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Nikanor Kybiosaktes enters covered in dust
"I came as soon as I heard, I would like to take this time to honour the great Antiochos, and say that he was the finest general i've ever served under."
"I would also like to renew my pledge of loyalty to the new Basileus, may your reign be as long and illustrious as your fathers was!"
"Shall I proceed to Petra as ordered?"
Chief of magistrates stands up and after waiting sometime for people to calm down he speaks..
This is a sad day for the Arche Seleukeia. A great leader have died. But we have to keep our minds clear in this situation and I need some new information from our new Basileus.
First, Who is your Heir? Who do you choose to be Kleronomos Basileios?
Second, What will happen to the 'Satrapy of Ipsos'? Who will you name as the new Satrap? To continue to call yourself a Satrap is kind of pointless because all the settlements in the Arche that are not part of any Satrapy will belong to you anyway. So, unless a new Satrap is named, we have to erase 'Satrapy of Ipsos' from our records.
Magistrate bows and takes his seat...
Sarpedon walks into the Council with a proud but at the same time sad look on his face, stopping just inside the door. He takes off his helmet and holds it with his left hand while stroking through his hair with the right. He looks around the council, and then walks up to Antiochos' old chair, and is about to sit down, but changes his mind.
"Oh, I suppose I should say something. Very well." Sarpedon clears his throat. "I come now many miles from the west, where I bring tidings of victory. The Epeirotes in Byzantion have been defeated, the elephants killed and the city is ours. Normally that would be enough for celebration, but not so now. My father is dead. This is a sad day for the Arche, for we have lost a wise leader, who is the sole reason why we are all gathered here, yet there is no time for grief. The Ptolemaioi do not stop in honour of our loss - nay, they will likely push even harder, in hope to take advantage of any weakness they may see in us. For the memory of my father, we must fight even harder.
The first thing I will do is to announce Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes as my heir. He will be the new Kleronomos Basileios. I'm sure he will not object. As for the Satrapy of Ipsos..." Sarpedon makes a short pause. "I think I will offer it to Nikarchos Syriakes, if he wish to have it."
Sarpedon turns to Nikanor.
"Yes, continue to Petra as planned. We must not give them time to breath!"
Sarpedon now sits down and whispers something to an assistant.
"Very well my lord! I will see to it immediately."
"The basileus is dead! Long live the basileus"
Nikanor Kybiosaktes leaves the council chamber
Hermokrates Parthikos arrives shordly after Basileus Sarpedon.
"Apologies for my lateness once again; for I have only received news of this tragedy around the same time our new Basileus did."
"May Basileus Antiochos be remembered, now I shall declare my allegiance to the new Basileus"
Phanias L. Lydikes enters the room, dusty as usual.
I just received a messenger with some very strange, very sad news. So, is it true?
Mardakou, Phanias' steward and Voice confirms that it is. Phanias stands shocked.
Basileus Sarpedon, my condolences for the loss of your father, and my condolences to your brothers as well. You've named me Kleronomos, why? Are none of your brothers qualified? If this is true, then I will take up the reins as needed, but it's highly unusual, is it not? May your reign as Basileus be at least as glorious as your father's was, if not greater. It seems to have gotten off to a good start. I heard you just captured Byzantion, congratulations. Well, back to business.
Mardakou, draft a letter confirming the acceptance of Mikithion as my aide, and ask him to make all haste to Alexandreia-Ariane, as the governance of that city will be his first assignment.
Alexandros rises and bows to the new Basileus
The passing of a king is indeed a sad occasion, but I am certain the Arche will have a glorious future under Basileus Sarpedon. I extend my condolences and congratulations, and I would ask if he intends to take up his father's plans of an assault on Alexandria.
"As a matter of fact, yes I will. My army will move to Antiocheia to retrain, and I will leave the 1st Lydian army to defend Mikra Asia. If Nikarchos accepts my offer, I hope he and his satrapal army will help out if needed."
Sarpedon turns to Phanias.
"Thank you, but my brothers? Only one of them is of age, and his handling of the 1st Parthian Army did not impress on me. A Basileus needs to be resolute, and he needs to lead his army against any threat that surfaces and destroy it without hesitation. This is why I cannot give it to him. If you do not wish to be the Kleronomos Basileios, I can choose someone else."
Sarpedon once again turn to address everyone.
"Thank you all for your words. I promise you I will not fail neither yours nor my father's trust!"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The same magistrate who spoke before stands and bows before Sarpedon and speaks..
Our new Basileus, it's good to see that you have managed to get back here so quickly.
Just some things I would like to point out. Arrhenides Gedrosianos will not be considered as Satraps Aid because there is no record of him swearing allegiance to Nikarchos Aratos Syriakes.
Also, Nikarchos Syriakes must say what type of army he would like to have: Infantry, Cavalry or Mixed one?
Also, what will Phanias Laodikeias decide to with the mess of the armies?
I do see your point Basileus, and I will accept, and hope that I can bring all honor to the Arche as you have. As for the armies, I'll most likely send the depleted prodromoi and some extra psiloi and phalangites back toward the Capitol to bolster other armies as needed. I'm sure you know where they can be best used. I will face down any threat that comes my way, and defeat it or die trying.
General Ankyrikos rises
If you will allow it Basileus, as I have been promoted and am allowed 2 more units as a max, may i request two units of whatever type from Phanias Lydikes forces being broken down. It will help me in my protection of the Arche from incoming Epiros forces.
Basileus, I've taken a look at the Army rosters, and have come up with a composition. Some of the units that you have in that army are not easily retrainable out here in the East, so I propose that all units EXCEPT the Hetairoi Aspidophoroi, Caucasian Archers, Ioudaioi, and Galatians be transferred here to the East, and I will merge them as necessary and send the unusable and un-retrainable remnants back to the west for retraining and redistribution to other commanders that have need of them. The units that I've named above can be kept in the west, as I'll have no way of retraining them should they take casualties, at least not without them being gone for 2 years or longer.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Andromachos enters the throne room, with two armed men at his side.
"Hail, Sarpedon.
It is with the greatest sorrow that I have heard about your father's, and my uncle's, death. However, I would like to take this moment to wish you the best of luck; and even though we may have had our disagreements in the past, I promise the Arche my unfaltering loyalty."
Andromachos kneels before Sarpedon and waits until he speaks...
Phormion enters the hall with a bewildered expression on his face.
Where is the Basilieus?
A scribe tells him and he falls into a chair.
Such a good man, my messenger will be killed for this I swear it. Long live the Basileus.
Phormion seems to regain his composure for a bit and steadies himself.
Basileus, I know this might not seem like the right time, but yur father told me there were some troops in Persepolis that I could take over to help eradicate rebels in the area. Am I still able to do this or would you rather I join an army?
Sarpedon stands up and puts his right hand on Andromachos' head.
"I thank you, my cousin. Now rise. It is good to see you."
Sarpedon turns to the heir.
"Phanias, my friend, I believe you are mistaken. Those are my units, and they're not in your authority to command. It is my father's old army that belongs to you now. I would like to have your decision on what exact units you want before Autumn comes."
Sarpedon now addresses Ankyrikos.
"Yes, I think it is best that you get some more soldiers when I leave for Alexandreia. Which units will depend on Phanias' choice."
"Oh, and I think you should eradicate the rebel threat, Phormion. The units are currently under the command of Captain Antiochos Soter between Persepolis and Charax, where I believe the rebels he spoke of are situated. They need to be dealt with, and if you were on the way to do so, I would like you to finish that task."
Andromachos rises and bows before Sarpedon, before walking to his seat.
"Sarpedon, perhaps I could be of assistance in eradicating the brigands in Parsa. I still regard it as my home, and to leave them plundering the countryside pains my heart."
"I have no objection, though I do not forget how you did nothing to stop those brigands right outside Persepolis when you were still a satrap there. You will have to speak with Phormion about it. I will leave it up to him to choose what to do with your request, as the task is already his."
I do not mind if you take the deed Strategos Syriakos, but I would dearly love to do this as it was my last order by the old Basileus and I believe he thought I could do it. As I said, if you insist you will have to do it, if not then it would be a pleasure to eradicate them off the face of the Earth.
Andromachos rises.
I seek not to steal your mission, Strategos Armeniakon. Perhaps we could best co-operate, eh?
Where is your current location?
I'm of course sure we could co-oporate, I only wish to command the army, but I'm sure you would get a fair share of the action. Afterwards I will leave and join an army, hopefully a battle will be the making of me.
After this council session, I will return to my city of Persepolis. You can find me there.
Andromachos nods to Phormion
Of course, I will meet up with you there. I hope we can eradicate them rebels together.
Nikarchos Asterias Syriakes storms into the hall, breathes heavily and says
"I've heard the bad news, I can't believe it... Basileus...dead...shit... came as fast as possible...."
He calms himself
"My Lords, the bad news about the death of our beloved Basileus have reached my ear. My grief is beyond belief."
Looking to Sarpedon
"At the other hand I'm glad to know, that our new Basileus is an able man. It was an honour to fight side by side with him, it now is an honour to fight for him. Long live the Basileus Sarpedon Syriakos.
Many matters are now to be clarified...."
Galaktión whispers something in his ear
"Ah, they already did..."
Galaktión continues
"What?"
"Who, me?"
Galaktión finishes, and takes his seat. Nikarchos Syriakes lookes surprised.
"My Lord, i accept your amazing offer and will do everything to prove myself worthy. I'll make my father, Alexandros Syriakos, who adopted me and made me a member of his family, proud!"
Sarpedon smiles. "You've proved a trustworthy friend, Nikarchos, and I have no doubt you will do a good job managing Ipsos. I'm still waiting to hear your decision, though: do you want an infantry, a mixed or a cavalry army? The quicker you let me know, the quicker will you get your army."
My Apologies, Basileus, I believe I had the wrong roster. Turning towards Mardakou Mardakou, find me the Roster for Antiochos' old army. Any roster that mentions the Basileus will now have Basileus Sarpedon's troops marked as the main Royal Army.Addressing the Basileus again I'll look over those army rosters the moment I get them.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Celtic Viking
Basileus, I've looked over the rosters again, this time the right one. I can use all of those units except the Toxotai and Ioudaioi. If you need to take one of the Pantodapoi Phalangitai and reassign them, that works. With what i see on that roster, I think I will have plenty of infantry, and I can retrain the Persians pretty close to home. I'm also sending a half-strength unit of Prodromoi toward the Capitol, they are camped just west of Apameia. I've let their captain know that they are probably going to the Aigyptian desert or into Europa.
"Very well. Then I believe that matter is settled. You have your Royal Army now, and..." Sarpedon turns to the magistrate who had spoken before. "... we can move on now, eh?"
Sarpedon turns to Panaitolos.
"I would like you to go to Byzantion with the Lydian Army and hold it. I will send units from Pergamon and Ankyra to replace you as the garrison in Nikaia. If you need retraining, I would ask Nikarchos if he will allow you to do so in Ipsos. If he says no, you can retrain your hippakontistai in Sardis or Pergamon, and I will see to it that reinforcements will be sent from elsewhere."
"Very well my lord, well might as well get to it" Panaitolos bows to the Basileus and departs the council.
Magistrate looks through his documents and then speaks..
Yes, problems with Phanias Lydikes' Royal Army have been solved.
Only one little problem remains and this is important to you, Basileus, since you are also our current Chancellor. Nikarchos Syriakes must decide what type of army he wants. Infantry, Cavalry or Mixed one. Mikra Asia is very well developed by you, Basileus, when you still were a Satrap there and I think Satrap Nikarchos could get his Army even before the next Council Session.
"Good. Then I have only to say that I have chosen to take you up on your offer, Phanias. I ask that you send that pantodapoi phalangitai unit to Byzantion to become part of the 1st Lydian Army."
Nikarchos thinks
Hmmm... since I come of an old Makedon bloodline , I choose to lead an Infantery Army. My forefathers lead infantery formations into battle for Aléxandros ho Mégas, so I shall lead infantery too for Aléxandros' true heir.
As for the Lydian Army, I first must see how many men Ipsos can spare. If there are many, I'm sure we'll find enough able men to replace your losses in your Army, Panaitolos.
