From Basileion to Arche - An interactive Makedonian campaign/AAR

[Maion Maroneios]

Thank you I'm going to play some today and maybe I can cook up another chapter or two before I decide it's time to call upon the Synedrion again

Maion

P.S.: 1000th post!!!

[Maion Maroneios]

Dear readers, since it may take some time for me to prepare further chapters, I decided to post here a little treat. Looks like the Karchedonioi decided to use the Spartan general after all


I decided to teleport him over to Sikelia as well, might heat things up a little for the Romaioi

Maion

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

I will join the Synedrion!

Name: Nicias Artavides ton Paro
Age: 35
Biography: Born in the island of Paro, Nicias descends through female lineage to Miltiades of Paro, the Athenian. His father is a Makedonian Argeades with estates in Thessalia, which Nicias ton Paro inherited. Nicias prefers cavalry assignments, and is often eager to fight among the elite horsemen of Macedonia with the training and experience he achieved since his youth; however, this often translates in a lack of interest and general dullness in infantry tactics, a subject which Nicias often avoids for his own good.

Nicias is married to Agathe, the daughter of a petty Macedonian nobleman. He enjoys riding, drinking, making speeches, drinking, insulting Barbaroi, drinking and loving his wife, besides drinking.

[Maion Maroneios]

Ah, good to see a new member! I love the fact you chose Paros as the homeland of your character, as I've lived there all my life!

Maion

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

What a welcome coincidence .

Edit - BTW thanks for correcting my (non-existant :P) Greek.

[julius_caesar_the_first]

I wanted to wait until the next Synedrion actually starts but since I'm already on the list in the first post and my characters story is a bit long I'll post it now.

This is the story of Alypios Lysimachou Pellaios:

The story of this man starts with that of his grandfather, Dionysios Pellaios. In 452 AtFO (After the First Olympiad) (334 BC) he joined the armies of Alexander at the age of 28 and fought for the next 11 years, until the death of Megas Alexandros. Becoming quite wealthy from the spoils of war he chose to settle dawn on an estate in Babylonia. It was here that his only son, Lysimachos Pellaios was born in 465 AtFO (321 BC).

Much of Lysimachos’s life was spent as a bureaucrat under Seleukos, almost becoming a Satrap until he died in 521 AtFO (265 BC). This helped increase his family’s wealth and would greatly influence the life of his eldest son Alypios, who was born in 490 AtFO (296 BC).

At the age of 16, with his father’s support, Alypios left to study and travel throughout the known Greek world. He traveled extensively going as far west as Emporion, studying in Athenai, even seeing the Great Library of Alexandria. But the journey that would have the most profound impact on him would be the one to his grandfather’s homeland: Makedonia.

After his return home he chose to enter the bureaucracy, just as his father had, but also made as many trips to Makedonia as his time permitted. As time went by his opinions about the Diadochi began to change. He started seeing them as decadent and opportunistic traitors who destroyed all that Megas Alexandros had built. He began too see the Basileus of Makedonia as the legitimate ruler of Alexander’s Empire and the Diadochi as nothing more than eastern tyrants. Fearing for his life and that of his family because of his opinions, in 525 AtFO (261 BC) he decided to sell all his property in the Ache Seleukeia and return to his true Homeland: Makedonia.

A Makedon Hypotropos (Returned Makedonian) of pure Makedonian parents, both his early travels as well as his time in the Seleukid government have made him more tolerant of other peoples as well as being more open to change. With both his father and grandfather having amassed considerable wealth he now owns a large estate near Pella, in the area of his grandfather’s birth as well as several smaller ones throughout the Basileion Makedonias.

Recently, wishing to help the Basileion Makedonias regain its rightful place in the world, he made a request to Basileus Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades to join the Synedrion. The Basileus, seeing how someone who has a good understanding of Eastern politics could benefit the Basileion he allowed him to join.

Age in 256 BC (530 AtFO): 40

[Maion Maroneios]

Edit - BTW thanks for correcting my (non-existant :P) Greek.

Sure, no problem. If you have any other troubles with ancient Greek, feel free to ask. Even though I wasn't the best at school

I wanted to wait until the next Synedrion actually starts but since I'm already on the list in the first post and my characters story is a bit long I'll post it now.[/B]

Excellent. The Synedrion will take some time to be called upon again, I'm preparing one or two updates covering 2 years.

Thanks for all the support guys, I really appreciate it. Both members as well as viewers

Maion

[Maion Maroneios]

The news of Demetrios’ victory where quickly spread throughout the Basileion, as well as the rest of the civilized world. This was the first time that Makedonia was having a leading role outside of Hellas for many years.

Within the Basileion, two boys with a great future came of age: Adaios and Priamos Argeades, sons of the departed Antigonos and Kalos Argeades respectively. The former seemed to have an interest in warfare, while the latter was a more sophisticated and bookish person. Thus, Alexandros decided to educate Adaios in the basics of warfare in Pella and finish his training in Sparte, while Priamos was sent to the finest of Akademiai in the ancient polis of Athenai.



Months went buy and Cheimon (Winter) came, marking the end of the season of war. All military activity was ceased, even in Anatolia, while the warring Kingdoms where preparing themselves for next year.

When Eiar, 521st year after the First Olympiad came (Spring, 255BC), Alkyoneus assaulted Byzantion.



The polis was governed by an Heterogenes with Thraikian blood named Aidesios and was defended by a substantial garrison force. In total, there where 20.040 men enlisted to defend the polis.


The battle was a difficult one, but in the end Makedonia proved her superiority over the barbaroi of Byzantion. The lightly-equipped defenders stood no chance against the mighty Makedonian soldiers.



In the end, Aidesios was fatally wounded and died defending the gates. The carnage was great, with the streets of the polis piled with hundreds of deads from both sides. Even so, Alkyoneus was able to snatch victory and capture Byzantion.




Alkyoneus ordered the polis to be pillaged to a certain degree, mostly as a punishment to those who opposed Makedonia. He ordered his men to be especially harsh against the barbarian population of the polis, going as far as expelling a great number of them.



This gained him the nickname of “Timoros Barbaron”, or “Punisher of Barbarians”. The plunder itself won him a great deal of wealth as well, as well as the capturing of the local mining sites.


With Aidesios, the tyrranos of the polis dead, the former government f Byzantion was overthrown. Alkyoneus immediately started pacifying the region, with future plans of turning Chersonesos Thraikia into a proper Makedonike Satrapeia.




After Chersonesos Thraikia became a part of the growing Basileion Makedonias, Alkyoneus got word of Demetrios being attacked by yet another Pargamon army in Mysia. He then immediately gave order to his brother to retreat back to Mytilene. The reason was because it seemed that Deinarchos, the Strategos of Pergamon, had abandoned his siege of Ipsos and marched back to protect Pergamon.

