Ptolemaic Supremacy: An Egypt AAR

[Bramborough]

Ok, so starting another AAR. This time going with Egypt, mainly because folks don't seem to talk about playing Egypt much, and I like the variety of their unit list. Playing on Hard, which is a step up for me...that should compensate a little for Egypt's ridiculously easy start.

Part I

Reign of Ptolemy Philadelphos: Building a kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Peace, Trade, and Development

I am Ptolemy II Philadelphos, second Pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty. We are Greek, and many of my countrymen at court murmur that "King" is sufficient title for a Hellenic ruler...but this is Egypt, after all, and Pharaoh I shall be. I succeed to the throne after the death of my father Ptolemy I, successor to Alexander and his kin, and founder of our dynasty.

As I begin my rule, Egypt is at war with the Cyrenes, and my advisors strongly urge war with the Seleucids to our north, coveting the rich lands of Syria and Cilicia. Perhaps in time, but this all seems a bit daft to me here and now. Egypt is not some upstart tribe struggling to emerge from some barren mountainside or desolate patch of sand. We already have a rich country...the largest in the known world. Our territory encompasses the Pyramids, the Lighthouse, and the great Nile. Yet this potential bounty is unharnessed. Our cities are but hamlets, our "armies" merely small bands. Why should I embroil Egypt in foreign wars when there is so much to do here within our borders? Let us develop Aegyptus, and recruit strong armies. Perhaps then we may extend Egypt's frontier. I'm told Alexandria is the greatest port city in all the known world...well then why are we not trading with all the the known world?

I send my diplomats to the Cyrenaicans with an offer of peace...they readily accept. I then order our small fleet, Zephyr, to depart on an exploration/trade mission...let's get ships of all nations sailing into Alexandria. Zephyr doesn't really need to be a fleet at all. Egypt will certainly need a strong navy in the future, but I don't have any combat uses for these ships during the forseeable years of my own reign...hence I see no reason to pay all these rowers. The ships are beached, the crews discharged. Zephyr then sails as only two ships; the flagship and an escorting hemiolia. I establish a second expedition at Myos Hormos, christened Tempest, for a trade mission into the Mare Indicum and Sinus Persis. As admirals of these expeditions, I appoint the non-Ptolemaic aristocrats Tlepolemus and Nikomachos...they'll cause a lot less political trouble at sea than intriguing here at Alexandria.

It's a pity that I had to decommission ships in the Mediterranean, yet build others in the Sinus Arabica. My advisors tell me that it's impossible to drag them over the isthmus (one wonders just how hard they tried to solve the problem). Somebody ought to think about digging a canal through there someday.

We enter a long period of economic development and military buildup. Farms are planted, temples built. Harbors are upgraded. The muster field at Alexandria is expanded into a proper barracks. Philosophers and engineers research new methods of warfare and finance. An edict of Bread and Games is proclaimed. Egypt's two existing armies, Audacity and Bravado, swell to large size. A third army, Courage, is established. The Zephyr and Tempest expeditions bear fruit, mapping the Mediterranean and eastern waters, while opening trade with coastal factions throughout the known world. Maritime income fills Egyptian coffers.

A word about the army names. For centuries, armies (others as well as our own) have carried long flowery names. "The Champions of Zeus", "The Children of Ra", etc etc. Other powers still follow this practice. I find it rather tiresome...especially when a ragtag bandit rabble prances about the desert with such a grand title as "Immortal Brave Good-Looking Riders of the Vast Burning Hot Sands^TM". All right, I havent' actually seen that quite yet...but it's coming eventually if this continues. I suspect this trend bores the gods as much as it bores me. I decree that henceforth each Ptolemaic force will have a one-word title. Armies will be named with martial, aristocratic, or religious terms, while fleets will be named for ocean winds and storms.

Even at such low development as a mere muster field, our military recruiting versatility is quite good, I have to admit. Egypt is blessed with varied troop types of adequate quality, in a way many other nations do not enjoy. I order the generals to organize their hosts around pike phalanxes, with robust contingents of melee/spear troops for flanks and counterattacks. At this level, we can boast a good light cavalry as well. I am particularly impressed with our Nubian Spearmen...they are not well armored by any standard, but ferocious in defense and stout of heart. Future armies will reap the full benefits of barracks upgrades, but meanwhile Audacity and Bravado are able to fill ranks with a wide variety of capable men. Egyptian Pikemen, Nubian Spearmen, Karian Axes, Egyptian Slingers, and Light Cavalry make for a good army, I believe. We shall soon find out.

The Nabatean War

After over twenty years of peace, economic development, exploration, and military buildup, I decide it is time to unify Nabataea under Pharaonic rule. We hold walled Petra and Jerusalem already, so only have to take the settlements of Hegra and Charmuthas. War is declared on Nabatea...their allies the Qidri and Ma'in join them. Qidri is worrisome, as they border Egyptian Nabataea to the northwest...but they are quickly bought off and leave the war as quickly as they join.

I command Audacity, while my kinsman Iason commands Bravado. Although the Qidri have been mollified, a large Nabatean army in their territory still threatens Petra. Audacity remains near the capital to guard. Bravado marches upon Hegra, just a short distance south of Petra. Hegra's garrison sallies out onto the desert plain before the town to meet Iason's host. The fight does not last long. Egyptian pikes and Nubian spears validate the confidence placed in them, and excel. The light cavalry performs well against Nabataean missile troops. Our own slingers generally acquit themselves satisfactorily, despite one contingent which seemed intent on slashing rather than slinging. The garrison is soon routed, and Hegra is taken. This initial Ptolemaic triumph is marred when old Iason, elated by victory, suffers an apoplectic seizure and falls dead. At least he dies happy. My son Eumneus takes command of Bravado.


Hegra: Egyptian Pikemen meet the Nabatean advance.


Hegra: Nubian Spearmen in square formation hold the right flank against Nabatean cavalry. Somehow a dim-witted group of our slingers get embroiled in this fracas, despite Iason's orders for them to reposition behind the pikes.


Hegra: Bravado light cavalry charging Nabatean javelinmen.

Eumneus presses on to Charmuthas, and assaults the port town. Here the garrison is bolstered by a small army, the long-windedly named Guardians of the Desert (see?). A small garrison fleet lends additional missile troops as well. The Bravado deploy in two pike lines, narrowing their front for approach into the constricted town. It transpires that they don't need to fight at all. Egyptian slingers, perhaps feeling chastened by their minor flummox at Hegra, take this opportunity to win glory. Their stones pelt the Nabatean defenders relentlessly with deadly effect. The Nabateans maneuver to avoid, but there is no escaping the slingers' superb range. They are decimated, disheartened, and finally all routed. The slingers win Charmuthas virtually on their own. Nabataea province is unified; Bread and Games proclaimed here as well as in Aegyptus.



Charmuthas: The Bravado advance toward town.


Charmuthas: Eumneus' Egyptian slingers in action.


Charmuthas: Nabatean Noble Swordsmen grimly attempt to maintain position amidst the slaughter wrought by Bravado missiles.

Their territory is now taken, but a large Nabatean army remains...and threatens Petra from the north. Audacity continues to guard the city. Courage has completed recruiting in Aegyptus and now enters Nabataea, under command of Eirenaois (royal and noble families intermarry so much and breed like rabbits, I can't remember if I'm related to this guy or not...must consult the genealogists). Courage brings the Nabatean host to battle in the dunes northwest of Petra. The struggle is a success, but Eumneus mishandles the slingers before the pike line, and they suffer badly at the hands of their Nabatean counterparts during the early stages. Once melee battle is joined, however, the pikes and Galatian Noble swords easily overcome the Nabatean spearmen. The enemy army is destroyed, and with it the Nabatean nation.


Petra: Courage pike phalanxes at initial melee contact.



So...our first jolly little war is a success. Egypt is now two full provinces. Following the combat, however, our Nabatean experience shows that we Egyptians don't appear very good at assimilating other cultures. Unrest in this province is rampant, fostered by lingering nomad cultural influences. Indeed, this was the case in Petra and Jerusalem even before the war, simply from the presence of this culture in the same province. Future conquests must aim at capturing whole provinces rapidly, and swift eradication of foreign cultures using wholesale demolition and Shrines of Ammon-Zeus. Even so, I foresee that conquering armies will have to spend a lot of time putting down civil disturbances in newly-captured lands.

I reposition our armies back towards Aegyptus to prepare for conquest of Aethiopia to our south. This land is inhabited by the Blemmyes and Meroe. Blemmyes envoys have been pestering me yearly for trade, pacts, alliances, and have been consistently rebuffed...but they don't get it, and keep coming back. They'll understand now. Audacity and Courage position near the border, while Bravado prepares to cross the Sinus Arabica in transports. A fourth army, Discipline, begins recruitment at Diospolis. A military workshop has been recently built at that town; commencement of hostilities is delayed a bit while I reorganize our armies by adding newly-available ballistae.

Word comes from afar. Zephyr's trade mission is a smashing success. Tlapolemus has explored not only throughout the Mediterranean, but beyond the Pillars of Hercules and to the frigid north. Strange-looking barbarian merchant vessels, crewed by scruffy bearded sailors called unfamiliar names such as Iceni and Cimbri, make their way to Alexandria. Tempest, meanwhile, has opened the sea route through the Mare Indicum to the Sinus Persis, and have opened trade with peoples such as the Drangiana and Medes. The great powers of Carthage, Rome, Macedon, and Athens do commerce with Egypt. Even the cantankerous Seleucids, long dismissive of our commercial overtures, find their greed overcoming their pride, and now send their trading vessels into Alexandria's harbor. In all, my economic advisor tells me that 28 nations trade with Egypt...the vast majority of them due to the Zephyr fleet. Tlapolemus has done well.

Ptolemy II Philadelphos dies of natural causes on the eve of his planned invasion of Blemmyes. Eumneus succeeds to the throne as the third Pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt. He intends to continue his father's plans.

Configuration of the Egyptian provinces at the time of Ptolemy Philadelphos' death:

[Amras]

Nice with a new AAR. Counterpart to my Seletuid AAR.

I may warn you. Keep a sharp eye on Ptolemais Theron by south. They can get a stab in yours back with 3 full stack army from nowhere.
I have many trouble with them in my Egypt campaign

[Slaists]

Also, beware that most of your starting units fall to missiles easily. Especially those early pikemen and light cavalry: don't get them into cross-fire.

As to that Southern problem mentioned by Amras: never happened to me when playing on VH. The Southern factions were extremely friendly until the time I attacked them much later in the campaign. I guess, it's a good thing campaigns turn out different from time to time. I also allied with all the Arabs and they helped in my grand fight against Seleucids.

[Bramborough]

Well, I don't want to give away much ahead of time, but I'd already decided to take care of the Aethiopia "back door" even before Amras' comment. So I head down there expecting not much more trouble than I had with Nabatea. Whoo, I've stirred up a hornet's nest with Blemmyes/Meroe. Troop quality isn't the problem, but instead number of enemy agents and armies. Big game of whack-a-mole going on. My armies/agents are doing okay, just not enough of them to go around (and the agent actions are kicking my treasury's butt). I feel like a goalkeeper with 3 pucks on the ice.

Haven't had much of a problem with the early pikes, they're doing fine in the first 2 armies. Even so, I'm upgrading to regular pikes (maybe even thorax) as soon as this war is over. Kind of a shame, because these guys have racked up some good XP. So have the slingers. I rather like slingers, because of their range and ammo capacity. Their damage isn't so hot, but plenty enough against these earlier desert units, as you've mentioned.

[Slaists]

Beware of the other Arabs potentially developing an interest in your Southern underbelly once your troops leave ;)

[Myth]

My advice is to crush Lybia and Carthage ASAP, then devote one navy and one army to raiding and systematically dismantling Rome and the Greek free cities, whilst he bulk of your land armies gut any African tribes that might backstab you and then immediately set out to conquer Syria.

[Slaists]

There are many scenarios possible, it seems. In my case, I went straight for Cyrenaica and its two Southern neighbors, made a troop production province there (4 regions, not much in terms of resources). Made an alliance with Carthage, Lybia, my Southern neighbors, Arabs (several) and all the Greek states that wanted me. Proceeded straight for the jugular of Seleucids next. Did not lose one ally, LOL.

[Bramborough]

Part II

The Reign of Eumneus: War in Aethiopia

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The time has come to fulfill Ptolemy’s plans for expanding into Aethiopia. War is declared upon Blemmyes and Meroe. Egyptian armies are ready. Audacity and Courage march along the Sinus Arabica coast toward the port town of Ptolemais Theron, which is also Blemmyes’ capital. Bravado and Discipline proceed overland from Diospolis, toward the capital city of Meroe. Royal spies advance ahead of the armies.

