The Royal Council

[Celtic_Punk]

Servitude? I put my sword right through the bastards back! and he cut my bloody ear off!!! The only respect I gave him was to let his wife live freely and I called him by rank... I am a soldier. Not a noble, not a King, not a politician. Whether we liked it or not. He held a position of rank which was greater than mine. I acknowledged that. It is my people's custom to do so. All I did was give a Noble a chance at an honourable, and memorable death. One any nobleman deserves. Slaughter was what I was trying to avoid... Despite his choice to subjugate my people, I swallowed my pride, and cut him down.
My loyalties lie in this chamber. As to the war with the Epirotes. I'm confident in that your army would be overkill.. sure he's no push over... But neither are we! As I stated, the army I march with is experienced and I know them well. They can get the job done Cunobelinus nods. If you want to take the campaign, I have no problem with that, friend.

About the Hedgemon of Makedon... They are pushing 3 smaller kingdoms around like a playground bully! Sure our current alliances have them on our side. But What happens when we take the weight of Phyross off our shoulders? will they just pave over the honourable people of the Peloponnese? Why should we stand on the side of unfounded aggression? When have the Koinon marched against Makedon without war already being declared? I appreciate your roots Sarpedon, you are an honourable man. But the King of Makedon should not be trusted. However now is not the time for action on that matter. We should continue to be friendly... But refuse to aid him in his ruthless bullying of his southern neighbour.

To dispel any further suspicion. I did not fight the battles my father did. The battles I fight today are my own. I wish to put down any feelings of prejudice from times long ago... As my tutor Euripedes would have been wise to do so...

Sarpedon... What would you think about a surge South? Currently I'd imagine we need to resupply, re-equip, reinforce and retrain, but we must establish a more defensible border as soon as possible, or more disasters will happen like a few years ago.

[The Celtic Viking]

"He held a position and rank greater than yours - in his kingdom. Not in the Arche. If your loyalty lies with the Arche and not him, you should treat him as a leader of your enemy, not your superior. I do not doubt your honesty, but if these allegations are true - something you seem closer to confirming than denying - it is at the very least not a prudent thing to do. Doing so continuingly would seriously put your loyalty in question, though, so whether or not you did so this time, I would advice you not to do it next time you meet a king, unless it would be Megas Alexandros himself come back from the dead.

Regarding the possible Epeirote campaign though, I still must question your reason for not not wishing me and my army to get involved. What reason do you have to keep this from become "overkill", as you say it? A quick and complete crushing of our enemies is what anyone here would prefer, is it not? It is my opinion that, if the 1st Syrian Army isn't needed down south, we should work together. A quick and strong first strike would surely surprise and cripple their presence in Mikra Asia, and spare many of our soldiers' lives. It would allow us more favourable terms when offering them a cease fire as well, if we could threaten to move deeper into Hellas and meet little resistance if they didn't accept. If only one of us attacks alone, they might get the time to draft a better defense against such an action, which would naturally lessen the deal we could make.

What reports I get from said emissaries, as well as merchants passing by my land, Makedon are not pushing anyone around. More so, they're being pushed around. How do you think the Epeirotes, who used to have Makedonia between them and us, could have come here? Because they've taken Pella, Makedonia's capital, and everything east of that until you reach our lands. In the south the Koinon are also gaining ground, or so reports say. Regardless, it should not be any doubt about which side we should take. One side used to be allied with the Ptolemaioi, our enemies, and I don't believe for a second that it was forced upon them. The other side is already allied with us. To me, that seems like a very simple choice.

So, I will personally continue to support him, as should we all. Do I really need to tell you twice that they are our allies and enemies to the allies of our enemies, of whom you yourself proposed we should go to war against? What good does it serve us to side with a people who are fighting against the only western allies we have, and against the people who are our allies and we would share an enemy with? What message does that send to the Makedonian king? It would only sour our relations with him, and if he ever wants an excuse to go to war against us, siding with his enemies against him would be an excellet way to supply him with that. In fact, I wouldn't blame him if he declared war against us in that case.

