From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

*Machinoros listened to all the speeches until he decides to speak up again*
"I say: do as Attalos said. His speech shows great political wisdom. A wisdom I did not think him capable of. Give Hellas what it longs for the most: peace! Then you will be Hellas' Soter. The one who put an end to the seemingly endless wars. Now that your soldiers have won you so much, give them rest, so they can enjoy what they've won. A victory without peace to enjoy it is worthless. Build more infrastructure, roads, public baths, temples. You've shown the Hellenes your greatness in war, my king, now show them your greatness in peace!
Regarding our future long-term strategy: There are some diplomatic considerations to make. First of all we must look to our nearest neighbours. In Mikra Asia (whom some of our fellow synedroi already think of as our mighty armies' next prize) there are the Seleukidai. They consider Mikra Asia their sphere of interest and our kings and their kings have agreed upon not interfereing in each others dominions, thus forming a powerful alliance against the decadent Ptolemaioi in Egypt. We should not risk harming our relations with our most important ally. At least not as long as his help is welcome. If our young men cannot cherish peace and must go to war, then send them to Rhodos. With Rhodos and its mighty harbours, the trade in the Aegean depends on our fleets to protect it. A very profitable situation.
We should also look to the west. It seems only logical that now, that the Karchedoi expand into Sicily and possibly Southern Italy, there will be a fight over the dominance in Italia between the Karchedoi and the Romaioi. In time will have to decide, whom we want to rule Italy. My advise would be the Karchedoi. They are traders and traders want to trade. They only go to war if the probable benefit surpasses the costs. Furthermore they have their colonies and sphere of interest in the Western Mediterranian, so it is unlikly that they would want to expand very far into our dominion. The Romaioi however have got their homelands much closer to Hellas and thus might look upon our soil as potential a prey; plus they have shown to be a warlike people in the recent past as they effectively threw Pyrrhos out of Italy. One should keep an eye upon them. I say, seek a trade alliance with the Karchedoi. We disposed the world of Pyrrhos who was their greatest foe thus far. They should be grateful. However we should under no circumstance get mixed up in Italic business; that already broke Pyrrhos back.
Finally, one must not forget the North. Councilman Antiochos already spoke in favour of campaigning the North and bringing the Tribes of Carpathia to their knees. It seems a fine and easy campaign for the tribes do not field great armies. They are a rabble of dirty peasants. However, one must think first of what there is to gain apart from glory. The North is a dark and cold land. Wild and unruly as its inhabitants. A war might drag on for years and there is not much profit in ruling a wilderness. Plus the Getai to the North are our barrier against those savages from the steppes, who do not even deserve being called barbarians because they don't even sleep under a roof. Let the barbarians and steppe savages kill each other, as long as they leave us in peace.
This is my humble advise to the king."
*he sits down again, giving a respectful nod to Attalos*


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It's great to see the Carthaginians expand into Sicily this early in the campaign. I have never seen such a thing in RTW. I think we should try to help them in any way a peace allows.

*Attalos listens to Machinoros, noding many times in silent agreement. When Machinoros is finished, he stands up to speak his mind*

What Machinoros said is true. I must admit, I had not thought of the world outside our noble kingdoms border, wich Machinoros did, and what he says is both true and sound. Now, I know not much about trade and economy, other than tending my own crops, but what Machinoros speaks about the Karchedoi rings true. It is also, as he stated, not in our interests to meddle in Italic business. Yet, atleast. About the war that seems to be raging in and around Magna Graecia Machionors logic is undisputable, about the Karchedoi. It is also true what he says about the north, but I must stress, there are valuable mines there, and the tribesmen would make fine soldiers in our ranks. Though, I am for peace, for now atleast. Our alliance with the Seleukidai is also a strong one, bound by honour and comraderie. As much as we dislike it, we need them, for together we can oppose the Ptolemaioi, lest they are free to divide and conquer as they wish. I had not thought about this when speaking of military plans in Mikra Asia, therefor, I agree with Machinoros, we should postpone any plans we have for Mikra Asia. Atleast for now. For now, our focus should be to restore order and prosperity to Hellas. As Machinoros said, only then will you be Soter, dear basileus.

*Attalos sits down again, having spoken*

*After the Synedrioi have finished their daily business and the members are exiting the chambers, Attalos aproaches Machinoros. He places a steady hand on his shoulder to get his attention*

Machinoros, sympatrioi, I know you and I have our differences. You see things differently than I do, wich is not a bad thing. In fact, a trait you should be proud of. I just wanted to declare my respect for you, and your service to our kingdom and Basileus. I know you are more than capable of seeing to yourself, but should you ever require the services of a... Friend, let me know.


P.S. Being proud = Not openly admitting that you admire someone, all of the sudden. :)

*Machinoros gives Attalos a friendly smile*
"You are young and the young men's business is war and great deeds. That is what you excel in. I however am an old man and old men's business is peace an politics. A rather dull and cynical business, but that is where my abilities lie. We each serve our king in our own way and that is good for a kingdom needs both."
*He grabs Attalos' hand an shakes it*
"I welcome your friendship."

Guys, I've been real busy lately, University started sooner than I had thought it would, so I had no Internet for quite some time. Now that I know your votes and ideas, I shall prepare another update, as long as a speech. This means, of course, that this AAR isn't dead:wink:

Thank you all again for your support!

Maion

I too am a bit busy right now. But I will still look into this thread more or less regularly and try to keep posting.

Guys, I think I will prepare some more updates finally so keep your eyes peeled. I'm in a real dilemma now, as I expected you to be more ''agressive'' than just plain rational. Not that the latter is bad, though. Anyway I will probably follow your advice and build up some infrastructure.

Cheers,
Maion

*Antisthenes takes up his place on the pedestal and speaks to the Synedrion*

''Synedroi, it seems we all agree that the option of the Basileion would be to rest. Hellas indeed has lost too many good and brave men and our economy is not stable yet. One wrong move and Makedonia will be shattered, even now that we are the unquestionable rulers of Hellas. Your words have echoed wise and rational throughout the chambers and I ensure you that your spirit will be passed over along with your decisions to the Basileus. Let us now attend our everyday lives, for once, and forget all the grief this constant wars have brought upon us. Let us live our lives and spend time with our loved ones. I do not know weather I will still be alive or able to speak to you during our next meeting, but something tells me that that time is not as far away from now as we may want. Greetings to you all, friends, may our next meeting be as fortunate as this one. May the gods bless you...''

*Antisthenes slowly leaves the chamber, shaking the hands and wishing good-byes to some Synedroi as he does so*

Closing of the Synedrion

P.S.: Update to be followed tomorrow, promised:wink: Just keep your eyes peeled :-)

Eiar, 508th year after the First Olympiad – Eiar, 514th year after the First Olympiad

(Spring, 268BC - Spring, 272BC)

Six years have passed since Antigonos Gonatas, Basileus of Makedonia had finaly declared an age of peace for the Basileion. All military activities where ceased, although the two main Makedonian armies where not disbanded.

Deciding that the two most vulnerable points would be northern and southern Hellas, Antigonos ordered two great forts to be built in the corresponding places. More specifically, one was build at Makedonia, while the other at Peloponnesos. Each fort housed about 16.680 men. While all military activities where ceased, the soldiers where continued to be payed and drilled on a daily as normal.
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Internal matters of the Basileion:
Many events had taken place those six years, but the most important ones are as follows; First of all, Baias was appointed as governor of Athenai. Baias did not like southern Hellenes very much, something that fueled his already strict way of governing. While the Athenaioi where unhappy under his rule, Antigonos knew he could rely on Baias to control the free-loving polis.
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Iphiniassa, a fine young Makedonian woman, had finally come of age to marry. A very fine young man by the name of Menephilos Thebaios, a Makedon, was given her hand and soon after the marriage followed.
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After the great celebration which took place in Demetrias, Menephilos and Iphianassa moved to Epeiros, where Menephylos was appointed governor of Ambrakia.

During the Cheimon of the 506th year after the First Olympiad (Winter, 264BC), a man by the name of Astrabakos rose in rebellion in northern Hellas. Astrabakos was an heterogenes, with many ties to the Makedones. He had managed to gather a great number of forces under his command and form an army that marched against the heartlands of Makedonia.

Antigonos was quick to react though, and by his order sent Alkyoneus to led the army stationed in Makedonia against the upcoming rebels. Several stadia to the north of Pella herself, Alkyoneus clashed with Astrabakos and his 10.845-men strong army.
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The battle itself was short but brutal, with the Makedones winning an easy victory against the poorer equipped and trained rebels. Alkyoneus himself had again proved his great leading abilities, slaying many men along with his trusted somatophylakes.
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Astrabakos himself was captured during the fight, but the brave man took the xiphos belonging to his captor and instead of trying to stab him, he plunged the sword into his stomach. He soon fell on the snow-covered ground motionless, with his blood turning the white snow into a deep crimson. His body was ordered by Alkyoneus to be unharmed and he personally arranged a great funeral by his own expenses.
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Last, but not least, during the begining of Eiar of the 508th year after the First Olympiad (262BC), Krateros Argeades died. His death was from natural causes and unpainful. A magnificent funeral took place in Korinthos, where all royal Makedonian family members where present to bid the man a final farewell.
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External matters:
While not much had happened within the Basileion, things where not as passive in the outside world. The Koinon Hellenon still kept trying to gain the upper hand in the Aigaion by constantly building new ships, only to have them sunk again by the Makedonian fleet. The Basileus himself had ordered even more ships to be built, as to ensure Makedonia’s superiority in the Aigaion.

The southern Hellenes had managed, even in their dire situation, to accomplish quite much by negotiating Mainly, they managed to persuade both the Seleukeidai and Ptolemaioi as well as the Pontioi to declare a ceasefire between themselves. This would loosen their constant fear of any naval invasion from mainly the two superpowers, at least for the time being.
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They even tried to strike deals with Antigonos, who soundly refused any offers of ceasefire. When the main Hellenic ambassador from Rhodos, Metrodoros Amorginos, started becoming annoying and even getting to the point of threatening the Basileus, Antigonos ordered the man to be assassinated. The job was done perfectly by a Makedonian assassin named Eumenes Thermopylaios, a very intelligent young man.
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The reason of these unexpected agreements, was mostly due to the fact that the two powers had yet again turned their attention to Syria. When the Ptolemaioi attacked and captured the region of Phoinike, formerly under Seleukid control, another Syrian War broke out.
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With the Arche Seleukeia’s attention in Syria, many minor powers tried to use that to their advantage. It was mainly the Pontioi, however, who actually decided to declare war upon the Seleukeidai for their holdings in Anatolia.
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The most important event that perhaps took place, was the sudden economic explosion of the Karchedonioi. It was later known that the people had discovered several salt mines, something that brought them a vast amount of wealth to their already deep coffers. With their new funds, the Karchedonioi launched a series of invading forces to Afrike, conquering a great deal of lands and people. Apart from that, their navy close to doubled in number, bringing them in direct antagonism with both the Romaioi and the Ptolemaioi. As such, war was declared between those people.
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Not only did the Karchedonioi manage to gain the upper hand in the sea against both the Romaioi and, in a smaller scale, the Ptolemaioi, but they also took the war against the former one step further by actually invading their lands. After passing through the seas and reaching Italia, a hellenised Karchedonios strategos named Theophanes Apollonia led the invading army. After landing in Apoulia, the local Italoi took up arms and under leadership of a man named Caivs, joined Theophanes in besieging Capua.
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Even though things seemed grim for the Romaioi, they managed to defeat both armies and even executed Caivs publicly in Roma. Theophanes himself lived, but was severely punished by the Karchedonian Senate when he returned to Karchedon. Even though the Romaioi won on land, the Karchedonioi still remained the unquestionable masters of the Mesogeios.