No sooner do we cross the borders, however, than dire news comes from the north. A slave army has emerged from the Qidri desert and entered Nabatea. No Egyptian force other than garrisons is within range to respond. The slave army attacks and easily defeats the small garrison at Jerusalem. My Bravado countermarch back into Aegyptus, but long before I can arrive, the Cyrenes then defeat the slaves. Jerusalem is Cyrenaican now…and I’m just going to have to live with that for the time being. With the bulk of Egypt’s armies now embroiled in war with Blemmyes and Meroe, we are in no position to contest. Jerusalem will have to wait. Onward into Aethiopia.

Large enemy armies soon appear, both inland and near the coast. This will not be an easy war. The Blemmyean and Meroean commanders are elusive and canny, rarely offering battle under conditions not heavily favorable to themselves. Man for man, our armies are superior to their own…but struggle to come to grips with these desert hosts. The marches and countermarches, backtracking, advances/retreats, and various sabotages of this long war of maneuver are too complex to recount here. We shall concern ourselves with the broad strokes.

First Blemmyes. The Audacity and Courage advance upon the coastal plain north of Ptolemais Theron. They are met by two armies, the Burning Sands and Beasts of Burden. A large field battle with the Beasts transpires some distance north of the town, close enough to the shore that Blemmyean naval forces are able to land in support. Audacity, led by Eurylaus, is in the van, and first meets the Blemmyean forces. Courage marches not far behind, but Eurylaus’ army bears the brunt of the battle against several Blemmyean forces. The pike phalanxes and Nubian spearmen hold steadfast against multiple waves, while Karian axemen hack through the enemy and light cavalry create havoc among the Blemmyean missile troops. Courage cavalry and slingers are swift enough to reach the combat by the later stages, while ballistae from both armies exact a fearful toll. Blemmyean military power is broken this day; the survivors slink back toward Ptolemais.

Our forces press the advantage. Courage, as the fresher army, takes the lead in assaulting the Blemmyean capital, with Audacity in support. The port is defended by a depleted garrison, but bolstered by the yet-unengaged Burning Sands. Eirenaois uses his slingers and ballistae to thin the ranks of Ptolemais numerous defenders, but the unusual topography makes this difficult without taking losses; Courage’s slingers are badly mauled, and even when ammunition is depleted, many of the Burning Sands remain.

Eirenaois’ infantry enter the town; 3 phalanxes abreast with Nubian spears protecting flanks. The infantry steadily tramp over the carnage of the artillery assault, and engage in a sharp melee near the city center. The Blemmyeans fight ferociously for a time, but have been too worn down by the barrage. Axemen are able to extend the Egyptian line in the open center, and then envelop the Blemmyean spearmen. The garrison finally breaks. Ptolemais Theron is taken, and both major Blemmyean armies are destroyed.


Ptolemais: Egyptian pikemen meet the Blemmyean attack


Ptolemais: Karian axemen rush to bolster the left flank


Ptolemais: Egyptian cavalry flanking to attack Blemmyean missile troops


Ptolemais city: Courage pikemen advancing toward town center over the carnage

The large Blemmyean fleet, the Spice Masters, remain at large in the Sinus Arabica…with no Egyptian opposition against it. Small Typhoon is but an exploratory trade mission, not a combat fleet, and is soon destroyed. The Blemmyean fleet crosses the Sinus Arabica and captures Charmuthas, easily overcoming the small garrison. My Bravado, still in Aegyptus after the stillborn Jerusalem relief attempt, embark to retake Charmuthas and destroy the Spice Masters in port. I reach the town safely and easily recapture, but the Spice Masters have meanwhile gone to sea again and now threaten Myos Hormos. Pamphilos’ Discipline move to defend this port. No sooner is Myos Hormos thus reinforced than the Spice Masters do indeed make an amphibious attack. With the Discipline bolstering Myos Hormos’ small garrison, the Spice Masters are finally destroyed. Blemmyes is eradicated.



After some replenishment, Audacity and Courage advance toward Meroe, with Discipline moving toward the capital further west. Three large Meroean armies operate in this region; The Stone Burners, Warriors of the Sun, and Sons of Mahrem. Several years of maneuver ensue, as each side avoids disadvantageous contact and seeks to bring battle on its own terms. The Meroeans repeatedly threaten the Aegyptus border near Diospolis, only to fade back into the desert when Egyptian armies draw near.
Throughout this period, an expensive shadow war rages near Ptolemais. Spies, diplomats, and military heroes of both sides intrigue and sabotage. The Meroean and Blemmyean agents cause much destruction and discontent in the city. We have no hope of assimilating this town as long as they remain unchecked. Our own intelligence network ruthlessly ferrets these scoundrels out. My royal spies are skilled in their dubious profession, and eventually Egypt prevails in this sordid contest…but at ruinous cost to the treasury.

Eirenaios’ Courage besiege and then assaults the capital city of Meroe, with Audacity within reinforcement range to guard against attack by one of the Meroean field armies. The capital is taken…and in escalation of this already-ugly war, is put to the torch, inhabitants massacred. My message to Meroe is clear: there will be no peace. This war will end only in the extermination of a people, whether Meroean or Egyptian.

The enemy field commanders split their forces, marching toward both Ptolemais and Diospolis. Ptolemais is lost, but these maneuvers provide the opportunity which our generals have sought. In the open desert at a place called Medjay, two Meroean field armies are brought to battle on separate occasions, in almost exactly the same spot. The First and Second Battles of Medjay are fierce struggles, each between large (but unreinforced) armies.

In each battle, one fought by Eurylaus’ Audacity, the other by Eirenaios’ Courage, large numbers of Arabian cavalry and spearmen attack the Egyptian pike phalanxes, concentrating on the flanks. Karian Axemen and Nubian spearmen bear the brunt of battle at these focal points. Egyptian cavalry focus on Meroean missile troops. The Meroean armies are both destroyed, but not without some grievous Egyptian losses. Slingers have taken casualties. Courage has lost a cavalry unit to a spearman counterattack, as well as its ballista crews. Even so, Meroean military power is broken in these desert clashes. Ptolemais is soon easily retaken, and only the small city of Aksum remains in Meroean hands. Soon this town is taken as well by the Courage, and razed to the ground as Meroe had been. Aethiopia may be burning, but it is unified under Ptolemaic rule. I proclaim Bread and Games here to begin the long process of recovery and assimilation.


First Medjay: Audacity phalanxes, deployed along a sand dune crest, meet the Meroean Stone Burners


First Medjay: Egyptian light cavalry sweeping in toward the Meroean right


First Medjay: Karian axemen meet Arabian cavalry to defeat a flanking attempt


Second Medjay: Courage phalanxes receive the initial attack of the Sons of Mahrem in the center


Second Medjay: Galatian swordsmen support the Egyptian left against Meroean horse and foot


Second Medjay: Egyptian cavalry unleashed in the Meroean rear

The remaining Meroean army, Warriors of the Sun, does not move to defend Aksum, but instead and threatens Diospolis once more. The Warriors cross into Aegyptus and marches north along the right bank of the Nile. The Bravado and Discipline move to intercept the Warriors, finally boxing them in with no escape. The Warriors gain temporary refuge by crossing the river, and evade for the moment. It is now that I suffer an attempt on my life; the knave is unsuccessful, but I am wounded and unable to continue in command of the Bravado. Apollos takes the reins of the army while I return to Alexandria to convalesce. Naturally we first assume that the assassination attempt is yet more enemy treachery, but soon uncover that the assassin’s paymaster was not Meroean, but Egyptian! Even in the midst of this crisis, malcontents refuse to accept Ptolemaic rule in Egypt, and plot in Alexandria for our overthrow.

Pamphilos’ Discipline finally brings the Warriors of the Sun to battle west of the Nile. The Discipline advance upon the Warriors’ fortified encampment, but the Meroeans retreat. They may have done better to defend their hasty fieldworks there; Pamphilos soon catches up with them further south, at Ta-Shemau. There, in a rather unsual desert fog (proximity of the Nile?), the final battle of the war takes place, in Aegyptus rather than in Aethiopia.

As at Medjay, the fierce Meroean army engages the Discipline all along the pike line and press particularly hard on the flanks. Also as at Medjay, the Egyptian infantry hold admirably in the ferocious melee, and their heart outlasts the enemy’s. Egyptian casualties are steep…but not nearly as massive as those of the Meroeans. The Warriors of the Sun are defeated. As promised at Meroe and Aksum, the Meroean nation is destroyed.


Ta-Shemau: Pike phalanxes in the Discipline center


Ta-Shemau: Nubian spear square anchors the Egyptian left


Ta-Shemau: Egyptian citizen cavalry in action



Egypt is once more at peace, but all is not well. Meroe and Blemmyes may have been vanquished, but the province remains discontent. Jerusalem is still in Cyrenaican hands. The shadow war of sabotage and assassination has emptied the treasury. Our experience with the Blemmyean Spice Masters exposes our dire need for a proper fleet, yet we have none beyond the few ships of the Zephyr. Our armies’ valor has been superb in Aethiopia, but the substantial casualty rates show that we need to strengthen our forces’ equipment and training from newer barracks.

We enter once more into an extend period of peace. Aethiopia slowly settles down, and eventually reaches a level of happiness equal to Aegyptus itself. New barracks are built at Alexandria and Aksum, enabling the outfitting of powerful Thorax pike and sword units, as well as Thureos spearmen. I plan to retain the Pikemen and Galatian swords of Courage and Discipline, but to discharge Audacity and Bravado’s lesser-armored Egyptian Pikes, Nubian Spears, and Karian Axes. Their service has been gallant, and I mourn the loss of their combat experience, but war against Cyrenaica and others dictates recruitment of the best-equipped troops we have available.

As it happens, the Egyptian treasury cannot afford it. The Bravado are indeed manned by Thorax and Thureos troops, but the upkeep costs prohibit doing the same with Audacity. Quite frankly, Egypt, for all its wealth, is not yet large and rich enough to support an entire military structure of such high-end soldiers. Ergo, Egypt must get larger…and we have unfinished business with Cyrenaica, not only due to the Jerusalem situation, but also older disagreements dating back to the days of Ptolemy I. Our armies take position for a new war. Bravado, with its Thorax/Thureos infantry, will lead the way.

On the eve of the coming war with Cyrenaica, Eumneus falls ill in Alexandria, and does not recover. He will be remembered for the conquest of Aethiopia and subsequent military reforms…but will also be remembered for losing Jerusalem. Eumneus’ brother Pamphilos I is now Pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt.

[Ituralde]

Loving the maps! Looking forward to the next installment.

[Sp4]

What are these 2 lights? ^^

[Bramborough]

What are these 2 lights? ^^

I noticed that too. Not just here but occasionally in other screenies as well. I think it's a graphical glitch showing the sun (or suns) in impossible places.

[Bramborough]

Part III

The Libyan War

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I am Pamphilos, Pharoah of Egypt. I fear I shall not be Pharoah for very long, as I take the throne in my 63rd year. Nevertheless, Eumneus prepared Egypt many years for this upcoming war for Libya. Old disagreements with the Cyrenaicans have never been resolved, and were aggravated by Cyrenaica’s opportunistic capture of Jerusalem during the early stages of the Aethiopian War. We found it necessary to overlook that provocation at the time, but now Blemmyes and Meroe are no more, and it is time to set this wrong aright.

Our armies are in position. I send my envoys to Cyrene, demanding the return of Jerusalem. The ultimatum is essentially a ploy; I know they will refuse. War is declared. The Cyrenaicans’ Nasamone allies join against us…also foreseen.

Hostilities begin well for Egypt. I have positioned myself with the Discipline on the border near Jerusalem. We open the war by quickly marching upon and assaulting the town. The Cyrenaican Sons of Rhea and the garrison sally out to meet us. The Discipline live up to their name, and the Cyrene host breaks itself upon our steady phalanxes. 10 Cyrenes are killed for every Egyptian. Jerusalem is regained for Egypt, and Nabataea province unified under Ptolemaic rule once more.


Pamphilos' pike phalanxes at Jerusalem

At the same time, the invasion of Libya proper begins. Bravado and Courage operate near the coast, towards Paraitonion, while Audacity moves west further inland, into Nasamone territory.

Paraitonion is taken early and easily, and soon Ammonium as well. As Egyptian forces move deeper into enemy territory, it becomes clear that the Nasamones are the stronger opponent. Cyrenaica fields several armies, but they are relatively small, and afflicted by attrition. The three Nasamone hosts, however, are large and robust.

Three years after the beginning of the war, old Pamphilos dies of old age. Apollos is next in line to the throne. The Libyan War will last for the remainder of his reign…but he will finish it before himself passing to meet Ra.

I take the throne early in the Libyan War. After our initial successes, the war grinds on for many years. Egyptian advances are slow but steady. Cyrene is besieged and taken. This capture of the walled Libyan capital is notable as the first combat usage of the Zephyr fleet, which assists in blockading the port during the siege. Small though this fleet is, Eirenaois’ tiny squadron aided immensely in forcing surrender.

