The Exile - Kingdom of Kydonia [a fictional semi-observing AAR]

[zooeyglass]

yay - it's going well, i'm really enjoying this. keep plugging away.

my only worry is that you'll be crushed between the new arche and the ptolemaioi - how will you combat such huge forces with your tiny island?

[PriestLizard]

Yup this will be a problem. Thats why I might focus on the islands first, cyprus and sicilly. There is no way I could fight the Ptolemaioi monster with only one settlement. I also dont know where this AAR is going:

- Fulfilling winning conditions with Baktria, means I have to travel to the very east in a loooong campaign AND conquer all the eastern lands?
- Just sit there and wait, end the game when there is a obvious (AI) winner?
- Only get back to Baktria, reclamate my old lands and declare the savegame as finished?
- Ignore all that and try to build up a mighty empire by myself and just pwn every faction?

Suggestions? What you'd like to see?

[Cbvani]

Yup this will be a problem. Thats why I might focus on the islands first, cyprus and sicilly. There is no way I could fight the Ptolemaioi monster with only one settlement. I also dont know where this AAR is going:

- Fulfilling winning conditions with Baktria, means I have to travel to the very east in a loooong campaign AND conquer all the eastern lands?
- Just sit there and wait, end the game when there is a obvious (AI) winner?
- Only get back to Baktria, reclamate my old lands and declare the savegame as finished?
- Ignore all that and try to build up a mighty empire by myself and just pwn every faction?

Suggestions? What you'd like to see?

Frankly I wouldn't mind just seeing everything play out. Maybe interfere a little bit to amuse yourself.... there was a casse AAR that was going to do that once, I don't know what happened to it.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Frankly I wouldn't mind just seeing everything play out. Maybe interfere a little bit to amuse yourself.

This

[Tyrfingr]

This AAR inspired me to start a semi-observing game with Baktria myself, although my Baktrians migrated to India. I now hold all the indian settlements and are fiercily fighting the AS back...

[Kuningaz]

Pwn everyone!

[Irishmafia2020]

Suggestion - Perhaps you can fall back on Piracy.... You could build an army of light infantry and Cretan archers and capture lightly defended settlements all along the African coast. Once you capture them you sell the population into slavery, and sell all of the buildings for money. That will net you some money that you can use to maintain your lifestyle. Then you can sell or give away the conquered cities too third parties. If that doesn't work, just crank up the tax rates, and abandon the city while raking in two turns of free tax money. Crete was renowned for its piracy, and your two-three city kingdom can become a major player in the Mediterranean if you are willing to play that role. This tactic can be especially effective in North Africa against Both Carthage and the Ptollie cities west of the Nile. Things are so spread out there, that you will be able to defeat local forces and escape before there is any response. Of course you can always give captured cites to the Greeks, Maks, or Romans so that the Ptolomies have to fight for their cities when they show up in force. The only real risk to this tactic is that your navy might get annihilated with your army on-board, and you will lose your offensive force (such are the travails of piracy). Other good targets for piracy are the various islands (if you don't keep them), Illyria, Southern Anatolia, and the Black sea basin.

As a big fan of Baktria, I am keeping an eye on this campaign. At least you tried to fight in the East before you migrated your faction, which is a pleasant change from most migration AARs...

[PriestLizard]

Irishmafia thats a great idea. I dont want to tell too much before my next update (which will cover the years untill ~208) but my ambitions on the mainland have come to an end now since I had no chance to fight the Ptolemaioi and their allies with my tiny forces. So it might be a great time to start some piracy...

I dont see another way to "get back into the game" in a more "friendly" manner since some factions have become incredibly strong and it would be hard to fight them even with 8+ cities... no way to fight them with only one or two.

Hopefully I will able to post an update over the weekend - I'm quite busy with univ right now. Cu then and thanks :)

[Maion Maroneios]

I'll eagerly be waiting for the next update, PriestLizard! Consider what Irishmafia said, it sounds like a good idea

Maion

[Kuningaz]

Agreed, raid them and then pwn them

[PriestLizard]

Hehe ok... thanks to you all for your support :)

I have two requests for translations. It will reveal some things that happened lately so if you dont want to get spoiled, just ignore it!!

Removed Spoiler.

Thanks for your help!

Update will come during the next days!

[Maion Maroneios]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1. I think Arche Indohellenon would be fine
2. Galloromani maybe?
3. I call them Arche Ptolemaion in my campaign

Cheers

Maion

[Kuningaz]

I really hate the Ptolies...

