Sons of Seleukos - A Seleucid AAR (Yes, another one)

[Socy]

Welcome all to my Epic! (Hopefully will be) Seleucid AAR.

Now, as you may notice, this post contains not the slightest trace of an AAR. Why, you now ask yourself, a confused look upon your faces?

Beacuse! This is merely to "reserve" a name for my comming Seleucid AAR! Seeing as Seleucid AAR's are pretty popular these days, I began fearing that the name might be taken before I can start writing it.

Now, when will it come? You ask yourself. Im currently on vacation, but on this saturday I will be reunited with my.. Sort of.. Wife, EB (You know, the PERFECT wife! Never complains, always there to understand me and help me through dark periods of my life.. And sharing with me the bright ones! Sometimes we have argues.. And sometimes we dont speak to each other for several days.. But it always solves itself!) and on Sunday I will begin playing in earnest. Now, I do not want to promise things that I cannot keep, but lets say that I wouldn't be surprised if a (Small) preview/chapter of the AAR is up by Sunday evening .

The AAR will, as the title suggest, focus on the Seleucid Empire. It will feature intrigues, drama, action, love, epic heroism and spineless cowardism. It will contain humour, sadness, glory! It will aim to be a sort of pseudo-historical AAR. With that I mean that army compositions and the like will be tailored towards how warfare was when the AAR starts (272 B.C), but it might change/evolve due to gameplay events. Characters aswell will "react" to the world around them and display emotions and make decisions based upon the current state of the world, both political and militarly. I will try to make all featured characters "alive" by making them act and behave as realistically as possible due to circumstances. This means that optimal gameplay might sometimes be sacrificed to make RP possible.

What more can I say? I give to you an AAR that will feature religion, war, politics, patriotism, moral choices, dynastism and all problems associated with it. I will also try to portray women as more prominent than the RTW engine allows for, and well.. Without saying to much, my own flavour of "Amazons" will be in it .

But let me not tempt you without anything to prove that I may keep what I say! Soon, you shall be able to see it for yourself, and it is my uttermost wish that it will please you! For now, I will return to enjoy my vacation. So long.

[Maion Maroneios]

Another promising AAR, I see! Hope you can keep up with the rest;)

[V.T. Marvin]

Looking forward to this one! Best luck (and patience and time and inspirationand so on...)!!!

[Maion Maroneios]

Oh yeah, if you need any help with greek names/words/units/toponyms and such please feel free to tell me.

[Socy]

Oh yeah, if you need any help with greek names/words/units/toponyms and such please feel free to tell me.

Geez thanks! Thought more about the AAR today (As already stated, I can begin PLAYING earliest on Saturday, and writing takes a while. You know, being away on a 4 week vacation leaves your land unguarded and your house empty. Need to "resettle" it and re-conquer my territorial borders from my neighbours ). Help with Greek names etc. is truly apreciated and something I will, now that you even offer it!, ask for. Stay tuned, and once again, thank you so much!

[Maion Maroneios]

No problem Socy, just inform me through pm about anything you want to know. I may even have time to help you with the AAR itself, or editing pictures and such. You see, I have started my own Makedonian campaign right now, though I've always wanted to play an AS one :P. I would also advice you to do some research about Hellenistic kingdoms and such, not necessarily to be 100% historicaly accurate, rather than giving a more realistic atmosphere to your AAR.

[Socy]

Gee that sounds awesome. Perhaps the first (I dont know, but atleast I have seen no other) "Joint-effort" AAR is on the way? I'd love your help and involvment, we'll definately have to talk more about this at the end of the week. I'll PM you.

Any general advice on good reads though? As you said I dont want to know too much about history after 272 B.C since my AAR will be pseudo-historical, meaning that it wont take the historical approach, but the "realistic", considering circumstances etc. I'd love to get a "general" overview though about good things to know during this time-period. I'll write a list and perhaps we can work on it together, answering all questions etc?

[muha]

Interesting start, I like your writing style.

But my only concern is that you will not add screen-shots of the battles, or at least the map.
I don't know all the names of cities units and what not, never bothered and never will try to remember them. So its hard for me to picture what is going on.

[Socy]

Yes, I guess what you say is correct Chirurgeon. I'll give it some thought, definately. We'll see wich one I end up using. I humbly thank you for the advice! Really nice of you to share some tips 'n tricks .

Thanks for your comments aswell Muha, screenshots will be included in comming updates, be assured.

[Socy]

I apologize to all for the delay in chapters, but I can assure you all that tomorrow the first one will be posted. I hope that I wont get an angry mob after me!

