The Royal Council

[The Celtic Viking]

"No, Chancellor, I will not give the command to Hierax, especially not for this. I have said it before and I say it again: Aratos was given the satrapy because I trusted him to defend it himself. It is his responsibility!

But do not think me to be cruel or cold, uncaring or unjust. I am well aware of the situation with his satrapal army. The 1st Syrian Army is in the area, and so I will send orders for Alexandros Syriakos to move out. Diospolos-Megale can be sacrificed and reconquered.

I think I should personally head to Epeiros instead with my army. Until then, I shall send a messenger to Nikarchos Syriakes. Perhaps he and his satrapal army can help us against the Epeirotai for now."

[Celtic_Punk]

A Greek man dressed in mail rushes into the council chambers, though he's had a wash, the stale stench of blood is still strongly carried around this man.

"I am Achaikos, loyal friend and right-hand man of Arrhendies Cunobelinus! I have rode here straight from the battle outside the walls at Memphis! The Prince is dead! The Egyptian Prince was slain on the field and his army is lost! Memphis is safe and the garrison is still strong! However Cunobelinus wishes to make it known to his Majesty that some retraining by the end of winter would be welcome and appreciated." The Greek bows and eagerly awaits the councils reply

[Incitatus]

Alexandros' messenger enters the council

Achaikos, Alexandros has just heard news of your heroic victory and he would like to be the first to extend his congratulations and praise. The Ptolemies have been seriously weakened and now their destruction is all but assured.
And with great victories come great opportunities. I have been instructed to urge Satrap Aratos to consider military action, if it is at all possible, against the town of Paraitonion to the west of Alexandria. The capture of this city would go a long way towards securing our control of the region.
As for the 1st Syrian, we shall turn back south and attempt to draw out the large force garrisoned in Pselkis.
And once again, congratulations to Cunobelinus! His name is to be feared by all enemies of the Arche!

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Liatus enters the council chamber, his head held high and in his hands a richly embrodered scroll
Men of the council I am here to pass on the words of my brother, who for obvious reasons is not going to be here for himself, his words are as follows

Men of the council let me apologize in advance for my actions, I realize and expect to be vilified, and perhaps you are right to do so. But I have lead a rebel movement in the Arche. the cities of Babylon, Arbela, Selukeia, and Charax are now a separate kingdom from the Arche, the Kingdom of the Crescent. I and Epikrates Tabaiou are the co-kings (democratically elected Regents to be exact) of the kingdom, and we are joined by two other men, Hermokrates, Siles both of whom understand our motives for this and agree with us. All other nobles not willing to accept the new regime have left the area (all RBGs in Selukeia are now near Karkatheiokerta). People, I ask you all to open your eyes! Sarpedon has grown corrupt, he has lost the way, we have a duty to our people, to the Arche to make things right! And the only way I see we can do that is for the total dissolution of the Arche and it being chopped into numerous smaller kingdoms. in fact the kingdom will hereby sign a military alliance and mutual defense pact with any other kingdom that secedes from the Arche (we will provide help however we can). However I do not wish to make it look like we of the kingdom do not want peace, if the Arche is at any time willing to make a peace treaty keeping our current borders and keeping our independence, we will enthusiastically accept.
Thank you for your time council members, and please open your eyes! we can not continue like this! Change must happen! I look specifically to you aratos! The people of aegyptus look to you as their pharaoh! Do not let them down!

Liatus stands awaiting the councils judgment, his head still held high.

[Celtic_Punk]

Having this stunning moment happen before the soldier, Achiakos turns to readress the council.
"Honourable men of the council, I do not expect you all to listen to the words of a simple soldier. But please be careful in the words you choose here. Let this man return to his brother once his business here is complete. If you wish to harm him, here, today... It will be dishonourable. The Gods will frown on your existence. And as a man of honour, and the brother of the most honourable man I know.. If you attempt to arrest this man I will defend him with my life. I devoted my life to this nation. And the thought that corruption and power-hungry demogoges can run rampant as he says sends chills down my spine. Prove this man wrong. Through merit, speech, and debate. Not brute force. As a soldier I've witnessed first-hand what violence solves. Nothing. It's what is done before and after violence that remedies or causes problems! If this man's brother is wrong in his decision then there will be a time to fight him. Murdering his brother is not an alternative. Besides, if I was delivering this sort of message for Cunobelinus, and you had arrested and killed me. Before you knew it my bloodbrother would be scaling this city's walls with an army in weeks. This is the devotion of a brother. This man's brother will share this same commitment. Do not make a martyr of him!"

