From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

[Maion Maroneios]

Speaking of the romans, what is the current situation in the west?

In Italia, the Romaioi are still having problems with the Karchedonioi, who are refusing on giving up Capua to their rightful owners. At one point, I teleported a Romaios FM to protect Roma which was under siege of the Phoinikes, along with giving him some good troops. He won, forced them back to Capua and then did something which is typical RTW AI behavior: he left Capua alone and turned to the south.

In Gallia, things are as they should be. That is, chaotic. Both Gallic factions fight with each other, with the Arverni seeming to gain the upper hand (they have more regions). If things grow to be too ugly for them, I'll gift Ankyra to the loosing party and rp it as Galatia. This usually rebalances things in the forested north, until of course the Sweboz cross the Rhine.

In Iberia, things are rather peaceful. The Lusotannan are slowly conquering cities, while the Karchedonioi have just recently started to raise their activity in the area (with a little of my help).

That's basically what's been going on in the west. Interesting thing is, I am very sure that Karchedon will become a very powerful empire soon. They are already besieging the 2 last remaining cities in Africa, while they are constantly shipping troops over to Capua and Rhegion.

But I will probably get into more details when I announce the beginning of the next Synedrion, as I will have to point my armies somewhere sometime. Although I believe the Basileion will get dragged into the Eastern affairs as it seems now... Just wait and see how things are turning out in Anatolia and you will get my meaning

Maion

[Olaf Blackeyes]

When da Sweboz cross ANY river ur dead. PERIOD!!!!!!
BTW i love this AAR, and even though i know that i cant join as a Sweboz i still think this is cool (BTW Sweboz empire conquers ALL!!!!)

[Maion Maroneios]

When da Sweboz cross ANY river ur dead. PERIOD!!!!!!
BTW i love this AAR, and even though i know that i cant join as a Sweboz i still think this is cool (BTW Sweboz empire conquers ALL!!!!)

Well, technically if the Sweboz manage to cross the Rhine, the Gauls are dead That's why I always interfere or try to force one of the Gallic factions to prevail and become "Vergalla", or Great Gaul, in order to be able to hold their own against the mighty Germans.

About joining my AAR now, in my first post I state you can join as a non-Makedonian, but then you'll have to be informed by me in order to make an appearance as a secondary character. But it is true that the Makedones would have little to no interest in a bunch of smelling, uncivilized, crazy fanatic, hairy, naked barbarians who dwell in caves and eat worms for breakfast.
*Ducks behind sofa in order to avoid Olaf's wrath*

Btw, the last comment wasn't anything personal (I like Celtic and Germanic history myself), I just state my opinions as a true, traditional, narrow-minded, woman loving Makedonian drunkard! Ah yes and thank you for your kind words! I also check up on your AAR once in a while, even if I don't comment that often anymore.

Maion

[satalexton]

the only real barbarians are the romans xD

[Maion Maroneios]

Ha, I see you got some good hatred towards them. That could be put in a good use, as the Synedrion may ultimately decide to meddle with the Western affairs. That means we may get some Makedonian-Roman wars soon

Maion

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Well, technically if the Sweboz manage to cross the Rhine, the Gauls are dead That's why I always interfere or try to force one of the Gallic factions to prevail and become "Vergalla", or Great Gaul, in order to be able to hold their own against the mighty Germans.

About joining my AAR now, in my first post I state you can join as a non-Makedonian, but then you'll have to be informed by me in order to make an appearance as a secondary character. But it is true that the Makedones would have little to no interest in a bunch of smelling, uncivilized, crazy fanatic, hairy, naked barbarians who dwell in caves and eat worms for breakfast.
*Ducks behind sofa in order to avoid Olaf's wrath*

Btw, the last comment wasn't anything personal (I like Celtic and Germanic history myself), I just state my opinions as a true, traditional, narrow-minded, woman loving Makedonian drunkard! Ah yes and thank you for your kind words! I also check up on your AAR once in a while, even if I don't comment that often anymore.

