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Thread: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

  1. #241

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by Cadwalader View Post
    Rarely do you see someone pick up an AAR years after the last update. I enjoyed this and I hope to see more from you in EB or EBII!
    Thanks :)

    Chapter 61: Changing of the Gods

    The Nomarch is about to doze off, when clamour pulls him back into consciousness. The Weasel storms into his chamber and goes down on his knees.

    “What is the meaning of this? Why are you...?” The stout man pauses, as he understands.

    “Forgive me... ,” the Weasel starts, but his master cuts him off, already setting himself in motion in limping, long-reaching steps to get dressed again. The wound still hurts as if with every step the blade was thrust anew, but there are higher stakes than the triviality of pain.

    “You go and take the snake, but don't let someone think I broke my hospitality. And I... I go and take my throne.” The light of flickering torches reflects from his eyes and the shadows on his stern face seem like a demon's grimace on the new Pharaoh's face.

    * * *

    Sarpedon stands at a window towards the barely lit atrium. He is not looking at anything in particular and his thoughts are elsewhere, far away. Behind him, someone enters the room and the rustling of clothes reaches his ears, but not further.

    “The Pharaoh is dead,” the Eunuch informs him. “Delivering this message is my last service to you. I was yours only as long as he was still alive.”

    Sarpedon turns around silently, leaning back against the wall.

    “Did you think he would never die,” asks the Eunuch and Sarpedon notices a hint of annoyed insolence in the voice. An obedient creature as long as his master lived and now he can show his true face.

    “No. But I thought I had more time,” Sarpedon admits. “He was getting better. As healthy as I have ever known him.” Fear raises inside him, as from one moment to the other, he has lost the shield he hid behind for these last years. But he also notices honest grief about Philadelphos' death, the loss of a friend and an intellectual equal. Who will grieve for me, the traitor, the snake? Bitter is the taste on his tongue.

    “Leave me,” he croaks hoarsely. “Leave me and swear fealty to your new master or they will have your head too, for your service to me.”

    The Eunuch only nods and leaves with quick steps. Sarpedon feels how the palace around him comes to life again. When a king dies, there is no hour too late, no night too dark.

    I brought it on myself, he thinks, I will not try to run and shame myself, but take it as a man. He is calmer now and he does not fear, when the Weasel comes through the door.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  2. #242

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Chapter 62: Revelations

    The king has carefully woven his noose. He has taken control of the traffic on the Neilos and extended his grasp over the Delta. Yet the enemy is still strong in arms. News of the death of Ptolemaios Philadelphos reached Memphis and it seems that his successor, Ptolemaios Leon – the Lion – has taken upon himself to establish a martial reputation befitting his chosen epithet and shows a new resolve to turn the conflict.

    Antiochos finds the course of time not to be in his favour, so he leads his army into the field again. Again he follows the west bank where he displaces another ptolemaic force.





    He pushes forward, until he faces the threat of encirclement: Two armies oppose the seleucid force, both stronger in numbers. One is positioned in the north, further down river, the other somewhere in the west, waiting in the fringes of the great desert.

    “Fortify the camp, I have to learn more about their strength and movements before we can proceed. I would not blindly run into a trap,” the king announces and instructs his Hetairoi: “I will ride myself. Athenaios, you are my most experienced commander, I leave you in charge of the camp, Kratippos, assemble an escort and let horses and provisions be prepared. And inquire among the Machimoi, if there is one with knowledge of these parts.”

    With only a dozen men at his side the king ventures out into the vast barren land. They are making good progress, when suddenly a wall of dust and sand sweeps over the land from the west.

    Antiochos grabs the guide's tunic. “What good are you to me, if you don't even know a sandstorm coming?” he angrily shouts over the howling wind. He curses loudly and the men and their horses take cover behind an elevation, to weather this storm.

    It is impossible to tell how much time has passed when the sky finally clears up again. The king and his men dig themselves out of the accrued sand. Theos looks around, but his tally comes short. “Where is that fool of a guide?”

    “In any case, we have to get moving.” The Basileus ton Basileion gazes at the sun. If only he knew how much time had past, he would have an easier time to mark the directions and if only he was used to this latitude, so he might read the hight of the sun. An educated guess it is then, he decides and the small group, the horses by the reins, follows.

    The desert does not seem to take an end. “In honesty, I could not tell if we were walking in circles, my friend Kratippos. I have not felt like such a fool in a very long time.”

    “And you do rightly so,” sounds an unfamiliar voice. The king and his escort whirl around, unsheathing their swords in unison. There sits an old man in the sand, his wrinkled head hairless as an overturned bowl, his scrawny body covered only by simple linen.

    “How dare you speak in this manner, you geezer,” scolds him one of the Hetairoi, presenting his Kopis' naked blade. “You address the divine Basileus Antiochos Theos of the house of Seleukos.” He seems about to cut the man in half, but his master interrupts.

    “Sheath it.” The king examines the old man with curiosity, yet in silence. It is the common man who possesses the insolence to speak unquestioned.

    “So, you are a great king, are you? You command the largest empire under the sun and a thousand of princes are sworn to you. And here you are with all your power. Lost, yet I can show you to safety. Don't you find it ironic, that now you depend on a doter, who possesses nothing more than the cloth and skin slung around his rackety bones. And despite all your armies and soldiers and treasures and slaves, there is nothing you can do about it, because, if now I die, so will you. Doesn't that, in fact, make me the most powerful man in the world?”

