The Royal Council

[SwissBarbar]

I also think, that our war against the Ptolemaioi is an all-out war. But i think we are able to handl the Ptolemaioi AND Epeiros at the same time, once we have captured Byzantion

[Incitatus]

Alexandros enters the council and speaks

The war against Ptolemy will ultimately end with his defeat and our conquest of Aegyptos. We all know this. I see no reason why this should not happen sooner rather than later, but a premature strike could turn into a major setback. If the Basileus is committed to marching on Alexandria, then every effort must be made to put Ptolemy in a position from which he will never recover. I am personally not a fan of nasty surprises. The way I see it, the war with Epeiros is to provide an easy defence of Asia minor. As soon as this has been accomplished I believe that all our attention needs to lie with the permanent subjugation of Aegyptos. Does anybody disagree?

[SwissBarbar]

The war on Epeiros is the beginning of the liberation of my masters people !

[MerlinusCDXX]

Well said, Alexandros, I do not disagree at all, but do we wish to rule the naked barbaroi south of Dispolis? I think that if we must raid those settlements, we would be better off inviting the Arabs in to take control of them after we leave. Like I said, it would cost us more to govern them than to leave them. I say let the Arabs come in and pay the bills. In time, they could provide us with profits through trade, instead of costs.

[Incitatus]

You are quite right Phanias, we need not interest ourselves in the desert south of Dispolis as long as the area does not pose a threat. If the Arabs would be willing to mop up Ptolemy, who are we to stand in their way? My only concern would be the Arabs building up their forces and attacking us when we least expect it. However, this is not a pressing matter. We need to focus on a quick, decisive victory on the lower Nile.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion stands up and turns towards Antiochos.

"Apologies, sir, but Sarpedon is not here. He could not leave his duties back in Bithynia, so he sent me some messages with instructions. One of them were to propose those Charter Amendments.

But for what it's worth, yes, you have it exactly right. CA E1.1 would add to Rule 4.1, and CA E1.2 would alter Rule 3.10, point (4)."

Now turning to Alexandros, Hilarion continues.

"Yes, the war against Epeiros is mainly to secure a more easily defensible front, but it is also to help out our allies, the Makedons. They are, as I have said before, our only western allies and without our help, they will fall, and we will be set against a much stronger enemy when they turn their attention to us instead."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Yes, it's true that we can fight against both Epeiros and Ptolemaioi but how long??
Also, people are forgetting that we have three nations in east that are not happy if we get even stronger. Recently Baktrian Army crossed our border. Pahlavan Army have also done that several times. What will happen if they find out that our Army that supposed to protect us in east is not there anymore? Do you really think that they are scared of Lydikes' Army?? No offence, Phanias, but against those steppe horsemen Parthavan Satrapal Army don't have a chance!
Why I am talking about east?? The reason is simple - East will attack us if we stay too long to West.
And that's why I don't want to go down the Nile and make the war last longer.

Antiochos sighs...

Now, I must say that unless I hear from Theodoros before this Council Session is over he will loose his command over 1st Parthian Army. If someone wants to lead this army then please let me know.

Antiochos sighs again...

And one more thing for you to think about.. Unless I see Andromachos actually governing his Satrapy I am forced to propose an Edict that will take away his Satrapy. The entire Satrapal Army of Persis is just standing there and they do nothing! Brigands are camped just next to them and they still do nothing! If things go on like that then people of Persepolis might soon think about rebelling against our rule!

[SwissBarbar]

Hilarion is right. We must help our makedonian brothers. I am personally interested in helping and liberating them, and so is my master for whom i speak.

Turning to the Basileus

My Lord, in my opinion we are able to fight them for at least as long as one of them has been destroyed. Our empire is huge and surrounded by potential enemies. But exactly this is the point. We have to show the world, that we do not let take us down by some eye-make-uped wannabe hellenes living in egypt or false rulers of hellas. Let us signalize to the east to take heed of the warning!