[machinor]

Welcome to our new Synedroi!

The war in Anatolia is getting exciting now. I look forward to the next updates!

[HunGeneral]

Welcome to the new members.

Nicias it is good to know there is one more good horseman among the councilers.
Alypios a Councilor with your knowlegde can serve the Kingdom well.

[Maion Maroneios]

Good additions to our Synedrion indeed. I'm preparing another update as I type this message, so be expecting the next part to be ready very soon

Maion

[Maion Maroneios]

With Byzantion captured, Alkyoneus was setting his plan into motion; Soon, after gaining control over Bythinia as well, he would launch a full-assault against the Pergamioi. His army would pincer Pergamon along with Demetrios, forcing the Basileion to accept defeat and bow their knees to Makedonian hegemony.

What Alkyoneus didn’t count though, was the reaction his severe ways of dealing with the barbaroi of Chersonesos Thraikia would cause. For in Thraikia, a War Council was called upon, where many Thraikian tribes decided Makedonia had to punished for her boldness and inhuman ways against their kinsmen. As such, the War Council of the Thraikes ordered a horde to be formed led by an elected man named Koson of the Derzai tribe.

Koson commanded a total force of 11.175 Thraikes, whom he led south into Odrysai during Theros (Summer) of the same year. Alkyoneus decided to act immediately, sending Neikostratos, a young Strategos that accompanied him, to engage the barbaros along with the majority of his army. He knew it was risky to let such an inexperienced man to lead such an important expedition, but he had to remain in Byzantion for the process of pacifying the region.


Neikostratos marched out of Byzantion immediately and marched north-west to meet the enemy. With great surprise, he saw the Thraikes where heading straight against him instead of retreating against a (numerically) superior force. When Neikostratos send a messenger over to the Thraikes to ask Koson for negotiations, a move he deemed fit between the leaders of two armies that where about to meet in battle, what he got in return was the head of his messenger in a leather bag. Enraged, Neikostratos took the initiative and attacked first.


The terrain was generally flat, so Neikostratos formed his men into the classical Makedonian fashion with a little twist; He placed his phalangitai in an oblique phalanx, a tactic that hadn’t been used lately by other Makedonian Strategoi.


One of the few things that Neikostratos was weary of, was the presence of a strong number of hippotoxotai and sphendonetai among the lines of the Thraikioi. As his forces where drawing closer to the barbaroi and the latter started showering the Makedones with projectiles, Neikostratos replied by sending a regiment of hippakontistai to disorganize the barbaroi lines with javelin fire.



Soon, Koson decided to reply by sending his Thorakitai Stratiotai against the Makedonian right wing where a regiment of hoplitai where stationed. The sheer might of the charge proved enough to break the entire formation of the hoplitai within a few minutes, something that greatly surprised Neikostratos.


In response to this attack, Neikostratos decided to break up his phalanx line and ordered two units of phalangitai to engage the stratiotai, who where already reinforced by more units of their kinsmen.


Seeing the Makedones breaking their center line, Koson immediately charged into the Makedonian line targeting the psiloi. Unfortunately for him, Neikostratos was prepared and ordered his men to surround him. What started as an honest charge that could prove disastrous for the Makedones, would turn out to be the spelling of Koson’s ultimate demise.


It is said that a brave and powerful Makedonian phalangites named Pelopidas killed Koson by dragging the man from his horse and choking him to death with his bare hands, after both his sarrisa and xiphos where broken during combat.


After the death of Koson, most of the men started retreating. On the right flank though, the Stratiotai remained defiant. Faced by the Makedonian hoplitai and even the Hypaspistai of Alkyoneus, the barbaroi fought with remarkable fierceness. In the end though, a single charge from both sides by Neikostratos’ Somatophylakes and a unit of hippeis from Thessalia was enough to break them.


Neikostratos ordered his men to pursue the fleeing barbaroi and kill anyone, no prisoners where accepted. The latter squeeled like pigs and ran for their lives, with many falling on the ground and begging for mercy. No mercy was shown on the Makedonian side, though. Enemies of the Basileion where not forgiven.


After the battle was over, the remaining few Thraikioi fled north and Neikostratos returned to Byzantion a victor. Now Alkyoneus seemed more hesitant to leave Hellas than ever before, with the constant threat of yet another horde of barbaroi invading northern Hellas constantly clouding his thoughts.

The rest of the year passed uneventfully for the Basileion, with Alkyoneus feverishly preparing his next move against the Basileion Pergamou as well as a plan for fortifying northern Hellas against the fierce Thraikes.

During Pthinoporon (Autumn) of the same year, Alkyoneus was informed that Sarpedon Syriakos, a renowned Strategos of the Arche Seleukeia, had been sent to deal with the problems of Anatolia.


Commanding a strong army, Sarpedon engaged Deinarchos, the Pergamon Strategos, and defeated him in battle several stadia north-west of Ipsos. With Deinarchos defeated, the military of Pergamon seemed devastated.


Months went by and Eiar of the 522nd year after the First Olympiad (Spring, 254BC) came. In Pella, two fine young men came of age to form their future outside the boundaries of Makedonia proper. Word is for Deinokratis and Hygienos Argeades, sons of the departed Krateros and Alkyoneus Argeades respectively.



Deinokratis had a wish of becoming one of Makedonia’s best Strategoi, so he asked for his father to attain the famous military school of the Spartiatai, the Agoge. Hygienos, on the other hand, was quite a lazy individual who preferred others to work for him, as well as had a weakness for the fairer sex. On top of that and despite of his young age, he was a title-holder in drinking matches. Alkyoneus, deciding his son would grow too corrupted for his own sake, decided to send him over to Athenai in order to be taught by Athenian Stoics and philosophers. Despite his obvious protests, Hygienos was forced to obey his father’s willing.

While Deinokratis and Hygienos where getting ready to depart for southern Hellas, word came that a rebel figure named Isodorianos had risen in Thessalia. Alexandros, deciding to send the young trainee, Adaios Argeades, along with a minor military force to confront the rebels. Not only did Adaios win, but his victory was complete and brutally effective. A good start for the future that lay before the young Makedon, indeed.



Soon afterwards, Alkyoneus finally decided to gather his army and march against Bithynia. The region was controlled by a minor military force by the Pergamioi, who where steadily losing the war against the combined might of the Seleukeidai and Makedones. After razing village after village that opposed him to the ground (especially those that had a significant barbarian population), Alkyoneus besieged the capital of the region, the great polis of Nikaia.

