Fantastic screenshots. Sort of disappointing about the Getai, though, since once a faction becomes a protectorate they tend to stop expanding or doing anything.
Printable View
Fantastic screenshots. Sort of disappointing about the Getai, though, since once a faction becomes a protectorate they tend to stop expanding or doing anything.
There's one thing that I keep wondering about... how do you create the screenshots of battle you didn't take part in? Do you recreate them in a skirmish?
Truly amazing screenies. I love the one of the guy with the arrow going through him! Great stuff and what a complex web you have woven worldwide.
Thank you very much @ all
@ chirurgeon: yes, events can have wide effects :2thumbsup: Actually I use this, to bridgeover the times of peace the Celts have. Even Celtic peoples need a break from war from time to time, so their culture can flourish. Besides that, the story is growing near to the 1 or 2 special chapters I was planning in the west.
QFT! That one was my favourite too. Your AAR leaves me speechless everytime. Just plain awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirurgeon
:smash::smash::smash:
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/m...n_03arv_on.gifChapter 21 – The First Hellenic War https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/m...n_03arv_on.gif
In the year of 226 BC, Cunobelin oi Lugos and Calpornos moc Ollovico had been invited to a meeting, convened by the king of Pontos, in the capital city of the Pontic Kingdom, Ipsos. When Cunobelin had returned from Salamis to Antiocheia, they travelled together there. In Ipsos they got to know about a Hellenic invasion in Bithynia. The vast armies of the Koinon Hellenon were on their way to capture the city of Nikaia. Unfortunately the elite of Pontic military staff was occupied with fighting the Arche Seleukeia in the east. Though for the Pontic king it was extraordinarily hard to admit, the most able commanders he could field in the west were Cunobelin and Calpornos….Celts. Furthermore he first had to assemble his armies in the west, so for now the Galatai and the already recruited Pontic soldiers had to deal with the Koinon Hellenon alone.
Calpornos and Cunobelin were given the command over a Pontic army, which they had to complement with their own Galatian soldiers. In short time the troops were gathered. Since Pontos and Galatia were in state of war for years, there was nothing they could do faster than gather troops if needed.
The Pontic army they commanded was composed of almost 10’000 Phalangitai, heavy infantry of Hoplitai, Peltastai, Hoplitai Haploi and Thureophoroi, each 1’600 men, 2’400 Akontistai, almost 1’000 Sphedonetai and 1’000 Hippeis. From the regions near Hayasdan, 1’600 Caucasian Archers joined the army.
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...ezhetairoi.gif Phalangitai https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...n_hoplitai.gif Pontikoi Hoplitai https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...ureophoroi.gif Thureophoroi
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...s_hoplitai.gif Hoplitai Haploi https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...akontistai.gif Akontistai https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...hendenotai.gif Sphedonetai https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...astai_merc.gif Peltastai
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...e_kavakaza.gif Kovkasi Lernain Netadzik https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...rc_hippeis.gif Hippeis
The Galatian reinforcements consisted of warriors that fought in a Celtic style and ones that fought in Hellenic manner. Latter were represented by Galatikoi Hoplitai and Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai, who more fought like Thureophoroi, each 1’600 in number. The 4’000 Galatikoi Kluddolon, the 1’200 Gaesatae and the 1’200 Sotaroas fought like their Celtic ancestors did.
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...l_hoplitai.gif Galatikoi Hoplitai https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...hellenikoi.gif Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u..._kluddolon.gif Galatikoi Kluddolon https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...i_gaesatae.gif Gaesatae https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...i_sotaroas.gif Sotaroas
Alltogether Cunobelin oi Lugos and Calpornos moc Ollovico led an army of 32’000 men westwards. They had to hurry, for though winter was near, the Hellenes already had laid siege to Nikaia. It was said to be “a huge force”, but how many enemies had to be dealt with they did not know until they reached them.