Beginning of the Synedrion, 262BC

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*Antisthenes steps up on the pedestal, facing the Synderoi. Among them he sees new faces, realizing how old he already is*

''Sympatriotai! You cannot imagine how happy I am to be standing here again before you. Even though lately my health hasn't been as it used to, I decided to hold on to my position for maybe some years longer, at least until the gods decide differently. As you know, it has been 6 whole years since Basileus Antigonos declared an age of peace and prosperity. Truly, these past years we have managed to stabilize our economy and rule over the newly conquered areas. More barrackses have been built to train better soldiers, larger farms and grainstores created to feed more people and better walls to protect them. Apart from that, we have managed to control almost the entire Aigaion due to our superior navy. Even our military forces proved their superiority against the rebel army of late. This has been a clear sign to any foreign powers, that Makedonia is still a great power - maybe even one of the greatest - of the Mesogeios.''

*Antisthenes takes a short break and continues to speak*

''As you may already know, several important events have taken place these past 6 years. The Koinon Hellenon is trying to create alliances against us, the Ptolemaioi and Seleukeidai are yet again fighting each other over control of Syria and a new power seems to have risen; the Karchedonioi. While these people may always have been powerful, especially when it comes to naval affairs, they have lately increased their incomes that much, that they can easily be considered one of the wealthiest - if not the wealthiest - power in the Mesogeios. This, of course, is prone to create hostilities against them, because of greed of their wealth. As such, it was inevitable that the Romaioi and Ptolemaioi, their most powerful immediate neighbors, would clash with them. While the Karchedonioi not only defeated both powers, but also launched an unsuccessful invasion of Apoulia. This shows us the true aggressiveness of those people, as well as the vastness of wealth they control.''

*Antisthenes awaits for the Synedrion to fall quiet before continuing his speech*

''While the Romaioi themselves did indeed send ambassadors to us in order to ask for help, Antigonos decided to refuse any offer for help. In return, those people subdued Megale Hellas just after they drove away the invading Karchedonian forces!''

*Many disapproving voices are heard by the Synedroi, with the occasional curse against the Italians*

''Yes, Synedroi, indeed they have betrayed us. That is why Antigonos decided to call upon us again. While we could still keep pretending that nothing is happening on the outside and focus solely on the Basileion, we could also open our eyes and look more closely at things. Has any of you thought of the consequences of leaving Megale Hellas unprotected and under Roman control? Or maybe the possible dawn of a new superpower that will inevitably engulf us as well? By superpower, I of course mean the Karchedonioi. Now what shall we do? Act quickly or think about it? Shall we move in aid of Megale Hellas and make war with the Romaioi, or help them against Karchedon? Or maybe we could finish the unification of Hellas and build up our forces in order to face them? What do you say, Synedroi?''

Here is a map of the known world in 262BC:
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Wish 2 join. Am I a family member or a random dude?

Just a random dude. Pick a name, professionality and age, add a description of yourself and you'll be part of the Synedrion! Thank you for the support, by the way:wink:

Maion

One of the new Synedroi stands up, greets the Syderion and speaks:

“Fellow Sympatriotai I have never been a man of great words but all my life I has served the Basileus and the Basileion the best as I could and I don’t intend to change such a habit of life….”

Not all of those who were present knew this man personally. His name was Philadelphios ''Skythikos'' Jaxarteios . A member of a family which had a very unusual history compared to those of other Macedonians. It is sad that his ancestors where from the barbaroi tribes who roamed the endless fields north-east of Hellas and even managed to defeat the mighty Persians. After Megas Alexandros destroyed the horse- armies of these nomads at the Battle of Jaxartes (after which the Jaxarteios took there name) some of their nobles offered there services to the Macedonians. Philadelphios’ grandfather was one of them and later married a lady of high birth and settled in Makedonia. For long they were called “anthropon hyioi” (sons of some people) since nobody in Hellas knew anything about the People the Family descended from.

Later they also added “skython hyioi” (sons of Scythians) to there names to express there pride for there ancestors – and always clamed that the horse-armies of the steppe are at least as effective as the armies of Hellas.

The Jaxarteios served the Kingdom of Macedonia loyally ever since. Philadelphioses late Father was a member of the Synderion himself until his life came to a peaceful end. Philadelphios and his brothers fought for the Kingdom as Hetairoi until he was chosen to take the place of his Father. Now aged 35 he hopes to serve his king as good as he can.

There are many matters in which he does not agree with most Hellenes. He considers bows as powerful weapons (one worthy for a true warrior to bear) not like many Greeks who see ranged weapons as the “weapons of cowards”. He has a dislike for the Greeks of southern Hellas and views there ideals (independent city-state or Polis, Citizen Hoplite Warfare) as out of date and often wonders why they were not conquered by other people before Phlippos II. However he considers the way the Macedons fight there wars as ideal, but believes it could become even more effective. Many call him a warmonger however he would never attempt to lead his country into an unnecessary war. To the enemies of the Basileion he would not give mercy…

“Therefore I suggest we continue our efforts to unite Hellas and secure the safety of our kingdom. Above all I would advise Basileus Antigonos to subdue the City of Thermon… there citizens refuse to acknowledge his rule and there army is an open call to other Greeks to rebel against us. The so called Koinon Helennon is probably also supporting them. Let our armies’ burn out this nest of serpents and traitors.
After that is done we should concentrate on strengthening our fleet and take the Island of Crete. There we can recruit some of the best archers of the world – a very useful support to make the armies of the Basileus even mightier.
We need to keep our eyes on the Romaioi but we must not fight them on there on soil in Italia at least not yet.”

(Sorry for the long Post:oops:
Hope will get along well:2thumbsup:)

*Antisthenes rises up and speaks addressing to the young man, Philadelphios*

''It is always a pleasure to see new faces within the walls of this chamber, Philadelphios, even more so people of your high social status. Your family truly is noble and loyal, and I must admit much more Hellenic than many 'pure' families in here.''

*Some murmur is heard by a few Synedroi, but Antisthenes neglects them and continues*

''As this is your first participation to the Synedrion, I wish to personally welcome you into our community. I will be available for you about anything you may want to ask at any time. As for your proposal now to unify Hellas, I must admit that we are in a quite favorable position to do so, though there is a slight flaw in that decision. You see, the southern Hellenes have managed to use their silver tounges in such a way, that they have created many philhellenic parties in the outside world that may come to their aid once we wage war to then anew. Just think of the fact that both the Seleukeidai and Ptolemaioi have already declared a ceasefire with them, with the latter even promising them fresh help!''

*Antisthenes sits down with support of two Synedroi at his sides, as even standing or sitting has become a hard thing for him lately*

Speaking as Maion now, I would like to openly welcome you as well! I have uploaded the first page where all characters are listed, the only thing I changed was the ''sons of Skythians'' part, where I changed it to ''Skythikos''. You see for a person, ''Skythikos'' would be more appropriate, showing his Skythian origin.

Hope to see you all debate here soon,
Maion

Fellow Synedroi and AAR viewers, as there has been a certain unwillingness to plan the next moves of the Basileion, and because I want to keep this AAR going, I decided to take the initiative and continue my campaign. As such, be expecting a new update maybe even by tomorrow. Thank you all again for reading my AAR!

Maion

Hope this AAR will go on :yes:

Is there room for another participant?? :) I haven't got any roleplaying experience though...

*Machinoros rises and asks for permission to speak*
My fellow Synedroi. Long was the time of peace and it did us well. Our fields are vast and bring good harvest, our markets are filled with exotic goods from all over the world, our chests are full with precious stones and hard coins. The wounds from the wars of the past have healed. Peace has been a good hetaira.
*Machinoros takes a deep breath and then sighs a bit sad*
But, fellow synedroi, the world around us is in turmoil. Two great wars, each between two superpowers, have started. In the west, the Romaioi and the Karchedoi battle for the supremacy in the Western Mediterranian, in the east the Ptolemaioi and the Seleukidai do the same over Alexander's conquests in the East. Whoever will come out of these wars as winner will each be our contestor of ultimate supremacy. So we should chose now whom we'd like to see having the upper hand. As for the East, I think we should wait who gets the upper hand, since both the Seleukidai and the Ptolemaioi are equally strong. We should only look that it stays that way so that they may exhaust themselves battling each other for decades leaving them both weakened.
The West however needs our immediate attention, dear Synedroi! The war in the West is closer and we do have something to lose there: our fellow Hellenes in Italia. I know what you will say now: "Was it not you who said to us that it would be wise not to get involved in those petty Italian wars?!" I did say that and you are right to taunt me, for I did not foresee how fast this war would come and how our fellow Hellenes would suffer because of it. May you and the king forgive me my ill judgement.
I will learn from my mistakes in judgement. Synedroi, Peace has been a fine hetaira, it is true, but now great Makedonia must once again leave his hetaira and call for his Hetairoi. We did not seek war, it has come to us. We do not love it, but we love justice and law. And law has been broken in the most malicious way by those pesky Romaioi who dared to subdue the Hellenes of Italia, knowing that we could not tolerate that Hellenes may live under the tyranny of barbaroi.
One can see, my most honored friends, how republics make its people greedy, dishonest and rotten with corruption. A kingdom under a good and great king however makes its people honest, just and virtuous in every way. We shall aid the Karchedoi, for they are peacful traders at heart, against the foul, dishonest and war-seeking Romaioi for if the latter are not stopped now, they may soon bring war all over Europe. We cannot allow that, we must bring order and peace to all people, not just in our interest but also in their's.
We shall arm ourselves and msuter our troops. We shall board the ships and sail to the shores of Italia. We shall liberate our fellow Hellenes in Taras. Let the Karchedoi, however, have their share of the land so they may reach their enemy. We shall aid them but not wage their war for them.
To our new member of this most honorable counsil I shall say you are always welcome, as long as you aim for the good of our beloved king and his kingdom.
*Machinoros sits down again leaving strategical and tactical discussions up to those more versed in things of war*


OT: You're always welcome, duchthoplite. And don't be afraid, I've never done any roleplay either. Just imagine you're roleplaying your own campaign. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dutchhoplite

Hope this AAR will go on :yes:

Is there room for another participant?? :) I haven't got any roleplaying experience though...

---

Of course, there always is room for more participants, mijnheer! Just post a description of your character (as stated above) and you can join the Synedrion! This AAR is certainly going on, I've already started aplying and taken some pics. Only thing I have to do now, is put the pieces together and get the next 2 chapters ready. So keep your eyes peeled:wink:

Maion

*Antisthenes rises up from his seat and addresses Machinoros*

''Noble and wise Machinoros, I see you also believe that peace is finally over for the Basileion. While this is true indeed, as as you have already mentioned war is knocking at our doorstep, do you really believe we should take part in the Western War? Both participants are of great economic as well as military power, something which means they might decide to turn against us at some point. Say we help the Karchedonioi and the Romaioi prove to be victorious after all. Imagine how cruel and harsh their punishment will be when they take the war against us, a war we will most certainly lose. Nay, Machinoros, I believe our Basileion is still too fragile to participate in such a long and tiring war. As for choosing sides, I believe we have much more common with the Romaioi than the Karchedonioi. While the former may be power-hungry and weird with their so-called 'republic' at times, the latter are mystical and deceitful. The only thing they care about, is making more gold, nothing else.''

