From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

From Basileion to Arche

ΑΠΟ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΣΕ ΑΡΧΗ

From Kingdom to Empire

Chairete! I have long been planning to write my own AAR, though I've always found myself ending it a few days after I start writing:smash: That's why, I have decided to begin writing a sort of AAR following your advice. So basically, you EB members will work as members of the ''Synedrion'', or the Royal Council of Pella. I will post maps and state every important happenings here, so you will be able to follow up easily. At the end of each post, I will ask for your suggestions, or votes, as for what the Basileion Makedonias should do.

As for the campaign itself, I will be playing as Makedonia (renamed as Basileion Makedonias or Kingdom of Macedonia) with BI executable on H/M. I'm also using MAA's City Mod, Darth Formations and Victory Conditions, all of them mini-mods that can be found at the ''Unofficial Modding Projects'' section of the EB forum. Furthermore, I have enabled the ''shieldwall'' formation for some units (like hoplites), as well as done some minor tweaks of my liking (added many more units to the Makedonian roster, changed some faction names and descriptions and other things). I have also enabled the hording ability for the Sweboz, Sauromatae, Getai and Sakae. For any other questions, feel free to ask/pm me.

May your wisdom lead the forces of Makedonia to the furthest corners of the world (again:sweatdrop:)!

Current campaign date: - (AAR ceased)

Current subject of discussion by the Synedrion

Synderion Ceased

You may have noticed I use the Greek dating system. A simple formula for calculating the date according to the Greek calendar is the following:
776 – CC = GC, where CC is the year according to the Christian calendar and GC the year according to the Greek calendar. This only applies to BC years, though.

The Royal Family Tree

Kalos Demetriou Argeades: Governor of Demetrias
Wife: Olympias

Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades: Basileus
Wife: Alkmena
Nicknames: Hegemon Hellados, Timoros Barbaron, Nikator Pergamou

Alexandros Kraterou Argeades: Strategos Autokrator
Wife: Hermione

Demetrios Antigonou Argeades: Strategos
Wife: Periboia

Baias Kynoskephalaios: Governor of Korinthos
Wife: Aketa

Menephilos Thebaios: Governor of Ambrakia
Wife: Iphianassa

Neikostratos Pheraios: Supervised Strategos
Wife: Apama

Adaios Antigonou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Kaliphana

Priamos Kalou Argeades: Supervised governor of Athenai
Wife: Erigone

Hygienos Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Chalkis
Wife: Tekmessa

Deinokratis Kraterou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: Metriche

Perseus Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Thermon
Wife: Ktimene

Hephaistionas Alkyoneos Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Harpalos Kalou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Zopyros Alexandrou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: -

Pyrrhos Menephilou Thebaios: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Rhodope

Translation of the Hellenic words used in this AAR

You might have noticed that quite a few Hellenic words are being used in this AAR. I do this mainly to give a more ''Hellenic'' feel to it, but I understand that there are people who are unaware of many if any of these words. Here I will present a list of those words:

Chairete (ΧΑΙΡΕΤΕ) = Greetings
Basileion (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ) = Kingdom
Basileus (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ) = King
Synedrion (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟΝ) = The Royal Council of Pella, formed by a body of Makedonians that discuss the matters of the Basileion. Everyone is allowed to freely express himself within the chamber's walls, though no matter the Syendrion's decision, the Basileus still remains the one with the last word
Synedros(sing.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΣ) = Councilor
Synedroi(pl.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΙ) = Councilors
Auletes(sing.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΗΣ) = He who plays the aulos (Greek musical instrument)
Auletai(pl.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΑΙ) = Aulos players
Somatophylakes(pl.) (ΣΩΜΑΤΟΦΥΛΑΚΕΣ) = Bodyguards
Sympatriotes(sing.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΗΣ) = Compatriot
Sympatriotai(pl.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΑΙ) = Compatriots
Polis(sing.) (ΠΟΛΙΣ) = City
Poleis(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ) = Cities
Elephantas(sing.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΑΣ) = Elephant
Elephantes(pl.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΕΣ) = Elephants
Pole-Kratos(sing.) (ΠΟΛΗ-ΚΡΑΤΟΣ) = City-State
Poleis-Krate(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ-ΚΡΑΤΗ) = City-Sates
Megale Hellas (ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΛΛΑΣ) = Magna Graecia
Italos(sing.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΣ) = Italian
Italoi(pl.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΙ) = Italians
Taxiarchos (ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a taxis (military unit)
Dioiketes (ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ) = Commander
Polemarchos (ΠΟΛΕΜΑΡΧΟΣ) = Warlord
Barbaros(sing.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΣ) = Barbarian
Barbaroi(pl.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΙ) = Barbarians
Keltos(sing.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΣ) = Celt
Keltoi(pl.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΙ) = Celts
Galates(sing.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΗΣ) = Galatian
Galatai(pl.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΑΙ) = Galatians
Makedones (ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΕΣ) = Macedonians
Hellen(sing.) (ΕΛΛΗΝ) = Greek
Hellenes(pl.) (ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ) = Greeks. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, I use this word to express every ethnic group that historically spoke Greek and worshiped Greek gods, along as had Greek customs at that time. This includes Macedonians, Epirotes and Greeks from southern Greece
Peirates(sing.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΗΣ) = Pirate
Peiratai(pl.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΑΙ) = Pirates
Strategos(sing.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ) = General
Strategoi(pl.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΙ) = Generals
Eiar (ΕΙΑΡ) = Spring
Theros (ΘΕΡΟΣ) = Summer
Phthinoporon (ΦΘΙΝΟΠΟΡΟΝ) = Autumn
Cheimon (ΧΕΙΜΩΝ) = Winter
Sarrisa(sing.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑ) = Sarrisa(duh...)
Sarrisai(pl.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑΙ) = Sarrisae
Syntagma(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑ) = Macedonian pike formation of 16x16 troops
Syntagmatarchos(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑΤΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a syntagma
Heterogenes(sing.) (ΕΤΕΡΟΓΕΝΗΣ) = Man of mixed blood. It refers to men with fathers of purely Hellenic blood and mothers of non-Hellenic, or barbarian (non-Greek) blood
Oudeteros(sing.) (ΟΥΔΕΤΕΡΟΣ) = Neutral
Symmachos(sing.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΣ) = Ally
Symmachoi(pl.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΙ) = Allies
Symmachia(noun) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΙΑ) = Alliance
Synomospondia (ΣΥΝΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ) = League
Philos(sing.) (ΦΙΛΟΣ) = Friend, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friend
Philoi(pl.) (ΦΙΛΟΙ) = Friends, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friends
Konion(sing.) (ΚΟΝΙΟΝ) = Poisonous liquid composed of a mixture of mandragora and other substances, which causes asphyxia to the drinker. Known to have been historically used in Athenai (among others) as a death penalty.
Basilikos Grammateus(sing.) (ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΣ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΕΥΣ) = Royal Secretary, a man appointed by the Basileus of Makedonia to assist him in the management of the Basieion
Xiphos(sing.) (ΞΙΦΟΣ) = Short Hellenic double-bladed sword
Kopis(pl.) (ΚΟΠΙΣ) = Short Hellenic one-bladed sword
Rhomphaia(sing.) (ΡΟΜΦΑΙΑ) = Thraikian falx
Proskynesis(noun) (ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΙΣ) = An act performed in eastern Hellenistic Kingdoms, where monarchs where worshiped by their subordinates as deities
Strategos Autokrator (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ) = Non-canon title given by the Basileus to someone, meaning "General Who Bears All Power". It is a very honoring position, which grands the man with absolute power over all armies of Makedonia, after the Basileus

I would very much appreciate it that, if you are planning to use Hellenic words during your speeches, you also use them correctly.

Maion

http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...nm_5b98382.jpg

Beginning of the Synedrion, Spring 272BC

https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/...nedrionit1.jpg

Sympatriotai, I salute you. It is Eiar, 504th year after the first Olympiad (272BC) and our Basileion is on the verge of destruction.

In the west, the Basileus of Epeiros, Pyrrhos Aiakides, has taken up veterans from his campaigns in Italia along with his fearsome elephantes and is threatening Pella itself!

If that is not enough, our rightful rule over southern Hellas is questioned by the Hellenic alliance of Chremonides, better known as the ''Koinon Hellenon''. This alliance composed of pesky poleis-krate led by the once-mighty cities of Athenai, Sparte and Rhodos, has openly declared war upon us. Furthermore, this alliance has support from the Ptolemaios Philadelphos himself!

In the north, there is the ever-presnt fear of another marauding barbarian horde. We are at war with many Thraikian tribes, which means we must always keep a watchful eye for them.

In an attempt to empower Makedonian rule in southern Hellas, our Basileus Antigonos Gonatas has taken up arms and is currently campaigning in Attike. His plans are to take the city as soon as possible, in order to fill the royal coffers with much-needed gold. What he didn't count on though, is that Pyrrhos would march his troops quickly to Makedonia, in an attempt to sieze the royal city of Pella.

Here lies the dilemma: what should Antigonos do? Try to capture Athenai, or turn back and try to save Pella from the power-hungry Epeirote king?

Here is a map of the world:
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...pm_64a25d0.gif
The faction colours are not the real ones also, but you get the idea.

That's a cool idea Maion. :grin: I have the map with all provinces and corrected boundaries in spain, so if you like I'll send it to you.

------------------------------

Basileus, Pyrrhos of Epeiros is not only a threat to our kingdom itself, but also does he claim to be the rightful Basileus of Makedonia, and not you! Some of our soldiers have already shared his opinion, if you may remember our last encounter with him, where you only managed to escape in the disguise of a goat herder, ho Basileu! It would be my advice to march north and get rid of this pestilence once and for all, and take on these effete wannabe-powers later!

Basileus, the insolence of the epeiros are intolerable indeed...thou must hold Pella! Levy the masses! Akonkists, spendones, HUNT THOSE ELEPHANTES!

Our situation is grave, it's true. Endure it. Punish those poleis-krate, they no longer deserve their autonomy, a few good strong men would keep them in check as well as toughen up our pezoi.

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!!!

Thank you both, sympatriotai, for your support and participation in the common affairs of the state. Be sure that I will lead our invincible armies to glory again, with Nike on our side!

I will update very soon with some pics and stuff. I haven't actually started the campaign yet, as I am planning on adding a new unit (secret:wink:). i will do so very soon, though.

Maion

P.S.: I'd be immensely grateful to you Centurio if you could send me that map:wink:

Basileus, I speak to you as a friend, but also as a veteran from many a campaigns under your command.

The situation is grim indeed, and no matter how you choose, consequences will follow. While the mainstay of your army is situated near Athenai, and a quick victory against the city itself is at hand, we need to look at the broader picture. Pella can not fall. Not only is it the capital of our kingdom, but loosing it would be symbolical, and break the spirits of many our men. Allowing the royal tombs at Aigai to be pillaged by Pyrrhos would deal a blow to your rule far worse than any military defeat possible at the moment. Further, many of your men have families and friends in Pella. Loosing it would most likely make many of them loose heart and would destabilize your army. Further, having the nobles in Pella massacred or worse will destabilize your rule and the faith in you as Basileus.You need the men, wealth and support of Pella. Letting it fall will make you loose all of them, something that you cannot let happen. The decision not to save Pella, if possible, would in worst cases even lead to mutiny amongst your ranks, something you can not afford at this time.

However, should you abbandon your campaign at this so called Koinon Hellenon, you will leave the city of Korinthos at the mercy of the Koinon. The garrison stationed there is not enough should the Koinon decide to fully focus their strength on it. You risk loosing it, but it can be reconquered. Alas, Pella can aswell, but as I said, loosing it would be a symbolical defeat.

My advice, my Basileus, is following:
Disperse a portion of your army to Korinthos, not too many, just enough that it will hold for a decade ahead. Take the rest of your army, as many men as you can, and start marching towards Pella as fast as you can. Further, use your navy to quickly transport men and supplies from Demetrias to Pella, they should reach it in time to help the existing garrison. In Pella itself, call upon any man that can fight and equip him with whatever you can afford or find.

Times like these requires fast decisions, my Basileus, but finding all these desicions yourself can be troublesome. Alas, a Basileus can only be at one place at a time! One of the most important decisions is finding friends amongst your own court. Your sons and brothers must each be trusted to his own ability and be given a task.

Dark times are ahead of us, Basileus, but under your command, we will prevail!

Socy, my great adviser, your words are those of wisdom and reason indeed. The decision that there has to be made is crucial for the survival of the Basileion.

I hereby present to you, oh noble Synedroi, the members of the Royal Makedonian Family:
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...sm_17a24ab.png

From top to bottom, Antigonos ''Gonatas'' Argeades, great Basileus Makedonias. A man with a strong oppinion and character, compassionate with his subjects and harsh where he must, he has managed to keep the kingdom alive after the great invasion of the Keltoi hordes. He has a personal grudge with Pyrrhos Aiakides, Basileus Epeirou, who has set his eyes upon his crown.
Next is Krateros Argeades, Antigonos's older brother. He has been given the governance of the region of Achaia, his base lying within the walls of the ancient city of Korinthos. He has spent many years of keeping order in the area, constantly warding off invading forces of either the Koinon Hellenon or the Aitolike Synomospondia (Aetolian League).
Right after are Alkyoneus, Kalos and Alexandros Argeades, all of them young men with a bright future. All three of them have still to prove themselves, as they are all candidates of the Makedonian throne.