Nikarchos sits on his seat again, and whispers something to Galaktión
Aratos enters the council.
Hail Basileus Sarpedon!
My sincere condolences, your father was a great man and so was his reign. May yours be greater!
He made a respectful bow and went on to his seat.
The old magistrate goes through several documents...
A new Heir... Done..
His new Royal Army.. Done..
New Satrap of Ipsos.. Done..
His hew satrapal army.. Done..
After thinking for a moment he turns towards Basileus Sarpedon..
Looks like all important matters have been solved. And, if any of the Strategoi have any questions about the laws of the Arche then just ask them and this old magistrate here will try to answer them.
Nikarchos rises
"My Lords, since all important matters have been taken care of, with the permission of the Basileus I will ride to Ipsos immediately for two reasons.
First I will take a look at the city and await my army.
Secondly, my wife gave birth to a healthy son, whom I want to hold in my arms as soon as possible.
As always, my loyal friend Galaktión will represent me in this council. Next month I will hold a festival in Ipsos to celebrate my sons birth. You all are invited, if your duties and time will allow it.
I have taken control of the garrison army allocated to me to fight the rebels. I marched the boys down to just outside the rebel emcampment but I am awaiting Spring to attack them. Andromachos Syriakos, you will need to reach me by Spring or else I will lave you behind, sorry.
Basileus, I am assuming this army will be transferred back to its original city when I am finished?
Now that the former Basileus Antiochos I is np longer with us, who is the one that will be the new spearhead of our campaign against Egypt and conquer Alexandreia?
My army is fresh and will part south. It is time to lay down each army's roles in this campaign. Who conquers the city and who supports and clears the way from any enemy?
"I will go and take Alexandreia myself. That will be my first military task as a Basileus. There are some Ptolemaic armies gathering just outside our borders in the south though, and except for the 1st Parthian Army that is supposed to take Petra, the only military presence we have there is a part of Phanias' Royal Army and is currently led by a captain. That won't do, especially not considering that they're bound to move north. You should move south and take care of those armies while I retrain and make my way down there.
When that is done, you should co-operate with the 1st Parthian Army. I will give you partially free reigns on what to do - the only command I have is that you leave Alexandreia to me and follow this guideline: Petra - defence of our territories - screening - taking territories. By that I mean your highest priority should be to take Petra, if the 1st Parthian Army hasn't done so already by then. When Petra is taken, you should seek to defend our territories. If none of our settlements in the area is under a threat, you should look to screening my Royal Army, keeping any army that might try to surround me, or when I have laid siege on Alexandreia try to relieve it, away from me. If I am under no such threat, you can look to taking new territory, as you together with Nikanor decides. It must belong to the Ptolemaioi, though.
I am a little bit worried about Nikanor's command over the 1st Parthian Army, though. He was given the order to take Petra under Antiochos' reign, but failed to do so. He was again ordered to proceed with the plans when I took the throne, but still has yet to leave our own territory. This forces me to ask you, Nikanor: what is the hold up here?"
Boy, what a mess this war is becoming. I only wish I didn't have over 10,000 stadia of border to protect so I could come down there and put paid to that old dog Ptolemaios myself, his people deserve better than him, and ours don't deserve his stupid, blind aggression.
Cunobelinus enters the room, his armour stained with blood and the black turban he unravels shares its own dose of blood"I apologize for not gettin' here sooner. I was attacked by bandits, my guard was killed only I and Achiakos survived the attack... My condolences Sarpedon. May your reign not be one of terror! Cunobelinus smirks With a new satrap however, I question my position in the Satrap of my home. Am I still aid to the satrap? I sense our commanders are being stretched thin, so I guess there is no hope of me returning home to the farm anytime soon... And with my extensive experience in battle, I think I should be on the business end of the war in the West... However.... Sarpedon would you wish me to join your new Royal Army, I'll be glad to. However I do believe I would be better suited in a leadership role now, up to your discretion. Perhaps if a new army was to be created once the funds are available..." The man pauses for a few seconds to receive reply, and then leaves after to get washed up
If you wish to be the Satraps Aid, you shall be welcome, My Lord Galaktión responses
"Arrhenides, you unfortunately never become an aid as my father died making me the Basileus before you had the chance to accept. But for what it's worth, satraps inherit neither the position nor the aids. Had you been an aid, you would've had to swear loyalty to the new one before becoming it again.
