The Royal Council

The messenger from Lykikos had just received his reply from the scribe and was about to leave when he heard Euripides comment

Great Lords, my master has been talking with his aides about the necessity for a Spymaster. Someone from amongst the strategoi who would coordinate the movements of our agents, he would have a budget from the chancellor and any strategoi who needed a spy sent somewhere would have to go through him.

He left the chambers quickly before any of the great men within could tell him to mind his place.

"Messenger, the agents are all under the command of the Chancellor. There is no need for a "spymaster", and it would only complicate things further."

Slowly, another messenger entered the chambers of the Royal Council, this one obviously an improvised one - adorned in fine armor, well-built, only the lack of helmet and weapons indicate this man was at least informed of the manner of his task, and not tossed onto a horse with a brief mention of where to go and what to do before being sent off.

"Hail, Esteemed Basileus! Hail, Great Men of Arche Seleukeia!" The man bowed. His pronunciation of words made it obvious - this was a man recently from Hellas itself, possibly servant of a true Hellene as well.

"I bring word from my Lord, Mikithion Kalamou Phoinikikes. He sends apologies for not being present himself, for he only recently returned to the port of Antiocheia from Hellas, and the journey to Athenai and back has exhausted his body and spirit. He entrusted me to speak instead of him."

"My Lord Mikithion wishes to inquire if his Basileus has any tasks for him, for if not he desires to rest beyond the walls of Antiocheia."

The old man once again stands up"Again friends I stand before you warning of coming war. Another Pontic army has appeared in our lands! We leave them be assuming they have proper business in our land, and they throw more men! Euripedes shakes his head, "They are clearly taking advantage of our trusting nature! We should make the prudent decision and engage! As soon as the army is refitted we should march to war! Pontus is a small nation and will be exhausted quickly We have enough troops in the south to be self-supporting, now is not the time to allow any more tactical blunders with Pontus. We are now on a ticking clock to engaging with them. We should make a pre-emptive strike! Your Highness, I ask of you to declare an emergency council with this new development. This can be construed as preparation of war. Now is the time for concrete discussion and decision on the coming war."

Cadeyrn stands up and beckons with his hand to speak.

"My friend and master Sarpedon's army is still not up to strength, and the Lydian army hasn't been retrained yet for the simple fact that it's needed in Halikarnassos if we are to keep the public order there. Sarpedon himself needs to be there as well, since it is much thanks to his influence as a governor that it has not rebelled yet. This means that we have one damaged army tied down in one settlement, and another army understrength leaderless and tied down to Pergamon - which would riot if they left. Granted, there are three of us there, and one (or two at most, Sarpedon excluded) of them can be freed to lead what army could be summoned, but it would surely not be enough to defeat Pontos, whose military might should not be underestimated.

Another thing we must not forget is that we already have a manpower problem in Mikra Asia. Just reinforcing my RA and the Lydian Army as it is is extremely costly manpower wise, and if there were more casualties to account for, as a war against Pontos would bring, it would simply become impossible to replace them. We would not have the men.

Lets also not forget that we do not know their actual intention. It may very well be so that this new army is being sent to reinforce the other one in a second attempt to capture Nikaia.

So I stand firm in my opinion that a war against Pontos now isn't realistic. For this reason, I will not call for an emergency council on Sarpedon's behalf."

Antiochos turns towards the messenger..

Tell your lord Mikithon that at the moment I don't have any orders for him but let's wait and see what will happen in the next year!

Turning to the rest of the room..

I don't think that Emergency Session is needed. Normal Council Session will begin about year from now and I think this thing with Pontus can wait for now.

Although, Sarpedon, I must say that Lydian Army is not there for you to use as keepers of the public order. It is your Satrapy, so you should find a way to make the people happy in Halikarnassos.

I also want to announce that later in autumn of this year I want the Lydian Army to move towards Mazaka. I have already ordered the Parthian Army to move to Ekbatana and I want to use it against independent town called Phraaspa. Their rulers have insolted us more than once. It is time to end their brief independence and bring them under our rule!