[The Celtic Viking]

During the speech, Sarpedon had sat quiet, and when he spoke, it was with a surprisingly calm voice.

"Achaikos, you speak of how 'violence solves nothing', but how do you think this illegal and disgraceful 'nation' his dog of a 'master' has claimed was seized by him? That's right: by force. Not only that, but he has declared war on everyone else! Not just me, but that includes Arrhenides, that includes Panaitolos... everyone. He, and the scum he calls his comrades, are nothing but treacherous dogs stealing what does not belong to them for their own greed and tyrannous reasons, while attempting to blame it on someone else's supposed 'corruption'. They did not try to fix this claimed 'corruption' through peaceful means - indeed, they never even voiced a concern! They went straight to military arms. That's not the works of someone who wishes peace. That's the belligerent action of someone who has a lust for war, and no sense of honour.

I am calling an emergency session! It will last until the 28th of April, 13:00 GMT.

For obvious reasons, these rebels - Siles Laodikeias Lydikes (iskander), Hermokrates Parthikos (everyone), Epikrates Tabaiou Persikou (mini) and Patrokles Adiabenikos (CDf) - or any of their representatives - are banned. However..."

Sarpedon turned towards Liatus.

"Let them know that if they regret their decision, they can at any time come back and they will be pardoned. Guards!"

Sarpedon's guards escorted Liatus, and all other representatives of those involved in the rebellion, out of the Council.

"Now, for everyone left, does that seem like the actions of a tyrant? No. None of these representatives will be hurt so long as they themselves do not take to violence. The rest, however, will not be shown any mercy so long as they don't surrender.

See this session and the Chancellorship if you need further evidence: if I were a tyrant, what I would do would just to assume Chancellorship myself automatically, and dictated to you what should be done. I'm not doing that. I'm asking you to decide the Chancellor, and I am looking for your opinion on what should be done. These accusations of theirs are thus completely ridiculous and devoid of any connection with reality.

But for all honourable men who still are loyal to their Basileus, I will ensure you that if you still see me as one, come to me personally with your objections first. I am not an unreasonable man, and if your objections are reasonable, progress will be made."

[Celtic_Punk]

"Your highness, Achiakos bows I merely wished not to see violence break out here. Your wise decision has kept the peace for now. Before I take my leave to tell my Cunobelinus about the happenings of today, I wish you to know that he and I stand with you. It could be a wise decision to send Cunobelinus to Babylon with your army. I do not think they could stand against such a deadly combined force of your army and the tactical genius that is my brother. We've marched with your army before, and I do think they will be happy to see a familiar face in these darktimes, highness.

[Incitatus]

A messenger arrives

Members of the council, I come with a message from Alexandros. He wishes it to be known that, in this time of trouble, his unwavering loyalty lies with his cousin and Basileus Sarpedon. He regrets that he is not in a position to help deal with the traitors, but someone must destroy the Ptolemaic dogs.
If there is anything the Basileus would like Alexandros to do, he has only to ask.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Gentlemen, I thank you both for your honour in this matter. In the current situation, Alexandros is right: he should stay in the south west to watch the Ptolemaioi borders.

However, my army is free to move, and I intend to do so. Achaikos, if you Arrhenides wish to join me, I would be delighted to have him accompany me in my journey east.

I am very anxious to hear from my heir, Phanias Lydikes, and how he reacts to this rebellion. I have sent a messenger to find out his position for sure, as it will greatly influence the tactical and strategical layout of this civil war.