[gamegeek2]

If I could join, that'd be great.

Antiochos Skythikos - A refugee from Mikra Skythia, a Skythian settler and fine cavalryman who was displaced by the massive invasion of Getai. He wishes to serve the Makedonian king. He has lost both wife and children to the massive hordes of barbaroi, and wishes to take revenge against them under the banner of Makedonia and begin a new domestic life. He wishes to join the Hetairoi, and is willing to prove his worth - though Skythikos, he was born and raised a Hellene, a good settled person who simply retained the masterful horsemanship of his forefathers.

Age: 30
Occupation: Former Skytho-Hellene farmer/heavy cavalryman. Looking for a job in the Makedonian military.
Wife: Alexandra (dead)
Children: Alexandros (dead), Ismene (dead)

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent. I'll add you as a secondary character on the list in my first post. If you wish to participate in the Synedrion, then pm me and I'll give you permission, or I will pm you if I think it would be good to have you present.

Thanks for the support,
Maion

EDIT: Just a minor request here guys. I'd like you to pick one of the screenshots I've posted here in order to participate to the December Screenshot Competition. I've found it difficult to make a choice so far, so I'd like to ask for your personal opinion. I decided to enter each competition by posting a screenshots from my AAR, so far I've entered the October and November ones. Thanks in advance.

[machinor]

I'd pick the first battle-screenshot from post #278: Barbarinas clashing against a dead end of sarissai.

So, the Getai raided our lands... Jaertecken will have a hard time explaining this. :p

[Maion Maroneios]

Aha, I will consider this thank you machinor

Just one thing: It wasn't the Getai who did it, there are just rumors that they where behind it. If you look closely, you will notice I have edited their name into 'Thraikian horde' instead of Getai.

Maion

[Tyrfingr]

So, the Getai raided our lands... Jaertecken will have a hard time explaining this. :p

"High King Oroles of the Getai is investigating the incident right as we speak. Rest assure, King Oroles wishes only the good of both our tribes!"

[gamegeek2]

Antiochos, who has many years of experience fighting Thracian tribes, is suspicious of this. The best thing to do, he recommends, is to find out which tribe did it, and under whose control.

He also says that the Getai and Sarmatai are not friends, and may go to war, particularly over the province of Bastarnia/Basterneslandom.

[Maion Maroneios]

The Pergamon War – Part II

It was during late Eiar (Spring) of the same year that Alkyoneus assaulted Nikaia. The polis itself was protected by a weak Pergamon force (compared to the Makedonian one), numbering 4.320 men. The defending force was led by the greatest Strategos of the Pergamioi, Klaudios. Though young, he had enough guts to face a force that would surely defeat him.



Upon sacrificing to the gods to grant him their blessings, Alkyoneus ordered his troops to attack at noon. The siege was short, but brutal. Though outnumbered, the Pergamioi proved brave men and fought with valor yet unseen by Alkyoneus.

Klaudios and his somatophylakes bravely though foolishly charged at Alkyoneus’ Hypaspistai at some point of the battle, after which they where promptly surrounded and cut down by the Makedones. Klaudios himself was captured by the Hypaspistai and held captive of Alkyoneus.


The last force of the Pergamioi gathered in the polis center remained defiant until the very last man, but they fell as well. Most notably was the performance of the Thraikian peltastai in command of Alkyoneus, as they cut through the last of the Pergamioi with remarkable efficiency and brutality with their rhomphaiai.




After the polis was captured, Alkyoneus made a series of necessary moves to pacify the region and take control of it’s economy. A temporary military authority was placed as the means of controlling the region, with plans to make Bithynia yet another Makedonike Satrapeia.





Showing his cruel face yet again to the barbaroi population of the polis, Alkyoneus ripped many wealthy non-Hellenes of their privileges and properties, giving them to Hellenes instead. He even went as far as destroying the temple of Gebeleizis, the Thraikian equivalent of Zeus, to replace it with a ‘proper’ one of Zeus Olympios.



Several scattered Pergamon armies where still present in Bithynia, so Alkyoneus ordered Neikostratos to clear the region along with a part of Alkyoneus’ army from the Pergamioi. As ordered, Neikostratos engaged the remaining Pergamon prescence in the region and forced them to flee back to Mysia.



Later that month, Alkyoneus was informed of a Pontic army of considerable force that had entered Bithynia after being chased by Sarpedon Syriakos. The latter even sent a formal letter requesting Alkyoneus’ assistance dealing with the Pontioi, which Alkyoneus accepted. As such, by the beginning of Theros (Summer) of the same year, the combined forces of Sarpedon and Alkyoneus met the Pontic captain Nothos and his 10.785 men in battle. The fight was decisive, resulting in a clear victory for the allied army.




When Theros (Summer) finally came and Helios scorched the earth, word spread that the previously Seleukid-controlled region of Galatia had rebelled from their rule. The Galatai openly declared war upon the Seleukeidai, while at the same time the Pontioi formally declared war upon the Basileion Makedonias.



A whole season passed while Alkyoneus was preparing his forces to deliver the final blow to the polis of Pergamon. He was planning to allow the Pergamioi no time to recover whatsoever, aiming for a total and decisive victory that would cement his power in Anatolia.

By mid-Phthinoporon (Autumn) of the same year, Alkyoneus marched out of Nikaia with 16.485 troops, leaving the young Neikostratos along with a minor defending force behind. Before marching against Pergamon, Alkyoneus sent a letter to his brother Demetrios, ordering him to attack Pergamon head-on as well.

It wasn’t late before both armies where besieging Pergamon from both sides, while the Makedonian navy was blockading the ports of the polis. Eumenes, the Basileus of Pergamon, decided not to meet the Makedones in battle, as he risked losing even more men that he desperately needed. So the man waited behind the walls of his polis, observing as Pergamon was surrounded by Makedonian troops from all sides.


The Makedones assaulted the polis as soon as they could, building all necessary siege equipment in the meantime. A total astounding force of 39.570 men on the Makedonian side where facing 28.950 defenders. One of the bloodiest pages in the history of Hellenism would be written that day, but at the same time it would be an omen for the events that would follow.

[Maion Maroneios]

The Prophecy (Part I) – Prequel to the siege of Nikaia

After burning the last village just before reaching Nikaia, Alkyoneus stood on a hill atop of his horse, overlooking the polis from afar. Just behind him, the smoke from the burning village ascended to the skies.

Philadelphios and Antigonos, both clad in full armor, approached their Basileus. The first one to speak was Philadelphios.

“My Basileus, there is something me and Antigonos wish to discuss with you, being the closest people you have in the army.”

