The Royal Council

[YouHaveRecieved]

The scribe arose wearily and mumbled something to himself. He looked around and leaned over towards another scribe who told him the precedings of the last hours.

Ah yes, thankyou. I'm sure my master will not disappoint.

The scribe once again settled down into his seat, but this time kept his eyes slightly open.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

After being away from the Council room for a little while Antiochos comes back. Seeing a new man sitting in the Council he shakes his head and says quietly to one of his bodyguards..

When I created this Council I thought that it would be the 'Council of Strategoi' but at the moment it looks like a 'Council of Representatives of Strategoi'!

Taking his seat he looks around again...

You, scribe of Phormion, please send a message to your master that perhaps he could go to Persepolis. I have some units there and they can be used against rebels and brigands in East. I really would like to know your masters answer and perhaps he can join us in this Council in person as well.

Turning towards the same bodyguard again he whispers..

I managed to get from Ioudaia to here and then back again several times but many of the young ones here are too weak and 'busy' to do the same! Oh, youths in these days are not what they were when I was young!

[YouHaveRecieved]

Another stranger enters the Royal Council and bows to the Basileus. He is finely dressed in extravegent cloth. He's cheeks are red indicating he has been somewhere warm for the past couple of hours whilst he carefully balances his legs.

Basileus, I have rode here from my camp outside Edessa travelling only with my clerk, who told me some fantastc news. According to him I am being offered troops from no one else, but yourself.

Phormion said this statement in sceptical excitement, he's young mouth ripping into a big smile.

If this is true I would head straight to Persepolis after winter has ended and be sure I will make regular trips to this Council as my post wouldn't be so far, or remote as Edessa. Once again I thank you.

Phormion sits down next to a few other Strategos unable to speak and out of breath.

[Roka]

Nikanor Kybiosaktes takes the floor

"As the newly appointed commander of the 1st Parthian Army, I would like to extend an offer to any strategos looking to prove themself in battle, or even just anyone who would like to feel the rush of battle, any such man will aways be welcome in the 1st Parthian..."

After bowing to the Basileus he retakes his seat

[SwissBarbar]

Galaktión rises and adresses the basileus!

Mylord, my master would like to be more often in the council, but our empire is huge and several wars are upon us. I hope you tolerate that most of our dear Strategoi often cannot be here.


He turns to Nikanor Kybiosaktes

Dear Nikanor, I don't know if I already did, but if not, please accept my congratulations. I wish you the very best for your task. I'm sure our enemies will soon know your Name and tremble when it's articulated.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I'm happy to announce that Panaitolos Ankyrikos have been promoted to the rank of Strategos Epilektos.

One of Antiochos' servants whispers something and Antiochos' turns to the Council again..

Right.. The current status with the Satraps Aids is confusing. So I ask that who ever is a Satraps Aid would announce it in here or in Agoraa and that their Satrap confirms it.

[navarro951]

A message from General Ankyrikos...

"Good Men of the Arche, and Lord Basileus, it is with great honor and gratitude that I accept this promotion. And with it I will bring only more good fortune to the Arche. Also, I wish to ask what the Basileus has in store next for the 1st Lydian."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Panaitolos Ankyrikos and the 1st Lydian Army need to stay Nikaia because it seems that Epeiros wants that town and province back. Sarpedon with his Army will take Byzantium. If for some reason he should fail then we need 1st Lydian to protect our holdings in Mikra Asia.

[navarro951]

The messenger nods and hurries off to deliver the orders...

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion, who had dozed for a minute, woke up with a jerk.

"Hmm, what? Oh, bloody hell, did I fall asleep?"

Finally realizing where he is, he blushes but stands up to speak nonetheless.

"Right, I apologize for dozing off like that. The heat..." He dries a sweat drop off his forehead with his left arm. "Anyway, as I had almost forgotten, I would like to announce that Arrhenides Gedrosianos Cunobelinus is now Sarpedon's aid. I'm sure Arrhenides will confirm this as soon as he can."

He sat down and fought an epic battle against yawning - one which he lost by only a small margin.

[Roka]

Nikanor rises

"why thank you, it has all been a bit overwhelming so dar, I never expected to be honoured so greatly."

He turns to the Basileus

"What are your orders for the 1st Parthian, Lord?"

