right at the moment when the door opens again, Ikadion has to realize the fun part of his abidance is over.
At once he recognizes the two newcomers and he falls on his knees to adequately honor his host, the king, who is accompanied only by his eldest son. "Oh, godlike Basileus, my eyes are delighted and my heart is overjoyed about the honor of your presence!" His hand reaches out to touch the hem of Antiochos' plain though finely woven Chiton, but the king pushes Ikadion's hand away.
"Just stop it!" he barks. "I have no sense to listen to the play of your snake-tongue, Babylonios. We have some earnest talk to do."
From the corner of his eye Ikadion notices Kallinikos positioning himself near the window, folding his arms, but his attention is ultimately caught by the Kopis that is girded at the king's waist. Filled with fear he decides to remain on his knees, but before he regains control over himself something escapes his mouth. "You certainly are nothing like your brother."
Pain strikes him as suddenly the king's hand grips into his curly hair and his head is jerked backwards. "You can bet on that," Antiochos hisses close to the Babylonian's ear. "But better don't gamble with me. I've slain hundreds of greater men than you are and I won't hesitate to waste you now and here. Where - is - he?" With the last word Ikadion feels the cold steel of the king's sword touching his throat and he trembles with fear, having never been tested with danger.
"He is fleeing to Aigytos! Your brother has taken up correspondence with Ptolemaios after the war ended and invested a lot of his wealth there." He can't hold himself back and starts to sob. "Please, don't kill me, I have no part in this, I swear!"
Antiochos watches him with disdain. He releases the hair and Ikadion collapses on the ground, shivering. "Guard, put this wimp under arrest. I'll later see what to do with him."
The king turns to his son, a dark shadow in his expression. "So it is decided. My son, I will make you a King by my side. You will rule with full authority and responsibility during my absence."
An grip cold as ice closes around Kallinikos' heart as he comes to the awareness of the weight that has been put on his shoulders in this very moment.

Here is a screenshot of the map in 251 BC. It has been taken before the battle on the Tigris, but it's still the same year.

https://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3044/251bcrn8.jpg

Amazing work Lysimachos.

Very nice, Lysimachos. Most impressing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hax

Very nice, Lysimachos. Most impressing.

---

QFT. Great narrative again. You're really talented!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lysimachos

Here is a screenshot of the map in 251 BC. It has been taken before the battle on the Tigris, but it's still the same year.

https://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3044/251bcrn8.jpg

---

If thats 251BC Then i gots 3 things for you.
1. The Luso have gone berserk again.
2. The Sauros are doing VERY well against Hai
3. Kart-Hasdastim has gone braindeaded

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by General Appo

Amazing work Lysimachos.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hax

Very nice, Lysimachos. Most impressing.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by I of the Storm

QFT. Great narrative again. You're really talented!

---

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that. I hope I'm not overdoing it with Antiochos :laugh4:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olaf Blackeyes

If thats 251BC Then i gots 3 things for you.
1. The Luso have gone berserk again.
2. The Sauros are doing VERY well against Hai
3. Kart-Hasdastim has gone braindeaded

---

Perhaps I'll have to do something about 2. because I don't want the Hay to die there. I might need them in the later game for an invasion of Syria :smash: :beam: