Of Destiny and Duty: A Galatian AAR

Chapter X - The Path to Understanding

Galatia, 296 B.C.

Timothsenes was worried; he hadn’t seen either of his boys for over a day. He had noticed when they came back from the raid at the Trocmii village that they seemed to be at odds about something. He thought he had noticed some friction before that as well.

Then Artan had left to go hunting, and Kyros had decided to go off into the woods to study. Neither of them had been back since they left the previous morning.

Then he saw a silhouette in the distance. It was Kyros.

“Come in, my son! Come in! You must be tired.”

“Thank you, father,” Kyros responded glumly.

“What is it, Kyros? I know you and your brother are having trouble.”

“He hates me, father! I know not even what I’ve done, but he loathes even the sight of me!”

Timothsenes sighed. Now he knew the problem. “This is partly my own doing, I know. I’ve seen it in him; he is a very competitive boy, and has always felt that he must measure up to you. I fear I have not given him the support he longs for.”

“How can I speak to him, father? What can I say?”

“I think, Kyros, that you cannot say anything. You must do. Artan will respond better to actions than words. I will try as well. Perhaps we will be able to reach him.”

“Perhaps, father; perhaps.” Kyros got up and went outside.

Timothsenes paced through the house. What was to be done? Perhaps Aderyn would know. He found her walking through the forest.

“Good evening, dear wife,” Timothsenes said softly.

She looked at him tenderly. “Hello, Timothsenes.”

They walked down the forest path, hand in hand.
“You are troubled, Timothsenes.”

Timothsenes smiled. Aderyn seemed to read his mind at all times.

“It’s the boys. They seem to be at each other’s throats lately. What can I do?”

“Artan feels insignificant; he’s always felt the need to compete with Kyros,” Aderyn responded. “You must spend some time with him; let him know that he is important as himself, regardless of his brother’s abilities.”

“Yes, this I must do. But how?”

“Each year since Kyros was in Athens, you went out of your way to be with him and help him through. Now you must do this for Artan.”

“But Aran has always been here with me! Isn’t that something at least?”

“But, Timothsenes, it’s not only the time, but the effort that counts.”

“I see. I will go to Artan and talk to him.”

Timothsenes gently kissed his wife on the cheek. “What would I do without you, my dear?”

“Wither away into old age, I suspect,” Adyrin beamed. She gazed fondly into his eyes.

Truly, I am the luckiest of men, Timothsenes thought as they walked down the trail.

setting the conditions for a better relationship between the brothers eh... good stuff:2thumbsup:

Yeah, aren't they such a cute couple? :clown:

Oh, yes, Centurion1. It was all about suspense. :laugh4: lol yes I waited a whole week (or was it two) just to let it soak in! :beam: Er... not. No I was just taking a break from my rather quick start.

Next chapter coming. By my calculations, we should be starting a Pontic campaign... either this week or next week. I haven't written that far yet, but it's close. :sneaky:

Chapter XI - Discussions

THOT! The arrow hit its mark perfectly. Artan smiled with satisfaction.

Few men can bring down a ram as I can, he thought to himself.

He walked over to the fallen animal and began dressing it. He was well used to the process (as well as the stench), and was nearly finished when he heard movement behind him.

He was relieved to see it was his father. What could he be doing up here?

“Why, Artan, I see you’ve taken a ram!”

“I’ve taken many rams, father.”

“Yes, this is so. Do you need any help?”

Now Artan knew a talk was coming. His father rarely accompanied him on the hunt. He sighed and waited for the inevitable. But Timothsenes simply sat down beside him and started to cut away at the ram. Another hour later, they were finished.

“Are you planning to come home tonight?” Timothsenes inquired.

“I suppose so. I have caught enough game to last some months.”

“Well done, my son! You are becoming a real provider for our family.”
Artan looked at his father. What was he thinking?

“Father, you must have come up to talk to me about something. What is it?”

“Nothing, Artan. I simply wanted to see you, since you have been away for some time.”

Timothsenes glanced at Artan. Artan looked surprised, as if he didn’t know what to say next. Timothsenes smiled to himself. Ah, the insecurities of youth.

Timothsenes and Artan returned to the village with enough meat to supply them for months.

Galatia, 290 B.C.

Six years later, Timothsenes had made great improvement with each of his sons, but the brothers still had not come together. They seemed never to forget what had occurred between them when Kyros first returned from Athens.

Artan had continued to spend more time in the forests and with the other young men in the village, and Kyros travelled often to the burgeoning city of Ankyra to commune with the intellectuals of the city. Thus, the years passed without their crossing paths very often at all.