Maion

If only i could join however im a drunken, bloodcrazed German who would rather join as an opponent than as a friend cuz fighting is just SOOO much more fun
Oh and btw *hurls ten tons of wrath at the couch Marion is hiding behind* (Insert super evil laugh here)

[Kuningaz]

Sweboz! Goddamnit I gotta play as Sweboz again

[Maion Maroneios]

Beginning of the Synedrion, 256BC (special gathering #1)

On the morning of the third day after Alkyoneus’ arrival at Pella, the Synedrion was called upon once again. Much to the surprise of all the Synedroi, it was announced by both Alexandros and Alkyoneus at the same time.

Within the walls of the Synedrion, the Synedroi where discussing among themselves with confused expressions, as they eyed Alkyoneus and Alexandros sitting next to each other close to the central pedestal. A general positive aura hung in the atmosphere, something that wasn’t common lately.

The two cousins merely sat there, Alexandros with his usual smiling expression, while Akyoneus waited patiently for the noise to subside with his arms crossed.

When the Synedroi finally fell silent, Diophantos Thessalonikeus stepped forward and addressed the Synedroi:

“Noble Synedroi! This is truly a day of great joy and happiness, a day of unity and prosperity! This day marks the beginning of a new, unified Makedonia and the passing of an old, divided one. For today, our two contestants to the throne decided to join their forces and focus one one goal instead of personal ones; A better future for Makedonia. Today, they have called upon you to discuss with you flaming matters, such as the one concerning the Royal heritage, as well as the future movements of the Basileion. For now Makedonia lies in a crossroad, not knowing which road to chose and where they will lead and it is up to you to guide her. With your decisions and the grace of the willing of the gods, Makedonia shall be great once again.”

Some surprised comments where heard from amongst the Synedroi, until Alexandros stepped forward and addressed the Synedrion from upon the central pedestal:

“Chairete, Sympatriotai! It is true, our Basileion is finally unified again. Not that it was ever divided, but fortunately we got over this misunderstanding between myself and Alkyoneus. Now we can finally join our forces and move as one again. As wise Machinoros once said, we were like a syntagma of phalangitai with our sarrisai pointing to completely different directions. We have to be unified if we wish to achieve anything, even so much in the dark times we are going through now. Thus, we have called upon the Synedrion once again in a special meeting, in order to discuss pressing matters that require our immediate attention.”

Alexandros took a short pause to collect his thought, then continued:

“First of all, I want to begin with the subject of Royal heritage. As you know, our Basileion does not officially have a Basileus yet, which is of vital importance for it’s survival. As such, I will present you the one and only contestant for the throne, Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades, Hegemon Hellados and unifier of the northern tribes.”

At that last phrace, Alkyoneus stepped forward. With each step he took, he seemed to become more imposing to the eyes of the Synedroi with the titles bestowed upon him by Alexandros. When he finally got to the central pedestal, he seemed like a giant in front of Alexandros. Alkyoneus merely gazed towards them with his ever-inexpressive and serious look, while many of the Synedroi looked amazed by both his appearance as well as the words that had just came from Alexandros’ mouth: ‘...the one and only contestant for the throne...’

“As is customary for our people, you, the Synedroi, will have to give your personal vote of trust to Alkyoneus in order to be crowned as Basileus. At least half of you plus one has to vote positively for that to happen, so in the end of this meeting each of you will place either a white or a black pebble within the amphoreas, all next to me. A black pebble is a negative vote, while a white pebble is a positive one. Tomorrow, the results will be known publicly”, Alexandros said after some time.

When Alexandros finished, he went back and sat on his seat, while Alkyoneus took his place in the central pedestal and addressed the Synedrion with his serious, heavy commanding voice:

“Sympatriotai, I salute you. As you know, I am Antigonos’ eldest son and have been wanting this place since a long time. Not because of the power that is bestowed upon the one who gains it, but because I have a deep affection for Makedonia and all who live within her boundaries, be they Hellenes or Barbaroi. I believe, that through hard work and dedication to the traditions that have given the Basileion it’s current shape from the times of Phillipos and Megas Alexandros, we can be a great power again. Maybe even a power that can challenge the rest of the Diadochoi and take back what was once rightfully ours.”

He took a small pause and eyed all Synedroi, after continuing:

“As you also know, I have done much for the Basileion already. I subdued the rebellious southern Hellenes, unified the northern barbaroi tribes and gave a lot of our treasury for the sake of improving our infrastructure. I still spend much, from my own personal treasury as well, to fund building projects that I believe are of vital importance, such as a network of Katoikiai in regions with small Hellenic populations, as well as the recent project of building Ousidia in order to increase the number of professional infantry in our armies. Along with help of many worthy men such as Alexandros, Ischyros, Antigonos, my dear blood brother Philadelphios and others, I believe we can take Makedonia to great heights again.”

