Saka AAR(s), Research, or something

[keravnos]

The rebel spawn is mostly attributed to high/very high taxes. Forts help, but if you keep the very high taxes, then "they will come". I have 2 stacks for "rebel control" purposes one for half of my territory. It is hardwired in RTW, from what I know.

[vonsch]

The rebel spawn is mostly attributed to high/very high taxes. Forts help, but if you keep the very high taxes, then "they will come". I have 2 stacks for "rebel control" purposes one for half of my territory. It is hardwired in RTW, from what I know.

Oh, this may work with future plans okay then. Growth is very important for Saka. So running lower taxes isn't a bad thing (aside from the obvious lower income, but that's overcome through growth once you're past the startup pain).

Once you start capturing developed regions, growth is less of an issue, but the need to deal with disorderly populations encourages lower taxes too.

It's true that I was running Sulek on very high taxes mostly.

I could let the bandits just sit there if I actually had real garrisons, but those cost more than the loss in tax income.

[Ravenfeeder]

I've noticed in my Baktrian games that Sulek seems very prone to Bandits. It seems to be one of those provinces that attracts them in large numbers for some reason.

[vonsch]

I've noticed in my Baktrian games that Sulek seems very prone to Bandits. It seems to be one of those provinces that attracts them in large numbers for some reason.

Heh, okay, that does it, I declare Sulek a Baktrian reserve! Now to sack and burn all their other cities...

[vonsch]

248 BC, winter:

Yabghu,

I have departed Haomavarga with the coming of the snow. It appears that Patrokles turned back, or went northwest. Watch for him to join that small army wandering the hills to your east, I'd guess.

Rumor comes that when the Baktrian army left Chighu those who fled their coming reclaimed it. The spy reports that have reached me do not say where that army has gone. My guess would be that it will move southwest back towards you. It might also move towards Gave-Saka though.

I will go tease the garrison at Baktra. Perhaps that will stop the repeated besieging of Marakanda of which I hear Moga complains much now. Has he tired of his hunts already? Or maybe he wishes new conquests rather than defending those he has already made. Send him to Baktra to join me when he chases off the next annoyance. Surely some archers can hold against a few pesky farmers! Or are they more than that? Have more of Theo's grandsons appeared?

Are you enjoying walls? Ah that our brother was here to take your place behind them. He might actually like them.

Ever your servant,

Oxyboakes


Commentary: Heh, I didn't WANT Chighu back! The spawned garrison was five Saka archers, which costs over 1000 mnai a turn and it can't earn a fraction of that. Well, it earns about 700 total. I disbanded one and once the rebeliousness fades, I can trim it to where it's profitable. And if the Baktrians come back four units of archers will extract some serious blood, which is nice.



Uncle,

We have hounded off one more silly band of Baktrians trying to chase us from our pasturage here. The keep sending those large forests of fenceposts lined up in neat rows for the riders to shoot down in neat lines. They look quite pretty in the snow, nice orderly lines of dead fools, spashed about with bright red blood. It makes me think of the slaughter of lambs when too many are born in a spring after a hard winter when we know the grazing will be sparse and poor. Our grazing has been good, though. Those little men with very large spears make tasty fodder!

Satraces drives the slaves to finish the new wall. I don't much like those walls, but he says it will let us leave the town to the foot-archers and ride out again. After he convinced me he means that, I began helping him. I flog the laziest slave I can find in front of the others to inspire them. Of course, that means the one I use as example isn't worth much setting posts, but he wasn't before the flogging either, so the inspiration results in a small gain in productivity. Satraces says so, so it must be so. He has cautioned me from doing it too often though. So I save it for once a week, and spend the rest of the time riding around and around the city looking for the sorriest, lazy soneof-a-Greek for the next week's lesson. I think my presence inspires them as much as the floggings, for some reason. Maybe someone told them I'll leave if they finish the wall.

So, Uncle Oxy retook Haomavarga? And he rides to Baktra? I expect it will be summer before he reaches there, if he doesn't pause too often to sit on his stool and ponder the problems of others. This wall should be finished by then, if I can keep these pesky Batrians from chasing the slaves back into their quarters. I may ride out in pursuit the next time the come, and try to kill them off to the man as a lesson to whatever tyrant they call leader this season. I hear that one that replaced the fool Theodotos is old. Maybe the winter will kill him for us. Though that would be a shame. I'd rather do that myself.