Still, I look to see from the rest of you as well, and we still need someone to volunteer as the new Chancellor."

[Celtic_Punk]

The Greek bows and dashes out the council chambers.

[MerlinusCDXX]

A dusty man dressed in Eastern fashion enters the chambers.

"So it has come to this" Phanias sighs sadly. " I am declaring for Basileios Sarpedon at this moment. He and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on the methods used to run the Arche, but when it came down to it, he's always done well for us. I especially have respect for the way the Parni insurrection was handled. Had he left the East to its own devices during the recent unpleasantness there, I may have sang a different tune, but that is neither here nor there. Mardakou, my friend, send a message to Siles asking him to meet me for a parley, before the damned fool gets himself hanged."

I also volunteer for the position of Chancellor, should the Basileios and the remaining loyal strategoi so desire.

[Celtic_Punk]

Cunobelinus enters the room "My fellow strategos." Cunobelinus looks to the Basileus and nods his head "Sarpedon... I have thought long and hard about what is taking place here. Perhaps this has been brought on by an imbalance of power. Therefore I would like to shift this balance of power slightly. The days of single rule over a kingdom seem to be closing to and end. One man one rule is not only extremely inefficient, but the lure of corruption is extremely great. I do not propose anything drastic. But we must show the Babylonian rebels that this Arche still has the capacity to function properly, justly, and still has the capacity to change to the times. This is why I propose this charter amendment.


"CA E3.1 "The power of veto should be given to the rank of Strategos Eliptikos and higher. He may only veto one CA or Edict per session."

"Only the Basileus at this time has the power of veto. To me this seems unfair. For a council that has helped steer this Arche to greatness, it should also be allowed to steer her away from destruction and corruption. This power will help this end. This is why everyone should vote to pass this Amendment.. I too can see corruption beginning to cripple us. But what Babylon has done... It is too far. I suspect their intentions myself. I regret, that I will not be able to march against them with you, Basileus. I have been unable to get a hold of Satrap Aratos, to finish off Ptolemy. Because of this I will march with his army myself, and deal with the possible repercussions later. The security of the Arche is my first and foremost priority. I will do anything to protect it. Now... as I take my leave. You who will be involved in this brutal civil war. I wish you good luck. May the wind be at your backs, the sun on your face, and may your sword strike true. I shall take my leave.

The Celt bows to the Basilieus, waits for his response, and then leaves.

[navarro951]

Panaitolos Enters...


"You show me evidence of corruption and we will talk. This is not a democracy; we serve at the will of the Basileus and it has been so for years. I stand by my king as a loyal servant and honored soldier, it is my duty to keep this empire intact and rebels run wild now in our very own capital! Despicable, all of you nay-Sayers. This is not Rome where those damned old men scheme and vote and bicker on every little thing. This vast nation needs a figurehead, and a esteemed king it should be as it has been for long since any of us were even thought up by the Gods."

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon smiles and raise his hand in Panaitolos' direction.

"Thank you, Panaitolos, for your support."

Sarpedon turns around towards Arrhenides.

"What's this, old friend? We have known each other for a long time now. Do you remember when we were back home in Mikra Asia? When my father was still the Basileus, and I was a satrap? Do you remember how I promised that, after liberating the Galatians from their Pontic oppressors, they would get to rule themselves again? That they would appoint a leader for themselves? Did my actions then give you reason to fear corruption in my heart? Have my actions since been of any lesser quality in terms of honour? In terms of honesty? In terms of legality?"

Sarpedon sighs.

"You are forgetting your very own history, Arrhenides, and you're being very ungrateful. My father instituted this Council. He had every right not to, but he gave you the privilege of joining a council of this magnitude, where you can discuss and help steer what was his kingdom. I have legally inherited his kingship, and just like he held no obligation to create this council, I hold no obligation to uphold it. With a wave of my hand I could disband it and rule it just like that, and leave you no say at all - and there would be nothing wrong about that. It would not be illegal. You would hold no moral high ground. The gods would back me on it, for they know it is my right. Yet, I don't do that. I keep the council, and I still give you great influence over how it should be ruled.