As I announced to the Council when you were gone, I am heading down into Aigyptos to capture Alexandreia. If you can stand the heat there, I want you with me. I need experienced men like you down there. I will think about your request as well. I may have something in mind, but I don't think I should speak of it yet."
Sarpedon stands up, eyes the council and then pronounces.
Members of the Council, I hereby declare the Council Session open! It will stay open for debate and legislation until 16.00 GMT on Friday, January 2nd, at which point there will be 48 hours allowed for voting.
Galaktión rises
My Lords, we must discuss the situation at the ptolemaic borderline again. The first Parthian Army seems to be leaderless - again. We could have won that war a long time ago, but the gods cursed us for some reason! We must find out, how to smooth them.
A small, skinny man with dark brown, slightly balding hair and a face reminiscent of a weasel, dressed in the traditional Hellenic fashion, quickly walks into the Council Chamber, nervously bowing to the Strategoi before proceeding to Alexander, Mikithion's makeshift messenger. A bit hesitantly, he pokes the sleeping soldier, then silently instructs something after the young man moves his helmet up from his eyes. Alexander quickly nodds, stands up, bows to the Strategoi and leaves, the relatively tiny Hellene taking his place.
"My Lords, I am Alkaios of Byzantion, Lord Mikithion's new representative in the Council outside of sessions and while he's busy on his way to Alexandreia-Ariane like instructed by Lold Phanias." With another nervous bow, the Byzantion Hellene takes Alexander's seat and quietly waits for someone to speak, ready to write down anything important.
"The first thing I will have to do is assign a new commander to the 1st Parthian Army. If there is anyone in the area who feel they're up to the job, now is the time to speak up."
Andromachos rises
"The first Parthian you speak of, Basileos? Should no other person stand up, I'd be more than happy to serve the Arche as Strategos of this army."
Andromachos bows and is seated again.
I am wondering Basileus, will you claim your term as Chancellor during this session or did the last couple of years already count as that?
Old Magistrate stands up...
If I may then I answer to that question myself. And the answer is simple - No. He was elected and it doesn't matter that he became Basileus during his term as Chancellor. So, Basileus Sarpedon can still use the power to automatically assume the post of Chancellor.
Bowing towards Basileus and Strategoi he resumes his seat..
Ah, that is what I thought. Thankyou Magistrate. This leaves only one question, Basileus. Will you take the reign of Chancellor once more because I for one think it should be so.
Nikanor enters bloody and dusty
"What is this I hear of the 1st Parthian being leaderless?"
He turns to the Basileus
"Have I been relieved of command? Not that it matters as I am hear to resign my command...."
He takes a breath to compose himself
"Those men died because I couldn't command them right...."
"However I do wish to avenge them, will any Strategos accept me into their army?"
What happened exactly, My Lord? Galaktión asked
"I may do so, Phormion, but I'm not sure. But thank you for your support, and you do remind me.
Yes, that's right: whether or not I will have to use it, and if I will if I have to, I will run for a third term as Chancellor."
Sarpedon turns to Andromachos.
"You are quite far away, and it would take time for you to get to it. I'm not sure it would be a good thing to have the 1st Parthian grounded until then. But it does need retraining and with the reputation it has gained I may have to accept what I can get anyway. Very well - but I will expect results this time. Use this opportunity to prove that you can be trusted again, and do not fail."
"Oh, and Nikanor, I didn't say it was leaderless, I said I needed to find a new leader. You haven't done the duty that was laid upon you, and that's the chief reason why I am, indeed, relieving you of the command: the battle was just the final straw."
Phanias walks into the council chamber, only to find it empty save for a Magistrate. Oh, good, I won't have to make a speech. Walking over to the Magistrate's desk. Could you enter into the record that I am running for chancellor.
Panaitolos catches the magistrate...
"Sir, I would like to also put my name in the records for the running of chancellor."
