The Royal Council

[Incitatus]

Alexandros enters the council and speaks

It has been a long time since I was last here but I assure you all that my time in the desert has not dulled my wits. Speaking as one who has traveled along the Nile and also as one with a great deal of experience with the people of Egypt, I do not think it would be wise to discard the satrapy. The Egyptians are a proud people with a long history and would not take lightly an imposing ruler from afar. No, the Egyptians need a ruler in Alexandria who is able to understand the local customs and traditions. If the Basileus wishes better administration in Egypt, by all means remove Aratos, but appoint a new satrap in his place. As far as it goes I believe Cunobelinus would make an excellent satrap, but as you say Hilarion this is the Basileus' decision and not mine. This gives me reason to second Edict 10.1.

As for Mikra Asia and the Macedonian threat, I believe that it is firmly in the Arche's interests to appoint a new satrap and I fully support Kleonemos as a candidate. Mikra Asia needs to be defended, and this is exactly the job for a satrap. At the very least it is not the responsibility of the 1st Lydian. The defeat of the Macedonians should be our first priority - they have nothing to lose and will not stop until they all lie dead. The rebels can wait. Let them sit in Babylon. If they decide to attack more of our loyal cities that will just make it easier for us to destroy them.

with this Alexandros bows and sits

[MerlinusCDXX]

Having stood in the doorway listening to what has transpired, Phanias strides resolutely into the council chamber.

Hilarion, you forget yourself. Where is Basileios Sarpedon? I've rode a long way to be here, to confer with my lawful sovereign, and I come here to find YOU mistreating the general staff as if you are the Basileios himself. I do not recall B. Sarpedon ever naming YOU Kleronomos Basileios. B. Sarpedon is conveniently absent from these halls for more than 3 years? I find this highly suspicious. Have you stuffed him into an amphora perhaps, so you could play in his sandbox? Run along now, you are not needed. I will accept no words out of your mouth until I see B. Sarpedon in person. If you wish to order good soldiers around, you need to join the army and rise through the ranks like the rest of us. Magistrate, I second Cunobelinus' Edict 10.1. Also, I will be taking over this council session, as I am the only one here with PROPER authority to do so, until the Basileios arrives. I shall also run for re-election to Chancellor. Magistrate, please adjust the record to show my intentions.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion rose with a jerk.

"How dare you accuse me of such a thing! The lord Basileus Sarpedon Syriakos is has been my close friend ever since we were both wee teenagers, and he has appointed me to speak for him here in his absence. Look!"

Hilarion brought forth a parchment with the Basileus' sign on it, which did indeed support Hilarion's claim. He showed it to the Council, and then put it back.

"There you have it. The Basileus is on his way and he will be here soon; he's just a little delayed. I will have none of you question my authority here, lest you wish to have lord Sarpedon's wrath upon you when he arrives. That goes for you too, Duros, who should cease your threats and remember that pissing off lord Sarpedon is not a wise idea either, and these are his halls, not yours.

As for your claims that he is 'hell bent on the destruction of the Satrapy of Egypt and Cunobelinus', it is plainly false. He wish to dismantle it now because the current satrap is unable to fulfil his duties, and the most advanced barracks should not be in the hands of someone who can't make use of it. As for Cunobelinus, you are either dishonest, ill informed or you have a poor memory. Lord Sarpedon chose not to support Cunobelinus' campaign because that was part of the penalty he got for taking lord Sarpedon's men from him illegally, and Cunobelinus was informed of this prior to setting off. We've been through this plenty of times, and I will not waste more time discussing this."

Hilarion turns to Alexandros.

"Not the 1st Lydian's responsibility?! Who's responsibility is it otherwise? The army exist to defend the lands of this kingdom, and as the only presence in the area, that is what it has to do! Outrageous. Would you have the civilians fend for themselves, or what?

As I have said, I do not think lord Sarpedon wish to rush into anything at this moment. Setting up a new satrap in this moment just to counter the Makedonians is hasty, and I doubt it would do much good anyway. But I will let the Basileus have the word on this, as he may be of a different mind, or not."

[MerlinusCDXX]

Yes, Hilarion, do show me some piece of paper. You seem to forget that YOU personally don't have any weight to throw around. It's easy enough to steal the Royal Seal and do whatever you like with it. All I hear you saying is dismantle this, no more Satrapies and such. What hubris you must have to think that you could administer these vast stadia all alone. And another thing, Hilarion, don't threaten me, boy. I could rip your throat out through your arsehole, and no one here would lift a finger top stop me, you toplofty little turd.

