The Royal Council

[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.

[Alerion]

Theodoros nods.

"I think this is suitable, also Edict 4.4, if we can assume that "the Ptolemai campaign" equals Edict 4.3 and I hereby second Edicts 4.3 and 4.4.

[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."

[navarro951]

with a nod...

I second edicts 4.3 and 4.4 as well. And as it appears I am opposed from all sides, I will rest my case on edict 4.2 but will leave it open if there are any others who wish to speak upon it.

[GMaximus]

Mikithion rose again. "I would be honored to accept your invitation, noble Phanias. That is, if Kleronomos Sarpedon has no assignment in mind for me or does not intend to march out against the Epeirotes in Mikra Asia quickly, in which case I will not forget your proposal until a slightly calmer time comes to the west."