*Many approving yells are heard from some Synedroi, a few even cursing the Karchedonioi*

''Of course, it is true that our fellow Hellenes in Megale Hellas are under Roman rule, that does not mean we won't come to their rescue. I just believe we are not ready yet to face these Romaioi in open war. Even if the Karchedonioi do accept an alliance against the Romaioi, something which I highly doubt, we will most certainly have troubles sharing our conquered lands. And I think we all know who will claim the spoils for himself in the end...''

*Antisthenes takes a deep breath to focus his thought and continues*

''What I believe we should do, Synedroi, is unite the northern tribes. Word has personally reached me that the Thraikioi are planning to raid the region of Dardanoia. There are many Makedonian families there, which are being oppressed by the barbarian king of the region and have asked for our assistance in numerous occasions. We could use that information as a pretext to enter the lands of Dardanoia and capture the region. Of course, we should take heed of the fearsome northern barbaroi, as they are savage when waging war. We should, at all costs, avoid open conflict with them. With the northern tribes united, Makedonia shall be as powerful as ever, with new rich in metals and men lands. Then, we can take the initiative and meddle with the affairs of either the East or the West. May the gods be with us, and may they enlight our Basileus into making the right decision so that we may again be proclaimed the mightiest of all people!''

*Antisthenes sits down again under approving sounds of some Synedroi*

Dutchhoplite's entry:

Name: Tauron son of Polyeides

Age: 36

Description: Officer of infantry and veteran soldier. After an argument with his father he left for the north and has had several employers there. When hearing of his fathers death he returned to Makedonia and got terrible scarred during a Celtic incursion.

*Frightens little children*

Has found a Scythian wife, Myrine (or better: Myrine found him).

OK, Ill add you to the list, but could you also state your character's homeland?

Ending of the Synedrion

Maion

P.S.: What do people have with Skythian women?:laugh4:

After many lengthy debates between the Synedroi and the Basileus, Antigonos finally decided to remain neutral and not participate in any wars just yet. The Basileion was not ripe enough yet to take part in any major war, but he knew the time would come soon.

By the end of the Cheimon of the 514th year after the First Olympiad (Winter, 262BC), Makedonian spies had informed Antigonos of suspicious Thraikian movements in the north. It turned out it was the Getai, one of the biggest Thraikian tribes, that had decided to invade Dardanoia. More than 30.000 men where reported to be the strength of the invading horde and the polemarchos of the barbaroi was a young man named Brasos.
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Antigonos, due to his previous experience with barbaroi, had developed a certain hatred for them. He knew he had to counter the Getai in order to prove his superiority, the Basileion’s superiority. As such, he sent his best assassin - Eumenes - against Brasos. Within 2 months, the man was reported dead...
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This move surely upset the Getai, who where growing more and more certain of the fact that it was Antigonos and not the king of Dardanoia who had oredered the death of their polemarchos. That, of course, didn’t thwart the barbarians’ plans of raiding Dardanoia, so they kept on marching against the capital of the area, Serdike.

Antigonos was quick to counter this, sending a total of 19.050 soldiers led by Alkyoneus and Alexandros with the pretext of “liberating” the Makedones of Dardanoia. The two men set up camp near a narrow passage from Makedonia to Dardanoia. By the beggining of Eiar, 515th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 261BC), the Getai where besieging Serdike.
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Exactly one year later, it was announced that Demetrios Argeades, Antigonos’ youngest son, had finally come of age. The youth was sent over to Sparte in order to train him under the wing of Kassandros – Sparte’s governor – in the arts of war. He would make a fine general for the future of the Basileion.
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In the Aigaion, the peiratai had launched another “excursion” of the Aigaian islands. This was not left unnoticed by the Basileus, who ordered the royal fleet sink the raiding ships. And sink them they did...
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Another year later, the Getai attacked the Dardanoi. The Getai fought fiercely, but the Dardanoi where fighting for their lands and maanged to ward off the attackers. Their king, Drigiza, was praised with every honor for defeating the Thraikioi. If only he knew what was awaiting him...

Alkyoneus recieved a message from Antigonos during Theros (Summer) of the same year to capture Serdike. He was not to harm any Hellen nor barbarian, but he had the perimission to kill anyone who would oppose him. And so, Alkyoneus moved against the Dardanoi.

Drigiza himself refused any demands of surrender, nor did he accept Alkyoneus’ offer to discuss matters over a dining table. Most of the Makedones in the polis had already turned over to Alkyoneus’ side, but most of them where afraid of their lord’s wrath. Nonetheless, Alkyoneus besieged the polis and stormed it during Phthinoporon (Autumn) of the same year. There, on the plains of Dardanoia, the Makedones faced a depleted defending force of 8.280 men.
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The Siege of Serdike

By the mid of Phthinoporon of the 515th year after the First Olympiad (Autumn, 261BC), Alkyoneus ordered his men to assault the polis of Serdike. Within the polis there was a relative silence, broken only by the numerous battle horns of the Makedones.

The defenders consisted of mostly levied troops, both barbaroi as well as Hellenes. Most of the latter, however, where fighting against their will. In any case, everyone knew things seemed very dim for the defenders. They had already sustained many casualties during the Getic assault, so most of them where either still weary and not battle-ready in general.
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The first thing Alkyoneus did, was to bring his missile troops forward in order to shower the defenders with projectiles. The poorly equiped Dardanoi suffered greatly by the missiles, with many of them retreating away from firing range.
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When most of the Dardanoi where starting to retreat from the main gate, Alkyoneus ordered his hoplitai forward dragging the siege ram, with the akontistai following quickly behind them.
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Soon the weak gates of the polis where broken and Alkyoneus ordered his phalangitai to pour inside and line up for the oncoming onslaught. The Makedonian sarrisophoroi, with months of drills as well as some real battle experience behind them, where quick to line up and present their pikes against the enemy. Drigiza, seing he had lost the gate, ordered his men to attack the Makedones. He sent forth some of his best soldiers, along with fearsome Thraikian rhomphaiophoroi, although they weren’t able to penentrate the pikewall.
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Close to the plaza, some barbarian sphendonetai where firing the Makedonian phalangitai from afar, inflicting unwanted casualties. Alkyoneus saw that, and by his order he along with his somatophylakes swiftly rode in aid of the suffering phalangitai.
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In the meantime, Drigiza and his bodyguard unit had entered the fray near the gates, head-charging the Makedonian pikewall. A foolish move indeed, but the barbarian king hoped to inspire his troops by his presence and break the Makedonian formation.
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Near the plaza, Alkyoneus and his somatophylakes charged the enemy sphendonetai and quickly killed them one by one. From the plaza itself the barbaroi threw their javelins upon the Makedones, but the fine armor as well as excellent training of the latter prevented any real damage to be done.
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After the sphendonetai where dealt with, Alkyoneus head-charged a unit of Thraikian peltastai who where guarding Drigiza’s back. In the meantime, from outside of the polis, Alexandros ordered the akontistai to move inside the polis and fire against the Thraikioi in aid of Alkyoneus.
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The added missile barrage from behind as well as the constant pressure of the horsemen from the front proved too much for the barbaroi, who started routing within a few minutes. None was spared by Alkyoneus’ unforgiving hand.
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When Drigiza’s rear was left unprotected, Alexandros ordered a unit of remaining phalangitai to eneter the polis and pincer Drigiza from behind. Soon the defenders where trapped between two pikewalls, with the one behind them applying steady pressure upon them. Panic struck the barbaroi like lightning, with many of them abandoning their weapons to escape. One by one they fell, with Drigiza falling upon the growing pile of dead soon.
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Cheers erupted from the Makedonian side, but Alkyoneus knew the battle was still not over. He gave his men some time to rest before marching against the remaining defenders concentrated in the plaza. When he arrived there, Alkyoneus stepped forward and addressed the barbaroi in his most commanding voice:

“Barbaroi! This battle has come to an end. The forces of Makedonia have clearly prevailed today, that is unquestionable. Behind me are finely-trained men waiting for my signal to kill you, and kill you they will. But as a righful Hellen, I have every intention of sparing your life, as long as you lay down your weapons and bow your heads to Basileus Antigonos, embrasing him as your new Basileus. I will spare you and your families, as well as provide you with everything you need; be that water, food or medical treatment. If you reject my offer, none of you will be spared and I shall spit upon the ashes of your burnt bodies. What say you?”.

Some moments of slight murmur followed by the side of the barbaroi, which where soon interupted by a single man, clearly a barbaros, who stepped forward and stared Alkyoneus for a moment. He then turned his back to him and shouted something in a strange language. Soon another man, a Hellen by the looks of it, came forward holding a tied-up man. The man was thin, tall and bearded. While the man had clearly not eaten well for many days, he still bore the looks of a nobleman. The man holding him pushed the hostage forward and spoke with a shaking voice addressing Alkyoneus in hellenic, though he avoided eye contact:

“Th-this is Epides... H-he is a... a Makedon... A nobleman... Our... Our Basileus ordered h-him along with some other Hellenes to b-be captured...”

Alkyneus was puzzled, though he remained calm and unexpressful. Then, the barbaros who had stepped forward at first grabbed Epides by his hair and forced him to his knees in front of him. Epides was clearly shocked, his eyes had widened and he looked at Alkyoeneus with pleading eyes.

“You wouldn’t...”

Was the only thing Alkyoneus managed to say before the barbarian drew out a dagger and slit the Makedonian’s throat. Laughter and cheers erupted among the barbaroi and time seemed to pass slower for Alkyoneus. Rage built up inside him like a volcanoe that was ready to erupt, his eyes soon filled with fury and his face turned into an expression of pure hatred. He lifted up his kopis and boomed:

“CHAAAAAAARGE!!!!”

The Makedonian battle horns blew loudly and the phalangitai lowered their sarrisai. Soon the pikemen where engaging the remaining defenders, while the Makedonian sphendonetai wheeled around and started showering them with stones.
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The fighting was intense, but in the end Makedonian discipline proved superior to the exhausted barbaroi, who where quickly dropping dead. When only a handful of enemy soldiers remained, the phalangitai dropped their sarrisai and switched to their xiphos. With great skill they managed to make short work of the barbaroi within a few minutes. The battle was won, Serdike was now in Makedonian hands!
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After the polis was captured, Alkyoneus made a series of moves to control the region of Dardanoia. First of all, a pacification was established, with the Makedonian soldiers given the task of keeping the population in check. Furthermore, he ordered the barbarian who killed Epides – who had survided the last fight, whose name was Malac and who was actually Drigiza’s younger brother – to be hanged publically. Epides was given a funeral befitting a true Hellen, while the region’s Hellenes regained the highest positions.

No person was harmed, though Alkyoneus did destroy the grove of the barbarian god Hero, with plans of building temples of proper Hellenic gods.
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Dear viewers, I would like say a big THANK YOU for reading my AAR (more than 2.000 views already!), as well as all participants of the Synedrion. You give me the inspiration to keep writing this AAR, even if my schedule is fuller now than ever before.