And let us not forget, that we could conquer very rich regions, if we marched into Hellas in the west and the Delta Nilou, Heptanomis and Thebais in the south.

[MerlinusCDXX]

No offense taken Basileus, I know I don't stand a chance alone against a full Army off the steppe, the best I could honestly do would be to delay them and harass them. Why do you think I've been agitating to bring the 1st Parthian Army back to the East and slowly replacing my light cavalry with horse-archers of my own. We do need to increase our income substantially, I have a plan to counter them, but it does require the development of some rather expensive infrastructure, I've been developing what I can, given the limited budget we are on, but I can only do so much with what I have available.

Now Alexandros, what I was suggesting about the Sabaean Arabs was simply an idea of expediency. Of course I don't suggest that we actively pursue the screaming barbaroi of the southern desert, but if we find that they keep "flea-biting" us with slave-soldiers from the south, it may be a good idea to take what men could be spared from more important tasks and let them rampage, hell we could use our own criminals and trouble-makers (OOC: cheap expendable troops). We could then just hand the useless towns over to the Arabs. I know it seems like trading one fleabite for another, but how hard would it be to defeat naked primitives, surely it would be easier than beating even the worst soldiers the Ptolemaioi have. We must remember, for all that the Ptolemiaioi are freakish and most un-hellenic, they do train their soldiers in the Hellenic style.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: IIRC the Saba regionals in the area aren't that tough until they get to top level regional barracks.

[The Celtic Viking]

"I will echo Antiochos' words for peace with the Ptolemaioi. What point is there in chasing the dogs to the gates of Hades? If we take Alexandreia, they will be broken, and going on a fool's errand down the Nile would be most unwise. Take a look north and west, my friends! Bloody wars are raging anywhere you look, and we have allies suffering on both ends. If the Ptolemies no longer pose any threat, why then should we waste resources running after them, when friends are dying, and in need of help?

Let me say this once and for all: if we spend our time and resources against the Ptolemaioi, we will be unlikely to get any help in time for either the Baktrians or the Makedonians. If we fail to help them, and they as a result should fall, then we would have enemies on all borders who are now free to focus all they have on us, while we're still struggling with three different fronts! Trust me also when I say that this scenario is not far away from becoming reality. To the west, the Makedonians are losing. From the south the Hellenes are pushing them further and further north, while from the north and west, the Epeirotes are pushing them south and east - until they reach the sea. Makedonia is a little candle burning from both ends - and sideways as well. What time do you think they have left? Meanwhile to the north, Pahlavan regiments show absolutely no respect of our borders. The cross them as they wish, and they know we're powerless to stop them. If they defeat the Baktrians, do you believe even for a second that they would think twice about taking our lands too?

No. Chasing after a beaten foe when strong enemies are gathering up at our flanks and rear is madness."

Hilarion turns to Antiochos.

"If you want my advice, you shouldn't wait with that edict. Andromachos has always been a lazy coward, and we literally can't afford giving crucial economic positions such as satrapies to incompetent men."

[everyone]

Apparently entering unnoticed a few moments ago, Hermokrates stands up looking wearied, after speaking to his retainer

Apologies for being rather late in this emergency session, for I was in Phrygia after a long march when I received the messenger.

Carrying on, yes, I agree with Hilarion, if we were to capture Alexandreia, we would cripple the ptolemaioi until they are unable to strike, though some may agree on going further up the Nile until Dispolis, the Economic advantages are greater if we force the Ptolemaioi to capitulate; we would need not spend resources to govern and maintain those areas, for it would be done by the subjugated; they would have to pay us a tribute so sizable, we could maintain a few more armies with that; and we need not worry about them becoming a major threat.