After this brief introduction of the members of the Royal Makedonian Family, I present you of the enemies of the Basileion.

The greatest enemy of the Basileion at this time, is no other than Pyrrhos Aiakides. He has gathered a force of several thousand men, including fearsome elephantes, and has reached the heartlands of our kingdom. Due to his impatience, the Basileus Epeirou has broken his forces in two, one personally led by the king himself, the other led by his eldest son, Ptolemaios. According to our spies, Pyrrhos is intending on attacking Pella with his leading army, while using his numerically superior force led by his son to guard the passage from Makedonia to Thessalia.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...lm_7aa40da.png

In the south, we are threatened by two Hellenic anti-Makedonian alliances, the Koinon Hellenon and the Aitolike Synomospondia respectively. The chief representatives of these two alliances, is the Athenian Chremonides and the Aitolos Alkemachos. The former is a great politician and strategist, the true mastermind of every move of the Koinon Hellenon. It is known that he has personal ties of friendship with Ptolemaios Philadelphos, from whom he has direct financial support. The latter is an uncharismatic man who has taken the leadership of the Synomospondia through fear, as he commands a great number of soldiers. He and his brother work together as tyrranoi of Aitolia and are behind every military movement. Alkemachos himself has gathered a sizable number of soldiers and has camped roughly 405 stadia to the east of Thermon, the region's capital. His intentions seem unclear at the moment, though there are rumours of an alliance between the two anti-Makedonian factions.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...sm_7335e4d.png
http://img32.picoodle.com/data/img32...sm_59f2b96.png

COWARDICE! Socy, you care only of your own wealth and fortune held at Pella. Basileus, I urge you, DO NOT LEAVE ANY WARS HALF DONE. The poleis-krate MUST be punished, THEIR wealth shall fund our armies.

Our capital is important indeed, but do not be frightened by a few lumbering beasts. Provide us with the javalin and pikes and I shall arm MY OWN household as akonkists and phalangitai. My slaves and serfs are valuable indeed, but the glory and might of ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ is at stake. My men would rather DIE than becoming servants of the babbling Epeiros.

TO ARMS BREATHERN!!! SEND THE BEASTS BACK TO TRAMPLE THEIR OWN RANKS!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!

-Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ

Perhaps you shall restrain yourself from wine, Satalexton, as it clearly dulls your mind. With zealotry you seem to speak about our kingdom, yet behind those words I sense pure lust for riches and greed. What is it worth conquering Athenai if our own capital falls? Would you rather see our people butchered and our capital itself pillaged than postponing the war against the Chremonedian usurpers? Our king does not risk loosing one mere city, but the capital, and with it a large portion of our noblemen. Who then shall supply our armies with men? Who then shall see to at that we have a treasury from wich to pay our already campaigning men? What shall then shall our men fight for!? A kingdom without a throne!? Madness! Blasphemy! (Sorry, just had to) We are not leaving any wars half-done, we are merely prioritizing what is important. And yes, I will not lie about my wealth and estates at Pella, but I detest the claim that its the reason why I ask our great Basileus to act as I wish.

Loosing Pella is not an option, and it is clearly outnumbered should Pyrrhos decide to attack it. You say that neither you nor your men wish to become Epirote slaves? Yet still you want to take actions that will leave Pella burned to the ground and pillageged? The rantings of a drunken madman I say! The only rational option we have is to defend Pella with everything we got. Leave a portion of the army at Korinthos, ship the rest back to Pella while reinforcing Demetrias. Its the only way we can hope to deal with this crisis and survive it.

Basileus, if you do not send relief-forces to Pella, we are all doomed. As for me? I will stay in Pella. I'd rather die defending it than live with the shame of having lost it without even trying to save it. As for, Satalexton, if I survive this war, may the gods have mercy upon your folly, for I shall not.

(Nothing personal against you in this AAR satalexton, mere roleplaying :smash:)

''Fellow Synedroi, by order of Megas Basileus Antigonos, I hereby present you with the military forces of Makedonia'':

''In Pella, Alkyoneus Argeades has been assigned command of a 6.030 men strong garrison, composed of psiloi and some phalangitai, along with his personal bodyguard of hetairoi. The 1.500-strong unit of Hypaspistai is excluded, as they have been assigned with police duties in order to keep law and order within the streets of Pella and the royal tombs in Aigai respectively.''

''In Demetrias, Kalos Argeades commands a garisson of 6.960 men, composed of phalangitai, psiloi, some hippeis as well as his personal bodyguard. The 1.000-strong Hypaspistai unit is excluded from this number, given same duties as mentioned above.''

''In the southern region of Attike, Basileus Antigonos campaigns against the Athenaioi with an army numbering 14.355 men, including his personal bodyguard. The army is composed of phalangitai, psiloi, some hippeis, keltoi swordsmen and an additional force of 500 Hypaspistai, with the task of protecting the Basileus as well as the army's camp and rations.''

''In Korinthos, Krateros Argeades has given command, after the Basileus' approval, of his experienced garrisson force numbering 9.090 men. The army consists of phalangitai and psiloi, most of them experienced from defending the southern parts of the kingdom from occasional anti-Makedonian armies.''

''The above numbers have been confirmed by our numerators.''

''Now that I have informed you of the available forces under our command, I will announce you personal requests of Royal Family Members, who, due to their inability of being here today with us, have send representatives here today.''

''I will give speach to Aristodemos Demetriados first, the chief representative of Kalos Argeades and Demetrias in general first. Please Aristodemos, strep forward.''

*Aristodemos steps forwards to the central pedestal facing the Synderion*

''Noble Synedroi, I come here tonight in name of Kalos Argeades. My liege's message to you is short and clear; he is willing to offer a number of his own garrison in order to further enforce the garrisson of Pella, as well as some siege engineers, surgeons and physicians. Furthermore, he is willing to provide shelter to anyone who wants to abandon Pella and seek refuge in Thessalia.''

''Thank you, Aristodemos. Next, I will give word to Periandros Elinios, chief representative of Krateros Argeades and Korinthos in general. Please, Periandros.''

*Periandros comes forward and faces the Synedrion*

''Chairete, great and noble Synderoi. I come here with a message from my lord, Krateros Argeades. He requests you to give permission to his son, Alexandros Argeades, along with a good number of his own garrisson, to besiege the city of Athenai instead of out Basileus. He reasons that it is of outmost importance that Antigonos returns with a good portion of his army, in order to protect the great city of Pella. The portion he will leave behind is to strengthen Alexandros, as well as discourage any enemy attempts to invade Achaia.''

''Synedroi, you are now aware of the situation and have heard both mean, so it is time to decide. Do not be hasty, neither take your time. Pyrrhos is marching towards Pella as we speak, while Antigonos is still waiting for our decision. Chose your votes wisely, sympatriotai, as the fate of the Basileion lies in your decisions. Let me remind you though, that the Basileus and him only will have the final word. Thank you.''

As commander of the Hypaspistai stationed in Pella, I will stand by my Basileus wish, no matter what it is. Diverting forces from Korinthos to besiege Athenai with a portion of Antigonos army is one that I bless, however, it will leave Korinthos vulnerable to attack from Sparte. Let us pray that this will not happen. I have stationed my men in both Pella and Aigai, but we are undermanned. Panic has erupted in the city streets as Pyrrhos advance towards it has been noted. Many nobles are as we speak fleeing to Demetrias for shelter. At nightfall today I will petition martial law in hope of restoring some public order and make fortifying the city easier for the troops stationed here. I will also make sure that my own Hypasistai will greet any reinforcements comming with boats to Thessalonike. They will recieve what supplies we can muster aswell as fresh horses and slaves with wich they hopefully will be able to move faster as they can carry portions of the equipment. I am, in spite of my position, a mere servant of our kingdom, and our Basileus.

Basileus, allow me to phrase myself properly, now that I have awoken myself from this 'barley wine' a keltoi slave of mine have brewed for me (I swear it tasted like beer...urgh)...

There is no need to pull any troops back to reinforce the capital, the garrison of ΠΕΛΛΑ should be enough to hold for at least a season. Levy a few more of the urban undesirables as psiloi to bolster the amount of javalin thrown and their elephantes shall be sent trampling back to the epeirote ranks, without a scratch to the capital.

Have part of the garrison of ΔΕΜΕΤΡΙΑΣ ready to forcemarch back to the capital within a season's notice, BUT THEY MUST NOT CAMP IN THE FIELD. The Eperiotai must not know of our troop movements.

This elephante hunting should buy us plenty of time to subjucate those southern rebels. Without his elephantes, the babbling Eperios would have to resort to storming the walls of our capital...nothing a few toxotai and phalangitai cannot handle. =]

Glory to MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!! (we should end all of our meetings with "ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!" It's good for morale =])

-Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ

Perhaps we should seek an alliance with the Italiote. Faced with enemies from all sides and her best troops wasted in fruitless assaults on our Capital, the Eperios would be reduced to nothing but a neglegible threat that we can finish off at a later date, using trustworthy levies from the would be subjects of southern Hellas.

''Synedroi! While your flaming spirits and passionate debates trully show your devotion and caring of the Basileion, I must ask you to keep calm. We are the elite of Makedonia, we represent our people. If our people see the Synderion losing their calmness, the whole kingdom will surely fall into chaos. I trully wish to thank you, Attalos, taxiarche of the Hypaspistai. Your calmness and reason in situations such as these are examplary. You too, Satalexton, speak with reason, even if it seems to smolder under your hasty words.''

''In the name of the Basileus and speaking as his chief representative of Pella, I believe the best solution to be the next;
Let us summon Antigonos back to Pella and protect us from Pyrrhos, while leaving a small portion back which in turn will enforce Alexandros' army. We hereby will give Alexandros the task of besieging the city of Athenai and finishing the work of Antigonos. Furthermore, I believe a small portion of psiloi should be sent from Demetrias as quickly as possible and enfore our garrisson. I understand, fellow Synedroi, that this move will leave both Korinthos, as well as Demetrias open for attack. Even so, I believe it is a risk we should take.''

''What say you noble Synedroi''?

''All hail Makedonia!''

I agree, but remember not to leave the reinforcements out in the open while traveling, for it may lure the enemy into attacking....

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

A daring plan indeed, but one we must succeed with. I fully support this plan, however riskful it may be. Things are getting calmer here in Pella. Night have fallen and the gates have been closed and will remain so untill this threat has been neutralized. Some nobles have fled, and may Hermes watch over them, lest they become ambushed by brigands able to overpower their escorts and guards. Supplies have been stacked, the milita rallied and as we speak men are fortyfing the city. Battle-plans are being made aswell, but I fear that only courage and strenght of arms will win this battle. May the gods watch over us.


I talked a little to Maion and thought it would be cool if anyone interested in being part of the "Synedroi", the council, would create a sort of "Character" that they "roleplay" when posting thoughts and ideas. This way we could adress each other with our in-AAR names, and create a more immersive AAR. What say ye all? It doesn't have to be very in-depth I think. Merely name, age and position. I'll post mine right away!

Name: Attalos Aiginios, epithet "Monophthalmos", for being one eyed (Duh!)
Age: 42 years old
Position: Taxiarche of the Hypaspistai currently stationed in Pella, otherwise the kings own. Nobleman and estate-holder with estates near Aigai, former capital of Makedonia. Raised and educated there.

I will speak as head of the Synderion and chief representative of the Basileus henceforth.
Name: Antisthenes Pellinios
Age: 51
Position: Head of the Synedrion (not neecessarily the chief, rather than co-ordinator, presenting messages and keeping the Synedroi in check), as well as representative and personal advisor of the Basileus. Noblemean from pure Makedonian birth (claims ties with the philosopher Aristoteles himself), educated in Athenai.

I will play some today and post tomorrow. Be sure that the forces of Makedonia will prevail!

Maion

Name: Σαταλεχτον Ζαιρο Ηαιρετικοσ - a clearly non-greek jargon of a name =P
Age: 40
Position: Descendant of Mega Alexandro's Agyaspides-turned nobility. Current head of the House Ηαιρετικοσ. Major arms and manpower provider for the Hetairoi Royal Squadron. War Veteran. Extremely proud of his heritage.

Excellent! Expect an update very soon, maybe even 2 today. I have played some and I must say things are turning to be very interesting indeed.

Maion

P.S.: Satalexton, I wonder if you could write your name in latin characters, so that i can make the correct translation for you (excuse me, but I can't make much of it). Thank you for your support!

“Synderoi, it seems that we have finally come to mutual agreement. I will now, upon the dissolution of the council, send our fastest messenger to inform Antigonos of our decision. Before we call this meeting off, I would like to present you with another map that has been prepared to us. This map shows us the most important military activity in Hellas, represented here by ''X''es:
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...pm_55a3e44.jpg

''Each 'X' has a different color, representing a different army. The green one represents the invading Epeirote army led by Pyrrhos. The grey one represents Alkemachos, whereas the red and blue ones represent Antigonos and Alexandros respectively.''

