The wandering bard of the steppes.

[johnhughthom]

A question, will this be an AAR aiming to establish a persian empire or a "king of the steppes"-AAR?

To be honest I haven't decided yet, I will see how the game develops first.

[johnhughthom]

A troupe of dancing monkeys are leaving the table just as we wake from our stupor, the smell of monkey urine makes it clear we didn't miss much. The bard returns to his place ready to regal us with tales of yore.


King Arshak, not long the top man,
Friendly relations was his master plan.
To follow his father, and defend the hellene realm,
To fight and defend he would don his helm.
Unmatched in the saddle, riding since birth,
Of men who could best him there sure was a dearth.
Observant of the Gods, most specially Mithra,
He was also quite partial to anything in a bra.
A riot at parties, joyous and gay,
But never ashamed to be seen to pray.
The kingdom grew richer under his gaze,
No mathematical problem able to faze.
Surely the Empire would love such a fellow,
Relations would stay cordial and mellow?
Marakanda, a town north of his haunt,
Rebelled from Hellene and started to taunt.
A force like before went forth to help allied friend,
Their rear and the flanks they would die to defend.
The town was retaken, all rebels killed,
No coin purse did Arshak ask to be filled.
On return news so ghastly, offensive and grave,
Seleukid forces besieging the Kings son, young and brave.


The host was destroyed, heroic defence from the lad,
King came back to homeland bewildered and sad.
Friendship destroyed, trust tossed aside,
The King felt like he had lost a bride.
What steps would he take, would he seek to strike back,
From an honoured friend this had been a surprise attack.
Without Princely courage our people would have perished,
Instead what was lost was a friendship so cherished.
War was afoot, diplomacy pointless,
What would he do, our King so dauntless?

The bard finally retires for the night so we slip out of the tent and return to our horses, ready for the long ride to our tribe.

[Rilder]

Awesome AAR, I love aars that stray from norm.

[SwissBarbar]

Great chapter! Keep it going, looking forward to "hearing" more of your bard ^^

[V.T. Marvin]

Upon hearing the story, I have shed a tear,
For that treason I´m sorry, more I want to hear!

[julius_caesar_the_first]

WOW, great AAR. I have never seen one written in the for of a poem. Great job

[johnhughthom]

The next evening we return to the city of tents and enter the "tavern tent." The bard has already begun, just finishing a bawdy tale of King Arshaks skirt chasing antics.

The lady was breathless, but the King wanted more,
He called to his courtier, "Boy, get me a whore."

He had such and fun frolics,
But randy alcoholics,
Had no time for leisure,
Still less for erotic pleasure.

War was afoot,
Promising glory and loot.
The King was commander in chief,
The war would not be brief.
He struck quick and true,
Before the enemy grew.
Where to start the retribution,
What would be his solution?

His target was familiar, city revisited,
Where to help friend, his father commited.
Zadrakata's rebellious peasants,
Would soon be Parni tenants.

The governor was bald,
Glad his city was walled.
It meant he could hide,
No sally was tried.
An arrogent fool,
He was lucky to rule.
Thought Greeks were the best,
This would be put to the test.

The leader of the attackers,
One of the Kings most loyal backers.
Harasp was his name,
A nomad of fame.

The city was stormed, horses galloping down street,
Defender tried to flee, cut down off their feet.
The governor charged, a brave last defense,
Against Parni nobleman, he stood not a chance.
City surrendered into Harasp's hands,
This time absorbed into the Kings lands.
Son left in charge, Harasp he moved south,
A man of action, not just all mouth.
Apameia fell next, battle lopsided,
When infantry and horse collided.
Only one winner, defender did flee,
Harasp cut them down, wooping with glee.

Last Emperors army in the north-eastern lands,
Phalanx and merc, an eclectic band.
King wanted them out of his area of interest,
Who would he trust to take up the test?
Why a Saka leader,
Named Ariyamehr.

Despite his being outnumbered quite heavily,
Ariyamehr moved his men forward quite steadily.
Makedon general was target,
The fool easy to hit.
In no time at all the hellen was dead,
Horsemen faced army without head.
Around phalanx and peltast the nomads danced,
Poor Greek foot soldiers stood nary a chance.

Battle was won,
Odds four to one.
Ariyamehr was now a general trusted,
Many a Greek head this day was busted.

Now at this point my story I pause,
But please don't start with the applause.
I will return soon again and tell you some more,
If you are wise you won't go through the door.
If questions you have, I will answer in time,
But my friends I insist, that you ask them in rhyme.

As the bard descends the stage we whistle for the serving wench, hoping those dancing monkeys aren't going to make a return appearance.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I haven't had any interesting battles yet so didn't bother with battle shots, I intend to as I continue though. I will post a map with my next update.