Will you ride to Baktra with us? Or will you sit behind those walls and wait for more Baktrians to come to you? Perhaps that army that burned Chighu will come visiting.

I will deal with them in their time. But first I shall burn Baktra. I hear it has stone walls. Maybe Uncle Oxy will retire behind them for his last seasons. Those will stop the cold winter winds from icing his bones!

Moga



Yet another Siege of Marakanda



A Snowy Sortie (or Sorting out the Baktrians)


Winter Fodder for Bored Saka Riders


Yabghu,

Good news! As you ordered I have secured an alliance with the Arche Seleukieans. I would be wary of trusting them, but this might keep the southern border calm for at least a period when you take Baktra. The Empire is embroiled in a war with the Parthians at present, so that too will distract them. If you can finish this war with the Baktrians, it might also present an opportunity to strike west swiftly while Parthia is facing south. Perhaps a raid sent west to capture the Baktrans outpost that is reported at Mazsakata might swing back through Parthian lands once finished with the Baktrians.

In any case, I continue my travels in these strange lands. I continue seeking maps of use, and trading what I have for others and any mnai I can wrestle from these greedy Greeks.

Ever your humble diplomat,

Shafar




248BC, spring:

Yabghu,

Word has reached me that the Baktrian army returned to Chighu with the last blizzard of the winter. Again the garrison was overwhelmed. Again they fought to the end. I hear tell from those who watched from the hills that nigh half the Baktrian army died there.

I still watch at Sulek.

Hasa





Never Tell Me the Odds



Baktrian Banners through the Trees at Chighu



Another Last Stand at the Chughu Square



The Archers Died Well, II


Hasa's Battle Report from Chighu



Brother Oxyboakes,

That army that Lokaksema slapped and slipped appeared to our east, briefly. Then it ran into Tavrak and his three troops of riders. Some few may be scattered in the forest, but they number in dozens, at most. I do believe he will outdo Moga. He says little, but the troops love him.

He sends no paintings, just his report. That army will pester us no more.

Moga sends that the last Baktrians he chased off hired mercenaries to bolster their courage and are atop the ridge looking over Marakanda yet again. If they delay a season, the wall will be finished. If not, Moga will hunt yet again. They have more horse this time, so it is apt to be a more challenging hunt. Horses run faster than farmers.

I await you in Eschate, or for word you are beseiging Baktra. We know of no Baktrian armies close enough to threaten us here, but those Greeks are tricky, one might rise out of the river to wash over us! I will stay here to keep this town quiet until it is time to see to Baktra's sacking.

Your brother,

Aryandes



Tavrak's Battle Report

(Despite banging the screenshot key repeatedly in the battle, not a single bang took. No screen caps. And I was trying for an interesting one with the last hoplite being chased by two troops of riders and the bodyguards. He lasted a long time, but despite about 10 different tries... no screenie! Lag.)

[vonsch]

247 BC, summer:

Yabghu,

We met with a small interruption to our journey. The Baktrians had sent a small army to try to retake Haomavarga, it seems. It won't be doing that, but the price was higher than I like. Along with some of those archer-spearmen and armored spear throwers, they had a troop of Dahae riders. They weren't as good as my good Sarmatian riders, but they were good enough to cause many deaths.

In any case, I can report that army is no more.

Miyika gave me word that the Baktrian son leading armies against Marakanda has vanished along with his mercenaries. That is not good news. One can't help but wonder in what corner he will again appear to surprise some poor town. I will keep my scouts looking, but Miyika said he didn't think that he came my way.

I will bypass Baktra as my riders are wearied and wounded. They need some fresh mounts and a bit of carousing wouldn't hurt either. Their morale is fine. They are just a bit worn down from the long campaign from Sulek.

We are a season east of Baktra, perhaps two depending on fodder and weather. We will cross over to the north side of the river, and thence climb the ridge to your valley. Mitika says two other spies are in the area and will keep me informed of Baktrian movements around Baktra.

The alliance with the Seleucids is useful. For now. In time they too must be faced and taught respect for the Sakan. Perhaps it will be our sons doing the teaching, but they will be taught.

I return to my saddle. My stool is packed, aye.

How is that wall of Marakanda? I hear tell Lokaksema has compelted it. Perhaps I shall admire Baktra's from across the river as I pass, if the weather is clear.