''The numbers of the enemy armies are still unknown, though our spies have made some speculations. They assume Pyrrhos' total army must number more than 10.000 men, while Alkemachos commands no more than 7.000 - 8.000 men. The latter of course, does not pose an immediate threat to us, though that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful. In these dark times, you cannot trust anyone, however wise or kind their words may be.''

''There is, Synedroi, a last matter I would like to discuss with you. We all know that Pyrrhos will have our great city besieged before the beginning of Theros. That is why, knowing that our city may fall, many of our fellow sympatriotai have fled to Thessalia or our island holdings. Seeing that this will be the last of our meetings in these halls at least for this year, unless a miracle happens, I hereby and by the will of Basileus Antigonos himself, give you the permission of fleeing from this endangered lands. I, myself, am intending on moving to a small estate of mine in southern Thessalia, where I will protect myself and my family. I am not proud of leaving my homeland, but I am not a fool either. Nor should you be, by staying here and risking your lives. Of course, I do not want to encourage you to leave your country, rather than give it good thought. Even if this polis falls, it won’t necessarily spell our demise. Our nation is a strong one, we have been through much worse.''

''That is all what I have to say, any further events will be personally announced to you by messengers that will be sent to your homes. May the wisdom of ours Basileus and the gods be on our side, Synedroi. I wish you for the best, and may our next meeting find us all here again.''

*Antisthenes leaves the central pedestal and slowly walks towards Attalos*

''To you, noble and brave Attalos, I wish you good luck, for I believe you need it the most of us all. You have never given up on us, not I believe you will now. Protect the citizens of Makedonia and make sure this Pyrrhos will not take our city. Protect Alkyoneus, for he is a young man with great potential, one that I believe will one day be a great Basileus that will take us far. May the gods protect you and your family. Until we meet again, wherever that may be!''

Closing of the Synedrion

I shall stay D= I have not used this Xiphos for many a years. Antisthenes, take my women, children and the elderly with you, I Satalextros "Zaero" Haereticine shall personally lead the men of my house to the defence of Pella!

That is fine to me, I personally guarantee you the safety of your people.

Btw, about your name, I think Σαταλεξτος ''Ζαιρον'' Αιρετικος would be the correct form, though I doubt they derive from pure greek words. With the exception of Αιρετικος maybe, but that means ''misbeliever''... Anyway you can keep to the one you have, np there :thumbsup:

Maion

''Noble Synderoi of Makedonia, I speak to you as a personal messenger with the task of announcing the latest happenings to you'':

''It has been known that Kalos Argeades, governor of Demetrias, has sent us 4.335-men strong reinforcements. These troops consists of phalangitai, psiloi and even a lochos of their famous hippeis! The reinforcements are moving as we speak in small groups and will be transported with ships to the harbor of Thessalonike. There, a taxis of Hypaspistai will greet them and lead them to Pella. The soldiers will come in small groups, as to try and keep this project in utmost secrecy. If Pyrrhos finds out we have further strengthened Pella, he will surely decide to attack full-force, instead of splitting his army.''

''Furthermore, Antigonos seems to have begun moving to the north with 7,950 troops. The troops which where left behind joined with Alexandros' army who is now besieging the gates of Athenai. His army now numbers 13,245 men.''

''Remember that this information has been kept a secret from everyone but the most trusted of men. We must not show Pyrrhos that we are calmly organizing our defense. Let us hope that he still thinks we are in a state of chaos, while Antigonos moves to meet him.''

''May the gods bless you and our Basileus''!

And so it begins... My family and household have already been relocated to Demetrias where I hope they will find better safety than here. My hypaspistai and myself will be the last to leave the city, and with our lives we shall protect Alkyoneus. I have dispersed many of my men to act as commanders for the troops stationed here. My men are spread thin, however, but each one of them will fight with the strength of ten men! They have been strategically located as to provide as much support possible for the army, though many are tied up with merely overseeing the battle and cordinating troop movements and signaling. Some of my men, whose legs are blessed with the speed and vigour of Hermes himself, will act as runners, directing orders and such. A picked dozen proven men have been chosen to remain in reserve at the Palace, wich have been fortified and converted into a surgeons place considering the tactical advantage of the narrow hallways inside it, only going into battle should Alkyoneus become injured, as a last resort to save his life. Let us hope that when Pyrrhos decides to attack Pella, and trust me, attack he will, that Ares will watch over us and grant us victory!

It was not long before things where beginning to escalate in Hellas. While Pyrrhos reached Pella and was besieging it, Antigonos force-marched his troops back to Pella. He knew a tired army would not perform well in combat, but he had to reach Pella in time, before Pyrrhos took the city. In the meantime, Alexandros Argeades was besieging the ancient city of Athenai, while at the same time he worried about a possible attack on Korinthos.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...gm_093c50f.png

By Theros of the 504th year after the First Olympiad (Summer, 272BC), Pyrrhos was besieging Pella, while at roughly the same time, the Spartiatai took up arms and marched against Korinthos.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...cm_3f51ca1.png

The Spartan strategos is a man named Eudadimas of the Eurypontid family. Even though the army’s numbers are unknown, it is rumoured that the Eudadimas' army is at least of equal strength as Alexandros'.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...sm_f778575.png

A little information on diplomacy:
It has been announced that the Pontioi, the Armenioi and the Baktrioi have openly declared war upon the Arche Seleukeia.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...ym_80a4432.png

Furthermore, our ambassador in the lands of the Thraikioi has managed to declare a ceasefire with the Getai, a fierce Thraikian tribe. Furthermore, our roads have opened and trade has begun with these people.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...em_fa0a0e3.png

P.S.:500th post!!!

Here's my speech to the garrison of Pella:

"BRAVE SONS OF MAKEDONIA!!! I am PROUD of you ALL!!! For the rabble of Pyrrhos marches upon us as I speak!!! The old, women, sick and elderly have fled, it's true. They are safe from Pyrrhos' horde for the time being, it's true. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN IT'S A REASON FOR US OT TO FIGHT HARD!!!! Just over the hills, lies our royal kings of many eons. Mega Alexandros should be lying there too if it weren't for the Ptolemaios, one of the many knaves that tore ARCHE MAKEDONIA apart. AND TODAY, They supplied Pyrrhos these elephantes that threaten to break through our walls!

MEN! We live in a world of LIES!! The falsehood of Alexandro's so-called "Diadochi" threaten us all! TODAY we defend Pella! TOMORROW we defend the REBIRTH OF ARCHE MAKEDONIA!!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

It is at this moment, all, even whats left of the citizens that have not fled, raised their arms.
"ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MEKADONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...sm_07711e3.jpg

When Pyrrhos besieged Pella, the streets of the polis where filled with shouting and running figures of soldiers. The citizens had all locked themselves in their houses, not daring to go out. Pyrrhos himself stood mounted on a small hill facing the polis.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...lm_d9c3b8a.jpg

"Ah, the smell of fear'', he said to his military adviser without looking at him. He then turned to face him. “What do you think, Polykarpos? Will we be dining in the palace of Pella tomorrow?''.
''I cannot say, my lord'', the man replied. ''Something doesn’t feel right. I expected more chaos in the streets''.
''Indeed, Polykarpos'', Pyrrhos agreed. ''But do not worry, I’m sure they are just hiding in their homes. It seems the Makedones are more proud than I thought, after all. I might enjoy crushing them even more, it seems. What about our forces?''
Polykarpos looked at him for several seconds before answering. ''Our main force has remained behind under leadership of Ptolemaios. As you requested, he will guard the passage from Thessalia to Makedonia.''
''Good'', Pyrrhos said, thinking. ''But there is something else you would like to tell me? I sense some kind of hesitation in your words.''
''Well'', Polykarpos said with an uneasy tone. ''There is something else''. He felt the man's eyes piercing him, while he was unable to face him. After some time, he spoke again. ''The Keltoi regiment, Sir.''
''What about it?'', Pyrrhos asked coolly.
''Well, Sir, they kind of... disobeyed your orders Sir...'', Polykarpos muttered.
''And what may that mean, Polykarpos?'', Pyrrhos asked again with the same cool voice.
''They... they left Ptolemaios' army yesterday night'', Polykarpos answered, not daring to look his king in the eyes.
''And where did they go, Polykarpos?'', Pyrrhos asked, though he knew very well where the barbaroi had headed. After a long silence, Pyrrhos shouted: ''ANSWER ME!''
''To Aigai Sir, we believe they left for Aigai. After hearing you mentioning the riches of their royal tombs, they got agitated. Forgive me Sir, I was intending to tell you earlier'', Polykarpos answered rapidly with a trembling voice.
''I see'', Pyrrhos said. ''Very well, let us hope the Makedones guard their tombs well. If the Keltoi return, make sure they are punished severely.''
''Yes, my lord'', Polykarpos said and left the hill towards the Epeirote encampment on his horse.
''Damn barbaroi...'', Pyrrhos muttered under his breath.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by satalexton

Here's my speech to the garrison of Pella:

"BRAVE SONS OF MAKEDONIA!!! I am PROUD of you ALL!!! For the rabble of Pyrrhos marches upon us as I speak!!! The old, women, sick and elderly have fled, it's true. They are safe from Pyrrhos' horde for the time being, it's true. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN IT'S A REASON FOR US OT TO FIGHT HARD!!!! Just over the hills, lies our royal kings of many eons. Mega Alexandros should be lying there too if it weren't for the Ptolemaios, one of the many knaves that tore ARCHE MAKEDONIA apart. AND TODAY, They supplied Pyrrhos these elephantes that threaten to break through our walls!

MEN! We live in a world of LIES!! The falsehood of Alexandro's so-called "Diadochi" threaten us all! TODAY we defend Pella! TOMORROW we defend the REBIRTH OF ARCHE MAKEDONIA!!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

It is at this moment, all, even whats left of the citizens that have not fled, raised their arms.
"ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!! ALL HAIL MEKADONIA!!! ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!"

---

Good speach satalexton, at least I won't have to write one of Akyoneus adressing his men! Thank you again for your support!

Maion

The Battle of Pella - Part I

Two days had passed since Pella was besieged, when suddenly Alkyoneus ordered his men to sally forth and meet Pyrrhos. It was the crack of dawn, when battle horns and drums where played to wake the soldiers. He had a plan, a crazy one that for sure, but if it worked he could maybe even give him and his people more time. Just maybe.
http://img32.picoodle.com/data/img32...3m_d3e606d.jpg

The Epeirote camp was also awakened by the sudden noise coming from Pella, and by order of Pyrrhos they took up arms and quickly formed a battle line. Within an hour, he could see Alkyoneus’ troops marching out of the city. But something was wrong. What he expected to be a garrison of roughly the same number of troops, turned out to be one of almost double his own numbers! Soon this information spread out in his camp, causing some unrest among the troops. Even the elephantes seemed uneasy, trumpeting a little more often than usual, probably sensing the tensed atmosphere.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...pm_a859d52.jpg

From the within the polis, Alkyoneus could see the Epeirotai standing silently several hundred feet away. He had decided to split his forces in two, both armies numbering about 5,000 soldiers. He intended to pincer Pyrrhos’ army, using one force he would personally lead to take Pyrrhos on one-to-one, while the other would wheel around and attack on the sides.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...1m_41e60ee.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...2m_1541538.png

As was customary between two Hellenic armies, Alkyoneus and Pyrrhos rode to each other alone. When the faced each other only several feet, Alkyoneus was the one to speak first:
“Chaire, Pyrrhos. I see surprise in the faces of your men, where you not expecting us to fight today, or did you expect less of us?”.
“Chaire, Alkyoneus. Indeed, I must say that I did not expect both. But I can’t say it surprises me, hardly it does to be honest. Amusement, would be a more appropriate term. Listen kid, I will be quick. I am not intending on moving an inch, if that is what you expect me to do. Nor will I show your people any compassion. I have ordered your surrender, and the only thing I got in return from you was a dung bag with a message saying that thát is my true kingdom. Funny, I agree, but hardly well thought. You have made yourself an enemy, Makedonian, and believe me when I say I will do the same to you as Achilleus did to Hektor during the Trojan Wars. The only difference is, that I will drag you upon the ground with my bare hands”, Pyrrhos said.
“We shall see, Pyrrhos, we shall see. I believe our little ‘conversation’ has come to an end”, Alkyoneus replied unexpressed.

Both men rode quickly back to their armies, while shortly after that battle horns where blown. Soon Alkyoneus started marching forward, with his men following behind. The battle had begun.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...em_4d13e44.png

P.S.: I know the elephants in the picture are african ones, forgive me but I couldn't find any good pics with asian ones :P

Such insolence and rude behaviour will not be forgotten! This Usurper will find justice at the stout pole of a sarissa, I swear! Oh Herakles, guide our arms to VICTORY!!!

