Battle for the Silk Road - a Baktrian AAR

[Sheep]

Hello and welcome to my first-ever AAR. I'm playing as Baktria. The story will be told from the viewpoint of my faction leader (which may change) every few years or so, starting in 260BC. I'm sorry if it's too long, I tend to write too much. You can always stop reading and look at the pictures if you like! So, with no further ado...

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CHAPTER ONE - Sunrise in the East

(260BC)

Greetings traveler! Welcome to Alexandropolis! I am Theodotos Baktrios, Satrap of Baktria and the East in the mighty Arche Seleukeia. I trust you have enjoyed the hospitality so far? Good, good. My retainer tells me you are interested to know the recent history of this realm. He also assures me you are not a spy. You're not a spy, are you? Hmmm... I suppose you would not tell me if you were. Ah, well. What I am about to tell you may be one of the worst-kept secrets in the Empire.

I would be King of Baktria.


Theodotos Baktrios, Lord of Baktria and the East

True, I have maintained my loyalty to Antiochos thus far. But his war with Egypt preoccupies him. Every year the hordes of the steppe grow stronger. Every year their raids on our lands grow bolder. We send word of our troubles to Seleukeia, but Mesopotamia is a long way from Baktria. Antiochos cannot spare us an army. So we must look to our own defenses.

So far I have united the people of Sogdiana and Ferghana under my banner. While not technically independent from the Empire, we essentially have complete autonomy. The gold of two Silk Road cities, Marakanda and Alexandreia Eschate, flows into my coffers, not those of Antiochos. And one day, we will have our freedom.

I am not alone in my ambitions. The Marakandaios clan, first family of Sogdiana, is powerful and popular, a true rival to my own Baktrios family. Twenty years ago, I married my daughter Kleophia to Patrokles, head of the Marakandaioi, and named him Satrap of Sogdiana. My daughter has given him four children, two sons and two daughters. Patrokles is a treacherous dog, but firmly entrenched in Marakand, with unparalled influence there. It would take the power of Zeus-Ahura Mazda himself to move him now. Luckily he is also a quite capable governor and keeps his tribute flowing into my treasury. About ten years ago, I married my other daughter, Melissa, to Arsakes Rhoteios. He is a Hellene, and a far more steadfast and loyal one than that dog Patroklos.


Patroklos Marakandaios, Satrap of Sogdiana

Around the same time, I recognized the need to annex more territory, so I set my sights on Paropamisadai, land of the eagles. You have no doubt heard of the mountains there -- they reach up to the heavens themselves. I left my son and heir Diodokos to govern from Baktra, while through the passes towards Kophen I led a small force, consisting mainly of archers, but also phalangites and some Median cavalrymen who came to Baktria long ago and have been loyal since. Patroklos sent me some of his excellent mounted Dahae archers as well. It was a short battle, and in the end we were victorious. Paropamisadai became a satrapy of my future kingdom.

Kophen has been loyal since its capture, quick to see the wisdom of Hellenic ways. The wealth which rolled in allowed me to develop our other provinces and support my army. After securing Kophen with local militia and installing Arsakes as governor, I took my men north to Sogdiana to fend off raiders from the steppe. With the countryside finally pacified, I sent my troops back to their farms and took up residence in Alexandreia Eschate, Megas Alexandros' farthest settlement.


Kophen, high in the Kaukasos Indicos

The next five years were relatively peaceful, and I sent trustworthy men to parley with other realms and, of course, gather information. We met and made agreements with many Asian peoples, including the Pahlavi, the Hai, the Sakae, and the Kingdom of Pontus. An emissary from Egypt arrived in secret, and I assured him I meant no ill will towards his masters, the Ptolemies.

Then some alarming news came to my ears. With a stalemate in the west, the armies of Antiochos began creeping eastwards. Seleucid armies occupied Gedrosia and began to threaten Arachosia, just south of my realm! Although I have not yet conquered India, I do not wish for Antiochos to do it first! I resolved to conquer Arachosia for myself, to block Antiochos' advance into India. I called up my loyal Hellenes, and with all the gold in my treasury, I hired mercenaries and levied local troops. With Arsakes as my lieutenant, my loyal Medes, a large phalanx, Persian skirmishers, and masses of archers both on foot and horseback, I traveled south. After nearly two years of marching, we arrived outside the gates of Alexandropolis in Arachosia, just in time to see a Seleucid army retreating back to Gedrosia with its tail between its legs. Although the Arachosians had beaten back Antiochos' men, they had taken heavy losses themselves and were no match for my army. Alexandropolis fell into my control far more easily than I had expected. I made Arachosia my new satrapy and sent most of my men back to their farms. And here you find me today, traveler.