Ever your loyal servant,

Oxyboakes.


The Wall



Oxyboake's Battle Report



Treasury Report



247BC, fall:

Yabghu,

I have reports from Chighu that the Baktrian army remnants again pulled out of the town. Arsakes says the left but a single unit of those long spears to hold it, but the rest are just out in the hills hiding. Apparently they think to trap more of our cousins into retaking the settlement. But he says our cousins think that's a grand idea, and will probably retake the settlement within a season or two to give the Batrians their wish. He will do what he can to assist them, of course. Perhaps this will be the end of that little army of the Baktrian tyrants!

I have news of Moga's fodder. They move east of Baktra. It appears they either hunt Oxyboakes, or head to reclaim Haomavarga one more time. I'm sure he has arranged to negotiate a steep price for the town again.

I saw him moving west. He has several smaller Batrian armies to deal with or slip. His men did look a bit worn, though they were quite willing to let a few more Baktrans feel some arrows! The battered remnants of their last battle are running west before them. Oxyboakes gave chase, but could not catch them again.

I hear the enemy holds one province to the north and west of you still. To their west is Sauromatae range, so I doubt they will extend in that direction. Our cousins would take exception.

I enclose a report on the garrison at Sulek that Hasa passed along. It remains the remnants of the army that Oxyboakes and the brave garrison battered a bit. He has decided to move in to try to establish a network to provide better information on Batrian plans. He suspects, probably rightly, that Sulek will be the capital soon, so better to move in early than late!

I return to my duties. This is a fine horse I ride indeed. My thanks.

Your servant,

Miyika


The Sulek Garrison Report


247 BC, fall:

Yabghu, Brother, Friend of my milk days,

This may be my last report. I trust Miyika or one of his spies will tell you of my end if that proves to be the case.

I have never felt so hunted. Indeed, I must have somehow inspired true hatred in these Baktrian hounds. After the last defeat of that force moving to the northeast and presumably Haomavarga, I moved west and south across the river into a forest. As it happened, that was the direction the fleeing remnants of Baktrians had gone. We came upon them in a copse and gave chase, but could not catch them. So we pitched camp for a week to rest before continuing on.

Another Baktrian force, one of those spear forest units, stumbled over us probably by accident, but perhaps the cowards running west gave them news of us. In any case, we had time to choose the ground to face them. They stood high up on the side of a hill, thinking to prevent us from charging them or reaching them with arrows. The riders were tired and they numbered less than a full unit from the two they began as after our several battles. They circled around the left and slightly above the Baktrans where they could shoot into the rear of their formation, while my bodyguard and I held the formations attention to the front by feinging charges up at them. The arrows met strong armor and had far less effect than usual. When they were all spent and over one hundred spearmen remained, we moved around to the right and reversed places with the riders. The smalled group moved to the flank of the enemy, the larger, which numbered about 30, moved just out of spear reach in front. We climbed the hill above the spears and turned into a charge formation.

On my signal, a wave of my shield, the riders in front charged quickly into the spears before they could set those long poles properly. While they traded blows with them, I sounded the charge and we crashed down the hill into their rear. Immediately, as I had ordered, the riders pulled back. They took heavy losses, but allowed us to close with a great charge.

The Baktrians were cowed but not yet beaten. I credit their bravery. They did not break until only a couple were left on their feet. I lost a few more of my bodyguard, but the enemy more than paid blood price.

But I fear that was merely the beginning, and we are left with even fewer riders and bodyguards. We can see from here another force, this time a true army, approaching us where we were draw out of the trees by the first attack. As the mounts are blown and our arms are heavy, I see nothing but death as the outcome, unless the gods will some miracle. We cannot run; we are too few left to challenge the hundreds that come. And they have horse and more horse. Were they all footmen we could tired time, even tired as we are, and give them the slip. But I cannot see how we can do that with several hundred horse hounding our trail.

But we shall see what we can do.

Give my love to my two fine sons and to my dear Sabina. I leave this battered stool to Lokaksema, should it be recovered. We shall meet at the walls of Taksashila one day!

Your servant unto death,

Oxyboakes



Beating Down the Last of the Phalanx



Doom, or Destiny?

