The Royal Council

[The Celtic Viking]

"Timarchos, you make assumptions based on nothing but your own imagination. I recalled my army because I figured I would need it to conquer Pergamon. Remember? I already told you and everyone else here I had planned to take it prior to this Council. The second time it would have been completely unnecessary to send you, since Arrhenides was already on his way there, so to waste time on that would have made absolutely no sense. Your failure to see this just shows what I've been hinting at all the time: you just don't like me because I won't let you have your battles with my army. You want to further yourself as much as possible, and when I remind you that the men you're playing with are actually mine to command, you behave like a child and attack me because of it.

If there was any sense in you, you'd know that the slander I was talking about was still mainly your saying that I am only the heir because I'm the son of the Basileus, when there is absolutely no reason to think so, and it's false. You continue doing this even now, but changing it to the satrapy I got. Yes, it was all merit! Are you really foolish enough to suggest otherwise, when everyone knows how good I am at management? You're making a fool out of yourself as we speak, and should really be ashamed. Really, I dare anyone to take a look at my work and say I haven't done a good job, that I don't have the skills necessary. Anyone with anything resembling a fair and unbiased mind will come to the conclusion that I was indeed the best choice there were, and so I remain.

Your way of ignoring the facts in order to fuel your personal agenda should be blatantly obvious to everyone by now."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Now.. Let's calm down! The Session is over!

I also must mention that Sarpedon Syriakos, my son and heir, will become the Chancellor with all of it's duties after the Voting Period ends since there was no one else who proposed himself as a candidate!

[kingsnake]

I'm sorry I looked like I didn't put alot of reasoning into my previous statement. I thought it was unnecessary and that you had some yourself.

The bloodline will be left quite untouched if we do have to vote for a new heir in our lifetime. The only good candidates are sons or nephews of Basileus Antiochos. I imagine, however, a future where plausible candidates are adopted people or greedy son-in-laws. And I know the Basileus foresees this to. Now it's not my bloodline and I won't base my vote on this argument. I did not pose this question to you, but to the Basileus, by the way.
I, now, considering your remarks on the council, believe you think Sarpedon is incompetent. And why is that? Lets reason.
He is right now the best administrator in the Arche.
I know, he does not have any military experience, however, he only received his Royal Army in the last few seasons, leaving no room for him to plan any offensive.
So why then you think he is incompetent? Is it just because of the last petty discussions you had with him, in which Sarpedon was right? As in the other discussions he had with other strategoi this session? For Zeus! He is still a very young man, with alot to learn.
Might his personality be disturbing you then? I'll be honest he did showed me a quick glance of his racist personality today, there's, most likely, not much more to it than a simple pontual rage. He probably seems arrogant to you, but I see it as a young man's reaction at being recently named heir, with time, he'll know is place in the world or he'll place himself above the world. But it is still a bit soon to judge that.
So why is he incompetent have I missed something?

Yes this eddict will increase the rate of civil wars, chaos in the council and anarchy, I repeat I have little against republics. Especially when they are needed. So, lets reason, why these kind of elections could cause so much unrest, well it is simple, the council would divide into interest groups each with one candidate. This is only avoidable, as I said, with responsability. Something that seems to only appear in a few people every other generation. Yes, I know, such also happens with the Royal bloodline. But this time it seems we'll lose a responsible leader, due to some irresponsible leaders who judge competence during trivial argumentations with young men.

Furthermore I don't like the way this eddict is heading to. You look like you treat this like a national emergency and I completly disagree, I hope some do think as I think and will vote Sarpedon as heir. I will vote Yes on this eddict, for its great uses in real emergency situations. Another suitable eddict would be to give the council "impeachment" powers.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Yes impeachment would be impossible ingame but we can always suicide the Basileus and pretend he was assassinated or exiled.

[johnhughthom]

Polyxenidos stands looking confused

I would ask Aratos Arethousas Syriakes if you could please clarify who your last statement was aimed toward. I thought you were replying to my comments toward you earlier, then you launched into a rant about my thinking he is incopetent. I don't believe I have had any debate with the heir to the Empire, and I made my loyalty to him quite clear when proposing my edict. So either I have missed something or you are getting me confused with someone else. If it is my error I apologise, if not I await yours.