Here is a map of the actual AI expansion in my campaign, by the way. Faction colors are not the original ones, but you get the idea (I think).
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/...pm_fabe254.gif

Thank you again for reading my AAR and I hope to see more members join the Synedrion and become one big community!

Opening of the Synedrion, 261BC

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Maion

*The doors of the council chamber burst open as Machinoros comes in. He's late and seems very agitated.*
"Fellow Synedroi! Danger is near! On my way here I ran into a messenger who was on his way to the king. He came directly from one of our eastmost garrisons. He told me that he is the bringer of worrying news. The Thraikian tribes are in turmoil and start wandering. He could not tell me more as he was in a hurry but I expect we will hear his message shortly.
This could mean that our very homes are in danger! The Northern barbarians, more mammals than men, have always been a constant threat, a threat that has forged our great people into the rulers of the world. But lately there has been a lot of turmoil in the North. Fortunately our great king's brave son managed to deal with the crisis in Dardania with ease. The North seems safe for the moment, for the mountains are a firm wall. Yet the recent campaigns of the Getai have set all the tribes in the region in nervous motion. As I just said, the North is easily defendable, but the East is open. There are no mountains to hold back the hordes. We must do everything in our might to calm down the situation and pacify the region before things get our of control. I suggest that we equip an expedition into the Ordysai lands around Tylis immediatly. If we act fast, larger confusion among the tribes can be avoided. I do not think that I have to bring the dreadful times of the Galatian incursions back into memory. We all know what happened when the Celts moved into Thraikia and set a desastrous chain reaction in motion. The same could happen again, this time started by the Getai. We will have to wait and see how the Getai will behave but for now we must secure the East. We must occupy Thrace."

[We thank you, Maion, for letting us take part. :)]

*Tauron Polyeidou Makedonikos stands up*

“Synedroi,

The news noble Machinoros brings us is certainly alarming. We all have memories of the dreadful Keltoi incursions. Some of us have lost children, wife or other family members. We can ill afford us another Brennos who will ravage and burn our lands again."

*involuntary touches face*

"We must strike them before they strike us. Therefore i support the suggestion of Machinoros. Let us move into Thrace immediately!

Hail Makedonia!"

*Sits down*

*Antisthenes rises after hearing both Machinoros and Tauron and addresses the Synedrion*

''Noble Synedroi, I see some of you agree Antigonos should complete his conquest of the northern tribes. A wise move in many ways indeed, as these lands can provide us with much needed gold as well as good warriors. The Thraikioi, as you have correctly observed, are on a rampage. Many of their tribes have gathered forces and are threatening rightful Makedonian land. The only things those barbaroi care about, is the spoils of warfare. As such, we, the Makedones, are obliged to protect the Hellenes of the threatened region. Remember this well though, sympatriotai, that the Thraikioi are numerous and fierce. If we start a war with them, we will suffer greatly. May our Basileus make the right decision...''

*Antisthenes makes a small pause and continues*

''There are some other events I would like to announce to you, Synedroi. First of all, the Odrysai have sent us an embassy with request of a defending alliance. They wish to grant us military access in order to place our troops in their region for protection against the Thraikioi in return for a certain amount of gold. This, friends, could be the pretext we can use to occupy their lands. Another thing I would like to announce, is that our fellow Synedros, Satalextos Airetikos, has informed me of his decision to retire soon and have his nephew Ischyros take up his place. I wish your nephew good luck and may the gods watch upon you both. Finally, I too have decided to retire soon to my estate in Pella for the rest of my life. Age has finally caught up with me and I feel that my mind is not what it used to be anymore. We need young men with fresh minds to shape the future of the Basileion now, not old men rambling about reason and logic only. I will make the exact date known to you, but for the time being Antigonos has requested I stay in my position a little longer.''

*Antisthenes sits back again on his seat*

I don´t wanna join, but I still wanna show my support. Great going guys, I love this.

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it, I will certainly keep this AAR alive as long as humanly possible :-P

Ending of the Synedrion

Maion

Ditto Appo

Antigonos had spent a whole season planning his next move carefully. He knew he had to act at some point, for remaining passive would surely drag him into unwanted struggle. The northern barbaroi had become very aggressive, with many of them raising warbands that plundered lands close to the Makedonian-Thraikian borders. Furthermore, the Getic army near Serdike had still not moved from the region of Dardanoia.

After much thought and debates, Antigonos decided to unify the northern borders of Makedonia under Hellenic banner once again. He hoped that, upon conquering the lands, the barbaroi would abandon their plans of plunder fearing a more battle-ready Basileion that just petty kings controlling few people. Dardanoia was already captured and controlled by Alkyoneus, but the region of Odrysai was still independent. It was ruled from the polis of Tylis, where the Odrysan Basileus, Virssuccios, resided. He was a strong man, respected by his people.
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By Eiar of the 516th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 260BC), Antigonos ordered the drums of war to be beaten. He gave immediate order to the army in southern Hellas to be transported by ships to Makedonia. Once there, Antigonos appointed Alexandros strategos and gave him command of the army. He gave his nephew clear orders NOT to assault the polis nor engage the barbaroi in any way until he would get reinforcements from Alkyoneus. Alexandros though, being a selfish man who was hungry for personal glory, marched his army straight towards Tylis and by the end of the season, was besieging it with no less than 19.755 men, including a unit of Bastarnai hired during the march.
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Virssuccios was not a fool and even less unforgiving, so he was quick to answer. Controlling an army superior in both numbers and quality, he salied forth from Tylis and met Alexandros in the open. Alexandros had to face 23.340 battle-hungry barbaroi on his own...
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Here is a little extra for you guys, the region of Apulia has officially been declared as colony of the Karchedones! Praise the gods, or maybe the BI engine:smash: Anyway, you know what this means fellas. Karthies keep sending armies there, soon Italy will be deathly-pale if you know what I mean...
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Maion

Very nice! This does look like an aweful good reason for me to give BI-EB a try. :)

Yeah, especially after 220BC when economy is more stable... Then you get fullstacks shipped around, or at least more than 3 units per invasion. Of course, I am not going to allow the Karchedonioi to just conquer Italia, that would ruin everything I have in mind about my future Roman-Makedonian wars:wink:

Opening of the Synerion (special gathering#1)

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Maion

I don't think that even with BI AI Carthaginians would be that effective. ;)

*Tauron Polyeidou Makedonikos stands up*

“Noble members of our council,

The rumour that has been circulating has finally been confirmed by our spies. The Karchedonioi have taken Capua and their armies are slowly approaching Roma. Though we are all aware of the tenacity of the Romaioi i think this is a blow they can’t recover from.

Therefore I suggest we ally ourselves immediately with the Karchedonioi and join their war against the Romaioi. As our armies are fighting in the north and the east we should offer limited naval assistance only. A blockade of the ports of southern Italy *could* be one of the possibilities.

Hail Makedonia!!”

*Sits down*

Well, if you take a look at the AI Faction Progression Thread, you will see several AI Karthies taking control of Italia.

Maion

Alexander.exe is still much better. :yes:

Well, let us please stick to AAR-relevant replies please. If each of us starts stating his opinion about which executable is better, I'll have my AAR closed no-time. So PLEASE gentlement, keep your personal opinions to yourself. Thank you.

Maion

My sincere apologies. :embarassed:

This might seem like a silly question, but wasn't one of your balloons green?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by desert

My sincere apologies. :embarassed:

This might seem like a silly question, but wasn't one of your balloons green?

---

No, it's ok man nothing personal here. It's just that, I've seen too many threads being closed that started by something like that. As for my balloons, nope they where all blue, you can verify that by asking satalexton:laugh4:

Maion

yep, i'm a breeder of blue balloons =D

As the current heir to the house of Airetikos, I would like to announce that we have created a new type of arms for our men. A much lighter shield, chailmail and double greaves. We have several problems however, Makedonia lack the manpower and the funds. Therefore, I suggest we expand the pezhetairoi class by allowing loyal non-makedonikes to join our ranks.

Secondly, I would like to take my taxies of veteran pezhetairos to a thraikioi tribe just north of serdike. *raises rhomphia* As some of u may know already, I have thraikioi blood in my veins. There are many thraikioi tribes loyal to the makedonike cause living within our borders, and i would like to convince them to take up arms in our cause.

Hmmm, let barbaroi attain the ranks of Pezhetairoi which are strictly only of Makedonian blood? That would take a visionary, a man who believes Makedonia should revolutionise in order to step forward. Who might this man be? Anyway, the Makedonian nobles would surely be outraged by such a proposition, so be careful Ischyros, very careful. Maybe you could plan your reforms with someone of great influence within the Basileion?

Maion

A young man stands up in the Synedrioi. Brown thick hear, green eyes and a seizable beard. He does not look as old and experienced as many of the other members of the Synedrioi, yet his determined gaze and commanding voice marks him as one used to having authority. Clearly, a man of noble birth.

Dear Sympatrioi, many of you do not yet recognize me. My name, is Antigonus Aiginios, oldest son (29) of Attalos Monophthalmos Aiginios. My father has decided to retire to his estates ner Aigai and as such retire from his post in the Synedrioi. I however, has been appointed as both his legitimate heir to his estates once he dies, but also to his place in the Synedrioi.

Now, I support the war against the barbaric northern tribes. It is a sound descision since, as others have stated, it will secure more income for our people, giving us more manpower for our armies, but also as an opportunity to erect new estates for our nobility. Subjugating these people is only the right thing to do.. But I now hear talk about letting these barbaroi into the ranks of the Pezhetairoi. At this, I laugh. What is the next step? Let them hold estates? Perhaps a Barbaroi king on the throne of Pella? That would indeed be a sight, would it not? Perhaps future generations of young Makedonike men should exclusively marry Barbaroi women, completely ignoring the abundance of young, desirable, civilized Makedonike women? Besides, Ischyros Airetikos, you claim that we lack the manpower to fuel our armies? I do not see how, since Makedonia itself is thriving more than ever. We have more than enough men available. No.. To even propose the idea of having our sons fighting alongside Barbaroi in the future.. I am speechless. I do not support that in any way at all.

Well you should stay speechless, my mother is a thraikioi. Her tribe served Makedonia long since Phillpos' days. The peltastai of the thrakioi are the best in the world. My rhomphia, passed down to me, served me well in the many of the squabbles between the didochoi. A good third of the Makedonkie army are fed, equipped and manned by the house of Airetikos, we are the reason why Makedonia does not dwindle to wastelands. Many a families move towards Asia, Baktra and beyond everyday. The Seleukos and Ptolmaoi have vast lands to attract Makedonikes to settle, what do we have? We lease land and arms to many, so that they stay in Makedonia. We donate arms to form the hypaspitai and hetairos, so the royal family may have their agema.

Makedonia is how a shadow of the days of Alexandros, and as we had inovated the sarissae and peltae, our enemy also have invented their own tricks to counter our pikes. The Arche Makedonia of the old came to sue to Phillipos' innovation, the sarissae is a product of such. We are a Basileion as of today, we have been rendered as such due to stagnataion, due to decadence. Thriving more than ever? I've heard worse jokes than this. If you want riches, go to Ptolmaoi. If you want power, go join Seleukos. Tiny Basileion Makedonia is not for you.

In this world of betrayal and decadence, we of the Airetikos are the misbelievers. We hope, to this day, that loyalty, honour and valour still counts for something. Makedonia will become strong. We must revive the spirit of Phillipos and Alexandros. Victory to Makedonia! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!