Commentary: I saw no way to escape that one alive, since they had 4 units of skirmish cavalry to chase Oxy all over the map, and they are faster. So, annoyed and feeling a bit sick at his pending doom, I just autoresolved.



247 BC, winter:

Yabghu,

Do not lose hope of your brother, the heir. Due to the large number of troops in the Baktrian army, and the remnants of his victories about, it was difficult to tell the outcome of the battle, but some good Sakans escaped to ride east into Empire lands! They had no other choice.

From my high perch on a ridge in a jumble of boulders I saw one small troop of riders charge to one flank and another to the other. They together did not number more than two dozen, I think. Your brother and his bodyguard charged into the face of one flank, sending horse scurrying in all directions, but did not pause to fight. They drove behind and into the forest and kept going. The riders distracted the rest for a long time, giving him a good lead, I hope. I could not see more due to the trees.

In my heart I think the Prince is in the east. The Baktrians are guarding the pass as if they hope to catch someone they lost. Perhaps he rides to see Taksashila of which he has often spoken. We should know more before long. I will venture to Kophen to hear what I may of the garrison rumor. Perhaps our new allies have given him shelter there.

Your servant eyes and ears,

Azes



Azes's Battle Report on the Battle of Kophen Pass



Baktrians Guarding the Pass

[vonsch]

246 BC, spring:

Yabghu, Brother,

I am too old for this. It seems my reports of my impending demise were premature. The gods must be laughing themselves silly at their prank, but I will not blush nor complain! The sacrifice of good riders, their willing self-sacrifice, allowed my bodyguard and I to strike through the Baktrians and then escape east. I have left with me 4 riders and my bodyguard.

I write this high above Kohpen in a forest. I admit, in the hurry I forgot they were now allies or I would have risked asking for shelter for the remaining men's sakes. But we have hunting here, and wood to burn for warmth. Wood, a luxury to a steppe-bred rider!

The scouts say the Baktrians are blocking the pass back. If they continue, I will indulge a whim and travel east. We are a short march from the borders of Gandhara. I might, with the spoils of the last two battles, hire some mercenaries here and across the border and see if I can visit Taksashila! Perhaps Azes will come this way seeking me and can go ahead to report if that is a fool's dream, or if the garrison is not too large to have a chance of success.

I shall write as I can. It may be difficult to get messenges out if the Baktrians continue playing border guards.

Ever your servant,

Oxyboakes



An Old Man's Foolish Dream, or Destiny?



Taksashila!



Yabghu,

The following are scouting reports sent to me by men in the field. Moga has arrived at Baktra and seeks to provoke the garrison to come out. He hopes an army to the south will return and challenge him, encouraging the garrison to come to share that army's expected (by them) glory. That will open the gates, he hopes. My spy there says it is clear suicide to try to climb that wall at present. The enemy is watchful and the wall is high, so he cannot hope to survive to open the gates from inside.

There is word that Oxyboakes has returned across the border into Hoamavarga. Azes reports the garrison at Taksashile is very strong with huge beasts that archers ride. Their trumpeting can be heard from across the river where he perches to watch. There are no mercenaries for hire in that whole region, and those available in Kophen would not be half what might be required.

Araskaes reports that Chighu has again revolted from Baktrian rule. No doubt he had a few fingers in that dish. He says he thinks this time it might turn away the Baktrian army which has yet once more returned to try to retake it. Isn't this three times? I am sure they believe it will be the charm that they seek. But if Arasakes is right in his belief, they may have it backwards.

The Tyrant of Baktra has been spotted near you, but I suspect you have that information already. Lakasema had an ambush set to try to snare him, but he turned back east, perhaps on the news from Chighu. I doubt the ambush would have succeeded if the experience of the Gava-Saka garrison can be credited. They attacked a Baktrian noble in the steppe, in a forest. They shot nearly all their arrows from close range at the bodyguard hiding in a copse and managed to kill one horse of about thirty. Either these new riders are very poor with their bows, or pine forests make very superior armor.

Patika, in the far west, reports a small army near our border also, but it's unclear as yet if it is on patrol or coming or going. He will montior it. He said it was mere footmen, one unit each of slings, spears and bows. Something for riders to trample beneath their hooves as they ride past.

I will inform you of events as I hear of them, as always. I expect to hear of a battle at Chighu, another at Baktra soon too.