There are many marches and countermarches through the Libyan desert as our armies maneuver to isolate Cyrenaican and Nasamone hosts…while they themselves try to remain unengaged and seek their own advantage. Slowly our armies hunt down and destroy their opponents.

Deep in the desert at Marmarica, the last Cyrene army, Pericles’ Pride, Is brought to bay, caught in ambush by Isocrates’ Audacity. The Egyptian troops have the critical advantage of surprise, and most of the Cyrenaican troops are easily dealt with. The Pride, however, boast multiple units of war elephants. Ambush or not, these cause quite a bit of trouble for Isocrates’ troops. Morale holds, but substantial casualties are incurred in a few units while quelling the beasts. Nevertheless, Pericles’ Pride is defeated, and the Cyrenaican nation is vanquished.


Audacity slingers in action at Marmarica.


Marmarica: Despite the advantage of surprise, the Audacity have their hands full with enemy elephants for a time.


Victory at Marmarica: Elephants finally overcome, the battle is won.



War continues against the Nasamones. Egyptian forces steadily advance. At last my Discipline reach Augila. It is but a small desert town, but Augila is the Nasamone capital nonetheless. My troops encircle the city. We are outnumbered by the Nasamone defenders, which consist of a robust garrison and two field armies, the Old Men of the Desert and, largest of their forces, the Apedemark’s Pride. The Nasamones, however, do not initially contest us, and the siege wears on for a while.

Soon, however, begins the climactic battle of the war…and I regret to say I was not able to partake in it. Nearing the point of surrender, the Nasamones decide to sally out against the Discipline. Their spearhead, however, is not a cavalry charge or a javelin skirmish line, but an assassin’s blade. A Nasamone agent steals into our camp and makes an attempt on my life. He fails, but wounds me badly enough to leave me bedridden for weeks.

Young Demosthenes, captain of one of the pike phalanxes, suddenly finds himself in command of the entire army as the much larger Nasamone host begins to advance upon the Discipline. Our doctrine is well established, however, and the men thoroughly trained. Demosthenes soundly arrays the Discipline for battle and awaits the assault. The Nasamones do not rush pell-mell, but carefully combine their disparate forces into one before beginning the advance.

The battle is hard fought. The myriad Nasamone javelineers take a fearful toll, and Demosthenes’ right flank is severely tested. Our citizen cavalry fight a separate action against Nasamone horse archers and javelin troops among some scrubland to the left. Nasamone spearmen assault the main pike line.

The phalanxes hold, and our valiant Galatian swords and Nubian spears maintain the right flank against ferocious attack. The Nasamone infantry are broken against the pikes, and begin to withdraw. Enemy javelins are now exposed, and Demosthenes begins a general advance…slaughter ensues. The Nasamone force is routed, survivors straggling back towards Augila. Resistance broken, the town surrenders. Libya province is unified. Demosthenes has won a heroic victory.


Augila: The heavily outnumbered Discipline calmly await the start of a desperate battle.


Augila: The Nasamone forces combine in preparation.


Augila: The joined enemy forces now advance in coordinated assault.


Augila: Nasamone infantry in the center are held at bay by pike phalanxes.


Augila: Nubian spear square holds fast on the right flank against ferocious assault.


Augila: Galatian swordsmen further right exult after repulsing a determined mounted attack.


Demosthenes earns rare glory.


Augila surrenders without further struggle.

One Nasamone host, the Warriors of the Sun, remains in the field. Our royal spies have been harrying the Warriors, and have thankfully kept them from reinforcing Augila. Now the Warriors are alone in the desert, but also not yet bloodied by combat or privation. Numbers notwithstanding, however, they are ambushed by the Bravado at Siwa.

The Warriors fight bravely for a time. The Bravado Thorax phalanx line, arrayed along a large dune crest, is virtually impregnable. Thorax swordsmen make a large flanking maneuver from the Egyptian left, while light cavalry hunt hunt exposed missile troops toward the right. The Nasamone column is cut up ruthlessly. The Warriors of the Sun are destroyed, and with them, the Nasamone nation. The war is over.


Siwa: Warriors of the Sun charge the Bravado phalanxes.


Siwa: Already disadvantaged by the surprise of ambush, the Nasamone attack is further weakened by the steep uphill slope.


Siwa: Egyptian light cavalry charge unprotected Nasamone missile troops.



The conquest of Libya greatly increases Egypt’s economic and military capacity. The Cyrene port finally affords us a proper naval base, and at last the Zephyr begins to build and organize into a proper combat fleet. I order the framework of a widespread military establishment in Libya, with barracks, workshops, and training facilities focused on producing the best foot infantry in the world. Aethiopia will specialize in the recruitment of archers, while we will continue to build siege artillery in Aegyptus. In the hopefully near future, Nabatean facilities will arise for the training of superb cavalry. These arrangements allow the decommissioning of the original barracks in Alexandria, freeing resources for further commercial growth there.

In time, Egypt will boast the strongest armies in the Mediterranean world. Audacity, Bravado, Courage, and Discipline will be upgraded, while new armies will march as well. Egypt will soon wield true naval power in Zephyr and perhaps a recommissioned Typhoon. We will be irresistible as we head further west, into rich Africa, Phazania, and Mauretania.

In the meantime, opportunity arises. Neighboring Macomades has gone into rebellion. It is a foothold in Africa. I send the Bravado under Eumolpus to take the town. The rebel army, however, consists of strong Carthaginian hoplites and peltasts. Eumolpus elects to encircle the town and starve them out. Fair enough. I will send the newly strengthened Zephyr to aid with blockade.

Just as the Libyan War ends and Eumolpus begins the siege of Macomades, Apollos I passes away. He will be remembered for the Libyan War, and the restoration of Jerusalem to the Ptolemaic Empire. Antigonus I is now Pharoah. Unlike Pamphilos and Apollos, Antigonus has risen quickly within the Ptolemaic family, and takes the throne at the young age of 30. Barring assassin’s poison or enemy blade on the battlefield, Antigonus’ reign promises to be long…will it be glorious?

[Bramborough]

Part IV

A Long Peace and the Garamantia War

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I am Antigonus I, Pharoah of Ptolemaic Egypt. I come to the throne after the conquest of Libya. The addition of this large province to the Ptolemaic Empire opens great economic and military possibilities for us. My reign is one of peace, development, and preparation, rather than one of war. Indeed, the only military action of my long reign is the capture of rebel-held Macomades in Africa, just after the conclusion of the Libyan War.

My overriding priority is to develop the Egyptian army into the best trained and equipped force in the world. The entire current realm will be focused to support a network of barracks, workshops, and training facilities. Libya will be home to the bulk of this establishment, and will produce unequalled infantry. Aethiopia will train archers, Nabataea cavalry. Even our capital province of Aegyptus, mostly developed along economic lines, will host Egypt’s siege workshop at Diospolis.

This takes many years to research and build, and many more to upgrade our current armies to the top possible condition. My generals and advisors chafe at the long years of peace. They watch other powers expand and form great alliances. They covetously eye Africa and Syria and wonder why we do not march.

I will not be distracted. Yes, Egyptian armies will indeed march, but not until their weapons, armor, and training are superior to any possible foe. Finally the establishment is built, and the armies equipped and trained. In addition to the four field armies existing at the end of the Libyan War, a fifth, the Endurance, is raised. Endurance is the first Egyptian army recruited and trained from inception within the new military establishment, and it is a superb force indeed.





This shows how the various military buildings are set up throughout the provinces. Still need a good bit of research to support Level IV.


So that organization produces an army that looks like this. This is freshly-recruited, no battles or champ training yet. Maxed armor/weapons, and 2xp on most units. The one "hole" is that Thureos Spears aren't "heavy infantry" so they don't get the XP buff in Libya. They would get the light infantry buff in Aethiopia from marksman range, but I'm not going to give up another slot for hoplite barracks there just for 2 chevrons on 2 units per army.

It is time to consider further campaigns. The current organization of Egypt and the upkeep on these superb new armies overly taxes the treasury. I’ve built this weapon of conquest…but now I need to pay for it. With its grain and many ports, grain, Africa beckons. Nearby Phazania is attractive as well; it is a small and relatively poor region, but is known for fine leathers – a lucrative trade good to increase the value of Egyptian trade. Westward from Libya we will march.

At the conclusion of this long peace and just before Egypt marches west, Antigonus I dies of natural causes. His only slightly younger brother Aristodemus succeeds to the throne, only to himself die within months. It falls to Chariton I to inherit and then prosecute the war against Garamantia.

I come to the throne as Egypt readies for the conquest of Garamantia to our west. This nation inhabits the province of Phazania and also holds the African port of Lepcis. They are allied with the Masaesyli. Our royal spies have been preparing for this campaign a long time, establishing an intelligence network in Africa and Phazania. One old crone, Gorgo, has been serving Pharoahs nearly since the time of the Aethiopian War…she may be the oldest person I’ve ever known.


Amazed how long this gal lived...

I do not intend to begin this campaign with an overt declaration of war. Indeed, I do not intend to quickly conquer Garamantia at all. Quite frankly, our treasury is nearly bankrupt. Our armies will not march on the attack immediately, but instead I seek to give my treasurer some relief by supporting our soldiers off Garamantian rather than Egyptian lands. We will raid for a few seasons, and use the booty to replenish our coffers.

The Courage and Bravado cross the border into Phazania and begin to raid. The Audacity and Discipline do likewise, pillaging along the coast near Lepcis. The Garamantians are incensed of course, but then war is our ultimate goal in any case…let them declare. In the meantime, we will continue to loot. We move further into Garamantian territory, taking everything not nailed down. What the soldiers do not eat is sent back into Egypt.

Garamantia has large armies and fleets. The Warriors of the Sun, Bronze Warriors, and Sentinels of the Sun are every bit as numerous as our own armies. Their Spice Masters and Sea Scourge each match the size of Zephyr, Egypt’s one true battle fleet. The Garamantian ranks, however, are filled with levy spearmen and javelin troops, while the impressively-sized armadas are nearly exclusively raiding hemiolia. Neither on land or sea can Garamantia match Egypt man for man, facing such troops as our thorax pikes, Nubian bows, or ballista penteres.

Facing this disparity in arms, the Garamantians suffer our pillage for a surprisingly long time. Our armies cull the fruit of their land for several years. No matter how hostile they become, they decline to offer open war. We will have to initiate this conflict after all. The movements of their armies are tracked by our spies, and we look for an opening to strike under conditions favorable to us.


Pissed them off THIS bad and they still wouldn't declare war.

The opportunity arises. Both near Lepcis and Garama, enemy armies are sabotaged by my royal spies, preventing their acting in concert. Two armies are isolated. Egyptian armies strike. I myself capture Lepcis, at the head of the Discipline. The large Garamantian fleets support the garrison, but I in turn am supported by the Zephyr fleet. One enemy fleet is annihilated, while Zephyr pursues the retreating Scourges of the Sea and subsequently destroys them at sea.


Garamantian naval power broken: Zephyr destroys the Scourges of the Sea following Lepcis

The Audacity quickly follow up with an ambush on the immobilized Sentinels of the Sand, whose baggage train had been wrecked by our agents. Thoroughly surprised, the Sentinels are utterly destroyed.

Affairs proceed much the same way at the walled capital of Garama. Nicomedos’ Bravado besiege the city, while the Courage, led by Antilochus, catch the Bronze Warriors in ambush not far from the walls. Just as the Sentinels, the Bronze are annihilated. In the space of a few short weeks, two large Garamantian armies and two large fleets are destroyed, Lepcis taken, and Garama itself besieged. All at very little cost to Egypt. Our generals and agents have done well, and this splendid little war is off to a superb start.

[Sorry no screenies…for some reason I just didn’t take any during these battles. Apologies.]

Nicomedos could easily assault and capture Garama at any time he chooses. I bid him wait. Once captured, the entire region becomes Egyptian rather than Garamantian…and our armies would be compelled to stop their raiding. I prefer to continue supporting our military payrolls with Garamantian rather than Egyptian money. Let Garama stew for as long as it can hold out.

The unfortunate fact is that we continue to need the money from raiding. With Garamantian sea power eliminated, I take the unpleasant step of reducing the size of the navy. Superb though our new archer and ballista penteres are, I have little need of them for now. Zephyr and as-yet-unblooded Typhoon (recently reestablished) decommission roughly a third of their vessels. My treasurers breathe a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, potential trouble looms at the far end of the Empire. Just as so long ago during the Aethiopian War, a large army of slaves appears out of the Arabian desert and enters Nabataea, near Petra. I do not relish a repetition of the loss of Jerusalem. The Endurance, only now entering Garamantia, now countermarches, and embarks on a forced march back through Libya and Aegyptus. This will take time, however, and I also order the quick establishment of a defense force at Petra. The Fortitude is commissioned, but it is not of the same careful construction as our other hosts…nor does it need to be. The aristocrat Gennaios rapidly puts together a force of Egyptian pikes, slingers, and a few Karian axes. Formidable enough to augment the local garrisons and keep the slaves at bay until Endurance’s arrival.