The Babylonian sits, visibly disappointed at his silly error in filing his edict.

[00jebus]

*at sarpedon*

I tire of fighting someone so pig-headed.
lets look at the facts, in an unbaised way you claim you are so fond of

defense takes priority over attack, unless attack can remove the need for defense, your royal army was the only force around karkatheria, the georgio-armenian raiding force, is still there to my knowlage... we are loosing a not insignificant amount from their campaigning.
Pergamon has not been taken, dispite your promises
the army is getting paid to, basically, march, instead of fight.

so I was right about what the best use of that army would have been




next you claim I dont like you, to which I respond, nobody cares, you do your job and not stop other people from doing their's, and we would get along fine, I'll even chalk the arrogence upto your youth, and disrespect of free men to simple ignorance of the celtic ways.
please, stop having a tantrum about this.



then, accusing me of behaving like a child is fine, but that army I played with has lost fewer men in the battle I commanded it in than any other single battle by any other commander so far.
and this is politics boy, people who propose bad policies get attacked, stop taking it personally.

therefore, neither accusation is true.
or, as we are being unbaised, I am right.




you've done a good job, in the easiest of circumstance, the satrapy of pahlava is more likely to be attacked, and faces tougher enemies if it is, the majority of your population are greek and by comparison, your satrapy was far more developed than most of the rest of the arche.
so, we both were right.


So I want to further myself, so I have ambition, so what?
the only way you could make this argument is if you were a hermit yourself.
that wont happen, so please, dont bother arguing something that can be rebuffed so easily.


the facts are those.
pehaps you missed them since they dont fit in with your agenda

[kingsnake]

I responded to your questions, though I should have been more clear when I was directing myself to those in the council who believe sarpedon not to be worthy of the title of Basileus.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Sorry Sorry I'm half studying, half sleeping. the rest is posting. I got alot of important tests next week :(
I really thought I read you and many others were opposing sarpedon, looks like only a few are
gotta stop doing both wotb and study at the same time -_-

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon stands up, for once with a smile on his face.

"Thank you, Aratos. It is very refreshing for my ears to hear that someone besides my father can appreciate me. It seems that despite all the hard work I've done, working my ass off with all bits of tedious issues that comes along when you have a satrapy to run, I'm never thanked for this, nor am my efforts even recognized by anyone, with the exception of you just now, and an occasional hint at a "bravo" from my father. Can you blame me for being a little bit edgy sometimes? Then on top of it all, Timarchos would add insult to injury by actually claiming that I'm only getting a free ride by my father! He even has the audacity to look down on me for my lack of combat experience, when the very reason why I have none is because he himself has enjoyed my army far off in the east! For the love of the gods, I haven't even been allowed to see my troops with my own eyes yet! How can anyone expect me to have battlefield experience then?

I see the point why you wanted all to vote for who should be the heir, but I disagree with it. To make decisions like this in a democratic fashion is dangerous and unreliable. People would not vote for who would be the best for the nation, they will vote for who are best for them, even if that means screwing the rest of the population. Then we have things like corruption, bribery, voting by personality rather than actual politics and merits and only the gods know all the possibilities. To rely on the mass of people make the choice that benefits us all the most is naieve at best.

If we are to let something or someone decide besides the basileus, I think it should be merits alone. If you want my support for any change in this, it must rely on that central point. Otherwise I'd prefer that the Basileus should keep the right to choose and switch heir at any moment as he deems fit. That would at least limit it to just one person who has to stay away from corruption, instead of all of us."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos raises an eyebrow..

Occasional hint at a 'bravo' from me? Don't you think that I haven't noticed your exceptional skills as a governor!
But there is another thing I must do also. I ask that my brother, Achaios, would become the Commander of my Royal Army! It is stationed currently in Sidon. So, my brother, would will you say?

[Roka]

Achaois rises

I would be honoured to accept this role my brother

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos nods to Achaios...