Alkyoneus took another pause, a little longer than the previous one, continuing with even more authority:

“As such, I ask you, noble Synedroi, for your vote of trust. With your trust I will rule Makedonia wisely and just. I swear to the gods watching us from mighty Olympos, that I will pour everything I have into the Basileion and never abandon it, even during the darkest of days. I will give everything I have and lead our forces to nike, just as a proper Makedonian Basileus should do!”

Many of the Synedroi stood up and applauded Alkyoneus, Alkyoneidai, Alexandreidai and Oudeteroi alike. When the applause subsided, Alkyoneus spoke once again in a little more relaxed way:

“Thank you, sympatriotai. Your demeanor means much to me. But let me get on to the next matter that demands our attention, namely the chaos in Anatolia. As you know, the Pergamioi have launched a great campaign in Anatolia with intent of becoming it’s supreme rulers. Because of that and because of the fact that the Seleukidai have not yet answered to that new threat, other powers such as the Pontioi and even the Prolemaioi, have begun meddling in Anatolia with armies of their own. Fortunately, due to the quick actions machinated by my cousin Alexandros, A relief force has been sent to Lesbos under leadership of my younger brother Demetrios. Of course, that doesn’t mean we are finished with the East, as the Pergamioi may well enough attempt another campaign against Lesbos with a greater army this time. In the west, however, things are less chaotic but are of immediate interest to the Basileion. This includes the ever-growing power of Rome, which may even decide to ‘punish’ us in the future for not helping them against the Karchedonioi. Plus, we get frequent requests from poleis of Megale Hellas for liberation from their Romaioi oppressors.”

Another short pause came, with several Synedroi making some rather inappropriate comments towards the Italoi. Alkyoneus however, waved them to silence and continued:

“If that is not enough, our lack of hesitancy to fortify our northern borders has lead to the forming of a new horde to the north-east of Tylis with clear intent of pillaging out lands again. That is why, I have called upon Rhemaxos per Buridava, an ambassador sent from the Basileus of the Getai to us, as well as adviser of Thraikian and Getic affairs. I believe he has some valid explanation for the recent actions of his people. Due to personal matters, he isn’t with us at the moment, but will so soon. So let us continue our conversation until he arrives. So, Synedroi, I have told you what I wanted to. Now it is your time to speak and express your opinions.”


And by that, Alkyoneus went back and sat upon his seat and waited for the Synedroi to speak.

EB 1.2 released! Yay!

Here is a map of the world, by the way (256BC). It's actual AI expansion:

[satalexton]

Satalextos rose from his seat, "it would seem to be, that as i speak, my nephew and his men ae drilling in the square. All he needs is the Basileus' order to begin the campaign against our old foes, the Pergamoi."

[Maion Maroneios]

*Diophantos raises from his seat and addresses Satalextos*

"So, wise Satalextos, you propose we march against the Pergamioi? Have you considered the consequences of such a bold move? I know the Pergamioi have openly insulted us by attacking our allies, but shouldn't our answer be diplomatic instead of military? It is, after all, what civilized people do. Plus, we cannot possibly think we can survive from such a multi-front war without devastating results to our economic and military strength."

[Tyrfingr]

*Rhemaxos per Buridava enters the Synedrion, followed by angry whispers of "filthy barbaroi" and "getai scum". Rhemaxos takes a deep breath, and speaks with a clear voice.*

"Honoured members of the Synedrion, Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades and Alexandros Kraterou Argeades..."

"I speak on the behalf of the High King of the Getai. I have been summoned here to answer for the actions taken by our southern armies. It has come to the High King's attention that the thracians of the town known to the Synedrion as Serdike are suffering under heavy taxes and aggressive policies, forbidding able thracian men to serve in the Basileus army. Therefore, the High King has sent one of his most experienced captain to recruit the thracians for the getic armies. A armed confrontation is avoidable however..."

"The thracians are a proud and strong people, as dear as brothers to the High King and my people. The thracians has also for long provided the armies of Makedonia with peltastais second to none, loyal until death. Should the armies of Makedonia again recruit thracians into their ranks, the High King of the Getai would be pleased and turn his captain elsewhere".