I have made a home here in Arachosia for the last several years. Let me tell you briefly what has happened since my conquest. Renewed fighting with Egypt has drawn Antiochos' armies back westwards. My diplomats have also moved farther to the west, visiting the mighty Sauromatae of the steppe, the fierce Getai, and finally entering blessed Hellas herself. I have made an alliance with Epeiros, although at this distance it is little more than a formality. Pahlava has officially split from the Empire, and while they have assured me that they mean no harm to my lands, I have eyes there to make sure they keep their promises, and to learn from them as I prepare to declare my own independence. To the north, my Saka allies have been loyal so far, content to spread their dominion across the steppe instead of into the settled lands under my control, although who but the Gods can say when the barbarians will betray me?

Patrokles' sons have come of age and seem to be as capable as their father, although no doubt they hold greater loyalty to him than to me. I have installed them in Kophen and Alexandreia Eschate for now. Arsakes remains here with me. My son Diodotos is in charge of our homeland, where his skill at governance is fast becoming legendary. No doubt he will be a fine king after I am gone.


Diodotos, heir to Baktria

My grandson Agathokles has also come of age and we have decided to blood him early. A large band of brigands -- steppe barbarians and sniveling Persians -- has been threatening Marakanda. I have sent my grandson north with some men to deal with them. We can't have Patrokles' sons outdoing their future king, now can we?

So now you know everything that I do, traveler. Well, perhaps not quite everything. But you are a busy merchant and no doubt you have business elsewhere. I too have important affairs of state which require my attention. Farewell, traveler. Safe journeys. Perhaps we shall meet again.


Map of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia (260BC)

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Next time: A major battle is fought. Who will win? Will Baktria finally become truly independent? Find out in Chapter 2!

[Cataphract_Of_The_City]

Nice AAR...i like the pov!

[Pelopidas]

Just keep it this way :]

[Warmaster Horus]

Indeed, nice AAR. Keep it up!
Not many Baktrian AARs around here, I believe.

[CaesarAugustus]

Great AAR, Sheep! I love how the king actually narrates the story to the reader, and AARs on eastern powers are so rare. Baktria is quite possible my favourtie eastern faction. Keep up the good work, I look forward with impatience to the next chapter.

[Sheep]

Thanks for the feedback. I hope I can keep it up.

I forgot to mention my house rules, I dunno if that's so important to you but I see it on other peoples' AARs so I figured I'd give mine out too.

I'm not playing with a ton of rules except:
1) No cheats (except toggle_fow to take screenshots of the map)
2) My armies must include at least two phalanx units and be led by a general.
3) My kings must come from the ruling family (Baktrios), and the crown passes from father to (preferably oldest) son. If there is no direct heir, the crown can pass to an uncle or cousin (by blood, not marriage) in the same family. If there is no heir in the family, the crown can go to a new family, but that starts a new dynasty with the same rule of succession.
4) I must disband all non-mercenary units with less than 2 bronze chevrons after a war is over, with the exception of pantopadoi or militia-type units as city garrisons. This simulates soldiers being sent back to their farms after the war ends. However, veterans would retain their experience, so highly experienced units need not be disbanded.
5) I may only use Very high tax rate when an army is actively campaigning. EXCEPT for recently conquered cities, where any tax rate may be used for 10 years after conquest to simulate tribute/plunder/etc.
6) Map info for map info only, I can't receive any money for it.
7) No hard and fast rule on this, but I must try to play slow, roleplay, and not blitzkrieg the world. I'm playing Baktria, not 1930s Germany.

[Sheep]

Chapter 2 - Betrayal in the East

(255 BC)

Greetings once again, traveler! I trust your journey through the mountains to Kophen was uneventful? It has been quite a while since the last time we spoke! We are both a little older, although still healthy as bulls, eh? I am nearly into my seventh decade now, yet still I rule Baktria with a strong arm and a clear mind. My retainer tells me you wish to hear more of the story of our realm. I believe we left off before my grandson's northern campaigns, yes? Ah, see! This old mind has not gone foggy yet, praise be to Athena and Apollo!