It saddens my heart to hear you demand even more, and not just a little thing, but a veto no less! And what do you use for justification of this criminal injustice? That it's unfair that I get to choose one thing each session that will not get to happen in my kingdom?"

Sarpedon shakes his head.

"That's ridiculous as it is, especially seeing as I have never ever used it anyway, but corruption? That's not a charge to be thrown around lightly, and I would expect you to back up your claims with evidence. Right now, you sound no better than the rebels, who have no care for law or justice, who would even go so far as to take up arms against their fellow compatriots, crying loudly for my supposed 'tyrrany' and 'oppressive rule' and whatever other charge they could make up in their sinister minds.

That does not sound like the Keltoi general I once thought I knew."

[Celtic_Punk]

"I never said you were corrupt. Far from it. I merely wished to push forward a precautionary measure to avoid the possibility of you walking down an all to dark path. I never meant to make it sound like I meant you were corrupt. Other... individuals may be suspect however. And even your highness is not free from their influence. Alas, I wish you not to see my Charter amendment as a threat, for it is nothing like that at all. Consider it as a... way of keeping good men honest. I hope you do not take what I said about the your rule as an attempt at removing your power. But you must accept that the size of the empire requires more autonomy amongst satraps. This could help patch things with the Babylonians. Anyway we can repair this situation before it comes to battle could be a good thing. I do not say we accept their independence. By no means should you either. Cunobelinus sighs I am not a political man. This is really your realm, highness. But I still had to come here and try. My words are clumsy and blunt. You forget this and take me too literally...

[The Celtic Viking]

"Satraps? You said Strategos Epilektos and higher. That is not exclusively satraps.

In any case, should you have missed it, satraps do have vetoes - on most things concerning their own satrapy. If Aratos wished to close his satrapy off to me, he could do it. If I wish to raise men in Aigyptos, Aratos can veto that. Phanias can do the same things for his settlements, as can Nikarchos with his. The satrapies are extremely independent as it is, but their vetoes cannot extend over their own land. They do not rule this kingdom. I do.

Strategos Epilektos 'or higher' have no legitimate claim for a veto. If you really need a veto to keep me in check, then who will be given a veto so that he can keep you in check? How far will it go? Shall every stray dog that wanders in here be given the power of veto? Should all the lice on its fur get it, too?

You say that there are others who are corrupt here? Well, the first thing you should do is to prove that claim. Not pointing out a specific target of your accusation does not make a poor case any better. But even if I were to accept this claim, or you proved it, what then? Your proposal would seem to be giving the very same, corrupted men the power of a veto, or at the very least put it within their reach! That may not be such a wise decision, if 'fighting corruption' is really what you're after here."

[The Celtic Viking]

An aide whispers something in Sarpedon's ear.

"Hmm, it seems this Council Session is over. CA E3.1 automatically fails for lack of seconds.

So with no further ado, this emergency session is over. Since no one else volunteered for it, Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes will be the new Chancellor.

You all know what you have to do, and if you have any questions, you will have to catch me in private. I'm off to inspect my army."

Sarpedon leaves, and a fair sized entourage follows him.

[SwissBarbar]

A messenger arrived and stepped forward, when he was given the permission to speak

"My lords, I bring good news from the west. Nikarchos Asterias Syriakes has fulfilled his task given by our Basileus. His army recaptured the city of Byzantion and heroically subdued the Epeirote garrison. Almost no civilian casualties among the people of Byzantion recorded."

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion, who had not followed Sarpedon out and instead stayed to keep a presence in the Council, stepped forward, clearing his throat.

"Gentlemen! It is time for a new Council Session. This one, like all the others, will last for 3 days, which means it will end at 10:00 GMT May the 5th.

I regret to inform you that lord Sarpedon could not make it here now himself at this time, which is why I am starting this in his stead, but that he may enter here at a later stage."

Hilarion bowed and backed away.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion rises again.