Sorry, forgot to say who I am: My name is Antiochos (yes) and I'm 27 years old. My family hails from the mountainous north of our patris, and now I lead a squadron of the fearsome Hetairoi. My biggest skill is essentially talking our enemies into oblivion. Besides that I never go to bed with less than three beautiful Hetairai. In battle, I like best to cut off arms with my sturdy kopis. Yeah! Long live the King!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

Such insolence and rude behaviour will not be forgotten! This Usurper will find justice at the stout pole of a sarissa, I swear! Oh Herakles, guide our arms to VICTORY!!!

Sorry, forgot to say who I am: My name is Antiochos (yes) and I'm 27 years old. My family hails from the mountainous north of our patris, and now I lead a squadron of the fearsome Hetairoi. My biggest skill is essentially talking our enemies into oblivion. Besides that I never go to bed with less than three beautiful Hetairoi. In battle, I like best to cut off arms with my sturdy kopis. Yeah! Long live the King!

---

:smash:

Good, another sympatriotes joins our noble Synderion! I have prepared 2 more chapters, which I will both post today. I should play the actual campaign too sometime :P

Maion

The Battle of Pella – Part II

The Makedonian army was slowly marching towards the Epeirotai, with phalangitai in the front, Alkyoneus and his Hypaspistai on the right and the psiloi behind the main line. When just a few feet away from each other, Alkyoneus suddenly shouted:
“LIGHT THEM UP!!!”. Few seconds after that, black smoke was coming from behind Epeirote lines. At the same time, the Makedonian psiloi took out horns and begun blowing them with all their might.

As if Pan himself had unleashed his wrath, the Epeirote elephantes started making loud sounds, while stomping the ground furiously and moving around unseasily. Their mahouts tried to calm the mighty beasts, but to no avail. They even whipped the animals, but that caused them even more nervousness. The last drop fell, when behind the Epeirote lines a number of peasants came holding big lighted torches, while shouting and yelling. When they came within reach of a spear throw, they started hurling their torches towards the elephantes.

Now clearly frightened by both the loud noises of the cries and hornblows, as well as the fire behind them, the beasts saw no other escape route than straight ahead of them: the Makedonian battle line.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...pm_b69be32.png

“NO! DAMN IT, KEEP THE BEASTS AT BAY!”, Pyrrhos could be heard shouting, while some of his soldiers tried to block the path of the frenzious elephantes. The only thing they managed, was to get slammed out of the way by the sheer might of the beasts.

“NOW! AKONTISTAI, ATTACK!”, Alkyoneus shouted, while the psiloi run forward. He followed them himself with his own bodyguard, as to protect them from any possible counter-attack from the Epeirotai. Soon enough the psiloi where within firing range and started showering the charging beasts with a barrage of javelins.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...tm_cec7916.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...om_aafc109.png

Soon the number of javelins started toppling the great beasts, which fell down with a great thud and shouting of their riders. This send great shockwaves through the Epeirote lines, who took some times to realise their greatest weapon had just been neutralised. It was not long before Pyrrhos took the initiative and charged, silencing the celebrating cheers of the Makedones.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...mm_a7dbbb4.png

The psiloi where able to escape just in time, when Akyoneus charged in the sides of the Epeirote horsemen. A vicious hand to hand combat erupted between them and the Epeirotai seemed to gain the upper hand, until a second thundering boom of charging hooves was heard. The sound came from the Thessalikoi, who soon pincered the Epeirotai viciously.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...cm_33bfd53.png

As if both armies where waiting for that exact moment to attack, they begun moving towards the battling horsemen. In the meantime, the second Makedonian army coming from the northern gate had arrived to the sides of the Epeirote lines. Pyrrhos’ Hypaspistai soon clashed with Alkyoneus’, starting another vicious battle. Meanwhile, Alkyoneus’ much more numerous sphendonetai where starting to shower the Epeirote lines with stones.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...pm_ee36783.png

Within a few minutes, Pyrrhos’ bodyguards where wiped out. Pyrrhos himself was badly injured by an hetairos named Timotheos. He slashed the great king with his kopis at his right army incapicating it, while following with a horizontal one at his face. Pyrrhos almost fell from his horse, but was saved by Polykarpos, who dragged him on his own horse and run away from the fight along with a handful remaining horsemen.

The cheers erupting from Alkyoneus and his fellow horsemen was so great, that is was heard even above all the mayhem in the battlefield. As if hit by electricity, the Epeirotai started falling back if fear. The Epeirote Hypaspistai retreated, only to be pinned by the Makedonian phalangitai, while showered with stones by the sphendonetai. The rest of the phalangitai engaged the Epeirote experienced pikemen, while Pyrrhos’ Thraikioi where pinned by the well-trained Hypaspistai.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...im_7ee3db6.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...km_3840a76.png

Now free to roam the battlefield, Alkyoneus ordered his cavalry to attack the pinned Epeirotai. First Alkyoneus attacked the experienced Epeirote phalangitai, while the Thessalikoi charged at the exposed backs of Pyrrhos’ Hypaspistai.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...nm_dcc051c.png
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...nm_5ee372d.png

It was not long before the entire Epeirote line broke and started routing. With brutal efficiency, the Makedonian cavalry cut down almsot every routing man, while the infantry even captured a few. The battle was over, Alkyoneus had won the day!
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...ym_a7d17d0.png

ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ ΝΙΚΑΤΩΡ!!!!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!

*bows to satalexton* :)

Maion

Protecting the Royal Tombs (Prequel to Battle of Pella)

“Attalos, it seems we have company”, the Hypaspistes told the man standing before him.
“What kind of company?”, Attalos asked.
“Our scouts, sir. They have located a group of about 1.000 Keltoi not far from Aigai”, the man replied.
“Well, well...”, Attalos said. “I believe we should give our smelly friends a warm welcome, what do you say?”.
The man gave a slight smirk. “I will order the men to get ready, sir”, he then saluted his lochagos and run away.
“Damn you Pyrrhos, what are you thinking?”, Attalos thought, looking towards the direction in which Pella lay.

In about one hour, the Keltoi had reached the site of the Royal Tombs of Aigai. The city itself seemed deserted, with only the occasional peasant who run away immediately after seeing them. They had left two days ago from Ptolemaios’ army, deciding their future lay inside the Tombs they where facing right now, instead of the ranks of some Epeirote. They had heard from Pyrrhos himself, about a week ago, that the Tombs where full of riches of dead Makedonian kings. He had also told them they where located under artificial hills, in order to hide them from pillagers.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...im_d3d8019.png

Once the Keltoi came by a series of hills they assumed to be the Tombs, they started shouting in excitement, scattering around and running towards the hills. Soon enough they faced something they never expected to see: marching in orderly fashion and clad in shining armor, 500 men of what the Keltoi recognized as Hypaspistai had lined up before them.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...cm_ec831e8.png

Much surprised murmur and shouting could be heard from the Keltoi lines, while the Makedones stood in silence facing their enemies.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...om_679ebf0.png

In the end, the Keltoi decided to charge. Howling, yelling and shouting warcries, the barbaroi thundered against the Makedonian line. It was Attalos who broke the silence among his lines: “Makedones! We have been entrusted with the duty of protecting the sacred and most ancient Tombs of our ancestors. Without them, we are nothing. We cannot let those filthy barbaroi lay even one finger upon them. Now, Makedones, hold your line and do what you have been trained to. FOR MAKEDONIA!”.
“FOR MAKEDONIA!”, the rest of the Hypaspistai shouted back and braced themselves for the charge. It was not long before the Kletoi threw themselves upon the Hypaspistai. With cold discipline and sheer might, the Hypapistai pressed with intrelocked shields against the disorderly Keltoi. With their spears they stabbed with fatal precision on the exposed bodies of their enemies, crippling and killing many.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...xm_7224178.png

After many minutes of brutal fighting, the Keltoi where starting to get tired and their arms sore of slashing and stabbing against the impernetrable wall of Makedonian shields. Suddenly, Attalos shouted: “NOW!”, and with that the Hypaspistai shield-bashed the Keltoi and threw their dorys mercilessly upon them. They then drew their longswords and the real slaughter begun.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...rm_1ea33fd.png

It was later said that Attalos himself fought with more strength and bravery than anyone, sending Kelt after Kelt to the underworld.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_2e43cf8.png

It wasn’t long before the barbaroi’s wild battle cries turned into frightened womanly shrieking. When they finally broke ranks and started fleeing, the Hypaspistai run after them and cut down anyone that came within range of their swords.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...em_78d4f96.png

The Hypaspistai who where in the back rows stabbed any downed barbarian who was still alive with their dorys, while those in chase stopped after some meters to catch their breaths. Attalos raised his blood-drenched sword in the air and shouted: “NIKE!”, while the rest erupted in thundering cheers. The Royal Tombs had been saved.

I'm glad Pyrrhos didn't die. I'm always kind of sad, when a renowned person dies, even if it is the enemy. I sometimes use spies whose only job is to follow enemy kings, so i can check every turn if they are still alive.

Congratulations to the victory, of course :)

Thank you Lysimachos, actually I decided to let Pyrrhos live, as he was the only one left. It was a great temptation, that I must admit, but I believed that it would be better to let him live for rp reasons ;)

Maion

u shud throw them to pergamon when you finally 'kill' the epeiros, same goes for KH (have them represent the ionian greeks and the bosporans).

I congratulate you to your victory! All Makedonia hails its saviour from those half-Illyrian barbarians trying to look like Makedones.

You look puzzled, I'm sorry, you surely do not know me. My name is Machinoros of Demetrias. I am of no exceptionally noble descent. My father and my father's father were commanders of the Pezhetairoi and fought with all great Makedonian kings dating back to Alexandros Megas. This tradition was established by my grand-grand-grandfather who fell from a horse when he was still young and since then mistrusted all four-legged creatures. Since that day we prefer to fight with our feet firmly on mother Gaia. That is the reason, why our family is sometimes called Pezoides, Sons of fott soldiers. The highborn nobles call us that to taunt us, we however wear this title proudly as our ancestors stood on the right- and foremost battleline at Gaugamela which is no shame. I have seen battles, but I am a man more able with the mind than with the spear and sword. I have served the great king as Dioiketes in my home town Demetrias. I am not held in high esteem at court; people call me "mechanos", the schemer, but I do not long for glory or fame. I only want to serve my king.


All this talk about Makedonia in the Peloponnesian-War-topic in the main forum kind of got me in a Makedonia-mood. Since I currently have no time to start my own campaign, I thought I'll just hop on your Li-La-Launezug. :D
As you can see from my character introduction, I'm not so much a fancy-horsey-man as more a kind of self-made politician. ;)

[here's my in character entry]

Praise the Gods! A sound victory indeed! Shame we did not slay their leader. For I can see it, what's left of their rabble still lingers in our lands, our fields, our woods and hills....Waiting, scheming....

"Sire Αιρετικος!! Oh Αιρετικος!!"
"Honestly Antiochos, the way you called made me seem as though I am the lord of misbelievers."
"Much apologies, Sir- ..I mean Σατα...Σαταλεξτος"

Covered in dust from the battle, the young hetairos came running to me. A fine lad, already the leader of a small 100 strong ile of the hetairoi. His family hails from the northern mountains, tying their fate with our House just a generation ago. Quick in words, sturdy with his kopis, a fine loyal retinue. Reminds me of myself 10 years before, even the penchant for women...

"You are distinct, an honored one. There's no need for such formalities, you are free to address me by my name." I gave him a light slap as he catches his breath. "What news you bring forth? Surely the battle is over....for now at least."

"Raiders, keltoi raiders," said Antiochos as he stood up. Laconic as always. He pointed towards Aigai.
"What of their numbers?" I asked.
"Not sure, Attalos is on his way already with the hypapistai."
"Then who is to guard Alkyoneus?"
"...I don't know..." Antiochos turned pale with the realization.

I've heard reports of a small band of keltoi detatched from the Epeirote rabble roaming in the region. Their numbers are few, it does not warrant the use of the Royal Guard even if it is the Royal Tombs that the keltoi are after. Alkyoneus is now unprotected! The Epeiros may be repelled for now, but their forces still lurk around us. A member of the royal family is a very tempting target to strike upon.

"Where is Alkoneus?" I asked. Sensing the urgency in my voice, Antiochos quickly pointed towards the wooded hills...opposite the direction of Aigai, "He is surveying outskirts of the battlefield." He is out in the open!

"Ready the horses! Give me my arms! The hetairoi stays WITH the prince! Go Antiochos, to Alkyoneus, quick!"
"But where are you going?"
I unsheathed the rhomphia, a family heirloom won from a thraikioi generations past.
"To improvise ourselves an anvil for your hammer" I smiled.