Five years ago, I told you that I was allied with the Saka tribes to the north. Well, not even three seasons after you departed, the treacherous dogs betrayed me! A small group of minor Saka noblemen raided my lands around Alexandreia Eschate. Zoilos Marakandaios and a small group of locals chased them off. The Sakae, those lying snakes, promised me the leader of the raid was a rogue noble and even had him executed in front of Zoilos himself. However, it was not long before a much larger Saka horde moved in, this time from the East!

Luckily, if you remember, I had just sent my grandson Agathokles to deal with some brigands. After sending those dogs scurrying back to their mothers' teats, my grandson turned his attention towards the greater Saka threat. I was too far to the south to get there in time, so I authorized him to call up my Hellene loyalists, as well as many native men to serve in our phalanx. Agathokles also levied many foot bowmen and hired some mercenary horse archers. I sent my loyal Medes and some Arachosians, Patroklos sent a contigent of Dahae horse archers, my son Diodotos sent heavily-armoured Baktrian lancers, and of course both Agathokles and his lieutenant Mithroaxos (my granddaughter Galatea's otherwise useless husband) brought their hetairoi. A truly mighty force!


Baktrian force - Battle of Alexandreia Eschate (257BC)

The Saka force consisted almost entirely of horse archers, including some which dismounted upon arrival on the battlefield to increase the range of their bows. They were led by a captain named Vonones, who was not a member of the royal family, but nevertheless rode to battle with a group of noblemen. They approached Alexandreia from the east and set to pillaging the countryside. Agathokles' force came from the west and met them just on the other side of the city.

When the battle was joined, the Sakae had taken a position on the side of a great hill east of the city. However, the top of the hill was not occupied. Agathokles saw his opportunity to take the high ground. He first deployed the phalanx at the bottom of the hill and slowly marched them upwards. His phalanx drew the fire of many of the Saka archers, but their long sarissae and armor knocked aside most of the storm of arrows. There were still casualties, but this was acceptable as the phalanx was merely a distraction. While the Sakae rained arrows down on our phalangitai, Agathokles' bowmen raced up the hill to the south. After they had reached a certain height, he and his entire force of cavalry rode swiftly up the hill behind them. Many of the Sakae saw this threat and raced over to cut his men off. However, they were turned away by the withering fire of my grandson's archers, and his cavalry gained the top of the hill!

He left his horse archers at the summit to send arrows down into the backs of the Sakae and arrayed his lancers so that the barbarians were surrounded! To the west was his phalanx, downhill and marching slowly upwards. His archers, many of whom also carried horse-killing spears, were to the south and moving in to bring the entire Saka horde into range. His steppe archers, Arachosians, and Baktrian lancers were at the top of the hill to the east, and Agathokles himself, along with Mithroaxos and my Medes, were to the north! Seeing their plight, several groups of barbarian dogs tested his men, but they were quickly cut down by both arrow and lance.


Saka forces surrounded by Baktrians - Battle of Alexandreia Eschate (257BC)

Agathokles himself led the charge as the hetairoi and the Medes crashed into the Saka foot archers from the north. Mere seconds later, the Baktrian lancers hit the same formation from the east. Some of the barbarians were flung into the air and many others were simply obliterated from the impact of hundreds of armoured lancers charging downhill!


Baktrian cavalry, led by Prince Agathokles, charging Saka ranks - Battle of Alexandreia Eschate (257BC)

To their credit, the Saka archers were very brave and held their ground, even as my grandson's cavalrymen cut them down left and right after the devastating charge. However, it was not long before his phalangitai arrived from the south and sent them fleeing. His archers had annihilated most of the enemy horse archers by this point, but with many of his men engaged, Agathokles could not prevent some of the barbarians from slipping off the field, including almost all of the cowardly Saka noblemen! Some of his light cavalry pursued them, but gave up the chase when it became clear the enemy had lost their taste for fighting. More than three-quarters of the Saka on the field were killed in this battle, including every single warrior on foot. Meanwhile, Agathokles had lost less than a tenth of his men! An exceedingly clear victory for my grandson!