Alkyoneus wheeled his horse and upon facing the two men, he spoke:

“My brother Philadelphios, there is no need to call me Basileus. I will always be Alkyoneus, your friend, to you. We are blood brothers, do not forget I would not be standing here was it not for you back in Aitolia. Now, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”

Philadelphios smiled and nodded, but it was Antigonos who spoke with a slight hint of hesitation in his voice.

“Alkyoneus, my lord, we have been discussing our actions lately... By actions I of course mean the cruel treatment of the local barbaroi population... Know that I would never question your decisions, Basileus, but I do think we have treated them too harshly. Even though you know how much I despise them.”

Alkyoneus stood silent for a moment, and for a faint second something like fury flashed through his eyes, though it quickly vanished. He then spoke with a calm tone, addressing Antigonos.

“Noble Antigonos, you know how much I respect you and your council. Though you must know, that my hatred for the barbaroi will always be there, whatever happens. I will not forgive them for plundering my homeland all these years, while we where unable to react. I have plans to Hellenize all the barbaroi within the boundaries of Makedonia, while I will not hesitate to exterminate anyone who doesn’t embrace it. Too long have we lived in fear of them, now it is time for them to fear us. They call me ‘Timoros’ (Punisher) in their tongue, though I will soon make them call me ‘Ktonos’ (Killer). If anyone has a problem with that or questions my will, I suggests he applies to the Synedrion.”

“We would never question you, Alkyoneus. We will always be behind you, whatever happens, through thick and thin,” came Philadelphios’ straight reply.

“It’s just that... Most of them are innocent people. Do they deserve all this cruelty?”

Alkyoneus merely smiled, and spoke as he turned again to face Nikaia.

“My friends, this in not a time to discuss politics. This is a time for war. Besides, it seems we got company...”

From afar, a small number of hippeis could be seen riding towards the Makedones, kicking up a cloud of dust in their wake. Immediately, Antigonos ordered 5 of his men to come forward and form in front of Alkyoneus.

When the hippeis came close, 3 figures in total, Antigonos walked towards them and addressed the men.

“I am Antigonos Aiginios, Dioiketes of the Hypaspistai guard of Alkyoneus. If you have any business with the Basileus Makedonias, speak up, otherwise leave at once.”

One of the hippeis unmounted his steed and took a few steps towards Antigonos before replying.

“Chairete, Makedones. My name is Aristarchos Lampsakios, I am a messenger sent forth by Strategos Klaudios of the free polis of Pergamon. There is a message he wished to be delivered to him personally.”

Antigonos glanced back at Alkyoneus, who nodded at him. Then, the Hypaspistai broke formation and allowed their Basileus to step forward. Alkyoneus made sure to look as majestic as possible, addressing the person in front of him with all authority he could muster.

“Chaire, citizen of Nikaia. What is it your Strategos wishes to say to me?”

Aristarchos merely bowed and upon straightening himself up, he spoke with his most formal tone.

“Strategos Klaudios of Pergamon wishes to have a discussion with your Highness, inviting you to a formal dinner at his mansion in Nikaia. He believes it should be the rightest thing to do, beffiting just Hellenic people.”

“Tell your Strategos I accept his offer, messenger. I will come to Nikaia unarmed, though accompanied by my personal picked guard. My arrival will be at nightfall,” said Alkyoneus.

“Very well Sir, I will pass over the message to Klaudios. Good day to you,” said Aristarchos. He then mounted his horse again and rode back to Nikaia swiftly with the two other men.

After a while, the Hypaspistai went back to the camp while Antigonos went over and spoke to Alkyoneus.

“Alkyoneus, do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, this could be a trap. We all know the Pergamioi have a grudge against us, the must be pretty pissed by the fact Demetrios creamed them a year ago,” the last sentence putting a slight smirk on his face.

“Indeed,” came Alkyoneus’ reply. “I am aware of this, Antigonos. But I can assure you, that he will not try to assassinate me. He’s not foolish enough to do that. Klaudios is a bright Strategos who prizes the Apollonic Virtues above anything. He is a serious and honorable man, believe me. Plus, I will have you and Philadelphios by my side,” he said smiling.

Antigonos laughed heartily, with Alkyoneus and Philadelphios following as well.

“True,” Philadelphios remarked. “But let us get back to the camp, we can’t show up like that at Klaudios’ mansion, now can we? We look more like Getic peasants than Makedonia noblemen, don’t you think?”

More laughter was caused by Philadelphios’ last remark, while the men where casually walking back to the camp, their merry laughter echoing far from the campsite.

[Maion Maroneios]

The Prophecy (Part II) – Prequel to the siege of Nikaia

When nightfall came, Alkyoneus reached Nikaia with a handful, specifically 10, picked guards. To either of his side where Antigonos and Philadelphios, while around him where the rest of the guardsmen.

When the party entered the polis, they where formally greeted by the gatekeepers and shown the way to Klaudios’ mansion by a man at the gates. During the walk towards Klaudios’ residence, the Makedones couldn’t fail to notice the occasional glare and even curse from a bypassing citizen.

When the party entered Klaudios’ residence, they where greeted by the man himself. He was a rather tall man with an opposing physique, a strong chin and light-brown short hair. He bore a clean-shaved face and his eyes where a piercing blue, something quite uncommon for Hellenes. Maybe even a trace of some barbarian blood, Alkyoneus thought.

Even so, his voice was firm though casual and he led the Makedones to a large dining table where all kinds of food and fruit where present. Not missing, of course, where large jugs of wine, presumably of the famed Bithynian vineyards, Alkyoneus thought of himself.

Upon taking their seats, the Makedones where offered food and drink. Most of them where reluctant at first, but where told it was ok by Alkyoneus himself, after which they started devouring anything they found. It was, after all, quite some time since they had a proper meal.

Alkyoneus merely accepted some grape juice and bread, as well as a few dried figs. Philadelphios copied his move, while Antigonos merely accepted a Spartan meal: Bread and water.

After some minutes of eating, Klaudios bend over the table and addressed Alkyoneus.

“So, great Basileus, I finally have the honor of meeting the famed war-king himself in person! It is most delightful to have you here with us tonight, master Alkyoneus.”

Alkyoneus, after finishing his figs, looked up at Klaudios and spoke.

“So it seems, Klaudios, though it is not under the best of circumstances. As you may already know, your Basileus had provoked me. And once provoked, a true Makedonian can do nothing else than answer in an appropriate way.”

“Which, in our case, means a full-scale military invasion of lands controlled by the polis of Pergamon, correct?” came Klaudios’ reply.