[PriestLizard]

Thanks Maion, I already changed the names.

[Maion Maroneios]

No problem, just get back to work. NOW

Just kidding

Maion

[PriestLizard]

Chapter 3: Solaris

„No human being will ever know the Truth, for even if they happen to say it by chance, they would not even known they had done so. “ -Xenophanes

Large palace of Kydonia, 227 BC

Syria, 251 BC. Night has come over the dry steppes of Syria as the man walks through his camp. His men fought hard during the day, attacking supply lines of the seleucid army. The mans name was Menander Asteraios and he was the leader of a mercenary band, offering their arms and courage to any who was willing to pay the price. As he reached his tent, his guards were already waiting for him.
„Sire, your company is already waiting for you.“
„Thank you Kreitos. Now look for our men, the day was hard and blooded – they need more wine.“
The guard confirmed and left Menander alone. Menander entered his tent and looked at his visitor. It was a tall man who apparently did his duty in one army or another. His hair was gray but his eyes still glazes in blue color. Menander and his counterpart looked each other in the eyes, challenging and competing each other.
„The day was long and the next might be even longer. You came to me, not was it me who came to you – so what is it that you want?“
„My name is Patrokles Marakandaios. I have come the long way from the very east, as I am the last of a royal family. You better know where you stand young general, for I am the king of my Baktria! In fact it is me who is giving an audience to you.“
Menander took himself a glas of wine when Patrokles finished his introduction. He looked upward, smiled and returned:
„I know that the seleucid empire had finally brought peace to the rebellish reastern satrapies. So the way I see it – you are a king without a kingdom. Which is as worthless as a peasent without farmland or a blacksmith without his tools. So I am Menander Asteraios, and I am a general and I DO hold an army. I know my place – I wonder if you do know yours?“

Baktrian-styled kydonian royal bodyguards

Almost twenty-four years later Menander stands on the balcony of his palace in Kydonia, remembering the old times, the time when he first met Patrokles and where he layed the ground for his later kingdomship. Now Menander had been Basileus of Kydonia for about fifteen years and he made Kydonia to one of the most powerful cities in the mediterranian. For Patrokles, it was enough to create his own paradies on Krete, like a dreamland, where he could enjoy the rest of his life. Menander however seeked for more. For Patrokles, Kydonia was his beautiful exile – but Menander wanted to create an empire. He used his political and military power to extend Kydonias influence on to asia minor, especially Halikarnassos. This had invoked a conflict with the mighty Arche Ptolemaioi and now in 227 BC, the small Basileion Kydonias sees itself threatened by multiple enemies.

¤ ¤ ¤

The Ptolemaioian War


The war of Kydonia against the Arche Ptolemaioi, 228 BC.

In 228 BC the Ptolemaioi had taken Halikarnassos and demonstrated their power. To those who knew Menander and his ambitions, it was clear, that he wouldn't accept this without an answer. Two years later, Menanders son Antimachos had his coming of age and Menander immediatly sent his firstborn to asia minor to engage the Ptolemies and gain terretory. Antimachos, who had been known for his vigor during his youth (although he didn't seem to be the smartest boy) enthuastically started his expedition. He hired an army of almost 30.ooo mercenaries and conquered Halikarnassos with relative ease only to head further east.

Kydonian mercenaries marching towards Halikarnassos, 226 BC.

He led his army towards Side and was about to start preperations to siege the city, when his agents informed him that a major ptolemaioian force advanced Side from the east. Antimachos positioned his mercenary army on the hills near the coast. He knew that the Ptolemies would use their superior troops to engage him, even if they have a disadvantage on the ground.

Antimachos engaged by the Ptolemaioi, 225 BC.

The great battle happened in 225 BC. Antimachos and his 29.640 men against the Ptolemaioian army led by Captain Onesikrates, fielding 37.060 soldiers. Antimachos calculations came out even as his enemy engaged his army who were positioned on a hill. Onesikrates ordered his men to circle Antimachos but the mercenary phalangitaies held their ground while the kretan archers perforated the ptolemaioian troops.

“Antimachos in Blood“, unknown painter, Kydonia, approx. 130 BC.

Antimachos personally led his bodyguards to battle and killed the light infantry to persia who were about to encircle him. In the end, Antimachos gained an heroic victory and had 26.300 soldiers left – while only 8.620 enemies survived.

Landscape near Side, asia minor.


Site of famous battle near Side.