The Battle of Cydamus

Garama finally surrenders, and our armies press on to Cydamus, raiding once more upon reentering Garamantian territory. Now their capital after the fall of Garama, Cydamus is defended by all remaining Garamantian forces. The garrison, Beasts of Burden, Warriors of the Sun, and reborn Sentinels of the Sun concentrate to repel our advance. Together they form a very large host. No matter, we attack.

Neophytos leads the Audacity in the assault on Cydamus. He is supported by Antilochus’ Courage…but in the event, the second army is not needed. Audacity embarks upon the most one-side slaughter in the history of Ptolemaic arms.

Neophytos aligns his force on the flat desert plain as the combined Garamantian armies sally out to attack. Simple they may be, but the sheer number of spears and javelins advancing toward the Audacity is breathtaking. Surprisingly light in cavalry, the Garamantians do have a worrisome chariot force among them. The mass advances, while the Audacity grimly wait.

Rather surprisingly, the Garamantians do not attempt to turn either flank, but concentrate their attack in the center, against the thorax phalanxes. Even their small cavalry contingent challenges the pikes. Only the scythed chariots attempt a flanking maneuver, on the Egyptian right. The result of this overall plan is predictable. The enemy spearmen, however valiant their charge, are repulsed, leaving scores of fallen in strangely neat lines at the edge of the bristling pike points. The chariots are likewise repulsed by a quickly-reacting company of thorax swordsmen.

Their determined attack repelled, the Garamantian commanders seem now beset by indecision. Frontally stymied by the phalanxes, many of their own spears decimated and routing, the still-huge enemy host devolves into a curiously dense mob, milling about. The visual effect is almost that of a large school of small baitfish in the sea.

Now the true slaughter begins. Neophytos slowly advances his phalanx line toward the disorganized but concentrated enemy. The pikemen are anchored on each flank by Thureos spears and Thorax swords. Light cavalry moves out on the left, assuming a position from which to run down routing enemy. Neophytos does not, however, engage in melee. Instead, the Nubian bowmen are the true killers this day. These archers rain arrows mercilessly into the densely packed Garamantians. Audacity’s ballistae also fire with deadly effect. Droves of javelinmen and remaining spearmen fall, the wounded trampled to death by their fellows.

It is surprising that these stricken men have not already long routed…why have they stood there so long? Eventually the inevitable comes, however, and the entire Garamantian force breaks. Now the cavalry go into action, ruthlessly running down fleeing Garamantians. Antilochus’ cavalry join the pursuit…the Courage’s only needed contribution in this battle.

Finally the exhausted Egyptians tire of the chase, and the battle is over. Cydamus is captured. 23,000 Garamantians are killed or captured (8000 alone die at the hands or our archers), while only 600 Egyptians have fallen [yeah…I added a zero…makes it sound like a battle rather than a large skirmish]. No Garamantian remnant escapes the massacre. This war is over.


Cydamus: The Garamantian host makes a massive attack directly upon Neophytos' pike phalanxes.


Enemy cavalry challenge the pikes toward the Egyptian left.


Thorax Swordsmen repulse a Garamantian chariot attack on Audacity's right flank.


Poorly commanded enemy troops coalesce into a dense mob before Neophytos' advancing infantry.


Ballistae and Nubian bowmen wreak horrific slaughter.


Egyptian light cavalry pursue routing enemy troops. Had an unusually bad case of black-terrain glitch during this battle.

[Bramborough]

Part V

Beginning of the Long War: the Battles for Thapsus

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With Garamantia subdued, Egypt will continue its advance into Africa. This is a diplomatic challenge, as the next important town along the coast, Thapsus, is held by Hellenic Rhodos. Rhodos itself is a strong state for its size, but the gravest concern is the island nation’s alliance network.

During the long decades of Egypt’s alternating peaces and desert campaigns, an intricate web of pacts and alliances has been spun across the Greek world, and into the Celtic fringe bordering it. Anchored upon the powers of Macedon and the Seleucid Empire (itself the head of many Eastern satrapies), this alliance framework stretches from the Alps to the eastern edge of the known world. Every Greek faction is allied with several others. Rhodos’ envoys have been particularly active; this faction has more alliances than any other. The town of Thapsus is nominally held by Rhodos, but in fact is de facto held by the entire Hellenic world.

This will take time to prepare. Ptolemaic envoys go forth to join Egypt into alliances with Macedon and Seleucia, as well as smaller nations such as Knossos, Pergamon, and Bithynia, among others. When the time comes, the Greeks will have to choose between strong but small Rhodos or large powerful Egypt.

Meanwhile our armies redistribute. Egypt’s coastline extends from the Levant to Lepcis, nearly half the southern shore of the Mediterranean sea. Likewise Rhodos’ outposts are sprinkled along the islands of the northern shore, from Salamis and Side to Lilybaeum in Sicily. Even if we succeed in isolating Rhodos diplomatically, Egypt can still expect conflict throughout its coastal environs, rather than concentrated in Africa.

Finally we are ready. Audacity and Bravado are positioned to enter Rhodan territory near Thapsus, while our other armies and fleets are ranged along the Egyptian coast. Egypt is allied with nearly as many Greek states as is Rhodos. It is a risky venture, but I dispatch the envoys on their fateful mission nevertheless.

War is declared. Egypt is now in open conflict with Rhodos. Bithynia and Knossos break their Rhodan associations to join with Egypt….and that is all. Every other Greek state declares for Rhodos, and joins in war against us. My diplomacy has failed…not only is Rhodos not isolated, but it is now Egypt who finds virtually the entire Hellenic world ranged against us. Egypt is far larger and more powerful than any individual Greek state, but the alliance in total dwarfs us in turn.

Nevertheless, the die is cast, and cannot be undone. Audacity and Bravado cross into Rhodan territory and raid the coastal plain toward Thapsus. Rhodan forces cross from Lilybaeum to reinforce Thapsus and threaten Lepcis.

The first battle…or rather, suicide mission…of the war occurs at sea. Euturches is nominally admiral of the Tempest…but this “fleet” consists only of his flagship. Highly ambitious Euturches is the head of the non-Ptolemaic opposition, and I have long kept him stationed pierside in Cyrene in order to prevent his intrigues in Alexandria and minimize his influence. Even isolated in a remote naval base, however, the man’s influence still climbs through his well-connected wife. I order Euturches to attack a Rhodan fleet near Cyrene, essentially as a test of his loyalty. Euturches may be a political foe, but first and foremost he is an Egyptian noble in time of war…he dutifully puts to sea and goes to certain death. I admire his sense of duty, but am glad to be rid of this meddlesome man.

A Rhodan amphibious force, the Champions of Cerberus, puts ashore near Lepcis while its supporting fleet blockades the harbor, but does not attack the city. The Zephyr sallies out to break the blockade. The Egyptian fleet then pursues the retreating Champions of Amphititre into the Mediterranean, and destroys them. A few archer penteres are lost, but the seaborne ballistae are irresistibly dominant. It is Zephyr’s first action against a proper naval fleet (rather than enemy transports) and they acquit themselves well. Zephyr is able to return to harbor quickly enough to forestall the Rhodan army making an attempt to capture Lepcis. I march my Discipline westward from Macomades to meet the Champions; they retreat before my advance.


Zephyr meets the Champions of Amphititre off Lepcis


The Rhodan fleet is destroyed

The major campaign of the war’s early phase, however, takes place in and around Thapsus. Audacity and Bravado, both led by Ptolemaic generals, slowly advance toward the town, pillaging the countryside as they march. Rhodos lands large forces to defend the city and their position in Africa. Our two armies, numbering roughly 39,000 men [yep, still adding a zero], faces nearly 50,000 Rhodan troops: The Gryphon’s Grace, Ravaging Chimerae, Bite of the Basilisk, and Thapsus’ strong garrison force. Nor are these large mobs of desert spearmen and javelins, such as our opponents during the Libyan and Garamantian wars. The Rhodans are a Hellenic state, and their armies feature hoplites, citizen cavalry, peltasts, and ballistae.

The great Battle of Thapsus proceeds in three separate phases.

First (and largest) engagement. The entire Rhodan host – four armies – descend upon Audacity and Bravado on the coastal plain south of the town. Nicomedes’ Bravado is able to establish a strong defensive position on a large hillside as the combined Rhodan host advances towards him. Neophytos’ Audacity enters the field on the opposide side, in the Rhodan rear. A superb opportunity to crush the Rhodans between two advance phalanx lines.

The distance, however, is too far, and the Rhodan commander too adroit. The Rhodan force is able to about-face and quickly engage Audacity upon the level plain, too far for Bravado to quickly engage simultaneously. Neophytos’ pike line holds, but Rhodan forces sweep around both his flanks and get into Audacity’s rear. Only along the pike line does a semblance of order prevail; elsewhere the entire grassy plain is confusion. Several isolated struggles rage; in some places Egyptians easily overwhelming a Rhodan unit, in others, themselves being cut to pieces. Neophytos loses his ballista crews and many of his archers, while a light cavalry troop is annihilated. The general himself falls in the midst of the chaos. The Rhodans themselves lose heavily, however, against Audacity’s stalwart pikes, and many of their own peltasts and decimated hoplites are ridden down by Egyptian horse.

Meanwhile Nicomedes’ Bravado advance down the hill toward the sprawling melee, and at last the vise is closed between two opposing Egyptian pike lines. Fierce struggles continue to erupt across the plain, but the overall Rhodan position is untenable…they begin to rout. Egyptian cavalry ride them down. The Rhodan’s own ballistae positions are overrun. Rhodos’ armies, all of them nearly eviscerated, withdraw back toward Thapsus.


Nubian spearmen stubbornly hold Audacity's left flank


Thorax Swordsmen attempt to fend off Rhodan cavalry...they eventually do so.


Egyptian cavalry among Rhodan missile troops. Audacity's pike line remains steady in background.


Unprotected by infantry fighting desperately to save themselves, Audacity's ballista units are destroyed.


Bravado pike phalanxes advance into the chaos of the plain below.

The butcher’s bill this day is horrific for both sides. 17,000 Egyptians have fallen on this plain; the highest single-day loss in Ptolemaic history. The brunt is disproportionately borne by the Audacity, reduced to less than half its former size. Demonax has taken command after the fall of Neophytos; his army remains combat-viable, but will need to return to the home provinces for extended refit before it can ever be more than a shadow of its former self. Altogether, the Egyptian armies have sustained roughly 40% casualties.

Rhodos, however, has suffered even more grievously. From among the four Rhodan armies, 33,000 men have been slain or captured. Audacity may have been horribly mauled, but the Grace, Chimera, and Bite have nearly ceased to exist, enduring nearly 70% losses. All four Rhodan generals have fallen. Egypt began this day significantly outnumbered in the Thapsus region, but ends with a clear numerical superiority. Locally, at least, the strategic balance has been reversed.

Second engagement. Despite the horrific losses, Nicomedes and Demonax press their relative advantage. In the second phase of the campaign, they promptly assault Thapsus itself. Less battered than Audacity, Bravado takes the lead in the assault. Two of the remnant Rhodan armies have been immobilized, but the Gryphon’s Grace bolsters the garrison. They are outnumbered, but still represent a robust defense.

Egyptian ballistae decimate the defenders, while the combined Nubian bowmen of both armies rain arrows. The heavy missile fire routs several Rhodan units. The Bravado pike phalanxes then move into the city. Slow but steady, their inexorable advance pushes the defenders back toward the town center. Light cavalry enter the town by alternate route and fall upon missile troops in the open agora. The town’s defenders rout. Nicomedes’ infantry calmly enter the agora and take possession of the town. The garrison is destroyed, and Gryphon’s Grace further reduced in numbers.


Bravado advances toward Thapsus.


Thorax pikemen ascend a small rise to come to grips with Rhodan defenders.


The phalanx advance pushes deeper into Thapsus.


Thapsus taken: Bravado infantry stand victorious in the town center.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Has there been a recent hotfix or patch about minor settlement capture? This is the 2nd time this campaign I've routed all of a town's garrison, but battle would not end until I actually marched to the flag and let the timer count down. Or perhaps a feature of Hard (I've only played Normal before)? Really not a big deal, merely adds some extra time to the end of an already-won battle. Just haven't seen it before.

Third engagement. In the final phase of the Thapsus campaign, the diminished Audacity attacks the even more reduced Ravaging Chimerae. The ambush occurs in scrubland northwest of the town. Emaciated as they are, Demonax’ troops prove more than a match to destroy the Chimerae.

