The Royal Council

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Patrokles walks back into the council chamber, he walks over to his brother and whispers in his ear, at which he stands up and walks out of the council chamber
I have returned to dark days I see, The Pahlavans have finally betrayed the peace we have had with them, which is no great suprise, but this could not have come at a worse time. and to think I had came here to ask for the garrisons of the cities in mesopatamiato destroy the rebels around there. he shakes his head I can see they are going to be needed to keep the Pahlavans from cutting any deeper into our land. Well I am here and will do whatever I can to stop the Pahlavans.

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon Syriakos storms into the Council, almost knocking down some scribes who were unlucky enough to get slightly in his way. He was closely followed by a group of soldiers, and of which a tall, scarred and proud Cadeyrn stood out amongst them, and yet not one of them were clad in anything but the finest of armour and lavish cloaks. They all had a serious look on their faces, and none said a word until Sarpedon reached his throne and began to speak.

"Strategoi! You have all heard the magistrate, so you know the reason why I call for an emergency session! It will last until 22:00 GMT on Monday 9th February, at which point there a vote will be held.

So as you know Persepolis, Gabai, Prophthasia, and Karmana has rebelled against our rule and joined the Pahlavans, who have declared war on us. The situation is dire. The only army we have near is the Royal Army belonging to the Kleronomos Basileios, and it can't leave his satrapy unguarded, nor could he split up and hope for victory that way. Something must be done, and it must be done quickly, or we will lose cities quickly, and that may spell the end for us.

Yet we can't direct all efforts east just because of this. Epeiros are still strong to the west, and though the Ptolemaioi are no threat anymore, they would become one if we foolishly let them take back Alexandreia. That means we must still also hold a presence left in Aigyptos.

So lets look at the armies we have left. There is my own Royal Army, strong in infantry and equipped to fight an infantry based enemy such as would be found in Greece. Still, it is probably a good candidate - though a big problem is that it is currently too far away to join in on a good while. We can't rely on it getting there in time.

Next is the 1st Syrian. It suffers from the very same distance problem as my Royal Army, and if my army is to leave, then it must stay.

Then we have the 1st Lydian. It has suffered great losses in the disastrous campaign to take Tylis, and is currently not in a fighting shape. It could retrain on the way, but if it leaves, there will only be Nikarchos' satrapal army left to defend us against the west. Can we take that risk?

Nikarchos' satrapal army's duty is to defend his satrapy, and even if that wasn't the case, it could still not leave the 1st Lydian to defend Mikra Asia by itself as it is now.

Then there's only Phanias' Royal Army left, and I think I have already covered it.

Those are the facts. Now it is up to you to earn the trust that my father showed for you by creating this council, and that I continue to show by retaining it."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

the situation is dire, that is true but what can we possible scrounge together to attack with? the way I see it we only have two options, we can scrape together an army from the cities in the center of the empire. that is lands near enough to help but far enough away to be safe. this leads to the chance Hayasadan could attack, and that would be bad, but perhaps not as bad as losing everything we have in the east. or we could build another army, this would take time, perhaps time we dont have, but it gives us our best chance of retaking the land. maybe a combination of both.... I will think on our options, but things look bleak. hopefully someone else has something to add...

[SwissBarbar]

My Basileus, I am not foolish nor boisterous man as you know. In this desperate situation, I am ready to defend Mikra Asia with my army. When I returned to Ipsos, retrain my army, give me 1 unit of Klerouchoi Phalangitai and 1 unit of Thureophoroi (OOC: according to the rules concerning the Satrap: can however get to recruit 1 local unit for every 2 Influence points and 1 local unit for every 3 Command stars. I have 4 Influence points) and I will keep the Epeirotes out of Mikra Asia, if needs must I defend it with my life. Ipsos needs not much protection now. If my aid would come to Ipsos, he could govern the city, while my army is stationed near the border to Epeiros! Of even better, we leave a battalion in the city, and he accompanies me, for I need some more heavy cavalry.

If we don't recapture those cities, we will show weakness. If we're expected to be weak, other peoples will attack us and try to claim our lands. So we have to use every available army to strike hard and swiftly. You ask if we could take the risk. I say we must.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

the problem is we don't have any armies to attack with. even if you could Defend Mikra Asia, and I don't doubt you could Nikarchos, but even if we could free up our armies they are on the total opposite side of our empire, it will take far to much time to get them retrained and moved into position. We need to Levy a new army, I believe that Babylon and Selukia could raise such a force and still be close enough to be of use.

[The Celtic Viking]

"I am of the same understanding as you, Patrokles, so I will propose it as an edict:"

Edict E2.1: Two new armies should be raised, the 1st Babylonian Army and the 2nd Babylonian Army, in Seleukeia and Babylon.