Tiny Macedonia? Do you know that you outright insult your own kingdom? I'd watch my tounge if I was you. I respect the Thraician ways of war, in fact, I admire them. Recruiting them and using them, yes, ofcourse, anything else would be foolish. To allow them into the ranks of the Pezhetaiori? Truly a joke I say. Might be that they are loyal and capable, yes. But I ask you, other Sympatrioi, are they our brothers? Are they our equals? I say no. Alexandros built his empire with loyal Makedonians as the core of his forces. Barbaroi might make useful allies, but that is all they are, allies. They are not our equals, brothers.

About our kingdom. Yes, on the map we are small, but our political power is great, as is our economic power. We control the Aigaion, we control all of mainland Hellas, if not outright, then indirectly. Our kingdom flourishes, and many a Makedonian young men are available to recruit into our armies, aswell as older veterans. And you claim we have a lack of manpower? Clearly you and I are not speaking of the same Arche, Ischyros.

No.. To allow barbaroi to fight alongside our loyal subjects as brothers and equals is madness. Blasphemy I dare say! It is a sake of honour and tradition. We have enough manpower, our military might is huge. As is our economic and political. We are a strong kingdom with strong and able-bodied soldiers. I see no reason why we should allow them to fight alongside us as Ischyros proposes.

The Battle of Tylis

The barbaroi sallied forth much sooner than Alexandros had expected. Vissuccios himself led the barbaroi army, with his somatophylakes on the left wing. Upon seeing the barbaroi pour out of the polis, Alexandros ordered his army to retreat to lower ground and form in the typical Makedonian formation, with an extended phalangitai line.
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The barbaroi coming out of the polis where numerous and they all looked hearty and bloodthirsty. Their battle drums where beat with might, their battle horns deep and their battle cries frightening.
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Soon the barbaroi army was marching towards the Makedonian line. Upon seeing them come within firing range, Alexandros ordered his sphendonetai to fire death upon them. However, the stones had little to no effect on the great number of barbaroi.
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Vissuccios was the first to charge, with his somatophylakes aiming for the Makedonian right wing where Alexandros and his somatophylakes where stationed. Alexandros counter-charged the barbarian Basileus and a vicious hand-to-hand combat erupted between the two armies finest.
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Soon enought the enemy infantry had reached the main battle line, with many of them trying to break the phalangitai line. The latter however, though stretched out, where able to keep them at bay.
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...7m_4e09f6d.png

Alexandros seemed to gain the upper hand early on during the fight between the two Basileis, though a unit of Thraikian hippeis soon flanked him and started firing their javelins at his men.
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/...8m_5590a1e.png

On the left Makedonian wing, a great number of barbaroi where charging the Bastarnai who where stationed there. They clashed with each other, falx against sword. Though outnumbered approximately 2 to 1, the Bastarnai held steady.
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/...9m_9c1d789.png

It was not long before the barbaroi attacking the center where starting to retreat, not able to resist the steady pressure of the Makedonian phalangitai.
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/...0m_bbe6a90.png
http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/...1m_8453ed2.png

Several things happened during the retreat, most of them on the right Makedonian wing. Alexandros was gaining the upper hand over Vissuccios, but a fresh unit of barbaroi hippeis charged in to aid their Basileus, while a unit of barbaroi swordsmen wheeled around with intention of surrounding Alexandros. The latter though, where met with a unit of hoplitai before they could do any damage.
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/...2m_14f919e.png
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...3m_196f60c.png

On the left wing things weren’t any better, as the Bastarnai where beginning to lose ground. Another hoplitai regiment came for help, though as soon as they came they where surrounded by the barbaroi. Seeing this, one of Alexandros’ commanders ordered the hippakontistai to aid the left wing by javelin fire.
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...4m_c0262fc.png
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...5m_971e9c2.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/...6m_cd7cbed.png

At the center, the barbaroi had regrouped and again attacked the phalangitai line with intention of breaking them. This time, the phalangitai took the aggressive role and started pushing back the barbaroi.
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...7m_b533128.png

The barbaroi deployed a clever tactic, retreating again so that the phalangitai would follow. So they did, and soon they too where surrounded.
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/...8m_b47bd87.png
http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/...9m_6423cfb.png

Many minutes of fighting passed, with neither side gaining the upper hand. In the end, the Makedonian hippakontistai charged at the barbaroi on the left wing and they started routing soon after.
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...0m_a974dc7.png
http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/...1m_1c6616c.png

Meanwhile, Vissuccios had run from the right wing, leaving Alexandros occupied with the rest of his hippeis, and attacked the Makedonian sphendonetai. However, the barbarian Basileus had underestimated his opponents, who where fresh and ready to fight for their lives.
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/...2m_3e8dd4a.png

Vissucios soon retreated back to the polis, with the entire barbaroi army following behind. Few of them where left behind, but even they where soon cut to pieces.
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...3m_526e81d.png
http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/...4m_202d99f.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...5m_1967324.png

The Makedones followed in hot pursuit towards Tylis, with the hippeis delivering most of the damage. The barbaroi, surprised with the retreat of their Basileus and great casualties on their sides where starting to panic and where soon running to the polis square for their lives.
http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/...6m_3b6086d.png

Alexandros himself along with his somatophylakes, after dealing with the barbaroi hippeis, pursued the barbaroi back to the polis, sending many to Hades as they did. When he entered the polis along with a number of phalangitai, he was met with a feeble resistance that soon crumbled upon the might of Makedonia.
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...7m_bb0b782.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...8m_fec7d4c.png

With most of the barbaroi trapped in the polis square, Alexandros ordered his phalangitai to surround them and slowly move against them. Vissuccios himself was one of the first to charge upon the sarrisai, but also one of the first to be impaled by them.
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/...9m_6792bff.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/...0m_45ef203.png

What followed was the surrender of the barbaroi, which Alexandros respected. He spared their lives and ordered none to be harmed. The polis was his now and Odrysai part of the growing Basileion Makedonias!
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...1m_4d81a43.png
http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/...2m_423e457.png

Beginning of the Synerion (special gathering#2)

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

Immediately after news of the battle reached Antigonos' ears, the Basileus called upon the Synedrion.

*Antigonos steps up from his throne and addressed the Synedroi*

''Sympatriotai! I have called upon you here today in order to announce that we are in a dangerous position right now. First of all, I would like to announce you that Antisthenes, the former head of the Synedrion, is very ill and cannot participate in the Synedrion anymore. As such, I have chosen a new representative. I hereby present you the new head of the Synedrion, Diophantos from the great polis of Thessalonike. He is a man with much experience in the field of mostly economy and philosophy and has sworn me he will do anything he can to serve me and the Basileion.

*Diophantos steps forward and greets the Synedroi with a formal nod*

''Returning to the matters I would like to discuss with you now, all of you must have heard what happened 3 days ago. My nephew, Alexandros, single-handedly defeated a more numerous and powerful army led by the now dead - may the gods ease his soul - barbarian Basileus of the Odrysai. While I should be proud of that achievement, I feel angry because of Alexandros' disobeyment. I had given him strict order not to attack the polis, though he did the exact opposite. I have even sent him a letter demanding he dispatches a portion of his army in order to assist Alkyoneus, but he refused! He says the region is unruly and would require some time before things get peaceful, so he has to keep his soldiers with him! I have even information that he intends to move against Chersonesos Thraikia and the Byzantioi! Something must be done, Synedroi, something must be done at once. But what would you propose?''

*Antigonos takes a small pause and continues*

''Now as for the little debate that is beginning to grow, all I can say is the following; while our barbarian neighbors are not necessarily bad nor disloyal, I would never allow such a law that enables barbaroi to become citizens. No offense meant, Ischyros, as you know how much I respect your family. But it is that Makedonia is what it is today because of our laws and I see no reason to change them now. We can try and experiment when we are in a stable position which certainly isn't the one we are in now. We are still constantly threatened and our sudden sparkle has not remained unnoticed by the rest. We still inspire much envy and that leads to many enemies. I have spoken, now I await your proposals and ideas, for something has to be done before things get out of hand.''

Indeed, now may not be the time. But it is somethng we have to eventually do if we wish to rival the sons of seleukos and Ptolemaoi. Perhaps our more conservative nobles will change their minds when a certain italiote city reaches a certain size......

Now, the more pressing matter. My Uncle, Satalextos, will handle the House I my stead. More than half of Alexandros' phalangitai are men of my house (or at least indebted to). I will make my way there and tell the men themselves to march back to Makedonia. Needless to say, he will be forced to follow.

*Diophantos steps up and addresses Ischyros*

''Noble Ischyros, I do not doubt your plan might work, but aren't you overlooking something? Your family is not the only one with riches and by having control over the Odrysian mines, Alexandros could tempt ''your'' phalangitai into staying with him.''

This transgression can not go unpunished! While I respect Alexandros for his tactical skills, disobeying his king is not something we should take lightly upon. I suggest that you send a man to reason with him. Relieve him of command and send him back to Pella at once, while giving command of his army to another commander. Divide the force as the king sees fit, and perhaps keep a small peace-keeping force in the city.

worry not my friend, the borthers of Airetikos are not easily corrupted by the glimmers of gold. For many still have families tilling the land we lent them, and even those who don't have slaves provided by our house.

One thing we must not overlook however, is Alexandros. Some of our clansmen there have brought displeasing rumours, that Alexandros intend to NOT send the mining proceeds back to Makedonia...but to raise a Mercenary army of barbaroi.

His intents remaign unclear, but I propose bringing my entire taxis with me instead of the elite detatchment i initally propose...No, Antigonus, aside of our disagreements, u ARE a good rider yes? take an ile of my uncle's finest horsemen, and hurry to Tylis with the message, I will march my taxies right after you. Send scouts to inform me of any changes in the situation.

We may have disagreements, but we both serve Makedonia, remember this.

*Antigonos, Basileus Makedonias, steps up and addresses the Synedrion*

''WHAT? If, I say, if Alexandros does something like that, I will banish him from the Basileion and rip him from the Royal Family Tree! Ischyros, I hereby allow you to march to Tylis with any army you desire and leave for Tylis as soon as possible! Reason with him and, if needed, force him to come back to Pella. Let us waste no more time!''

*steps up*

YES BASILEUS.

(spawn me) I'll march forth with my Taxies of pezhetairoi, 3 taxies of phalangitai of my house will follow. 2 taxies of thraikioi peltastai and a unit of rhomphiaphoroi from my mother's tribe will meet with us on the way...WHO INTENDS TO RIDE WITH ME? *RAISES RHOMPHIA*

BROTHERS, this is a sad day, but let us pray it is all but a misunderstanding and misimformation. Yet we need to be prepared for the worst. Our mission is as follows:

-Remove Alexandros, by force if needed
-Restore order to Tylis
-Secure the transportation of gold from Tylis to Makedonia

And last of all, brothers, we are the proud sons of Makedonia! We are the LOYAL ONES.
ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!

Aye, Ischydros, a fine horseman I consider myself. I will, with some of your fathers horsemen, aswell as some of men from my own household make hurry to Tylis to try and negotiate a solution to this growing problem. Should that fail I will however return with Hermes speed and await further instructions. Know that should.. No.. It will not happen. I ride at dawn.

remember this, before you meet Alexandros, setup a fort outside Tylis with my mother's tribesmen. That will be a rallying point should things become....ugly. My men will arrive a day behind you....with force marching.