And so the Thapsus campaign concludes. Thapsus itself is captured for Egypt. One of three Rhodan field armies is completely destroyed, while two others are less than 30% of their original complement. Both the Gryphon’s Grace and Basilisk’s Bite retire north into Masaesyli-held territory near Carthago. Bravado and Audacity are victorious…albeit at terrible cost.

Thapsus’ capture was the original intent of this entire war. In such narrow view, I suppose we must count ourselves successful. The price, however, is the enmity of most of the Hellenic world. Only Knossos and Bithynia stand with us, themselves isolated in a sea of Greek enemies (although it must be said that Knossos is doing well enough for now, having captured the island city of Rhodos itself).

I fear that the taking of Thapsus will eventually prove far more expensive than even Audacity’s large losses…and that I have bequeathed unto my successors a virtually endless war against their kindred. I have of course sent emissaries to all the Greek courts and councils…none of our Hellenic brethren are remotely interested in peace. Ptolemaic Egypt will be compelled to war with the Greeks for generations, and will either triumph as master of the known world…or be crushed. There can be no middle ground.


No squiggly lines or labels needed to get across the point of THIS map....gulp...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Wow, I feel like I’ve messed up pretty bad here. I’ve expanded very slowly, and focused on building and developing all those military structures before recruiting many armies. I wanted as many of my later armies to benefit as possible. Figured, what the heck, it’s single-player and there’s no time limit, who cares if I don’t end the campaign before AD 100?

Other than trade, however, I neglected diplomacy, and all those alliances built up, with Egypt outside of them. I’m bigger than any other faction, but together they’re huge. Plus, Seleucid and Macedon are both well over 10 settlements apiece; they alone are going to be tough. The problem is exacerbated by two other factors: empire configuration and civil war.

First, Egypt is long and skinny, and mostly coastline. All those Greek states can just sail across and land wherever…a huge game of whack-a-mole. Even backwater Aethiopia is open to an amphibious landing from Seleucid-held Arabia.

Second, I haven’t had the CW yet…and there appears little hope that I can manage to meet the CW while at peace elsewhere, no matter how I manage the politics.

My only real hope is that most of these Greeks, including Macedon or Seleucid, are content to just let a state of war persist without actually doing anything. If so, this might be manageable. If not…I wonder if I might actually lose this campaign.

[Hooahguy]

Good luck. You are going to need it.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

What are these 2 lights? ^^

Please consult Chariot of the Gods by Von Daniken. You didn't think he was doing this well without "advice" did you?

[Bramborough]

Please consult Chariot of the Gods by Von Daniken. You didn't think he was doing this well without "advice" did you?

yeah...the spacemen gave me a bum steer when they told me "Sure...go ahead and declare on Rhodos...their allies won't help them. Really."

Turns out they weren't really aliens after all, just Seleucid spies in Halloween costumes....

[Bramborough]

Part VI

The Battle of Zeugitana: Unification of Africa

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Following the great battles of Thapsus, the Audacity and Bravado pause to consolidate their position. The Rhodan armies in Africa were nearly destroyed in this struggle, but the two Egyptian armies have suffered badly as well. The generals reorganize the troops, and bring the Bravado back up to full strength. Nicomedes will continue the Egyptian presence and campaign here with this reconstituted army. Demonax will lead the few thousand remaining Audacity back to Libya for further recruitment.

With the widespread war facing us, we will need more armies. Fortitude is once more recommissioned, this time not as a hasty garrison force, but as a full army. Once Fortitude and Audacity are up to full complement, Egypt will deploy six superb field armies, each one of them a product of the full capacity of Antigonus I's military complex.

Formidable as this force may be...I fear it will not be enough against the breadth of our enemies. I must find a way not merely to defend the empire, but to expand it, to gain the manpower needed for additional hosts. This is a tricky proposition, as any expansion also means more territory for our already-stretched forces to cover. Nevertheless, I must find a way to do it.

Any plan of expansion must first begin with Carthago. Most of Africa's ports are now Ptolemaic, but wealthy Carthago remains outside our grasp. The port capital is held by the Masaesyli, allied with Rhodos and already at war with us. We must plan carefully: I do not believe Bravado alone is strong enough to assault the city quickly, while enemy naval power in/near the Strait of Sicily prevents us from contemplating a siege/blockade. We must first disperse the remaining Rhodan presence inland, to free an additional army for assisting Bravado against Carthago.

To that end, Nicomedes seeks to attack the Bite of the Basilisk, currently encamped at Zeugitana, on the border between Carthago and Thapsus. The Bite has been sorely weakened in the Thapsus battles, but remains the largest Rhodan force in Africa, however reduced. Once the Bite are finally defeated, the Carthago road will be opened once Egyptian reinforcements are freed.

The Bravado march north from Thapsus; it is but a short distance to the Zeugitana plain. The reconstituted Bravado, a full Egyptian army, should easily defeat the Bite, less than half Bravado's size. The Bite's field fortifications will avail them little with such numerical disparity. Nicomedes will then march back to Thapsus to await reinforcement. Once the Zeugitana encampment comes within sight, however, an unexpected development transpires. The Masaesyli defenders of Carthago, a field army plus the city garrison itself, have surged forward to assist their Rhodan allies. This will not be some perfunctory mop-up operation, but instead a great battle.

Nicomedes' first instinct is retreat...he has not sought this battle. Almost immediately, however, he sees great opportunity. Carthago's defenders are HERE on this open plain, with naught but a hasty wooden palisade instead of the port capital's great walls! The Masaesyli have rashly thrown open the door to their city. The Battle of Zeugitana will not be for an empty North African plain, but instead for the Jewel of Africa itself!

It is worth the risk. Nicomedes is outnumbered, but not overwhelmingly so. The 20,000 Bravado are faced by roughly 30,000 Rhodan and Masaesyli troops. The great bulk of the enemy, however, are the desert Masaesyli. Their forces are lightly armored desert spearmen, javelins, and slingers. The enemy have no field artillery. The Bravado prepare for battle.

Nicomedes' hope is that the Masaesyli host, already haven proven rash, will ignore the Rhodan encampment and move directly to attack. He arrays the the Bravado phalanxes defensively upon a small hillcrest, endeavoring to defeat the desert horde first before turning his attention to the few Rhodans within the palisade. Alas, the Masaesyli commander does not take the bait, but packs his warriors into the fort.

Nicomedes idly considers just waiting them out, thinking that with 30,000 men crammed into a little square fort, a dearth of food and overflowing latrines alone will soon force most of them from the stifling enclosure. The general curses Crea-Artistos, God of Game Mechanics, knowing that this particular strategy is not possible under the "rules of war" in this universe. He prepares to advance.

Nicomedes carefully prepares the assault. First ballistae destroy the fort's arrow towers, eliminating their missile fire. He then orders the artillery to expend their remaining ammunition upon the closely-packed troops within. Accuracy is not a great concern with such a large and dense target; the ballistae using flaming projectiles and wreak great slaughter.


Rhodan hoplites taking artillery fire at the south gate.

Nubian bowmen then carefully advance to just within range of troops defending the south and east gates. They rain arrows upon the defenders, prioritizing the lightly-armored Masaesyli. The bowmen themselves take return fire from desert slingers, and suffer casualties. On balance, however, far more enemy are slain. The bowmen expend their ammunition and retire. They are shaken by casualties; nearly 2000 archers have perished. Yet between ballistae and arrows, over 6000 enemy are killed in this first stage of the battle.


Zeugitana fort defenders await melee battle amidst the carnage wrought by missile fire.

Nicomedes divides his infantry into two equal-sized assault groups, each to assault one of the gates. The Bravado will attack the south and east gates. The light cavalry will be of little use in the attack itself; they ride out to the west of the fort, assuming a position in which to intercept routing enemy.

The assault groups advance slowly toward the gates, the phalanxes with pikes lowered. Nicomedes' tactic is to place phalanxes in the gate openings, providing an impregnable front to the defenders within, while other infantry break down wooden walls to make flanking attacks. The Egyptian infantry reach the gates (really, just wall gaps). A fierce combat rages at each gate, while thorax swordsmen start breaking down walls near the earlier-destroyed corner towers.


Nubian spearmen attack at the east gate.


The general's Royal Guard at the south gate. Nicomedes himself, sword drawn, at rear left of the phalanx.

While the gate struggles rage, Thorax Swordsmen and Thureos spearmen break the walls and enter the enclosure at multiple points. The melee widens. No longer faced by an enemy focused at the gates, but now seemingly on all sides, the still-numerous Rhodan and Masaesyli defenders begin to waver. The Bravado infantry slowly advance within the compound and converge upon the center of the fort. The defenders break, and the fort is lost. The Battle of Zeugitana is won, a decisive victory for Nicomedes and the Bravado.


Thorax swordsmen rush into the Zeugitana enclosure.


Bravado phalanx makes final advance within the surrendering fort.

It has been another bloody battle, second only to First Thapsus in bloodletting. 4700 Bravado have fallen...but of the 30,000 enemy, fully 23,000 are killed or captured at Zeugitana. The tattered Rhodan and Masaesyli remnants fall back upon Carthago's walls, but their strength has been broken. Carthago's walls still await, but the now-decimated condition of their defenders now makes an assault feasible by Bravado alone.

Nicomedes immediately advances at the heels of the Zeugitana defenders. He does not wait at Carthago to build siege engines, but endeavors to strike before the disorganized remnants can even begin to reconstitute. The Bravado hurl themselves forward with only a few siege ladders. It is enough. The city assault is inevitably bloody; 3000 more Bravado fall to missile fire from the towers. With only skeleton forces defending the walls, however, they are easily overcome. The Jewel of Africa is conquered, and the rich province unified under Ptolemaic rule.

Carthago is one of the richest cities in the world...perhaps the richest, along with Seleucid Antioch. In prior Egyptian conquests, Ptolemaic Pharaohs have invariably pursued a policy of immediate, total reconstruction. Here, however, I cannot see the value in destroying such a wealthy metropolis. Much of the existing structure is already Hellenic, although not Egyptian. No cultural threat emanates from Carthago's institutions, which in any event are commercially-oriented rather than cultural or religious. I elect to leave the Jewel of Africa as it is, at least for now. Quite frankly, we need the revenue for our coffers now, and cannot wait for a lengthy reconstruction process.

Elsewhere, we continue to hunt elusive Rhodan bands operating in the interior of Africa and Phazania. I myself chase the Companions of Cerberus, but the wily Rhodan commander avoids my Discipline. Finally one of my Royal Spies wrecks the Companions' baggage train, allowing me to steal a march and draw closer. I ambush the Companions at Tripolis, in the desert hinterland beyond Lepcis. The Rhodan column makes a brief spirited attack upon my phalanx line, but the effort is futile. Already disheartened by the surprise of ambush, the Rhodans' morale soon breaks. The Companions are defeated, pursued, and then destroyed.


Brief combat during the ambush at Tripolis

Thus far, this great war seems to be proceeding well enough for Egypt. Carthago and Thapsus have been taken, and wealthy Africa unified. Rhodan forces within our territory have been stymied from causing mischief and are slowly being brought to heel. Macedonian, Rhodan, and Masaesyli fleets ply the seas, but to date have not endeavored to attack...although admittedly their presence has likewise curbed the activities of our own Zephyr and Typhoon. Seleucid agents have appeared in eastern Nabataea, but Seleucid armies have not moved in this area...indeed, have not even been sighted. Audacity has reached Libya and begins to reconstitute, along with Fortitude.

My hope is that our enemies have entered into war with Egypt only due to alliance obligations. Perhaps many will remain content to let a state of war exist for diplomatic reasons, while not actually acting aggressively. I cannot plan on such an assumption; Egypt will continue in readiness to defend the empire. Yet the notion is enough for me to pursue a strategy in which we refrain from attacking any "enemy" which happens to move near...already such forces have often proven to retire just as quickly without hostile action. We have already been magnaminously freeing battle captives, rather than killing or enslaving, in an effort to dampen widespread enmity towards Egypt; we will continue this practice as well. Economically, we certainly don't need or want the slaves in any case; the damned wretches are more trouble than they're worth.

I, Pharaoh Chariton I, have already passed my 80th year, and have been expecting to cross the Styx at any moment for well over a decade. I will pass very soon. My legacy must be an Egypt at war with myriad enemies throughout the Greek world; I cannot change that. Yet I also will leave my successor an Egyptian army stronger than ever before, as well as a unified wealthy Africa and one of the richest cities in the world. Onward Egypt!

[Bramborough]

Part VII

Final Years of Pharaoh Chariton I: The Ardiaei Invade Africa

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Egypt’s position in the Great War has not deteriorated, and in fact is slowly improving:

- Rhodos has been completely expelled from Africa. Their last remaining bands of stragglers, vestiges of Gryphon’s Grace and Odyssean Wanderers, are finally isolated and destroyed by Discipline and Audacity.
- Fortitude, Egypt’s sixth major army, has completed recruiting in Libya and is ready to take the field.
- Africa is unified with the capture of Carthago from the Masaesyli, a huge fiscal boost for the Ptolemaic treasury.
- Among the very few Mediterranean factions not at war with us, relations have warmed with the Celtiberian Confederation centered in Iberia. Trade, defensive, and military access pacts have been concluded. We may hope that these accords will improve relations with their kindred Arevaci as well. These developments improve Egypt’s position in the western Mediterranean.
- The Celtiberians themselves are already at war with Rhodos; not only do they favor us diplomatically, but their fleets and armies sail east from the Pillars of Hercules to offer material assistance.
- Egypt’s many enemies have on the whole behaved quite tentatively; our well-positioned fleets and armies seem to be acting effectively as a deterrent throughout the breadth of the Egyptian empire.
- Word arrives that the defeated Masaesyli fleets have disbanded; that faction is no more.


One down....23 to go

In the midst of this atmosphere of cautious optimism, however, one of our enemies at last makes a determined attack upon Egyptian territory. The Ardiaei army Enemies of Circe cross the Mediterranean to threaten Africa. The Enemies fall upon Lepcis and easily overwhelm the small garrison from the sea. Courage, Discipline, and the Zephyr fleet immediately move to recapture.

It soon appears, however, that this attack is a large-scale raid rather than a substantive attempt to permanently take and hold our settlements. No sooner is Lepcis taken, than the Enemies of Circe put to sea again, this time to descend Macomades. Yet another token Egyptian garrison is quickly vanquished, and half of Africa is lost…at least for the moment. My treasury minister erupts in an apoplectic fit, and screams to disband one of our expensive fleets (adjudicating ceaseless disputes between the Ministries of Treasury and Navy seem to take an inordinate amount of my time…makes one wonder why anyone would want to be Pharoah….).

The Ardiaei attack upon Macomades, however, places the meddlesome Enemies of Circe within a short march of the Courage. One of the most zealous and respected Ptolemaic generals, Amphimachos, takes command of the Courage to quickly recapture the town and destroy the Enemies. Amphimachos is supported by Demonax’ still-small Audacity, delayed in its recruiting efforts in order to respond to the crisis.

The Enemies of Circe are a formidable force, every bit as large as one of Egypt’s hosts. The infantry is built around a core of tough Illyrian hoplites; superb troops. They are disadvantaged, however, in lack of field artillery, and the mobility of their sizable cavalry contingent is compromised by being fixed in defense of Macomades.

Amphimachos arrays the Ptolemaic forces in three echelons of phalanxes (although unlikely the third or even second line will actually be needed). His intent is to first wear down the Enemies by artillery and missile fire, then advance and fix Ardiaei infantry in place with the lead pike line. Egyptian cavalry will then enter Macomades from the west to fall upon the Enemies’ unprotected missile troops near the city center.

Amphimachos’ plan is executed almost to perfection. The ballistae wreak horrific damage upon the Enemies of Circe, alone killing over 6000 Ardiaei troops. The Nubian bowmen of Audacity and Courage also fire with great effect; they do not inflict so many casualties directly, but their flaming arrows terrorize their targets. Several Ardiaei companies, already shaken by ballista bombardment, are sent into flight.


Ardiaei troops taking missile fire from Audacity and Courage

While the bowmen are still loosing their arrows, Amphimachos advances the forward phalanx line into the city, himself in the center with his stalwart Royal Guard. Upon entering the outskirts, they are met in melee by Ardiaei cavalry, hoplites, and sword infantry. The Enemies of Circe, however, are impotent against the sarissae, and set upon from the flanks by Thureos Spearmen and Galatian Swords. They break and flee.


Nicomedes' first phalanx line approaching outskirts. The general is at the rear left of the Royal Guard in center of the line.


The Courage pikes make first melee contact.


Ardiaei cavalry are repulsed by Nicomedes' phalanxes.

The Courage phalanxes steadily move forward once more, closer to the town center. Now the citizen cavalry deploys, sweeping into Macomades from the west. The phalanxes fix the last few Ardiaei infantry in place, while the horsemen emerge in the enemy rear. Caught between horse and pike and beset from the sides by Galatian swords, the remaining Enemies of Circe are overwhelmed. The invading army is destroyed, and Macomades quickly restored to Ptolemaic rule. 14,000 Ardiaei are slain this day and a further 5000 taken captive…at a cost of 650 Egyptian casualties.


Initial combat complete, Thorax pikemen of the first line continue the advance toward town center.


Egyptian horse now deploy, entering Macomades from the west.


Citizen cavalry erupt in the Ardiaei rear; Macomades is recaptured.

Meanwhile, I have marched my Discipline toward Ardiaei-controlled Lepcis, and will soon be able to recapture. Plato’s Zephyr fleet is closer. I do not believe the medium-size [12 ships] are capable of capturing the town on their own. The Enemies of Circe may have departed, but they left behind a surprisingly robust garrison force, nearly 12,000 men including the crews of several hemioliae. I order Plato, however, to take the garrison under bombardment and winnow their numbers. The danger to his fleet is negligible, and he can easily withdraw at will once Zephyr’s ammunition is depleted.

The Zephyr approach Lepcis harbor and begin the fusillade. Long-ranged Ardiaei slingers are able to return fire upon the penteres closest to shore, and Plato’s naval archers take some substantial casualties, although the ships themselves are not threatened in any way. The cost is worthwhile, however, as flaming arrows and ballista projectiles rain upon the defenders.

As predicted, ammunition runs low after a time. Great slaughter has been inflicted, but Plato will soon be compelled to withdraw with empty magazines. First the archer penteres expend their ammunition and rotate back out to sea. A ballista penteres runs out, then another. Soon only three ballista penteres remain firing, themselves down to the last few salvoes. Much bloodied, nevertheless several companies of Ardiaei infantry remain in position near the town center. Plato prepares to retire, his orders fulfilled.

Unexpectedly, almost as the last ballista hurls its last stone…the garrison breaks, all remaining units at once. They melt away toward the outskirts, and Zephyr wins an improbably decisive victory, retaking Lepcis.


Zephyr ships deploy to bombardment positions at Lepcis.


Plato's naval archers in action near the Lepcis waterfront.


The remaining garrison units at town center are about to break...a hair's breadth before Zephyr runs out of ammunition.

I am pleased that none of my Discipline need fall in assaulting the town, nor even need to complete the march; I can issue different orders now as events may dictate. I must confess, however, that I privately begrudge non-Ptolemaic Plato the renown of this triumph…I had merely wanted him to kill a few Ardiaei in advance, not win the blasted battle outright. My domestic enemies back in Alexandria will crow over this.

In any case, it cannot be undone, and the outcome is favorable for Egypt. The Ardiaei incursion is ruthlessly defeated. One hope that this will serve as a stark example for our many enemies…diplomatically isolated we may be, but one challenges Egypt only at grave peril.

Valiant defense, however, will not win this war…nor even sufficiently alter it’s balance to make a diplomatic peace possible. Egyptian offensives must continue beyond Carthago. Several options exist:

Egypt could expand further west into Mauretania. It is a rich province with several ports, and the particularly attractive dye industry at Migdol. I quickly discard this idea, however, for two reasons. First, these cities are held by the Celtiberians and Arevaci…two of the few factions not already at war with Egypt. My chief diplomat tells me I’m already at war with 23 nations…why would I want to make it 25? Second, conquering Mauretania would enrich Egypt, but do nothing to weaken our foes. I must seek campaigns which will more drastically alter the balance of strength. We will not go west, but rather continue to curry greater favor with these neighbors.

I feel I must mount a major campaign against one of the two largest bulwarks of the anti-Egypt bloc: either the Seleucids or Macedon. Fighting the Seleucids is attractive enough, with the rich province of Syria as our objective. Yet I feel such a campaign would draw our limited forces further and further into the Arabian desert, which is not so prosperous. Furthermore, just beyond Seleucia itself lie her plethora of Eastern satrapies. I see yet more endless war in this direction.

This leaves Macedon. Large and powerful it may be, but Macedon itself holds rich lands in the Thrace, the Greek peninsula, and Italy. The wealthy regions of Magna Grecia and Italia tempt me. Just beyond lie Illryria and Macedonia itself, not quite as large but rich in trade goods and resources, along with an opportunity to repay the Ardiaei invasion in kind. Finally, beyond these foes and their Veneti allies are ranged the tribes of northern Celts and Germans…tribes with which we are NOT at war. A successful series of campaigns promise a reasonably secure border with non-hostile neighbors…without having to go the very ends of the world.

We will go north….beginning with Sicily. Even as we take this decision, our Celtiberian friends capture Rhodan Lilybaeum. Amphimachos takes command of the Discipline and readies for a seaborne attack on Macedon-controlled Syracusae. The Zephyr sail as a covering force for the transport fleet. The Courage take to sea as well, and sail north for follow-on operations on the Italian peninsula itself.

A new phase in this war is about to begin. Soon Egypt’s enemies will rue the day that they allowed diplomatic niceties to put them at odds with the Ptolemaic Pharaoh.

Just as the invasion begins to proceed, Chariton I finally passes at a very advanced age…not until his 86th year does he cross the Styx. Chariton was a relatively old man, well into his late 50s, when he became Pharaoh…who could have foreseen such a long and illustrious reign? It is true that he diplomatically blundered into a war against seemingly the entire world soon after assuming the throne. Yet since then he has steadfastly defended the Empire with success. His conquests have not been extensive…but have been rich. Under Chariton I Egypt has triumphed in the great battles of Thapsus and Zeugitana, and repelled the Ardiaei. Wealthy Africa has been unified, Carthago itself the commercial capital of the Empire. Chariton has done well, and has earned his place at the right hand of Ra.

Nicomedes I, commander of the Bravado and victor of Thapsus and Zeugitana, assumes the throne as Pharoah of Egypt.

[Bramborough]

Part VIII

The Italian Campaign begins…and a Seleucid invasion

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I, Nicomedes, have seen long service with Egypt’s armies during this war, leading my Bravado to victory at Thapsus and Zeugitana. I had the good fortune of presenting Carthago to the Pharaoh CharitonI…an honor of which I am both humbled and proud. Now death has taken Chariton, as it must all men, and I am called to assume the throne as Nicomedes I.

Campaign in the West

I continue with Chariton’s planned attack upon Macedonian holdings in Sicily and Italy. I place Amphimachos in command of the Discipline and order him to cross the sea for Macedon-held Syracusae. The general finds only a strong garrison defending the place, with no field army nearby. He does not encircle and wait for surrender, but immediately assaults. The town is easily won…and Egypt has a foothold in Magna Graecia.


Discipline infantry approach the outskirts.


Amphimachos' phalanxes advance deeper into Syracusae.


Light infantry of the Macedonian garrison make a half-hearted final attempt at resistance. They soon break.

The campaign’s opening has proven easy thus far…but will not remain so for long. Aleuas is a young, ambitious Ptolemaic officer of royal blood, recently qualified for general’s rank after sterling service in Africa. I place the Courage under his command, for quick follow-up advances after the capture of Syracusae.

Aleaus proceeds north from Syracusae and crosses the Messana Strait, onto the boot-toe of the Italian peninsula. His object is Cosentia; he intends to raid in that direction before taking the town. The young general, however, neglects to send spies or other agents in advance to assay enemy strength. Before reaching Cosentia, the Courage is set upon by two large Macedonian armies. The Courage is a superbly-equipped, veteran army, the equal of any in the known world. The Terror of Phobos and Deimos’ Dread, however, are likewise composed of the finest troops available to Hellenic Macedon.

Aleaus is heavily outnumbered by troops of nearly equal quality; he cannot rely upon superior steel, training, and experience to overcome the stark numerical disparity. The Courage are compelled to withdraw. The young general is lucky to cross the strait back into Sicily just in time; the narrow waterway prevents the Macedonians catching him and forcing a battle. Aleaus moves south to within reinforcement range of the Discipline.

Meanwhile, the Syracusae region has erupted in a shadow war of intrigue, sabotage, and betrayal…reminiscent of dark tales from the Aethiopian War over a century ago. Macedon’s spies and heroes bedevil the town, its garrison, our armies. Egyptian Royal Spies enter the territory to respond in kind, and to root out the nefarious Macedonian network of mayhem. It is a cruel, sordid, and expensive struggle…but eventually Egypt’s agents prove more ruthless and cunning than Macedon’s. Not to mention…more loyal. A great number of the Macedonian knaves are seduced to abandon their masters, and are now in my service.


Agent struggle almost won. Only two of these agents were actually recruited in Egypt. The others are Macedonian and Veneti turncoats.