A surge down south would depend on the current status down there. I am unfortunately not up to date as to how big the Ptolemaic presense is in the area, or what exact shape my father's Royal Army is in. But if my father himself consider his army in battleready shape, I would say it depends on the scale of the surge. If it is deemed realistically possible, then I would support it.

As for the trouble they gave us last time when my uncle died, I would remind you, Theodoros, that it was primarily caused by the folly campign for Hierosolyma. With an improved and renewed Royal Army, led by my father himself this time who is no fool in battle, we should at the very least be able to hold our positions down south while we push the Epeirotes out of Mikra Asia."

[GMaximus]

Mikithion, who had thus far been silently conversing with Alexander and Lysimakes in a corner of the chamber, rose from his seat.

"I, too, would wish to state that I second edict 4.1. Byzantion, besides being a natural defensive border to keep the enemy off our cities in Mikra Asia, is a very rich city, sitting on the only trade route with the Hellenic colonies alongside Pontus Euxinus, Hayasdan and the Sauromatae barbaroi to outsiders. Not to mention that with Byzantion in our hands, we could safely conduct a joint invasion to Mother Hellas, striking both from the north and the south when we decide that the time is right. For now, though, we should definately stop there, for until the Ptolemaioi still threaten us from the south, there will be no safety to be found there, not until we have the great sands of the south between us and any other major threat."

[SwissBarbar]

Galaktión stands up

Dear Strategoi, i'm very glad to report to my master, that his proposal to attack epeiros meets with approval. Thank you very much. My master will be the first one who joins the army to conquer epeiros. He hopes that you will give him the opportunity to gain more experience in battle, so that he soon will be able to lead an army of the arche seleukeia into hellas"

[MerlinusCDXX]

Phanias L. Lydikes stands to speak, having been merely listening before.

I have heard what all of you have to offer so far on a new campaign to occupied Asia Minor, and all of you have valid points. However I believe that it would not be wise to overcommit our available strength, therefore, I propose

Edict 4.3 that the taking of any Epeirote territory beyond Bithynia and Byzantion be delayed until suitable defensive fortifications have been established at the Bosphorus (forts to block the crossing) and the Nile frontier (forts at choke points). Hierosolyma and Petra must be captured.

As for a push to the south, I agree that we should undertake this with all available speed. Having served as chancellor this last term, I am confident that we have the forces available to push the Ptolemies back into Aigyptus and Africa. The recruiting drive that the Arche has just finished concentrated almost exclusively on the south, and I've recruited lots of units headed there. Basileus Antiochos' Royal Army consists of the best troops the Arche can field at the moment, and the Ptolemaioi have been stung repeatedly by our brave soldiers.

I do grow increasingly concerned about activities on our eastern borders though, as the Parni nomads have just initiated a war of aggression against our allies in Baktria, and have successfully taken territory from them. I fear we may be their next target, and that they will attack sooner than later, so I propose

Edict 4.4 that the 1st Parthian Army, after the objectives of the Ptolemaic campaign have been achieved, be returned to the east to assist in defending our border with the Parni.

Just one more thought, gentlemen, and I give up the floor. I believe that when we are able, we should consider helping our fellow Hellenes in Baktria against these nomads. I, being partially of nomadic origins, know how these people are. The life they lead out on the steppes is so unforgiving, that they will stop AT NOTHING when they find an undefended civilized people to steal from. They are like roaches, when you wipe out one nest of them, 3 more pop up in its place. Gentlemen, you may think you have seen war, but the way civilized people fight is AS NOTHING to what these nomads will do. You will see cities completely depopulated, destroyed, and looted back into the age of hunter-gatherers. My mothers people, the Skythians of the Chersonese, were on the wrong end of such a campaign by the horse-f#$@ing Sauromatae, now the only trace of them as a living society exists under Hellenic rule. The only thing left alive after that disaster, excepting those who had contacts in the Hellenic world and got out in time, were men who swore oath to the Sauromatae king and joined his horde.