It pained Timothsenes to see his sons at odds with each other in such a way. He and Aderyn did their best, but the young men seemed unwilling to make the effort to make amends.

But, then, Timothsenes could not have seen the coming hand of fate that would deal so drastically in both their lives. That would soon change.

Amazing AAR!

Can't wait for next chapter.

(Btw, i'd give you a balloon if I could.)

Many thanks! Next chapter is coming.

Well, I don't think there's a limit to balloons you can give...

... but I don't think I deserve a whole slew of balloons just yet. :laugh4:

I am honored though that you find it worthy! :bow:

Chapter XII - Call to Arms

Kyros awoke to a furious cacophony of shouting heralds, marching troops, and galloping horses. He was staying in Ankyra for a few weeks to study with some friends in the city, which was rapidly growing to become the dominant city of Galatia.

“To arms! All men of military age are to assemble at the central plaza!”

Kyros curiously stepped into the street to find the source of the commotion, and was swept into the crowd of young men heading for the city center. Clearly the city was in some kind of danger.

Soon he found himself in a large crowd in the great plaza, facing the City Council Hall. A large man clad in armor stepped up on a platform before them.

“Men, I am Bagacos, Captain of the High Chieftain’s Guard. You will come to know me well in the weeks to follow.

Galatians, we face a threat. A threat greater than any which has faced our people since our ancestors settled this great land. A threat from the east.

As many of you know, we have clashed with the fledgling kingdom of Pontus many times. But a fledgling it is no more. Having secured an alliance with the mighty Seleucids, Pontus has set to work carving out an empire out of Mikra Asia. The kingdoms of Cappadocia, Cilicia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and even our ally, Bithynia, have fallen to their swords. At last they come to our door.

But I say that the proud people of Galatia, the sons and daughters of Belenos and Teutatis, will not bow the knee so obligingly! We will make them wish they had been content as the People of the Waters!

Every one of you is capable of bearing arms. You are strong, you are fit, and you are Galatian! So come with me, and let us defend our homes together!”

A rousing cheer burst through the morning air. Each man was ready and willing to fight.

After the general’s speech, the crowd drifted toward the city barracks, where arms were distributed among the men. When this was done, they proceeded to the city drill square.

There, they were divided into groups based on age, experience, and service seen. Being an “intellectual,” Kyros was placed with the younger and less experienced fighters. They were to serve as skirmishers for the main army.

At the end of the day, each man was given three days to visit his family before serious training began.

According to Gallic custom, the last man to arrive would be executed, and his body burned.

As always. Great chapter!:2thumbsup: But. Beware the SILVER DEATH :skull:, i never trust those guys
Keep'em coming!

Indeed. Well, I have some plans. :sneaky: :evilgrin:

This would be a good time to inform all of you how it's gonna be.

The story will merge with a Pontic campaign shortly. :beam:

Thus, as per the norm with AARs, here are my rules and settings.

Game

Rome: Total War

Mod

Europa Barbarorum

Difficulty

M/M (for roleplay) :beam:

House Rules

I am going to enable myself to cheat, but only under certain conditions.

First of all, it drives me crazy when my allies backstab me 3 turns after making an agreement. I will use Force Diplomacy to make peace treaties and alliances when I think such action would be realistic in real life.

I also have a few scenarios in mind that will make the force diplomacy more realistic and fit into the story better. They will also make for a more interesting campaign. :beam: You will see, as I expect to be invaded by the Seleucids in my first few turns. :smash:

And lastly, I may use Add_Money if my campaign is at stake. :beam: Although I have interesting plans for the END of the AAR, I don't want to lose the campaign right away. :skull:

Mind you, I don't expect to need this. However, I don't have that much experience with EB, and I thought I'd mention it just in case.

Anyways, now you have the plan, which should go into effect... maybe next week. :yes:

Thanks readers!

FD is COMPLETELY necessary.

I absolutley agree, i cant imagine writing an aar (or with it to be honest) without force diplomacy

Hey guys! Sorry I'm a bit late.

My internet was off ALL of yesterday. :wall:

And I confess I've been a bit busy with other stuff. :embarassed:

But anyways here comes the next chapter. :2thumbsup:

OH YES. IMPORTANT, TAKE NOTICE:

I'm going to have to uninstall>reinstall EB. :sweatdrop::skull:

My antivirus software messed with it and it is much more prone to CTD's etc., mostly during battles. So I'm going to redo all that and put the force-diplomacy mod on it, and maybe since I'm doing that I'll install it for BI and experience enhanced AI! :beam:

But anyways this may take some doing so there may be a pause once I get to the campaign, as that part is not far away.