    In a grand gesture the Machimos spreads his arms to the sky. Antiochos blinks to dispel the weird impression that the old man has grown considerably during his speech.

    “Pray tell me, what exactly makes you so great? What have you ever done other than bringing misery? For seven years now you are dragging your soldiers – or what is left of them – through this land, away from their homes and families. And what for? To take revenge, because your little brother didn't play nice with you? Does it make you happy to wade through seas of blood? Will you finally be content, when there is no one left to kill or let be killed?”

    Antiochos ignores the questions. “You claim you can show us to safety. Will you do that then?”

    “Of course I will. I am not like you, I don't need death around me to exist.”

    “Then, for now, I shall suffer your insolence. Lead the way, old man.”

    It is a surprisingly short while before the Machimos stops. “Behind this ridge the green river valley will open itself before you.”

    “I thank you for your service. Are you not afraid, now that I do not depend on you, I might punish your insolence?”

    “You could, but you won't.” A repulsive toothless smile accompanies the answer. “Now. You did not answer the most important of my questions. What is it that you want to achieve? You are not here to conquer. How could you hope to hold Alexandreia for long, with what is left of your army? Are you really willing to sacrifice those loyal men to nothing but your own revenge?”

    Antiochos mounts his horse. “Mayhap there is some sense in that. I will consider your words.”

    “Syrian!” the bald man calls after him and Antiochos turns around one more time, a grim smile playing around his dry lips. “You talk to me?”

    The Machimos slowly walks up to him and whispers: “It is a good thing you are willing to consider disclaiming your revenge and rest your weapons, but I believe you deserve to know: He is already dead. Not long ago your brother has gone on his last journey.”

    Antiochos shakes his head in disbelief. “You are living deep in the desert. How would you be aware of such a thing?”

    The corners of the Egyptian's mouth raise to form a toothless grin. “You feel it is true, don't you?”
    Then he turns away, leaving behind a startled king. “Who are you?” sounds Antiochos' unanswered call over the desert's sands.

    The king returns to the camp and takes his place at the head of the army. For the second time it marches toward Alexandreia. When in the distance a dark spot becomes perceptible, Antiochos pauses. He carefully examines the vague shape, then turns his horse away, to the west.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

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  3. #243

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Chapter 63: Brothers

    The royal brothers Seleukos Kallinikos, recovered from his illness, and Euphorion have joined their forces. Aside from his army the prince has brought more dire news: Hekatompylos has fallen to the Parnoi and large parts of Parthyaia are now under their control. The junior king and his host are in danger of being cut off from the centre of the kingdom and so with a heavy heart he has decided to march west, leaving the outer territories behind.

    For now the journey is uneventful, so the brothers use the time riding together to make up for the years separated.

    Not too long ago he himself had felt as broken as a man could be. And now here he is, giving advice about how life works. Kallinikos sighs.

    “Look, brother. When you grew up, did you lack for anything? Was there anything not available at your command? Didn't you wear the finest silks and the purest gold? Didn't you have the seat of honour when you went to watched the most enlightening plays at the theatre? Didn't you ride the fastest horses and spend your days hunting for pleasure? And have you ever spend so much as a thought about it,” the king inquires, looking back to his younger brother, who watches him in silence.

    “Those things come at a price. Your ancestry is not only a privilege, but also a duty. Oh, I struggled, I struggled hard, before I could accept that. I broke, but now I am whole again. Not even our lord father can just do as he pleases. Neither he nor I chose the path of our lives and what comes with it. I had not even met Agathe before we were married. We respect each other and sure, with time a certain affection grew and now she is the mother of my sons. I did not pick her, I was not... bewitched by the way she looked or moved, but I would not be willing to exchange what we have now for all the fabulous tales of love.”

    He turns around again and shakes his head. “Love is a fleeting and deceiving thing. You can't build anything on it,” the Basileus philosophizes. “Everyone's life is duty, though different for any of them. Don't fight it and you'll save yourself a lot of pain. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. No point resisting destiny, not for a fairy tale of love, anyhow. Do as you are told, marry whoever our lord father tells you, or, if he'll still be abroad or – may the gods forbid – with our ancestors, whoever I tell you to. I'm your brother, Euphorion, but also your king and if I can learn to act like a king, you can learn to act like one's son.”

    His younger brother clears his throat. “Perhaps they should call you Seleukos the wise.” That elicits a dry laugh from the king. “Rather not. But let me tell you one more thing, in all honesty. You are the lucky one that you never have been told that you will have to be king yourself one day. Oh, don't look at me that way! I have two sons and Nikomachos soon will be old enough to get married and have sons himself. What are the odds of all of us dying before you? Really, what can be the odds of that?”
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  4. #244

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Chapter 64: Pentapolis

    Antiochos too marches west to save the rest of his army. Yonder lies the Kyrenaika, controlled by a federation of five cities, chief among them Kyrene. The Kyrenaika had belonged to the ptolemaic kingdom, until it seceded under Magas, elder half-brother of Ptolemaios Philadelphos and brother-in-law of Antiochos Theos. It became an ally to the seleucid kings and remained so after the return to its former republican ways, even naming Antiochos its Hegemon. Among his allies he is confident to find refuge and the opportunity to ship back to Syria.