[Incitatus]

Alexandros addresses Hilarion and Hermokrates

If what you say it true about Alexandria, then we are of one mind. It is clearly foolish to pursue a weak enemy when there are stronger ones on other borders. I only question whether or not Ptolemy will be broken after losing only one city (a grand city though it its). As I said before, I do not like nasty surprises. But upon further reflection, I believe that even if Ptolemy is not broken, an Alexandrian frontier would still be defensible. This would allow us to reinforce other fronts. But I will repeat – sooner or later we will have to finish off Ptolemy, and the earlier this is done the better.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Hmmm, yes Alexandros, I agree that we will eventually need to finish the Aigyptoi, but they would be as biting fleas compared to some of the others we will be facing. I think Memphis would be a good place to stop chasing the Ptolemaioi, once we take it. I'm against the wanton destruction of the city Alexandros Megas founded, but I hold no such compunctions about sacking Memphis back to the state of the screaming primitives the Ptolemaioi love so much, hell, it's not even a true Hellenic city. The sack of Memphis could help fund the building of the infrastructure so badly needed in the East, with the Pahlava on the prowl and the Baktrioi in a bit of trouble. And we could always, in a "magnanimous gesture" give Memphis back in exchange for peace and a hefty tribute, after the sack, of course. We must remember that, once they are broken, the Ptolemaioi will be as fleas in the wool, but the Pahlava are as wolves among the lambs. I know I'd rather suffer the annoyance of a fleabite than the deadly danger of a wolf bite. I do know we have other things to think about than these Aigyptoi upstarts, but I don't think for one minute that losing only Alexandria will break them. I say Memphis, with a severe sack to teach them about toying with the heirs of Alexandros, and then peace, while we fortify the Nile crossings and the Sinai.

[Celtic_Punk]

Give these people an amount of respect. They have been tricked into thinking these people are their ancient kings. Whom might I add came before the Greeks, and had forged their own empire by conquest in the age of the chariots! We should be freeing them. Not making them slaves, that will make us no better than the Ptolemai.

We must cripple their Army first! once Memphis is secure, aswell as the Eastern Deserts, we should march a way's down the nile. With intent to destroy resistance, but leave the cities. then march back up the nile and secure a front line and build defences. This is a realistic goal, and the cities we'd have obtained from the sieges would give us a sizable boost to our economy. We must be willing to put things on the line. Or else how can we ever know our limits? 2 armies will be enough to support each other if the other gets in trouble. Our Generals on that front are experienced enough to not even need support. Holding a border at Byantion is ideal because it is a choke point. This will allow us time to regroup after we have made the two Egyptian additions to the Arche on both ends. We will also have a better idea of the military situation in the East. whether or not they need support of another army or not. Once we have all the details we can then think on what our next operation will be.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Well, Cunobelinus, we have a difference of opinion on the Aigyptoi then, I don't dismiss your respect of them, but then they didn't enslave YOUR father's ancestors during their age of empire. As for the Greeks, my understanding is that there really aren't enough of them living anywhere but Alexandria for slavery to affect them, I don't wish for us to harm the Greek population at all, they have, on the whole, ruled our lands well and given my people the opportunity and learning that we never had under the Aigyptoi. When I spoke of screaming primitives, I meant the Lybioi to the west and the Kushites to the south. I think a spell in the Eastern mines would do these Aigyptoi well.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I second CA E1.1 and CA E1.2

Also I will propose this Edict:

Edict E1.5: Andromachos Syriakos will loose his rank as Satrap and Satrapy of Persepolis will be cancelled.

[MerlinusCDXX]

I second Edict E1.5

[The Celtic Viking]

I too second Edict E1.5.

[SwissBarbar]

I second Edict 1.5 and 1.3

[Celtic_Punk]

We were never slaves to the Egyptians! My ancient ancestors originated in lands nearby the Alpes above Italia. My father helped forge Galatia. I'm afraid Egypt's hay day was many many many years before! Our family itself originates in Eastern Gaul from there my Father travelled to join with the Brennus, and fought his way through to Galatia.
It is not that I fully respect the Egyptians. I give them the same respect I'd give any man of another race. But the fact is, if we respect their culture they will be less likely to rebel and throw off our leadership. You can not rule with an Iron fist over all your lands. Let us not forget the huge economic powerhouse that is the Nile, whomever controls it proper has a strong spine. Securing this great river should be of utmost importance, and should be our first priority. From there we will have all of Alexander's old empire and we will be strong enough and rich enough to take on many a foe.

[MerlinusCDXX]

That was my point, Cunobelinus. I was speaking of my father's Syrian ancestors. Of course, the Egyptians were just first in a long line of despots that kept us down. My point was not really about race, just my notion of vengeance for things I don't quite understand. Hell, I deal with Hellenes, Makedones, Persians, Parthians and Sogdians every day. I was slightly distrustful of the Persians when I first took my Satrapy, but they are the ones who keep the place running. I like Greeks just fine myself, they've brought prosperity to both of my parents' peoples. Yep, the Egyptians brought the whip and sword, and the Greeks brought plumbing and theater. I know which one I'd rather have.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Looks like we have all said what we wanted so...

I declare that the time for proposing legislation has passed! Voting will begin shortly. There will be a two day period for voting. Voting will end at 21:00 GMT on Sunday, December 21st.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos stands..

During my fights in Ioudaia Nikanor Kybiosaktes proved himself as a worthy leader and cavalry commander. So, from now on Nikanor Kybiosaktes will lead and command the 1st Parthian Army!

[Roka]

Nikanor Kybiosaktes stands

"My Lord Basileus, I would be honoured to accept command of the 1st Parthian Army, I only hope that i prove to be worthy of the trust you have shown me!"

Nikanor Kybiosaktes bows and then retakes his seat

[everyone]

Hermokrates whsipers something to his retainer, after which his retainer leaves the council chambers, Hermokrates stands
Master Hilarion, regarding that invitation from the Kleronomos Basileus, I hope he is still considering me as an aid in his Royal Army once Mikithion leaves for the north east, because the rest of my somatophlakes are encamped in Phrygia and would be ready to join his Royal Army whenever possible.

[The Celtic Viking]

"You are welcome in his Royal Army, but he does not consider making you his aid - yet. As I have said, you must prove yourself trustworthy first, and the best way to do that is by serving in his army. You will not be serving as his second-in-command, not even after Mikithion leaves though. Since I said that you could, others who are more experienced with commanding an army have joined."

[everyone]

"Thank you, it is an honour to serve in the kleronomos basileus' army; now I shall return to the rest of my men before setting off to join"
Hermokrates' retainer returns and whispers something to Hermokrates, he then nods and both exchange their places, Hermokrates then turns to speak to the rest of the council
"This is Xanthippos, my retainer, he shall be representing me while I am away"
with that Hermokrates leaves the council chambers and mounts his horse

[SwissBarbar]

Galaktión rises

Well my dear Xanthippos, since your Master was in such an hurry my welcome adresses you. May you serve your Master as well as he will serve the Arche.

Galaktión nods and sat himself

[YouHaveRecieved]

A man of unimportance enters the Royal Council, his drab clothes make him look conspicuous compared to everyone else.

I am here speaking for my master Phormion Epiphaneion Armeniakon, newest Strategos of the Arche. He welcomes his self to the Royal Council and delivers news that he has left Edessa on a North-Eastern road towards Arbela where he intends to join onto a main highway leading to Ekbatana. There he will rest and wait for orders. I am here as his messenger and scribe, any question for him should be directed to me.

The scribe nods his thanks for the silence and sits down on a chair at the back of the council falling asleep where no one can see him.

[everyone]

Xanthippos tilts his head up, glances around the council chambers, and scribbles something illegible to most people on his notes

"Ah! my master Hermokrates welcomes your master Phormion into the service of the Arche."

Xanthippos continues scribbling something which looked like "welcomed phormiom epiphaneionarmeniakon at asdfgsdfgd...." on his minutes; he then thought for a while, and mumbled silently to himself "bah, doubt he'll need to know something this trivial" and struck off what he previously wrote