Aye. I will set up a camp hidden from the view of Alexandros, hopefully. We will start fortification and welcome you and your army once you arrive. Hopefully things will not turn out, as you put it, ugly.

OK guys, I'm preparing a little script that will spawn the two of you but it'll take till tomorrow for me to post it. First I want to experiment some, then I'll decide how I'm going to do it. Anyway, thank you for the support and keep your eyes peeled!

Maion

Machinoros remained silent through the whole debating. For a man like him, who seems to have the permanent desire to give advise to everyone about everything all the time, this is quite strange. He listened to all the speeches, proposals and news with a serious face. At the end of the meeting he still sits on his chair frowning. Then, as most of the Synedrion have left the council hall, with only Antigonus and Ischydros, who discuss military matters for their march to Thrace, remaining, he approaches Antigonus.

"Young Antigonus. May I have a word?"

As both men take a walk through the royal palace's corridors, Machinoros, starts to speak to the young nobleman, who is quite surprised as Machinoros starts to just chat casually. Then as there are no other people around them, Machinoros begins to talk in a low voice:

"Young Antigonus, I know your father well and it honors me that I may consider him a dear friend. You seem to me like you have your fathers virtues, so I will speak to you openly as I trust in your discretion. The events currently unfolding in our beloved Makedonia are causing me a great deal of concern. First, there is this outragious proposition to fill the ranks of the Pezhetairoi with barbarians - I want to thank you again, as your righteous objection to this ludicrous plan filled my old pezhetairoi's heart with joy - and now this dangerous situation with the king's son.
These are very dangerous times for our beloved Makedonia as if we do not watch carefully, our kingdom might turn into a decadent state like those Half-Persian and Half-Egyptian Eastern Diadochi. That is the reason I wanted to talk to you. I ask you to have an eye on this half-Thraikian Ischydros. He wants to fill the ranks of our mighty phalanx with barbarians and always emphasizes 'his' troops, as if the royal army was his personal toy and not our king's mighty instrument. I think he may be a bit too ambitious... And now the king has sent him of all people with an army to confront his seemingly disloyal son. I say seemingly because I am a man who likes to be well informed and rumors spread by uncivilised tribsmen I do not consider a reliable source. I do not like this situation one bit.
I trust in your judgement and in your loyalty to our kingdom. So I ask you humbly to do a paranoid old man a favour and take care that Ischydros ambition and hot-headiness do not cause an unnecessary infight who might bring the desaster of civil war upon our homeland. It would let me rest easy at night if I knew that a son of the great family of the Aiginioi kept an eye on these delicate matters."

Machinoros' glance is indeed a bit paranoid as he talks to Antigonus but also that of a truely concerned man.

I thank you Machinoros, for your support. I agree with you fully. The two of us seem to share the same point of view.. A rare trait these days, it seems. I too find Ischydros talk about the army, as you so fittingly describe it, as his "personal toy", concerning. These are, as you say, dire times indeed. But isn't that even more reason not to disgrace our noble heritage? No.. This.. This fool Ischydros.. Not only is he the son of a barbaroi whore, but he also dares to propose to let the barbaroi into the ranks of what is a strictly makedonian fighting unit? I would watch my tounge if I were him. I can promise you, Machinoros, that my eye will be kept upon him as an eagles on its prey. It is also good to know that I do not stand alone with my opinions in this Synedrioi. You are a good man, Machinoros, and I am sure that if you ever have your ways about Aigai, my father would love to have you come visit our household and eat with us!

(Btw, I suppose this whole convo is something no other players other than Machinor and me, Socy, actually know "in-character".. Just to clarify)

As he hears Antigonus speaking, Machinoros smiles. His face shows great relief.

"I see you are very much your father's son [I hope that expression exists in English]. One last advise, young friend: take your best men with you, when you are in the field between all these men of Ischydros'. There is no reason to take any risks..."



P.S.:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Socy

(Btw, I suppose this whole convo is something no other players other than Machinor and me, Socy, actually know "in-character".. Just to clarify)

---

That was my intention, yes. @satalexton: I hope you do not take any offense in the bitchiness of two in-character Makedons spreading good ol' ancient Hellenic racism. ;)

*After the two men finish talking, Diophantos slowly walks towards them*

''Greetings, noble Machinoros and Antigonos. Although you may not know me well due to the fact that I have only recently been appointed by our Basileus as head of the Synedrion, I would like to have a conversation with you. As much as I may be slightly ashamed of telling you this, Antigonos Gonatas is not as he used to be. He has grown into an old man and lately his tongue speaks ahead of his mind, sadly. While I mean not to insult his greatness in any way, I would like to tell you that things are under control. I, after approval of the Basileus himself along with his Royal Seal, control most of his decisions. Know that I will not send anyone campaigning on his own, especially not someone I cannot fully trust. The forces I will send will be led by loyal men and Ischyros will be leader only in words. In deeds he will have to question Antigonos and as such, me. To make things clear so that you do not suspect me, this was all Alkyoneus' idea. He is intending on taking the throne as quietly as possible and has a major influence on his father as his eldest son. I hope you too believe Alkyoneus should be the rightful heir to the throne, but for now let me and Alkyoneus handle things our way. Do not fear, everything is under control''.

*Diophantos takes a last glimpse of the two silent men and then leaves the chamber*

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by machinor

P.S.:
That was my intention, yes. @satalexton: I hope you do not take any offense in the bitchiness of two in-character Makedons spreading good ol' ancient Hellenic racism. ;)

---

yes, =D and i take it as my personal quest to convert you to a common cause. For the house of Airetikos is loyal only to Makedonia.

"Ischydros, It's time to depart. The men stand ready at the square."
"Yes, Uncle Satalextos."
Ischydros stood up, fully dressed. The chainmail shimmering upon the lamp-light. He gazed upon the table in front of him, he sighed. Sensing his nephew's moment of weakness, Satalextos walked in.
"Yes, I've heard about the rumours," he rested his hands upon Ischydros' shoulders.
Ischydros closed his eyes and took a long deep sigh.
He opens his eyes.
Thueros and rhomphia, finely ornamented with the Makedonike enblem; Aspis and Xithos, engraved with the capital alpha and epsilon.
Blood and heritage, Country and Family.
"You have doubts, my boy" Satalextos began. "Do not go to battle with such a face, it is the face of those who come back on their shields. I've heard everything toda-"
"Why me?" Ischydros whispered.
"Now, my nephew, I've told you man-"
"WHY ME!?" He could take it no more.
"WHY am I named Ischydros? WHY must I be heterogenes? WHY am I appointed HEIR?" He turned to his uncle, "Uncle, you may have no son yourself. But why me? Not just the synedrion, but even those amongst our house itself. I am eyed with distrust, no matter the amount of zeal I express for Makedonia from the bottom of my heart. I may be named Ischydros, but I am not strong enough to bear such a name. You told me to bring Antigonos along with you, you lend him your finest horsemen, you assign the naysayers of the house into the phalangitai. How can I lead such a force should Alexandros chooses to rebel?"
The lamp flickers as the wind blows. Ischydros does not take his eyes off the arms on the table.
"Allow me ask you a few things." Satalextos smiled.
"How loyal to Makedonia are you?"
"To the death should need be."
"What is the spirit of house Airetikos?"
"Honour to the house, Glory for Makedonia, For the Baesileus to the ends of Terra."
"Do you trust Antigonos' loyalty to Makedonia?"
"He is a racist.
"But what of his loyalty?"
"Unwavering, almost to the point of impetuosity. Why he'll be the first to charge into the enemy ranks before the strategos even finishes his order."
"Who is the strategos of this campaign?"
"Me, by the royal order of the Basileus."
Satalextos smiled again, "Why, my dear nephew. You have answered your questions already. We all serve the same master, we are all loyal servants to Makedonia. That is all that matters. As for the rumours and naysayers, why they are all at your side. Isn't such the best time to prove them your zeal and loyalty? As for your captains and men, surely you trust in their abilities and loyalty don't you? Now, take up your arms and go to the square. I'll be sending you silver-shields upon your victory."


"Fall In! ASSEMBLE!"
Rows and rows of sarissae stood ready at the square, most notable of all were the pezhetairos. Armed in the finest pikes of the best cornel wood, helmets glimmering against the torches peppered all over the square, mirroring the stars of the heavens. The bronze scales on their linothorax shimmers brighter than gold. Upon their shields, engraved with a large alpha and epsilon, is the painstakely painted Makedonike Sunburst. Makedonia always comes first.
Ischydros addresses the troops.
"We're ready, Sir" said a Captain.
"Honour to the House, Glory for Makedonia, FOR THE BAESILEUS TO THE ENDS OF TERRA!!!" All shouted in unison.
"All hail Makdonia!" Ischydros shouted.
"ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"
Ischydros lifts his Aspis, draws his rhomphia from it's hilt and points it to the starry heavens.
"MOVE OUT!!!"

Wow satalexton, that trully was wonderful. I mean it. Also, I would like to make certain things clear:
1) I rp Antigonos to go a little mad because of age and Alkyoneus pulling the strings of the Basileion. Alexandros is doing what he does in order to see how far his cousin is willing to go to get the throne, as he too knows of Alkyoneus' doings. Diophantos himself, the new head of the Synedrion, is a puppet of Alkyoneus and rules Pella on his commands, as he cannot leave Serdike due to the Getai threat.
2) satalexton's character should be ISCHYROS, not ISCHYDROS, as the latter has no meaning in Greek AFAIK.

Thank you again for the support, update will follow soon!

Maion

Great writing there Satalexton!

And yes, as Machinor stated, all "racism" in this thread (That is "in-character", mind you) is purely roleplaying and has no meaning on (atleast my own) my real life view on people etc. Also, any distrust, hate or other strong feelings portrayed against other CHARACTERS should not be taken as personal offence against the actual poster. Just to clear that out! :beam: Oh and yes, the house of Aiginios is indeed a proud, racist and convservative group of traditionalists. Though zealous and friendly, I would dare say.. Against Makedones, atleast.

Well said there, Socy. That counts for every ''in-character'' things we say, including me. We try to represent how a real Makedon would react to things, how he would think. They didn't think the same as we do today.

Maion

thanks guys, I like writing, so I'm kinda using this place the hone my skills. Lemme share some back ground info with you guys =]

The House of Airetikos was founded soon after the death of Alexandros. A syntagma of agryaspidides that was given to Seleukos got fed up with the bickering amongst the generals. Syntagmatarchos φυλάττω Αιρετικος decided to desert with his men...back to Makedonia.
φυλάττω Αιρετικος had a vision, they will someday aid an worthy Makedonike dynasty, and let Arche Makedonia rise from the ashes of civil war. (it's a 'civil war' in their eyes)
These 260 men, along with the riches they brought back with them, were the foundation of the House. Rallying their friends, villagers and family, the House grew in strength.
Cassander and his sons were fools, the struggle for Makedonia began around 298BC. House of Airetikos, led by Autokratos, started their first political movement-to stay out of the conflict. It is around this time, many makedonikes that did not leave for asia, flocked under the House' banner. The house provided them land and stability, and the rent they paid helped kick-started the first armouries of the House.
In each subsequent petty struggle within Makedonia, the House grew in numbers and strength. It was the Galatian invasion the house went upon their first battle. Autokratos had himself an honourable death as he defended many villages and lives with his band of self-armed phalangitai, and many thraikioi tribes were so impressed by the House's valour that they tie their fate with the Airetikos for eternity. (Some were even mad enuf to cut their own beards and embrace hellenism fully).
Fifty long years after Alexandro's death, Some form of stability finally returned to Makedonia. The Antigonids were a competent dynasty, Phyrros the moron sent himself off to Megalle Hellados. Satalextos finally decides to lead the house to the foreground.