    But it could already be too late. The new Pharaoh Ptolemaios Leon has a furious temper and he seems determined to destroy his enemy at whatever the cost. The progress is slow and again and again the enemy clashes against the seleucid lines or their makeshift fortifications.





































    Despite all efforts the king's army has molten away. Yet there is hope left. Marmarike lies behind the pitiful shadow of an army, the fruitful coast of the Kyrenaika ahead. It is not long before kyrenaian envoys welcome the king.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  5. #245

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Chapter 65: Hegemon

    The Kyrenaika is a refuge, but not a safe haven. The lion from Alexandreia has halted the hunt to lick his wounds in the east, but a different predator lurks in the west.

    Long since the Karchedoi have had an eye on the Pentapolis across the bay. It is an affront to them that fledgling ports so close to their home don't pay homage to Karchedon. The Hellenes have prevailed until now, but they are hard pressed.

    They have chosen Antiochos Theos as their Hegemon and protector and although he brought no army, the mere force of his name and reputation in war commands fear in his enemies. Hermogenes, appointed as Polemarch of the Pentapolis, is still young and inexperienced as a battle commander. Gladly he pleads the Basileus ton Basileon to ride by his side and gladly he is given help.











    The kyrenaian hinterlands are rough terrain, forested with thick brushwood. It is easy to be taken unawares, even with a sense for danger.

    The midday heat of Africa dulls the senses and the mind takes a moment to catch up with was happens. A few heart beats pass after the horns bellow and javelins cutting through the air whistle. Warcries sound and the carthaginian elite descends upon the marching host, heavy lancers crash into the vanguard. It is clear, the prior fights were nothing but the prelude, the real trial comes now.

    The Hoplitai had no time to form the phalanx, many have dropped their lance and fight with the Xiphos instead and struggle to hold out. Antiochos gathers his Hetairoi who force their horses through to the front. His silver helmet gleaming in the sun is a beacon that gives strength to those around him. First he repels the lancers and then, as always, it draws him to wherever the fighting is fiercest. The Hetairoi's example leads the Kyrenaioi to rally themselves and drive back the ambushers. In a fierce, but short battle, they secure victory over the flower of Karchedon.



    It is hot under the heavy helmet, Antiochos Theos breathes with difficulty under it and removes the confining gear. “Kratippos, it seems after all I'm not a young man any more. Give me a hand to get off my horse, will you. I … I feel a bit dizzy.” - “Of course, Basileus!”

    A leather-faced veteran himself, the Hetairos quickly dismounts and rushes to his master's side. Kratippos grabs the king's left arm to support him.

    Theos is leaning over and is about to lift his right leg over the horse's body, when he notices a pain in his side. Looking down himself, his gaze wanders over his blood soaked leg-wear. He carefully lifts his right hand toward his face, with astonishment examining the red liquid, which is spread all over him. Slowly Antiochos slides down to the left, into Kratippos' waiting arms.

    The two men's eyes meet and they both know. The Basileus stretches himself with effort towards his Hetairos. He bares his teeth in defiance, then he laughs, coughs. No more regrets, no anger written in his face, just a peaceful smile. Then he lets go; he closes his eyes and the tension leaves the body in Kratippos' firm hold.

    Last edited by Lysimachos; 06-29-2016 at 19:21.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  6. #246

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Here's the deal:

    I've always said I wanted to finish the story and I still kinda do, but realistically speaking, I'll probably die of old age before that happens.

    So, in case anyone actually still wants to know how it ends - and for myself to know it has been told - at some point in the next weeks, months or years I'll sit down with my notes, turn them into something somewhat readable and post them here in a spoiler, so anyone who wants can chose to find out.

    Also: The pdf I was talking about a year or so ago.

    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - Laurel Wreath Edition.7z
    Last edited by Lysimachos; 06-29-2016 at 20:38.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  7. #247

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    As advertised, part 1 of the untold tales. I repeat, this doesn't mean I won't write proper chapters anymore, so if you want to wait for that, feel free not to click the spoiler button. But be advised that the probability of me actually finishing the whole thing is microscopic.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    The year 240 BC, 72nd year of the Seleucid Era (SE), 25th year of Antiochos Theos' rule (AII), 11th year of Seleukos Kallinikos' rule (SII)



    As told in chapter 63, Antiochos Theos reaches allied Kyrene, participates in several successful engagements with the Karchedoi, before he succumbs to a mortal wound suffered in the battle of Semeros, undefeated in the field.

    Seleukos Kallinikos reaches Seleukeia, where he learns of his father's death. He is now the sole ruler of the Arche Seleukeia.

    239 BC = 73 SE = 12 SII

    Seleukos' firstborn son Nikomachos comes of age.



    Antiochos Theos' body and possessions have been brought back from Kyrene. Among them are his war journals with detailed descriptions of egyptian geography and people, ptolemaic war tactics as well as sketches of fortifications he encountered on his long campaign.

    Seleukos Kallinikos studies his father's journals on the way to Rhodos. Neutral Rhodos is where he and Ptolemaios Leon (PIII) have agreed to meet for negotiations, because both their kingdoms have suffered badly.

    Arriving on Rhodos, Seleukos is awed by the rhodian fleet, laying at anchor there. Not only does the small island's fleet greatly outnumber that of the mighty Arche, but also are his ships dwarved by the rhodian poliremes.

    Seleukos intends to focus his reign on combatting the invaders from the east, but he realizes that the Arche will need a strong fleet of its own to control its western possessions.