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Antiochos responds...

You will use Parthian Army and take Petra. After proper government have been established you have to protect our holdings in Syria and Ioudaia.

[Roka]

I shall leave now and make your will a reality

Nikanor leaves the council chambers

[SwissBarbar]

Galaktión adresses Hilarion

Dear Hilarion, if Arrhenides Gedrosianos Cunobelinus is Sarpedons Aid, I'd like you or him to define the Status of Nikarchos in Sarpedons Army.

[The Celtic Viking]

"At this moment Nikarchos is third in command, after Mikithion and Sarpedon. This will last until Byzantion is taken, as Mikithion leaves after that to, if I have understood things correctly, become Phanias Lydikes' aid.

After that, I believe Sarpedon intend to go back to Sardis to take care of his administrative duties. He will leave the Royal Army to defend Byzantion. Should Nikarchos choose to stay, he will be either in command of it, or in second command after Arrhenides. Sarpedon either haven't decided yet, or just not told me of his decision."

[SwissBarbar]

Thank you very much for this information. Nikarchos does not intend to leave until Epeiros is defeated and Makedonia is free, unless the Basileus or Sarpedon command him otherwise.

[GMaximus]

Alexander rose from his seat, having been disturbed from his slumber after Mikithion was mentioned.

"Indeed, my Lord intends to accept Phanias Lydikes' invitation and join him in the eastern Arche as an Aid after Byzantion is secured. I'm sure Lord Phanias will certify that."

[The Celtic Viking]

A messenger comes rushing into the Council.

"Urgent news from the south! Our beloved leader and Basileus, Antiochos Syriakos, founder of this very council, has died! Sarpedon Syriakos is now the new Basileus."

Upon hearing this, Hilarion, who had been drinking water as the messenger came in, coughed out what he had in his mouth. He made a face that was unequivocally that of sadness mixed with joy. The messenger, taking no notice, continues.

"Lord Sarpedon has been notified, but have yet to announce who will be the new heir, and who will be taking over the Satrapy of Ipsos."

The messenger rolls up the parchment again, salutes and rushes out of the council again.

[navarro951]

General Ankyrikos rides in tired, weary, and with a shocked look on his face...

"Is it true???....Has the great Basileus died?!?" He calms himself... "I will bring a new honor to this Arche in his name. And I would also like to pledge a new loyalty to Lord Sarpedon our new Basileus. I have high hopes to see what will come of the Empire under his watch. "

[GMaximus]

Mikithion hastily walked into the Council Chambers, followed closely by Polymarches and Lysimakes. After exchanging a few words with Alexander, the Hellene turned towards the other Strategoi and their representatives.

"My mind is split between great sorrow and joy. I mourn the passing of our great Basileus, Antiochos, and at the same time I congratulate Basileus Sarpedon, long and glorious may his reign be. It is my hope that his reign will be as glorious - nay, even more glorious than that of his father, Esteemed Antiochos Syriakos!"

"Also, now that Basileus Syriakos has taken Byzantion, I fully accept Phanias' proposal to become his Aid in the East."

[Roka]

Nikanor Kybiosaktes enters covered in dust

"I came as soon as I heard, I would like to take this time to honour the great Antiochos, and say that he was the finest general i've ever served under."

"I would also like to renew my pledge of loyalty to the new Basileus, may your reign be as long and illustrious as your fathers was!"

"Shall I proceed to Petra as ordered?"

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Chief of magistrates stands up and after waiting sometime for people to calm down he speaks..

This is a sad day for the Arche Seleukeia. A great leader have died. But we have to keep our minds clear in this situation and I need some new information from our new Basileus.

First, Who is your Heir? Who do you choose to be Kleronomos Basileios?

Second, What will happen to the 'Satrapy of Ipsos'? Who will you name as the new Satrap? To continue to call yourself a Satrap is kind of pointless because all the settlements in the Arche that are not part of any Satrapy will belong to you anyway. So, unless a new Satrap is named, we have to erase 'Satrapy of Ipsos' from our records.

Magistrate bows and takes his seat...

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon walks into the Council with a proud but at the same time sad look on his face, stopping just inside the door. He takes off his helmet and holds it with his left hand while stroking through his hair with the right. He looks around the council, and then walks up to Antiochos' old chair, and is about to sit down, but changes his mind.