"Dear Council members, I must remind you that this meeting will end soon, and there is still no one showing interest in the Chancellor position. Obviously, one must be appointed, and since lord Sarpedon does not wish to act one at this moment, someone of you must step up, or He will be forced to prolong this meeting needlessly long."

[MerlinusCDXX]

I shall volunteer my services as chancellor. That is, if this council agrees, though aside from the Basileios' representative and myself, I don't see anyone who is awake, and many who aren't even present for this meeting. Understandable, considering the latest "development" in Mesopotamia.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Aye, I would wager it's so. Since no one opposed or challenged you, you - Phanias Lydikes, automatically assumes the Chancellorship, and with that said, I'm closing this session.

Since no edicts or amendments were made, there will be no voting."

[Incitatus]

A messenger rushes in

I bring word from Alexandros Syriakos. He wishes to inform the council that the town of Pselkis has fallen and the garrison destroyed. After a short period of rest the army will continue the campaign. Alexandros senses that the Ptolemaioi are near defeat and that every effort must be made to finish them off quickly. This he can do, but to expedite the process I have been instructed to request the chancellor to train a small garrison for Pselkis and replenish the army's numbers.

The messenger bows and leaves the floor

[The Celtic Viking]

A messenger comes into the Council and whispers something in Hilarion's ears, and then handing him a parchment. Hilarion quickly rises, strides out into the middle of the Council floor, clears his throat and speaks. His voice is loud and firm.

"The treacherous dogs have gone from lying rebels to lying terrorists. They are holding Antiocheia captive, threatening to destroy every building in the city, if Sarpedon does not... 'negotiate'. They are threatening the rightful ruler, the lawful KING, to cause death and destruction to the people of the kingdom, if Sarpedon doesn't give in to some secret terms they have yet to reveal.

If there was any doubt about these animals' intents and purposes before, there can be none now. They have revealed themselves to be self-aggrandizing, dishonourable, deceitful, greedy, murderous thugs and fools gripping at a perceived weakness. They are suffering from such a hubris that would challenge that of Odysseus himself! They are behaving like barbarians, no better than the Pahlavans they were supposed to fight against.

Understand then that there will be no negotiations with these men. They are not trustworthy, and it would be an affront to the gods to validate their position by negotiating with them. If they go through with their evil deeds, then the gods will not be merciful on their souls, and Sarpedon will be even less. These are the reasons behind lord Sarpedon's decision. Comment on it as you will."

Hilarion sits down again, on his chair next to Sarpedon's throne.

[Celtic_Punk]

A Greek orator scurries into the council chamber, he bears an ear to ear smile, he waits for a pause to address the council.

"My Fellow men! General Cunobelinus has defeated the Ptolemaic King and his heir in their own trap! Both men fell to his blade personally!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

They actually did woooo! so thats what? 2 kings and like 3 or 4 princes? I need to start putting stamps on my shield! :P

Ha has taken his coastal refuge of a town. The Citizen's started a riot when Cunobelinus entered and was forced to battle it out with them. Many citizens were killed in the process, but the town has been subdued. Cunobelinus wishes it to be known that though he can hold the town, He needs reinforcement if he is to leave the town to it's own devices.
Total Losses include one of the two Phalanx's that came from Alexandriea. The Hoplite's whom accompanied him from Alexandriea have decided to part ways and make their way back to Alexandriea pending orders from the Basileus. On the related note, the fine ordered by the Basileus from Cunobelinus is ready to be paid in full... However, the road is not safe to be travelled yet, and until reinforcement arrives or a garrison is levied - unfortunately, Cunobelinus cannot send the fine.

In light of the death of a worthy adversary... The heir whom Cunobelinus slain, who had happened to be the son of a childhood acquaintance of the General from Galatia. Has decided to honour his life and his worthy death with a celebration. This will be held at the great hall in Memphis upon his return from his campaign. Any strategoi who wish to attend are welcome to do so. Thankyou!"