The Council eyes the young general
Panaitolos shrugs, "Hell, its a long shot, but id do the job as good as any other you can believe that gentlemen."
In confidence, through the awkward silence, he seats himself
Alexandros rises to speak
I am aware that this was discussed to some extent during the last Council session, but now that we have a new Basileus perhaps something has changed. In any event, there is no other topic on the table.
I would ask Basileus Sarpedon what his plans are for the coming attack on Egypt. Are we going to play it safe and limit ourselves to Alexandria, or does he plan on a more aggressive attack down the Nile? I believe it is known that I am in favor of hurting Ptolemy as much as we can (within reason, of course), and knowing whether the Royal Army would be willing to support such actions is obviously important.
"Edict E1.2 states quite clearly that after Alexandreia is taken, we must demand that the Ptolemaioi become our protectorate. It passed, so there can be no equivocation. They must accept. If they do not, we can take Memphis - but chasing after them beyond that would be futile, and foolish. They would have no chance of threatening us anyway, and it would only cost us in men, money and time. We don't have much of either."
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Old Magistrate raises..
Basileus, I do have to remind you that ALL Edicts are in effect until the next Council Session comes along. So, after this one here ends all the last Edicts from the previous Council Session and Emergency Council Session will loose it's legitimacy. Actually they already have when a new Council Session was called.
OOC: We can use FD only if a diplomatic proposal have passed as an Edict. Other than that it can not be used.
Do not forget its the Nile itself that funds Ptolemy. We must break his spine!
"Well if their is no legislation ill start it off, my edict is to simply reenact the old plans for taking Alexandriea.
Edict 4.1: That Alexandreia be taken, that peace be proposed to the Ptolemy after its taking, and that its inhabitants are treated fairly and humanely.
"In that case, magistrate...
Edict 5.2: Alexandreia must be taken.
Edict 5.3: After Alexandreia is taken, the Ptolemaioi should be demanded to become our protectorate."
Charter Amendment 5.1: a new sort of permanent edicts should be created that will be in effect until it is either fulfilled or taken out of effect by a vote in the council. It should be added to rule 3.3."
Second E4.1
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Strategos Ankyrikos, I think you wanted to propose Edict 5.1 and not 4.1.
With the powers that the late Basileus Antiochos gave to me I propose this CA..
CA 5.2: If CA 5.1 passes then the following lines will be added to the Rule 3.3
Quote:
3.3 Edicts
Edicts require a simple majority of votes to pass and remain in effect until the next normal session of the Council.
Tied Edicts fail. If contradictory Edicts are passed, the one with the most votes takes priority.
Everyone can propose Permanent Edicts (PE) the same way as normal Edicts. PE's will stay in effect until an Edict that changes them passes, they are fulfilled or taken out of effect by a vote in the council.
In the Name of the Satrap of Ipsos whose authorisation I enjoy, I second Charter Amendment 5.1 and 5.2, and also Edict 5.2
Hermokrates stands,
"I Second Edicts 5.2, 5.3 and CA 5.2"
He then takes his seat abruptly, after pausing for a moment appearing to think of what more to say
One more second is needed so I second CA 5.1.
I have a question for the magistrate. Once one becomes Strategos Hetairos and gets his 2 extra bodyguard units, can he keep these units, if he decides to become a Strategos Chreophylax?
I declare that the time for proposing legislation has passed! Voting will begin shortly. There will be a two day period for voting. Voting will end at 18:00 GMT on Sunday, January 2nd.
(OOC: Polls will be up soon! ~:) )
Strategos Parthiakes strides into the council chambers.
Greetings fellow Strategos, I apologize for my tardiness. I grow weary of mediating disputes between sheep herders in Arbela; and as I understand that the Ptolmaios remain a thorn in our sides in the south and wish to offer my services to the Basileus should there be any open spots in our Arche's armies.
Strategos Parthiakes takes his seat.
Magistrates turns towards Strategos Parthiakes...
I think that You, as the first Commander of 1st Parthian Army about decade ago, will get some good position from Basileus Sarpedon! It's good to hear that a man like you have decided to rejoin this Council!