Chapter XIII - Preparations

Bidding his parents farewell, Kyros mounted his horse. He had been able to spend but a day with his parents, as he wished to reserve one day for the trip back to Ankyra.

He brought Artan with him also, as each man in the city militia was ordered to bring all the men of military age in his family. Kyros felt that the situation must truly be an emergency for such measures to be taken.

“Wait, my sons!” Timothsenes yelled after them as they trotted away. “You are not prepared!”

“But father,” Kyros said in confusion, “we have already packed all the provisions we will need for the journey.”

“No, not that,” Timothsenes said. “I have something for Artan.”

Timothsenes was carrying a long, thin bundle in his arms. The boys dismounted their horses, wondering what it might be.

Timothsenes drew from the bundle a large Greek sword, a xyphos, made of the finest metals. Artan stopped in amazement. Kyros was also surprised, but knew the sword from his days in Athens.

“This blade has served me well over the years. Artan, you are the warrior of the family now, and I want you to wear this sword on the day of battle.”

Timothsenes embraced both his boys, and they started on their way.


The two brothers rode through the main gate. The city was abuzz with activity. They could hear captains shouting orders, men marching over the drill grounds, and metal clanking everywhere. All the blacksmiths of the city were working furiously to supply the army, as evidenced by the clouds of smoke billowing from their chimneys.

Kyros led Artan to the Western Barracks, to which he had been assigned. They went into the captain’s hut, where they reported for duty. All the while Artan wondered at the sights he was taking in each moment. Never had he seen a city with so many people, such grand buildings, and such great wealth. Kyros smiled to himself at his brother’s amazement, remembering his astonishment arriving at Athens the first time.

The two brothers were sent to the armory for their weapons. Artan brought his sword with him.

An armorer walked over to them. Kyros, being with the less experienced troops, received a buckler and a spear.

The armorer eyed Artan’s sword. “A fine blade you have there. But, can you use it?”

“I have served my tribe many times in battle,” replied Artan.

“In that case,” the armorer went on, “You will fight in the ranks of heavy infantry. We could use more stout men like you.”

Artan received a coat of chain mail and a large shield, and was sent to a barracks in the center of town to train with the more experienced troops.

“See you on the field, brother,” Artan said. Kyros nodded.

Ah and the plot thickens

Sorry I've been rather sporadic lately. Got a variety of things on my plate.

So what I was thinking is that I will postpone this AAR just long enough to finish my Ancient Weapons Study. That way I can be done with the study and focus on the AAR, instead of dabbling in both of them and making a mess.

While I do that, I'll reinstall EB and all that so I can have it all ready for the AAR campaign.

So if all goes well I can start up in a week or so. I'll probably pop in a chapter here and there when I have time too.

Well everybody, I'm off for one week.

I'll be at Oshkosh Wisconsin for the EAA Airventure, the world's largest fly-in airshow (IIRC).

However my sister has a laptop so I think I'll write a bit during the (6 hr) trip. I'll probably have something for you when I get back.

Speaking of which, I'll bet there are a couple of members here who are going to Oshkosh... it's a pretty big event. Would be hilarious to run into one or two. :laugh4:

Hey guys! Not home yet but I've been able to get some writing done on the road.

And I'm getting internet from a library near where I'm staying.

Unlike my Study, I can do this w/o an internet connection for research. :juggle2:

So I think you will like the chapters ahead. :sneaky:

Oh, and I have another question:

Is it OK with you guys that I haven't had many pictures lately? I really don't think it's feasable with a lot of the story to get screenshots for it, especially since a lot of it is along the lines of character development and storyline rather than the game.

Anyways, when action occurs I try to get good screenies in there for ya.

Gah, sorry i haven't been checking lately. I have been busy in the gameroom and backroom........

No, but i like it without all the screenies. You are a good enough writer that i am still able to visualize. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS DIE. NO ONE HAS BEEN HERE IN A WEEK :wall: Write man WRITE........

Centuron is right, just don´t let this die..
I like this one :2thumbsup: and dont worry about few pictures. Looking for next update, CYA.

So so sorry.

Yes, I was in Wisconsin, and I actually have about 6 new chapters written!!! :2thumbsup:

But I saved them on my sister's laptop, and I haven't seen her since... :wall:

So I have to get the file from her laptop. :embarassed: But it's coming!

Glad to see that people are concerned as to this AARs future. :beam:

No worries; as I said this AAR shall not die 'till it be finished! Which will be like... a year. :smash:

Well, I hope you all are not disaffected by the long pause.

But the next update comes tomorrow! I'll be getting to my sister's computer and retrieving the MS word document containing the next 6 updates. :beam:

Thanks guys!