The Hellenic force was divided to four armies. The first army was led by Eugenios Rhodios and Posidonios Eurypontidos Lakedaimonios. Former was a nobleman from Rhodos and the general in charge of the whole force, while latter, a member of the royal family, was the commander of this first part of the army, which had a strong core of Illyrian soldiers, and all in all consisted of 18’500 soldiers. The second army was composed of a small amount of light infantry from Thraikia, many heavy Iphikratous Hoplitai and Thureophoroi and a few elite Epilektoi Hoplitai. These 12’000 men were led by captain Laminos, a young officer from Athenai. The third army, led by the general’s younger brother, Archeias Rhodios, was the true elite of the whole force. He not only commanded a core of Koinon Hellenon Phalangitai, but also could field 2’000 Spartiatai Hoplitai. The flanks of this army of 17’700 men were protected by a great amount of Hoplitai Haploi. The fourth army was composed of Epilektoi Hoplitai and many light supportive units, all in all 8’200 men. They were meant to form the rearguard of the force and guard the impedimenta. Entrusted with the command over this army was an old Korinthian captian, named Zethos. The Greek Strategoi often let their elite forces protect the impedimenta during military operations on foreign territory, since nothing was more important, especially when they had to feed a force of over 56’000 men like this one.
Of course when the Galatians arrived, they did not yet see the full extent of the Hellenic invasion force. The Koinon Hellenon sent a part of about 40’000 warriors to battle, while the rest kept up the siege to Nikaia. When in winter 226 the armies met, Cunobelin oi Lugos deployed his army with a strong center of the strong Pontic phalanx, archers behind. The left flank was protected by the Pontic Thureophoroi and Hoplitai, since they were more disciplined and therefore should hold the weaker left flank. The Hippeis were stationed behind the army on the left flank, so they could interfere the battle whenever necessary. The slingers in front of the Hoplitai should lighten the enemy’s rank before the battle lines clashed.
The Celtic troops on the right flank were led by Calpornos moc Ollovico. Similar to the Pontic troops on the right side, also he arrayed their Hoplitai and thureophoroi-like Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai, but deployed the fearsome Gaesatae in front of them. Instead of Hoplitai Haploi and Hippeis, he had 4’000 Galatikoi Kluddolon as a reserve stationed behind.
It was early in the morning and the Keltopontikoi troops had arrayed on a vast prairie, while the Hellenic armies marched over a hilltop. It was only then, when Calpornos moc Ollovico and Cunobelin oi Lugos had a first impression of the sheer magnitude of the enemy’s forces. The ground was shaking as the lock-step marching Greek phalanx appeared. Sharp weapons and thick armours rattled, nervous horses neighed, harsh officers yelled and after each man crossing the hilltop a further one seemed to appear. Many of the young and green soldiers in the Galatian army got the jitters, facing the impressive spectacle held by the Hellenic armies.
But not the two battle-tested generals. Calpornos moc Ollovico once faced an even lager force, back then in Nabataia, and felt no fear, though at that time he had not been outnumbered like this day. He even smiled to Cunobelin oi Lugos, and said “The Hellene who could beat a true Celt in battle hasn’t been born yet.” Calpornos unintentionally still took care of his wife’s younger brother, though he was no boy anymore but a thirty years old, battle-tested and much respected man. They shook hands, wished each other luck and then rode to their places, where they intended to lead the army from.
Traditionally the skirmishers opened the battle. Covered by the Hippeis they rushed forward and engaged the Hellenic skirmishers.
The Greek cavalry charged towards the light infantrymen, who retreated and were chased by the Greeks, who did not see the enemy Hippeis approach. They crashed in their flank and pushed them into the spears of the Pontic phalanx, where they were doomed. Then the Pontic Hippeis had to retreat, since the Greek phalanx came closer and closer.
As the armies clashed especially the left flank heavily was under pressure, for it was attacked by the elite force of the Greek army, the Epilektoi Hoplitai. They managed to push back the bravely fighting Pontic Hoplitai and Thureophoroi.