Final results - Battle of Alexandreia Eschate (257BC)

After spending the winter in Marakanda and recruiting a few more men to replace his casualties, Agathokles again set off on campaign against the Sakae. And this time, we took the offensive! His army marched north and by the end of summer, was deep into Sakae territory. A large contingent of barbarians attacked his forces there, but were beaten back without a single sword, pike, or lance being raised! His archers laid waste to the barbarians before they could even close for combat and sent them running back to the steppe. In autumn he reached a village, whose name consisted of some ridiculous barbarian babble. Bin-Kath or somesuch. It was a small village, but it held a large prize -- Lokaksema, son of the barbarian king and heir to the crown! The prince led a group of horsemen armored more heavily than any we have ever seen! Agathokles' men took to calling them kataphractoi. Skillfully using his horse archers, Agathokles managed to lure Lokaksema's men between his phalanx and his hetairoi, which made short work of them. Lokaksema was the only man to escape the trap, but he was killed in the fighting as Agathokles captured the village.

To punish the Saka for their betrayal, Agathokles put nearly the entire population to the sword, looted every last bit of wealth, and then razed the village to the ground. Normally we Baktrians are more tolerant towards the conquered, but a lesson needed to be taught! Agathokles, despite being little more than a boy, has already made quite a name for himself as a general!


Agathokles Baktrios, Prince of Baktria, son of Crown Prince Diodoros

Not long after that, a far more insidious betrayal took place. Know that I always had an understanding with Antiochos. He was very lenient with our people as long as we sent him his proper tribute. However, Antiochos is no more. His son Theodoros is now Emperor. I spit on his name! Last year, while my people were celebrating Agathokles' triumphs against the Sakae, my son-in-law and lieutenant Arsakes was at his winter camp in Aria. There, with no provocation whatsoever, he was ambushed -- murdered -- by Theodoros' men! Clearly Theodoros meant to remind me who was the true ruler of Baktria. However, his actions have had the opposite effect! Baktria, along with the rest of my territories, is now in open rebellion! I have been declared King of Baktria and the East!

I have not wasted time in making preparations for war. I used the spoils of our victory over the Sakae to raise a new army, which I have placed under the command of my other grandson Heliokles. My diplomats quickly made visits to the capitals of Theodoros' enemies: Alexandreia in Egypt, where I allied myself to the Ptolemies, and to Nisa, where I made an alliance with the Pahlavi. I also sent agitators to Antiocheia in Margiana and to Alexandreia in Aria. The people there, who bear no more love for Theodoros than I do, quickly threw off his yoke!

Theodoros made his moves as well. A small force lay siege to Baktra itself until my son Diodotos, the crown prince, scattered them to the four winds. My new allies the Pahlavi also broke a siege of their capital around the same time. My spies reported the advance of another Seleukid army towards my holdings in Arachosia. With all my forces concentrated in the north, sadly I had no army to defend my rights in the south. I was forced to abandon Alexandropolis six months ago, destroying all I had built there save the temples. After all, gold is important, but what man can achieve glory with the Gods against him? The natives were quick to take back their territory, and I wish them luck in defending it from Theodoros.

So this is why you find me here in Kophen today. I will be back in Arachosia one day. For now, I am simply fighting for survival. Maintaining two standing armies has left me in debt deeper than Hades. To raise money, I have sent Heliokles into Margiana, and Agathokles into Aria. Perhaps the people there will see the wisdom in joining me against Theodoros. If words cannot convince them, my grandsons' armies certainly will.

You have come at an interesting time, traveler. It has pleased me to talk to you, but now I'm afraid I have many preparations to make for the coming winter, and for the spring which follows! I wish you safe journeys, and you are welcome to the hospitality of my kingdom anytime.


Map of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia (255BC)

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Next time: Twin sieges as Baktria faces off against the Empire. Who will rule the East? Can Theodotos carve out a kingdom? Find out in Chapter 3!

[Boyar Son]

This is some nice narration!

[Pelopidas]

Good !

I must ask, what is your difficulty level ?
Never seen the Ptolemaïc and Pontos survived the Seleukid in Vh, and there they carve out good portions of Seleukid territories.

[Sheep]

I am playing on VH/M. It's still early in the game, so the Seleukids haven't really had a chance to push the Pontics into the Black Sea or to conquer Egypt just yet. They have gone hog-wild in the Arabian Peninsula and southern Asia Minor though, and also have been steadily moving eastwards. They've attacked Patala on the very eastern border of the map twice already and had their asses handed to them twice as well.