    As a result of the negotiations, the Nheilos War ends after ten years with the status quo. Seleukos' son Nikomachos and Ptolemaios' niece Adeia are betrothed to seal the peace.

    With a large retinue, including her younger brother, Adeia comes to Antiocheia, where she is married to the Kleronomos Basileois.

    Later in the year, the Pahlavans occupy the province Aria. Parthyaia becomes the core of their kingdom and they start calling themselves Parthians.





    238 BC = 74 SE = 13 SII

    Euphorion, the king's brother, suffers a defeat at the hand of the Parthians.

    Seleukos Kallinikos announces his decision to start a campaign against the Parthians in the following spring.

    In the west, the Kingdom of Pergamon violates the borders of Phrygia. Nikomachos, the Kleronomos Basileois, sails west, leaving his young wife behind in Antiocheia.

    Nikomachos represents the Arche in negotiations with several greek states in the region and contributes to a general improvement of relations.



    237 BC = 75 SE = 14 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos leaves Mesopotamia in direction of Media.

    Nikomachos arrives in Lydia, where he defeats a pergamene army. He proves his mettle leading from the front and inspires his troops by fearlessness in the face of danger.

    Attacking Pergamon directly would anger Makedonia, who maintain close relations with the city, so instead Nikomachos lays siege to Halikarnassos, an ally of Pergamon.

    236 BC = 76 SE = 15 SII

    Halikarnassos falls. Nikomachos hurries north, because an army of Pergamenoi threatens Ipsos. He defeats the army later in the year.

    Seleukos Kallinikos besieges Apameia in the province of Khoarene, without success.

    Andromachos, Satrapes Persikos and nephew of Antiochos Soter, dies of old age in Persepolis.

    235 BC = 77 SE = 16 SII

    Nikomachos leads several battles against the Pergamenoi.

    234 BC = 78 SE = 17 SII

    Nikomachos continues the war against Pergamon.

    Seleukos Kallinikos sets up a hibernation camp in Khoarene.

    233 BC = 79 SE = 18 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos returns to Media.

    The Parthians take Prophtasia in the province Drangiane and lay siege to Susa.

    Adeia gives birth to a son and names him Ptolemaios.

    232 BC = 80 SE = 19 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos repells the Parthians from Elymais.

    Adeia gives birth to a daughter named Epiktesis.

    The Parthians take Karmana in the province Karmania.

    231 BC = 81 SE = 20 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos defeats a parthian army in Mesopotamia.

    230 BC = 82 SE = 21 SII

    Euphorion defeats a parthian army at Gabai in the province Gabiene.

    Seleukos Kallinikos renews his campaign.

    Nikomachos continues his defensive war against Pergamon.

    229 BC = 83 SE = 22 SII

    Nikomachos invades Mysia, but has to retreat after falling seriously ill.

    Seleukos Kallinikos again lays siege to Apameia.

    228 BC = 84 SE = 23 SII

    Seleukos' second son, Kleombrotos, comes of age. He is married to Harmonia, a daughter of the Arkah of Hayasdan. In the summer he participates in the olymic games and later travels east to join his father's army.



    Nikomachos sends a new ambassador to Pella. He urges King Perseus to use his influence on Pergamon. An armistice is agreed upon.

    At the end of the year, pontic troops are moving into Galatia. Nikomachos drives off the intruders.

    Ptolemaios Leon (PIII) dies. He is succeeded by his brother, who takes the name Ptolemaios Eusebes (the pious, PIV).

    227 BC = 85 SE = 24 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos seeks battle with the Parthians. His cavalry is crushed by the enemy's cataphracts and he dies fighting, under the eyes of his younger son.



    When the remaining commanders are at odds with each other, Kleombrotos takes command of the army and in a cat-and-mouse game with the Parthians brings it to safety in friendly territory.

    Nikomachos is proclaimed Basileus ton Basileon and takes the name Seleukos Aphobos (the fearless, SIII).
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

    Member thankful for this post:



  8. #248

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Hi Lysimachos, a little bit sentimental new member over here, thank you for your effort and dedication to continue wrote this aar since 2008, such a long time. Do what you must to do men in RL, i hope one day see you posting aar again, on behalf of many your readers since your first posted, i wanna say thank you for your fantastic work!

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk

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  9. #249

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysimachos View Post
    As advertised, part 1 of the untold tales. I repeat, this doesn't mean I won't write proper chapters anymore, so if you want to wait for that, feel free not to click the spoiler button. But be advised that the probability of me actually finishing the whole thing is microscopic.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    The year 240 BC, 72nd year of the Seleucid Era (SE), 25th year of Antiochos Theos' rule (AII), 11th year of Seleukos Kallinikos' rule (SII)



    As told in chapter 63, Antiochos Theos reaches allied Kyrene, participates in several successful engagements with the Karchedoi, before he succumbs to a mortal wound suffered in the battle of Semeros, undefeated in the field.

    Seleukos Kallinikos reaches Seleukeia, where he learns of his father's death. He is now the sole ruler of the Arche Seleukeia.

    239 BC = 73 SE = 12 SII

    Seleukos' firstborn son Nikomachos comes of age.



    Antiochos Theos' body and possessions have been brought back from Kyrene. Among them are his war journals with detailed descriptions of egyptian geography and people, ptolemaic war tactics as well as sketches of fortifications he encountered on his long campaign.