[Guys, play along ;)]

Sympatriotai, it pleases me very much to see more members joining our little ''community''. I will edit my first post and add every member so far. As for the AAR itself, the next post will come soon enough, though not as soon as the previous ones. Keep your eyes peeled however, as I might make a few updates to keep you all informed of the rest:wink:

Maion

Opening of the Synedrion, Autumn 272BC

https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/...nedrionit1.jpg

“Synedroi! I am most happy to be here with you again, after all we’ve been through. Honestly, I never believed we would be sitting in these walls again, at least for this year. Even when mighty Alkyoneus managed to repel the first wave of Epeirote invaders, I believed it would take months until we would finally beat them back to their homelands. But, as many of you may already know, Pyrrhos and his son Ptolemaios have both fled to Epeiros! This is a glorious day indeed, as it seems our homelands are finally safe again. Furthermore, our Basileus Antigonos has returned with some thousand soldiers and has given us the honor of being here with us today! Let us hear what he has to say to us”.
*Antisthenes bows to Antigonos, while leaving the pedestal. Antigonos nods and takes his place*

“My brothers, noble Hellenes, I have come here with my army to aid our city in need, though it seems that my son Alkyoneus was more than able to do so himself. What I did, was merely make them flee due to the impact of my reinforcements. I decided to call upon the Synedrion again today, as there are pressing matters we must discuss. New matters have risen to trouble our already troubled minds. While the north seems secure for the time, danger now looms in the south. As you may now, I had given permission to Alexandros to besiege Athenai. Unfortunately, the Spartiatai took up arms and marched against an unprotected Korinthos, so Alexandros was forced to abandon his siege and march back to Korinthos. Now the Spartan strategos Eudadimas, who commands 17.820 troops, is sieging the great polis. The garrisson of Korinthos numbers 15.960 men, most of which are poorly trained, led by my brother Krateros and his son Alexandros.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...tm_c669d52.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...hm_9a9aa6b.png
“The question that rises now is the following, Synedroi: do we let Krateros and Alexandros in the mercy of the gods, or do we march south to help him? If we do, we will leave a weakened garrison behind again, plus we have to face the Athenaioi on our way. If we don’t, it is likely that Korinthos will fall and two great members of my family will die. I want to hear your opinion, wise men, before I decide on my own. I hope your decision will prove out to be as wise as the previous one...”
*Antigonos leaves the pedestal and sits on his throne, closely inspecting the Synedroi. Antisthenes takes his place again and addresses the Synedroi*

“We have heard our Basileus’ words, so let us now vote!”

Internal matters of the Basileion Makedonias:

In spite of these troubled times we live in, there are moments of sunshine. Our Royal Family has accepted a new member to its lines, a Makedonian from the east, who married a fine young woman of the Royal Family. The word is about the young couple, Andronos Troios and Iphianassa. May the gods bless them with happiness, health and many, many children, preferably boys!
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...sm_e9a2d91.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...em_7bb52b0.png

A fine youngling, give him a chance to prove his worth in the oncoming relief of Korinthos. If my proposal is accepted, I shall provide him with the arms and men. Antiochos and I shall accompany him in person.

"So, noble Satalextos, your vote is for the young Andronos to take up arms and relief Korinthos? Don't you think the man is too young and his loyalty not yet ensured for such an important campaign?''

do not worry, for I shall guide him myself, for I see there's a good fight in the young welp. I want to take him under my wing...yes.

Brothers, dear members of the Synedroi, and my Basileus *bows deeply*. I have returned to Pella and it warms my heart to see it still standing, a feat of no comparison in our time. It is with sad words I've come to confess that I was not present in person during the siege of Pella, but instead I repelled an attack against Aigai, by savage Keltioi hired by Pyrrhos himself to ravage the city and loot the noble tombs of our ancestors!

Now, for the good news! First of, let me congratulate Iphianassa. Last time I saw her, she was but a young girl, curious and full of laughter. Today, she is a woman, as beautiful and sharp as her mother! Now even happily married to a young man that have my blessings! I see great potential in this man, Andronos Troios, and he have my support... As long as he have my kings (Laughter errupts, as the words are spoken in a playful manner, yet with an underlaying seriousness). May the gods smile upon their marriage, and may they together be blessed with many a healthy sons!

But dear Synedroi, brothers, I am also here to speak my mind about the recent political events in our Kingdom. The situation is a tricky one indeed. Pella is saved, and for that, we shall thank the gods, but foremost our Basileus and his Son, who like gods fought to save it. The northen parts of our kingdom is safe, for now, however.. The south is not. In Korinthos Krateros, brother of our beloved Basileus, and his son, Alexandros, is trapped within the city walls, besieged by an army of Chremonidean usurpers. As brothers, and royalty, we can not allow them to die without even trying to save them. My suggestion is that we send a large portion of our army southwards, as fast as possible, while leaving a smaller garrison in Pella. We will first beat the Athenai on the field, whereafter we march towards Korinthos. Once Korinthos is relieved, we directly march towards Athenai for a decisive battle. Once this is done, we shall plan our next step. Well then, brothers, my voice has been heard!

But tonight, lets forget of all our troubles for just one night. Let us celibrate the marriage of Iphianassa! Let us celibrate the victory won in Pella! Let us honour the Gods and foremost, let us honour Dionysius by serving the best wine in all of Makedonia!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_2e43cf8.png

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Fantastic shot, Maion. Was that a custom battle? Because I'm quite surprised to really see the tombs in EB. And stylish performance, Attalos! :grin:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by machinor

... Sons of fott soldiers...

---

Roflmao!

------------------------------------------

*cough*cough*cough* Antiochos stands up, the cup of wine in his hand *cough*
"I'd like to bring out a toast on our Great King, Antigonos, and our Brave Prince, Alkyoneus! Hail to the King, Hail Antigonos! Hail Alkyoneus!"
"Hail Antigonos, Hail Alkyoneus!" respond the men of the synedrion.
"Days ago, we have teached the Epeirotes a lesson. A lesson they will not forget too soon. Although Pyrrhos managed to merely save his own life, there is no denial this battle was a blunder for him. He is injured, and it will take some time to plot new evil against our Kingdom. But now there are more pressing matters, matters we cannot ignore. The traitors of Athens and Sparte, together with the weasels of Rhodos, under kind protection of the incestuous Egyptians - yes, Egyptians, barbarians - question our right. And they have taken up arms to threaten innocent women and children. My Lord, noble Synedroi, I petition you! Give me the order, and I'll happily slay everything Greek from here to Sparte! It is time to teach them their place in the food chain!" Agreeing laughter and shouting in the synedrion.
"I daresay: Down with the poleis! Down with the poleis, they have had their time, but now we have ours!"
People jump up from their chairs, raising their wine cups. "Down with the traitors! Down with Athens, teach them our law! Teach them our will!!"

*Antigonos stands up and faces the Synderoi*
''Sympatriotai, your words have been heard. I see you all agree that I send my soldiers to the south to relieve Korinthos. Of course, I didn't expect you to suggest that Korinthos should be abandoned, though I want you to remeber that Pyrrhos is still alive. And as long as he does, Makedonia shall never be safe. If we leave Pella, the Epeirotai might march against us once again, with, dare I say, more viciousness than ever. By weakening the garisson in Pella, we leave ourselves open to yet another invasion. As such, I see no other option than acting as quickly as possible. I will send the best of my soldiers to the south and with one great wave I shall wipe away every remnants of this pathetic alliance. I, myself, shall not lead this campaign, as I will never allow myself to be away again during any possible Epeirote invasion. I will send my dear son, Alkyoneus, to conquer southern Hellas with all my blessings. Let us now feast upon the double victory we have achieved, though I will not drink a single drop of wine until I know my brother and nephiew are safe again".

@Centurio: Indeed, it was a custom battle. Same gos with the screenshot of the Makedonian vs the Epeirote Hypaspistai, as in reality you do not have any Hypaspistai unit in the beggining. You might also have noticed the battle was kind of 300-style, at least some points:2thumbsup:

Machinoros raises his cup.
"Hear hear! To our soldiers who saved our homeland and will push its border to the seas!
It warms my heart to see that our great king is on his way to put those pesky city-states back in line. Korinthos cannot fall, for if it does, not only will Makedonia lose two of its greatestmen, but we would also lose our most important base of operations in southern Greece. May the king's glorious son Alkyoneus not only free our friends and brothers at Korinthos but also crush the Hellenic opposition in Athens. With all due respect to Master Antisthenes' personal affection for philosophy and its great teachers and Athenian education, that town has always spread nothing but unrest and resistance against our kings' noble and great endeavours. Their insolence should be put to an end.
May I therefor humbly advise that, after Korinthos is saved from those backwardish Spartans, the great Makedonian army of the South should march to Athens and occupy it. Then the South of Greece would be so firmly in our king's hand that we wouldn't even need to occupy Lakonia. The Hellenic Alliance would be so weakend, that they'd be paralysed long enough for us to deal Epeiros a decisive blow."

-----
Aaawh dammit. Well so I'm a fott soldier then! Beware teh mite of teh evul Fott of Doooooooooooom!!!

Oh, I forgot to add my character's age. It's 37. And big thanks to you, Maion, for providing the exakt terms like syntagmatarchos, Demetriados. I tried to look them up myself but in the end I was to lazy. ;(

Ending of the Synedrion

Alkyoneus gathered his forces numbering 12,420 men and marched out of Pella as soon as humanly possible. Within the beginning of Eiar, 505th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 271BC), Alkyoneus had already reached the region of Attike.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...nm_59f2a91.jpg
(this is a picture of Cape Sounion, in modern Attike)

There, the Makedonian strategos met some feeble resistant, a 2.985-men strong force of Athenian hoplitai led by a man named Misenos. Misenos had been given task of slowing down Alkyoneus, though the Makedonian intended to finish this job as soon as possible.

When Alkyoneus’ army came within sight of Misenos, the commander run back to Athenai. Soon word came from Alkyoneus’ scouts that Chremonides himself was coming in aid of Misenos with 10.155 soldiers. The battle of Attike was about to commence.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...em_91ad4dd.png

The Battle of Attike

Alkyoneus deployed in a typical Makedonian fashion, with his phalangitai in the center, his hoplitai and hippeis at the flanks and his psiloi in front and behind his main line.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...1m_cda3aca.png

The region was grassy and slightly uneven, with a great forest to both sides of the road that lead to the city of Athenai. Chremonides was coming from within a small groove, with his psiloi and hippakontistai having the lead. Misenos and his hoplitai where running from the western forest (to the Makedonian side) in order to join with Chremonides.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...2m_84c0994.png

Alkyoneus decided to intercept Misenos’ plans and order his sphendonetai to shower the lightest of Misenos’ hoplitai, efficiently pinning them. He then sent forth a hoplitai regiment, while following them with his own bodyguard. Soon his hoplitai engaged Misenos’, while Akyoneus wheeled around and hammered their backs.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...3m_c5e6e14.png
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...6m_0acd357.png

Realising what was happening, Misenos and his men turned back in aid of his endangered soldiers. Upon seing that, Alkyoneus ordered a tactical retreat.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...5m_aaa5c80.png
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...7m_cde63a1.png

Before Alkyoneus’ hoplitai could return back to their lines, they where charged at by a unit of Misthophoroi Thessalikoi and though the men suffered from the charge, they held the line firmly.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...8m_2b710d3.png


Meanwhile, the Makedonian phalangitai pinned the hoplitai regiment that was running to the aid of the Thessalikoi, while having been hammered by Alkyoneus some minutes ago.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...9m_da841ce.png

On the left Makedonian wing, the hoplitai had successfuly repelled the Thessalikoi, only to be greeted by another cavalry chrage, this time by Chremonides’ hippakontistai. Yet again, the hoplitai held firmly.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...0m_fc7d22f.png

The numerous psiloi of Chremonides where beggining to annoy Alkyoneus, so he ordered his own Thessalikoi to attack them.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...1m_f974411.png

At the same time, Alkyoneus sphendonetai fired death upon the remaining of Chremonides’ Thessalikoi, while he ordered his lonchophoroi to aid his own Thessalikoi.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...2m_a7e444a.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...3m_ea81128.png

On the left Makedonian wing, things where turning out to be in favour of Alkyoneus. His hoplitai had managed to drive away the hippakontistai who where now fleeing, while a unit of Athenian hoplitai decided to wheel around and attack them. This was quickly seen by Alkyoneus though, who immediately ordered his phalangitai to counter the attackers. The ground was not in their favour there, and upon realising their sarissai where not effective, switched to their short swords. A vicious battle erupted, but soon the Athenaioi where hammered by Alkyoneus and his bodyguard.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...4m_4ce4d1e.png
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...5m_16a197a.png

Chremonides entered the battlefield shortly, only to be welcomed by Makedonian sarissai.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...6m_5369bdb.png
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...8m_8cc8560.png

At the same time, the psiloi had been almost completely wiped out by the well-trained Makedonian hippeis, who where sweeping the remaining routing men. Even the swift hippakontistai where not agile enough to escape the deadly spears of the lonchophoroi.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...7m_f19da0a.png http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...0m_a162428.png

At the left Makedonian wing, the fighting had reached a climax. Another Athenian hoplitai regiment had come and engaged the tired Makedonian hoplitai.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...9m_4dc4f0c.png

Fortunately, the first Athenian hoplitai regiment had been cut to pieces by that time, so the phalangitai where free to wheel aound the newcomers. Now trapped by spears on all sides, the Athenaioi where starting to panic.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...2m_b37e6df.png

The Makedonian sphendonetai where now free to roam the battlefield, so Alkyoneus ordered them to be split into 2 groups; one was to fire at the backs of Chremonides’ pinned bodyguards, the other Misenos and his men, who where fruitlessly trying to catch the swift Makedonian lonchophoroi.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...1m_34a44e3.png