Then there are those troublesome Baktrians providing an inconvenient distraction as well.

[Pelopidas]

Very interesting...in my own campains, Alexandria falls into Seleukid hands around 260, for the lattest.
And even when I'm sending 10 000 denaris per turn to the Ptolemaoï, those decadents bastards aren't even able to keep the Levantine coast.

I'm surprised by your Pontos, in fact, good thing :]

[Sheep]

So... I can't roleplay every battle. This is what happens when you attack an army consisting of over 50% archers with no archers of your own.

[alatar]

Captian Minnio, the worse general in the world.

[Intranetusa]

They should make it so you can conquer the Silk Road from Rome to Seres (China).
So you can connect the silk road from east to west and get rid of the middlemen (Parthians).

btw, historically, didn't the Romans buy silk only after Crassus's defeat at Carrahe? Not sure...

[Warmaster Horus]

"They", if you're talking about the EB staff, have already done something extraordinary, and (supposedly) have lives. What you're asking would be to go up to China, which I don't think is really possible.

As for silk buying, I believe that the Romans bought silk from the Parthians before; Crassus wanted glory, and any excuse for war served (not sure here). But before Crassus' expedition in the East, they were trading partners, and anyway, the Censors had probably forbidden silk from being worn in public. If the SPQR series (by John Maddox Roberts) is historically accurate on all points, then Rome certainly did buy silk before the Battle of Carrhae.

[Intranetusa]

"they were trading partners, and anyway, the Censors had probably forbidden silk from being worn in public."

I thought silk was forbidden because it was a sign of decadence since so much money was flowing out of Rome to buy it?..Cuz Rome started to buy craploads of silk after a peace treaty with Parthia years after Carrahe.

dunno, maybe I have the timeline confused...

[Sheep]

"They", if you're talking about the EB staff, have already done something extraordinary, and (supposedly) have lives. What you're asking would be to go up to China, which I don't think is really possible.

Well, they do have the Tarim Basin, which is part of China today (Xinjiang). So you're pretty much all the way there at that point. It's just next door... a few thousand miles next door anyway.

[Sheep]

Chapter 3 - War in the East

(249 BC)

Welcome, traveler, to the heart of our kingdom. The mighty city of Baktra. Klearchos here tells me you have come to see my father. Alas, he is not well. Perhaps you may visit him later, but for now he is with the priests. I am told my father was accustomed to telling you tales of our kingdom? Well, I would not want to disappoint!

You no doubt know who I am. Diodotos Baktrios, Crown Prince of Baktria, of course. While my father is still nominally the king, he is sadly in no shape to rule our lands. It is with a heavy heart that I have relieved him of that duty.


Diodotos Baktrios, Crown Prince of Baktria, and some of his retinue

I understand my father last received you in the year that the war with Theodoros began? Did he tell you of our opening maneuvers? He did? Perfect, I shall begin there.

After my brother-in-law Arsakes was most brutally murdered in his camp seven years ago, my father wasted no time in making preparations for war. His first action was creating a second army. He placed it under the command of my second son Heliokles. The first, you remember, was under my oldest son Agathokles. Now I am no general. I am not ashamed to admit that most of my fighting is done with merchants and diplomats. But Ares did see fit to bless me with two sons who could lead their armies across the Styx itself!


Agathokles Baktrios, Prince and Commander of the First Army of Baktria


Heliokles Baktrios, Prince and Commander of the Second Army of Baktria

At the same time, the neighboring satrapies of Margiana and Aria revolted from Theodoros' rule. This was our doing, of course. My father did love his spies. It was in our interest to receive them into our kingdom, both for the money it would bring in, as well as to create a buffer territory between us and the Arche Seleukeia. Sadly, they did not see it the same way. But that is why men create armies, is it not? Heliokles easily captured Antiocheia Margiane, while Agathokles met greater resistance in Alexandreia Ariana, although it too was captured. In fact, I believe both satrapies fell under our control in the same summer, five years ago. Once our supremacy was clear, father allowed both new satrapies a great deal of autonomy. Also, if you recall, my father had abandoned his holdings in Arachosia in the wake of an approaching army. However, after our control was lifted, the Arachosians themselves rose up to defend their homes and sent that army westwards in tatters!