    Seleukos Kallinikos studies his father's journals on the way to Rhodos. Neutral Rhodos is where he and Ptolemaios Leon (PIII) have agreed to meet for negotiations, because both their kingdoms have suffered badly.

    Arriving on Rhodos, Seleukos is awed by the rhodian fleet, laying at anchor there. Not only does the small island's fleet greatly outnumber that of the mighty Arche, but also are his ships dwarved by the rhodian poliremes.

    Seleukos intends to focus his reign on combatting the invaders from the east, but he realizes that the Arche will need a strong fleet of its own to control its western possessions.

    As a result of the negotiations, the Nheilos War ends after ten years with the status quo. Seleukos' son Nikomachos and Ptolemaios' niece Adeia are betrothed to seal the peace.

    With a large retinue, including her younger brother, Adeia comes to Antiocheia, where she is married to the Kleronomos Basileois.

    Later in the year, the Pahlavans occupy the province Aria. Parthyaia becomes the core of their kingdom and they start calling themselves Parthians.





    238 BC = 74 SE = 13 SII

    Euphorion, the king's brother, suffers a defeat at the hand of the Parthians.

    Seleukos Kallinikos announces his decision to start a campaign against the Parthians in the following spring.

    In the west, the Kingdom of Pergamon violates the borders of Phrygia. Nikomachos, the Kleronomos Basileois, sails west, leaving his young wife behind in Antiocheia.

    Nikomachos represents the Arche in negotiations with several greek states in the region and contributes to a general improvement of relations.



    237 BC = 75 SE = 14 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos leaves Mesopotamia in direction of Media.

    Nikomachos arrives in Lydia, where he defeats a pergamene army. He proves his mettle leading from the front and inspires his troops by fearlessness in the face of danger.

    Attacking Pergamon directly would anger Makedonia, who maintain close relations with the city, so instead Nikomachos lays siege to Halikarnassos, an ally of Pergamon.

    236 BC = 76 SE = 15 SII

    Halikarnassos falls. Nikomachos hurries north, because an army of Pergamenoi threatens Ipsos. He defeats the army later in the year.

    Seleukos Kallinikos besieges Apameia in the province of Khoarene, without success.

    Andromachos, Satrapes Persikos and nephew of Antiochos Soter, dies of old age in Persepolis.

    235 BC = 77 SE = 16 SII

    Nikomachos leads several battles against the Pergamenoi.

    234 BC = 78 SE = 17 SII

    Nikomachos continues the war against Pergamon.

    Seleukos Kallinikos sets up a hibernation camp in Khoarene.

    233 BC = 79 SE = 18 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos returns to Media.

    The Parthians take Prophtasia in the province Drangiane and lay siege to Susa.

    Adeia gives birth to a son and names him Ptolemaios.

    232 BC = 80 SE = 19 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos repells the Parthians from Elymais.

    Adeia gives birth to a daughter named Epiktesis.

    The Parthians take Karmana in the province Karmania.

    231 BC = 81 SE = 20 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos defeats a parthian army in Mesopotamia.

    230 BC = 82 SE = 21 SII

    Euphorion defeats a parthian army at Gabai in the province Gabiene.

    Seleukos Kallinikos renews his campaign.

    Nikomachos continues his defensive war against Pergamon.

    229 BC = 83 SE = 22 SII

    Nikomachos invades Mysia, but has to retreat after falling seriously ill.

    Seleukos Kallinikos again lays siege to Apameia.

    228 BC = 84 SE = 23 SII

    Seleukos' second son, Kleombrotos, comes of age. He is married to Harmonia, a daughter of the Arkah of Hayasdan. In the summer he participates in the olymic games and later travels east to join his father's army.



    Nikomachos sends a new ambassador to Pella. He urges King Perseus to use his influence on Pergamon. An armistice is agreed upon.

    At the end of the year, pontic troops are moving into Galatia. Nikomachos drives off the intruders.

    Ptolemaios Leon (PIII) dies. He is succeeded by his brother, who takes the name Ptolemaios Eusebes (the pious, PIV).

    227 BC = 85 SE = 24 SII

    Seleukos Kallinikos seeks battle with the Parthians. His cavalry is crushed by the enemy's cataphracts and he dies fighting, under the eyes of his younger son.



    When the remaining commanders are at odds with each other, Kleombrotos takes command of the army and in a cat-and-mouse game with the Parthians brings it to safety in friendly territory.

    Nikomachos is proclaimed Basileus ton Basileon and takes the name Seleukos Aphobos (the fearless, SIII).
    Sorry for double post, if you don't mind or don't offended you, may i have your campaign save, this is aar campaign save, i want to play it too, for personal playing of course

    Nb: sorry for my bad english

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk

  10. #250

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by johnalexadiw View Post
    Hi Lysimachos, a little bit sentimental new member over here, thank you for your effort and dedication to continue wrote this aar since 2008, such a long time. Do what you must to do men in RL, i hope one day see you posting aar again, on behalf of many your readers since your first posted, i wanna say thank you for your fantastic work!

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk
    Quote Originally Posted by johnalexadiw View Post
    Sorry for double post, if you don't mind or don't offended you, may i have your campaign save, this is aar campaign save, i want to play it too, for personal playing of course

    Nb: sorry for my bad english

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk
    Hi, johnalexadiw, thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. There's no need to apologize for double posting or your english, I can understand you well enough.

