The Royal Council

**Celtic_Punk** · 06-03-2009, 23:09

"You know me, highness. How many time's have I come into your chambers in such a manner... I do not like these... guards... I am no assassin. If I were to fight you, It'd be a proper duel. Trust that I'd give my King more respect than the bastard who took my ear. This sword was left to me by my father, Cunobelinus. Nobody takes my sword... You should know that by now. I am not here to kill anyone. But given the fact that I've got charges laid on me, and I have a lack of trust for certain people in this room. Plus the fact that my adopted son has foolishly rebelled, might make me a target for assassination. You of all men can and should understand why this sword will never leave my side."

**MerlinusCDXX** · 06-04-2009, 00:10

I can accept your precautions Cunobelinus, but I'd have to advise against storming into this chamber, though I do so myself from time to time. Chuckles I also understand Bas. Sarpedon's uneasiness with allowing armed men into the council chambers, given the current state of the Arche. How are you, my old Celtic friend? I suggest we reacquaint ourselves with the taverns of this fair city after the day's business is concluded, as we did so many years ago. I have a gift for you. Hands Cunobelinus a large dried green plant, glistening with sticky silver crystals Grown in the mountains outside of Alexandreia Ariane by some new tenants on my Son, Marsyas', own estate. My, oh my, these Gandharans know their business, enjoy. This will be just what you need to keep from killing some folks that just may not deserve it. Laughing

Now, gentlemen, I have another concern looming. That is, Panaitolios Ankyrikos is not taking an active role in commanding his army. I've been required, when my agents report no presence or activity, to issue orders to his bodyguard and reinforcements myself. I grow increasingly concerned that, when the time comes, his captain will be left to lead the entire army against the Makedones. If he does not at least send a representative to this council, I would suggest that a new commander be found for the 1st Lydian Army. I think it imperative that a Satrap be appointed in Mikra Asia, and that he be given an emergency powers writ to command the 1st Lydian, should Ankyrikos be absent on the day of battle. But only you could authorize such an unprecedented thing, Basileios.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Incitatus** · 06-04-2009, 03:06

I must agree with you Phanias. The situation in Mikra Asia is too dire to be left in the hands of a captain - a talented general is needed if we are to defeat the Macedonians in battle. I also agree that a new satrap is needed to ensure the future prosperity of the region, but I do not think it is necessary to give the satrap command of the 1st Lydian. I believe your proposal could work, but if the Basileus were hesitant he could delay the appointment of a satrap and give the commander of the 1st Lydian time to prove himself worthy and earn the respect of the local residents. If he is successful perhaps then he could be appointed satrap.

**MerlinusCDXX** · 06-04-2009, 03:27

Originally Posted by Incitatus

I must agree with you Phanias. The situation in Mikra Asia is too dire to be left in the hands of a captain - a talented general is needed if we are to defeat the Macedonians in battle. I also agree that a new satrap is needed to ensure the future prosperity of the region, but I do not think it is necessary to give the satrap command of the 1st Lydian. I believe your proposal could work, but if the Basileus were hesitant he could delay the appointment of a satrap and give the commander of the 1st Lydian time to prove himself worthy and earn the respect of the local residents. If he is successful perhaps then he could be appointed satrap.

Alexandros, I never meant for the idea of a Satrap in Mikra Asia to permanently command the 1st Lydian Army. I was stating my concern because a Satrap, with only his own troops would be severely outnumbered by the Makedonian armies present. In fact, I explicitly meant it as an emergency power, with the requirement that the if commander of the 1st Lydian was not personally present on the day of battle, then the appointed Satrap be allowed to assume temporary command over the troops of the 1st Lydian for the duration of the war in Mikra Asia only, until the appointed commander was present. This would give the Basileios time to appoint a proper commander for the 1st Lydian. One who will actually lead his troops into battle. In order to meet the Makedonian threat according to basic force ratios, I find myself required to place far more troops into the rolls of the 1st Lydian than a regular army should contain. Even with an enlarged 1st Lydian, the addition of a Satrapy army would almost even the odds. We must remember, these are not Epeirote country boys we're fighting, but real Hellenic troops, much like what we field ourselves, but without the weak rabble that we bulk our armies up with. We can only hope Panaitolios will restore our confidence in his willingness to lead his army.

**navarro951** · 06-04-2009, 03:50

Panaitolos fly's through the doors of the council in time to hear these words...

"Well I am present! And I will spill the blood of Makedonia all over our lands. Let it be known that unless my good King orders it, no man will have my command and i shall bring doom to Makedonia!"

**Celtic_Punk** · 06-04-2009, 04:15

"Your confidence is reassuring."The Celt smiles "Make sure my homeland is safe. Or you will deal with me." The Celts reassuring smile turns to a look of sternness.

"I distinctly remember warning you all about the treachery of Makedon. Perhaps we should seek alliance with the honourable Spartans. They would be a powerful ally indeed.

**MerlinusCDXX** · 06-04-2009, 04:15

Originally Posted by navarro951

Panaitolos fly's through the doors of the council in time to hear these words...

"Well I am present! And I have will spill the blood of Makedonia all over our lands. Let it be known that unless my good King orders it, no man will have my command and i shall bring doom to Makedonia!"

Panaitolios, you don't know how glad I am to see you here. I was worried that you'd fallen ill and were too sick to take the field. I was in the unenviable position of trying to keep the next satrap of Mikra Asia from getting killed due to being outnumbered.