“Well,” Alkyoneus went on, “While this may not truly be befitting a Hellenic monarch, but your Basileus stash wasn’t exactly gallant, of I may say so. As hard as I tried to make him change his mind about ending hostilities against us, Eumenes turned down every offer I made to him. It wasn’t exactly my intention to get dragged into Eastern politics, mind you.”

Klaudios seemed thoughtful, his eyes fixed on his cup of herb tea, the liquid of which he forced into a circular motion with his right hand. He then spoke, without looking at Alkyoneus at first.

“I see. But don’t you think you overreacted? I mean, who would launch a full-scale invasion when his northern borders are threatened? I am aware of your ‘northern’ problem, yes... But this can only mean that you have ambitions and claims in Anatolia, am I right?”

Alkyoneus didn’t reply, so Klaudios went on.

“I don’t blame you, you are a descendant of Megas Alexandros after all. Plus, this all happens for gold, glory and fame, doesn’t it? I know how it is to live overshadowed by someone... But this in not my point. My point is, that I know the reason you are doing this am am strongly inclining you to rethink of your actions.”

A short pause followed, after which Klaudios went on.

“I am aware of the fact that the Seleukeidai have asked you for help, it’s not a great secret at least to us. We have our means of getting information like that. Plus, we knew this so-called ‘invasion’ of ours was quite futile, I must tell you. What we wanted, was to light up a spark. Too long have we been under Seleukid rule, it is time that power shifts to someone else.”

“A spark?”, Alkyoneus remarked. “So what you are saying, is that you had this planned all along? That’s a bold statement there, young man.”

“I know, Alkyoneus,” Klaudios replied with a smile. “I also not expect you to believe me, I do not care weather you do or not anyway. I just felt I had to tell you this, since it is you that the oracle mentioned.”

“What?”, Alkyoneus said with a confused and surprised look. “Which oracle? What are you talking about?”

“Let me take things from the beginning,” Klaudios replied calmly. “It all begun 3 years ago, when Eumenes, our Basileus, secretly paid a visit to the great Oracle of Delphoi. He had seen a vision in his dreams, where Asklepios himself inclined him to visit the sacred site. And so he did.”

“So he traveled to Hellas in secret, while everyone thought he was ill in Pergamon. When he finally arrived at Delphoi, he consulted the Oracle. And the prophecy he for was the following: Hellenism shall be spread to the world anew, but for that to happen, Pergamon has to fall to the spear of a true Makedon.”

A long pause of silence followed, with everyone eying Alkyoneus carefully. The latter remained completely silent and for a moment it seemed he wasn’t even breathing at all. After recollecting his though, Alkyoneus answered.

“You expect me to believe this bullshit, arrogant boy? You seem better as a story-teller than a leader of men to me.”

Klaudios closed his eyes and smiled, obviously expecting this very reaction from the man before him. He then opened his eyes and spoke.

“I’m not expecting anything from you, Alkyoneus. I just told you what felt like I had to tell, even against Eumenes’ orders. I’ve always thought this spear is your one, Alkyoneus, I knew it since I first heard of this prophecy.”

Alkyoneus remained silent, but something told him that the man before him was cold serious. Nonetheless, the logical part of him seemed to prevail.

“Well,” he finally said, “It seems that instead of a serious talk about the very future of your pathetic so-called ‘Basileion’, you call me here to tell me children’s tales.”

He then sat up from his chair, as did the rest of his guardsmen, and addressed Klaudios for a last time.

“It was a pleasure to be here, Klaudios, but I cannot attend to this foolish discussion any longer. Discussing any longer with you is only offending me, so I shall leave this table. Good-bye to you, Klaudios, until we meet again in battle.”

And by that, Alkyoneus stormed out of the chamber, followed by his guardsmen who where shooting occasional glances back to Klaudios. The latter merely sat in silence with his fingers crossed on his chair, observing as the Makedones exited his mansion.

“That didn’t go as well as you had hoped, I’m afraid Sir,” Archilochos said who was standing a few feet next to him.

“Well,” Klaudios replied with a smile. “That remains to be seen now, doesn't it?”

That night, Alkyoneus had a very troubled sleep, full of dreams and visions of the future...

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Nice chapter cant wait for the third one.

[johnhughthom]

I like the celebratory shot in post 289 if you are still looking for a screenshot for the competition. Then again the shots I like rarely seem to get many votes in the competitions, so maybe it's not the best idea to take my advice...

[Maion Maroneios]

Thanks Olaf As for the pic, don't worry I don't really care about votes and such. I just want your advise, I merely take part in the competition as to 'promote' my AAR in a way. Now that I think about it, I'll probably go with your choise (no offense here, machinor).

Thanks again guys, I'll write the next chapter soon.

Maion

[Tyrfingr]

Updatos! Pronto!

[Maion Maroneios]

Yeah sorry guys I've been enjoying my vacations this past week so no updates. I have prepared a good 3 already, so be expecting them today or tomorrow

Maion

[Maion Maroneios]

The Pergamon War – Part III

“Has he sent a messenger yet?”, Alkyoneus asked Antigonos.

“No Sir, no response from Eumenes whatsoever. Our last messenger was not allowed entrance to the polis either,” came the man’s reply.

It had already been 1 month since Alkyoneus and his army had been besieging Pergamon, but oddly enough Eumenes, the Basileus of Pergamon, seemed reluctant to have any kind of discussion with the Makedonian Basileus. This only filled Alkyoneus’ head with more unanswered questions.

(Picture of an ancient Pergamese coin depicting King Eumenes I of Pergamon)

The weather was quite sunny, with not many signs of bad weather, even though Cheimon (Winter) was close. There where, of course, the occasional drizzles and the chill in the atmosphere seemed to become intenser with every passing day.

(Picture of the surroundings of the polis of Pergamon)

As the days passed, Alkyoneus grew more impatient with the siege. He wanted to waste no time, though he knew that if he waited for much longer, he would have to postpone the assault until next year.

The reason of his reluctance to assault the polis, was because Eumenes didn’t make any moves to negotiate with Alkyoneus. As such, Alkyoneus waited for Eumenes to negotiate with him. If he attacked without negotiating, Alkyoneus would be called a barbaros and amoral.

While Eumenes seemed to buy time for his polis, Alkyoneus was discussing his next move with his lochagoi. After many hours of discussions and debates, the Makedones decided to give Eumenes a final warning: Negotiate or face obliteration.

A final messenger was sent, but he was, yet again, refused council with Eumenes or any of his representatives. As such, Alkyoneus ordered his men to take up arms and prepare to assault the polis.

The polis of Pergamon itself was governed by a man named Pyrrichos, due to Eumenes’ inability because of his age and health state. Pyrrichos was a very young man, though as Alkyoneus found out, brilliant and intelligent.