On the right flank, the Galatian soldiers were more lucky and fought lighter Hoplitai, while several hundred light cavalrymen appeared on the hilltop. They engaged and pelted the Gaesatae with their javelins, but then were driven back by the unerring Caucasian archers.
The two generals gave orders, rode up and down along the battle line, shouting and yelling. When Calpornos saw that his men held their ground well, he turned towards Cunobelin and gave him the sign.
They rode along the battle line and yelled “Men, show that you’re made of sterner stuff than those milksops.” Calpornos turned around and rode back to the right flank, shouting “On my command!", and gave the sign to the officers. In the very same moment one hundred Celtic battle horns sounded. “PHALANX, ADVANCE!” was the order, “PUUUUUUUUSH!!!” the officers yelled. One step forward. Two steps. The Greeks masterly held their ground, for this was the kind of warfare they knew best. Also their officers yelled to push. The phalanx stood still, if a bird had watched this from above in the sky, he would have thought the armies were not moving. But the men in the first battle line shed their blood, pushed, stabbed and died like flies. About 10 minutes the armies did not move a bit, but then a jolt went through the whole crowd of men, and the phalanx’ began to turn. While the strong right flank managed to drive the Greeks back, the Epilektoi Hoplitai put the left flank under pressure..
“HOLD THE LINE!” , Cunobelin yelled, but his voice perished in the whirlpool of death cries and rage of war. He ordered his skirmishers to pelt the enemy with missiles and to drive him back.
They managed to do this. The enemy lost many men, among them Posidonios Eurypontidos Lakedaimonios, leader of the first army. But if someone thought this would demoralise the enemy, was proven wrong. They fought all the harder.
The battlelines had turned almost 90°, which turned out to be of advantage for the Celts, since where at the beginning of the battle their left flank was, now another army appeared. Cunobelin rode to Calpornos and warned him. He never had seen these warriors in battle, but Calpornos had heard of them. He looked worried. Cunobelin asked him “What’s up? Should we be worried?”. “No, no”, Calpornos answered with dry sarcasm. “That’s their light supportive infantry. See? They have an Λ on their shields. 'L' means 'light'.”. Calpornos slowly turned his head towards his friend, smiled and rode towards the right flank. “Are you kidding me? Hey! Wait!”, Cunobelin shouted and followed him.
Of course these were no light troops, but Spartiatai Hoplitai, who represented one of the most capable kind of warrior in the known world. The Greek reserve-troops had arrived. Apparently they were pulled out from the siege of Nikaia. When they had reached the fray, almost immediately they managed to push back the whole line of the Galatai.
At this point of time, the Greek generals decided to attack the right flank of the Galatai with their own bodyguard infantry, since they had no heavy cavalry left for the job. Cunobelin, who rode behind Calpornos saw this, pulled around his horse and rode to the archers and slingers. At his order they shot a cloud of arrows and stones towards these Epilektoi Hoplitai and tried to lighten their ranks as they approached. At the same time, Calpornos, who also had recognised the enemy’s plan, ordered 2’000 Galatikoi Kluddolon of the reserve troops to outflank the outflankers and to pelt them with javelins from behind. Before the enemy had reached their enemy’s right flank half of their bodyguards and one of their general had died. The Kluddolon charged and forced the Ekdromoi Hoplitai to close combat. Of course the elite of the Greek Hoplitai were vastly superior to the light Kluddolon, but they had to turn around, in order not to get slaughtered from behind by them. Thereby they were forced to expose their rear to Cunobelin and Calpornos, who now charged with their heavy cavalry. Within short time all three Greek generals were on their way to Hades.
https://img516.imageshack.us/img516/...eralfallen.png https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/...eralfallen.png https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/41...eralfallen.png
This time the enemy army was shocked. The officers who watched their generals die did fall back in order to reorganize, others who did not get the order to retreat stayed. Thereby gaps were opened and the Greeks could be pushed back. The Pontic phalanx pressed forward and just marched over the weakened enemy, while the reserve troops put the enemy’s flank under pressure. The Greeks who had retreated, arrayed on a hill to fight again, but they had lost to many men in the chaos and soon were defeated.