    I don't particularly mind giving out a save, but it might be a little problematic. You see, I don't really know what state the mod is in that I've been using. The basis was EB 1.1, but I've been using mini-mods and some personal changes, that I don't remember because it was eight years ago. I'm pretty sure you can't just run the save with EB 1.1.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  11. #251

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysimachos View Post
    Hi, johnalexadiw, thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. There's no need to apologize for double posting or your english, I can understand you well enough.

    I don't particularly mind giving out a save, but it might be a little problematic. You see, I don't really know what state the mod is in that I've been using. The basis was EB 1.1, but I've been using mini-mods and some personal changes, that I don't remember because it was eight years ago. I'm pretty sure you can't just run the save with EB 1.1.
    Your welcome Lysimachos, i notice something inside your spoiler, since when minion speak bahasa indonesia language? Lol, oh you are right, i think my eb 1.21 don't compatible with your eb 1.1

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk

  12. #252

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by johnalexadiw View Post
    Your welcome Lysimachos, i notice something inside your spoiler, since when minion speak bahasa indonesia language? Lol, oh you are right, i think my eb 1.21 don't compatible with your eb 1.1

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk
    Indonesian?! That's news to me! What was the word?
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  13. #253

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysimachos View Post
    Indonesian?! That's news to me! What was the word?
    The word is..is...
    dude i forgot the word ._., also why you deleted the that minion dancing pic lol? That's good trolling for another your aar reader

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk

  14. #254

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by johnalexadiw View Post
    The word is..is...
    dude i forgot the word ._., also why you deleted the that minion dancing pic lol? That's good trolling for another your aar reader

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk
    Aaah, maybe it was an advertisement from the image hosting site or something like that? Because I'm sure I didn't put any minions anywhere.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  15. #255

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysimachos View Post
    Aaah, maybe it was an advertisement from the image hosting site or something like that? Because I'm sure I didn't put any minions anywhere.
    i agree, maybe something like that

    Sent from my Smartfren Andromax AD688G using Tapatalk

  16. #256

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    The second part of the untold tales. As before, if you'd rather take the risk and wait for proper chapters that may or may not come, don't click the button.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    The Untold Tales, part 2

    226 BC = 86 SE = 2 SIII


    Seleukos Aphobos remains in Asia Mikra for now, to restrain the treacherous Pergamenes, the Pontians and the Bithynians.

    Kleombrotos reaches Seleukeia and is hailed as a hero. Parthians are sighted in Persis and Gabiene.

    225 BC = 87 SE = 3 SIII

    Seleukos Aphobos leaves Asia Mikra under the command of Apollophanes Syriakos, a distant cousin, to travel to Seleukeia.

    On the journey, he suffers a mysterious accident and dies.

    Kleombrotos claims the throne as Antiochos Hypoleptos (the unrelenting, AIII).

    He proclaims that Adeia's children in truth were sired by her own brother and not the king, as it is known the ptolemaioi practice sibling incest (I swear I didn't know about GoT, when I came up with this). Besides, the Arche needs a leader now more than ever and can't wait for a child to grow up.

    Antiochos sends out assassins to kill Adeia's son. The intended child killer can't go through with it and makes sure the eight year old is send away to safety in a bosphoran Polis. He tells Antiochos the deed was done, before he is killed himself to eliminate him as a witness.

    Ptolemaios Eusebes is distraught by the events – as far as news reach him – but a revolt in upper Aigyptos binds him, for now.

    Later in the year Metrodoros and Apollophanes, two descendants of Seleukos in the male line and of middle age, die.



    Hearing of his relatives' unexpected deaths, Euphorion fears for his life and that of his son Ktesikles, but remains untouched, to his own surprise.







    224 BC = 88 SE = 2 AIII

    Pontic troops occupy upper Kappadokia.

    Antiochos Hypoleptos reaches Asia Mikra in a forced march, takes back Mazaka, as well as Amaseia in Kappadokia Pontika, where he sells the population into slavery.

    223 BC = 89 SE = 3 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos reaches Sinope. Mithridates Kianos flees to the allied kingdom Bithynia.

    At the end of the year, Antiochos is at the gates of Nikaia.

    222 BC = 90 SE = 4 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos defeats Mithridates and subdues Bithynia.

    Ptolemaios Eusebes has ended the rebellion and takes the initiative. He considers Antiochos a usurper who stole his grandson's throne. He sends out his fleet, which prevails in a minor engagement near Kypros.

    220 BC = 92 SE = 6 AIII

    The seleucid fleet, thanks to Seleukos Kallinikos now including numerous poliremes, decisively defeats the ptolemaic fleet near Tyros.



    Antiochos Hypoleptos occupies Kypros.

    219 BC = 93 SE = 7 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos enters Aigyptos. In the meantime parthian activity reaches a new height.

    25 years after his grandfather stood at the gates of Alexandreia, Antiochos does the same. However, the signs are different. Antiochos Theos had but a weakened army, insufficiently supplied and constantly endangered by larger enemy forces. Since then, the devastations of that war left the economy of the Nheilos kingdom weakened and the defences of Alexandreia in a neglected state.

    His father's fleet gives Antiochos Hypoleptos a trump card his grandfather didn't hold. In a combined attack from land and sea he achieves what Antiochos Theos could not hope to do.

    Ptolemaios Eusebes is captured and forced to agree to a peace that includes giving up Kypros and reduces the proud diadoch kingdom to a tributary.



