Arche Megales Hellados - The Preserver of Peace

[satalexton]

This is an AAR that I decided to write while I was playing a KH campaign starting from Syrakousai (I used move_character and let my holdings on greece get taken over by the Maks) while intoxicated. This is my first AAR, and I hope to take ideas from you guys so to make this semi-interactive in a sense. =]

Anyhow, this is the prologue =] enjoy.

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Chapter 0 - Hiero’s Legacy.

It all started 5 decades ago, my grandfather was amongst the many that fled Sparte and Athina when the Macedonians forcefully occupied the Peloponnisos and Attica. Many leagues they traveled and they sought refuge with Hiero of Syrakousai. In the several years of peace that followed, our people accustomed themselves with the way of the Magna Graecia and settled. This peace did not last however, as the Phoenicians have their own machinations on Magna Graecia. They make good merchants and seamen, but are no friends of the Hellenes.

Thrice they attacked us, fruitless at best. Their mistophoroi and elephantes made a great show of themselves, but ultimately prove to be nothing under our spears and javalins. My father was amongst the many that fought and expelled the Phoenicians from Lilibeo. True to their merchantile ways, they settled for peace and continued to trade with us to this day...for now. However, they were just one of the many neighbours that clashed with us.

To our north, the polis of Taras went into dispute with the war-like latins of Roma. An Epirote by the name of Pyrrhos was invited against them. Despite the superiority of Greek arms, their numbers proved to be a match. Yet, it was not our dispute; we got on with our lives. War is not of our nature, the Epirotes want to carve their own arche at the expense of the Latins, such was their true intents.

The gods of Olympus must have plans for us. A decade before my birth, Hiero called our fathers to arms again. Rhegion, a place rich both in trade and mines, drew the greed of the Epirotes and Romans alike. We Hellenes are a people of honor, and the people of Rhegion are our allies. Our fathers thus embarked upon a campaign to preserve Magna Graecia from the clutches of greed.

Hiero was truly a great hegemon. Within a year the Epirotes withdrew from Taras and sought for peace. My father met my mother here after he discharged and here he stayed.


My Father during his young days against the Epirotes.

There were many stories of how Mega Hiero expelled the senate of Latinium to Patavium, but all began with him raising a new and reformed army from the many polis of Magna Graecia when the Latins, perhaps a trial set about by Ares; perhaps simply out of greed, sent their armies upon us.

Some said he could call upon the god to make armies simply vanish to a faraway place(*cough* >_>), other said he was capable of taking on a thousand men with only him and his bodyguards.(*cough* <_<) Whatever is was, what was certain, was that Hiero was the founding father of Arche Mega Graecia, a lustrous land stretching from Massalia to Lilibeo. My father earned himself a nice kleros in the process, tilled by some patricians-turned slaves from Roma, and lived fine life till age took him to Hades.





Just two short years ago, however, Mega Hiero finally succumbed to age, and his hegemon was passed unto his young adopted son, Megistias Rhodios. As his name suggests, Rhodoi blood runs in his veins, and coupled with his young age of 18, many question his abilities. Surely, the remnants of the Latins have been massing a large force from the Illyrioi population, and the Keltoi are surely up to no good. The Phoenians have encroached upon Emporion last year and are eyeing for Tolosa, a Keltoi settlement. If they take it, surely they’ll set their eyes on Massalia.

The Arche Magna Graecia that Hiero had fought so hard to forge is at stake, could the young Rhodoi preserve the peace?

-xxxxxxx 228BC

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The world as of 228BC

-=Ideas Needed=-
- Give our protagonist a name =] ("xxxxxxx" just don't cut it )
- Further Details of our protagonist and his exploits and decisions.
- The future of the Arche
- Any constructive suggestions.

Here's the save http://www.badongo.com/file/9310179 Note I use Alex.exe
Just pretend Megistias as the begining of the family tree for role-playing reasons. Consider everybody else as generals and descendants of those who fled from greece or simply immigrants.

I cannot guarantee the frequency of updating due to my abhuman lifestyle (usual student mess xD) but I shall try my best =]

[Vorian]

Promising AAR...I wll follow this one.


I suggest you make the protagonist a general that retakes Greece. Name....Polemidis (son of war), or Polemidas if he is Doric.

[Maion Maroneios]

Ok, this looks promising! Good job so far, though I should tell you Arche means Empire (duh...) and just Italia doesn't qualify you as an Arche, at least not to the eyes of a barbaros.