Ever your servant,

Miyika




Waking from the Dream




The Chighu Report




The Baktra Report



The Tyrant Skulks




The Gava-Saka Report

[Geoffrey S]

Absolutely love your style of writing. It's great seeing the static figures of RTW coming to life through the use of letters with character.

[vonsch]

Absolutely love your style of writing. It's great seeing the static figures of RTW coming to life through the use of letters with character.

Thanks, Geoffrey. It sure slows down play, but, on the other hand, it makes me analyse what is happening more so I miss less (usually).

[vonsch]

245 BC, spring:

Nuncle His Yabghuness,

I'm sorry to be a season (or two) late with these reports, but the Baktrians have been keeping me busy.

It seems your spy network has failed you again. When we teased the garrison at Baktra, to dare them to come out and fight like warriors, instead of simply calling that southern army back, they presented us with a much larger one that was hiding somewhere in a season's march. That was a surprise. I handled it for you, of course. I picked the highest ground I could find (which isn't saying much, it's rather flat there) and spread the riders out in loose formation to let their arrows fall down on the heads of the approaching army. I instructed them to concentrate on the enemies mounted archers and spear throwers first, as those present the greatest danger to us. I, of course, picked my places and charged where it did the most good. Satraces did some of that too.

Then when the riders had emptied their quivers, I made one last charge as the riders pulled back, and rode back north over the bridge myself. We lost a handful of riders, that was it. Oh, and another foolish bodyguard who tried to kill just one more Baktrian. While I admire the sentiment, I do with they would follow orders better. A dead bodyguard can't guard me.

As soon as we got scouting reports, better ones, of the situation, we returned to the bridge to force the Baktrians to attack us again, if they wish either to be rid of us or attempt a move north again. That battle resulted in a few more casualties on our side as the situation was more static. That's always hard on the riders. They performed admirably, as always, and we charged and charged again into any troops straying from the mass at the bridgehead. We managed to tempt the silly Baktrian general into a foolish pursuit of us as we feigned an early withdrawal. The riders had emptied their quivers, so I sent them ahead north to Marakanda for replacements. They had destroyed the light cavalry of the Baktrians again, and inflicted many more losses on the first troops to cross.

I, and Satraces, drew the foolish general away from the main force and then proceeded to encircle him and kill him and his bodyguard. Two units of foot tried to interfere, so once he was dead we charged them a few times to teach them respect, then we too rode north.

I hear you have not been hiding behind walls. And that we have been attacked by the cowardly Parthians. Do you think the bloody defeat you delivered them on a fine Baktrian silver platter will cool their urge to hunt with the true steppe hunters?

We also hear rumors of a new Baktrian tyrant. What know you of that? Are they not running short of sons of the blood to set on their puppet-thrones? The one hiding in Baktra itself is the new tyrant, it is rumored. Antialkidas Marakandaios, is his name, I believe. Perhaps his name explains the rashness with which they have attempted to retake Marakanda. Might we not use that somehow? Feign a withdrawal to draw them away from Baktra? I could hide in the trees on the southern slope of the ridge. Can not a spy be gotten in to open the gates of Baktra? What good are your spies?

I am returned to Marakanda. I hope to get the riders their replacements and return to Baktra as soon as that is done. I wish I had closer replacements than Bin-kath. Can we not migrate some good Sakans to Marakanda? Or at least to Eschate? Then my replacements wouldn't take a year to arrive.

Ever your best general,

Moga, Conqueror of Haomavarga and Marakanda



Report of the First Battle of Baktra:


Were They Hiding in the Trees?


A Failure of Intelligence


No Matter (The riders need larger quivers!)


Report of the Battle of the Bridge:


Situation after the First Battle



The Opposing Forces


The Result


Brother, Prince,

We have killed the Tyrant. But first things first.

I hear you are high on the ridge aiming to cross over in a season or two. Be wary of the Baktrians that Moga has stirred up. They swarm about like steppe bees protecting their hive. There seems to be as many too. Do hurry as best you can. We need you here. The Parthans have decided they too wish war with Sakans, so it would be good to have you defending Bin-Kath or Eschate. And, of course, keeping the taxes flowing to pay for the new riders we will need soon, I suspect.