    Baktra falls to the Parthians.

    218 BC = 94 SE = 8 AIII

    With the war in the west over and the egyptian tribute to fund greater projects, Antiochos Hypoleptos starts preparations to reconquer the east. He intends to form his own heavy cavalry modelled after the Parthians' to counter theirs.

    216 BC = 96 SE = 10 AIII

    With rebellions in parthian held territories increasing, Antiochos Hypoleptos decides it is time to turn his plans into reality.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

  17. #257

    Default Re: The Legacy of Megas Alexandros - a seleucid AAR

    The third and final part of the untold tales. I think you know the deal now and we can dispense with the disclaimer.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    215 BC = 97 SE = 11 AIII

    The seleucid army leaves Susa in two columns. The main force, moving north, is led by Antiochos Hypoleptos himself, with his cousin Ktesikles leading the rearguard. The second army, moving east, is led by the king's uncle Euphorion.





    By the end of the year Antiochos takes Apameia. Euphorion falls ill, slowing down his progress.

    214 BC = 98 SE = 12 AIII

    Ktesikles loses his supply train to parthian surprise attacks.

    Euphorion recovers and invades Karmania. In Autumn Karmana falls to his troops.

    Antiochos Hypoleptos takes Hekatompylos, previously capital of the self styled Parthians.

    213 BC = 99 SE = 13 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos takes Asaak in the province Astauene.

    Ktesikles dies in an ambush in Hyrkania.

    Epiktesis, Adeia's daughter, marries. Antiochos sends her and her husband to Homna on the arabian coast.

    212 BC = 100 SE = 14 AIII

    Antiochos takes Zadrakata.

    Euphorion takes Prophtasia.

    Antiochos takes Nisa.

    211 BC = 101 SE = 15 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos takes Khiva and proceeds east through Sogdiane.

    Timarchos dies of old age.

    Euphorion turns south towards Gedrosia.

    210 BC = 102 SE = 16 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos takes Chach in the province Kangha, at the edge of Alexandros' empire.

    Ptolemaios Eusebes dies. He is succeeded by his son Ptolemaios Epiphanes (PV). Ptolemaios Epiphanes is Adeia's oldest brother.

    Euphorion sends Minnio Arianos to besiege Alexandropolis in the province of Arachosia, at the eastern border of Iran.

    He himself takes Pura in Gedrosia, near the coast.

    Antiochos takes Marakanda in Sogdiane.

    209 BC = 103 SE = 17 AIII

    Antiochos Hypoleptos liberates Baktra from the Parthians. He summons the self styled Basileus Baktrios and returns Baktria to the fold. Knowing that he will need a strong viceroy to hold the farthest east when he returns to Seleukeia, Antiochos lets him keep his title and betrothes his daughter (and only child yet) Sabit to Arybbas Baktrinos, who follows him to Mesopotamia.

    After seven years, the reconquest of the east is completed.





    (I threw this together in something like two mintues, I don't remember the actual routes, it's just to give you a general idea)

    207 BC = 105 SE = 19 AIII

    Agathe, Antiochos' mother, dies.

    In Susa, on the Basileus' return west, three estranged companions, Euphorion (60), Xenoitas (61) and Miltidades (61), each having lost at least one son to war, meet with the king. Together, they are the four last known living descendants in the male line of Seleukos Nikator.

    206 BC = 106 SE = 20 AIII

    Antiochos enters Seleukeia in triumph. He takes the name Megas Antiochos.

    Sabit is married to Arybbas Baktrinos.

    Euphorion, whose life has seen many turns, having lost his family and after decades of waging war in the east, perhaps his purpose, withers and dies within the year.

    Megas Antiochos, disappointed with his wife's failure to give him a son, starts multiple affairs.

    204 BC = 108SE = 22 AIII

    Miltidades dies.

    Megas Antiochos decides to go to war with the Karchedoi, who still haven't given up their designs on the Kyrenaia.

    In winter Antiochos meets makedonian envoys in Ephesos, who demand unreasonable rewards for their support in his plans. Antiochos humiliates them for their hybris and departs towards Krete. From there he intends to sail to Sicily and then Africa.



    Phila, the result of one of Antiochos' affairs, is born, 25 years after Sabit, his first daughter.

    203 BC = 109 SE = 23 AIII

    On Krete, Megas Antiochos receives word that the Makedones and their greek vassals, enraged over his treatment of their envoys, have allied themselves with Pergamon, Byzantion and Pontus to turn on him once he has set sail for Sicily.

    Without hesitation, Antiochos turns his fleet around and lands on the Peloponessos.

    202 BC = 110 SE = 24 AIII

    At the beginning of the year, Rhodos, Trapezus and Kydonia declare against Antiochos.

    Megas Antiochos occupies Sparte and presses on through Korinthos, Athenai and Demetria, all of which fall in the same year.

    201 BC = 111 SE = 25 AIII

    Megas Antiochos temporarily occupies Pella.

    Agesias, another illegitimate daughter, is born.

    Epiktesis' husband dies during riots in Homna.

    Ptolemaios Epiphanes learns that his nephew may still be alive. He pledges the aegean alliance his support and sends out his generals to the Levant.

    Antiochos takes Thermon in autumn and Ambrakia in winter.

    Sabit and Arybbas Baktrinos have a daughter, Antiochos' first grandchild.