F%CK YEAAHH!, welcome back boy, nice to hear next chapter coming tomorrow:2thumbsup:

Chapter XIV - Training Continues

Artan ducked quickly. The thick blade of a wooden sword missed his head by inches. Taking his opportunity while his opponent was off-balance, he dealt a blow that sent the man reeling to the ground.

“Excellent work, young man!” The trainer applauded. “That is how to win the fight; use the enemy’s own technique against him! Where they are strong, avoid them; where they are weak, that is where you must attack.”

Artan and Kyros had been training in their respective barracks for weeks. Artan had quickly gained respect as an effective fighter. He could take on any man that came against him.

Kyros, however, had less fortune on the drill grounds.

“No, no, no! You must block to the right!”

Kyros gritted his teeth in frustration.

“Really, Kyros, I don’t know if you will survive the first engagement! At times you show promise, and other times you hardly know right from left!”

But as the weeks progressed, the men grew more confident. Confident of their own abilities, and more importantly confident in their abilities as a group.

For a full month the men refined their skills in armed and unarmed combat, in marching,, and in long-distance running. They trained with the sword, the spear, the javelin, and with their fists.

As marching time drew near, the men felt prepared to defend their country from any threat that could come against it.

At last the day came. The men assembled in the town square one last time before they would march to meet the army of Pontus.

They were met again by their commander, Bagacos.

“Now, men, we are ready. We have achieved the impossible; succeeded in the daunting task of shaping a great fighting force in so short a time.

But your days and weeks of effort have born fruit! We now go to meet the Pontic with a force of 12,000 trained men, come from every tribe and region in Mikra Asia.

Nevertheless, not all of us will return home; not every man is destined to return to his family in safety. But rest assured that, by your sacrifice, you brothers, sons, and daughters will remain in safety and security.

Now I ask you: if each man does his duty, what, army can face us? And if each man will go above his duty, what battle will not be ours? None! I tell you today while our hearts strive together, there is no field, no fortress, no people that will be our match! Nations will quake in fear under the thunder of our footsteps!

So let our cry be VICTORY!”

A rousing cheer broke out from every man in the plaza. Shouts rang out through the city. Now the were truly ready.

Chapter XV - The Ordeal Begins






Bagacos paced back and forth in his tent reflecting on his words earlier in the day.

Were the men really ready? What would the coming days and weeks bring?
It was true enough that he had 12,000 men at his disposal, but as to their training he was less certain. A month was adequate for those men who were already familiar with the ways of warfare, but to the uninitiated it was scratching the surface at best.

The men were reasonable at working together, but despite how he had proclaimed so proudly that the army boasted troops from several different areas, Bagacos was concerned that this might effect the unity and coordination of the army.

Indeed, Bagacos had to be careful lest he place rival tribes together on the field of battle. He had to manage to work with Galatians, Bithynians, Lydians, Cilicians, Greeks, and even some Pontics, and even more importantly he had to make them work with each other.

The Pontics, however, were not especially strong themselves. For many years they had been under the thumb of their powerful neighbor, the Seleucids. Pontus was not really one of the Diadochi; rather a small kingdom opportunely created in the chaos after Alexander’s death.

Still, Mithridates IV of Pontus was a shrewd, capable leader, and his men had fought well in campaigns throughout Asia Minor. They were a force to be reckoned with.

Nevertheless, he had to paint a positive picture for his men. The challenges of command should be left with the commander, and not burden the others. Confidence would be key to victory; fear, the key to defeat. Let the men find out the mettle of their foe in battle, not before.

Bagacos resolved this in his mind, and made preparations to march.

Well, how do you like that? :beam:

Two days' chapters before most of you had time to read the first one! :2thumbsup:

Naturally, I can't keep that pace up until my weapons study is done.

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

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

Good job man.

excellent. Glad to see you are back. Oh and why don't you just put your pictures in spoilers if you are worried about them taking up to much space?

Quote:

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Hehehehe, won't you be surprised at the coming chapters... :mellow::evilgrin:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by the man with no name

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

Good job man.

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Ah! Good to see a new reader! Glad you enjoy it. :2thumbsup:

Quote:

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excellent. Glad to see you are back. Oh and why don't you just put your pictures in spoilers if you are worried about them taking up to much space?

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Thanks! Well, I'm not really concerned about space...

Really at the moment there's just no screenshots to take, you know? It's all storyline, although I could take some shots of a bunch of peasants in a city center or something. :beam:

But fear not; screenshot material is coming. :sneaky:

OHH YeAH! battle pictures would be awesome! BTW good chapters man.:smash::smash::smash: