Man, this is great.
Keep it up man :egypt:
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Man, this is great.
Keep it up man :egypt:
Good to see another update.
Looks like you beat me to conquering Babylonia... :shame:
Thank you for following. I hope to have another update soonQuote:
Originally Posted by Justinian II
I had hoped for something of a more epic battle for the city but the Selucids had withdrawn East into the Zagroz Mountains. Of course I had a really fantastic battle up there! Thanks for following MAA.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus
Some really good pics there Chirurgeon, I particularly like the bodies on the wall and the high over the battlefield shots.
Are you starting to feel that the game is won and it's time for a new challenge yet? Not that I don't want you to continue this excellent AAR, it's like Agadamadon hinted, it's more like hard work than fun in the mopping up stage of a great war.
Its interesting that you should say that. I will allude to this in the next chapter but basically when my current Ptolemy dies there are only three remaining. And those three are within just a few years of each other(mid 40s). Since this is an AAR about the Ptolemies if no more Ptolemies are born than I guess it would end. One of the reasons I did this AAR was to see how long the Ptolemies could reign as a family. As of late they simply haven't been producing any children. Thanks for following Johnhughthom!Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
Well, what can I say? You conquered Seleukeia. My honesty wants me to congratulate you, but my pride wants me to turn you into a bloody pulp. Guess what side won:laugh4:
I congratulate you for conquering my beloved Capital! But I hope you don't commit the Sacrilege of re-naming either Antiocheia or Seleukeia:whip:
Naw I wont rename them or anything drastic like that. Your kin didnt put up much of a fight though. No elite units, just run of the mill Phalanx
They don't deserve any towns named after them! :clown:
In my campaign, all AS has in Babylonia is elites, so I kind of envy you only having to fight weaklings.
Great work, Chirurgeon. This has got to be one of my favorite AARs(although I tend to say that every time I find a new one, this game just lends itself so well.) But still, I like the kingly style and extras you work in. I gotta say, though, I've been kicking your guys around the map in my Getai campaign. I'm to 219 BC and the Ptolemies lost five family members last turn to my armies.:skull: :skull: :skull: :skull: :skull:
But, nothing against you, hope you give the Seleucids a good thrashing.(In my game, the two of you are allies.)
Thanks Theodotos I and welcome to the forum. The Getai are doing well in my campaign. Currently they are fighting in southern Thrace. Its funny how the AI can make friends so easily. I would have expected a more fierce fight from the Selucids. At least send me some awesome phalanx to fight or something.Quote:
Originally Posted by Theodotos I
Any plans on Conquering macedonia?
They only have Pella and Thermon. Not much of a Macedonia to conquer. I think a nasty war with Carthage is in order. They won't give up on Kyrene.
I mean't Macedonia The Territory not the faction.
Ah sorry wolfman i misunderstood. Not currently but we shall see.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfman
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...tolemyVI-3.jpg
Winter, 180 BC Ekbatana
We have risen ever higher into the Zagroz Mountains.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...le/Zagroz4.jpg
The men are of good spirit. Having supplies coming uninterrupted from Susa has been most helpful. The country is breathtaking. Mountain peaks surround us and lush green valleys are beneath our feet.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...le/Zagroz2.jpg
We fought another major engagement this year. This time a talented young commander, Nikomachos Pessinou Phrigiakou, challenged us as we marched alongside the Choaspses river towards Ekbatana.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-153.jpg
The old generals are now sending their youngest commanders at us it would seem. We were less than a moons cycle from reaching Ekbatana.
Consisting of cavalry, light troops, missle troops, and the ubiquitous phalanx the battle would be hard fought. First their skirmishers engaged us causing minor injuries of which many would recover after the battle. The light troops arrived just before the phalanx decended upon us. Althought the Theorokikai could not do much against the Phalanx they did occupy those men as the "fate of the flanks", according to Zomenes, took place. Every battle seemed to be a match between our men on the flanks and those men from the enemy determined to break those flanks. The Theorokikai can handle cavalry charges well. The young Selucid general apparently intent on breaking the left flank repeatedly charged into those men. Ultimately after a few charges Zomenes lead the cavalry and engaged the young general. He could not escape as our horses were fresh and his were tired. With the death of their commander the fighting on the left eased a bit and enabled Zomenes to get around to the rear of the Selucids where he performed quite well obliterating several units. The Galatians on the left moved forward and began attacking the center of the Selucid line on their flank. Simultaneously fighting on the right flank ensued. Word had not reached these Selucids that their commander had perished. Eventually Zomenes returned from chasing fleeing units and smashed into the rears of the remaining Selucid Phalanx units causing the entire army to run as fast as their legs could carry them back to Ekbatana.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-151.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-152.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-154.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-155.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-156.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-157.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-158.jpg
We fought a minor engagement about two days out from the city of Ekbatana and those men were routed as well. Again my vaulted veterans on the flanks were able to turn the enemy. Zomenes worked his magic with the cavalry. By the end of the harvest and the army fat with provisions we set down to lay siege to this great and ancient city. However with the deep cold of winter upon us I can see why this is the summer capital of the old Persian empire. I have ordered towers built and when the swirling snows stop in the spring of next year we will attack.
Winter, 179 BC Besieging Phraaspa
When the spring thaw began in earnest we charged into Ekbatana. Starving and poorly equipped the fight would not be glorious. However after dispatching the resistance in this town we have gained the capital of an ancient and pivotal region.
Capture of Ekbatana:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-160.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-159.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-161.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-162.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-163.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-164.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-165.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-166.jpg
Media, according to my historian, is a most important region and nearly as old as civilization itself:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-167.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-168.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-169.jpg
After securing the city and training a garrison we left Ekbatana as the great herds of horses began their migration to summer pasture. We followed the Chaospes River for a bit and then rounded a mountain range and headed west towards another bastion of Selucid control. The city of Phraaspa is a shadow of what Ekbatana was, but subjucation is important as the Selucids would be able to harass our rear. I hope to turn north yet again and press the areas just south of the Caspian Sea. Then we would have a border with our allies, the Baktrians, and the sea to the north and our own territory to the west. I hope to drive south all the way to Perseopolis and capture that important city and break the Selucids for good. It will be hard fought I am afraid from this point forward but we are getting closer to securing our lands from the Selucid threat forever. I am 57 years old and I know my time here is limited. Zomenes has assured me that he will take great pains to lead the army on my behalf should I pass before the Selucids are subjucated.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...le/Zagroz3.jpg
Winter, 178 BC near the Kaspian Sea
The Galatians sacked the city of Phraapsa and we left before summer. The battle was terribly one sided. Lightly armored spearmen versus my wonderous Galatians resulted in total carnage to the enemy.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-170.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-171.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-172.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-173.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-174.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-175.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-176.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-177.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-178.jpg
The great silk road allowed us to travel east until we skirted the great Kaspian Sea. Its icy waters even in summer a testament to the harsh land we now pass. This is a land of contrasts. Hot sun in the summers and desperate cold in the winter.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...CaspianSea.jpg
We have made winter quarters along a river in the province of Hyrkania. We hope to capture the city of Karta, but before we do I have every intention of intercepting a substantial relief force. We await them in a low pass through the mountains.
Winter, 177 BC Besieging Apameia
The relief force came but was defeated during a great snowstorm. Having to rouse the men from their warm tents in the dead of winter only made them more angered at the enemy. The Galatians of course felt it was ok to fight in the snow. Poorly led with little experience this "relief" force was sent scurrying down the mountains to the city of Apameia in the province known as Khoarene.
Battle in the Pass:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-179.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-180.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-181.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-182.jpg
The fighting for the great city of Karta was fierce. Again the Galatians have proven their valor and defeated a good many foes on the walls. The Theorokikai took the fight to the gates, killed the governor and captured the town. Another glorious victory for our kingdom.
Battle of Karta:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-183.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-184.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-185.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-186.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-187.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-188.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-189.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-190.jpg
I have had the pleasure of speaking to a Baktrian diplomat who has an interesting proposal.
Satyrion Nakritites hails from Bactria. He came on behalf of his Satrop, Diomedes Syriakos. I entertained him in our camp during the winter and he was to be our guest until spring thaw. After a wonderful meal we discussed the business at hand.
"It would seem your war against the Selucids is moving very quickly. You have captured countless lands for the Ptolemaic Empire." He said politely and properly diplomatic as per his training.
"Empire? You are the first to say such a thing." I said abruptly.
He nodded and holding his arms outstretched began his explanation. "You see Pharoah your power has grown immensely since you have ruled. You have subjucated vast areas. It is true that the Sabyn called themselves a kingdom, and the Hayasdan called themselves a kingdom." He paused and lowered his voice. "But when a nation, people, kingdom or whatever you want to call yourselves conquers an empire...how can you not call yourself an empire."
I nodded slowly and understood what he says. "Because I have virtually defeated an empire that makes me an empire."
"And because you are clearly recognized by most as an empire it changes the dyamics of how others see you."
"Go on" I prodded.
He walked the floor in front of me as he continued. "When people refer to Egypt they attach 'empire' after it. Most people from outside of your empire call it the Egyptian empire. Carthage calls you an empire, Athens calls you an empire, and even Rome calls you an empire."