About Parthia. A small force of katafracts and archers came across the northwest bridge and attacked Bin-kath. We had word from Miyika that they were coming and would probably attack. I moved north to Bin-kath from Eschate to lead the battle. With me I had Lokaksema, who has been governing there, and my grandniece's new husband (who performed well). We had a troop of riders and the garrison archers also. For once we had more men than the enemy. And better men, of course. They had pretty armor and horses. I do envy them that. But they died for all the pretty armor. And the pretty horses were not fast enough that many escaped us.

Miyika says more come, but in small bands. They will be annoying more than a threat. But they will serve the new generation as blooding herds. And we should have some new sons of sons soon, I think.

Back to the tale of the tyrant. He had been skulking about to the northeast of Eschate, but scouts reported he moved into the forest just across the river and was apparently camping there. He had found a troop of those spear-archers to join him so was no longer quite alone. After the battle of Bin-kath I decided we might pay him a visit. We left the riders and garrison to replace their losses, and the three of use rode back south. We caught nim napping, and charged down from a hill on his position in a bowl valley. While Aubheraka kept the spear-archers running (and dying), Lokaksema and I encircled the foolishly brave and rash tyrant and ground him down. He died bravely, fighting to the last. I know not if it was a lack of intelligence, or a wish to meet his fathers again, but it seems strange for him to have come so eagerly to meet death this way. Or perhaps he mean to travel to the western outpost, and simply became lost. Perhaps he thought to slip past our scouts in the confusion of a new war with Parthia. We will never know.

I'm sure you know the news of the south. You are closer to those battles than we are here. Moga, as always, did well in his bleeding the Baktrians. It is unfortunate that Miyika's spies cannot penetrate the defenses of Baktra. But we gave them warning that we do know how to open the gates in those walls with the taking of Marakanda and Eschate, so it is not surprising that their guard is now much better. I fear we will have to use ladders to send some sort of foot troop over the walls to open the gates for our riders. Or starve them out, which will prove a challenge if they keep recruiting mercenaries at the pace they are!

Ah to be rich as Baktrians! Perhaps when we take Baktra we will be, but I suspect not. They seem to have secret ways of drawing gold directly from the air they breathe. Perhaps our spies can learn that trick for us!

Do ride as far and fast as ye dare. We grow old, I would see you again. Perhaps we can send some more Parthians ahead to tend our herds in the next life.

Anyandes, Your Brother







Battle for Bin-kath


Death of the Baktrian Tyrant


Commentary: Imageshack is making using screencaps very painful lately. So I may stop doing that until they get their act together. A shame, I like messing with them and trying to catch cool shots (and documenting opposing forces and such). And it makes it more colorful, literally.


Yabghu,

I have word from Chighu that the Baktrian army did not attempt the garrison again. They were seen last heading into the southwest pass towards you. Expect them in a year or two. Arsakes trails them and will report. Chighu has released much of the garrison to herding. Life goes on.

Hasa at Sulek reports the Baktrians have build a stockade and their usual frivolous temples and theatres. The battered army remains there as an overlarge garrison. They do not appear to be hiring any mercenaries or training new troops.

Your watchful servant,

Miyika



245 BC, fall:

Yabghu, Brother,

I would travel faster if the Baktrians would give me free passage. But they insist upon attempts to collect tolls. One would think they would tire of the death toll. A troop of those archer-spearmen they are so fond of assaulted up atop the ridge, poor fools. They though they since they outnumbered us by a few, would be a fair match. Mayhap if they outnumbered us three to one or more. We lost none. They lost all.

We ride on.

Azes came to find me and gave me word that forces approach you from three directions. Apparently that Chighu army is closing on Eschate and should arrive this season or the next. Also, the army Moga met several seasons back at Baktra moves towards Marakanda, and, as you probably are preparing to meet already, another small group of katafracts and archers will cross the bridge into Kangha this season. He says it's unclear if they will move on Bin-kath again, or head north to Gava-Saka. He also reports a Baktrian heir comes southeast towards Bin-Kath from their western outpost, not far behind the Parthians. I suspect they are allies.

I think your walls are about to be tested.

If the Baktrians come for no more tolls, I may reach one of the two southern cities to be of use.

Oh, Azes also said nothing has been heard from Chighu of late. Do the Baktrians have another army we are unaware of?

Ever your servant,

Oxyboakes


Yabghu!