I just hope I got the numbering right. In any case, one of them is to replace the 1st Parthian, and the other is to meet this new threat. I have another proposal, so assuming my numbering is correct...

Edict E2.2: A diplomat should be sent to the Epeirotes to agree on a peace treaty.

We cannot have three fronts, so we must close at least one of them. We can't gain any new Epeirotan territory now anyway, so they are obvious candidates for this.

There is another thing that is yet to be touched upon. How are we going to do this? If we raise new armies, as I have proposed, where should they be sent? In what order do we take back the land that is rightfully ours? I would really like to know Phanias' view on this. Who here can say he knows the Pahlavans better than he does?

So, Phanias. Just how big a disaster is this for us? Do we face our doom, or will they lay down their arms again as soon as they see proper soldiers? That our most immediate neighbouring towns that are not part of your satrapy cannot hope to withstand them should they attack is apparent, but what about your satrapy? What about Pahlava proper?"

Sarpedon turns towards Nikarchos.

"You will have your units as soon as we can spare the mnai to raise them, but I think that should my first edict go through, they should be prioritized."

OOC: Ibn, would it be legally okay if I gave him one of the thureophoroi that was replaced by the thorakitai in my army, or do they need to actually be raised in the satrapy?

What does the rest of you say?"

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I second both edict E2.1 and E2.2

and if I may be so bold I would ask to be given command of one of the Babylonian armies, I am near by and am eager to wet my blade on the blood of the enemies of our Arche!

[everyone]

Hermokrates walks into the Council Chambers after a long absence while on campaign

Fellow Strategoi, I apologise for my long absence again for I have been accompanying the royal army in Egypt.
and I second the two edicts Basileus Sarpedon proposed, a show of military force would probably be what is needed to put down the rebellion; and also to redeem our reputation as the strongest force known, following a few defeats which slightly crippled our military strength.

Basileus Sarpedon, if I may also be as bold as Patrokles, I also request to be given command of one of the Babylonian armies raised, I have seen much action during the time I have served under the Basileus and his Royal army.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Yes, Patrokles, you have proved yourself to be worthy to lead a regular army, so I will grant you command of the 1st Babylonian Army, if the Edict goes through that is.

And as for you, Hermokrates, you have time and again proved your valour to me on the battlefield, and I want you to know that I hold no doubt you would do well commanding an army. You are, however, very valuable to me in that sense - what better cavalry unit could I ask for? I will have to think about your request; I do not wish to let you go lightly."

(OOC: I have no idea how to say this IC, so I just made this up. The real reason, and the one I would use if it hadn't been a little weird, is that IG we're both in Aigyptos right now, and it would take time for you to get there. It might be better to have someone who's closer and can take up the command immediately.)

[everyone]

"Yes Basileus, but if nobody else available has volunteered, could you reconsider my application?"

[Incitatus]

A messenger enters the council

I bring word from Alexandros Syriakos in Egypt. He wishes to declare his full support of the Basileus' edicts, but warns that we should not sacrifice the quality of the new armies for speed of recruitment. We will most likely not have another chance to swiftly destroy this rebellion, and if our first attempt should fail then the traitors and nomads could strike a much more serious blow.
Furthermore, Alexandros expresses confidence in the strategoi given command of the new armies and is sure this threat will be dealt with satisfactorily. His only regret is that he himself is too far away to be of any use.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

thank you, Basileus, you will not be dissapionted. The Phalvans will pay! however I agree with Alexandros, this must be handled with care, we may only have one chance.

[kingsnake]

"I want to make it perfectly clear that my persian family relatives did not participate in this rebellion. Fortunately they have managed to escape their state in Persepolis and are heading to Antiocheia with other trusted people. I assume total responsability for them and ask the Basileus that they be authorized to enter and remain in the city, because I feel that discrimination, towards the remaining persian people living in the Arche, will rise in the next few years."

Aratos sighed.

"A peace proposal with Epeiros is essencial. This way we only have two fronts. Yet, the Egyptian front is divided. Petra is still under Ptolemaic control and it provides a back door in to Hierosolyma for Ptolemy.

So I propose, that once the Basileus Royal Army is retrained and enhanced the way the Basileus wants it, it should conquer Petra and then, after any necessary retraining, head towards Persia to aid the Babylonian Armies.

For the defense of our southern frontline: a satrapy is created with Alexandreia and Memphis and, unless the Basileus changed is mind, I become the Satrap.

A new commander is appointed for the 1st Syrian Army and it'll remain defending Memphis.

In order to protect Alexandreia, I will travel there and defend it with part of the Satrap's Army, which include 2 pantodapoi phalangitai, 2 thureophoroi and one iudaioi taxeis, all once units of the Basileus Royal Army. Please correct me if I'm wrong Basileus.