Magistrate bows and smiles..
"Indeed. In fact, I think it's best if you reclaimed command over the 1st Parthian. I had given that position to Andromachos, but as you have more experience commanding men into battle, and have led the 1st Parthian itself before, I now give it to you instead. You should head west as soon as you can. The army is currently in a fort down by the southern border, but it is badly wounded and will have to make its way back up north to Antiocheia for retraining."
Sarpedon turns to Andromachos.
"I hope you don't take this as an insult, for it is certainly not for any personal reason that I do this. I still wish for you to join the 1st Parthian. See battle with him, and make sure that what just happened to the 1st Parthian doesn't happen again."
Andromachos bows
"Of course, I understand. I will make for Antiocheia as soon as I have finished my business in Persepolis."
Strategos Parthiakes rises to address the Basileus
You honour me greatly, I will make hast to join with the 1st Parthian at Antiocheia.
After the army I used has been disbaned I wondered if any armies would take me into their care for a while?
Once againI wonder if any armies would take me into their service?
i hereby announce, that Phormion Epiphaneion Armeniakon will be my aid and advisor forthwith!
I heartfully thank my superior for his judgement in his decision and toast to the two of us and the Satrapy of Ipsos.
Old Magistrate rises..
With the death of Nikanor Kybiosaktes and the loss of 1st Parthian Army in a fort near Ptolemaioi border this army is as good as disbanded. A new army should be created if Basileus wants to replace it.
My condolences to Nikanor Kybiosaktes' and Apollonides Alindas Karikes' families!
What a dark day.... those Ptolemaioi are a fearsome and strong enemy
The doors to the Council Hall open with a bang, and Theodotas Pisidikes enters confidently, taking his seat in the Hall. His expression turns to confusion when the announcement of the disbandment of the Parthian Army. He stands slowly.
Fellow Strategos! Satraps! And the esteemed Basileus, and his heir!
Theodotas bows to the Basileus and his heir
I enter, once again, for military service to the Arche!
After surveying the situation, I am appalled by the situaion we find ourselves in. Half of the Arche is ready to rebel! How could this happen? Our great Arche, ripped apart from inside, and now the outside. Army upon army of enemies, all demanding our blood. And yet, while rebellion beckons from within, and hordes of enemies come from outside, many generals are sitting idle! What of your courage? Armies in the heartland of our land! Rebels roaming our land! Who let us fall into this situation!?
Maybe the Basileus should search through our numbers and find some who are still loyal; as I see some who may have been bought by Egyptian money...
Theodotas stops before he finishes the sentence, unsure, anger flashing over his face.
I beg of the Basileus or Chancellor that they let me into battle at once, I am eager to split the head of the enemy in two, and I shall bring back the heads of the enemy of the Arche, and give them to the Basileus myself.
Theodotas turns to the Basileus
I promise, my lord.
Theodotas sits confidently, eager for battle, but anger flashes across his face.
Sarpedon stands up, and he has a grave and serious look on his face.
"Your main critique cannot be pinpointed on any specific person, but if you need to put a face to your anger, you're looking at it. As the Basileus, I hold the ultimate responsibility for the well-being of the Arche. If you have any more specific critiques, you are welcome to address them to me personally.
As for "cowardly strategoi", that's a rather sharp tongue from someone who has spent years in his own private villa, until finally coming back today. Accusing people left and right for something you're guilty of yourself is not a good way to make friends when coming back from a long vacation from all that politics and war knows. Calling others out for treason is a much more serious accusation though, and if you do not have evidence, then as a friendly suggestion, you should hold your mouth. If you do have evidence, then SPEAK UP!"
As he had talked his voice had grown louder and louder, until he practically yelled out the two last words, taking a pause after it, with the words echoing faintly in the chambers. With a tempered voice again, he continues.
"To know of treason but not inform the Basileus about it is treason itself. Remember that.
All armies currently have a commander, so if you want some fighting experience you will have to speak with any of them to see if you can join. Or, you can go and fight rebels yourself. Perhaps join up with a few of those you call cowards and make yourselves useful. Such a force should be very mobile, and this would be a very cost-effective way of creating one."