The Greek bows and awaits response from the sitting council members and delegates.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Your request for reinforcements is denied. Sarpedon was very clear on this when he informed Arrhenides of his punishment - and he was also clear that his bodyguards were to be sent back immediately. You have thus ignored a direct command and held the personal bodyguard of the Basileus as hostages, and so lord Basileus is forced to issue another punishment, and this time more severe.

6 battlepoints will be removed from Arrhenides Gedrosianos Cunobelinus. These are the battlepoints earned while illegally holding the hypaspistai, preventing them from following their orders."

[Celtic_Punk]

The greek looks stunned at the decision
"You've endangered the Arche with this... unthoughtful decision. Let us hope the General Cunobelinus lives up to his reputation, and can hold... I appeal to you to reconsider, or at the least begin levying a garrison. The danger to the Satrapal Army is REAL. The trap laid for Cunbelinus has hurt the army badly.... Given the bedridden sickness the Satrap has

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

he's still not returned since the 21st of april)

I wish to have a list of the all units part of the Satrapal army. I urge the Basileus to reconsider his decision and at the least half the punishment, especially given the close history between his highness and the General, and the blow that he has just done to the Hierarchy of Ptolemy.

At this point punishing the General further serves no real purpose but to teach him a lesson he already knows. Those men were not hostages, but men who marched under their own free will. This I personally assure all of you! Cunobelinus is not a man who cheats steals and lies! He is an honourable man who thinks solely of the betterment of the Arche. He has given his all time and time again, fighting from Pamphaylia, Cyprus, Judea, Pontus, Syria, Egypt, and now the Western Desert. He has spent long hours away from home in defence of the Arche Selukiea, even when he had a young wife, and even when he had a young boy and girl to take care of! These are actions not of a unscrupulous person, but of a man of good character and sacrifice.
The momentum of Cunobelinus' campaign should not be stayed, a garrison should be levied as soon as possible in order to insure Ptolemaic supremacy of the area is completely smashed.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion stands once again.

"If any decision here was 'unthoughtful', it was Arrhenides' decision to attack that city. Lord Sarpedon told him prior to all this that he would not be getting any reinforcements. Arrhenides knew what answer he would get, and yet put himself in this position anyway. He has only himself to blame.

As for the punishment, lord Sarpedon didn't want to do it, but what choice did Arrhenides leave him? He disobeyed a direct order and withheld Sarpedon's own, personal guard from him! You could not possibly have thought that would go unpunished, could you?

Because you do realize that these were not just ordinary soldiers, right? It was not just any levied grunt, it was Sarpedon's own guards, elite men he have known for a very long time, and who have each sworn oaths to their gods and to Sarpedon, that they will serve him and no one else - and such is the law in our kingdom, that these men can't. They were under orders to resupply in Alexandreia and then return immediately. If you are trying to tell me that these men broke their oaths and honour, you need some evidence, and even if you could prove it, that would not vindicate your master. He still took them, and he still refused to send them back when ordered to do so.

Arrhenides pushed lord Sarpedon to it and gave him no other choice. The punishment stands, and if he doesn't like it, he should have thought about it before committing the crime."

[MerlinusCDXX]

Mardakou (Chancellor Phanias' representative) enters the room. "Hilarion," he states "the remnants of the old Hypaspistai have been disbanded, and their former captain is being held for questioning. We will find out whose idea it was to deprive Bas. Sarpedon of their services with a proper investigation. However, now the fate of the newly captured town must be decided. Do we sacrifice a strategic advantage to make a point, or do we confine any sanctions imposed for this action to the responsible parties alone? My lord Phanias would suggest that we garrison the town as we would any other prize of war, but recall Cunobelinus to the Capitol to answer these serious charges."

[The Celtic Viking]

"Excellent, Mardakou.

Lord Sarpedon told Arrhenides prior to setting out on his campaign that if he chose to go through with it, it would not be supported, as part of his punishment. If lord Sarpedon supported it now anyway, what credibility would His word then have? What message would that send?

No, he can't back down on that now, so Arrhenides will simply have to make do as best he can, or retreat."