Anyway, as for a protagonist, how would Patroklos Olynthios sound? A historian who lives in Syrakousai and comes from Olynthos (a polis in Makedonia). He would originally be my protagonist, but I gave up on writing my AAR due to boredom... He could, of course, be some kind of military advisor of one of you strategoi or something.

So, about the future of your ''Arche''... I could give you a couple of suggestions:
a) Punic Wars against the Karchedoi, move against them and take over Afrike like the Romaioi did.
b) Gather forces and take back Hellas, seing it has become a constant warground between Hellenistic powers.
c) Crush the remnants of the Romaioi and after that take Illyria, then move to mainland Hellas if you wish or couple your land invasion with a naval one.

As for suggestions, I really can't tell you much, I've already told you what I suppose would be helpful. Now, I can help you with your Hellenic writing (no offense here, it's just that you either write it good or just stick to normal english). For example, you say ''Arche Magna Graecia'', mixing greek with latin... Either say ''Empire of Magna Graecia'' or ''Arche Megale Hellas''. Not that the latter is correct, but nicer to the (non-greek) eye.

Hope this helped!

[Fish-got-a-Sniper]

Since if you change your RTW.exe to BI, original RTW saves work, so if I DL and use this with BI, will it work?

[Hax]

Yes, it will! =D

By the way, it's M&#233;gas Hiero, AFAIK.

[satalexton]

Since if you change your RTW.exe to BI, original RTW saves work, so if I DL and use this with BI, will it work?

I doubt it, as I use ALEX.exe

I'm assuming u'll need ALEX.exe to make it work as there's several changes made to some of the files...

[Tyrfingr]

I suggest a "1st Punic War" between Magna Graecia and the carthaginians. As the map tells us, both Arse and Emporion (originally founded by greeks) have been conquered by the carthaginians. Reclaim them!

[eliad91]

Looks very hot :P
I'll keep an eye on this one

[General Appo]

Very nice. For starters maybe a liberaion of Sardinia and Corsica would be in place.

[keravnos]

''Arche Megale Hellas''.

That should be "Arche Megales Hellados" if we follow the Ancient greek clauses.
Very good idea, if I may say so.

[Irishmafia2020]

Nice start, the Romans are reduced to Illyrians already... I wonder how that happened ...cough...
Anyway, you should go for all of the Islands. Take Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearic islands, and then you will be in a position to wage war against everyone at your leisure. You'll be a sort of pirate king with interests all around the Mediterranean basin...

[satalexton]

heh, by sacrificing sleep, I'm typing up the first chapter as i speak. I won't be posting a savegame though, since there's no difference whatsoever, I have yet to end the turn.

Upcoming:Chapter 1 - The Shadows of the Romaioi

p.s. there's a double meaning in that title. ;]

EDIT: thanks for correcting me =]

[Hax]

Upcoming:Chapter 1 - The Shadows of the Romanoi

And that should be Romaioi, IIRC.

[Chaotix]

Nice start. By the way, if you ask a mod, they can change the thread title from "Arche Magna Graecia" to "Arche Megales Hellados" if you want.

[satalexton]

Before I continue, I would like to thank all that read and post upon my AAR, I did not expect so much attention in such a short span of time considering I'm 'new' in the forums (I've ben lurking for quite a while actually) Much thanks to Maion for pointing out certain mistakes, and thus I've retconned them in a sense and in fact you've provided me with a good deal of inspiration.

Also, I'd like to note that an active participation of this AAR would make this AAR a lot more fun as one head can only do so much, especially when that head needs to contend with many other thing in life too. I have a general vision of how the big picture may go but I'll need ideas, inspirations and suggestions from you to flesh things out. No, I haven't still decided a name nor any details of our protagonist, I simply want to convey the world I envision in this EB alternate history in the eyes and diary of this seemingly random guy. He may be a peon, or end up as one, or he may not. Thats for you guys to decide =]

Ok, enough ranting. Here's the first chapter (the basic pieces should start to fall into place along with the background I've set):

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Chapter 1 – The Shadows of the Romaioi

There’s a call-to-arms, a large band of Illyrioi have landed themselves on the coast of Umbria and are on the course towards Roma, the old capital of the Romaioi…and now the new capital of Megistias’ “Arche Magna Graecia”. A few short months ago, Megistias led a series of reforms, renamed his dominion and moved his capital from Syrakousai to Roma. Aside from declaring himself the “Autokratōr” (Αυτοκράτωρ ) and allowing Latin to be used amongst the locals again, I do not know the exact details of what he has done. Although the new policies are largely accepted, especially amongst the natives, but certainly some of the elders here think the young successor had gone mad. Truly, nothing good can come out of using letters that were copied from ours!