I shall await the answer of the Synedrion.

[Maion Maroneios]

*Alkyoneus stands up and addresses Rhemaxos*

"But this is outrageous! What business does your Basileus have with clear Makedonian matters, I ask? And with what authority does he threaten the Synedrion? I ask you, Rhemaxos, would it please your Basileus if we answer with armies of our own like with the incident of Serdike? While I can discuss about relieving taxation pressure on the Thraikian inhabitants of the region of Dardanoia, I cannot do as your Basileus asks. I have plans on properly hellenizing the northern borders and that's exactly what I will keep doing."

*Alkyoneus sits back on his seat again, with many approving yells from most of the Synedroi*

[Tyrfingr]

*Rhemaxos tries silencing the endless shouts of anger*

"Then it would be in place to remind the noble Alkyoneus that the population of Dardanoia is not only hellen, but primary thraikian. The High King is not threathening this noble assembly, but the High King must look to his people, where they live is of no matter. Hellen colonies live and prosper in getai lands, and the High King is kind to them, ensuring their safety. Why should the thraikians of Makedonia be treated different than the hellenes of Getai?"

"A continued policy of non-recruitment among thraikians are only foolish. Are not the thraikian blades sharper than the blades of the peltastai makedonike? Have not the thraikians served the Basileion Makedonia well in the past? The High King would think very well of the man who treated the thraikians with the respect they deserve!"

[Maion Maroneios]

*Alkyoneus stands up with a clearly furious expression, but is stopped by Alexandros who whispers something to his cousin and makes him sit again. Alexandros then addresses Rhemaxos*

"Noble Rhemaxos, forgive my cousin Alkyoneus. Our Basileion wants the best for her inhabitants, be that Hellenes, Getai or any other people. Your nation is a strong and honorable one, and one with which we can work with peacefully. I understand the pretexts of your Basileus and I personally assure you, that something shall be done immediately to appease the Thraikian population of our northern borders. But, I will need your word that your Basileus will hold true to his and call back any military activity from the region of Odrysai."

*Alexandros eyes Rhemaxos carefully, while some of the Synedroi seem very displeased with his answer*

[Tyrfingr]

*Rhemaxos stands upp, with a quick glare at Alkyoneus, before he speaks*

"Noble Alexandros speaks with the wisdom of the elders. Respect for the diplomatic procedure is a fine trait of any great leader, says Rhemaxos with a smirk look at Alkynoneus."

"Rest assure, the High King of the Getai has only in the best interest of his people in mind, and do not wishes to cross blades with the Basileion Makedonia again. Lowered taxes for the thraikians in Dardanoia will ease their living, if only in the short run. The thraikians longs to serve the armies of Makedonia in war, as they once did with Megas Alexandros, and they will most certainly serve a second Megas Alexandros".

"The High King of The Getai offer a policy of non-action and re-establishment of trade between our people, if thraikians are allowed to serve in the armies of Makedonia again. Lowered taxes shall not be needed. I shall wait for the decision of the Synedrion."

*Rhemaxos returns to his seat, carefully watching Alkyoneus sharp look*

[satalexton]

[desert]

I, uh, think it might have been more prudent to first ASK him if he minded his character's getting assassinated.

[Maion Maroneios]

Hmmm, I just hope that was some kind of a joke. Honestly, we don't kill each other. Jaertecken is a member of this AAR and as such, cannot be killed in such a way. A will have to kindly ask you to edit your last post, satalexton. Not only is this very awkward, but I wasn't informed about this as well. Sorry if I sounded offensive here, satalexton, but I believe what you just didn't wasn't right at all.

Maion

[Tyrfingr]

Well, I cannot accept having my characted killed in a 300-reference :D

[Maion Maroneios]

I'm waiting for satalexton's reply in order to continue our discussion. If the post is not edited by in 5 hours, I will consider removing satalexton from the list of Synedroi and continue with the Synedrion.

I want to thank you, Jaertecken, for your support and willingness to participate in the Synedrion, despite the fact that some of the most 'standard' Synedroi (e.g. Socy, machinor) do not have the time to participate at the moment. Also, I'm deeply grateful you took satalexton's reply with a dose of humor, as it could have been the complete oposite.