[The Celtic Viking]

As Phanias had spoken, Sarpedon had quietly and unnoticed entered.

"Phanias! What is this foolishness! Hilarion have not stolen anything, and I don't know what has happened here while I was away, but I will not have your own hubris thinking you have the right to insult my representative - and good friend - here like that! You will apologize and back down from your ridiculous charges, or I will have you removed from my halls immediately. This is madness!

In these halls we behave like civilized men."

[Celtic_Punk]

"I do not have suspicions of the Basileus. I do have suspicions of you however. And given the history of the General and the Basileus, I do not think he would abandon him despite him taking troops that belonged to him. Sarpedon is an intelligent man, why would he endanger his own kingdom for the sake of a petty disagreement. He may have appointed to you to represent him, but that means you should ask his opinion before spouting such things as you've said here. Like you said, these are his halls, not yours! You must have something against Cunobelinus yourself to put up roadblocks at everyturn. He is trying his damnedest to make something of himself and the Arche, and does it alone. Thats more of a man than you can call yourself. Name one thing you've done yourself for the country. Name one instanced where you've risked life and limb. The general has sacrificed not only his time to spend with his family, but even lost an ear. You try to discredit a man who's given his all time and time again, and has never asked for anything. He's never pushed to give himself any kind of power at all. The only thing's he's asked for is a chance to prove himself on the battlefield (which he has done time and time again, and has proven to be at the very least one of the Arche's best generals) And for a safe home for his family. When he tried to withdraw from the military, and live in Galatia, Lord Sarpedon called on him to join him. He did. The only time he's not been working diligently for the Arche was when he made a pilgrimage to his father's village in Gaul. This Galatian has done more for this Arche than you ever will. Give him some respect. We do not threaten you. But it seems you have threatened us! Why are you turning against your own people? Part of the penalty... hmmph, so as part of the penalty he is earmarked by you for death? as part of the penalty you endanger us all?! This seems more of a personal vendetta than a judicial matter.

The Greek gestures to a servant "Get Achiakos, and tell him to send for the General, He is needed at the council, as I cannot put words in his mouth....
Duros turns to Phanias "I support your move here, You should lead this council session until we see the Basileus come through these doors. I am sure Cunobelinus would also support you in your re-election as chancellor, as he's voted for you before."


EDIT: This was supposed to be here before the king entered... shiiiite!

[MerlinusCDXX]

As Phanias had spoken, Sarpedon had quietly and unnoticed entered.

"Phanias! What is this foolishness! Hilarion have not stolen anything, and I don't know what has happened here while I was away, but I will not have your own hubris thinking you have the right to insult my representative - and good friend - here like that! You will apologize and back down from your ridiculous charges, or I will have you removed from my halls immediately. This is madness!

In these halls we behave like civilized men."

My apologies then, Basileios. But I believe my suspicions were not misplaced. I have not seen or spoken to you personally for more than 3 years, and come here to find your friend acting as if he is the Basileios himself. If you wish for him to have such authority, why not promote him to strategos and give him an army. Soldiers take ill to petty bureaucrats giving orders without having proven themselves. I take orders from you, my lawful sovereign, not some functionary.

[Celtic_Punk]

"My liege, my name is Duros. Representative of the General Cunobelinus. There have been some alarming statements by Hilarion, which have caused me to send for the General. These statements have regarded dismantling of the Satrap of Egypt, and statements regarding the reappointment of a Satrap of Lydia... Something only you can do. Not even a representative of you can be trusted in matters like this. I respectfully urge you to consider appointing Cunobelinus either acting satrap or full satrap of Egypt. He has faithfully served you personally on the field, and has shown exemplary performance as a governor in Memphis. There is only one man for the job. and that's the General. He's won countless battles against even the most gruelling odds. When even you wouldn't support him he pulled victory out of nothing. When he sprung a trap that threatened to destroy him and the volunteer army he led, he beat the odds. This is a man who is clearly blessed and watched by the Gods. He's never asked for anything of you, save for safety for his family while he could not be with them, and troops in his recent campaign. The only reason he asks for this authority now is because he sees the necessity of it. Proper governance of the Nile requires a special kind of man, with special qualities. I believe the General has such traits. Besides... Who would you want to defend the Arche if our eventual border with Carthage becomes hostile? We'd want no less than the best. I'd trust that border to none other than our mutual friend, Cunobelinus.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As Phanias had spoken, Sarpedon had quietly and unnoticed entered.

"Phanias! What is this foolishness! Hilarion have not stolen anything, and I don't know what has happened here while I was away, but I will not have your own hubris thinking you have the right to insult my representative - and good friend - here like that! You will apologize and back down from your ridiculous charges, or I will have you removed from my halls immediately. This is madness!