I have met with success in stirring a revolt in Sulek! The Baktrians are overthrown and ejected. Many were slain in the battle for the streets, more in their sleep! The rest are fled back west, so be watchful and wary. They are still a sizeable army. One troop of those long spears stands outside the town scratching their beards and wondering what to do. The townfolk are too much for them. I counter them and there are 400 farmers with spears, 50 good riders of the Sarmatian style, and another 50 young nobles, a rowdy lot. I think they would give that main Balkan army a stiff battle, perhaps even a thrashing.

That army numbers closer to a thousand than a half, but it is all afoot, so little threat to steppe riders. Be wary of the slingers, though. They are mostly archers, with a few spears mixed in to stiffen them.

I will remain at their heels to report. I suspect they will ride on Haomavarga. But they may take the northwest pass to come upon Eschate.

Oh, word has also reached me of merchants turned back from Chighu. I fear there is a plague in the town. None are allowed to enter nor leave.

Your ears and eyes in the east,

Hasa



Oxyboakes, Brother,

We have sent another small army of Parthians on to tend our horses in the next life. It was hardly a fight to warm the blood. They did not even outnumber us, though most of them wore that pretty armor and rode those pretty horses again. We met them in a forest and they led us a merry chase before we brought them to bay. After we speared the general and his katafracts, we crushed the riders. Our riders mostly trampled their archers, then we left the last of their riders for ours to chase. Seven escaped them into the thickest part of the forest where they lost track.

It is good to hear that you are yet getting some exercise. Too much sitting in the saddle is weakening for the heart. One must also fight on occasion, no? Hurry on, for we have fights for you here! The Baktrians shall be at the walls this winter or in the spring. I suspect we may abandon Haomavarga again. We can always reclaim it later. The garrison there is not small, but it is native archer-spearmen, not Sakans. I am sure they will draw much blood before the end, in any case. They have no love of Greeks either.

Sixty-one winters! I indeed grow old. But I have not yet lost the heart to fight! Ask the next Parthian you meet fleeing back west.

Your milk-brother,

Aryandes


Yabghu,

I am in Kiat with Patika and Gobusan, so my reports may be infrequent for a season or two. Patika sent word that the garrison here is very small and lax, so I thought we might try a bit of hive-poking to see what wasps or bees might swarm out to sting the Parthians in their own nether regions. If nothing comes of it in a season or two, Gobuzan and I will return to watching the western marches. When we departed them for here, there were no Parthians within several seasons march that we could see. There are several small armies about, but all in their own lands as of now. I suspect their main attention remains on our allies, the Seleukids, to the south and west.

Arta, who is at Margiane exchanging pleasantries with the governor there, sends that the two embarrasments that were the results of the first two Parthians expeditions into Kangha have not cowed them. They will not cease their foolishness, nor agree to discuss reparations. He will continue distracting them until we can extract our own reparations.

You hands in secret places,

Miyika

[vonsch]

245 BC, winter:

My Yabghu and Favorite Nuncle!

Ah, I do so love killing Baktrians! One unprounceable Greek, Highspastic Filadelfull or something, brought a near reasonable army to besiege us. I begin to like these walls, they are like horse manure, they draw interesting insects to be fed upon. We used the gate (the best part of a wall) and rode to meet them. They, as is the custom for Bactrians, fled immediately. They are shy, these Bactrians, when they are in the lands of others.

So we gave chase. I rode down some skirmishers, but left a few for Satraces and young Tavrak. He does ride well, that Tavrak, even if he is quiet. The riders poured out and began adding leaves in the form of arrows to the forest of spears. It may be winter, but it was as if it were autumn. How the leaves did fall as if a veritable wind of death itself blew!

Even the good Sakan foot archers charged out to join the falling leaves. They are quick for those without horses.

We rode on to catch the archer-spearmen before they could escape. I, and Satraces, charged into them as they fled, routing them instantly. Then we slew them all. Yes, every one. Not a single man afoot escaped us!

But the cavalry had fled, the cowards. To a Baktrian a horse is nothing more than a means of retreat. I am unsure if we caught a single horseman, so swiftly did they charge away from us! Aye, in flight the Baktrian cavalry is a lion! Or a steppe rabbit.

Oh, I heard from Miyika to be wary of Bactrian spies. He believes the whole exercise was nothing more than a feint gone badly (for them) to allow a spy to enter the city and set in place to open the gates for a follow on attack. He sent us one Vispavarman who was watching the marches for Parthians to counter the move. I know not if I believe him, he is so often wrong, but caution cannot harm us. If a few Parthians slip through to greet us here, so much the better!