I should say that I have a plan that could eliminate the Pontic threat but I will wait before I will reveal it.

"With all respect sir, Sarpedon is not here. I, Cadeyrn, is here in his stead.

Still, you're quite right, sir. The Lydian army's purpose is, of course, not to keep public order in Halikarnassos. That is why Sarpedon is in the process of raising a garrison for it as it is, but it's not big enough to keep control of the city by itself yet. I was merely pointing out the inevitable consequences of pulling it out now, sir."

Achaios Syriakos rises.

"My brother, I have just returned from Sidon where i have assumed command of your Royal Army, do you have sepcific goals for me? Or should i remain in the area of Sidon?"

Dear Brother, I want you to crush those rebels near Damaskos. Part of the Royal Army have been sent to Antiocheia for retraining so wait before you move against the rebels until those units come back to Sidon. That's all at the moment

A dusty messenger walks in, wearied by the long ride from Syria

Basileus, I am Therapontigonos Platigidoros and have been instructed by my master Alexandros Syriakos to represent him here while he is away on campaign. I also bring news from the front: Alexandros' army was attacked by the Ptolemaioi, and after careful consideration of scouting reports and other information he declined battle and pulled his forces back. Alexandros believed that victory would have come at too high a cost, and he would not have been in a position to continue his mission. Individual battles are insignificant compared to the campaign in general.

Another messenger arrived in the chambers, this time from Polyxenidos Lykikos.

My master would like to ask the Basileus what we are going to do next, a Ptolemaic army holds the river crossing towards Hierosolyma and any attack will likely come at huge cost. He asks if Alexandros consideration was self centered? Had he defended the attack he would have been able to hold one side of the crossing and the Ptolemaic army would have to cross the river, now we are in the situation of having to try a risky attack. Does he expect one of the other armies to do what he was afraid to? Or are we going to go another route?
My master says he will command an attack to let one of the other armies through, if his partner agrees, but such an attack will likely leave his army incapable of taking Hieroslyma. However his considerations are for the Arche Seleukia, not self interest.

The messenger sits, giving Alexandros' messenger a dirty look.

Antiochos sighs..

Alexandros did what he thought was best for him and his army. Well.. what's done is done. I ask if there is anyone who want to attack the Ptolemaic Army? Besides Lykikos?

OOC: johnhughthom, if your partner agrees then I will attack that Ptolemaic army the next time I take the save. If not then I will move them around that army or just use console to move them away.

Cadeyrn stands up and beckons to speak.

"Lord Antiochos, as you know well enough yourself, our treasury is not as huge as we would like it to be. Since we cannot expect any miracles from the gods, we must make do ourselves - and that means minimizing our expenditures and maximizing our profits. In other words, we must make sure that we are not paying for something that is not needed.

What I'm trying to say, sir, is that there are two units of hippakonstistai used in garrisons - one in Damaskos, and the other in Arbela. These are expensive in upkeep, and they are eating our resources. Would it not be a good idea to replace these with some cheaper units? They're not much good when fighting in cities, anyhow.

There is also our fleet to consider. If we do not need it in the time of a year, then it would be a lot cheaper to disband it and raise a new one when we do."

After some words with the scribes Antiochos responds..

I agree that those Hippakontistai units should be either replaced or disbanded. But I do not agree with disbanding our fleet. That is our only option to reinforce Salamis in case Ptolemaioi attacks it. So we can not disband it.

Perhaps we should replace Peltastai and Akontistai units with something cheaper as well.. Perhaps with Toxotai?

Euripedes stands up"My liege, A siege on Kypros would require less than year to prove effective. Our enemies are not silly or stupid, If we needed to reinforce Kypros, the time it would take to rally the army to the port and across the sea would give them more than ample time to storm the walls. They are in no rush to get it back as I am sure they see us trying to spearhead to Jerusalem. It would be a prudent measure to decommission our ships for merchant use where we can tax the crews earnings rather than pay them ourselves to do nothing. Otherwise I suggest we begin blockading the Ptolemaic ports of commerce. Reconsider your decision my lord. We do need the money"

Antiochos sighs...

Good point you made here. I'll think about it.

Akakios Euthymios, Aratos' representative who hasn't been very active on the council for the last months, rose.

"Basileus, Strategoi and representatives, I receive notice of my lords advances with the Syrian Army. Aratos travel north to Karkathiotherka is almost finished and he expects to face those long surviving rebels in Autumn.
He also pressingly adds and hopes, after studying the new voted laws on the second Council session, that every single Strategoi do know the difference between Man of Great Potential and Man of the Hour adoptions. The first adoption type is the one you should reject.
After a succesful run against the rebels, my lord also wants to know, in advance, what are his next orders.
Thank you."

He sat.

Euripedes stands up after the Basileus' reply
"Good sir, Tell Aratos that Cunobelinus will join him at the location of his choosing. He failed to arrive at Jerusalem first, and will be leaving Judea as soon as the brothers take the city. Please pass along a letter with his answer."

Akakios Euthymios, tell to your master that once those rebels are dead then he hopes to see you near Babylon where a small band of people have rebelled against us too.

Also, Man of Great Potential offers happen only at the beginning of each season and Chancellor should decline those offers if they are proposed.

Scribe walks to Antiochos and whispers something to him. After handing a message to Basileus the scribe leaves..

This is bad! These are bad news! Looks like the Pontic armies don't want to leave from our territory. Their General is near Ipsos, their Captains are near Mazaka and on the road between our holdings in Mikra Asia and Syria! This can not be tolerated! I wait until the Council Session begins but I can say this.. we WILL deal with them!

Another thing.. recently there have been a lot of uprisings against our rule all over the Arche! I ask that the Satraps would deal with those that are in their lands. I also support Satrap Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes who have done a good job fighting against rebels in his Satrapy and outside of it.

I also want to congratulate my son, Sarpedon, who have done a good job as a Chancellor. May the next one, whoever he will be, take lessons from his term!

Antiochos clears his throat and says..

"I declare the Council Session open! It will stay open for debate and legislation until 18.00 GMT on Friday, October 24th, at which point there will be 48 hours allowed for voting."

Euripedes stands up, the old man has a grim look on his face.
"Well, We have excellent reason to believe that Pontus, is now in league with our 'friendly' Southern neighbours. We cannot afford a lengthy fight with them. This is why I propose
Edict 1.1- Two armies will move and engage in a campaign to the Pontic heartland.
The Armies that will engage should be open to debate. But I say the Syrian army is a perfect choice. It is near by and its men are experienced enough to be successful. Lord Sarpedon should also lead his army to Pontus as soon as it is ready to engage. If the Royal Army cannot engage on this campaign, I suggest the Lydian army take its place. We cannot afford a lengthy war, we must make a quick and decisive blow. If not destroy Pontus, cripple her."
Euripedes looks to his similarly aged King for support, both knowing full well the volatility of the Arche's Northern neighbours.

Antiochos nods to Euripides..

This is a good Edict but it should be Edict 3.1 and not 1.1. The first Council Session is long over ..

Antiochos smiles..

Mikithion walks into the Council Chambers, alone, still dressed in his persian-styled clothes, however no longer wearing a cuirass. The Hellene is rather sweaty, and weariness shows in his face - he had, after all, been riding with only several stops all the way from Kappadokia to Seleukeia.

With a bow to Basileus, he begins speaking, his Attike pronunciation making itself obvious, and highlighting his heritage of which Mikithion was so proud.

"I appologize for ariving slightly late, and in such a state; news of this caught me off guard in distant Kappadokia, I urged my horse as fast as I could, and, by the Gods, it seems the creature was Hermes himself, for here I am."