When both Makedonian armies where prepared and formed for battle, the air was filled with sounds of battle drums, auloi and trumpets. In Pergamon there was utter chaos: The streets where filled with paniced citizens and slaves, who where trying to get to safe places. Some philo-Makedones even started riots against Pergamon rule, which forced Pyrrichos to use his soldiers to keep order.

It seemed as if mighty Pan himself had unleashed his wrath upon the whole polis, with Alkyoneus observing the unfolding events from afar. He seemed satisfied with the effect of fear he caused, it fed the very depths of his soul.

When the order was given for the Makedonian armies to approach the polis, the tension from within Pergamon only grew by the minute as panic turned into desperation.

Upon coming within a few hundred feet from the polis, both armies came to a dead stop and remained silent for several minutes. Surprised, Eumenes observed from the balcony of his palace with interest.

At some point and to the north of the polis, Alkyoneus came forward on his steed. Accompanied by only his spear carrier, he came within spear-range of the polis and halted. He then unmounted his horse and took a few steps towards the polis. Every single man was holding his breath.

The silence was that heavy, that suddenly Alkyoneus’ booming voice caused many to flinch.

“Pergamioi! Since your Basileus had been such a coward as to not even face me on the table of negotiations, I decided to take things in my hand instead. From this day, there will be no Basileion Pergamou anymore. Your pathetic independency will end with the life of your Basileus, a coward that is better dead than alive.”

He then went over to his spear carrier, grabbed his dory and assumed throwing position. With a fluid and powerful movement and a mighty yell, he threw the dory towards the polis. The dory soared through the air and landed perfectly inside the polis, going over the reinforced wooden walls. The symbolic act was clear to everyone: Alkyoneus had claimed Pergamon with his dory, as Megas Alexandros himself had thrown his and claimed Asia.

When Alkyoneus rode back, the assault begun. The Basileus himself took all the cavalry from his army and rode around the polis towards Demetrios, while the rest seemed to retreat to a greater distance.


Alkyoneus ordered his Hypaspistai to hide in a nearby forest though, planning to use them for a quick assault.


When Alkyoneus reached Demetrios, the army to the south of Pergamon marched forward and the psiloi where ordered to shower the defenders with projectiles.



With most of the defenders gathering at the southern gates, Alkyoneus ordered several toxotai to fire flaming missiles at a heap of withered and covered with oil and naphtha grass. The heap quickly caught fire, with the thick black smoke indicating the northern army to launch an assault.

Climbing the walls with small ladders, the Hypaspistai entered the polis from an undefended part. Storming the polis, the Makedonian elites under Antigonos prepared to face the oncoming defenders. Antigonos had been bestowed with yet another dangerous task of delaying the defenders until main reinforcements would arrive.


The first answer of the defenders was a hoplitai regiment, which was met with an organized formation of interlocked shields and longswords.


The hoplitai where soon reinforced by a small unit of hippakontistai. The professional Makedonian soldiers found no trouble to keep the defenders at bay, swinging and stabbing with their longswords with deadly efficiency.


Another wave of defenders arrived, this time a considerable number of Asiatikoi Hippeis. Antigonos ordered his men to switch to their dorys, without breaking formation. With their spears, they stabbed against the newly arrived defenders.


Unnoticed by the Makedones, another force of Pergamon hippakontistai came from behind the Hypaspistai. As such, Antigonos was forced to order his men to break formation and switch to their longswords yet again.


The pressure that was applied on the Hypaspistai was so great, that many of them where secluded from the main battleground.

One of those men was Antigonos himself, who was pressed towards the walls of the polis by an asiatikos. The horseman stabbed repeatedly at the tired Dioiketes, who just managed to parry the blows. At one point though, Antigonos threw all his weight on his aspis, bashing on the horse’s neck and plunging his sword deep within it’s left leg.


Blood spilled from the wound, while the horse whinnied and the horseman fell with a surprised yell. When he fell on the ground, Antigonos jumped onto him and plunged his sword in his ribcage before he could react.

Fortunately for the exhausted Hypaspistai, a regiment of Makedonian sphendonetai arrived who drove away the last of the Pergamioi with a hail of stones. When the fighting was over, the battlefield was filled with hundreds of corpses, Makedonian and Pergamon ones alike.



On the other side of the polis, the Makedones had broken the southern gate and where pouring inside. Pyrrichos sent his light hoplitai at first, but they where broken by the mighty Makedonian phalangitai.




Upon wiping out the hoplitai, Alkyoneus ordered his phalangitai to advance towards the interior of the polis. Pyrrichos sent his own phalangitai next, though he very well knew they would have no better future than their predecessors.




The Makedonian pikemen where better trained and fiercer, though it was Alkyoneus and his somatophylakes that made the difference by hammering the Pergamioi. Not able to withstand such a formidable force, the phalangitai of Pergamon where quickly broken and cut down.



Alkyoneus and his phalangitai where now very close to the Agora of Pergamon, where Pyrrichos and the remaining defenders where stationed. Deciding it was time to act himself, Pyrrichos charged at the Makedones with his somatophylakes.

(Statue of Apollon, located near the Agora of Pergamon)


While this seemed a foolish move, it was really the best the Pergamon Strategos could do. His army was almost broken and Pergamon was about to fall. He could only hope to inspire the remaining Pergamioi to fight with valor for this polis.

The charge of the Strategos was fierce, many of them breaking through the sarissai upon coming in contact with the Makedonian phalangitai. Soon enough, Alkyoneus had arrived behind Pyrrichos and was charging his back.


The Pergamioi fought valiantly, sending many Makedones over to Hades. At some point, Alkyoneus came very close to Pyrrichos, the latter not seeming to have realized that. That would cost him his life, as Alkyoneus was soon right behind him. He slashed against the Strategos’ horse toppling it, after which Pyrrichos fell with a loud thud on the ground.


Once their Strategos was on the ground, the Pergamioi started routing back to the Agora. Pyrrichos was now surrounded by cheering Makedones, lying helpless and unarmed. Alkyoneus then unmounted and grabbed the Strategos from behind by his hair after removing his helmet. He then raised his kopis and slashed his throat, blood gushing freely from the wound. Another uproar of cheers on the Makedonian side, while Alkyoneus was wiping the blood off his kopis with his cape.


The last of the Pergamioi where quickly cut down to the last man, surrounded by all sides. In the end, there was no defender standing.


(Philadelphios delivering a fatal blow to a Pergamon psilos)


Alkyoneus’ victory was total and decisive, just as he had hoped it would be.