When the sphendonetai had spent all their remaining missiles upon Chremonides, Alkyoneus once again ordered the charge. The impact of the mounts was so great, that the Athenaioi where viciously impaled on the Makedonian sarissai. It is said Chremonides himself was impaled upon the sarissa of a man named Alkman. He was later raised to the title of Pezhetairos.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...3m_b5238ed.png
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_db520d6.png

The remaining force of the Athenaioi was so disheartened of their strategos’ fall, that soon they started mass-routing towards Athenai. The numerous Makedonian hippeis though, made sure that only few made it back alive.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...4m_90eea0c.png

Many Athenaioi where also captured, but Alkyoneus ordered them to flee back to their city in exchange of their arms. Only with Misenos, who was also among the captured, he made an exception; upon approaching him with his mighty steed, he unmounted it and faced the man. Without saying a word, a drwe out his kopis and cut his throat. That was what any man who opposed himself to the might of Makedonia deserved, either Hellen or barbarian.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...tm_daef0f3.png

The battle had been won, the Athenaioi obliterated and the city itself left to his mercy. “Just a little more...”, Alkyoneus thought.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...ym_b83e61b.png

By the end of the day, Athenai was under Makedonian control. Alkyoneus himself took the Archon’s mansion as his own, it’s balconies directly facing the famous Akropolis Athenaia.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...tm_7e4df06.png
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...em_4db9e7b.png
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_9a4f36d.png
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...1m_1bd4316.jpg

Allow me to congratulate our royal heir, Alkyoneus, to his most magnificent victory against the Chremoinidian usurpers! Such victories are usually only granted only to those destined for greatness! Let us hope that this is no exception, wich I highly doubt. Athenai is ours, and the tide of this war might finally be turned! We now controll all the roads along the coast to the Aegan sea, wich will make troop mobilization much easier, clear our backs and focusing our fronts. Not to forget, it will also give us control over the trade-routes that goes through this area, wich we can tax, increasing our own coffins, in turn strengthening our military forces. Let us hope this to be a turning point in this war!

If I may, I would strongly vote for that Andronos Troios will be put under the command of Alkyoneus to prove his worth in battle. I also suggest that our next step is to crush the Chremonidian league last power-base in Hellas itself, namely Sparte. With Sparte captured, we will have a strong power-base on wich we can resupply our armies, draft new able-bodied men and focus the war effort on Pyrrhos himself!

I have prepared a series of updates for today, hopefuly piccodle won't blow my brains and I will be able to post them all. I would like to add that i don't have Andronos anymore, as I made some mistake and had to reload the previous turn. When I pressed end turn, I didn't get him. No worries though, I will rp him to be the governor-to-be of Demetrias. He didn't have any good leading traits anyway. :P

Maion

After Athenai was captured, Alkyoneus was forced to further postpone the relief of Korinthos, due to the pressing matters he had to attain. The polis of Athenai was great and wealthy, thus Alkyoneus decided to declare Athenai a Nomos Autonomos, even placing an Athenaios as the polis’ Archon under his direct control.

Alkyoneus had hoped that, upon declaring Athenai an allied autonomous state, the polis would not suffer economically, plus he would ensure at least some public order. In the course of time, the region of Attike would be turned into a Makedonike Satrapeia.

Time passed, with Alkyoneus being unable to move from the city. Meanwhile, word had come that Eudadimas was planning to attack Korinthos soon. It was already Theros, 505th year after the First Olympiad (Summer, 271BC), and many things had happened during that time.

First of all, Makedonian spies had informed the Basileion that the Epeirotai had withdrawn most of their troops and marched them to Illyria. It seemed that Pyrrhos decided he needed the mines of the region to strengthen his economy.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...vm_7348bb7.png

Furthermore, Pyrrhos and his son, Alexandros, had gathered a small force numbering 5.265 men with clear intent of attacking Pella anew.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...sm_36aeb34.png
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...nm_8284b10.png

In the outside world, several things had happened. First of all, the Spartan king Areus had managed to bring the island of Krete under his command. The important city of Kydonia, along with the many more numerous ports of Krete where now under direct control of the Koinon Hellenon.

Before the southern Hellenes could have time to celebrate their conquest, grim word reached them that the Pontioi where besiegeing the ancient Hellenic city of Sinope, a polis founded by the Melesioi, an island-member of the Koinon. Furthermore, the Pontioi broke their alliance with the Baktrioi, further weakening the anti-Seleukid alliance.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...ym_3e4d350.png

By the beginning of Phthinoporon (Autumn), Eudadimas finally attacked and, unfortunately for both Krateros and Alexandros, Alkyoneus was nowhere to be seen...
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...tm_095c531.png

The Siege of Korinthos

Eudadimas had made his decision; he would attack Korinthos as soon as possible, hoping his superior numbers and quality of troops would prevail. He knew that, if Alkyoneus would reach the polis, he would most surely suffer a defeat like Chremonides did. He had to protect Sparte at all costs and within the walls of the polis, he could probably face the Makedones with more safety that in the open where the Makedones remained superior.

With rams, ladders and siege towers, Eudadimas ordered the attack.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...1m_dfb96b5.png

When the attackers came close to the walls, they where met with a barrage of Makedonian javelins and stones. Though the casualties on the Spartan side where great, the soldiers kept advancing. The defenders even managed to burn down the ram.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...3m_ada685f.png
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...4m_511ddac.png
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...2m_cf130b3.png

The Makedonian psiloi on the walls retreated quickly, as soon the besiegers had reached the walls. The sight of the Spartiatai hoplitai instilled the men with even more fear.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...5m_b518378.png

When the walls where captured, Eudadimas and his men poured inside the polis like ants.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...6m_3f65bf2.png

As Krateros had guessed, the main Spartan force would focus on the southern passage, so he placed his phalangitai in the narrow streets which led to the Agora. Within a few minutes, a good amount of soldiers where facing a wall of sarissai.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...7m_f784ee7.png

In the eastern passage, Krateros had placed his hoplitai, who where soon facing the Spartan psiloi, along with a regiment of Kretai.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...8m_074a58b.png

In the southern passage, the first wave was successfully repelled, their place to be taken by Eudadimas and his Spartiatai, along with some Helot hoplitai.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...9m_27a8e7b.png

In the eastern passage, the psiloi where defeated and their place taken by a syntagma of misthophoroi phalangitai and perioikoi hoplitai, who where steadily winning the lighter armoured Makedonian defenders. As if out of nowhere, the attackers where hammered by Alexandros and his hetairoi who cut them to pieces.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...0m_bac0696.png

With the eastern gate safe, Krateros ordered his Keltoi to attack a unit of remaining Kretai.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...1m_a4f956c.png

Meanwhile, the fighting in the southern passage was turning in favour of Eudadimas. The superior armour of his Spartiatai, enabled them to steadily get past the wall of sarissai and come into spear-range of the phalangitai. What Eudadimas didn’t kow, is that the rest of his forces where retreating and he was the only one still there, along with some helotai and peltastai. Soon Krateros and his bodyguard where behind them, hammering the Spartiatai with all their might.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...2m_45fd120.png

A few minutes of vicious fighting was enough to break their morale; they started mass-routing, only to be viciously impaled upon the xystons of the hetairoi. Even the Spartiatai fled for their lives.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...3m_9e7c93d.png
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...4m_8b84721.png

Many men where captured in their flight, including the Spartan Eudadimas. The battle was won, Makedonia had once again proven her superiority in arms! Makedonia Nikator!
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...ym_758306c.png

The Fall of a Great Polis

It is Phthinoporon, 505th year after the First Olympiad (Autumn, 271BC). The Basileion is saved once again by it’s brave sons. After the successful repel of the invading Spartan force, Sparte was more fearful of being conquered than ever before. Only Akrotatos, the governor of Sparte, and a few hundred Spartiatai where left to protect the ancient polis.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...sm_2e46497.png

Krateros decided he had to act immediately, so he sent a messenger to Alkyoneus in request of troops. Alkyoneus agreed and sent a number of his troops to Korinthos. Even before the month was over, Alexandros was besieging Sparte with 11.025 soldiers. The reason of this great number, was due to the fear of a possible amphibious attack by the southern Hellenes who still remained masters of the sea.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...em_ca1aece.png

The battle was a short one, but the bravery of the Spartiatai was notable. Firstly, they refused to surrender in return of their independence and the captured Eudadimas and secondly, they fought to the last man during the battle. A great marble lion was made by order of Alexandros as a reminder of Spartan bravery.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...im_73c43d6.png

Akrotatos himself died in the battle and his funeral was a magnificent one, trully befalling such a great man. Furthermore, the polis was to be declared a Nomos Symmachos Autonomos soon.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...em_5211a9e.png
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...em_0902f27.png

The rebellious southern Hellas was once again under Makedonian control and the word was spread to the whole Basileion.

I have yet anoter update, but I will post that one by the end of the day, maybe even tomorrow. It seems that the Synedrion will be called upon very soon again, if you know what I mean:wink2:

Maion

why, great apologies, there has been some major breakthrough in one of my arms factories...and i must take an extended abscence to tend to the affairs... I assure you, when I return, the MAKEDONIKE army will be revolutionized!

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!

(RL issues gettign to me, I have much less time to tend to the interwebz)

That's ok, satalexton, though your absence will be most notable indeed!

Maion

In the north, Pyrrhos had once again marched against Pella. Alkyoneus himself along with his remaining soldiers had marched back to his homeland just in time. In the plains of Makedonia, a short battle between Pyrrhos and Antigonos took place.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...nm_48a2e27.png

Pyrrhos was badly injured from the previous battle outside of Pella and that could be clearly seen throughout the battle. He had become weak from the wounds he had sustained, though in his madness of redeeming his name he had insisted in attacking Pella again. The man’s foolishness, unfortunately, cost him his life. One of the greatest men ever had passed to the afterlife, and all that because of his pride.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...tm_3b6ee05.png

Alexandros, Pyrrhos’ son, was also captured during the battle, but in respect of his father’s death he was set free along with his father’s body. Any Epeirotai who had surrendered where also set free, in exchange of their arms. The victory was bittersweet indeed.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...em_1ad5dc9.png

At last, after so many years of warfare, Makedonia was safe again. Epeiros was nothing without Pyrrhos and the Chremondean Alliance was driven out of mainland Hellas.

A great celebration took place throughout the Basileion, but in Pella the celebration was the greatest; the Basileus himself had announced the birth of yet another son, named Adaios. After a week long of mourning the passing of lost soldiers and enemies, a week of celebration took place. The finest wines, maidens and musicians of the world where gathered in Pella.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...rm_67f3e15.png

At the same time, a project of building a fleet was launched by the Basileus in the polis of Athenai. It was time the Basileion set its eyes outside of mainland Hellas, but for now there lay more pressing matters before the Basileus, matters that ought to be discussed by the Synderion. As such, the Synedrion was called upon again during the Cheimon of the 505th year after the First Olympiad (Winter, 271BC).

Beginning of the Synedrion, 271BC

https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/...nedrionit1.jpg

"Synedroi! Words alone are not enough to express my feelings of being here, standing on this altar and facing you. Not with a troubled mind, but with happiness and a feeling of safety I haven't felt for many, many years. Finally, southern Hellas is safe under our control and Pyrrhos of Epeiros in Hades. While the latter does not exactly please me, it does mean that the once-powerful Basileion Epeirou is no more. Even if your minds are clear after the week-long celebrations, I feel the need to inform you that the we are in a most favorable situation. Our armies are gathered in Pella, we have a stable economy plus a very good income, so that leaves us with many, many possibilities."

''Here is a map of the known world, Synedroi.''
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...pm_43601c9.gif

''As you can see, there have been some changes in the world. At the present moment though, we should focus on Hellas. The Koinon Hellenon is still standing, with many Athenaioi and Spartiatai having found refuge in the islands of the Aigaion, as well as Rhodos and Krete. They still remain masters of the seas and in order to unify Hellas, we will have to face them sooner or later.''

*Antisthenes takes a long pause, smiles and looks up to the Synderoi again*

''Sympatriotai, by order of the Basileus, who unfortunately couldn't be here today because of the birth of his newborn son, I have prepared a list of our next possible targets.''
a) Epeiros. We gather all our forces and march against the Epeirotai.
b) Aitolia. A final battle against the Aitolike Synomospondia will further strengthen our economy. Plus, we will not feel threatened by them anymore.
c) Chresonesos Thraikia. Conquering the region will give us control over all trade that goes from the Euxeinos Pontos to the Aigaion. While this will bring us much wealth, it may result in declaration of unwanted wars against people such as the Pontioi, Thraikes and even out allies, the Seleukeidai who have immediate interest in the area.
d) Krete. We wait for the construction of the fleet in Athenai and immediately set sail to bring the islands under our control, with Krete as our final destination. Capturing the islands will probably result in the disintegration of the Koinon Hellenon once and for all.

''Having seen our next possible targets, I ask you, oh noble Synedroi, what is your opinion? Any other possible targets can be openly suggested as well. As for the strategoi that will lead our armies, I can tell you that Antigonos, Alkyoneus and Alexandros are all fit and willing to bring out the task. Now the decision lies in your hands brothers...''