Maion

[HunGeneral]

Well that 300 refernce did go over the top.

I think I will particicpate in this discussion with that Geati diplomat (by the way Jaertecken: what is the name of the Tribe Rhemaxos is from - might use it somehow). First however I will wait until things have cleared up.

[Maion Maroneios]

If you look at my first post, you'll see Rhemaxos is a member of the Getai tribe. But yeah, let's wait for satalexton a little while more.

Maion

[HunGeneral]

Yes I see. But since the Getai are a Faction doesn't that mean there an "allaince of Tribes" (I seem to remember to have heard of sub-tribes or something or I mixed it up with the nationaliti traits) or am I wrong?

[Maion Maroneios]

That's correct reasoning, though it doesn't mean that a faction represents an alliance of tribes. Pick the Sweboz or Suebi, they are a single Germanic tribe that is consisted if several other lesser tribes which where all identified by a single name, the Sweboz. It's like the Greek ethnicity, that is subdivided by many others, like Athenians, Spartans, Macedonians, Epirotes and others.

So basically, the Getai are a confederation of smaller tribes that belong to the same ethnical group and adhere to the same name. Think of it as a subdivision of a bigger tribe into smaller ones.

Hope you understood what I said

Maion

[HunGeneral]

Yes I understand.

Thanks for clearing it up.

[Maion Maroneios]

Ok guys, let's continue our coverstation as normal. I will give satalexton a second chance, which means he's still an active memeber with the only difference that that little '300' incident never happened.

Maion

[Maion Maroneios]

*Alexandros once again stands up and addresses Rhemaxos*

"So, noble Rhemaxos, do I have your Basileus' word? For only with his word shall we act, empty promises are as good as nothing. The Thraikioi of the north shall once again enforce our armies with their mighty rhomphaias and fighting spirit, I can assure you of that as well. We just need time to build up infrastructure and proper centers of military training."

*Some of the Synedroi rise in protest, but Alexandros merely raises his hand and shouts to the Synedrion*

"SILENCE! Don't you understand that close-mindedness will only harm us, Synedroi? There are no pure and clean races, no better or worse ones! How did Megas Alexandros create his mighty empire back during those glorious days? He allowed barbaroi to attain the ranks of his armies and even become proper citizens of his Arche, given they would embrace Hellenism. I see no reason why we should act differently, especially now that we are facing so many problems concerning men that are willing to fight for us. The Thraikioi have always been good in warfare, we can work together peacefully and allow them to be absorbed in our Basileion as normal citizens, given they embrace proper Hellenic ways and pay their taxes."

*Alexandros sits back again, but many SYnedroi continue to protest in earnest*

[Tyrfingr]

*Rhemaxos rises once more from his chair, to adress Alexandros*

"Wise Alexandros shall in deed have the High King's word, sworn on the relics of Zamolxis, that no harm will come to the land, villages and farms of Makedonia, and hellenes living under the High King's protection shall treated with the greatest respect and offered high positions within the Getai administration, as wise decisions and high education is the mark of a true hellen."

*With the following smirk, the last words of Rhemaxos is clearly a provocation against Alkyoneus*

"If it's the will of the Synedrion, the thraikians shall rush to the training grounds once they have been constructed. I know the thraikians through my mother and father, who both are of pure triballi blood, and nothing will be more pleasing for the thraikians to serve mighty Makedonia once more!"

*As Rhemaxos takes his seat, he searches for the eyes of Philadelphios ''Skythikos'' Jaxarteios and Ischyros Airetikos*

[Socy]

First off, just wanted to state my "support" for Jaertecken, that is, I condemn the post made by Satalexton (Not Satalexton, just the post.. If that makes sense), and am happy to see that things went "smooth" and that people took it with a pinch of salt. Now, on to in-character business .

Antigonos has been sitting silently during most of the "negotiations" in the chambers, pondering the situation and what he is supposed to say. He finally lean towards Machinoros, whispering;

It would seem as this Rhemaxos per Buridava is filling this court-room with alot of promises. He speaks with great authority, and while I wont say that I trust him, I will say that he makes alot of holy promises... Only time will tell if he, in the ability as a mere diplomat, can hold all his promises. And the announcment about Alkyoneus being officially declared Basileus.. While this is news I welcome by my whole heart, I do wonder why Alexandros chose to be his lapdog.. Something is quite amiss here, do you not agree? And Demetrios, while being the younger brother of Alkyoneus, seem to be a bit too close to Alexandros, does he not?