This time I need no replacements. The riders took no losses. The Bactrian archers were too musy fleeing to fire any arrows.

I would ride on Baktra again, but I think it more prudent to move to support young Aubheraka at Eschate. That army from Chibhu might press him more than he is prepared for.

I think the archers here can prevent a return of the Baktrians. Horses do not climb ladders well, I am told.

If you ride south, we might share a cup and a whore to cheer along the dead Parthians and Baktrians to tend our herds.

Your Favorite Nephew,

Moga, Defender of Marakanda



244 BC, spring:

Yabghu and Brother,

I arrived at Eschate in time to meet Tavrak and Aubheraka riding out at the head of five troops of riders. They invited me to join them, so I did. It seems the Baktrians coming from Chighu rode past Eschate, either to join the remnants of the earlier battle at Marakanda, or directly to Marakanda. In any case, we chose to follow and attack from their rear. The two troops you sent south did not arrive in time to join us, but I'm sure Mogu will find work for them soon.

I have never been in a battle with so many riders. We were a great herd, drving before us the Baktrians as if we were a steppe fire blaszing through the grass with the speed of the wind. And, oh, the thunder of our hooves! I feel young again, at least for today.

We rode up to the crest of a ridge and there they lay below us, looking up to us against the sky and trembling at the doom they knew would fall upon them in a torrent. And we did. Our riders shot until they were arrowless, then they too charged, but by then the Baktrians were mostly fleeing. Some our riders chased from the field, others they rode down. Ah, glorious day! That army is scattered remnants of cowards.

Tavrak commanded and did well. But, in truth, it was no challenge for a Sakan.

I will ride to Eschate and collect taxes there until I am needed elsewhere.

Ever your servant,

Oxyboakes


244 BC, summer:

Yabghu,

As expected, Haomavarga has been taken again, but that army expelled from Sulek. The price was dear. Our native allies earned their pay. I expect at least parts of that army will move this way before the year is out. But it is all foot, and no threat where we have riders.

Word has arrived with a caravan that the plague in Chighu has subsided. The town has shrunk greatly, but will survive.

Antialkidas masses another army, mostly the remnants of the last, just below the ridge at the border south of Marakanda. It will, no dount, move on Marakanda before long. But the garrison at Baktra is slim indeed. I do wish I could slip in to try to grease some palms and the gate hinges. But his security is very tight. Tell Moga to continue being wary at Marakanda of the Baktrian spy. I believe he has insinuated himself in the city, but have not yet found him. I will take up that task myself as open gates would defeat the walls rather nicely, as we know.

The Baktrian heir roams north of Marakanda also. Perhaps Moga can catch him decorate the Marakandian gate with his head. That might give notice to the Baktrians of their fate.

There is no word of further Parthian incursions. There is a band of Eletheroi bandits in western Sogdiane, if any of the younger commanders need training. It is mostly farmers, with one unit of medium lancers, so tell whoever decides to deal with them to go prepared for some resistance, at least. There was a small Parthian army forming outside Nisa, but it has vanished from our scouts. It may have gone west or south. If not, we shall find it. The marches are not forested enough to hide long.

Your eyes and ears,

Miyika


Nuncle,

Tavrak took the rider troops and hunted the Baktrian heir, but despite slaying his whole bodyguard, he escaped alive. He owns a very fleet horse and rides well, at least when fleeing. It cost me several riders, who fell to their fellows' arrows in the enhuberance of the hunt, but it was worth the attempt. His head would have looked nice in a pot of wine. I might have delivered it in person to Baktra before long.

We await the passing of the summer heat, then we will fight again either outside the fence here or somewhere near Baktra. If here, in the fall, otherwise probably winter. If the tyrant finds no more troops, I think Baktra will fall, though we may have to starve them out. Reinforcements would have to come from far away now. Haomavarga cannot supply any troops of great value, though he might look to hire mercenaries one more time. It seems they would raise their prices to him considering how rarely his mercenaries live to enjoy their pay!

Back to the new greek wench I've found. She is teaching me new greekish ways. I leave of what to your imagination!

Your nephew,

Moga, Conqueror of Baktra