My Royal Army(OOC: check my SOT to see what units are in it!) is in Sidon. You can take it and if you see any Ptolemaioi armies near our borders then you can attack them. Just make sure that you end the turn inside Sidon! This way you will destroy some Ptolemaioi armies that they could use against the Strategoi who accepted to liberate Hierosolyma.

[Celtic_Punk]

Euripedes stands up Fellow ambassadors and Strategoi of the Arche. We have received disturbing news. An army of Pontus has breached our borders, and heads for Ipsos possibly! We must make the preemptive strike and destroy them before they can destroy our city! They say they are our allies, but what sort of allies march an Army into our lands? They have no enemies on the otherside of our borders, and they have not been invited to help fight the Ptolemaic forces. We must crush this threat before they have a chance to proceed with whatever plan they might have. Sarpedon, this is the perfect moment to show your mettle and worth to us. Crush this force that threatens the well-being and security to our lands! Afterwards, what man would question your authority on and off the battlefield? Please act quickly man, before it is too late. Pontus has played the cards of false friendship for too long, we must show them what it means to betray us."

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon stands up.

"Now that I have been summoned to speak, I will take the chance to first apologize to my father, Antiochos. I know you have acknowledged my abilities, but I spoke in the heat of the moment and exaggerated a little when it comes to your appraisal. The rest stands true, though."

Sarpedon bows, then turns to Euripedes.

"I withhold my judgement on this for now. I have not been chancellor for long, and I have unfortunately not been brought up to speed with all the diplomatic deals we have yet. I know that Pontos has attacked us before, and that they prior to that had access to our lands. However, what I'm not sure about is if we re-established the military access that we had when we once again signed an alliance with them. If we did, then we can, unfortunately, not attack them for this, since they would merely be exercising their right per our agreement.

However, if we did not give them military access again, then I am in agreement with you. They should be struck back before they can lay siege to any of our cities. We should teach them not to enter our lands without our leave.

This is why I will turn to Basileus Antiochos, as he would be the one who signed said deal. Was military access for them in our lands included in the new alliance deal, and what is your opinion in the matter?"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I'm not using the computer I've got EB installed on, and won't be able to use that one until tomorrow, so I can't just check that myself right now.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Well.. the deals with Pontus are.. complicated to say the least! I privately allowed them to use the Sardis-Tarsos highway some time ago but looks like they are violating my trust on this matter. I don't want to declare war on them yet. I would wait 'til the next Council Session. If they still move their armies in our land then there is only one solution - war! Also, since most of the Strategoi are busy with liberating Hierosolyma and it's people then we lack the number of men to lead our armies. It really hurts us in the east since the Parthian Army is currently without a Commander.
Although if Pontus do attack us now then only complete destruction of their kingdom could be the solution!

[The Celtic Viking]

"So we wait, which may be just as well. If I were to kick out the incursion myself, we would probably have to wait a while anyway, since my army is tired from the march, and this gives my men time to rest before the hypothetical battle. In any case, my satrapy is safe, as even if I would fail in battle, the Lydian army is in Ipsos as well, and should then be able to defeat any remaining Pontic forces."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos rises..

To show how much I appreciate what Sarpeon have achieved I declare that Pergamon will become part of his Satrapy. May you govern that city well!

Also.. I hope that the siege of Halikarnassos will not be as bloody as the one in Pergamon was!

[The Celtic Viking]

A man wearing bloodstained battle gear, with a tired expression in his face, stepped forward to speak.

"Hail! strategos of the Arche, and hail! great and noble Basileus! My name is Cadeyrn, and as you can see" - with a smile he throws a look at his armour - "I come straight from battle, and a bloody one at that, as milord Antiochos pointed out. Yes, I come straight from Pergamon, and I am Sarpedon's most trusted and, if I may say so myself, most capable bodyguard as well, and he sent me here to speak for him while he recovers and get things under proper control in Pergamon.

So, in Sarpedon's name, I thank you, lord Antiochos."

Cadeyrn raised a hand in gesture towards Antiochos, and then sat down in Sarpedon's seat.

[MerlinusCDXX]

A Babylonian wearing the emblem of Parthava on his chiton stands to address the Basileus.