In these halls we behave like civilized men."

Madness? THIS IS... ARCHE SELUKEIAAAAAAAAA! *boots Hilarion down a bottomless pit*

[Ibn-Khaldun]

One of the scribes, noticing a brief moment of silence, speaks..

Master Hilarion, you asked about the Edict that was proposed by Arrhenides "Cunobelinus" Gedrosianos. The way it is proposed.. there are no objections from us. It's cleverly put together so that it wouldn't contradict any laws.

Saying quietly to another scribe next to him..

I doubt that that dumb Celt could have been behind it...

[Celtic_Punk]

"That 'dumb' Celt has shown more than brawn in his display of tactics and strategy. He may not be a political man, or charismatic, but he is no idiot. One man is not smart in the same respects as another, young man!"

[MerlinusCDXX]

As much fun as our petty arguments are, gentlemen, lets get back to business. I propose Edict 10.3 That we offer Epeiros a peace agreement and trade rights at the status quo. Epeiros has conducted itself somewhat honorably in its disagreements with us. They are also at war with the Makedones, and gaining a peace with them could help us to divert the few resources we have in the area toward driving the Makedones off of Mikra Asia. If the option is available, I'd also suggest an alliance. They haven't really had their full heart into the last war, and they could be of some use in fighting the Makedones.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion whispers something in Sarpedon's ear.

"Duros, Hilarion informs me that, despite him having explained why and how it happened several times, even during this very session, you seem incapable of dropping that subject. You will do so now or I will have you meet your master's former representative*, because we do not have the time to go over the same thing over and over again ad infinitum. Wasting time like that does nothing but help our enemies.

Sarpedon turns to Phanias.

"Everything he has done here he has done on my behalf. Every request, every edict, every move has been sanctioned by me. If you have any complaint about his conduct, you should take it with me personally, and not question and insult my friend here in public.

That goes for you too, Duros.

With that said, I second edict 9.3.

([OOC]* That representative Antiochos sent to jail. I can't remember his name, though, but I'm sure you know who I mean.[/OOC])

[Celtic_Punk]

"Your majesty, I have dropped the subject. There are more important matters at hand. Such as the one I've posed to you. I urge you to support your former Lieutenant as Satrap. Then we can see some real progress in Egypt. Egypt needs a leader. She has one right now. Cunobelinus. He only needs support from you in order to legally and more appropriately lead her."

[The Celtic Viking]

"I've known Cunobelinus for a long time, and I have learned a lot about him. I seem to recall many years ago, I think I was still in my late teens, or just in the beginning of my twenties at most, and he told me that 'his place is on the battlefield, not behind some desks'. I wonder if that wasn't wise words by your master?

By that I mean no disrespect of course, and you should know it. Our conflicts aside, I still consider him my friend, and I highly value his skills at arms. I don't think we ought to burden him with keeping that close control over taxes and populations of that scope, even though I recognize his work with Memphis. My point is that a whole satrapy is a much bigger responsibility, especially one so big and strong one as Aigyptos, and I want Arrhenides to be able to focus completely on his role as a battlefield commander. If you wish I can keep him as a 'local advisor' for the running of Aigyptos if the satrapy is dismantled, so that way it still has its local intelligence as you wish for.

What say you to that?"

[Celtic_Punk]

"Cunobelinus is by no means a mathematician. However his experience at command on a battlefield has taught him that delegating tasks to the correct man is key to efficient work. This is how he runs Memphis. Doing this he can Focus on the Satrapy's defence as his Aids would stay and watch the settlements and keep things running the way Cunobelinus wants. He's not a hands on administrator. But knows how to keep things running efficiently. Due to his tireless defence of Memphis, he's a face they can respect and follow willingly. The Egyptians need a leader they can trust. I live in Alexandriea... The people there speak legends of the General, tales of his victories. Cunobelinus would be a more than welcome face I believe.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Now that you are here to take the reins of this council, Basileios, I have no further issues with your friend. I bear him no ill will, but I will NOT have him address me as if I were a mere servant. I have earned my position here and I do not take kindly to threats, specifically "I will have none of you question my authority here, lest you wish to have lord Sarpedon's wrath upon you when he arrives." As far as I recall, Basileios, only you or, absent your presence, myself, in our current positions have authority in this council (per Game rule 2.4). I especially don't cotton to being threatened with someone else's wrath. The days that I had to fear "wait 'til your father gets home" have long passed. My suspicions were merely that you had not shown your face for a long while, and I suspected foul play. It is my job to be suspicious, otherwise, any fool would be able to take advantage of your kingdom when you are absent.