Fighting on the streets of Antiocheia Margiane (254BC)

Sadly, that was not Theodoros' only army. About a year after our capture of Aria, another appeared on our western border and shortly lay siege to Alexandreia Ariana. This large army, swollen with mercenaries, was led by a Hellene named Philetairos Epiphaneion Kilikes. My son Agathokles was here in Baktra at the time, re-equipping his army and recruiting more men. When word reached the capital, he immediately deployed southwards. Before left, he told me of his excitement at the opportunity to lead his men in a real Hellenic battle, phalanx against phalanx, instead of skirmishing with the disorganized barbarian rabble in the north!

Luckily, the garrison in the city held out until autumn, long enough for Agathokles' men to arrive from the north. Agathokles had sent some of his mounted archers ahead to search for and eliminate any of Philetairos' scouts. Amazingly, the barbarians were loyal and almost no word of my son's approach reached the enemy! They had less than a day to prepare, and could only set up a position in the plain below the city. My son arrived from the hills to the north.

With the upper ground already in hand, Agathokles set to marching his phalangitai down the hill towards the enemy. Philetairos had a larger phalanx and more men, it is true, but my son had the better position. Their range increased by their greater height, his archers rained arrows down on top of the enemy, concentrating on the men with bows. When their archers came forward in an attempt to return fire, my son's men sent them down to meet Hades! Most of the enemy bowmen were annihilated before they could even notch their bows!


Baktrian forces face the Seleukid army - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

Most of Philetairos' men held their ground in the plain even in the face of Agathokles' archers, and the two phalanx lines grew steadily closer. Some of the enemy heavy cavalrymen were sent to attack the levy soldiers on the left flank, but Agathokles sent his own heavy cavalry charging to cut them off.


Baktrian cavalry defends against flankers - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

Finally the lines met, and Agathokles tells me that the sound of those two walls of shields, armor, and sarissae crashing together was like nothing he had ever heard before. Both sides attempted to push the other back. Agathokles' men had the higher ground, but Philetairos simply had more men, so neither side gained ground.


Seleukid (left) and Baktrian (right) lines meet - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

As the phalangitai struggled, Philetairos wisely sent some of his lighter troops, the thureophoroi, around our right flank. The men on the right were our best Hellene veterans, but now they were beset on three sides! Disaster awaited, but my son quickly dispatched some of his Persians to deal with the new threat. Many of his archers dropped their bows, picked up their spears, and charged to defend our right flank!


Baktrian eransahr arshtbara defend the right flank - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

Meanwhile, on the left flank, Agathokles' cavalrymen, led by his lieutenant, Mithroaxos, had finished off almost all of Philetairos' own heavy cavalry. Agathokles joined them and wheeled his cavalry around the open flank to get behind the enemy lines. Philetairos' remaining archers and skirmishers fled in terror as they came charging forwards.


Agathokles leads Baktrian heavy cavalry behind Seleukid lines - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

Philetairos saw that his defeat was at hand, but had the courage to lead his few remaining bodyguards at Agathokles. Despite his bravery, he was soon sent to join his ancestors. With their general dead, no cavalry support, and determined Baktrians in front and now behind as well, the enemy knew they had no chance of victory. The rout was on!


Seleukid mercenaries routing - Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

During the battle, very few of the enemy phalangitai had perished. But now that their formations had dissolved, the slaughter began. Baktrian heavy cavalry, horse archers and foot soldiers ran down the enemy, killing thousands of men on that plain. I am sure a few escaped into the hills, but the vast majority would never again see their homes or families. No doubt thousands of mothers were wailing back home in the West. But that is the way of war.


Final results of the Battle of Alexandreia Ariana (253BC)

This battle will no doubt go down in history as one of the greatest Baktrian victories, or as one of the greatest disasters in the history of the Arche Seleukeia. It all depends on who is telling the tale, does it not? My son Agathokles is now renowned across the kingdom for his victories against our two greatest enemies. But he was not done yet! Fate was once more on our side.

With Philetairos temporarily in control of Aria to the north, Theodoros sent his army in Drangiana eastwards into Arachosia. As you may recall, the Arachosians had already defeated him once, but he was determined to take the region. Perhaps it was symbolic, since my father had abandoned it. However, Theodoros had not anticipated such a smashing defeat outside of Alexandreia Ariana! Now there was nothing between Agathokles and the city of Propthasia but grass and dirt! Drangiana is rich with gold mines, but we had not intended to take it, at least not so soon. But with the apple unguarded and ripe for the plucking, it would have been unthinkable not to reach for it!

Agathokles reinforced the garrison in Alexandreia Ariana and waited out the winter there. As soon as the snows began to melt, Agathokles left the city in the charge of Antialkidas Marakandaios, son of Patroklos, and marched south. Theodoros' commander in Arachosia had spent the winter seiging Alexandropolis and was reluctant to lift the siege. This spectacularly unwise decision allowed Agathokles to march directly for Prophthasia, which he reached by the end of the year. Desperate to protect the city, a minor general by the name of Dion Sittakenekos raised an army of mercenaries and attacked our men in the middle of winter, if you can believe it! Agathokles killed the fool and smashed his army in a victory so one-sided it cannot truly even be called a battle.


Median cavalry of the Seleukid army charge through arrow fire outside Propthasia (252BC)

After the battle outside its walls, Prophthasia fell to Agathokles without a siege. Drangiana and its gold mines were ours!


Baktrian horse archers fire on Seleukid heavy cavalry outside Propthasia (252BC)

The next year was also eventful. Unbeknownst to us, Theodoros had been making inroads into India. He captured Patala, a great city in the mouth of the River Hindus, in the spring. However, the Indikoi would have none of his rule and revolted against the weak garrison the next summer. Surprisingly, however, instead of returning to their former masters in India, who could not protect them from their enemies, they turned to my father for protection! The region of Sind is monstrously wealthy, with a thriving seaport, rich farmland in the river delta, and enormous gold mines. He had always talked of conquering territory in India, but never in his wildest dreams did he expect this! Of course my farther had no choice but to accept.

In the north, the Sakae once again became troublesome, laying siege to Marakanda. However, using our newfound wealth, my son Helioklos was able to reinforce his army and quickly sent the Sakae scurrying back to their filthy tents. Theodoros also decided to have a go at us, sending yet another of his seemingly endless supply of armies at Agathokles in Prophthasia. This army was larger than my son's but of low quality -- inexperienced boys and cowardly Persians -- and my oldest son soon had another heroic victory to his already famous name.


Seleukid levy spearmen completely surrounded - Battle of Prophthasia (251BC)


Final results of the Battle of Prophthasia (251BC)

The last two years have been tremendously peaceful, without a single battle being fought on our territory. I am not naive enough to believe that Theodoros has forgotten about us, but it has been a welcome respite. The emperor has been making gains in other areas though. He has finally subdued Arachosia, cutting us off from our territory in India. My agents among the Indikoi tell me that his armies are moving through Sattygidia to attack Opiana as we speak. My men in Egypt also tell me that he has the Ptolemies back on their heels, and aside from Rhodos and Krete, he has already taken all of their territory outside of Africa. They say that the locals are fleeing across the Nile before Theodoros' armies as they march on Memphis. It is not looking good for our allies, but there is not much we can do. Our other allies, the Pahlavi, fight back and forth across Theodoros' territory and their own, but so far to no avail. However, with peace in our lands, and a great deal of gold being deposited in our treasury from our southern conquests, great building projects have commenced across the kingdom.

Eighteen months ago, I received terrible news from Kophen. The messenger told me that my father had taken ill and was on his way back to the capital. When he arrived, he asked me to run the kingdom in his stead. Grieving for my father's illness, I nevertheless accepted his offer.


The elderly King Theodotos of Baktria in 249BC

I have already made many changes. Whereas my father was content to allow some of our satrapies to run themselves, I have asserted greater control. Margiana and Ariana are now full satrapies, run by Baktrian men. With the treacherous Patroklos Marakandaios still entrenched in Marakanda, I dare not attempt to convert Sogdiana into a full satrapy, for fear he will rise up in revolt. However, I have sent his son Zoilos, who formerly governed Alexandreia Eschate, down to oversee Sind, which I have allowed to remain as an allied kingdom, rather than as a satrapy. Moving Zoilos serves a dual purpose. He is an able administrator and will no doubt govern Sind effectively once he gets there, but he is now on the way towards the opposite end of the kingdom from his father, which should keep them both on their best behavior. With Zoilos out of Alexandreia Eschate, I wasted no time converting that region into a full satrapy as well. I have placed my son Heliokles there as satrap. His army has been disbanded, but can be called up at a moment's notice should the Sakae again emerge to trouble us.