Hail, Basileus

My superior, Phanias Lydikes has passed on a report of a group of bandits causing trouble in Aria. He proposes to go flush them out himself, since the Strategos of the 1st Parthian Army is on the liberation mission for Hierosolyma. He reports that it should take 3 seasons to make the trip, and another 3 seasons to return, and has left behind enough of the Parthavan Defense force to keep order in the city.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos nods..

I know about those rebels. It would make me happy if Satrap Lydikes destroys them. In return I'll see what I can do for his Satrapy.

[Celtic_Punk]

Euripedes stands up and looks at Cadeyrn
"Good fellow, you must get out of those clothes and armour at once! get yourself cleaned up, and relax. You've come from the gravest of places and deserve a bath.His eyes squint and mumbles 'Zeus knows he needs one' I welcome you to the council chambers!

Also on a more serious matter... What are the scout reports on the army of Pontus? It would be prudent for the Royal Army of the Chancellor to begin finding reinforcement to repair its numbers, as well as training to face a new enemy... Has any man here knowledege of the Pontic tacts and strategies? We must prepare for war. And make a quick decisive blow. Lest they grow to become a greater threat, and make alliance with the Aigyptians. Our Claws bear South. Our Vulnerable neck is to our North. The ports on the Northern coasts owned by the Pontic kingdom will add delicious tariffs to our coffers. We buy our time for now... But it should not be wasted... We plan, and prepare. If we intend to crush Pontus with a quick blow, we should send scouts and map the area. See what kind of forces we are dealing with, how big, and how many armies. One or two field engagements would be satisfactory, and could be enough to cripple their military for at least a decade. leaving us to focus on other tasks. Any ideas on this fellowmen?" The old man looks around the room, meeting eyes with a few "Cadeyrn what about you? you've probably seen more battle than any man here. What is your position on this matter?"

[The Celtic Viking]

"It is the same Pontic army that entered our lands before. They are in our lands, well, because they lost a battle by Nikaia, and it appears they chose this way to flee. There should be no reason to fear an attack from them - at least not from that army. Nevertheless, you are of course right that the Royal Army should be retrained. In fact, that work has already started, as Sarpedon says in his Chancellor Report.

As for attacking Pontos, well, I was told that the Basileus was against such a thing, if it could be avoided. WIth that I agree. Sarpedon's Royal Army is nowhere near in shape for war, and the only other military presence in the area that we have is the 1st Lydian Army, that has taken losses from the siege of Halikarnassos as well. I am not up to speed on the actual state of that army, but I doubt it is strong enough to take on Pontos by itself, even if it was brought back to full strength in a day. So a war against Pontos now is not realistic.

With that said, I don't trust Pontos. Not for one second. Sooner or later, we'll have to fight them, because it's not economical to always keep an army large enough to destroy them near "just in case", and they would betray us if we did not.

But if you excuse me, I, uh... have some cleaning up to do. If you need anything further from me, you know where I'll be - so don't go there."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

About that Pontic Army.. We should give an eye on them but not attack them. Before we do that we need to retrain our armies in Mikra Asia and make some kind of peace with the Ptolemaioi. I have said it before but wars on two fronts we can not win! Especially with our weak economy. We need some years of peace to build up our infrastructure.

[The Celtic Viking]

Cadeyrn returns to the council.

"Basileus, I would pitch in a word. Halikarnassos has now fallen too, and lord Sarpedon now requests that it should be added to his satrapy."

With that said, Cadeyrn retakes Sarpedon's seat, with a quick glance at Euripedes.