[Socy]

After an internet crash the chapter got delayed, once again. Anyway, here comes. This is "merely" a presentation of characters that will be of importance in chapters ahead. Other characterse might appear, and several existing ones that hasn't been mentioned here will probably make appearances later aswell. Enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Character Introduction

Antiochos Syriakos



The sun is high on the midday sky. Out in the fields farmers can be seen tending to their harvest. It is spring, and birds are singing their praise to life and fertility. On a small road an entourage of a dozen men can be seen riding fast on pride steeds. Dust is left in their wake. Their clothing is normal and raises no suspicion. The farmers barely look up as the men ride past them. As night approaches they halt near a small lake. The man that has been riding in front is old, yet retaining a strong appearance. He seems the most exhausted of the men.
” I can clearly feel how age has taken it’s toll on me”, he speaks, sweat pouring down on his forehead, ”Iason, water”.
”Yes my Lord, ofcourse” The man that hands the Basileus his bottle of water is tall, well built. The Basileus takes a drop or two out of the bottle.
”We make camp here, tomorrow we ride at dawn”, The other men starts to prepare for setting up camp. Their horses are stuffed with packings. It was on the Basileus’ orders that they rode without servants, as to increase their speed. Reaching Antiocheia was of uttermost importance for the war in the west. Messengers had already been sent in advance, so as to inform most satraps in the west about the Basileus’ plans. After a while a small camp has been set up, nothing too luxurious, and a fire is burning. The men are gathered around it and are talking in loud voices, laughing and singing. One might almost belive it was a celebration, had it not been for the lack of wine and entertainers. After a while the voices die out, being replaced by snores. All of the men are asleep, except for one who serves as a lookout. It is the same man that earlier handed his water to the Basileus, Iason. He is one of the Somatophylakes, and had been for almost a decade. His loyalty was unquestioned, as was his bravery. He sits atop a small hill near the camp, scouting out into the dark. It is a silent night, the birds have since long gone to sleep. Suddenly, he feels a hand on his shoulder, a firm grip. Quickly turning around, he draws his sword. As quickly as he drew his sword, he falls to his knees as he sees who it was that stood behind him. It was no other than Antiochos himself, Basileus of the Arche Seleukeia.
”My Lord, please forgiv..” He is interrupted by Antiochos.
”Do not apologize, Iason”, the Basileus smiles, ”It eases my mind to know that my lookout is alert and awake. Iason regards the Basileus, then sheats his sword. The Basileus sits down on the small hill.
”My Lord, why are you not asleep? We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow if we wish to reach Antiocheia in time”. Iason sits down besides the Basileus.
”I couldn’t sleep, Iason. Too many thoughts on my mind”. The king stares out into the night.
”My Lord..”
”Please, we’ve known each other so long Iason, call me Antiochos”. The Basileus turns his head and his eyes meets those of Iason. Being commander of the Hetairoi, he was one of the closest friends of the Basileus. Despite this, he often refered to Antiochos as his Lord, instead of his friend, a title Antiochos would have enjoyed much more.
”Forgive me. Tell me then, my friend, what is it on your mind that keeps you from sleeping?”
”This.. War we’re embarking on. The future, I suppose. The uncertainty. Do you know how long ago it was since I saw my sons, Iason?
”Last time we met them were in Seleukeia, almost seven years ago”.
”Seven years…” The Basileus goes silent, his mind wandering off. For minutes, the both men sit on the hill, accompanied only by the crackling sounds from the fire.
”You will see them again, Antiochos. Them, aswell as Stratonike”.
”We will all see our loved ones once this is all over, Iason. That, I promise you. But for now.. For now we’ll just try to stay alive”. The old man smiles. ”And now…I’ll follow your advice and get myself some sleep. Tomorrow we ride”. The Basileus walks down the hill, towards the camp. The other men are still sleeping. Iason looks towards the horizon. He thinks of his home in Syria… Of his estate, his wife… his children. He thinks of how he’ll never see them again. And accepts the thought.

Achaios Syriakos



The drunken man falls to the ground with a large thud. The entire hall erupts into laughter.
”And that! Is what happens.. To anyone.. That challenges a man of royal descent in a drinking contest!” The laughter increases. The old man that recently spoke takes his seat at his elevated chair in the lavishly decorated hall. The drunken man is carried away by his companions, muttering curses over his loss. Achaios is content. Living at the edge of civilization was pretty comfortable after all. Margian wine was some of the finest they had ever tasted. But trouble was brewing. Despite being relatively safe in the town of Antiocheia-Margiane, the easternmost provinces were rebelling, and Achaios, being satrap of the northeastern part of the Arche Seleukeia, had ordered all forces in both Marakanda and Alexandreia-Eschate to withdraw to Antiocheia-Margiane. To the northwest, Asaak was plagued by steppe-raiders. The Parthoi. Should the city come under siege, Achaios would not be able to send a relief force in time. It bothered him little. Asaak could be reconquered. Besides, Autophradates, the governor of Asaak, was disliked by him. For all that Achaios cared, he could die, increasing Achaios own sphere of influence when Asaak was reconquered. He had clearly and intentionally ignored the orders from his brother, Basileus Antiochos, and had held back his forces. He took another mouthfull of wine, and continued with the celebrations…