Antigonos stands up to announce his official thoughts:

Alkyoneus, allow me to conragtulate you to your position as Basileus. May your reign be fruitful and take Makedonia to new heights, under the guidance of the Gods themselves!

Now, to business at hand. Troubles are brewing on our northern borders, and I strongly suggest, as I have done before, that we fortify our northern borders. My previous proposition is not too different from that of Rhemaxos. Namely, fortify the northern borders with a mixed force of both loyal hellenic troops aswell as locally raised regiments fighting in their own fashion. Do not however, Rhemaxos, see this as an act of war or any such. This force would protect the citizens of the lands, hellens aswell as thracians, from roaming bandits etc. This solution would serve multiple purposes. First off, the local troops would learn to obey hellenic superiors, to trust them, aswell as to fight alongside our own hellenic troops. They would learn their place in our armies and probably gain alot of valuable experience by serving alongside hellenic troops. Perhaps even, they would pick up on some of our own noble language, making it easier for our commanders to command them in battle, and making it easier for them to obey. In short, the lands would be safer, the local populace would learn to trust us, and their fighting men would learn to trust, obey and value us. A more generous offer is hard to offer, nay?

About the taxes, I can understand that being an under-developed region in comparison to the rest of our Basileon, the local populace is indeed burdened more by the taxes, and as such, it would only be proper to lower the taxes, should they now so willingly offer their services as soldiers.

Speaking of foreign policies and politics, let me talk about the Pergamou.

As I have understod, the Pergamou army besieging Mytilene has retreated without any blood spilt. That the reason for this is the timely appearance of Demetrios Antigonou Argeades and the relief-force accompanying him. However, now that they have retreated, and Mytilene is safe for the time being, would it not be in our best interest to, as a civil kingdom, open up negotiations with them? It would after all be in our best interest to retain our decency outwards, would it not, brothers? I say, diplomacy first! However! Since dark clouds seems to be gathering over Mikra Asia.. I suppose if we are left with no alternative, we should intervene sooner rather than later, should it be required.

But for now! Let us cherish life! A new Basileus has been declared! Let us celebrate this, friends and foe alike, and treasure this moment of fortune and happiness in otherwise so dark times.

*As the Synedrioi is leaving the chamber for the day, Antiginos walks up to Alkyoneus*

Alkyoneus, dear friend, allow me to conragtulate you in person. One should not say what I am about to say, but to summarize, should there ever had been a... Situation, in recent times, about the throne, know fully well that me and my entire house would have stood by you firmly. I would like to invite you to my estate, when time permitts ofcourse, to hold a great feast in your honour. My father, although at the end of his life, would be happy to meet the new king in person, and see that the Basileon is in good hands. Further, as Dioiketes of the royal Hypaspistai currently stationed in Pella, I would like to formally announce my... Request, that me and my men be put under your direct command and be responsible for your security, both on campaign but also in more.. Civil places. It would be an honour to me, my men and my house, and I can see no man better suited for the job.

[Maion Maroneios]

*Alkyoneus smiles towards Antigonos, and speaks to him while he places his left hand on his shoulder with a friendly manner*

"Thank you very much Antigonos, my friend. It would be of my personal honor to have you positioned as Head of my personal Hypaspistai guard, as well as come as a guest to your noble estate. After the Synedrion is called off and the official crowning ceremony will take place, I will declare you as Dioiketes Basilikes Phrouras (Commander of the Royal Guard) myself. I cannot see anyone better suited too, as your house is a very noble one and I owe much to your great father, Attalos, as well."

*Both men walk out of the chamber, already preparing themselves mentally for the gathering of the next day*

Just to make some things clear: Rhemaxos is not simply a diplomat, but a representative of Oroles (Basileus of the Getai) himself. He speaks in stead of his master, and as such his words are as if they come from Oroles' mouth. So any false words would undoubtedly lead to more aggressive moves from the Makedonian side, considering it lies and treachery. So basically Rhemaxos can't really lie and talk on behalf of himself, unless of course the Getai have some secret plan to invade Makedonia...