Our fortunes bode well in Sicily itself, but it is merely a start. Macedon’s strength, however, dictates that we must gather more strength to proceed further north into the peninsula. The capture of Syracusae, however, has enhanced the Ptolemaic regime’s prestige in Egypt…new resources are now available. If the Treasury Ministry is so willing, we have opportunity to recruit more armies, expand our intelligence forces, and increase our diplomatic and military training capacity. Also, at this juncture I proclaim a Commercial Stimulation edict in Africa, to further develop this rich province…the economic engine of Egypt.

Not long after the capture of Syracusae, Nicomedes I dies of natural causes. He proved not so long-lived as his predecessor Chariton I, but his short reign has been significant nevertheless for the capture of Syracusae, a successful beginning for what promises to be a long campaign in Italy. Demonax, commander of the Audacity, becomes Pharaoh of Egypt.


Can't yet afford the upkeep for 3 more armies. But the additional agents are certainly welcome.


Repelling Invasion in the East

The Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires have been at war for well over a decade, ever since our attack on Rhodan Thapsus at the beginning of this Great War. The Seleucids hold Syria and Arabia, bordering our eastern province of Nabataea. Throughout this time, however, our Seleucid foes have been quiet and non-provocative…seemingly satisfied with a mere diplomatic formality of war rather than its brutal reality. Chariton and Nicomedes were wisely content to reciprocate, so that Egypt could focus her attentions in the west.

This static state of affairs is no longer the case. The Seleucids now mount a major offensive into Nabataea. No less than five Seleucid armies cross the border into Egyptian territory. The Seleucids quickly capture Charmuthas in the south, and march directly upon Jerusalem from the north. Of our own forces, only Endurance and Fortitude currently operate east of Alexandria, Chariton having clairvoyantly repositioned Endurance to Hegra only a year before his death.

These two armies possess superb training and equipment, even if they are not quite the battle-hardened veterans of our longer-standing hosts. Yet they are significantly outnumbered by the Syrian forces bearing down upon them. Audacity has been traveling west to bolster the Italian advance; I now countermand those orders; that veteran army now force-marches eastward toward Nabataea.

The Battle of Charmuthas

I place Fortitude under the command of Aleaus (who had been recovering in Alexandria from a failed assassination attempt in Sicily). He is to immediately attack and recapture Charmuthas from the Seleucid Heralds of Thanatos and Spears of Ares. The Fortitude are somewhat outnumbered, but the enemy troops are of mixed type and quality…I am confident Aleaus will succeed.

Aleaus assaults the town in straightforward fashion: ballista bombardment, archer fire, then steady phalanx advance. Citizen cavalry seek flanking opportunities. The Fortitude carry out Aleaus’ orders with determination and ruthlessness. The Seleucids fight fiercely, their Silver Shield pikes and Royal Peltasts anchoring the defense and proving difficult to dislodge. In the end, our pikes push the line and eventually prevail, assisted by furious flank and rear attacks by citizen cavalry, Thureos spearmen, and Thorax swordsmen. The carnage in and near the central agora is sickening. Corpses carpet the town…most of them Seleucid, but by no means all. 5000 Egyptians fall at Charmuthas, but 21,000 Seleucids are killed or captured. The town is retaken, the Heralds of Thanatos utterly destroyed. A bare remnant of the Spears of Ares scurries back toward the southern border. Aleaus has triumphed.


Not sure why the balance meter tilts so heavily against Egypt here. The Seleucids have only a modest numerical advantage, no artillery, and their troop quality is more uneven.


The battle opens when Aleaus' citizen cavalry destroys an unsuspecting Seleucid mounted unit outside. The enemy horse is part of the reinforcing Spears of Ares.


The Fortitude advance towards Charmuthas. The Heralds of Thanatos await them.


Aleaus' pikes are confronted by a phalanx of formidable Silver Shield Pikemen. Temporary impasse.


Thureos Spears making a bloody flank attack on the Silver Shields, from the Egyptian left.


Another Thureos unit has managed to get some maneuvering room to flank from the right.


Citizen cavalry attack the Seleucid rear near the town center. They slaughter many light missileers, but will be repulsed with heavy losses by stronger Seleucid infantry.


Thorax Swordsmen follow up with further attack into the Seleucid rear. A large confused melee develops. The Thorax take losses, but draw Seleucid units away from the main combat. The defense begins to crack.


The Heralds of Thanatos disintegrate when the Silver Shields rout, having sustained attacks in both flanks.


Fortitude Victorious: Thorax Swordsmen take possession of the town center.


Kinda thought I'd get a Heroic after that crazy pre-battle balance prediction.


The Battles of Iudaea and Jordan

Meanwhile, I take direct command of Endurance at Petra. Audacity approaches Nabataea, but will not arrive in time to help me prevent the capture of Jerusalem. Should I wait for them, we will be in the position of having to recapture this town as well. If, instead, I endeavor to defend Jerusalem rather than recapture later, Endurance must face three Seleucid armies on its own.

I have with this army, however, a patrician noblewoman who has been serving as civil governor in Nabataea as well as administrating the army’s finances. I send this proud lady on a mission to meet with the commander of the largest enemy host…charging her to use any verbal stratagem she can think of to confound the man’s purpose. Iphigenia succeeds admirably, weaving such a web of deceit and half-truths that the Seleucid general is overcome by indecision. The Companions of Heracles are thereby immobilized for a short while…just barely long enough for Endurance to strike.

I seize the opportunity to strike. Endurance marches swiftly to attack the other two Seleucid armies (one of which is happily rather small). I have no numerical advantage; 20,000 Egyptians meet 20,000 Seleucids. So be it…I cannot wait for the Companions’ commander to come to his senses. Endurance confronts the Children of Tyche and Enemies of Circe upon the flat grassy plain of Iudaea.

I array my thorax pikes in phalanx and invite the Seleucid commander to attack first…he obliges me with advance. The Seleucid hosts advance together, spearheaded by Royal Peltasts and Shield Bearer infantry. Missile cavalry and camel spearmen comprise their robust mounted contingent. The Seleucid armies fall upon the pike phalanxes, and batter themselves to pieces. The fight is long and hard, but the Children and Enemies cannot penetrate the sarissae.

Thorax and Thureos infantry close in from the flanks, and the Seleucids are compressed into a shrinking killing-ground. Camels make a spirited charge directly at our pikes...and fail. Finally, the Seleucid Shield Bearers, anchor of the enemy assault, can no longer continue; they break and flee. The Battle of Iudaea is a decisive victory; 15,000 enemy fall upon the plain. The Children of Tyche and Enemies of Circe retreat…not quite destroyed, but a mere vestige of their former selves, no longer combat-effective.


Endurance calmly awaits the Seleucid advance.


Fierce combat rages along the main battle line.


Nubian bowmen loose flaming arrows upon the stalled Seleucid advance.


Left-flank Thorax Swords reposition to close the vise.


Seleucid camel spears make a brave last attempt to break Endurance's lines.


They fail.


Seleucid morale breaks. Elite Shield Bearer infantry rout, pursued by Thorax pikemen now wielding kopides for the kill.


Victory.

We have no time to savor the victory. Battered though some of our units are, the Endurance immediately march southeast a short distance to fall upon the immobile Companions of Heracles. We come to grips in the hilly arid uplands of Jordan. The Endurance enjoy a modest numerical superiority over the Companions…by no means overwhelming.

My pike line advances, covered on the flanks by Thorax and Thureos infantry. My citizen cavalry and some Thureos units have suffered badly at Iudaea; my intention is to leave them in the rear with the ballistae as a reserve. Hopefully they will not be compelled to re-enter combat today. The Companions advance directly toward the phalanxes and attack into our lines…with predictable enough results. Our line easily holds.

I soon have need, however, for our battered reserves. A surprising Seleucid flank attack materializes from a hillcrest on our right. Previously concealed horse and foot boil over the rise and hit our formation on the side. A confused, disjointed series of melees evolve here, with no semblance of formation. Each unit, both Seleucid and Egyptian, finds itself in its own private struggle. The battered reserves rush to assist. The Seleucid threat here is eventually contained, then broken. The Companions of Heracles flee the field. Like their compatriots, the Companions are not destroyed, but are severely damaged and pose little further threat.


Jordan: The battle proceeds conventionally enough at the center. Seleucid attack fails against Thorax Pike phalanxes.


Citizen cavalry attempting to redress chaotic situation on the Egyptian right.

Overall, 57,000 Seleucid troops among five separate armies invaded Nabataea, defended by roughly 40,000 Egyptians. After Charmuthas, Iudaea, and Jordan, perhaps 13,000 or so enemy soldiers remain at large, spread out among four “armies”…now closer in character to refugee bands. Fortitude and Endurance, meanwhile, still number well over 30,000 combat-ready troops between them…and soon expect the reinforcement of 20,000 fresh troops from Audacity.

No doubt, further crises will loom in the long war ahead…but this Seleucid invasion has been utterly defeated.

[Bramborough]

What are these 2 lights? ^^

Actually, this may not be a glitch at all. I think those lights are hovering over two selected units, and appeared when the interface was minimized to take the screenie. Apparently they only show up from a distance; most of the time the camera view is too close to see them.

During recent battle I saw one of these, and quickly brought the UI up to deselect a highlighted unit, then minimized the UI again. The floating halo disappeared.

It may still be a bit of a glitch, I'm not 100% sure it always shows up or is always over the correct unit. But there's definitely some sort of connection. At the very least, for screenshot purposes, I've learned to ensure all units are unselected before I minimize the UI.

[Bramborough]

Egypt Part IX

The Italian Campaign continues

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Egyptian offensive crosses to mainland Italy. Cyniscus’ Courage quickly captures Cosentia, its small garrison offering mere token resistance. The Discipline cross the Messana Strait from Sicily, while Bravado sails from Carthago to Syracusae. Half of Egypt’s military power is now committed to this campaign, while the remainder (Audacity, Endurance, and Fortitude) operate in Nabataea and Aegyptus against the Seleucids and other enemies.

Troubles in the East

Indeed, the Seleucids continue to prove troublesome on the eastern frontier. Their armies have not repeated an invasion attempt, but Seleucid spies and other agents swarm throughout Nabataea. Egypt’s eastern province is a troubled land. Buildings burn in all of her cities, and poisoned wells are a feature of daily life. I chafe at the rampant sabotage, and order my intelligence ministry to reallocate agents from Italy to Nabataea.

Egypt has few allies and friends. Westward, the Arevaci and Celtiberian Confederation are quite friendly and share some common foes with Egypt. Both nations, however, refrain from full military alliance, the Arevaci contenting themselves with a mere non-aggression pact. Celtiberia agrees to a defensive accord, but no further. Egypt can count only steadfast Knossos as a full ally…and indeed Knossos’ strategic position has done much to help protect the Egyptian coastline during this war. Sadly, news arrives that the Rhodans have finally overcome our compatriot; Knossos is defeated. This increases the threat to our shores.


This faction wasn't huge...but still sucks to lose my ONLY ally.

One of Pergamon’s armies makes a landing on the Aegyptus coast. Aleaus moves quickly to intercept this force, but the Pergaman commander proves adept at avoiding battle. The Endurance finally destroy this force, but not before the raiding army temporarily captures Memphis for a season. Memphis is not damaged in the see-saw fighting, but its temporary loss brings to crisis a problem which has been growing for some time: food.

Egypt’s rich grain surplus of old has dwindled during recent years, primarily as a result of maritime commercial development in Africa and Seleucid depredations in Nabataea. The temporary loss of Memphis’ rich Nile fields actually throws Egypt into a food deficit for the first time in history…not just the Ptolemaic era of the past two centuries, but ALL Egyptian history, stretching back well over 3000 years. This is unsustainable; public unrest grows, and our armies are reduced to half-rations.

Memphis’ quick recapture solves the immediate problem, but the episode is a stark warning. Our food supply resilience is unacceptably precarious. I order an increase in agricultural development, pushing for greater productivity and efficiency. This will inevitably cause some distress as some farm labor will be displaced off the land. So be it; the empire’s food supply takes greater priority. Better for some Egyptians to be unhappy than for all Egyptians to go hungry.

The struggle for Brundisium

Royal spies report that Macedonian-held Brundisium, walled capital of Magna Graecia, is lightly defended. The city’s garrison is robust, but no Macedonian field army operates nearby. Cyniscus does not let this opportunity pass; the Courage rapidly march north and assault Brundisium. Cyniscus does not wait to build engines, but moves from the march directly into the attack. He pauses only long enough for his men to quickly nail together a few siege ladders.

The south wall is weakly configured. It boasts a strong gatehouse, but no additional missile towers such as defend other approaches to the city. Cyniscus makes his attack here, and proceeds very methodically. First his ballistae neutralize the gatehouse towers. Then his Galatian sword infantry deploy ladders and wrest control of the walls from Macedonian archers. They do not descend into the town for a pitched battle. Instead, Nubian bowmen scale the ladders and take position on the walls. The garrison, now bereft of the missile support lost in the short wall struggle, is helpless under the Nubians’ arrows and renewed artillery bombardment. Company by company, defending Macedonian infantry (much of it mere mobs) are routed.