At the end of that day, 19’000 men of the Keltopontikoi army were dead, another 3’000 wounded. The Koinon Hellenon had lost 47’000 men, only about 10’000 survived the battle.
Though this was a great victory, Calpornos’ and Cunobelin’s army was very much weakened, while the war against the Koinon Hellenon just had started. In this very moment another huge army had crossed the Hellespont, two others were about to follow, while another two armies had invaded Bithynia from Byzantion. The mighty kingdom of Pontos finally had arrayed its reserves and also sent huge forces to the west, which, although their true elite troops were stationed in the east, still formed a very powerful force.
After their army was reinforced with Hippeis, Thureophoroi, Iaosatae, Peltastai and Caucasian archers, led by the son of Calpornos, Valetiacos moc Ollovico, the Galatai were sent northwards to secure the way from Byzantion to Nikaia, but soon were surrounded by the two Hellenic forces, sent from there.
But before we dwell on the story of Valetiacos moc Ollovico, it’s about time that we took a look at the current situation in western Mikra Asia.
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/...7overview2.png
The First Hellenic War, Situation 225 BC
1 This army of over 13’000 men was led by Damon Lakonikos, a distant relative to the Koinon Hellenon royal family and consisted of several thousand heavy infantrymen. In fact this troop was the first part of the huge force he lead. The main part acted quite independently.
https://img293.imageshack.us/img293/...greekarmy2.png
2 Led by captain Deukalion, the main force of Damon Lakonikos’ army represented one of the most powerful armies in the known world. While the core of several thousand Spartiatai Hoplitai, Epilektoi Hoplitai and Iphikratous Hoplitai would slaughter any enemy, while their flanks were guarded by Thureophoroi, the lighter Ekdromoi Hoplitai would kill any Skirmishers who could become dangerous for the slowly moving heavy infantry. Of course this army also had it’s own skirmishers. This force of over 25’000 men was not easy to stop, that was for sure.
https://img293.imageshack.us/img293/...greekarmy3.png
3 This army was one of the two forces who had surrounded the Galatai. Its captain, named Agelaios, was in charge of over 23’000 soldiers, many of them heavy infantrymen.
https://img214.imageshack.us/img214/...reekarmy4h.png
4 The second of the two armies surrounding the Galatai was led by captain Kretheus, an old and battle-tested warrior. His 22’000 men would give their lives for him.
https://img214.imageshack.us/img214/...greekarmy5.png
5 In spring 225 BC Euthymidas Kretikos crossed the Hellespont with an army of 23’000 men. This special force not only was composed of Greek heavy infantry and, unlike the other armies, cavalry, but also a great amount of Getic and Thracian troops, who now had to serve in Hellenic armies. Also some Celtic mercenaries from the eastern, independent tribes, fought in this army
https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/...greekarmy6.png
6 The Keltopontikoi army under Galatian leadership was composed of 23’000 men, due to the reinforcements. But they had less Phalangitai and more light infantry and cavalry as before the battle of Nikaia.
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/56...verniarmy1.png
7 This Pontic army, led by Intaphrenes Kianos, was one of the most capable forces Pontos could field in the west. This army of 25’000 soldiers was composed of almost every kind of soldier that Pontos could array. Naked fighting Galatian warriors, Greek medium and light cavalry, Celtic cavalry, Phalangitai, skirmishers, light Hoplitai, light Celtic infantry and even eastern horse archers!