The House of Airetikos provides a huge proportion of the current Makedonike arms and men, most notably the cavalry. They also produce a quarter of Makedonike weapons, and are famous for their cornel wood sarrisae and xyston. However, The house of Airetikos, large as it may be, is not particularly wealthy. Satalextos would be mostly at fault for it, for what he has for loyalty to Makedonia, he lacks in running a profit in business. His penchant for charitable deeds certainly does not help either.

Now is another trying time, what would be the fate of the House of Airetikos?

Good stuff you write there about the house of Airetikos, but I would like to point out a mistake: Fylatto (φυλαττω) means ''I protect something'' in Greek, it's not a name. Try and use names from the names.txt to avoid this. Just a thought here:wink:

Ending of the Synerion

Maion

And so it was decided; by the end of Eiar, 517th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 259BC), Basileus Antigonos gave command of no less than 17.580 men to Ischyros Airetikos. Accompanying him where, among others, Antigonos Aiginios and Stratokles Olynthios, the latter one of the most respected noblemen and major arms provider to the Basileion like the Airetikos Family.
https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/...b4ad230aa0.png

The reason for such a mighty force was double; first of all, it would ensure that Alexandros would return to Pella peacefully and secondly, after disposing Alexandros and claiming the mines of Odrysai in name of Makedonia, it would oppose the Getic threat north of Dardanoia. Alkyoneus had thought about this decision long enough and decided to do a little show of might. If his plan worked, he would have the Basileion under his feet in no time...
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...pm_97fcc59.jpg
(Here is a map with a drawing of the plan Alkyoneus has for Ischyros and his army)

A New Leader

Things where very tense within the Basileion as Ischyros and his men marched towards Tylis. There where even those who believed there would be a big battle between Alexandros and Ischyros (under the command of Antigonos), but nothing like that happened. While Alexandros didn’t immediately obey his uncle’s order of submission, he finally gave in.

When Ischyros and his army entered Tylis, Antigonos sent him a message demanding Alexandros to be escorted by Antigonos Aiginios and his troops back to Pella. Many other soldiers that where previously under Alexandros’ command followed him back to the Makedonian capital. Within Tylis, Ischyros appointed a local ruler to take control of the polis under Antigonos’ orders. His army remained within the polis for the whole Theros (Summer) of the year, but when Phthinoporon (Autumn) came, they marched out towards Serdike, leaving a typical garrison behind.
http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/...1m_68b7330.png

By the beginning of Cheimon (Winter) of the same year, Alexandros had safely returned to Pella and Alkyoneus had gathered all his forces as well as the ones led by Ischyros inside the polis of Serdike. He also called upon Antigonos Aiginios and his army and for the rest of the year he planned his next moves carefully.

Alkyoneus tried everything he could that didn’t involve violence in order to force the Getai out of Dardanoia, though the latter seemed unable to understand the dire situation in which they where. As such, Alkyoneus saw no other option but to oppose them on the filed of battle.

During Eiar of the 518th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 258BC), Alkyoneus had gathered his forces and led an army numbering no less than 28.305 men against 18.885 barbaroi. The latter where led by a man named Bikilis who decided it would be more sane to stay and fight than peacefully retreat back to their dark forests. A mighty fool, indeed.
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...2m_4729ee1.png

While the barbaroi seemed to have the terrain advantage, Alkyoneus carefully placed his men in the Makedonian fashion and started marching his army slowly around the enemy.
http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/...5m_da7a88a.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/...3m_e5016af.png

On the right wing of the army there was Ischyros and his Pezhetairoi, along with Antigonos and his Hypaspistai. Both units inspired every other man to move on and the mere sight of them the rest shiver, for they truly where Makedonia’s finest.
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...4m_3db2956.png

The first of the many mistakes Bikilis did, was to send out his toxotai in order to harass the slow-moving Makedonian army. He did not, however, thought about the possibility of a cavalry charge by the side of Alkyoneus, something that happened as soon as the latter realized Bikilis’ intentions.
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...6m_6bfa2db.png

After obliterating the enemy missile troops, Alkyoneus and his men victoriously lifted their kopis and cheered towards the barbaroi lines. From within the lines, the Makedonian strategos could recognise the Getic phalanx, men with a fearsome reputation.
http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/...7m_d2e9dcc.png

Finally the Makedonian army had come to roughly the same level with the Getic one, so Alkyoneus ordered the army to rotate and face the enemy. Slowly but surely, the Makedonian phalanx rotated and when they lined parallel to the lines of the barbaroi, they started moving against them. When within firing range, the Makedonian psiloi started firing death upon the poorly protected barbaroi, causing great casualties.
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Bikilis decided he should counter this by moving a unit of his phalanx soldiers to outflank the seemingly less protected Makedonian left wing, but he was faced by a wall of unforgiving falxes. Within a few minutes, the rhomphaiophoroi had caused massive casualties upon their enemies, making them rout. The cries of joy from the Makedonian side where great, but even greater was the cries of fear and agony caused by the routing Getai who where being cut down mercilessly by the hippakontistai.
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After dealing with this, the Makedones once again started closing the gap between the two armies, while the barbaroi slowly started taking steps backwards.
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In order to cause more mayhem before the great climax, Alkyoneus ordered his hippakontistai to harass the enemy lines and lure as many as they can away from the battle in order to be isolated.
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Before Bikilis could do anything to counter this at all, the Makedonian phalangitai where already pinning his men with their sarrisai.
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Another attempt to outflank the left wing was made by another group of Getic phalanx troops, but this time the tactic deployed by the Makedones was even more effective; first, a unit of Thraikian peltastai showered them with javelins while the rhomphaiophoroi charged at them. When the peltastai ceased firing, the barbaroi where unprepared by the mighty charge of the rhomphaiophoroi and started dropping like flies.
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Many things where happening at once, too many things for Bikilis, an inexperienced captain, to handle. As such, the only thing the barbarian did was to sit with his handful of somatophylakes and watch in terror as his army was being ripped apart.
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Not much time passed when the barbaroi center seemed to be falling apart already, not being able to handle the pressure of the phalangitai.
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The only notable move made by the barbaroi, was an attack upon the Makedonian Hypaspistai. The latter had chased a unit of komatai that had been distracted by the hippotoxotai earlier, and at some point pincered them along with Alkyoneus who had wheeled around to hammer the barbaroi. In response to that, a number of fleeing units attacked the Hypaspistai from behind intending to break them. However, the Hypaspistai proved to be more than able to fend for themselves.
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Of course, they wouldn’t be able to hold on forever, though Ischyros saw that in time. Within a few seconds, he and his Pezhetairoi where engaging the barbaroi. With iron discipline and under the music played by the auletai, Ischyros and his men tore through their enemies and made them break into a rout.
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Bikilis himself had at some point (when his center broke) realized he was in danger, so he run aimlessly towards the right. Unfortunately for him, he fell upon a unit of Makedonian peltastai who welcomed his with a barrage of javelins. Bikilis himself was injured lightly, though he lost most of his somatophylakes. Even so, the coward managed to escape on his horse.
http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/...1m_855a30c.png

The Makedonian hippeis chased after some of the routing barbaroi, but quickly stopped the chase by order of Alkyoneus. Once again, the forces of mighty Makedonia proved victorious! Makedonia Nikator!
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With Dardanoia safe for the moment, Alkyoneus and his army immediately started moving back to Pella. It seemed that his plan had finally succeeded, now he was unquestionably the next ruler of the Basileion Makedonias, unless someone would decide to oppose him...
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Guys, I would like to tell you that I have edited my first post on page 1 and I would like all of you (mostly the Synedroi and those who want to join) to take a look at it. Thank you.

Maion

Great update, as always Maion. looks like the coup d'etat was successful.

nice one there, i'm gonna cook up another of my longwinded chapters tonight, so hopefully nobody writes something that pops my idea bubble ^^;;

Thank you all *bows* for your good words! As for your side-story satalexton, I would very much appreciate it if you could send in to me first through pm before posting it. The Synedrion will be called upon again soon, so be ready:wink:

Anyway, here is a little treat for you guys:
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/...nm_c258233.png
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/...vm_f637e3d.png

In the first one, you can see that Pergamon is doing good. They had a fullstack just standing outside Pergamon, but they recently attacked Nikaia and took control of it. This may turn out to be more interesting than I thought...
In the second one, you can see the new army the Karchedonioi have raised and shipped over to Italia, threatening Rome herself. If things get too ugly, I will probably teleport a good commander with a sizable army there to drive them out.
You can take this information as given when the Synedrion is called upon again:wink:

Maion

[This happens during the time of "A New Leader".]

"Sir, a messenger, from the heir of House Airetikos."
"Take him to the main hall. I'll be there shortly."
Alexandros stood up, glazed at his xiphos, as though a thought had poped into his head. Before the thought could formulate into anything coherant, he shook his head and lazily walked out of his room.

The messenger presented himself to the prince. "I am here to bring forth a message to your greatness, under the order of Ischryos Airetikos," the scales on his linothorax cringled as he bowed. The prince saw no haste in listening to whatever message the half-bred heir has brought to him. Resting his arms on his seat, he began, "What is your name, and what is the crest upon your greave?"
"Kalos, sire. The alpha and epsilon, sire."
"You saw the phalangitai stationed within here, what is on their shields?"
"The alpha and epsilon, sire."
The mark of those within the House of Airetikos. Men who swore fidelity to the basileus of Makedonia to the ends of terra.

"Honour to the house, Glory for Makedonia, For the Basileus to the ends of Terra is it not?" Alexandros narrowed his eyes. Straight-minded, Kalos promptly replied, "Yes, such is our House's mission and motto." He bowed slightly. *click*, the scales on his armour rubbed against one other. Slightly irritated by the messenger's blunt honesty, Alexandros went straight to the point.

"Your Heir marches his men upon Tylis, is he willing to go as far as killing his own clansmen, to apprehend me back to Pella? Or are you here to convince me with his message? Worse off, doust thou intend to stir the men of Airetikos within here, to bring me back in chains?" He remembered the thought from earlier. No messenger meant no message and no mutiny, and there's nothing wrong in rounding up a few renegade thraikioi clad in stolen Makedonian arms...

Clearly, oblivious to the danger he is in, Kalos gave his reply, "Master's message brings nothing on such topic, and bringing this message is my one and only mission." Bluntly, before Alexandros could even utter a word, he continued. "Ischryos Airetikos bring this message: If lord Alexandros wishes to live up to his name, he must take the appropiate actions. That is all, sire."

Alexandros, spoke nothing. Kalos, straight-minded he is, bows once more, "My purpose is fulfilled, I shall take my leave." His linothorax is clearly too big for him. Taking Alexandros' nod into deep thought as an acknowledgement, he makes for the door.

"Wait, Kalos."
"Yes Your Greatness?", bronze scales clicking again.
"Who do you serve?"
"The Basileus, to the ends of Terra." Kalos recited.
Alexandros closed his eyes.
"Tell your heir, I'll be coming back to Pella. Give the men time to pack the gold talants into carts."