My humble little kleros =]

As I stopped along Metapontum, a polis near my kleros, I was told that the military has been reformed as well, and the equipment requirements have been changed for some. Some are seen grumbling, as it meant that they can no longer use their father’s equipment and would have to use their own wealth to purchase the new weapons and armour. I can tell already that business is booming for the blacksmiths.

As for I, my father left me nothing in terms of arms; my father started his career as an akonkistai and got his kleros partly due to Hiero’s new land policies for Hellenes and partly due to the fact my father had distinguished himself in battle against some elephantes the Karchedoi sent upon Messana. The new arms requirements were confusing, but a trusty slave from my kleros named Lucius Aemilius Paullus gave me the suitable advice, telling me they are quite similar to their old requirements of the Romaioi. This too, puzzled me.


"so thats the recommended equipment huh? ...the helmet looks stupid and i could do with more armour....Wait, didn't my old man fought these guys?"

There weren’t any specific requirements for armour other than a single greave for the leading leg so I provided myself a sturdy linothorax. As for weapons, it was a xiphos and two strange heavy javelins. The shield was even stranger, resembling a large curved thureos. I also grabbed a good bronze helmet with leather padding for luck, I heard that the Illyrioi like to bash people with blunt sticks.


"Roma! without the annoying romans too!"

Roma was sacked, men of fighting age slaughtered, and women and children enslaved. Now Roma is rebuilt into a Hellenic polis, much larger and magnificent than before. It will never be as good as Syrakousai or Sparte, but a fine polis nonetheless.


"Join the Army, not that you really have a choice yet"

Drilling was minimal, we were simply told to “fight like you would with an aspis and doru, but stand further apart now that you have a bigger shield and are wielding a xiphos”. We were taught to maintain pace and formation of course, though I did find the formations have quite a fair bit of xenos flavour to it.



Our strategou was none other than Phileas Aithalidos, an Attikoi by origin, and an intimate friend of our Autokratōr, Megistias (indeed he does have a unique charisma, but that’s not the point). Apparently he was sent to Roma (much to his dismay and against his wishes) at the insistence of the Autokratōr himself to oversee the army reforms. It seems we are the first product of this reform, and soon be brought to the test too.

The Battle of Umbria.



We were told to form a loose line, 5 ranks deep. More than half our armies are from our Samnite and Bruttian allies. Our thorakitai and hoplitai cannot march here in time due to the sudden incursion of the Illyrioi. The Samnites formed a disjointed line behind us and behind them, our sphendonetai. The Bruttians formed our flanks, though with thicker ranks. For some reason, our strategou decides to stay behind the Bruttians. Some horsemen drawn from the nobility stationed at our left flank.



The Illyrioi come at us, there’s many of them.



Romaioi horsemen?



By spreading out in a line they attempt to outflank us.



“Dahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!” They screamed. We follow our orders and throw our heavy javelins.



Their centre comes charging straight at us.



We charge to meet them head on, turning our lines into the shape of a bow. Our officer got killed in the charge, but I managed to save the standard bearer. (thus taking him behind the lines with me)



The Illyrioi attempt to overwhelm out right flank, our strategou readies his men.



As soon as the enemy show signs of weakening, the Samnites are ordered to charge out through the gaps in our lines, cutting them to pieces with their deadly kopis. Meanwhile, our cavalry goaded their flankers into a fruitless chase and now wheeled to their rear and charge into their backs.



I never know the Illyrioi could fly so high.



The battle disintegrated into a rout and we hacked down as many as we could get our hands on.



While we had a number of casualties, most managed to survive thanks to a handy team of chirurgeon at the camp. The cavalry out performed themselves today.



Perhaps they came with equal numbers, but they do not possess equal quality. But why were there Romaioi within their ranks? Anyhow, having distinguished myself in battle (and getting myself out of danger) I now get more slaves and a larger kleros. That’s what matters more to me for now.

[xxxxxxxxx – 228BC spring]

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Next Chapter: “Delenda est Romani”

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I'm trying not to show the nuts and bolts of this little greek world directly, I hope my hints can cut it =] And yes, my titles tend to carry a hidden meaning

Like I have said, I DO NOT have a clear storyline for this AAR, and it's up to you guys to ([shameless]post more [/shameless]) and role-play bits and pieces of this universe.

-=Ideas Needed=-
- Give our protagonist a name =]
- His possible future exploits and decisions.
- The future of the "Arche"
- Any constructive suggestions.
- I've done a bit of research already on how the government system works and I'll need a couple of frequent posters to roleplay as the handful of Πατρίκιος did I just gave another hint?