Galatian swords cautiously descend into the interior; not to attack, but to provide cover for better archery positions. Our bowmen are now able to bring fire to bear upon the last hoplite company defending the gatehouse itself. This valiant band stoically endures the hail. Quivers running low, the Nubians expend a burst of energy in firing flaming arrows as quickly as possible, nearly exhausting themselves in the effort. The increased rate of fire prevails; the defending hoplites break and flee.

The Galatian swordsmen now take possession of the abandoned gatehouse, and throw the city open. Cyniscus’ main body has simply to walk in and take possession of the town. Macedonian losses have been horrific; nearly 9000 corpses are strewn in the open plaza behind the gatehouse, nearly all of them dispatched by ballista and archer fire. Egyptian casualties are negligible; less than 300 have fallen. The Galatians run through the city to take control of key areas, while Cyniscus leads the Courage’s main body in triumphant procession to the center of Brundisium.


Egyptian ladders approach Brundisium's walls. Note destroyed gatehouse arrow towers in background.


Galatian Swordsmen gain control of the wall.


Nubian bowmen take up position on the newly-won ramparts. Lacking missile troops of their own, the Macedonian garrison force below is largely helpless.


Cyniscus' archers reposition to fire upon remaining garrison companies which were previously protected by the gatehouse overhang.


Positioned for a last-stand defense against a gate assault which does not come, Macedonian infantry continue to endure unanswered missile fire.


The final garrison company breaks and flees.


Courage infantry calmly walk into the city via the now-uncontested gate.


Brundisium captured: Cyniscus leads the victory procession.

Macedon, however, does not cede Brundisium for long. Soon a strong Macedonian army, the Terror of Phobos, crosses the Mare Adriaticum and besieges the city. Respecting Courage’s strength, they do not assault. The Terror is one of the strongest armies ever faced by Ptolemaic Egypt, boasting many companies of valorous hoplites and a robust cavalry contingent. The armies are relatively equal in strength; neither commander would enjoy advantage in a pitched battle.

Initially, Cyniscus intends to wait out the siege. The port remains open, and the Terror will be worn down as the investment continues. Perhaps Discipline or Bravado will be able to come north and assist in lifting the siege. Royal spies, however, detect additional enemy forces – Macedonian and others – converging on Brundisium. A Macedonian fleet blockades the port; the enemy squadron is small, but sufficient to close the flow of supplies. Cyniscus’ logistic problems are now much more acute; he will soon run short of stored food. More ominously, an enemy spy wrecks the Discipline’s baggage train, while Bravado has yet to cross the Messana Strait. No help will be forthcoming for at least a season.

The altered situation drives Cyniscus to change plans. Courage must lift this siege on its own, and must do it before the enemy bring overwhelming force to bear. The general now accepts a pitched battle with the Terror of Phobos, and sallies out from Brundisium to confront the Macedonian host.

Luck is with Cyniscus. The armies meet on opposite sides of a small valley, each host occupying a large hillside, with excellent defensive positions. Cyniscus’ advantage, however, is that the Courage field two ballista contingents, while the Macedonian commander has no artillery. The enemy is compelled to attack across the valley, making an uphill charge against the Courage.

Cyniscus’ phalanxes easily hold on the advantageous ground against a strong frontal attack. The Macedonian center quickly stalls, impotent against the sarissae. The Terror’s strongest effort, however, falls upon the Egyptian left flank; four hoplite companies attempt to turn Cyniscus’ line here. The general, however, has foreseen from the Macedonian line of advance that the brunt of their effort would fall here; he has placed the bulk of his Galatians at this end of the line. These Galatian swords and Nubian spears hold the left, and themselves soon outflank the Macedonian attack in turn. The hoplites are repulsed.

With both of the Terror’s attacks repelled, the grassy plain below Cyniscus’ hill position now devolves into a mass of routed hoplites and unprotected light missile infantry. The phalanxes advance. Swordsmen abandon shieldwall formation and go over to the pursuit. Citizen cavalry are loosed upon unprotected mounted javelineers. Carnage ensues, and the Terror are utterly broken. Routers stream from the battlefield, many of them cut down by pursuing Egyptian horse. The siege of Brundisium is lifted, while a tattered Terror of Phobos retreats from Magna Graecia altogether. Egyptian losses have not been insignificant; 2500 have fallen, mostly on the hard-pressed left flank. Meanwhile, however, over 12,000 Macedonian corpses litter the field, and another 2000 leave the valley in chains.


Hmm...the pre-battle prediction isn't very optimistic....


Cyniscus' defensive position outside Brundisium.


The Terror of Phobos advances toward Courage. Already they leave a strewn trail of ballista-inflicted casualties behind them.


Pike phalanxes easily hold a hoplite attack at bay in the Egyptian center.


Cyniscus' Galatian Swords and Nubian Spears in a hard-fought struggle for the left flank. They succeed.


Citizen cavalry chase down routers below the hill position.


Pre-battle "experts" proven wrong. Again.

Magna Graecia is now completely lost to the enemy; Egypt and its allies hold this province from Lilybaeum to Brundisium. Egyptian agents have established a strong presence here, blunting enemy sabotage. Royal spies and dignitaries now flow further north into Italia itself, assaying the strength of Macedon’s Veneti allies. A few agents, as previously mentioned, are diverted to unhappy Nabataea.

Neapolis

Macedon’s lone remaining settlement on the Italian peninsula is the port town of Neapolis. After their reverses at Brundisium (as well as a similarly failed struggle against our Arevaci friends in Provincia), Macedonian forces essentially leave Neapolis to its fate, undefended by any field army or fleet. The garrison itself is fairly strong, but no match for an Egyptian field army. Sophus’ Discipline, after mopping up a small Macedonian remnant near Brundisium, crosses the Apennines against Neapolis.

Sophus easily takes the town. The garrison commander splits his forces, placing mobs and missile infantry on the southern outskirts while his pike levies face Sophus’ infantry advance from the east. Citizen cavalry easily dispose of the light southern force, and then loop through the town to approach its center from the waterfront. The Discipline’s compact infantry column – mixed pike and melee infantry – proceeds into the town. The garrison, beaten down by artillery fire, does not stand for long. Neapolis falls to Egypt. Macedon is expelled from Italy.


Southern outskirts of Neapolis: Citizen cavalry cut light infantry to pieces.


The Discipline infantry column advances into the town.

Overall, Egypt’s position remains unenviable against our sea of enemies. Nabataea’s turmoil renders that province nearly 100% unproductive. The Memphis episode highlights the vulnerability of Egypt’s long coastline; even now, a Bithynian host alights in the Nile delta near Alexandria, while a resurgent Rhodos threatens Cyrene from the sea. The defeat of allied Knossos is sorely felt.

Yet our still-disadvantaged situation slowly improves. Macedon is being slowly pushed back in the West, and the Veneti will soon feel the force of Egyptian arms. Our intelligence network steadily grows, and hopefully will soon improve conditions in Nabataea. Raiding forces threatening Aegyptus, Libya, and Africa are worrisome, but cannot stand against an Egyptian army; it will take time, but they will be hunted down and destroyed. This Great War will continue. With the gods’ blessings, may Egypt continue to enjoy more successes than defeats…and eventually prevail.

[Bramborough]

Part X

Disaster befalls Egypt

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In the final years of Pharaoh Demonax’ reign, Ptolemaic Egypt came under increasing pressure from its many enemies. Egyptian armies remained superior to any foe on the battlefield…but the armies and fleets of well over 20 enemy nations simply could not all be stopped. In a development which had been inevitable since the beginning of the Great War, myriad enemies landed upon Egypt’s shores, avoided its armies, and captured lightly defended towns and cities.

The six main Egyptian field armies, several of them committed to Sicily/Italy, could not stem the incursion; they were stretched too thin.

Italy was abandoned; the Bravado, Courage, and Discipline departed Magna Grecia, briefly recapturing Syracusae from the Ardiaei only to loot the town. Further east, Endurance retained a precarious presence in Nabataea while Fortitude and Audacity withdrew into Aegyptus to counter Bithynian and Rhodan expeditions.

Individual Egyptian armies continued to meet success…within the limits of their own marching speed. Towns were recaptured, but at a slower rate than others are lost. Enemy hosts were destroyed…but for every defeated army, another two would avoid contact to continue their depredations.

Carthago and Cyrene were lost; these capitals were recaptured within a year or two, but in deteriorated state. The imperial economy suffers greatly, struggling with repeated bankruptcy crises and food shortages. Without the ability to consistently support its armies, Egypt reduced their size…and then reduced again.

This state of affairs continued into the reign of the next Pharaoh, Alexon. Each year, Egypt would win some local successes, but its overall position continued to deteriorate. Successive economic shortfalls had reduced several armies to pale shadows of their former selves, compounded by ceaseless campaigning in the frantic attempts to stem the tide.


Heh, this is becoming a very common pop-up at the beginning of each turn....

Alexon saw the writing on the wall. He believed that Egypt could possibly stabilize the situation after a few more years, and perhaps retain a contracted territory in Aegyptus, Aethiopia, Libya, and Africa. These few provinces contained sufficient wealth to support existing armies. Yet the Pharaoh foresaw no way to reverse the tide back toward expansion…and no way to end the endless state of ruinous war. As Chariton had foreseen, Egypt was easily strong enough to defeat any one of its enemies individually, but hopelessly isolated against an implacable alliance consisting of most of the known world.

Before Egypt faces total collapse and foreign conquest, Alexon seeks to end the war. He knows he cannot achieve peace on equal terms and retain Egyptian independence. He must submit. Egyptian envoys travel to Antioch and meet with the Seleucid Emperor. They have often been rebuffed before…but on this occasion they make an unprecedented concession: satrapy.

The Seleucid ruler accepts…and Ptolemaic Egypt as an independent entity ceases to exist.

This pretty much tells the tale. I've recaptured a few of these, but not at the rate that I'm losing them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

So, I’ve decided to end the campaign and AAR here, for several reasons.

First, as Alexon sees, the writing is on the wall. I can probably stabilize this and fend off attacks perhaps indefinitely with my 6 armies. But the existing provinces won’t support any more forces; I can’t expand. I tried to do this in Italy and was doing well there…but that left 3 armies trying to cover everything from Carthage to Petra.

I’ve considered enduring this stalemate for however many turns it takes to fully research the civil trees and develop these provinces to Level IV structures. This would probably enable supporting a couple more armies, and perhaps slowly expand again with more success.

I am, however, already almost 200 turns into this campaign. At this point, I’m looking at an eventual win (maybe) sometime after AD 100 at earliest. The simple fact is, I don’t want to play this campaign that long.

Which brings me to second reason: I’d like to start a new campaign anyway with Patch 7. I know many folks make it normal practice to restart a new campaign with a patch; I haven’t been one of them. Previously, I haven’t had any problems with continuing an existing campaign…nor am I running into any difficulties now with the new patch.

The Imperium changes, however, seem to introduce a different dynamic to the game, particularly in the earlier stages. I want to see how this plays out, and I don’t really want to pound away with Egypt for however many more weeks it takes.

Egypt has been fun to play, it’s a good faction. The unit choices are quite versatile. I’ve gone the pike-centric route, but one could just as easily go a very different path. Perhaps using hoplite armies early, and later developing melee-intensive compositions. Cavalry is plentiful earlier than some other factions. Elephants are available (although I didn’t use any). The no-desert-attrition ability is pretty awesome…it extends to all Egyptian troops, not just the obvious desert types.

I think I failed this campaign in two ways:

First, I simply didn’t expand quickly enough. I really wanted to build a fully-developed military system early, before I built most of my armies. Egypt didn’t do much for many turns while doing so. I had multiple 30+ turn periods of peace. This in itself meant it would be a long campaign, but wasn’t necessarily fatal.

Second, I completely gooned up diplomatically. I pursued trade with anybody and everybody, but ignored alliances. This worked fine as long as I was beating up local desert factions to consolidate on the African continent. When that was complete, however, I was hemmed in on one side by Seleucids, and on the other by expanded Greek factions. All these factions were interconnected with strong military alliances. I had allowed myself to be boxed in.

In retrospect, I should have planned ahead and fostered an alliance bloc from early on. As it was, I did enter into the alliance framework, but as a latecomer. When AI factions had to choose, they went with the higher friend status of longer-standing allies.

As far as Hard difficulty, it was not overly challenging as far as battles and province economy/development. The biggest change, however, was the agent threat. Seleucid agents pretty much took Nabataea out of the game…the place was a disaster of wrecked buildings, unrest, etc.

Anyhoo, so that’s it for the Egypt AAR. Hope folks have enjoyed it. I will certainly continue AAR writing in the future, I enjoy it. But I don’t think I’m going to do an AAR on this next campaign…just want to play more, write less for a while.