Zoilos Marakandaios, Satrap of Sind

Although things have changed under my rule, many things remain the same. Like my father, I have trained many agents to infiltrate the cities of my enemies. I'll not name names, of course, but know that spy networks have already been established in several regions that border our kingdom. In fact, my agents in Astauene have already incited a revolt and Asaak is no longer under Theodoros' control! I do not wish to conquer it myself, but I hope that my friends the Pahlavi will. I trust you will keep this between us, yes?

So that is where we stand today. My father is still Basileos, but the true power lies with me. When he passes on, I will give him a funeral worthy of his majesty. But the greatest honor I can do my father will be to live up to his name, to defend and improve our kingdom, to finally conquer India, and to become the greatest power in the East!

So go, traveler, and tell the world of my blessed father's glories, but tell them also that his son will build an even greater legacy.


Map of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia (249BC)

----

Next time: The crown passes to Diodotos. Can he defend the kingdom from its enemies? Will he live up to his father's name? Find out in Chapter 4!

[Wolfman]

Captivating and Fascinating is all I can say. You've got me drooling for the next chapter. Good Work

[Teleklos Archelaou]

Quite entertaining.

[Sheep]

Quite entertaining.

Well it is no The Wasteland but I do what I can.

[Dooz]

Oh man, I can't believe I missed this one. Very cool, Sheep! I love being the traveler hearing of these fine tales. Do go on.

[Sheep]

I've been playing for a couple hours a day for the last 4 days and I've only gotten ahead 4 years because the damned Seleucids insist on flooding my territory with these useless three-unit armies. I kill each and every one without losing a man because they NEVER SEND ANY ARCHERS. But if I don't go around killing every single one of them, they start laying siege to my cities, which they have no hope of capturing, 'cause my garrisons of archers will lay waste to them if they attack, so they just try to starve me out for turn after turn which costs me money I don't have. I'd love to go and capture something, but my armies are tied up at home with all these spam armies, ARGH! I had four out of 7 cities under siege at once!! Seems like I haven't even fought a real battle in ages, but it's only been a few years.

Anyway, I should be able to write something in the next few days (Chapter Four: Whack-A-Mole in the East).

[Dooz]

If Bush was writing this AAR: Whack-a-Mole in the Middleeast.

Anyhoo, you should use the forced win command when you have to fight those lame small groups. You don't lose anyone anyway, it's not cheating, it's just saving time and patience.

[Sheep]

You don't lose any men that way?

[Pelopidas]

How do you activate this cheat ?
Seems that " aut-win " alone doesn't work.

I'm really interested, for the same reasons, thoses infinite armies of three pantopadoi...

[Warmaster Horus]

Great AAR, Sheep! Can't wait for the next chapter!
About the auto win cheat, it works like this:
-press the tilde key (directly under "escape" and left of "1")
-type in auto_win
-add at the end: attacker(if you're attacking) OR defender (if you're defending). Generally you put in attacker during your turn, and defender when it's not.
-however for AMBUSHES, it's the reverse. If you're ambushed (your turn, logically), the enemy is attacking, and to win the battle the cheat is: auto_win defender
If you ambush(the AI's turn, supposedly), the enemy is defending, the cheat is: auto_win attacker.

Especially don't forget the "underline"(_).
Also, you can use it pretty much without cheating, for when navies clash (you're forced to auto calc it, which may give some rather absurd results) or when you've got a force of 10 units, and the other has 3, just use auto win, especially for EB (long loading times... GAH!)

Also, Sheep, the losses of your troops are those you would normally have when having a "clear victory" from the auto_calc (I think...)

[Pelopidas]

Thanks for the tip.
I wouldn't use this to win battle I can't win, only for the same problem that Sheep as, especially with the Seleukids and those stinking armies of three levies who came every year at your walls, that a human player could beat without a single loss but the AI get hundreds of casualties when auto-calculating...boring :]

[Warmaster Horus]

Of course, that's why I use it. I don't think it should be considered that much of a cheat. Neither is toggle_fow, unless you look all over the map.
Others though... create_unit, give_trait, add_money... that's purely cheating.

[Sheep]

I use toggle_fow to take screenshots of the map for this AAR, but you'll notice the red trapezoid is usually off in the ocean somewhere, so I can't see anyone's armies.