The Royal Council

[everyone]

"since the council session is over and the decisions of our empire have been made, perhaps I shall leave for Babylon for my new duties now."
Hermokrates exits the council chambers

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Kleonemos Syriakos walks into the Council Hall. Taking one of the seats near the doors he starts reading documents in front of him. The Old Magistrate, Aristenos, walks to him, nods and then takes a seat next to Kleonemos.

[Incitatus]

A messenger enters the council...

I bring word from my master Alexandros Syriakos in Memphis. First, he would like to request from whoever has the authority permission to construct a watch tower south of Memphis near the border. Not only will this allow Lower Egypt to be defended much more effectively, but also once our rule extends further along the Nile the tower will aid in the suppression of potential brigands.
Also, although my master is aware of the crisis in the east, he would caution that we do not forget the other parts of our empire. He has received reports of small Ptolemaic forces advancing in the western desert and along the coast of the Red sea. These current threats can be easily overcome, but as it is the entire 1st Syrian cannot leave Memphis for any length of time. Alexandros is sure that Satrap Aratos has plans for a permanent garrison for the city, but nevertheless he would like to impress the point upon the Chancellor and other esteemed members of the council.

The messenger bows and leaves the floor, waiting for a reply.

[The Celtic Viking]

"I believe it is the Chancellor who can answer your watchtower request. He handles the finances, and will decide if it's fiscally feasible.

As for your concern of the safety of Aigyptos, there is no immediate threat. You are there to keep it safe, and I trust you could do that. That's why I chose you to command the 1st Syrian, remember? Even should you fail, my army is close by, and can turn around should the need arise. Before I get out of range, I'm sure both the Babylonian armies will have been fully raised, and Aratos' satrapal army can be completed. Then you should have absolutely no problem keeping the Ptolemaioi at bay."

[kingsnake]

A messenger walks in the council.

"The Satrap of Aigyptos, Aratos Syriakes, wants to make it public that he his looking for a Satrap Aid. The choosen Strategos should travel as quick as possible to Alexandreia, he will be given command of the satrapal army and his immediate objective will be the defense of Alexandreia. Any candidates should write to him."

The man bowed and left the council.

[kingsnake]

Strategos Aratos Syriakes enters the council.

"I'm no longer looking for an Aid, as I have already choosen a Strategos. He is Kleonemos Syriakos, who has very recently gained the rank of Strategos and is the son of Basileus Antiochos I. So it is official.

I give Kleonemos the command over my satrapal army, his mission is to remain garrisoned in Alexandreia and defend it."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Basileus the 1st Babylonian army is ready for action. Epikrates Tabaiou Persikou will be the my second in command.
Basileus does the 1st Babylonian move out now? or would you prefer us to wait for the second Babylonian to be levied?

and sire are the romours true, have loyal persians troops revolted against the pahlavans and returned rule of persepolis back to us? if so we have no choice, the first babylonian will make all haste southeast to secure the city, loyal men can not be allowed to die, especialy in a land where loyal men are far and few between.

[The Celtic Viking]

"From what I can tell, yes, and I agree: we cannot, nor should we need to, wait for the 2nd Babylonian Army. Indeed, it may not be needed any more, though it's too early to make such a judgement now. Yes, move out now, and you can replace those sphendonetai with the Persian archers. I had intended for them to become a part of the 2nd, but for financial sakes I'm putting it on ice right now. When the new council session starts we can decide whether we should continue with it, or if it's not necessary any longer."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

we will head to Persepolis as soon as possible. let us only hope the pahlavans are not trying to lead us in to a trap, I would not put it pass them to prey on our own loyalty to the citizens of the city...

[The Celtic Viking]

I hereby declare the seventh Council Session open! It will stay open for three days until 10:00 GMT Friday 27th February, after which you will have two days of voting.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Kleonemos clears his throat ...

Lets start discussing our options against Persian rebels and Pahlava....

Good news is that Persepolis have under our rule once again but the bad news is that there is not that many people defending it. We know that rebel armies are somewhere near by but where exactly .. that's another thing. So, sending spies to all those provinces that rebelled is a good idea I think.

Now, where should we send our armies?
1st Babylonian have 2 options - attacking Gabai or defending Persepolis.
Since Phanias Lydikes promised to attack Gabai himself then 1st Babylonian should head towards Persepolis and try to defend it against any enemy armies.

When 2nd Babylonian is fully ready to march then they should co-op with the 1st Babylonian and try to take all those towns that are still held by the Persian rebels.

But what will we do against Pahlava?
Our two northern settlements in that region are vulnerable to all attacks. I fear that we might lose them to Pahlava. I have no idea how to fight against their armies full of horse archers but I hope that Phanias Lydikes will know how to do that. He have mentioned that many times and now we can see whether he have told us the truth about it.

Kleonemos stops..

And about Ptolemaioi...

When I arrive to Egypt I will make sure they don't want to get near our borders!

Kleonemos smiles...