[Ayce]

Well, as Keravnos said rename it Arche Megales Hellados.

As for expansion, eliminate the Romaioi, then go for either the Arverni (allying with the democratic Aedui) or go for Carthage, or both.

[satalexton]

well yes I was wondering how I can edit the topic....can the mods do it for me? =]

[Frodge]

Take back the Hellas! RE-make the roman empire into a greek one, you know you want to
Very good this btw.

[Irishmafia2020]

Hmmmm.... that looked like a Roman army to me... But I still say take the Islands and the Greek coastal cities.... Although you might want to finish off those Illyrians in Epiros once and for all. That would be a good excuse to take war back to Greece anyway, and at least you could get some good Greek soldiers and influence, as it appears that our protagonist is going a little native right now. I mean what next, a barbarian army?

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice start to your AAR.

(Btw, you want the thread renamed "Arche Megales Hellados - The Preserver of Peace"?)

[Fish-got-a-Sniper]

You can rename your own topics by double clicking in the area in the same row as your title in the area where you view all the threads.

[satalexton]

thanks =]

Now, If you are one of the bunch of Πατρίκιος in this undersized Arche, what would you propose to our young Αυτοκράτωρ after this series of events?

[Maion Maroneios]

That should be "Arche Megales Hellados" if we follow the Ancient greek clauses.
Very good idea, if I may say so.

Yep, thnx Keravnos I wasn't sure if it was he arche (η αρχή) so I didn't use the genike form fearing it was incorrect. Also, by modern greek aspects it would be the same as well

Also Hax, you got the Megas correct, though it really should be Megas Hieron (Μέγας Ιέρων in greek).

Say satalexton, your AAR is getting very nice! I got some corrections for you, hope you don't mind.

α) You posted somewhere you got a kleros. Well, if my memory serves me right the term kleros (κλήρος) was used to describe agricultural estates given by Successor Kingdoms to distinguished soldiers. I think a more appropriate term would be: Agroikia (Αγροικία) which litteraly means ''farmhouse''.

β) If you want to say someone is a javelineer, in greek it would be an ''akontistes'' (ακοντιστής). Akontistai (Ακοντισταί) is the plural form.

γ) You say somewhere a FM of yours named himself ''Autokrator'' (Αυτοκράτωρ). I don't think this term is appropriate for our time period. Maybe ''Hegemon'' (Ηγεμών) would be more appropriate?

δ) An Athenian would be an ''Attikos'' (Αττικός) in greek.

ε) While it is correct to adress to the Roman capital as Roma, just to know the greeks called the city ''Rome'' (Ρώμη).

στ) Strategos (Στρατηγός) is singular, strategoi (στρατηγοί) is plural

As for the future of the Arche, I suggest crushing the Romaioi, then a bloody war against the Karchedoi to determine the single leading naval power in the Mesogeios (you!).

[satalexton]

thanks alot ! =] I'll note your advice =].

However, I chose to use 'Autokrator' deliberately. It's linked to what this empire will become as well as how it's government system operates. ;) I got it all worked out.

;) If you catch on, do please give me further ideas and advice. I can pm you the details if you want =] so not to spoil the fun.

[Maion Maroneios]

Yep, good idea. I'll pm you as soon as I get any fresh ideas.

[satalexton]

Maroneios, I hereby assign you as the Πατρίκιος representative of Syrakousai, the homeland and begining of it all. For story purposes do think of a name for your character =D

[Maion Maroneios]

Maroneios, I hereby assign you as the Πατρίκιος representative of Syrakousai, the homeland and begining of it all. For story purposes do think of a name for your character =D

This is trully an unexpected and most thrilling honorable title you bestow upon me, dear satalexton! I will do my best and aid you in your trully difficult, but magnificent road to glory! My name shall be Aeimnistos Lakedaimonios, bearing the same name as the Spartiates who slew the Persian general Mardonios at Plataies.

[Hax]

ε) While it is correct to adress to the Roman capital as Roma, just to know the greeks called the city ''Rome'' (Ρώμη)

Note for pronounciation this isn't the Row-me of modern English pronounciation, but rather Ro-may, with a short o.

[Ayce]

Note for pronounciation this isn't the Row-me of modern English pronounciation, but rather Ro-may, with a short o.

Right on, but isn't English Rome pronounced just Rowm (in one syllable)?

[Hax]

Yeah, depends a bit on how much you want to pronounce the OWM.