I sat there intently digesting all he was saying. I had been caught up so much in the protection of our lands from the Selucids, the notion of forging an empire had not occured to me. "Even the arrogant Latins think I am the ruler of an Empire?" I grunted.
"Indeed all the great cities of the world outside of your realm speak of the Egyptian Empire. My gracious head of state would like to propose that the alliance continue and we be allowed to conquer some of the Selucid lands."
"Of course you have shown nothing but good will towards us. Actually as soon as Persiopolis falls into our control I have no further wish to expand further east. Those damnable Sabaen still give me trouble. You may have whatever lands lay east of our current position."
He nodded graciously and indicated great thanks. "I will let honorable Diomedes Syriakos know that you have most willingly accepted our mutually beneficial agreement."
After he left I realized that to go further East would not really accomplish much and the BAktrians with their hatred of the Selucids would no doubt focus their energy on the remaining Selucid Provinces. Agadamadan had been there during the meeting. "Philthermis you see that he looked relieved when you told him you had no more intention of moving east?" He asked.
"Yes i did notice that. What of it?"
"He fears you. I can see it in the way he holds himself."
I frowned. "Well our Greek breathern have nothing to fear."
"Oh really. And how would you feel if an empire bordered your lands. An empire that was forged in blood and conquest." he replied back to me.
I raised my eyebrows at his statement but nodded. "I had never thought of it that way. I should think you are right to assume that they fear we will conquer them. Well they have nothing to fear unless they do something foolish." I laughed a little and looked up at my friend and advisor. "Once again you are always willing to point out the other side. You are very good at wearing others shoes."
"Yes sir my closet is full of shoes." He bowed and I laughed.
In the spring we would attack the city of Apameia. Its great stone walls would hopefully fall as so many others have before.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-191.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-192.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ile/VI-193.jpg
Nice little update mate, the first battle looked a lot of fun, AI made itself a nicely balanced army for once :beam:
Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Indeed those two battles were quite nice...I am continually amazed at how well the Theorokikai stand up to the Phalanx. Allowing my Galatians to rape the flanks :laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by overweightninja
Very good Chirurgeon, that first battle shot is probably my favourite from the whole AAR.
A question about those geographer entries: is that fir the Ptolemaioi only?
Nice update, Chirurgeon, sad to hear that this AAR will die off when the Ptolemies do, but I guess thats what happens when the family starts running out of sisters...
I am not sure since the Ptolemies are the only faction I have used with EB 1.0. I could keep going but it wouldn't be much of an AAR without Ptolemies now would it? I will miss it but its time to move on to a new challenge...Quote:
Originally Posted by CaesarAugustus
That was a nice battle. The sun was at a perfect angle to catch the depth of the situation.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhughthom
For Ptolemaioi only? Haven't been playing any of the Greek factions lately, then?Quote:
Originally Posted by CaesarAugustus
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Very cool. I did not know that.
:laugh4: Nope no Greeks for me. Very interesting though, perhaps I will have to give my beloved Romani a rest and take up the sarissa for a new campaign :charge:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios
Chirurgeon just kill some generals:skull: nobody will miss them,:clown: in my Ptolemaic game the line of Ptolemy has pretty much died with only some crappyQuote:
Originally Posted by Chirurgeon
Generals in my Empire. Like in my romani game famliy lines matter not, in the dieing words of Alexandros "To the strongest":2thumbsup:
Nice update. Crush those accursed Seleukids!
Its sad that your family is dying out, in my AAR I have way too many 'Argeades' guys. It gets kind of annoying trying to remember what family each guy belongs to. Though my immediate royal family is dying out. If people don't get reproducing, Demetrios' line might end.
Maybe you could gather your crappy generals on a boat and find some pirates. The game engine will then encourage your family to reproduce (to balance your family member to town ratio). If your Ptolemaioi are in towns (since that boost fertility), there is a chance they will have a child or two.
I did that about 40 years ago when Zomenes and Philthermis were still young. I killed 20 family members. Plenty of new babies but none from any of the Ptolemies.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcusAureliusAntoninus
I confess I'm a bit of a lurker.:shame: Just wanted to say I love your AAR's Chirurgeon, keep up the great work.:2thumbsup:
I don't suppose you could hand-off the government to a "care-taker" until a Ptolemy would be born or come of age. This is somewhat more recent history, but I think that was part of the way Cardinal Richelieu rose to power in 18th century France.
Okay, maybe this isn't the brainiest of ideas, but I'd hate to see this AAR die. It's been one of my favorites.
BTW, every time I read one of your updates, I kick myself for not getting a newer computer. That looks so great with the Unit scale up to Huge. Good luck!:beam: