From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

[Maion Maroneios]

From Basileion to Arche

ΑΠΟ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΣΕ ΑΡΧΗ

From Kingdom to Empire

Chairete! I have long been planning to write my own AAR, though I've always found myself ending it a few days after I start writing That's why, I have decided to begin writing a sort of AAR following your advice. So basically, you EB members will work as members of the ''Synedrion'', or the Royal Council of Pella. I will post maps and state every important happenings here, so you will be able to follow up easily. At the end of each post, I will ask for your suggestions, or votes, as for what the Basileion Makedonias should do.

As for the campaign itself, I will be playing as Makedonia (renamed as Basileion Makedonias or Kingdom of Macedonia) with BI executable on H/M. I'm also using MAA's City Mod, Darth Formations and Victory Conditions, all of them mini-mods that can be found at the ''Unofficial Modding Projects'' section of the EB forum. Furthermore, I have enabled the ''shieldwall'' formation for some units (like hoplites), as well as done some minor tweaks of my liking (added many more units to the Makedonian roster, changed some faction names and descriptions and other things). I have also enabled the hording ability for the Sweboz, Sauromatae, Getai and Sakae. For any other questions, feel free to ask/pm me.

May your wisdom lead the forces of Makedonia to the furthest corners of the world (again)!

Current campaign date: - (AAR ceased)

Current subject of discussion by the Synedrion

Synderion Ceased

You may have noticed I use the Greek dating system. A simple formula for calculating the date according to the Greek calendar is the following:
776 – CC = GC, where CC is the year according to the Christian calendar and GC the year according to the Greek calendar. This only applies to BC years, though.

The Royal Family Tree

Kalos Demetriou Argeades: Governor of Demetrias
Wife: Olympias

Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades: Basileus
Wife: Alkmena
Nicknames: Hegemon Hellados, Timoros Barbaron, Nikator Pergamou

Alexandros Kraterou Argeades: Strategos Autokrator
Wife: Hermione

Demetrios Antigonou Argeades: Strategos
Wife: Periboia

Baias Kynoskephalaios: Governor of Korinthos
Wife: Aketa

Menephilos Thebaios: Governor of Ambrakia
Wife: Iphianassa

Neikostratos Pheraios: Supervised Strategos
Wife: Apama

Adaios Antigonou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Kaliphana

Priamos Kalou Argeades: Supervised governor of Athenai
Wife: Erigone

Hygienos Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Chalkis
Wife: Tekmessa

Deinokratis Kraterou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: Metriche

Perseus Alkyoneos Argeades: Governor of Thermon
Wife: Ktimene

Hephaistionas Alkyoneos Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Harpalos Kalou Argeades: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: -

Zopyros Alexandrou Argeades: Student in Athenai
Wife: -

Pyrrhos Menephilou Thebaios: Military trainee in Sparte
Wife: Rhodope

Translation of the Hellenic words used in this AAR

You might have noticed that quite a few Hellenic words are being used in this AAR. I do this mainly to give a more ''Hellenic'' feel to it, but I understand that there are people who are unaware of many if any of these words. Here I will present a list of those words:

Chairete (ΧΑΙΡΕΤΕ) = Greetings
Basileion (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ) = Kingdom
Basileus (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ) = King
Synedrion (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟΝ) = The Royal Council of Pella, formed by a body of Makedonians that discuss the matters of the Basileion. Everyone is allowed to freely express himself within the chamber's walls, though no matter the Syendrion's decision, the Basileus still remains the one with the last word
Synedros(sing.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΣ) = Councilor
Synedroi(pl.) (ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΙ) = Councilors
Auletes(sing.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΗΣ) = He who plays the aulos (Greek musical instrument)
Auletai(pl.) (ΑΥΛΗΤΑΙ) = Aulos players
Somatophylakes(pl.) (ΣΩΜΑΤΟΦΥΛΑΚΕΣ) = Bodyguards
Sympatriotes(sing.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΗΣ) = Compatriot
Sympatriotai(pl.) (ΣΥΜΠΑΤΡΙΟΤΑΙ) = Compatriots
Polis(sing.) (ΠΟΛΙΣ) = City
Poleis(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ) = Cities
Elephantas(sing.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΑΣ) = Elephant
Elephantes(pl.) (ΕΛΕΦΑΝΤΕΣ) = Elephants
Pole-Kratos(sing.) (ΠΟΛΗ-ΚΡΑΤΟΣ) = City-State
Poleis-Krate(pl.) (ΠΟΛΕΙΣ-ΚΡΑΤΗ) = City-Sates
Megale Hellas (ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΛΛΑΣ) = Magna Graecia
Italos(sing.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΣ) = Italian
Italoi(pl.) (ΙΤΑΛΟΙ) = Italians
Taxiarchos (ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a taxis (military unit)
Dioiketes (ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ) = Commander
Polemarchos (ΠΟΛΕΜΑΡΧΟΣ) = Warlord
Barbaros(sing.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΣ) = Barbarian
Barbaroi(pl.) (ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΙ) = Barbarians
Keltos(sing.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΣ) = Celt
Keltoi(pl.) (ΚΕΛΤΟΙ) = Celts
Galates(sing.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΗΣ) = Galatian
Galatai(pl.) (ΓΑΛΑΤΑΙ) = Galatians
Makedones (ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΕΣ) = Macedonians
Hellen(sing.) (ΕΛΛΗΝ) = Greek
Hellenes(pl.) (ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ) = Greeks. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, I use this word to express every ethnic group that historically spoke Greek and worshiped Greek gods, along as had Greek customs at that time. This includes Macedonians, Epirotes and Greeks from southern Greece
Peirates(sing.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΗΣ) = Pirate
Peiratai(pl.) (ΠΕΙΡΑΤΑΙ) = Pirates
Strategos(sing.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ) = General
Strategoi(pl.) (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΙ) = Generals
Eiar (ΕΙΑΡ) = Spring
Theros (ΘΕΡΟΣ) = Summer
Phthinoporon (ΦΘΙΝΟΠΟΡΟΝ) = Autumn
Cheimon (ΧΕΙΜΩΝ) = Winter
Sarrisa(sing.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑ) = Sarrisa(duh...)
Sarrisai(pl.) (ΣΑΡΡΙΣΑΙ) = Sarrisae
Syntagma(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑ) = Macedonian pike formation of 16x16 troops
Syntagmatarchos(sing.) (ΣΥΝΤΑΓΜΑΤΑΡΧΟΣ) = Commander of a syntagma
Heterogenes(sing.) (ΕΤΕΡΟΓΕΝΗΣ) = Man of mixed blood. It refers to men with fathers of purely Hellenic blood and mothers of non-Hellenic, or barbarian (non-Greek) blood
Oudeteros(sing.) (ΟΥΔΕΤΕΡΟΣ) = Neutral
Symmachos(sing.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΣ) = Ally
Symmachoi(pl.) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΟΙ) = Allies
Symmachia(noun) (ΣΥΜΜΑΧΙΑ) = Alliance
Synomospondia (ΣΥΝΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ) = League
Philos(sing.) (ΦΙΛΟΣ) = Friend, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friend
Philoi(pl.) (ΦΙΛΟΙ) = Friends, or in case of Hellenistic times, a King's personal friends
Konion(sing.) (ΚΟΝΙΟΝ) = Poisonous liquid composed of a mixture of mandragora and other substances, which causes asphyxia to the drinker. Known to have been historically used in Athenai (among others) as a death penalty.
Basilikos Grammateus(sing.) (ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΣ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΕΥΣ) = Royal Secretary, a man appointed by the Basileus of Makedonia to assist him in the management of the Basieion
Xiphos(sing.) (ΞΙΦΟΣ) = Short Hellenic double-bladed sword
Kopis(pl.) (ΚΟΠΙΣ) = Short Hellenic one-bladed sword
Rhomphaia(sing.) (ΡΟΜΦΑΙΑ) = Thraikian falx
Proskynesis(noun) (ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΙΣ) = An act performed in eastern Hellenistic Kingdoms, where monarchs where worshiped by their subordinates as deities
Strategos Autokrator (ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ) = Non-canon title given by the Basileus to someone, meaning "General Who Bears All Power". It is a very honoring position, which grands the man with absolute power over all armies of Makedonia, after the Basileus

I would very much appreciate it that, if you are planning to use Hellenic words during your speeches, you also use them correctly.

Maion

[Maion Maroneios]

Beginning of the Synedrion, Spring 272BC

Sympatriotai, I salute you. It is Eiar, 504th year after the first Olympiad (272BC) and our Basileion is on the verge of destruction.

In the west, the Basileus of Epeiros, Pyrrhos Aiakides, has taken up veterans from his campaigns in Italia along with his fearsome elephantes and is threatening Pella itself!

If that is not enough, our rightful rule over southern Hellas is questioned by the Hellenic alliance of Chremonides, better known as the ''Koinon Hellenon''. This alliance composed of pesky poleis-krate led by the once-mighty cities of Athenai, Sparte and Rhodos, has openly declared war upon us. Furthermore, this alliance has support from the Ptolemaios Philadelphos himself!

In the north, there is the ever-presnt fear of another marauding barbarian horde. We are at war with many Thraikian tribes, which means we must always keep a watchful eye for them.

In an attempt to empower Makedonian rule in southern Hellas, our Basileus Antigonos Gonatas has taken up arms and is currently campaigning in Attike. His plans are to take the city as soon as possible, in order to fill the royal coffers with much-needed gold. What he didn't count on though, is that Pyrrhos would march his troops quickly to Makedonia, in an attempt to sieze the royal city of Pella.

Here lies the dilemma: what should Antigonos do? Try to capture Athenai, or turn back and try to save Pella from the power-hungry Epeirote king?

Here is a map of the world:

The faction colours are not the real ones also, but you get the idea.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

That's a cool idea Maion. I have the map with all provinces and corrected boundaries in spain, so if you like I'll send it to you.

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Basileus, Pyrrhos of Epeiros is not only a threat to our kingdom itself, but also does he claim to be the rightful Basileus of Makedonia, and not you! Some of our soldiers have already shared his opinion, if you may remember our last encounter with him, where you only managed to escape in the disguise of a goat herder, ho Basileu! It would be my advice to march north and get rid of this pestilence once and for all, and take on these effete wannabe-powers later!

[satalexton]

Basileus, the insolence of the epeiros are intolerable indeed...thou must hold Pella! Levy the masses! Akonkists, spendones, HUNT THOSE ELEPHANTES!

Our situation is grave, it's true. Endure it. Punish those poleis-krate, they no longer deserve their autonomy, a few good strong men would keep them in check as well as toughen up our pezoi.

ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!!!

[Socy]

Basileus, I speak to you as a friend, but also as a veteran from many a campaigns under your command.

The situation is grim indeed, and no matter how you choose, consequences will follow. While the mainstay of your army is situated near Athenai, and a quick victory against the city itself is at hand, we need to look at the broader picture. Pella can not fall. Not only is it the capital of our kingdom, but loosing it would be symbolical, and break the spirits of many our men. Allowing the royal tombs at Aigai to be pillaged by Pyrrhos would deal a blow to your rule far worse than any military defeat possible at the moment. Further, many of your men have families and friends in Pella. Loosing it would most likely make many of them loose heart and would destabilize your army. Further, having the nobles in Pella massacred or worse will destabilize your rule and the faith in you as Basileus.You need the men, wealth and support of Pella. Letting it fall will make you loose all of them, something that you cannot let happen. The decision not to save Pella, if possible, would in worst cases even lead to mutiny amongst your ranks, something you can not afford at this time.

However, should you abbandon your campaign at this so called Koinon Hellenon, you will leave the city of Korinthos at the mercy of the Koinon. The garrison stationed there is not enough should the Koinon decide to fully focus their strength on it. You risk loosing it, but it can be reconquered. Alas, Pella can aswell, but as I said, loosing it would be a symbolical defeat.

My advice, my Basileus, is following:
Disperse a portion of your army to Korinthos, not too many, just enough that it will hold for a decade ahead. Take the rest of your army, as many men as you can, and start marching towards Pella as fast as you can. Further, use your navy to quickly transport men and supplies from Demetrias to Pella, they should reach it in time to help the existing garrison. In Pella itself, call upon any man that can fight and equip him with whatever you can afford or find.

Times like these requires fast decisions, my Basileus, but finding all these desicions yourself can be troublesome. Alas, a Basileus can only be at one place at a time! One of the most important decisions is finding friends amongst your own court. Your sons and brothers must each be trusted to his own ability and be given a task.

Dark times are ahead of us, Basileus, but under your command, we will prevail!

[Maion Maroneios]

Socy, my great adviser, your words are those of wisdom and reason indeed. The decision that there has to be made is crucial for the survival of the Basileion.

I hereby present to you, oh noble Synedroi, the members of the Royal Makedonian Family:


From top to bottom, Antigonos ''Gonatas'' Argeades, great Basileus Makedonias. A man with a strong oppinion and character, compassionate with his subjects and harsh where he must, he has managed to keep the kingdom alive after the great invasion of the Keltoi hordes. He has a personal grudge with Pyrrhos Aiakides, Basileus Epeirou, who has set his eyes upon his crown.
Next is Krateros Argeades, Antigonos's older brother. He has been given the governance of the region of Achaia, his base lying within the walls of the ancient city of Korinthos. He has spent many years of keeping order in the area, constantly warding off invading forces of either the Koinon Hellenon or the Aitolike Synomospondia (Aetolian League).
Right after are Alkyoneus, Kalos and Alexandros Argeades, all of them young men with a bright future. All three of them have still to prove themselves, as they are all candidates of the Makedonian throne.

After this brief introduction of the members of the Royal Makedonian Family, I present you of the enemies of the Basileion.

The greatest enemy of the Basileion at this time, is no other than Pyrrhos Aiakides. He has gathered a force of several thousand men, including fearsome elephantes, and has reached the heartlands of our kingdom. Due to his impatience, the Basileus Epeirou has broken his forces in two, one personally led by the king himself, the other led by his eldest son, Ptolemaios. According to our spies, Pyrrhos is intending on attacking Pella with his leading army, while using his numerically superior force led by his son to guard the passage from Makedonia to Thessalia.


In the south, we are threatened by two Hellenic anti-Makedonian alliances, the Koinon Hellenon and the Aitolike Synomospondia respectively. The chief representatives of these two alliances, is the Athenian Chremonides and the Aitolos Alkemachos. The former is a great politician and strategist, the true mastermind of every move of the Koinon Hellenon. It is known that he has personal ties of friendship with Ptolemaios Philadelphos, from whom he has direct financial support. The latter is an uncharismatic man who has taken the leadership of the Synomospondia through fear, as he commands a great number of soldiers. He and his brother work together as tyrranoi of Aitolia and are behind every military movement. Alkemachos himself has gathered a sizable number of soldiers and has camped roughly 405 stadia to the east of Thermon, the region's capital. His intentions seem unclear at the moment, though there are rumours of an alliance between the two anti-Makedonian factions.

[Maion Maroneios]

Thank you both, sympatriotai, for your support and participation in the common affairs of the state. Be sure that I will lead our invincible armies to glory again, with Nike on our side!

I will update very soon with some pics and stuff. I haven't actually started the campaign yet, as I am planning on adding a new unit (secret). i will do so very soon, though.

Maion

P.S.: I'd be immensely grateful to you Centurio if you could send me that map