I propose now Edicts at the moment but I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions what we should do against those vile Persians.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I have to agree with Kleonemos, so far we been making decisions about Persia without knowing what we are truly up against, we need intelligence about the rebels troop levels. From what reports I have been getting the rebels have a huge force near Gabai, which can mean two things, one the rebels are so numerous they can afford to lavish one city with such a large force. Or two they have brought all there men to one place, in fear of us. The problem is that Persepolis is vulnerable now. If it falls once again it will leave a message, that the Arche can no longer protect its loyal citizens, and if that happens there is fat chance any other people will fight against these rebels. I will march to Persepolis and secure it until we know what we are up against, and then if the opportunity presents itself I will strike at any unprotected land.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I'm actually worried about Prophthasia. It's so far away and we don't have any armies nearby. Phanias' aid Mikithon will not be able to fight back Persians if they might attack him in Alexandreia-Ariana.
I would send some reinforcements to him as soon as possible!

Kleonemos takes his seat again..

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Due to low activity I will expand this Council Session 2 days. That's until 10:00 GMT Sunday 1st March!

[The Celtic Viking]

"That's Phanias' responsibility, and I believe he can take care of it. He can spare some from his own army and still take Gabai. When my father - our father - gave him that satrapy, it was done with the understanding that it was up to him to defend it. If he fails at that, then he is fully to blame. We cannot waste time, effort and money on what is his job!"

[Ibn-Khaldun]

True, but we still have 2 settlements outside his satrpy - Asaak and Antiocheia-Margiane. They are not Phanias' to defend. They are yours to defend, my brother. And if you can not do it then who is to blame for that? You, brother?

Kleonemos smiles..

[The Celtic Viking]

"Mind your manners, boy! What does a whelp like you know about strategy? About economy? I have supplied them with all that is possible, and if that isn't enough, then the fault lies with the people for not working hard enough to give me more capital to work with! I have done all that is possible to ensure that they survive, without for that reason putting other parts of my kingdom in unresonable danger. I have a huge number of provinces to take care of and a relatively pitiful number of soldiers to take care of them, while he has only two settlements and an enormous army in comparison. It is not the same.

You're lucky you are who you are, or I wouldn't be so lenient with your insolence, brother. Do not test my mercy again."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

honestly in the end I dont think that Asaak and Antiocheia-Margiane will even matter, they are backwater towns only loosly under our control in the best of times, if we lose them it will be a pain and smear our reputation but will have little effect on our Might. No the Key to ending the persian uprising will be swiftly Taking back Gabai and other provinces lost to the Phalavans, from there we can deal with the remains as we wish. so I believe getting into a arguement over something so irrelevent to our position right now is not the most important issue at hand.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Kleonemos rises...

I propose the following Edict:

Edict 7.1: All settlements that revolted against our rule in Persia should be occupied!

As we can see with Persepolis, not everyone is happy to join Pahlava. And looks like this is more like a Persian nobles rebellion against our rule than commoners rebellion! So, it would be pointless to punish all those people who just live in there but have nothing to do with this rebellion.

Turning towards Sarpedon...

Everything I know about strategy I learned from our father. So, I could say I know a lot about it!
But you are right about one thing.. You have huge number of settlements to take care of and small number of men to take care of them.

Looking Patrokles for a moment Kleonemos replies to him..

Asaak and Antiocheia-Margiane are not just some backwater towns, although they are that too, but they are also gates into our heartlands!
If Antiocheia-Margiane should fall then Phanias' Satrapy is the next one under attack. I'm sure he can do a good job defending it but if something unexpected should happen then Pahlava will unite their northern provinces with those that rebelled for them in Persia!
If Asaak should fall then Pahlava will get their hands on a town from where they can attack Hekatompylos or Zadrakata. If they attack the latter one then soon they will reach Susa and our heartlands will be close.. too close! This also means that Phanias' Satrapy will be surrounded with Pahlavan controlled territories! Not a good option either?!

So, You see, we must hold those towns no matter what happen!

Kleonemos takes his seat again..

[everyone]

Hermokrates rises
Although P.Edict 2.4 is similar to edict 7.1, edict 7.1 also highlights the importance of our northern provinces. I second Edict 7.1
Also, I announce that I shall be running for Chancellor; having travelled through and seen more than half the Arche, I believe I know much of how it is run and could manage it well as a Chancellor.

[The Celtic Viking]

"I'm not so sure I agree completely with that edict. It is true, the people of Persepolis proved their loyalty, and deserves to come back without punishment. But the people of Gabai and Prophthasia... what makes you think they didn't support the rebellion? What did they do to stop it? What are they doing? The people of Persepolis proved that standing up to the Pahlavan nobles were possible, so why can't they? So, they should be punished for their cowardice in not even trying. We need waste no tears for worms who can't spell honour or loyalty, let alone act like they got any.

Lets get another edict in though, shall we?

Edict 7.2: Petra must be taken to secure Aigyptos' backdoor.

We can't have Aratos' satrapy threatened from all sides, can we?