Sympatriotai, I suggest that we march against Ambrakia, quickly followed by Epidamnos. The Epirotai may be crushed and little more than a nuisance after Pyrrhos death, but Pyrrhos death also left a power-vacum in the Basileon Epeirou wich someone is bound to fill, be it some distant relative to Pyrrhos himself, or a cunning nobleman. The point remains, someone will seize control of the throne, and pose a threat to us anew. Only by conquering Epeiros and Illyria Hellenike itself can we ensure ourselves that the Epirotai will never again march against our doors. I also suggest that we use our fleet, once it is in comission, to blockade the ports of the now island-bound Koinon Hellenon to weaken them. Now, I'm getting far ahead of events, but I also suggest that after we have conquered all of the Basileon Epeirou, we attack the Aitolians. This will leave the entire western coast in our hands, ensuring trade, not to speak of the mines in Illyria Hellenike. Chersonesos Thraikia we should be wary of attacking, yet. It would, as you say, noble Antisthenes, ensure much trade-profits. But it would also give us complete control of who enters and exits Europe and Asia Minor, considering the strategic positioning of Byzantion. However, it may provoke attacks we are not yet ready to face, therefore I suggest that we make plans for it, but wait. I would rather we attack Serdike in Dardanoia. There are bountiful mines there, and capable warriors we can enlist, should we conquer them!

i agree, taking them under our dominion we can levy their men in the future when they have proven to be trusted, and the new arms that my house are developing utilizing keltoi chainmail could then be put to great use...

...I must depart for now.

''I see, Syendroi, that you seem to agree Epeiros should be attacked first, followed by an invasion of the northern barbarian tribes. I will wait for any further suggestions, until I announce our decision to the Basileus. As for the strategoi that will lead such a dangerous campaign, as Epeiros is now like a wounded beast, what do you propose? Does Alexandros got what it takes to lead our men, or maybe Alkyoneus? We could give our Basileus some rest, but the decision is ultimately his. Maybe a mutual lead of our forces?''

I say, if they are already fractured, why not comission two smaller armies, each headed by royalty to crush all of the Epirotai might in one blow. Yes, I'm talking about besieging both Ambrakia and Epidamnos at once! A brave move, I know, but one we should take considering that our forces are superior in both numbers and morale! After such a bold move, however, we should plan carefully our next invasion of, if we're fully intent on it, the northern barbarians in Dardanoia.

''Hmmm, a very interesting proposal indeed, Attalos. That, of course, would only be possible if the Epeirotai do not pose any serious defense. That way, we can squash two flies with one blow, yes, a good idea indeed. I will certainly tell the Basileus about this...''

P.S.: I am thinking of moving Epeiros elsewhere when I defeat them and rename/recolor them into another ''faction''. There are quite some possibilities, but most likely I will turn them either into Illyria or Pergamon. What do you say?

Machinoros rises from his chair and begins to speak: "Great council, forgive me my boldness, but I must advise strongly against such irresponsible campaigning!! For I fear, that the nobility only seeks war not for the best of the kingdom but for their personal glory! They long for our beloved king to become the next Alexander, but not for his glory and the good of Makedonia but because of their hunger for glory and riches! Yes I agree, that Alexander was truly The Great and his empire is yet to be matched in size and greatness. But let us not forget what happened to his empire! It crumbled and fell to pieces, spawning warring petty empires and endless infight between men who should unite as brothers against barbarians. This is not the way long-lasting empires are created. Therefor I advise strongly against a rushed campaign against 2 seperate cities at the same time. Boldness and bravery are fine qualities but one must be careful not to drift into carelessness and hubris.
Consolidate your kingdom, my king. Move against one enemy at a time. So that your noble heir may inherit a kingdom strong and stable, not an empire weak and crumbling. Take away the Epirote capitals from Pyrrhos' heirs so their are weak. But do not bring them to the point of dersperation for a wolf who is cornered and left with no way out, will fight ferociously and cause his enemies much agony. Try to establish a peace with the Epirotes after you conquered their capital. They can still be a useful ally and shield us from the barbarian hordes of the dark and deep regions of Europe. Furthermore I advise against subduing the Aitolian League without a legitimate reason. Always remember why the Koinon Hellenion fought us: Because they saw in us an opressor and invader. We should not confirm this image for it is invaders and opressor that Hellenes have always hated since the days of Marathon and Thermopylai. Everyone in the world knows that Makedonia spawns the greatest warriors and generals, we do not have to prove that. Let us try to make Makedonia famous for its reasonable and and just kings."
Machinoros sits down again. He utters a slight cough and waits for the other councilmen to say anything. There is a moment of silence...


-----
Come on guys, let's not just steamroll the whole known world. Let's keep this interesting. :2thumbsup: If we conquer all of Hellas in the first 5 turns, this is going to get boring very soon.
Btw, do you have the Forced Diplomacy Minimod installed, Maion?

*Antisthenes raises from his seat and addresses Machinoros*

''Wise Machinoros, while your words are well-though and quite rational, I must remind you of several things; First of all, it was Pyrrhos and his Epeirotai who almost destroyed our Basileion. It was them who marched against us first, them who killed so many of us and them who aimed against our sacred tombs at Aigai! If they had done the same thing to the southern Hellenes by attacking the Oracle of Delphoi, would they not have responded with all their might? Would they not have fought wit every bit of energy residing within their bodies to fight off the Epeirotai and punish them severely? I do not, however, propose to completely raise Epeiros to the ground. That, Synderoi, would be foolish indeed. There is a big difference between punishment and obliteration and surely we, and our Basileus I want to believe, have no thought of the latter. While I do agree with the forespoken Synedroi in attacking with split forces the Epeirotai, I do not wish for ultimate peace. I am a supporter of the pan-Hellenic idea, after all. We are all Hellenes, either Epeirotai, Makedones, Athenaioi or Spartiatai. We have to be united and spread Hellenic greatness to the rest of the uncivilised world, that is our duty. So I propose we do conquer the Epeirotai as soon as possible, for quite a few reasons. One, because they are now weakened and confused by the sudden loss of their Basileus and would not expect such a sudden counter-attack. Two, we have to show the world we do not tolerate anyone who threatens us openly, especially by aiming against our ancestral heritage. Three, we will show the world that we are tolerant and wise, by allowing them to govern themselves, by not damaging their sacred sites and by not killing their innocent.''

*Antisthenes takes a short moment to catch his breath and soon addresses Machinoros again*

''As for attacking the Aitolian Leuge, shall I remind you of their attempts of taking Korinthos from our rule in their past? Their alliance with the Athenaioi against us? Their attacks against our fellow Dorieis, the Spartiatai? Their threats of invading Thessalia when we where in the verge of destruction? These men have insulted us too many times. We must show them we do not tolerate any insults, plus we have to win back our reputation in the field of battle. Also, controlling the Oracle of Delphoi will further enhance our economy. They should be our next target after the Epeirotai and yet again, we can show them our good side. We will build their cities and enrich them. We will give them the honor of having their boys fight in our ranks. Let us not forget also, that controlling the western shores of Hellas will give us control of many trading ports, plus the possibility of interfering with the rising power of the Romaioi.''

*much murmur, insults and slight laughter could be heard by the mention of the Italoi*

''Yes, brothers, the Romaioi. While their greatness can by no means be compared with ours, they are still a people to be watched at. They have already defeated Pyrrhos, a descendant of Megas Alexandros himself. They even threaten the poleis of Megale Hellas! With Pyrrhos gone, who will have the task protecting these ancient poleis but us? We can become the wall that will halt their advance in Hellenic lands, plus Italia is a very fertile and profitable land indeed.''

*another short silence by Antisthenes*

''While I could keep talking for hours, pointing ou reasons of invading Epeirotic land, I believe I have made my own opinion clear to everyone. This campaign has to end quick and efficiently.''

*Antisthenes sits down again*

P.S.: I won't steamroll Hellas, do not worry machinor :). What I will do, is get rid of Epeiros soon. If you have played as Makedonia, you will know that letting them live is a pain in the @$$, as they keep sending small groups (1-2 units) of soldiers and besieg either Pella or Demetrias, even if you have them well-garrisoned. Sometimes they even send lone FMs to do the job, so you end up wiping out their entire family tree within few years:thumbsdown: Anyway, I intend on moving Epeiros to Pergamon and rename them into a ''new'' faction so they aren't going to die. As for the mini-mod, yes I do:yes:

I apologize beforehand before I give my speech, wich I'm quite sure will sound both offending and agressive. Now, I openly accept when one Sympatrioi criticizes my opinions, my strategies or even my ways of thinking. However, criticizes against my loyalty and honour, I can not tolerate. Yes, I do strongly vote for an attack on the Epirotai mainland and wiping them out. I vote for it, beacuse I see it as the most sound move to ensure our kingdoms safety. Yes, many benefits, political and economical, comes with it, but in the bottom, it will ensure the safety of our kingdom and our sons and families. To think.. To even suggest that the reason for my opinion is that of lust of riches and fortunes.. I spit on those accusations! Yes, I may be a nobleman with an interests in politics and wealth. Yes, I may be a footsoldier and a man of the blade rather than a man of words. But by Zeus, I am no younglig wishing to dash out into the world searching for gold or love. No, my intentions are far more rational than that, and far more patriotic, if I may. Allow me to demonstrate my way of thinking, by giving you an example. A pack of wolf that attacks a herd of sheep will be hunted down by the shepherd, as to ensure the safety of his herd. The shepherd would never allow some of the wolves to survive. No, he would wipe them out as to ensure that never again in the future will these wolves return and try to harm his flock. Sympatriotai, what I advocate is pure logic. The most logical thing to do, from a number of points; Economical, Political, Safety, Popularity etc. Is to invade the Epirotai and wipe them out once and for all.

Now, as Antisthenes said, we will not come as conquerors, but as brothers and fathers. If the people will accept us, not as foes, but as brothers liberating them from darkness, corruption and poverty, then we shall gladly take them into our arms, as loving brothers. We shall develop their cities to levels of prosperity they have never seen. We shall build schools to educate them, temples in wich they can pray to the gods, walls behind wich they can defend themselves, roads on wich they can travel and garrisons with wich they can defend them, sewers with wich they can keep their cities clean! We shall even allow their sons to fight in our armies for the glory of all of Hellas! Sympatriotai, make no misstake about it, we will not come as conquerors, we will come as liberators.

P.S. Everything said In Character is purely my "Character" speaking, so take nothing personal. As you may have figured, he is overzealos and proud. Aswell as prone to taking things personal.

Good to see we have some ongoing debates here:yes: Anyway, I have already started playing and taken some shots, I'm now working on writing the next update. The update will consist of 2 parts, which I will release most likely tomorrow morning (Greek time). I will do so, as I am leaving on Monday and for a few days, in order to deliver the papers needed to register myself in University. This means I will be missing for a couple of days, so there will be a gap between the Monday-update and the next one following.

Ending of the Synedrion

Maion

By the end of the 505th year of the First Olympiad (271BC), Antigonos Basileus Makedonias, had made his decision; he would gather his forces and march against the Epeirotai. The operation of gathering and drilling the troops took nearly half a year along with the necessary preparations, but Antigonos knew it was worth the waiting time.

Meanwhile, Sparte had officially been declared a Nomos Symmachos Autonomos and a Spartiates named Kassandros was appointed as governor of the polis. Kassandros himself was under direct control of Antigonos, plus he was quite respected among his fellow Spartiatai. The citizens soon returned to their usual lifestyle, with the difference that they now didn’t feel threatened anymore.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...vm_a9f58d5.png
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...sm_b90fffb.png

In Epeiros, things seemed very grim. After the death of Pyrrhos, the whole Basileion was shattered. The fire caused by the great man had gone out as quickly as it started. The message of a great military campaign against them, made things even worse. It was not long until some Epeirotai changed sides and went with the Makedones, much like what happened during Pyrrhos’ campaigns. Furthermore, Makedonian spies had infiltrated the capital of Epeiros, Ambrakia, constantly giving information of the current happenings to Antigonos.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...am_d0ee850.png

Outside of mainland Hellas, it seemed that the Koinon Hellenon was still standing. Now that the southern Hellenes where banished from the mainland, the Ptolemaioi lost interest in the alliance. The only islands which remained tied with Ptolemaios Philadelphos, where Krete and Rhodos. That was bound to change, as during Eiar of the 506th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 270BC), the Koinon landed an invading force in Karia from Rhodos, led by a man named Epigenes. Karia, having close ties with the Ptolemaioi, asked them for help. As such, war was declared between the Koinon and the Arche Ptolemaion.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_b722b50.png
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...sm_251e726.png

Upon learning this, the Makedonian diplomats lost no time and immediately rushed to the closest Ptolemaic town to ask for a ceasefire, which the Ptolemaioi agreed. This would open trade routes between mainland Hellas and Aigyptos once again.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...tm_373da26.png

During Theros (Summer) of the same year, a great naval battle took place near the shores of Karia. A combined naval power of both Makedones and Seleukidai, managed to defeat the Rhodian ships, which where later sunk by a Ptolemaic fleet patrolling the southern Anatolian shores.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...em_e919395.png
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...cm_3ffa2cb.png

Meanwhile, it was announced that Alkyoneus and Krateros had been blessed with another son each, two young and healthy boys named Hygienos and Deinokratis respectively.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...nm_624c96a.png

By Phthinoporon (Autumn) of the same year, two great forts where built close to the Makedonian-Epeirote borders, which both housed two armies led by Antigonos and Alkyoneus respectively. The former was to attack the Epeirote homelands, while the latter was to take a longer route and attack the Illyrian holdings of the Epeirotai. The total number of forces gathered was no less than 33.075 men, divided as 17.010 troops led by Antigonos and 16.065 troops by Alkyoneus.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...sm_02b31ca.png

Antigonos had ordered both armies to march even during the Cheimon (Winter), so they started marching as soon as humanly possible. One of the greatest military campaigns by the Makedones after many years had started.