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

"We're all ready sir"
"Excellent, Kalos."
"Strength and honour, sir."

The sky is clear, the grass rustling against the gentle breeze. Ischryos gazed towards the sun, a shadowy halo, he thought. It's going to get foggy soon.

"Save us a few trophies boy!" said a rhomphiaphoroi.
"Don't steal all the fun!" retorted a Hypaspistai.
"You only have one neck and 4 limbs, there's no need for that many torcs!" Antigonos added.
"FIVE limbs, boy...Five."
"-That- limb ain big enough for torcs!" Ischyros jested back. Everybody roared into laughter.

"Here they come men, prepare yourselves!" Alkyoneus' ambition is clearly reflected in his enthusiasm for battle. The Getai poured down, looking like an over grown brown bush.

"MAKEDONES NIKATOR!!!!" Ischyros bellowed, waving his own rhomphia in the air.
The pezhetairoi banged their cornel wood pikes against their shields, The hyaspitai followed with their swords.

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

Nice writing there, satalexton, though maybe you missed my last reply... Anyway I really don't mind but I hope you understand the fact that I would rather you sent me everything you wish to post here that has to do with the AAR first. Thanks for the support:wink:

Maion

When Alkyoneus left Dardanoia for Pella, he knew something had to be done in order to control the region. As such, he left a sizable portion of his army along with adviser to rule the region, declaring Dardanoia a Nomos Symmachos Emphrouros.
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In Tylis, things weren’t any better. While Alexandros did show much respect towards the barbaroi, they still preferred independence. For that, Alkyoneus decided to declare Odrysai an independent allied state with Tylis as it’s capital. The region’s control went over to a hellenized barbarian named Iolaos, who was under the direct control of Alkyoneus.
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Within the Basileion, news of the coming of age of Alkyoneus' firstborn son, Perseus, spread quickly. Unfortunately for Alkyoneus though, his son was not as great as he would hope. He was a rather dull man, without much interest in either wine nor the art of combat. Hardly a true Makedon, though he had a certain fondness for learning. As such, his father arranged his to be transported ti Athenai, where he would be taught by the best tutors. Hopefully he would turn out to be an able governor in the future at least.
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In the outside world, the Seleukidai where once again acknowledged worldwide as the most advanced faction. It is a blessing from the gods indeed that we remain allied with our mighty brothers of the east.
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In the west, the Romaioi managed to successfully repel the Karchedonian strategos who had landed near Rome herself. The Roman strategos was a young and promising man named Servius, who was awarded much fame and riches after his victory. While the Karchedonioi still keep a foothold on Apoulia, their days in Italia are surely numbered.
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By the end of Theros of the 518th year after the First Olympiad (Summer, 258BC), Alkyoneus was triumphantly marching within Pella with his army. He, Ischyros, Antigonos Aiginios and Stratokles where the first to march within the Makedonian capital, with the rest of the army following behind and Alexandros being escorted by a handful of Hypaspistai. Most of the people where cheering for Alkyoneus, welcoming him back as a conquering hero.

Antigonos Gonatas himself was present on his throne moved near the Agora of the polis, where the parading army halted after a walk through the streets. When Alkyoneus neared Antigonos, his father stood up gave him his scepter in a symbolic deed that in truth meant that he was already passing over his rule to his son.

Before the season was over, Alkyoneus had to face new problems. Two rebellious figures had risen to power against the Basileion, both of them openly questioning rightful Makedonian rule. The first and strongest was a Hellen named Pythion, from a polis in Thessalia. The other was a man named Genuos from shores of Epeiros. Both obtained power by gathering followers, but clearly the boldest o the two was Pythion. He was the one to openly challenge Alkyoneus, while Genuos' army was a mare raiding army.
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Alkyoneus, while still hiding behind his father’s figure, wanted to make it clear that he would not tolerate any such behavior. Having all his forces gathered within Pella, he decided to personally lead 13.140 Makedones against Pythion and his 5.535. Furthermore, he sent one of his commanders, Eulandros, along with 5.385 men in order to deal with Genuos. Before the season was over, every rebellion was drowned with brutal efficiency.
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Both Pythion and Genuos where captured and, after publicly being humiliated in the streets of Pella, finally executed. When the first snowflakes started falling on the earth, Alkyoneus called upon the next Synedrion...

Gosh! Perseus' face really does look dull. :laugh4:

Ha, yes doesn't it? It's a shame indeed, as I've had at least a decent Perseus in my previous campaigns, while this time he's almost utterly useless... Must have been (maybe even still in our days) a real shame to have such a son at that time!

Maion

Beginning of the Synedrion, 258BC

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There was a lot of murmur and general uneasiness within the marble walls of the Synedrion, with many of the Synedroi having loud discussion with each other, as well the occasional shouts. Doubtlessly, the source of this uneasiness was caused by the prescence of the mail-clad and heavily armored tall men who stood in the perimeter of the chamber - clearly part of the Hypaspistai squadron – as almost every Synedros was taking occasional glimpses at them.
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One of the few Synedroi who remained almost completely silent, where Diophantos and Alkyoneus, who was sitting to his left. The latter seemed almost as though he was pleased with the whole situation, constantly bearing a faint smile and sinister glow in his eyes. Only when the situation seemed to begin getting out of hand, did Alkyoneus raise his right hand and the Hypaspistai started bashing their aspis with their their dory's.

Silence returned once again to the Synedrion and only when no one was talking anymore, did Diophantos rise up and address the Synedroi:

“Noble sympatriotai, it pleases me most to see you all here today. As you may know, our beloved Basileus has once again called upon the Synedrion in order to discuss the current affairs of the Basileion.”

Before he could continue, a medium-sized man with a stubby posture and clean-shaved face stood up and shouted:

“Basileus? Maybe you mean your lord, Alkyoeneus? Or maybe you already think of him as our Basileus without Antigonos even formally having declared his heir?”

Many of the Synedroi stood up and shouted in approval of the person who just spoke. Diophantos, showing slight signs of irritation, lifted his right arm and once again the Hypaspistai caused the chamber to fall silent. He then continued:

“Noble Menelaos, once again your tongue goes ahead of your mind. You should check that, or...”

“Are you threatening me, Diophantos? Cause if you are, I assure you that...” Menelaos replied with renewed fury, but was soon silenced by the Hypaspistai who moved closer to the center.

“Good, Menelaos. I see you are beggining to get the point. Try and control you anger next time, you surely don’t want to say something you will regret, now do you?”

Menelaos remained silent, thought his scarlet face clearly showed that he had much more to say, though he knew his adversary was right.

“Now then”, Diophantos continued.

“Seeing that we finally have peace in the chamber, I would like to continue what I started. As I said, the Synedrion has been called upon again to discuss the affairs of the Basileion. I will give you some basic information about our current situation, as well as happenings in the outside world that are of our interest.”

He then paused, took a deep breath, eyed the Synedroi once again one by one and continued: “First of all, as you may already know, the northern regions of Dardanoia and Odrysai have been brought under our rule in addition to the land we already control. Small garrisons have been left behind in order to deal with any possible future attack by the Thraikioi, though this does not guarantee the safety of those regions. Apart from that, Dardanoia has been declared a garrisoned allied state, while Odrysai is currently being ruled by Iolaos, a hellenized Thraikian under our immediate control, as a free state. Secondly, our total forces are currently stationed within the barrackses of Pella, awaiting our next order. Our economy is going well, our cities are finally showing some signs of a significant population raise and the building projects throughout the Basileion that have been ordered by Antigonos are going well. That, fellow Makedones, is the good news...”

Taking another short pause, he continued:

“The bad news is, that we have made even more enemies. Attacking the Getai north of Serdike wasn’t exactly a pleasing move and it didn’t only enrage the Getai. It is even rumored that several Thraikian tribes are currently planning to raise more hordes with intention of raiding and pillaging our lands. If that is not enough, it seems that the Romaioi are becoming less and less friendly with us, as we have rejected theirs pleads of military and naval help against the Kerchedonioi. While this may not sound very important, we know from our spy network in Megale Hellas that the Romaioi are soon going to drive the Karchedonioi away from Apoulia for good. After that, we may consider fortifying our western borders, as the Romaioi are both aggressive and unpredictable. They may just decide the want to ‘punish’ us for not helping them in their war. Also, a lot of tension seems to build lately in Anatolia, with the Seleukidai losing steady ground to the rest of the powers that threaten their rule. It seems that they may soon turn over to us, their loyal allies for many years, for help. So will will have to answer sooner or later, ot lose a very valuable and powerful ally.”

Diophantos waited for all this information to be properly absorbed by all Synedroi before he spoke again:

“Now, I would like to give word to Alkyoneus, who is here with us today to discuss his plans and ideas as to how the Basileion should moe next.”

Alkyoneus nodded, and after getting satisfactory nodding approvals by the Synedroi, he spoke in his loud, commanding voice:

“Fellow Makedones, I salute you. As you may know, my name is Alkyoneus Argeades, firstborn son of Antigonos and current leader of the forces of Makedonia by order of the Basileus himself. The first thing I would like to do, is make certain things clear to you all. I have not declared myself Basileus, nor do I see myself as one. Not until I know I have full support by you. The reason why I have taken the initiative in certain occasions, is because of my father’s inability to perform the way he did some years ago. I am acting on his own orders, as he too has realized some matters need fresh minds to attend them, matters that are too important for the well-being of the Basileion. You can verify everything I said by asking the Basileus himself, who unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the Synedrion today due to health problems.”

Alkyoneus waited patiently for any sings of opposition, which never came.

“Okay, now that I have made this clear, let us move on to what I was planning to tell you from the start. As you already heard from Diophantos, I have prepared a series of plans for the future of the Basileion, plans I believe will almost surely benefit us in all ways, politically, economically as well as military. Let me present you with a list I have prepared, a list which I will read out loudly.”

He then took a piece of pergamene which Diophantos handed over to him, opened it and read aloud:

“The first thing we should do, is attack the Aitolike Symmachia (Aetolian League) as fast as possible. Too long have they remained rebellious and too long have they meddled with our affairs. We can use the pretext of them inciting the rebellion in Demetrias led by Pythion in order to attack them. I, by your approval, will personally lead our full forces against them and take on their armies head-on in Aitolia. When Aitolia is captured and punished for their acts of rebelliousness, I believe it would be most rational to start the difficult process of fully hellenizing the northern barbaroi, as well as fortifying all major passages from Thraike to Hellas. When all this is done, we can move on by enforcing our naval and land forces. For the first we can further build more ships by timber from Makedonia herself, while we can strengthen our 2 standing armies by adding units of peltastai, hippotoxotai and better armored and trained hoplitai. We should also start a building project of a series of advanced barrackses all across Hellas, in order to provide more soldiers of better quality ready to serve the Basileion anytime. That, in liaison with lowered taxes for all those who join the ranks of the military at least part-time will also ensure more trustworthy troops. Lastly, I believe a series of more Katoikiai as well as other economic buildings will at least ensure that not more Hellenes are going to leave Hellas proper to the East.”

Alkyoneus took a deep breath and eyed every Synedros before speaking anew:

“So, Synedroi, you have heard my everything I had to say, not it is up to you to decide weather you agree or not, plus state any other ideas or opinions. The table, as usual, is open to everything...”