I also wish to propose this second edict, which will edit the Permanent Edict E2.4:

Permanent Edict 7.3: The creation of the 2nd Babylonian Army will be put on ice until it is obvious we need it, or until our economic situation has improved.

The mnai is tight, and we might not even need it now that Persepolis has revolted back into our hands. The 1st Babylonian and Phanias' royal army should be enough to take them on by themselves, so it's better not to drain the coffers dry if we don't need to. This is why I use my power as the Basileus to have this go through. (OOC: my "power-edict" that automatically succeeds.)"

[Incitatus]

Alexandros stands

I must say that I agree with Kleonemos. Even if the people of the now Parthian cities supported the uprising, they have also supported our rule for many years. The Arche is composed of many different nations, all of which have different opinions and points of view. Our goal is not suppression, but rather unification. Anything except occupation and forgiveness, although it may pacify the region, would be an act of tyranny and would surely lead to dissent and further revolts. Therefore I second Edict 7.1.

I would also like to second Edict 7.2. Petra has been a thorn in our side for far too long.

[The Celtic Viking]

"So you're saying the revolt should go unpunished? Have you forgotten about Andromachos? About Apelles Illiou Triokou? How about Anaxarchos and Hamaktyon, huh? Or how about my own brother, Theodoros? They didn't show them any mercy, so why do they deserve it themselves?

I had no grudge with them while they played ball, but when they took to arms against us, they can't go unpunished! What message would that send to the others? Attack us and you'll get away with it even if you lose?!

You're asking for trouble here. Once people are so much against you that they are ready to rebel, they'll only speak the language of brute force. We must show them, and everyone else, what happens when you rebel against me - against all of you too! If revolts would happen this way, it would still happen if we do it your way - and when my way leaves less men to carry it out, it would be less likely and even if it happen despite that, it would be less of a threat.

Make no mistake: they deserve this."

Sarpedon almost sits down again, but quickly rises.

"I almost forgot...

Charter Amendment 7.1: Rule 2.4 should be edited so that the rank of Strategos Chreopylax is given out by the Basileus instead of the Chancellor.

For the same reason that it is the Basileus who create satrapies, it should also be the Basileus who appoints people to Strategos Chreopylax. It is, after all, my settlements we are talking about, and I have the right to decide who should govern them."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I would prefer that perhaps we take a middle ground in this conflict, I agree with Kleonemos that not everyone is supporting the rebels and that to slaughter them is an atrocicty. but I also agree that this can not go unpunished, I think perhaps it should be dealt with on a case by case basis, I know that if the First babylonian takes a city and finds the people cheering for our return I wont be able to casualy have them slaughtered. but these are rebels, and if the citizens have even a hint of traitorous intent about them then I will gladly sign their death warant.
Patrokles sits down heavily these rebelions are tearing the Arche apart, we need to present a strong, but compassionate front.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

The Council Session is over and the time for proposing legislation has passed! Voting will begin shortly. There will be a two day period for voting. Voting will end at 9:00 GMT on Saturday, March 7th.

Since there were no one else running for Chancellor then Hermokrates Parthikos takes this position automatically. Good luck!

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Kleonemos marches into the Council Room..

Reading the last chancellor report we finally have the name of the 'King of Persia'. It is Sokrab e Zandig. One of my men, who gathered some information about him, found out that he is not even from a noble birth! And this is the man Pahlavan king have sent to Persia as a king? This is an insult against my brother, Basileus Sarpedon, and against our entire Empire!

I wish good luck to Babylonian Army and it's leader! Make sure that this 'King' hangs in the gallows soon!!

Also, I wish to apologize in front of Satrap Aratos Syriakes for not getting to Alexandreia before the city was besieged!

Kleonemos takes his seat..

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

rest assured, this man will pay for his crimes. Sokrab e Zandig will either hang or burn. to many men have died because of him to let him off with any less.

[kingsnake]

"Apologies accepted young Strategos. You shouldn't forgive yourself so easily, however." Aratos smiles. "You lost an interesting battle, for you to put in practice what you've learnt!"

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

A messanger runs into the council chamber

Patrokles wishes it to be known the Siege of Gabai has begun!

[Βελισάριος]

The doors of the Council Hall open, admitting a ceanly-shaven sixteen-year-old. He is wearing the full military pomp of a Strategos preparing for war. He leaves his sword and shield with one of the guards at the entrance then ceremoniously takes off his helmet and, bowing before the members of Council, enters the Hall.

His step is lively, firm and rhythmic- disciplined, but any Strategos with more than a notch on his shield can tell that the boy quivers with emotion. In the middle of Hall Hierax Syriakos (who is Hugo Weaving for this movie) halts and takes another deep bow.

"Great glory to the Basileu and Strategoi of the Arche! I am honoured to be part of this great Council. I have come to greet my noble brothers in arms and bid you farewell. Before sunrise on the morrow, I march towards Petra to lead the Basileus' Royal Army. I will continue the campaign against Egypt."