Eiar, 507th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 269BC). The Makedonian forces had begun moving, while the Epeirotai decided that placing most of their troops to garrison Ambrakia would be of utmost importance. As such, thousands of Epeirotai where starting to gather in their capital, while the Makedonian armies where drawing near.

It was decided that Antigonos would wait close to Ambrakia for Alkyoneus to conquer the northern Epeirotic lands, so that they could make a combined attack against their capital afterwards. By Phthinoporon (Autumn) of the same year, Alkyoneus had reached Illyria Hellenike, where he was met with a feeble Epeirote force. There, 16.065 Makedones faced 6.600 Epeirotai.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...1m_82d847b.png

The battle was a short and bloody one, where the Epeirotai strategoi, Ptolemaios and Helenos Aiakides, both of them sons of Pyrrhos, fought with bravery against Alkyoneus. Ptolemaios, crowned Basileus after his father’s death, fought like a true hero and died with glory. Helenos, on the other hand, cowered at the face of defeat and run to Epidamnos.
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...km_cde2ebb.png
(Alkyoneus charging Ptolemaios)
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...hm_fe8c864.png
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...tm_9163563.png
(Helenos routing)

Once again, Nike was on the side of the Makedones.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...1m_d01503f.png

The victorious Makedonian soldiers where welcomed as liberators by the Hellenic population, while they met slight resistance by Illyrian raiding parties. Helenos himself accepted defeat and surrendered himself to Alkyoneus. Though Alkyoneus offered him asylum at Pella, a fanatic Epeirote soldier murdered Helenos in his sleep for surrendering.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...hm_3b7a230.png

Alkyoneus found the man responsible and punished him severely, while he expelled a great Illyrian population from the region and especially Epidamnos. In exchange, he ordered Hellenes from Peloponnesos to move to the region in order to ‘’cleanse’’ it.

In the outside world, a newly built fleet carrying an army belonging to the Koinon Hellenon was sighted near Krete and pursuited by the Makedonian fleet away to the south. The Makedones where now the new masters of most of the Aigaion, capturing many islands that where prior members of the Koinon.
http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34...vm_c6da957.png

Meanwhile, the region of Attike was officially announced as a Satrapeia Makedonike. Word also came that the Karchedonioi sent yet another military expedition against the great polis of Syrakousai.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...am_2833c99.png
http://img29.picoodle.com/data/img29...vm_c439786.png

Cheimon (Winter) came and Antigonos had stationed his army just outside of Ambrakia. The Epeirotai would attack, Antigonos knew, though unfortunately Alkyoneus got sick in Epidamnos. While that prevented the Makedonian from joining his father, he sent over most of his army to reinforce him. By the end of Cheimon (Winter), 25.860 Epeirotai, led by Alexandros Aiakides and Menephylos Ethnestes, attacked.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...xm_efd8a36.png

The Battle of Ambrakia

While Eiar was drawing near, the biting cold left behind by the passing Cheimon made the soldiers uneasy and stiff. Most of the battlefield outside of Ambrakia was covered in woods, so Antigonos picked a clear spot with trees on each side. He deployed his army in a typical Makedonian fashion and waited for his enemy to come to him.
http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37...1m_89fa6c8.png

Antigonos and his bodyguard along with a unit of hippakontistai, where deployed ahead of the army, intending to cutt-off Alexandros Aiakides, who had not yet joined the main Epeirotic army.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...2m_8275612.png

The detachment rode swiftly towards Alexandros, and when the two met they charged against each other, while the hippakontistai wheeled around them.
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...3m_8a10ff4.png

Alexandros fought with madness and fury, his lust for revenge clear in his eyes, blinding him from everything else. Antigonos had intended to use that to his favour, as at some point he retreated back to his lines. As expected, Alexandros followed.
http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26...4m_c8fae1e.png

When the Epeirote hit the phalangitai lines, Antigonos turned back and combined with a hoplitai regiment he encircled Alexandros. It was not long before Alexandros realised he was going to die, so he quickly retreated.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...5m_38e7b7d.png
http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27...6m_eaa807f.png

Antigonos was just behind the lines, when he got word the rest of the Epeirotai had reached them and the left wing was under attack by hippeis who had come from within the woods.
http://img28.picoodle.com/data/img28...7m_d1325bf.png
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...8m_dd7a31a.png

The hoplitai on the left wing held firmly, but soon the fearsome elephantes of Pyrrhos’ campaigns entered the fray. Antigonos decided to counter them quickly, so he sent his lonchophoroi to stop them. Though the men suffered heavy casualties, they where able to distract the beasts and even topple some of them.
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33...9m_01879c6.png
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The main Epeirote line was drawing nearer from within the woods and was marching towards the Makedonian main line.
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At the left wing, more Epeirote troops joined the hippeis and Antigonos knew his men would tire quickly or the elephantes would crumble his hoplitai, so he decided to enter the fray along with his bodyguards.
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In the center, Menephylos managed to get around the Makedonian line and attacked the psiloi, only to be welcomed by the deadly kopeis of Antigonos’ hippakontistai.
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At the same time, the right wing engaged a unit of Keltoi, while in the center the Epeirote Illyrioi got some taste of Makedonian sarissai.
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Things didn’t look very good on the left Makedonian wing, as the hoplitai where facing Epeirote hoplitai at least double their number. Fortunately, Antigonos had broken the Illyrioi some feet away and was running to their aid, while the elephantes seemed to be running amok far from the fray.
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Some minutes after, Menephylos fell by the sturdy kopis of a hippakontistes. The word spread quickly and the Epeirotai where already starting to rout on all sides, disheartened further after the run of Alexandros.
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Those who where still fighting, where met with deadly Makedonian sarissai and soon followed their comrades.
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The battle seemed to have ben won, so Alkyoneus ordered all of his hippeis to chase down the routers. It was a slaughter.
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Yet again, Makedonia had proven her superiority in arms. The battle was over and Ambrakia open to Antigonos!
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With the city captured, the remnants of the Epeirotai fled to Megale Hellas, where some poleis still respected the memory of Pyrrhos. Even though many fled and sought refuge elsewhere, there was no Basileion Epeirou anymore. Their lands had become Makedonian regions now, the rightful rulers of Hellas.
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Eiar had come, 508th year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 268BC). While Makedonia was still questioned as rulers of Hellas, the anti-Makedones sure respected them. They did, after all, possess a strong military now that they controlled most of Hellas.

Many events had taken place that year, many of them within the immediate concern of the Basileion Makedonias.

First of all, many eyes where now turned to the Makedones. Even great powers like the Seleukeidai and Ptolemaioi viewed them as possible future threats, while other, smaller states turned to them for aid in their affairs.

With more coins than ever in the royal coffers, Antigonos decided to unleash a series of building projects. First of all, money was spent to establish proper governments in the newly conquered areas, while in many cities he order Katoikiai to be built. He hoped that, by doing so, he would ensure at least that the population of Hellas would remain steady, as many left for eastern areas were they where offered a better life. Another thing he would accomplish, is gain more control of the areas in which he built them. Achaia, Attike, Euboia and Lakonike were some of the regions in which Katoikiai where built.
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Furthermore, a Makedonian named Baias Kynoskephalaios was adopted by Krateros into the Royal Family. Baias was a young man and careful with money, so he was sent to Athenai where his studies would ensure he would turn out into a very capable future governor.
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In the seas, the Rhodioi has yet again built another fleet and landed an army led by a man named Talos in Karia, the previous invasion being a failure. The Makedonian fleet however, once again defeated the Rhodioi and sunk their ships, without any help that time.
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By Cheimon (Winter) of the same year, all military forces where again gathered in Pella, along with Antigonos and Alkyoneus who was healthy again. Another great celebration took place only in Pella, lasting for 5 days. After the celebration, Antigonos called upon the Synedrion to once again discuss the matters of the Basileion.

Beginning of the Synedrion, 268BC

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*Antisthenes stands on top of the pedestal and addresses the Synedrion*

''Synedroi, yet again we have been called upon by our Basileus, Antigonos. Let us discuss the affairs of our Basileion, as well as propose any next possible moves. I leave the table open for any suggestions and ideas, sympatriotai, be that military operations, diplomatic moves or building projects''.

''Here is a map of the known world so far''.
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P.S.: I wont be at home until Thursday, so the next update will probably be after Friday. Updates where more than I expected, by the way.

Sympatriotai, allow me to speak. *Attalos stands up*

We have now conquered the lands of the Epirotai and the Koinon Hellenon is beaten and will never regain its former glory. I know that recent years have been violent, full of bloodshed and that many of you have lost brothers, sons, yes even fathers. The soil of Hellas itself has seen more blood than rain. For now, my vote is that we shall cease all wars. Let our farmers once again rejoice in tending their crops. Let fathers watch their sons grow up, and let sons experience their fathers pride before dying. Let life in Hellas flow with a gentle breeze.

Yet still, with our newfound glory and our new territorial bounds, we will recieve new enemies, from both near and afar. I say we keep our army ready to be called upon, well trained and properly equipped, but for now, idle. Let us instead work the soil, construct great wonders in our cities from wich our citizens can benefit from, such as baths and schools, theaters and wells. Let us construct walls behind wich our citizens can feel safe and prosper, and garrisons that can patrol these walls. Sympatriotai, let there be peace!

But yet again, we shall keep eyes and ears open, and in the shadow meddle in the affairs of others, as to keep ourselves safe. Yet as I said. Let there be a period of peace. Let our people recover and prosper. Let new younglings come into our ranks, and let our old veterans enjoy a peaceful life, for a while atleast.

pergamon, we shall make them join us, a foothold in asia will do much good in trade, as the only sea trade route we control from are the one with the lesbians.

What Satalextos says is true, a foothold in Mikra Asia will indeed benefit us. But doing so would require a new military campaign to be formed. I say we build up a cordial relationship with Pergamon, as to recieve its support in any future plans we have for Mikra Asia. In the meantime I suggest a period of peace in wich we build up and fortify what we already have, as Machinoros suggested before we invaded and subjugated the Epirotai mainland. Should we be required to focus our military might in any one direction I suggest either the Aitolians or the tribes of Dardanoia. Conquering Chersonesos Thraikia would also be the most logical step before spreading into Mikra Asia, for several reasons. First off, economy. Second, security. With Byzantion under our control, we control who enters and exits Mikra Asia, the land-route. But as I said, I suggest that we strengthen our already newly conquered territories. However, our Basileus will have the final say on the matter!

P.S. Would be cool if we RP'ed that Pergamon became a strong supporter and ally of ours, after wich Maion could "bribe" them with Cheats, somehow, install a Lvl 4 government there, and have them invade say... Sardis, and Nikaia, making that "their" territory. Would also make for interesting RP in the future.. Just a thought.:juggle2:

*Antiochos hastens into the synedrion, followed by a dirty man* "Get your dirty hands away, you worthless Troian!
"Sorry for being late. A Troian criminal had tried to rob me. The streets ain't safe these days, my fellow compatriots, and respect has suffered for all authority!" *Great murmour, "Scandal!" shoutings.*
"Synedroi! These lands ain't safe. You can't even travel from Pella to Thessalonike without being attacked by robbers of the worst kind. Trade is hempered, travelling an adventure. Women can't leave their houses without being offended or worse. The scum left over from the grim wars lurks our lands. Synedroi, let our soldiers patrol the roads inside and outside of the cities. Build up Phrourioi in our cities, and improve the roads in Hellas. At the moment this will most help our economy."
"Yet this is not the only threat. May I remember you, noble synedroi, that there are still barbarians lurking in the unaccessable forests of the north? Barbarians, unwashed, not able to speak properly, barbarians so disgusting that you constantly have to lock in your wife and household upon seeing them from afar? These barbarians are a constant threat to the lonely villages in my homeland. In our homeland! Synedroi, let us wipe out this threat once and for all. There is plenty of wood up in the north, in the lands of the Thraikioi, Dardanoi, and Galathraikioi. We all could make a fortune out of these woods, and more importantly, out of the mines up there. I say we should invade the lands of the barbarians, punish them for wanting our clean women, punish them for wanting what we have worked for, and instead take their lands for ourselves. We have every right to do so!"


Yes I was really attacked by a Troian, a Troian of the worst kind. I hope I got rid of it.