"Oh, I suppose I should say something. Very well." Sarpedon clears his throat. "I come now many miles from the west, where I bring tidings of victory. The Epeirotes in Byzantion have been defeated, the elephants killed and the city is ours. Normally that would be enough for celebration, but not so now. My father is dead. This is a sad day for the Arche, for we have lost a wise leader, who is the sole reason why we are all gathered here, yet there is no time for grief. The Ptolemaioi do not stop in honour of our loss - nay, they will likely push even harder, in hope to take advantage of any weakness they may see in us. For the memory of my father, we must fight even harder.

The first thing I will do is to announce Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes as my heir. He will be the new Kleronomos Basileios. I'm sure he will not object. As for the Satrapy of Ipsos..." Sarpedon makes a short pause. "I think I will offer it to Nikarchos Syriakes, if he wish to have it."

Sarpedon turns to Nikanor.

"Yes, continue to Petra as planned. We must not give them time to breath!"

Sarpedon now sits down and whispers something to an assistant.

[Roka]

"Very well my lord! I will see to it immediately."

"The basileus is dead! Long live the basileus"

Nikanor Kybiosaktes leaves the council chamber

[everyone]

Hermokrates Parthikos arrives shordly after Basileus Sarpedon.
"Apologies for my lateness once again; for I have only received news of this tragedy around the same time our new Basileus did."
"May Basileus Antiochos be remembered, now I shall declare my allegiance to the new Basileus"

[MerlinusCDXX]

Phanias L. Lydikes enters the room, dusty as usual.

I just received a messenger with some very strange, very sad news. So, is it true?
Mardakou, Phanias' steward and Voice confirms that it is. Phanias stands shocked.
Basileus Sarpedon, my condolences for the loss of your father, and my condolences to your brothers as well. You've named me Kleronomos, why? Are none of your brothers qualified? If this is true, then I will take up the reins as needed, but it's highly unusual, is it not? May your reign as Basileus be at least as glorious as your father's was, if not greater. It seems to have gotten off to a good start. I heard you just captured Byzantion, congratulations. Well, back to business.

Mardakou, draft a letter confirming the acceptance of Mikithion as my aide, and ask him to make all haste to Alexandreia-Ariane, as the governance of that city will be his first assignment.

[Incitatus]

Alexandros rises and bows to the new Basileus

The passing of a king is indeed a sad occasion, but I am certain the Arche will have a glorious future under Basileus Sarpedon. I extend my condolences and congratulations, and I would ask if he intends to take up his father's plans of an assault on Alexandria.

[The Celtic Viking]

"As a matter of fact, yes I will. My army will move to Antiocheia to retrain, and I will leave the 1st Lydian army to defend Mikra Asia. If Nikarchos accepts my offer, I hope he and his satrapal army will help out if needed."

Sarpedon turns to Phanias.

"Thank you, but my brothers? Only one of them is of age, and his handling of the 1st Parthian Army did not impress on me. A Basileus needs to be resolute, and he needs to lead his army against any threat that surfaces and destroy it without hesitation. This is why I cannot give it to him. If you do not wish to be the Kleronomos Basileios, I can choose someone else."

Sarpedon once again turn to address everyone.

"Thank you all for your words. I promise you I will not fail neither yours nor my father's trust!"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I did look within my closest circuits first, but as said, only Theodoros is of age and Alerion is sadly not active enough to take such an important role for this game.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

The same magistrate who spoke before stands and bows before Sarpedon and speaks..

Our new Basileus, it's good to see that you have managed to get back here so quickly.

Just some things I would like to point out. Arrhenides Gedrosianos will not be considered as Satraps Aid because there is no record of him swearing allegiance to Nikarchos Aratos Syriakes.

Also, Nikarchos Syriakes must say what type of army he would like to have: Infantry, Cavalry or Mixed one?

Also, what will Phanias Laodikeias decide to with the mess of the armies?

[MerlinusCDXX]

I do see your point Basileus, and I will accept, and hope that I can bring all honor to the Arche as you have. As for the armies, I'll most likely send the depleted prodromoi and some extra psiloi and phalangites back toward the Capitol to bolster other armies as needed. I'm sure you know where they can be best used. I will face down any threat that comes my way, and defeat it or die trying.