Andromachos Syriakos



Being the son of a man more devoted to wine than his Basileus gave Andromachos a certain curious position. Despite being the opposite of what his father, Achaios Syriakos, was, he was still held under suspicion in the Arche Seleukeia. Nevertheless he was appointed satrap of Persepolis, a city that had been of great importance to the Persian Empire, and now was as important to the Seleucid one. Enjoying the task of supervising the rebuilding-effort of the southeastern parts of the Arche Seleukeia he was content with his life. In the north, steppe-raiders had been encroaching upon Seleukid territory. It didn’t bother him directly, since he was in a pretty safe position. But the men and women that would surely die by the hands of them… The toughts of it alone made him depressed. Not only beacuse they would die, but beacuse they would die beacuse of his fathers reluctance to act. Yet still there was hope. If Andromachos himself could somehow aid the crumbling cities in the north.. Perhaps then, he could exculpate his familys name once and for all… And prove his loyalty to the Basileus, his uncle…

Theodoros Syriakos



The young man walks with sure steps towards his steed. It is a beautiful black steed, raised and tendered in the royal stables in Media. The mans face is cut in stone, determined and strong. He is clad in a fine armor, clearly marking him as part of the noblest of families. On his back he carries a darkblue mantle. Under his left arm, he carries his helm. A magnificent piece of work, with several plumes sticking out from it. He mounts his horse. Less than an hour ago he was found praying in the Temple of Anahita. Setting out on a military campaign without proper offerings to the gods was a bad omen. In walking pace he heads towards the gates of Ekbatana. Behind him several other men, both younger and older, ride in formation. All of them carry finely crafted armour and arms. In the streets people are cheering, as the young prince rides by them. He halts his horse at the gate. A young woman is seen standing there, an infant in her arms. Dismounting from his horse, he exchanges some words with her, then kisses her farewell. Once again on his horse, he continues to ride out from the city. He looks back at the city… At her. Focusing his mind on the future, he already begins planning. Planning for war. He is a boy, sent to do a mans job. Failure, however, is not an option. Knowing that when he returns to her, he will be a different man, he sets out, accompanied by the bloodred sunset.

Attalos Mysiakes Pergamou



The steps echoed as Attalos walked through the lofty halls of the great temple of Artemis at Ephesos. Attalos wasn’t a religious man by any means. He belived in hard work and himself, but not in any divinity. Despite that, he couldn’t deny that the building was truly marvelous. He was heading towards his home, having spoken to the priests in the temple. While he wasn’t religious himself, he was a skilled bureaucrat and as such understood the importance of religion. It keeped people in check, controlled them. And the priests were important figures in religion. Funding religious activities and maintaining religiously important buildings didn’t only keep people happy. It kept them united, an important task in these times, where loyalties changed as fast as imperial borders and rulers. Besides, appearing on religious holidays and publicly sponsoring anything related to religion furthered Attalos’ own popularity. Walking towards his home he noticed how clear the night was. The stars were clearly visible in the sky. When he arrived at his home, he would review some documents before going to bed. Attalos enjoyed life in Sardis. He was the appointed satrap of the westernmost edge of the Arche Seleukeia, governing both Sardis and Ipsos. Being the most westernmost provinces meant that the climate was warm and enjoyable combined with a green and fertile landscape. The disadvantage, though, was that he was basically cut of from the rest of the empire. Mazaka was the closest neighbouring city to Attalos’ sphere of influence, and even that city was not in an easy position to send reinforcements to should Attalos come under attack, due to the rough terrain. Indeed, Attalos wasn’t in the most favourable position, but things were about to change. Messengers had arrived at Sardis, telling that the Basileus himself, Antiochos Syriakos, was riding towards Antiocheia in order to begin campaigning in the western parts of the Empire. The first goal would be to liberate the southern coast of Mikra Asia from Ptolemaike control. It would not only crush Ptolemaike influence in all of Mikra Asia, but it would also ease troop-movements between Antiocheia and Sardis. Attalos himself would play a major part in the operation. His task would be to liberate the town of Side, freeing the Pamphylian coastline. Despite not being of royal descent, he would command a smaller army of his own, playing a crucial part in the liberation of Mikra Asia. Attalos had never seen any real battle before, despite being 45 years old. He was much more at ease directing architects and workers, upholding the law and looking over the finances of his region. It was due to his brilliance at these tasks that he had been appointed governor, and the reason that he had been given the hand of Antiochis, daughter of Achaios Syriakos, brother to the Basileus himself. In less than a week he would leave the relative safety of governing and go to war, and he hadn’t even told Antiochis yet, not in fear of what she would say, but that he might show her how much he actually loved her. He stopped a moment and looked up into the sky. He didn’t belive in the gods.. But if they existed.. If, he prayed that they would watch over him during his first battle. With a heavy sigh, he continued his stroll towards his home with heavy steps, thinking about how he would tell Antiochis…

[Maion Maroneios]

Guys, get ready for some action in the following chapters! We will (me and Socy) present you with a new feature, just wait and see. It'll be finished in a few days ;)