The training of the rest of the Satrapal Army, or the training of my extra personal bodyguards can be ignored until the Pahlavan threat is dealt."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I have to agree with Aratos, petra is an irritating hole in our defense against the Ptolemies, and While the Babylonian armies work to take back our lands in the east, it should be dealt with once and for all. so lets make it official, E2.3: the Ptolemic city of Petra must be taken this will leave us with a very managable border.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Phanias Lydikes wearily strides into the council chambers " Well, it seems our worst fears have come to us", intones Lydikes. "We need to coordinate our attacks and suppress this threat quickly, to that end, I offer the training facilities of Hekatompylos for recruitment of troops to meet this threat, until such time as I deem that the population is too low for the city to function properly. I also can personally take my army into Gabiene to reduce the Persian threat there, but cannot move any further away from my territory without incurring the serious risk of leaving it unguarded. Losing Hekatompylos would be a crippling blow to our ability to defend the East, as it is the most developed military base East of the Zagros mountains. I think that we should send another capable man to the furthest east to see to the defense of Aria and Margiana, and should that individual desire to stay in the East, I'm sure a position in the Satrapal service could be offered. I will open the recruitment facilities in Alexandreia-Ariane, with some restrictions, to provide defending troops for the more remote settlements until a proper army can settle the matter more completely. Let the Magistrate note that I second Edicts E2.1, E2.2, and E2.3"

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

well, I believe that the only way we can possible take back our land is if the 1st and 2nd babylonian army works jointly to attack the cities, the phalavans may be able to harass us out in the field but if we fight mostly siege battle we should be able to take them, their horse archers wont do so well in the city streets. Phanias you have experiance in their style of warfare, do you have any advice to give on fighting them? anything could help, as we are going in mostly blind.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I will extend current Council Session until 10.00 GMT on Tuesday February 10th.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Aye, I second Edict E2.3. It should be an easy task for me and my royal army, and the strategical reasoning behind it is sound.

Another thing I'd like to inform you of is that if no one closer to Babylon than Hermokrates is willing, able and brave enough to volunteer for the command of the 2nd Babylonian Army, it will go to him by default."

Sarpedon turns to Aratos.

"You too speak soundly, my friend. As I promised, I hereby declare Aratos Syriakes, Strategos Epilektos under the Royal Crown, as the new Satrap of Aigyptos, and Alexandreia and Memphis will be under his rule. I will expect you to continue raising the units I have left on the program for my Royal Army, and let them retrain there after taking Petra, should it be necessary.

As for your satrapal army, I will take your words to mean you want an infantry army, seeing as that's the only way to get the units you asked for. Unless I am mistaken, and you wish to have it otherwise, it shall be so, and therefore you can consider my two old units of Thureophoroi, as well as the Iudaioi and Pantodapoi Phalangitai, to be the first units of your satrapal army. Treat them well and don't waste them unless you have to, for they are good and loyal men, and I trust you to take good care of them. Since you agree, nay, you even propose it yourself, I think it is wise to wait with the rest until the Babylonian armies are raised. Such selfless loyalty to me and my kingdom is always appreciated, and I will not forget it." Sarpedon smiles. "Thank you, my friend."

Turning back to the whole Council, he continues.

"The new commander of the 1st Syrian Army will be Alexandros Syriakos. Make sure to lead your men wisely, Strategos. Show us that Aratos' and my trust in you isn't misplaced."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Basileus if Hermokrates is to be the comander of the second babylonian then do you wish for he and me to create a campaign plan, or do you have one yourself?

[The Celtic Viking]

"That is something that should've been discussed during this emergency session, which I asked you to. All that was agreed upon is that what they took must be regained, but that is obvious. No one offered any plan on how to do it, and frankly, it makes me question this Council. What good is it if it will only state the obvious? Why should we have it if I am still left to make all the decisions? I would not mind doing that, only I have to call these sessions and go through all these bureaucratic formalities when doing it, and if that's the only thing the Council is good for, then we should really question if it's worth keeping.

You can take that as you will, but it had to be said."

Sarpedon turns to Patrokles specifically, and sighs.

"Since the Council did not wish to step in and play its part, I will have to draw the plans myself.

The strongest province they took was without a doubt Persis, Persepolis being the greatest city there. It must be retaken. I think that should fall on the 1st Babylonian Army's shoulders. However, I think it would be wisest to hold off the attack until both armies are raised, and until then the 1st should merely focus on defending our cities against further offensive moves from these rebels.