With another bow, Mikithion hurriedly claims the nearest seat for himself. Taking a few seconds to catch his breath, he nods in approval to the proposed edict, having overheard it before entering the Council Chambers.

"I fully agree that the King of Pontos needs to be made aware of his wrongs with a harsh slap. Or else the whole world might take our toleration for foolishness, not something we want our neighbours to think, especially when most of said neighbours are barbaroi and traitors."

Euripedes waits for the new man to take his seat, then stands up again to address the King
"My apologies, EDICT 3.1 It seems in my old age I have begun to miss small details. No matter, I assure you I am not senile... Yet!" With that the old coon sits down.

A small man stands, staring blankly in front of himself.

I am unsure who agreed with our celtic saboteurs mouthpiece, I have not heard the voice before, you are obviously new. You should make it clear you are seconding the motion, simply agreeing with it will not help bring it to a vote.

He sits again

"I appologize for my lack of knowledge, then, and wish to state that I indeed do second the proposal to campaign in Pontos." Mikithion leaned forward. By Athena, I hate all these court things... I know not what designs of the Gods brought me here, for it's obviously not my place.

Sarpedon suddenly steps in through the doors.

"Ah... finally here again!" Sarpedon nods towards Antiochos."Father."

After taking his seat and whispering for a short while with Cadeyrn, Sarpedon stands up again.

"First of all, thank you, father. There have indeed been work to do during my run, and I have done my best to do the best for the Arche. I am proud to have been entrusted with such an honour, and I hope that my time as Chancellor has for once and all proven that I'm worthy of my title as Kleronomos Basileion."

Sarpedon turns to Euripedes.

"I would gladly offer my army in any military action against Pontos. It is still not full strength, but it only needs two units retrained and another raised, and it is set to go. This should all be done in Antiocheia, and there should be time to do this while me and the rest of my army march from Pergamon.

With this said, it should be obvious that I second Edict 3.1."

Antiochos stands..

Now.. I want to propose the following Edicts:

Edict 3.2: If Hierosolyma is taken, a peace proposal will be offered to the Ptolemaioi. We also should propose trade rights to them and ask them to pay us 2500 mnai in the next 4 seasons.

This gives us the chance to fully concentrate our resources to our northern border.

Edict 3.3: Once Pontus have only 1-2 settlements left and without any larger military forces we will demand them to become our Protectorate.

This leaves us some help against Hayasdan if they decide to attack us. No need to fear that yet but we should be prepared to fight against Hayasdan. Also, to leave Pontus alive will be, considering our finances, better for us.

Strategos Aratos get his opportunity and speaks.

Greetings Basileus, Kleoronomos Basileus and Strategoi! Once I received notice of the new council session I immediately rode south from Karkathiotherka to participate in it. I also find it apropriate to update you first hand about my mission to the Caucasian mountains. Advances have been very little since I arrived at Karkathiotherka with the Syrian Army. Those rebels, as you well know, were left unperturbed once the 1st Council began! And they used their time effectively! They settled on the northeast mountains and have since destroyed any road leading to them from south or west. That region is now inaccessible as it is heavily forested. To their north and east there are only mountains. Local reports say they have been robing traders and pillaging small villages througout the region, before my arrival. It was impossible for me to reach them right away so I have been working on a way to get to them. My war efforts are often ambushed and are improving very slowly. I know that they are receiving resources from villages close to their settlement. If those villages are being forced to feed those scumbags or not I do not know. Finnaly, I do suspect that they are receiving support through the mountains from Hayasdan.
The Syrian Army went through alot of problems the last year, but I predict the army will be ready to tackle those pigs upon my arrival, after this Council.
I have no other news. Now I want to second eddict 3.3.

He sat with a grave look in his face.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Ok now let me translate that to RL :) I'm sorry I couldn't take the save to attack the rebels but I was having some annoying connection problems on the last 2 days. Hopefully they have been resolved.