[GMaximus]

"In the case that we decide to march to the aid of the Baktrians, I swear on my honor that I will be among those marching to its aid. I have relatives who left Hellas for Baktria, and was considering leaving Athenai for its mountains and cities before comming into the service of the Arche. The men there are among the bravest of Hellenes, having come to that distant corner of the world with little more incentive than spreading Alexandros' legacy further. If it wasn't for the dangers surrounding the Arche and my lack of suitable forces to command, I'd be willing to march out this very moment." Mikithion's voice, despite the content of his speech, was calm, and the only thing betraying his wish to avoid the destruction of a Hellenic civilization from the hands of barbaroi were small flames in his eyes.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Well Said, Mikithion.

If you are ever in need of a position, I could always use an Aid. As such, you would be leading the Satrapy's Defense Army when I was required elsewhere for administrative duties, governing our settlements if I were called away, and patrolling to roust out rebels and thieves. We are experiencing a lack of good, able men out here, so I extend this invitation to you. I have seen your work under Kleronomos Sarpedon, if ever he runs out of work for you, you have a place here, sir.

[Celtic_Punk]

Cunobelinus stands I second both your edicts. They are sound...

Sarpedon... You know I am no traitor! The Arche saved me from a life of slavery and freed my home!! Why would I betray you? The respect I gave that former King was out of the custom of my people. We respect power. Does not matter who's family you belong to. Had the bastard taken my ear before however... It would have been a different story. I also wished to play the card of inferior to him, tricking him into thinking he could win. Thus making him try harder... I myself underestimated him. And my face will always pay the price.

As the the campaign. my reasons were mostly for confidence in my men, as well as knowing we should not over commit. But you've convinced me otherwise.. Perhaps you should lead your men to Byzantion. The first Syrian could take Nikation(SP?). It would be wiser to have the strongest defence out there, while if you need support we'd be just across the pond!Cunobelinus smiles

[Incitatus]

Alexandros takes his turn on the floor

I am in agreement with much that has been said here so far, particularly the words of our esteemed chancellor Phanias Lydikes. The way I see it, we have two main goals at this point: to drive south and push back Ptolemy and to secure the whole of Asia Minor. These objectives should not be difficult to attain, but they lead to the question of what will we do afterwards? Will we continue to march into Aegyptos and send Ptolemy the way of the Pontus or divert our attention to Hellas or even the east? I for one am in favor of the Southern option, and so I second Edicts 4.3 and 4.4. The 1st Parthian army should be sent back east as soon as possible to aid in the defense of the lands it was recruited to defend, but I would not be against the raising of another force to bolster our ranks in the south. The last thing any of us wants it to have our armies stretched thin.

[Alerion]

Theodoros stands.

"Chancellor, because you still are the chancellor, would you consider to redefine your Edicts I would support them instantly. They are a little vague as it is. Why not calling the goals for the first one Hierosolyma and Petra, which is like an edict I wanted to propose anyways and the second to be binding. If the goals of the first are met, a force will be sent to help our Baktrian Allies."

"As for the campaign in Mikra Asia: I have to agree with Sarpedon. If we really start a campaign against the Epirotes, let us commit all the forces it needs to be a quick strike, not a longlasting war that causes more casualties on our side than necessary."

[MerlinusCDXX]

Theodoros, edict text edited on 4.3. Make suggestion as to what you would like edict 4.4 to read.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Arrhenides, I don't think you're a traitor. I've never made that accusation. I have merely warned you that what you've done could be seen as cause for suspicion, and no more. Showing them respect is one thing. Addressing them as superiors is another - and I'm talking about rank here, not ability. Are you saying that the "expressing of servitude", as I heard it, had merely twisted from you pretending to be an inferior warrior than he was?

In any case, I believe that Edict 4.3 is a wise route to take, and it will have my support come voting time.

With this said, I would like to shine a light on the issue of Chancellorship, though. Now that Phanias has done his job - and may I add, he's done a good one at that - a new election is up. So far Aratos has been nominated, but he has yet to accept it, and even if he does, he's the only one so far. Seeing as he did a good job before, I nominate Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes for a second term as Chancellor. I also wish to announce that I will myself be running for a second term as Chancellor. We both have the experience and know-how to make things happen."