    200 BC = 112 SE = 26 AIII

    Antiochos takes Epidamnos. He receives word of his granddaughter's birth and reconciles with his wife, Harmonia.

    The Ptolemaioi occupy Bostra.

    199 BC = 113 SE = 27 AIII

    Harmonia gives birth to Apelles, Antiochos' first son and heir.

    Pella is occupied again.

    In winter, Megas Antiochos marches east, along the Aegean's northern coast.

    Without seleucid help, long time ally Kyrene finally falls to the Karchedoi.

    198 BC = 114 SE = 28 AIII

    The Ptolemaioi occupy Damaskos and Palmyra.

    In summer, Megas Antiochos crosses the bosporus and reaches Asia Mikra.

    In autumn Hierosolyma falls. Antiochos reaches Ephesos.

    197 BC = 115 SE = 29 AIII

    The Ptolemaioi are at the gates of Antiocheia. Later in the year, Antiochos defeats them in two battles.

    Hekatompylos revolts.

    Sidon falls to the Ptolemaioi.

    196 BC = 116 SE = 30 AIII

    Megas Antiochos continues the war in Syria. Over the year a succession of six commanders take over the ptolemaic forces and all in turn are defeated.

    195 BC = 117 SE = 31 AIII

    In spring, the aegean alliance (Makedonians, Greeks, Pontians and Ptolemies) occupy Sardis. Ptolemaios Syriakos reveals himself as the son of Seleukos Aphobos and claims the throne as Seleukos Eupator (of a good father, SIV), to both honour his father and underline the source of his legitimacy.

    Ptolemaios Epiphanes dies. The ptolemaic armies cease their attacks due to internal struggle and the new situation with Karchedoi in the Kyrenaia.

    The Parthians discard seleucid hegemony.

    194 BC = 118 SE = 32 AIII = 2 SIV

    Megas Antiochos marches to Asia Mikra to face the usurper. Apelles stays with his mother in Syria.

    Baktria follows the Parthians' example and sheds seleucid dominion.

    In summer Megas Antiochos reaches Kappadokia.

    (This is the point until which I actually played the campaign. Everything from here was just planned and thus is obviously less detailed.)

    Greatly outnumbered, Megas Antiochos is finally defeated in Galatia by alliance forces. (I was planning to simulate this with screenshots made in custom battles with Makedonians, Greeks, Ptolemies and Pontus.)

    Seleukos Eupator marches to Antiocheia. There he releases his allies, whom he greatly rewards for their help in putting him on the throne: Ptolemaios receives the former ptolemaic provinces Ioudaia, Phoinike, Kypros and Syria Koile. Bithynia and Halikarnassos are granted their independence and lower Kappadokia as well as Galatia are returned to Pontos.

    Harmonia, Antiochos' widow, turns to her brother, Parkev Yervanduni, the Arkah of Hayasdan, for help. The Hay defeat Seleukos Eupator in Assyria and Harmonia proclaims her underage son Basileus ton Basileon, under the name Orontes Philometor, after Yervand, the founder of her own dynasty.

    Seleukos Eupator flees to Seleukeia. At the same time, the king of Baktria proclaims another Basileus ton Basileon, Seleukos Baktrinos (SV). He is a son of Arybbas Baktrinos and Sabit, Megas Antiochos' eldest daughter.

    This leaves Antiochos' empire carved up as follows:

    Asia Mikra up to the Taurus: divided among the members of the aegean alliance.

    Kilikia and Syria: Orontes Philometor.

    Mesopotamia, Arabia: Seleukos Eupator.

    Iran (as far as not claimed by the Parthians): Seleukos Baktrinos.

    In 183 BC Orontes Philometor comes of age. When his uncle Parkev dies and Hayasdan experiences a succession crisis, Orontes sheds the armenian influence on his reign, but he profits from incorporating exiled Hay nobles into his powerbase (resulting in a bigger ratio of cataphracts in the army), after Artaxias establishes himself as the new Arkah. Sophene falls back under Orontes' rule.

    Over the next decade Orontes manages to eliminate Seleukos Eupator as a rival and unites Mesopotamia and Syria once again.

    The Parthians defeat Seleukos Baktrinos, leaving Orontes the sole claimant.

    Around 160 BC Orontes takes back the Levant from the Ptolemaioi, once again.

    The Arche seems to stabilize itself, but after the king's sudden death his successor Antiochos Agathos finds himself unable to hold together the realm.

    Epilogue

    When I first thought about how it would end – this probably was around 2009 or 2010 – I had not yet realized the scope of my undertaking and assumed I would be able to finish in a timely manner.

    Back then, I fancied the idea of writing other AARs that could be unofficial sequels and having the epilogue establish a connection. One of those ideas was to have the last Basileus experience the fall of Antiocheia, at the hands of a Tigranes the Great type of figure.

    Then, his sister would be married to one of Tigranes' commanders called Bagatades, who has been speculated to be the ancestor of the Bagratuni/Bagrationi dynasties from later Armenia and Georgia (including the famous russian general from napoleonic times), so if I did an AAR set in a later period I could – as an inside joke without saying it – pretend like my characters were descendants from the characters in this one. But since that will never happen, I'm free to just tell you.


    There. Now you know as much as I do.
    Last edited by Lysimachos; 07-25-2016 at 13:55.
    Read about glory and decline of the Seleucid Empire... (EB 1.1 AAR)

    from Satalexton from I of the Storm from Vasiliyi

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