However Antimachos was forced to retreat his army to Halikarnassos as another huge egyptian army was about to arrive from the east. Antimachos came to believe that it was futile to fight such a powerful faction as the Ptolemaioi and that it would only bring sadness and disaster to Kydonia and its people.

¤ ¤ ¤

Internal Affairs

Antimachos returned to Kydonia while his mercenaries were mostly abandoned or stayed in Halikarnassos as protection for kydonian property. Rumours spread that Menander and his son had some harsh arguements about the kydonian policy and that there was a major disagreement between those two ambitions. It all did not matter much as Kydonia had its hands tight. The war between the Arche Hellenon and the Basileion Pergamou reduced the trade income for Kydonia and the ongoing threat from the Ptolemaioi made it impossible to disband troops. Nevertheless the last ten years of Menanders reign were peaceful. Kydonia was inhabited by more than 20.000 citizens and the city was one of the richest in the hellenic world. Some say that Menander wad a real Connoisseur in his age and he reduced his ambitions by quite a rate.

Menander Asteraios, Basileus of Kydonia, 221 BC.

In 217 BC his second son, Herakon, celebrated his 16th birthday and one year later, in 216 BC, Menander made a bold decision: he announced that both of his sons shall reign his kingdom and that Herakon shall be the leader of the royal troops while Antimachos would administrate the city and all colonies.

Some said that this was related to his personal dispute with his son Antimachos about foreign policy and that he wanted his second son Herakon, who seemed more like a furious commander, to be the true heir of Kydonia. Antimachos was very famous to the people though, as he claimed that heroic victory over the Ptolemaioi in 225 BC and by his way to administrate the city. Therefore Menander could not announce Herakon as his new heir and forget about Antimachos. So both sons were announced heirs and a bilteral kingdomship would occur.

When Herakon was young, he looked up to Antimachos and his victories in asia minor and now, being the new leader of the kydonian army, he saw his chance to become a hero of his own.

¤ ¤ ¤

A King dies and a dynasty is born

In 215 BC Menander Asteraios died peacefully in Kydonia. The whole city celebrated the obsequies for more than twelve days. Even though Petrokles brought the crown to Kydonia, it was Menander who forged a dynasty. With the crown being carried by two strong personalities, many would believe that Kydonia would experience another level of success in the mediterranian world.

Menander dies in 215 BC.


Statue of Menander, approx. 231 BC.


Herakon Asteraios, Strategos of Kydonia, 215 BC.


Antimachos Asteraios, Administrator and Governor of Kydonia, 215 BC.

End of chapter 3.

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Unfortunenatly I couldnt incluce world events into my third chapter. I will include the ongoings of the world in my next chapter which will be uploaded soon. It will cover kydonian developement as well as the wars in the east and west. Make sure to check it out, comments and suggestions welcomed as usual! :)

[gamegeek2]

A little advice - ally with the AS, so they'll stay at war with the Ptollies or give you mutual peace.

[Maion Maroneios]

Nice chapter I agree about the alliance, try giving them some minimal amount of tribute as well (100-200mnai) to ensure they remain loyal allies.

Maion

[PriestLizard]

I'm already allied with the Arche Seleukeia. It didn't help much. I played some years ahead, thats why the next chapter will follow soon.... so you will see how things unfolded. :)

Chapter 4: Rotorblade - estimated release: Tomorrow.

[PriestLizard]

With a delay of one day, here's my fourth chapter of The Exile. Please tell me what you think - about the gameplay so far and also (more important) about the way I'm telling the story. I see this AAR as a training practice where I can learn for further AARs.

Also keep in mind, that I'm always playing ahead several years, so right now I'm already in 199 BC and the kydonian piracy has started to terrorize the ptolemaic provinces near the mediterranian coast. :)

Ok, here we go.

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Chapter 4: Rotorblade

„Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage.“ -Plutarch

Hamalcar, historian in carthage, approx. 50 BC.
„In the time 230 – 200 BC the world saw many changes and many events occured, that changed the political and economical situation in the mediterranian area. If we have a closer look on this time period, we can witness the demise of a former superpower, the Arche Seleukeia. Simultaniously other factions rised and became superior forces in this part of the world. One of them was - for sure- Carthage. The first punic war against Rome ended in a draw and it took several years untill Carthage claimed to have their own ambitions in italy again.
The faction was the ptolemaic kingdom, or, as they named themselves from 212 BC on, the „Arche Ptolemaioi“. They gained more and more terretory from the seleucids during the syrian wars untill they had conquered almost all former seleucid provinces. By 208 BC, their empire stretched from egypt, over persia, into the iranian highlands. […]

Herakon Asteraios, leading the kydonian army in sicily, 212 BC.

Even the hellenic world did not stay the same. The war between the Arche Hellenon and the Basileion Pergamou, which had dominated the face of the hellenic provinces during the years 250 – 235 BC, calmed down. Pergamon lost more and more influence in asia minor while the hellenic empire grew stronger and stronger. It ultimately ended when a new power arrised in asia minor: Pontus. [...]“

The world in 216 BC.

¤ ¤ ¤

The second Punic War

In 229 BC the situation between Carthage and Rome still remained the same like the first punic war ended. Rome was in control of most of italy, while carthage held sicily and the southern part of italy (Rhegion and Tarsus). Carthage used the ceasefire to make their own preperations for a new claim in italy – while Rome was busy fighting the barbarians on their northern border, especially the Aedui. Ten years later, in 219 BC, the second punic war began. Carthage moved their troops to Capua and captured the city with relative ease. The romans were shocked by the betrayel and saw themselves in great danger. Threatened by the northern eleutheroi and now from Carthage in the south, they needed immediate help in their struggle for survival.

The number of roman allies was small. The Lusotani were busy on their own, fighting the Arverni and keeping a fragile peace with Carthage. It was then the small kingdom of Kydonia who offered help to Rome. The kydonian crown was divided between two brothers, of which one of them, Herakon Asteraios, longed for a chance to prove himself in battle. His brother Antimachos didn't agree to the roman terms of the alliance, but the romans had sent their most adepted diplomats to get their demands met.

Herakon arrives in sily, 212 BC.

While Carthage wasted no time and conquered Tarsus in 215 BC and later in 212 BC even Rome, the year 212 BC was also the time of interference by Kydonia. Herakon Asteraios, the leader of the kydonian troops, hired an army of mercenaries and fielded a force of more than 50.000 men. They landed near Syracuse and immediatly declared war to Carthage. The siege only took one season and Herakon defeated the forces of Syracuse in the upcoming battle.

Kydonian forces in Syrakusae, 212 BC.


Rome under carthagian control.


The world in 212 BC.

The Carthagians realized that when they took Rome, the romans were beaten. As a result, they sent their expedition force down to sicily and engaged the troops of Kydonia. The first encounter happened in winter 212 BC, near Messana. Herakon and his army of 52300 men agains the forces of Captain Theophanes – 45020 soldiers from all of africa – including elephants! The following battle was blooded and devastating.

The battle of Messana, winter 212 BC.

Herakons plan was to perform the typical diadochi-style strategy. He ordered his phalangitaies to hold the battle line, while the kretan archers would attack the carthagian forces from behind and the cavalry with Herakon himself would encircle their opponents. His mistake was to underestimate elephants. It was the first time that a kydonian general was opposed by elephants and they surely have their lesson learned. The Elephantoi easily crushed the line of phalangitaies and brought chaos to the kydonian troops.

Carthagian elephants.


Kydonian and lybian soldiers engaging each other.


The galatian mercenaries were the key to success for Herakon.

Herakon tried to arrange his troops – bring back order to his men. In the end, he and his guards together with some galatian mercenaries were the deciding factor to avoid a crushing defeat. While the carthagian elephants were out of control, Herakon used his cavalry to split his enemy appart. By the end of the day, it was almost a head-to-head combat, all over the battlefield. It seemed that the kydonian mercenaries had the better moral – they took position of the center and routed the carthagians.

The end of battle is closing in.

Even though Herakon was victorious, he knew that his campaign was basically over. He had lost almost 40000 men, his supply lines were cut off and he did not have enough money to resupply his forces with mercenaries from sicily. With the kydonian fleet being on the way to Krete in order to bring reinforcements, he wondered how he would be able to come back alive.

The outcome of the battle.

Herakon took refuge in the city of Messana and planned to stay there untill reinforcements from Krete would arrive. However Carthage reacted promptly. They sent another huge force led by Captain Bathyaes to siege Messana. The kydonian troops bravely tried to sally out – but resistance agains an army of elite troops from Carthage was futile. Herakon led his cavalry against the opposing general but the plan failed. The battle ended in a draw when Herakon retreated into the city – but he barely had 5000 soldiers left while the armies of carthage seemed to have an unstoppable supply line.

Kydonia and Carthage engage each other at Messana.


Herakon and his guards crushing into carthagian infantry.


Herakon only gains a draw against Carthage in Messana.

Carthage directly started another attack of Messana and during the battle, Herakon died the death of a true warrior. With only 22 years, this talented and respected general disappeared from the stages of history. His weakness was his pride and his seek for heroism – we can only wonder what would have happened if he was not only strong and smart but also wise.

Herakon Asteraios and his loyal guards fight in the streets of Messana.


Herakon died in the age of only 22.

In 209 BC, Carthage defeated the remaining kydonian forces in Syracuse and restored their supremicy in sicily. Without any help from other factions, the romans had no chance but to surrender. In 208 BC, Carthage had conquered all of italy – it only took them seven years to completely destroy the roman empire. The remaining roman nobles flighted to the north and founded the Imperium Galloromanum. They still have control over several provinces in southern germania but the history of Rome had ended. Another super power was about to take control of the western mediterranian world: Carthage.

Italy and europe after the second punic war.

¤ ¤ ¤

The rise of Pontus

When the war between the Ptolemaioi and the small kydonian kingdom ended in a fragile ceasefire, Pontus was still a ptolemaic protectorate and ruled over a handful of provinces in asia minor and anatolia. In 209 BC, the Basileion Pergamou had lost most of its influence and the hellenic empire was fighting in illyria and northern greece. The whole area was calm – just like the calm before the storm. Pontus took its chance and attacked Halikarnassos only to reveal their real ambitions. Although still a protectorate, they wanted to claim their own demands.

The pontic general Pelopidas Kianos was about to cross the river in Lydia but was engaged by Captain Demetrios of Kydonia. The pontic soldiers swarmed over the bridge and were massacrated by the kydonian mercenary phalangitaies – but their numbers were too many. By the end of the day, Pelopidas had taken control over the bridge and led his forces on into kydonian terretory.

Pontic soldiers rushing against the kydonian phalanx.

Only weeks later, he laid siege on Halikarnassos, which was currently under rule of Krateros Chatrachartaios, the nephew of Basileus Antimachos. Krateros had been a brilliant administrator in Halikarnassos and was beloved by the people. He showed his talents as a commander in several battles against the pontic kingdom. He was able to gain a heroic victory over Captain Artabanos of Pontus in the streets of Halikarnassos.

Havoc in the streets of Halikarnassos.


Kydonian soldier fighting bravely against Pontus.

Krateros knew that he did not have enough men to hold the walls against the attackers – so he withdraw his forces into the city and waited for his enemy to enter. The following battles just short but blooded and Krateros killed several men by his own hands.

Krateros Chatrachartaios, 215 BC.

In 207 BC though, Pontus fielded another force and finally captured Halikarnassos – Governor Krateros Chatrachartaios was killed in battle. This event ended the ambitions of Kydonia in asia minor as they saw their military as well as diplomatic power weakened – adding to the plague, raging in Kydonia in the years of 208 – 207 BC. But it also caused the rise of a new power in asia minor: Pontus. It was only a matter of time untill their protectors, the mighty Arche Ptolemaion would react. So consequently in 206 BC, the ptolemaic empire declared war to Pontus and attacked their former protectorate to bring back order into their lands.

The world in 206 BC.

¤ ¤ ¤

Timeline

228 BC The Ptolemaioi take Halikarnassos. The Saka continue their southward advance and capture Baktra.

226 BC Coming of age by Antimachos Asteraios, firstborn of Basileion Menander. Menander immediatly sends Antimachos to asia minor in order to recapture Halikarnassos and to start a campaign against the Ptolemaioi. The alliance between Kydonia and the Arche Hellenon is reforged.

225 BC Heroic victory of Antimachos against the Ptolemaioi near Side. It was the most famous battle by a kydonian general in the the third century before christ. The Hayasdan are down to one province.

221 BC Devnet, the last of Theodotos' bloodline, who were sold into slavery, marries her master in Thebes, egypt.

217 BC Coming of age by Menanders second son, Herakon.

215 BC Menander Asteraios dies peacefully in Kydonia. Herakon and Antimachos share the crown each with his own domain.

213 BC Herakon signs an alliance with Rome and promises to help them agains Carthage. He sends the kydonian fleet to sicily.

212 BC Kydonia and Pergamon sign an alliance. Herakon sieges Syrakousae and takes the city. Later that year, Herakon celebrates an average victory of the carthagian forces (including elephants) near Messana.

210 BC Carthage capture Messana, Herakon is killed during battle. The ambitions of Kydonia in sicily have ended. Antimachos is now Basileus of Kydonia.

209 BC Pontus start their campaign against Kydonia.

208 BC Pergamon down to only once city, Mytilele. The former royal family of the mighty seleucids have taken refuge in india and have called out the Arche Indohellenon. The ptolemaic empire now rules over all former seleucid terretories. At the same time, Rome is captured by carthagian troops and the roman nobles have fled to the north, calling out the Imperium Galloromanum.
Heroic victory by Krateros in Halikarnassos.

208 – 207 BC Plague in Kydonia. More than 60.ooo citizens die. In the end, only 170.ooo citizens stay in Kydonia (multiplied by 10).

207 BC Halikarnassos is captured by Pontus.

206 BC The war between Pontus and the Arche Ptolemaion starts.

Scoreboard, 206 BC. Yellow: Arche Ptolemaion. Dark yellow: Carthage. White/yellow: Arche Hellenon. Brown: Lusotani. Blue: Imperium Galloromanum (former Roman senate). Green: Arche Indohellenon (former Arche Seleukeia).

End of chapter 4.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent update, PriestLizard! Good to see the Romaioi getting their butts kicked, I always enjoy that

Maion

[julius_caesar_the_first]

I really like it. It looks like a very professional history book with very good pictures.

Keep up the good work.

[desert]

Woah! Kydonia grew from 2500 people to 250000+ people in only 50 years?

[Kuningaz]

A really great chapter indeed

[PriestLizard]

@Desert: Well it was my fault in terms of story-telling. First, I did not multiply the citizen-number by any factor. Later I realized though, that the number is much too small. REAL big cities at that time usually had half a million people living there - so I thought multiplying the number by 10 would be a good idea. Doing it that way Kydonia now has about 200.000 citizens, which is a pretty realistic number, while greater towns (Alexandreia, Rome etc) have almost half a million.

@Others: Thanks

Now have a OOC look on the campaign map.

1. I really like the outcome of the second punic war. Although it is a little bit sad that my personal plan (to conquer and hold sicily) was not successful in the end, I like the fact that Carthage won the war against Rome - its probably what would have happened if Hannibal had won the war against Rome. Carthage is in control of italy and I'm curious to see where they will attack now.

Probably they will face the Lusotani soon, which had become real strong on their own. Another option would be that Carthage will face the Arche Hellenon in the east.

2. The former protectorate of the Arche Ptolemaioi, Pontus, is now rebelling and even though I doubt that they can win, there might be a chance that the Ptolemaioi are busy on so many borders, that Pontus can claim some provinces. I really hope that will happen. Otherwise there will be no one who could stop the yellow Death.

Currently (199BC) I'm training to raid the coastal cities of the ptolemies but I doubt this will hurt them. The Saka are slow but they could be a real thread for them...

3. Poor seleucids :( Now I feel pitty for them. They are definatly out of this and I thought about helping them with money cheat but then I decided to just let it happen...

4. Pergamon is struggling. In 206 they only have Mytilele left, but now they captured back Pergamon and are fighting Pontus. I'm not sure how the outcome in asia minor will be. The greeks are calm, much like Saka right now... we will see.

5. Like I said, my personal strategy is playing the pirate right now. I have one family member raiding the cities and I'm not sure if this selfish player will accept the rule of an uncharismatic and dull leader like Antimachos ( ). I wonder what will happen once he returns home to Kydonia with his ships full of loot? I still respect my alliance with the hellenic empire though so I wont raid their islands for now.

The next chapter will probably be out next week (monday or tuesday). Probably about the time frame from 206 - 190 BC.

[desert]

Just to be clear, does the Kydonian Kingdom encompass all of Krete, or is Kydonia just the most powerful city state on the island?

[PriestLizard]

Kydonia is a city-state, but since Kydonia is the most powerful city on Krete, the situation can be seen as some kind of hegemony where the Kydonian Kingdom is in control of all of Krete, even though technically the title of King only refers to the city of Kydonia.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Nice AAR. I really like it!

[Cbvani]

Wow. How does it feel to have all these empires around you - any of which could crush you in a year - and be so powerless? I'm not trying to be insulting, I just wonder what it must feel like to be unimportant in EB for once!

[PriestLizard]

I know what you're saying. It was a little bit frustrating to only sit arround and not being able to do anything. Every time I tried to go into offensive (Halikarnassos, Sicily) the campaign was unsuccessful in the end. You just cant compete with those great empires who have such a big economical power...

But you will see in the next update, that piracy indeed gave me some influence and power... money is everything. :|