[Maion Maroneios]

The Fulfillment of the Prophecy

It wasn’t long before Alkyoneus and his somatophylakes stormed Eumenes’ palace, with the Basileus himself rushing forward on foot in search of his enemy. The few guards that where present within the palace charged at Alkyoneus, but he merely bashed them away with his aspis, after which they where cut down by his following somatophylakes.

Finally reaching the Royal Chambers, Alkyoneus kicked the door to Eumenes’ resting room, only to find the old man sitting on a throne-like chair facing the balcony. The room was empty whatsoever, so Alkyoneus entered and upon pointing the old man with his kopis, he boomed:

“Eumenes! I’ve been looking for you, old fool! Thought you could hide from me in this pathetic residence of yours? PAH! Surrender or die Eumenes!”

Eumenes slowly stood up (with some difficulty, Alkyoneus noticed) and turned to face Alkyoneus. His face was shallow, his skin grown pale and he had a very tired, almost deathly expression on his face. What Alkyoneus immediately noticed, was that he was holding an empty cup in his right hand.

“Ah, so we finally meet Alkyoneus,” the old Basileus mumbled.

“Indeed,” Alkyoneus said. “I decided to pay you a little visit, after you where so reluctant, or afraid one could say, to discuss with me.”

“Hmmm,” Eumenes said gazing at the floor. He then glanced up at him and Alkyoneus couldn’t but notice a faint spark in his eyes, pressumably a glint of his old authority and power.

“Alkyoneus, there is something I must tell you. I do not have much time left though, so try and listen to me carefully without interrupting me,” he continued while let out a series of light coughs.

Alkyoneus remained silent for some time, waiting for the old man to speak even though he knew what he was about to tell him. The prophecy that involved him seemed to linger in his dreams every night, filling his thought and blurring his mind. He needed to know the truth, he had to hear it from the man who was standing before him.

“As I said, there is something you need to know,” Eumenes went on. “Some time ago, I went over to Delphoi to consult the Oracle for reasons of my own. What I found out deeply troubled me, though I am a mortal man and must bow my head to the will of the gods.”

“I know, Eumenes. Your Strategos, Klaudios, told me all about it... Is it true?”, Alkyoneus interrupted the old man.

Eumenes nodded and started coughing more loudly, while his breathing seemed to grow heavier.

“Yes, it is true... I now know it is you who incarnates the Makedon of the prophecy, that you are the one who will spread Hellenism to the world anew. I do not expect you to believe me, just know that I wouldn’t have much to win by doing what I did. I virtually sacrificed my whole Basileion to fulfill this prophecy, I hope you can at least respect that...”

Alkyoneus remained silent, when something finally struck him, observing the man before him break in another outburst of loud coughs. The empty cup in his hand also fell on the floor.

“It’s konion, isn’t it? You’ve poisoned yourself, old man? You chose a painful and slow death over a quick an honorable one? Why, old man? Why all this mysticism? WHY?”, the Makedonian Basileus said.

Eumenes now started shaking violently, holding onto his chair in order to remain standing. His voice was now muffled and barely audible, as he replied for one last time:

“One day Alkyoneus... One day you will understand... In the meantime remember this... Never forget where you come from...”

He tried to say something else as well, but Alkyoneus couldn’t make any of it anymore. He just watched the old man wriggle and spasm as he fell on the floor, grasping his throat with his hands. He was slowly chocking to death and nothing could be done to save him now.

As if waiting for that exact moment, 3 of Alkyoneus’ somatophylakes entered with bloodied kopeis. The sight of the dead Basileus seemed to bother them little to no at all, accustomed to death in general. One of them went over to Alkyoneus and spoke:

“My Basileus, we where met with unexpected opposition. No casualties though Sire, just some injuries which our physicians will be able to heal.”

He then took a glance at Eumenes who was still grasping his throat.

“Konion, I assume...”, he remarked.

“Yes,” Alkyoneus said without taking his eyes away from Eumenes’ dead body. “He seemed to have drunk it when we stormed his palace...”

“I see,” the somatophylakas replied. “Sir, the polis is yours. What would you have us do?”

Alkyoneus seemed thoughtful for a moment, but after a while he turned and faced the man.

“Do the usual stuff, calm the population and declare the new state of things publicly. Send a letter to Pella and the nobles as well. I want things to go as smoothly as possible. As for the barbaroi...”

“I know Sir, raid their homes and expell them,” the somatophylakas replied and made to turn away and give out his master’s orders.

“No,” Alkyoneus said, making the man stop dead in his tracks. “Let them be, treat them the same as the rest.”

The somatophylakas turned around and seemed puzzled for a moment, but he quickly dismissed anything he had in mind. He merely nodded and turned out of the chamber, followed by the other 2 somatophylakes waiting outside.

'You’re growing soft, Alkyoneus,' the Basileus thought after a while. He smiled at that comment, shaking away the thought.

[Maion Maroneios]

Beginning of the Synedrion, Winter 254BC

With the beginning of Cheimon (Winter) of the same year, Alkyoneus traveled to Pella and called upon the Synedrion. It had already been 2 ears since the last meeting of the highest of Makedonian councils, and Alkyoneus believed it was time to discuss the future of the Basileion with the nobles.

Upon reaching the port of Thessalonike, Alkyoneus and his Hypaspistai where welcomed as heroes, praised by the locals and welcomed heartily. Alkyoneus went from Thessalonike over to Pella within half a few hours, where he was met with the warmest of all welcomes yet.

Everyone was execting Alkyoneus, their beloved Basileus, with impatience. Even many Synedroi where present at the gates when Alkyoneus came to greet him. After a few days of rest from the journey, the Basileus formally declared the beginning of the Synedrion for the year.

***

Everyone was excited about this meeting, as the Synedroi where entering the marble chambers of the Synedrion, chatting merrily with their fellow sympatriotai. Alkyoneus himself was in the front entrance, greeting every Synedros with a firm handshake and a smile as they entered the chambers.

When everyone was present, Alkyoneus went over to his throne and sat. The first to speak was Diophantos, who seemed serious as always.

“Synedroi, please be quiet for a moment. As you all know, our wise Basileus has called upon the highest of councils, the Synedrion, to discuss with you the affairs of the state.”

He took a small pause to eye the Synedroi from one side of the Synedrion to the other.

“As you know, our Basileion has managed to climb new heights from the last time we where gathered here sympatriotai. Not only did we dynamically enter the Anatolian affairs, but managed to bring down a great power, the mighty polis of Pergamon. Further details will be told to us by the protagonist of these events himself, our Basileus, Alkyoneus Argeades.”