Permanent Edict E2.4: Once both Babylonian armies are raised, an offensive move to retake Persepolis and Gabai should be launched. If the estimated opposition is deemed small enough for one army to take alone, the 1st Babylonian Army should move to secure Persepolis, while the 2nd Babylonian Army moves to secure Gabai. If the estimated resistance is greater than we deem possible for one army to take on, they should work together to take Persepolis first.

I believe that is a good start. What we'll do after that can be decided when this has been completed."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Patrokles stands Sir, with all honesty I believe it would be best if the two armies worked together, if the phalavans could take out the cities in one fell swoop then I doubt the armies can act independently. I do agree the key is persepolis, but I believe the two armies must work together, stay close, dont give the horse archers a chance to pick away at us. I think the two armies should march together take Gabai, march on to Persepolis [where we expect the heaviest resistance] take that together. and then, after most of their men have been slaughtered march independantly to take Karmana and Prophthasia. we only have one shot, and I would hate to suffer a fate similar to the 1st lydian. In fact I have thought about it extensively since I learned I was to command the 1st babylonian army and that is the best option I can come up with. It would help if I knew the composition of the troops... but they dont exist yet so Patrokles shrugs
[ ooc: I would make it into an edict... but I already used mine...] [ooc again: and I was serious about thinking about it extensively, spent far to much time in school doing that rather than my work! even made a map!]

[The Celtic Viking]

"I know, and it is covered in my edict. See: "if the estimated resistance is greater than for one army to take care of alone, they will work together". The only difference between your plan and mine is that in mine they would if need be go together against Persepolis first when they are strong and unscathed, and Gabai afterwards, while you would have them do it in the opposite turn."

OOC: Hah! I know exactly what you mean. I've caught myself doing the exact same thing.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

ahh very well then, I seccond E2.4

however if I may ask how can we reach Persepolis unnoticed and uncontested without fighting through Gabai?

Also Basileus, the native Phalangtites that rest with me in Karkatheokerta have fought at my side for a long time, and I would hate to see such brave fierce men lounge as garrison troops, I ask that they be given a place in the 1st Babylonian army.

[The Celtic Viking]

"You are right, of course: we can't. So I should rather say, "get to Persepolis as unscathed as possible". A siege of Gabai would cost both time and men, so passing it by and going for Persepolis won't be any bigger a risk.

This is exactly why we have the council, though, and if someone else voice the same concern as you, I would be willing to change it.

Now as for your request, I think it is most necessary to do so, so it shall be so."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

ahh I see now. I would prefer to not leave any enemy at our rear but I can see the sense in your proposal.

after the council session is over I shall head to Selukia to oversee the recruitment of the armies, and get to know my men.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Now that we have commanders for the new armies, we can get down to business. My opinion is that you gentlemen will probably see better results if you coordinate your attacks on Persepolis, one of you conducting the siege and the other guarding the pass into Karmania. I had stated earlier that I would march my Royal Army to Gabai. This does double duty, it guards my satrapy from the South and your armies from the North. After I retake Gabai, I plan to move northeast.After Persepolis and Karmania are ours, I believe we would be best served if one Army would travel to the Eastern Caspian coast to plug the gap into Hyrkania, and the other move on to Drangiane and retake the city. If you need to retrain any Eastern units or Pantodapoi Phalangitai, you may retrain them in Hekatompylos, Pantodapoi Phalangitai can also be retrained in Alexandreia-Ariane. I can make my runner, Oxydozes available should the plan need to be altered, he's a western Skythian and looks the part. This should allay security fears, since he looks nothing like these Dahae or Parni. I'd have trouble trusting the natives in this area, after all, they did rebel, and they look just like the damn Parni off the steppes.

If you wish to avoid Gabai on the march to Parsa, you can head through the passes SE of Susa, in fact that may be a good direction to surprise them from.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Ahh your army changes matters Phanias I had assumed you would gaurd us from attacks from the north, knowing you will handle Gabai makes me feel a lot safer about assaulting Persepolis.
and thank you for pointing out the passes Se of susa, they make the risks even less.

[Incitatus]

I will convey this information to Alexandros at once, Basileus. I am sure he will be honored by your decision and will do his utmost to defend the glory of the Arche.

[kingsnake]

"Basileus Sarpedon Syriakos, I am grateful to be appointed Satrap of Aigyptos. Your highness is correct, you can use both Alexandreia and Memphis to train the rest of your new army and also retrain when need. It may seem surprising but I have not give much thinking into the structure of my satrapal army. I will give my decision very soon.

I have nothing to add to the campaign to retake Persia, it seems completely thought through. May the gods be with you, Satrap Phanias and Strategos Patrokles.

I will do my best to keep Ptolemy under control, while you deal with the pahlavans."

[Celtic_Punk]

Congratulations old friend! The blooded celt smiles and shakes the hand of his army buddy. Not one deserves it more than you.