[Celtic_Punk]

Euripedes acknowledges the glance with a subtle nod. He waits some time in which no words are spoken and stands up, "Your Strategos is accumulating quite the sizable empire"Eurpides says jokingly"On a more serious note, I agree we must bide our time and obtain a ceasefire with Ptolemy before we venture to Pontus. However, Given that Asia Minor holds few nations of ambition or belligerence now that we've booted the Aigyptians out. It will not be so damaging to go to war with them at the same time. Pontus will require maybe Sarpedon's forces as well as the Lydian force to hold back. The Syrian Army and your highness' Royal Army can hold Ptolemy. as we now share a small border with them. The Parthian army will still have to deal with its current problems as is, till we can raise another field force. We have the forces to combat 2 fronts. Albeit if we suffer a disaster we will be forced to make do. But we would have to anyway. The Pontic threat is serious, but only if we do not crush it before it buds into an empire. We have recognized the threat. Prepare for war." Euripedes takes a sip of water and clears his throat, "On a more peaceful note, what are our agreements with the Arabians.Euripedes looks to his feet and scratches his long grey beard. The Sabean tribe to be precise? what are our relations... They are quite close to the Nile. We should seek good relations. They are quite brave from what I hear and could be useful allies. They have the potential to rule the Arabian peninsula. I'd rather have them on my side if they to expand as such. We should seek to get them on ourside, their proximity to the conflict means they will become involved eventually. Lets make them the thorn in Ptolemy's side. Euripedes grins It would make me smile, as I am sure our Basileus would aswell!" With that the old man lifts his right hand up with an openpalm gesturing for another speaker, and take his seat.

[The Celtic Viking]

Cadeyrn stands up, turning to Euripedes.

"Well, you can't say he hasn't deserved it, though. In fact, he's almost good enough to request yet another settlement on top of Halikarnassos for his satrapy! Such is his greatness.

As for the Sabaeans, we are already allied with them. Their stance towards the Ptolemaioi is still neutral, however."

Now turning to Antiochos, Cadeyrn continues.

"Basileus, it has come to Sarpedon's attention that Theodotas Lydikes has broken the laws of the Arche by setting the taxes of Halikarnassos himself. He leaves it to you to decide the appropriate punishment."

[johnhughthom]

A dusty messenger walks into the chamber, looking awed by his surroundings

Great Basileus I bear a message from your servant Polyxenidos Lykikos. He asks if the Jewish backers of our expedition to free Hierosolyma have any spies in the city who may be able to help us, or if not do we have any agents nearby who may be able to help us gain entrance to the city?

He awaits the Basileus reply before his long trek back across the desert

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I haven't been at my PC for a while so couldn't check myself

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos sighs and starts to speak...

Cadeyrn, I thank you for letting me know about this recent lawbreaking. I thought that it was obvious that Strategoi can not set the taxes unless they have been given the right to do so. Lydikes haven't got that right. I also understand that he did it with the best intentions. However, I do have to punish him. I will take away one and half of his 'battle points'. This will reduce them to 2,5 and does not allow him to get the higher rank after the next victory.

Another matter have been brought to my attention also..

I give Halikarnassos to Sarpedon Syriakos' Satrapy. Hope you can deal with the rebellious citizens there fast though!

Turning to the messenger...

The agents are not mine to control. You really should ask this from the Chancellor. But I do hope Sarpedon will send and keep a spy near Hierosolyma until the town have been conquered!

[The Celtic Viking]

"Ah, yes, so it is. I will forward this message to lord Sarpedon, and I'm sure he will agree. I do not see any reason why he wouldn't.

Oh, and thank you, Basileus Antiochos! You needn't fear, for Halikarnassos is in good hands." With a smile on his face, Cadeyrn adds: "Lord Sarpedon knows how to handle a tough crowd."

[The Celtic Viking]

"I have been in touch with Sarpedon, and he reports that we do have spies working for us there, but they're outside the city, and the security there is tight. It is unlikely that the spies would be able to enter the city - they'd most likely just be caught and killed. Lets at least wait until just before you get there. This way we'll at least have an idea of the size of the garrison, and know any movements from deeper into the Ptolemaic land. That we would lose if they got killed."

[Celtic_Punk]

Euripedes stands up "Perhaps we require some sort of school of subterfuge? If our spies cannot breach tight security why do we hand out money to them with the budget so tight?"

[The Celtic Viking]

"With all due respect, Euripedes, it is never easy to breach tight security, no matter how well-trained you are. Operations like that are always very dangerous, and you need a good deal of experience, as well as luck, to pull it off. Unfortunately, experience is one of those things that's usually quite tricky to get if you're already dead, so sending them off on suicide missions is generally not a good idea."