Diophantos stepped aside, as Alkyoneus came forward to the pedestal by a wave of applause from the Synedrioi. Upon reaching the pedestal, Alkyoneus smiled and addressed the Synedroi with a casual, yet serious voice:

“Chairete, noble Synedroi! Our Basileion is now in a most favorable position, and from this position I have decided it would be best to have our meeting.”

“As you know, our forces have recently brought down the might of the polis of Pergamon herself, a major power in Anatolia and the reason for the uprise in the region as well. Not only did we win, but we wiped away any remnants of their old glimmer within less than a year.”

“With Pergamon down, our humble Basileion has reached new heights, as wise Diophantos correctly remarked. We took a major step from a regional power to one with international ambitions and a power to be recogned with. Our recent conquests have vastly increased our incomes and it is up to us to make good use of them.”

“First of all, I’d like to present you with the current state of our Basileion in the outside world. In our northern borders, the Thraikian tribes seem to move as we speak. They even went as far as calling upon a pan-Thraikian war council, deciding to punish Makedonia for treating barbaroi as they should be treated, meaning earthworms. Further details will be described to us by Rhemaxos.”


Some approving yells where heard by several Synedroi, but Alkyoneus was quick to stop them by raising his hand and waving, demanding silence.

“As I said, there are many Thraikian tribes who still have ambitions in our northern borders and who knows how much southern afterwards. I opposed them with help of our great Strategos in the making, Neikostratos, who currently resides in Nikaia for pacification reasons.”

“In the West, things seem to remain the same. There is an ever-present struggle between the forces of Rome and Karchedon, with the former seeming to prevail on land and the latter in the sea. Most notably is the fact that we got informed by our spies in the region that Sikelia, a land with a substantial Hellenic population, is threatened by the forces of Rome. The Romaioi have even gone as far as to oppose the ancient and mighty polis of Syrakousai as I have been informed, though their attempt was futile so far.”


“In the East and with the power of Pergamon gone, we have made ourselves new enemies. Word is for the Pontioi, who decided to foolishly invade our lands. With the help of a great Seleukid Strategos, Sarpdeon Syriakos, we managed to drive the Pontioi out of our lands and further cement our already strong alliance with the Seleukeidai. The Ptolemaioi seem to be more hostile towards us than usual as well, which may as well prophecise a future war against them.”


“In the South, things seem quiet. The remnants of the Koinon Hellenon still are present in a few islands as well as Krete and Rhodos, the latter remaining their capital polis and main base of operations. Due to a lack of funds though, the southern Hellenes have yet to make any moves outside of their already restricted borders.”


Alkyoneus took a short pause to catch his breath and recollect his thought. He then went on:

“Secondly, I would like to present you with our current economical as well as military status.”

“Regarding our economy, what I can say is that days are brighter than ever since many, many years. Controlling the mines of the northern barbarian regions and Anatolia as well as the trading ports of the shores of Ionia, has given us a huge boost of income.”

“While all this sounds good and positive, there are still dangers. Wealth gives birth to greed, mostly from our enemies, but there also is another great question that arises: How are we going to properly manifest these new resources to benefit our growing Basileion? That is what I’m willing to discuss with you today, Synedroi.”

“But let me get on to the next topic, mainly our military status. Our main forces are divided in a total of 2 armies, both currently stationed in the regions of Bithynia and Mysia respectively. They are our only standing forces, and are composed of highly drilled and experienced soldiers.”

“The rest of our forces are located in the various satrapeiai and garrisoned states of our Basielion as guard forces, as well as the north for protection against the barbarian hordes.”

After taking another pause, Alkyoneus waved to a nearby slave who gave him a small cup of water and took a few gulps before he spoke again.

“Now that I have told you what our situation is like as well as our economical and military status, I believe it is time for us to discuss our future moves. But before we get on with the discussions and debates, let me present you with a small list I have prepared myself. I am waiting for opinions and suggestions, as well as any other ideas that are are not within my list.”

“My proposals are the following:”

1. Further fortification of our northern borders with forces of your own choice, for a better defense against a future attack from Thraikian hordes
2. Placement of border guarding forces in the regions of Bithynia and Mysia of your choise, as to protect the regions from enemies
3. Increase of our naval might by ordering a building project of 1 or 2 units of ships in Athenai and/or Pergamon
4. Reformation of our main forces by including better equipped hoplitai and phalangitai, as well as capable cavalry units
5. Placement of a sizeable garrison army in southern Hellas to prevent future rebellion
6. Improve our infrastructure by spending thousands of mnai on building projects throughout the whole Basileion
7. Placement of a proper governor in the region of Aitolia, which is currently a garrisoned state governed by Makedonian soldiers under command of Thorax, the former Dioiketes of the Hypaspistai of the Royal Guard, and turn the region into a proper Makedonike Satrapeia.

“So basically, Synedroi, what I propose are several years dedicated in the progress of our Basileion and ceasement of every military activity. If this works, our Basileion will be even more sophisticated and able to answer to any threat henceforth.”

“So, Synedroi, I have told you all I wanted. Now is the turn for your voice to be heard, I’m eager to listen to your ideas, proposals and criticism.”

Alkyoneus then turned and sat back on his throne, observing the Synedroi and waiting for them to speak.

Here is a map of the current AI situation in my campaign, note this is off-character stuff:


For clarification reasons, I can tell you the guys in Illyria are (yet again, I'm beginning to feel sorry for them) the Epeirotai and will represent the Taulantioi that have (unified most of) the Illyrioi tribes. Reference of them will come later on, so don't take this information as given in your in-character speeches.

[Tyrfingr]

*Rhemaxos per Buridava steps up, in front of the Synedrion*

"Honoured members of the Synedrion..."

"Alkyoneus Antigonou Argeades, I name you Alkyoneus Nikator Pergamou for your victory over the Pergamese kingdom. Now, to the matter at hand."

"I have been summouned here to answer for the recent troubles in the north. After the makedonike conquest of Byzantion, a large number of thraikians were expelled from the area and forced to flee into lands under High King Oroles' protection. Chieftains of various tribes were so outraged that Oroles had to call to a pan-thraikian council, to discuss how these acts against the thraikians of Byzantion were treated."

"At the council, it was clear that several chieftains had gathered their men, armed and ready to seek revenge. The calm words of King Oroles fell for deaf ears, and it was only by the words of our elderly priests that war was not declared. However, King Oroles could not stop some of the chieftains from taking up the sword against Makedonia."

"As we speak, there is some bands roaming near our shared borders under Getai banners. These does not however represent King Oroles will and should be considered as outlaws, and Alkyoneus Nikator Pergamou may use whatever action that he pleases against these traitors.