[Celtic_Punk]

The door bursts open, a very large man wearing mail, carrying a sheathed longsword tries to enter the room, but is accosted by a door guard"Like Hell your taking my sword. If you want it, you can pry it from my cold dead fingers... And I doubt you've got the balls to last a minute against me... He breaths down the guards neck, real close to his face. the guard buckles and backs off. The Celt continues into the room, and heads straight for Duros. they whisper to each other for several minutes before Cunobelinus opens his mouth to address the council

"Sarpedon..." He bows his head "This discussion of dismantling the Satrapy is appalling. Everything we've tried to achieve... For liberating the Egyptians, and given the fact they've hosted our troops and willingly served our armies. However, these cities of the Nile require direct autonomous control that comes with a Satrapy. Effective governance of the area will be destroyed if you remove its satrapal status. Highness, I implore you to appoint me Satrap. You know I can do this job. I've been doing it already for sometime already, albeit I've had trouble mustering appropriate forces, and I've of course not been able to continue a construction bill in Alexandriea. I just need the proper authority.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion spurts up again, but Sarpedon catches him before he says a word, and he quietly sits down again. Sarpedon speaks instead.

"I can understand your reaction, Phanias, and I think it is warranted. I thank you for your vigilance, and I will have a word with Hilarion once this session is over. However, know now that he has the right to represent me here, so there is no need to question him on that point any further."

Turning to Duros, Sarpedon continued.

"I assure you, Arrhenides would still have a large influence over how Aigyptos is to be run. This you have my word on. We can let the Aigyptians know this, and that effect will still be the same. I am even willing to count part of your punishment as paid - namely, the part regarding 'no support for his campaign'. This should be an acceptable compromise, do you not agree?"

Edit: OOC: this should have been before CP's post! Gah!

[The Celtic Viking]

The guards next to Sarpedon drew closer to him when Arrhenides entered.

"First of all, I am a little bit concerned about your aggressive behaviour and unwillingness to surrender your sword. Friend, why do you storm in here like that, and what are you planning? The guard is just doing his job, and if you would have kindly asked if you could keep it, I would have allowed you to do so. There's no need to make such threats in here; indeed, this is a place where, as I have said earlier, such behaviour does not belong. Explain yourself first, before I address your points."

[Celtic_Punk]

"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]

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: 

OOC: can you move my character for me, then not seen or heard from again. He's been on once in months to make that statement and not seen again.

[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.

[MerlinusCDXX]

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]

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]

"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]

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.

[navarro951]

Panaitolos laughs...

"Haha good friend I was simply away training the men. We will march for the enemy as soon as the council is over."

[Celtic_Punk]

"Speaking of which I plan to continue my campaign into the desert. Kleonemos, I want you to accompany me. The men need you, and so do I. Until you finish what you've started in the desert you cannot go to Lydia." Cunobelinus turns to Sarpedon "Highness, I wish to ask that you give garrisons to the final 2 towns. Properly trained troops could be levied in Memphis. My son is currently drilling civilians, with money from our own pocket. How ever we will obviously need your approval to begin mobilization. I can have this done quickly. I can promise this campaign could be over in a year and a half. With Garrisons we would have a sizable force to draw upon if Carthage invaded. In addition to allowing us to get more taxes out of them as well. Afrika is rich salt mines... Many Many riches are to be found out West. Carthage knows this and could use this against us. We must make sure they are afraid to attack our lands. After the military campaign against the remaining Ptolemaic strongholds are destroyed, I will patrol the new border for half a year and then return. Any armies close by will see our parade and would think twice at attacking. It would also perhaps be smart to maintain some sort of permanent presence in order to deter any incursions at all. But that should be decided later. Lord Sarpedon, please consider this. It is for the defence of the Arche. Once back the Satrapal army can begin retraining and can aid in the destruction of the Rebels. Lord Sarpedon, I will march to link up with you and your army and we'll take back the rebels realm together. But the sooner new troops are recruited the sooner the Aigyptian Satrapal Army can leave."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

One of the scribes jumps from his seat..

A mistake have been made .. he stutters... It is the Tenth Council Session we are having at the moment!!

The last one was .. quiet.. to say the least..

9th Council Session Records

So, In order to make sure that your Edict will get to the voting stage you should change them accordingly.

[Celtic_Punk]

I second edict 10.3 We need to stop the war against epiros so we can direct our attention against the mounting threat of makedon. then we can continue to kill Phyrus.