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/82...onticarmy3.png
8 Stationed in the city of Ipsos, a great force of 24’000 men, of whom 17’000 were Phalangitai, would spear any enemy grasping for the capital city of the Pontic kingdom.
https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...ticarmy4ip.png
9 Also the army stationed in the important city of Pergamon was very impressive. Commanded by a son of the Pontic royal family, the 35’000 warrios, among them several thousand elite Phalangitai, made Pergamon the best defended city in all of Mikra Asia. But most likely this army would not stay there forever, but move and search for enemies to perish.
https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...ticarmy5pe.png
10 Captain Artaxerxes and his 20’000 men besieged the Hellenic city of Mytilene, in order to take their harbour there from them, so they could not supply their forces in Mikra Asia so easily.
https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...onticarmy6.png
These only were the main armies that currently played an important role in this young conflict. Besides the 106’000 soldiers of the Koinon Hellenon and their allies, and the 127’000 men of Pontos and its allies, of course many more smaller armies moved in the area, and of course thousands of soldiers were still being recruited in their homelands just at that moment.
Though this situation had great potential of becoming one of most epic conflicts in the history of the known world, this upcoming war would be naught but a scenery for the destinies of two young men, born and therefore coming at age at the very same day.
One of these men was Valetiacos moc Ollovico, son of the great Galatian general Calpornos moc Ollovico. Taking after his father, Valetiacos was a very intelligent, well built and charismatic young man. Untouched by fear he would fight the Koinon Hellenon by his father’s side, unselfishly throwing himself at any enemy to save one of his comrades from death. Not appreciated in Pontic high society, but loved by the mere Galatian soldier, his strong language was able to inspire any man before combat, although Valetiacos never had fought in a greater battle, and therefore still was considered to be a greenhorn.
The other of these two men was Acco d’Aler, younger son of Ivomagos d’Aler, born in Cenabum. Though, in his youth, he was more interested in fighting and drinking, and not in learning from wise druids like his father, he took after him and very likely was to become a great general. Inspiring by his optimism, unselfishness and honest loyality, he was a prime example how a young Celtic nobleman should be like.
https://img220.imageshack.us/img220/...ocollovico.png https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/...6accodaler.png
Providence soon would bring them together, but not even the gods could tell, if this meeting was going to turn out in a friendly way or not.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unlike that, the fact that the outcome of the meeting between an army of the Arche Seleukeia and an army of the Sab’yn near Babylon in 225 BC would not be very friendly at all, was all the clearer. The expedition of the Seleukids to take back Babylon perished in fire.
Battle of Babylon 225 BC
In the same year, the Pahlava invaded Astauene, which had been taken from them not long ago. The Seleukids could field many armoured war elephants and chariots, but managed to defeat themselves. When they attacked the camp of the Pahlavan army, their elephants tramped down the chariots or made their horses panic, while the sharp scythes of the chariots heavily wounded many elephant, and made them run amok. A few days after this shameful defeat, the Seleukids – again – had to leave Asaak.
Battle of Astauene 225 BC
Not shameful at all was the great cavalry battle between the Sauromatae and the Hay, who both fought for Dahyu Roxsalanna. The heavy cavalry of the Hay, copied from the successful Sauromatae riders and fighting like them as armoured horse archers or heavy shock cavalry, even could defeat the Sauromatae, but took that many losses, that one year later, in 224 BC, they had to forsake the lands of the Ruxs Alan, how the Roxolanoi were called in their own language, and thereby lost the last of their northern territories.
Battle of Dahyu Roxsalanna 225 BC
Known territory in 224 BC
https://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1945/99map.png
Awsome update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:2thumbsup:
Just a few questions though, how did u manage to get silver and gold weapons and armour, i'm talking about the description of the galatian army. And what does the "mescoir" trait mean?
by my pinions this is incredible! What an incredible battle! 4600+ dead!! By the gods that is truly epic. I bow to you sir but I fear you have some ferocious fights ahead of you
AWWWW **** man. Now i gotta clean my pants again.
:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
****in awesome.:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
Thank you all very much :2thumbsup:
As for the gold chevrons of the family members and the Kluddolon, they are well earned by slaughtering masses of enemies etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus
The gold weapons and armour of the 3 Phalangitai units (originally 4, but so many of them were slaughtered by the Greeks, that I had to regroup them) were cheated, since they should've represented a core of Pontic elite Phalangitai (which I can't get, but my FM lead a Pontic army), armed and armoured with the best of the best, royal guard of the pontic king. But I scratched that part, because the chapter would've become too long and complex.
jehaaaaa - update and after wirting this, I'll start to read. nice break from suffering work. :2thumbsup:
*edit* status: reading finished, totally flashed by the epicness :applause:
Awesome AAR :2thumbsup: keep it up!
Thank you very much :yes: And welcome to the Forum @ Aureolus
ahhh, you beat me to it, im at this very moment working on a picture that will show where all the clans of scotland lie, like on ur first page there. But you did give me a bit more inspiration.
Dude, I've been reading parts in silent for some time now (still about in the middle of the story) and I have only one word: epic. Really, it's astounding work, from the writing itself to the pictures. I've been a silent watcher all this time, but decided to write this and tell you how much I enjoy this read before I actually come to the point were you are right now (which may take some ages).
Maion
Hey Maion, thank you very much :2thumbsup: I'm very glad you enjoy this story, since you helped me very much concerning Greek language, for which you even got a balloon in this thread, as you may soon discover :yes:
Next update hopefully coming soon
I just read the whole story and I must say this is the best AAR I've ever read.
It's just amazing!:jumping:
I can't wait for an update
wow, what a compliment ^^ thank you
Wow, ok you have an amazing way of keeping the readers attention with a mix of good writing, awesome screenshots, and a very complex situation in the world. This is very good. I would never be able to write an aar in your format. Its just too much. Awesome work, keep it up. :2thumbsup:
Hey Swissbarbar! Your AAR is truly phenominal.
In fact, I have come out of lurking to ask if it will continue. I assume you're just doing ETW for now?
WHAT?!?!? HOW CAN YOU PLAY GAMES WHEN THERE IS WORK TO DO??? :whip:
oh wait... :inquisitive: :stupido2:
J/K :clown: just hoping this is not the end. If not I can be patient. :yes:
Hi Ariovistus Maximus
Thank you for your compliment, I appreciate it.
Actually I am not gaming any game at all. Empires does not run on my PC. I didn't even buy it ^^ It was a gift from my brother, but it would not match EB anyway.
To be honest, ATM I don't have the time and energy to keep up the AAR, I just don't feel like it. Of course I could shift part of the blame on my RL. I have a job and stuff ^^ But I think the real reason is, that I have played too much EB lately and need a break.
The next chapter is ready to be written, I have all the pictures and the idea of the story still is in my mind. I won't let this story die, I just rather write nothing than halfhearted....
next chapter coming soon...er or later ^^
Thats understandable, I will be awaiting your return
Seconded.
Anyways, awesome work!
I'm sure I speak for a lot of lurkers out there too. RIGHT LURKERS????
Can newbie members give balloons? Cuz if they can here's one for u: :balloon2:
Thanks Swiss!
Best AAR evahh!!!
Here have this ball00n::balloon2:
most epic battle scene ever! :balloon2:Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissBarbar
This has been quite the read!
:thumbsup:
ehhh. - is this going to be the balloon-spam thread?!? do I gave you one already? :clown:
anyway, keep it up, this is awesome as already said.
calpornos?:inquisitive:
I only just now finished reading of this epic AAR.... You have done what MAA did for the Makedonians and what Churgeon did for the Karties the luso's and another one (can't remember which faction:shame:) you've made the celts come alive!!! I love the celts, but somehow I suck at playing them... Not many Celtic AAR's reach this stage.... I'm very greatful for this great service you've done us:2thumbsup::2thumbsup::2thumbsup:
I cannot really descrine how superb I find this AAR:yes:
Oh yes. This is the AAR that got me onto EB. The way SwissBarbar described it... WOW!Quote:
Originally Posted by Reality=Chaos