The Royal Council

[Celtic_Punk]

The Greek orator speaks "If I know anything about the man, He won't retreat. Now That I have the army list, I will give it to him, and he will most likely reinforce himself."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC I hope Kingsnake returns soon. by the time the campaign is finished he needs to be here!

[MerlinusCDXX]

"For the love of the Gods, Hilarion, listen to yourself. Are you suggesting that the Basileios would rather leave more law abiding civilians to die in riots than properly garrison a town? We're not talking about reinforcing Arrhenides here, just getting the town under control. Arrhenides will likely pull his remaining men out of the town and continue glory-hounding anyways." says Mardakou, shaking his head.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Why should we waste money and effort defending these people from themselves? They harboured the enemy who drew men from their ranks. Our resources can be better spent on much more important things than their safety.

Also, I have you remind your master that he must move quickly to deal with the Pahlavans. Ideally, he would have honoured the charge that was laid upon him by the council and taken care the rebel scum first..." Hilarion then mutters, almost unintelligibly: "... but far be it to expect anyone to do what they're told these days..."

Hilarion turned to Arrhenides' representative.

"What, exactly, do you mean when you say that Arrhenides will 'reinforce himself'?"

[MerlinusCDXX]

"Yes, Hilarion, perhaps my lord should have abandoned all the civilians east of the Zagros to the tender mercies of the Dahae..." muttering "ridiculous." turns to address Hilarion once more, "Unlike some men I could name, my lord Phanias takes his responsibilities of defending the subjects of the Arche seriously. As soon as military forces of the Arche Seleukeia enter a city, the inhabitants thereof BECOME SUBJECTS of the Arche Seleukeia, thus, by the Laws of the Gods, common decency, and Kingship, the Arche Seleukeia is responsible for their defense, but surely, you being an 'oh so wise Greek', already knew that."

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion sighs.

"Come now, Mardakou, no need to be snide. If you need it, I will apologize for my remark, if you heard it. I am just a little irritated on the recent developments, and I meant nothing by it.

But why is it that you would pin the responsibility of this onto lord Sarpedon or me? Arrhenides took over the settlement, and left it immediately. It's he who leaves them to their own fate, not lord Sarpedon. It's he who made their safety any business of ours, and it is he who neglects them, knowing that he would get no one to relieve him.

If you wish to blame someone... lord Sarpedon is not the right man to put this on."

[MerlinusCDXX]

"Point taken, Hilarion, and I do apologize for the snide comments. My point is, that until an investigation returns conclusive answers, we don't know who is fully to blame for the Hypaspistai incident. I believe that we'll find enough blame to go around to all parties involved. On the matter of Cunobelinus taking the settlement from the Ptolemies, I was under the impression that all settlements of the enemy were fair game for conquest. If that policy has no teeth, perhaps it should be revised and published, so that all may know what limits they fall under. I realize that Cunobelinus was told that he'd be unsupported if he went outside of his orders, but we must handle the city as a different case than a General who didn't follow orders. I'm not advocating the sending of reinforcements for further actions, but the inhabitants of the city are Hellenes, and as such, deserve to fall under the protection of whatever Hellenic power finds themselves in a position to do so. And, incidentally, I don't blame the Basileios for this mess, and if that is the impression you received, it is not the one I intended to convey."

[Celtic_Punk]

The Greek addresses Hilarion
"Since Satrap Aratos has fallen bedridden, his 2nd in command Cunobelinus as assumed his position till he can fully address the defence of the satrap. If he cannot do that with the men he presently has, then he must send the rest of the Satrapal Army. The Ptolemoi are not defeated, Cunobelinus has killed many of their princes, and a quite a few kings of the late Ptolemoi. This has been without any aid from the royal house other than the volunteer force he took from Alexandreia. The responsibility of the Satrap's defence is not the responsibility of the Basileus' but left to the Satrapy. Cunobelinus has been the 2nd in command of Aratos since their appointment to the 1st Syrian. He is only doing what must be done, and by the way he has produced fantastic results.."

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion addressed "the Greek" with a tired expression in his face.

"Please, you do not need to tell us how great Arrhenides is everytime you open your mouth. Just keep to the point and things will go much smoother, and things can be settled much quicker. From how I take it, you are getting reinforcements from the satrapy. That's good. Lord Sarpedon had suggested that."

Hilarion now turned to Mardakou.

"Mardakou, Arrhenides is fully to blame for it, and that cannot be disputed. It's not as if the hypaspistai forced him to take them with him, and then make up a story where they didn't. He took them, and that's enough for the first offence. He refused to send them back when told to do so immediately. That was ignoring a direct command, and refusing to send away lord Sarpedon's men regardless of how they came to be there - and that's enough for the second offence. It's thus got nothing to do with the policy that all enemy settlements are fair game, because I have not punished Arrhenides for taking that settlement. No one has to support any such campaign though, and this has never been so.

But for what it's worth, the majority aren't hellenes there - they're Aigyptians, and if they riot and kill each other, then that blood is on Arrhenides, not lord Sarpedon. Thus you should take your objections and pleadings to this Greek he sent, not with me."

[Celtic_Punk]

"If these charges are still going through. Then the General will stand trial in absentia, due to his present commitment. My business here is concluded. Good day sir." With that the Greek leaves.

[MerlinusCDXX]

"Fair enough, Hilarion. Disobeying orders is a bad business, for sure, but I think we should keep our eye on the main chance here, and, if nothing else, deny the Ptolemies the free soldiers they will gain when those Aigyptoi loot the armories and fight for those desert dogs once again. I do have another idea though. I could have some of my little sociopathic wreckers in the intelligence service infiltrate the city while we still technically own it and burn and loot their armories and whatever else there is of value. If nothing else, it will deprive those desert dogs any real weapons to use against us. If you think the Basileios would approve of that, I can have it done this coming spring."

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Destroy all the buildings to deny them troops (and get some loot).

[The Celtic Viking]

"Your request is granted. Go ahead and do it."

[Incitatus]

A messenger enters

Greetings noble stragegoi, I come with news from Alexandros. First, he would ask the chancellor to train a garrison for the town of Hibis so he may continue with his campaign. The town is far from any authority and without a forceful presence the populace are liable to rebel against our benevolent rule. Second, Alexandros has had some word about the business concerning Paraitonion. While my master recognizes that it is not his decision and does not wish to question the Basileus, it seems slightly strange to abandon a city to the winds when it wants only a small garrison. The manner in which it was taken is irrelevant, the fact is that with a little work we may add another prosperous city to the Arche. It is regrettable that we have been placed in this situation, but surely the Basileus would rather keep the town than spend more lives in a second assault.

The messenger bows and awaits a reply

[MerlinusCDXX]

Mardakou turns toward the new messenger "Your lord Alexandros speaks sense, sir, but I have been trying to urge that very course of action for some days now. It seems the Basileios won't budge on the matter, so I suggested the other course of action to minimize the danger to our soldiers. Ask Hilarion over there, he'll give you all kinds of excuses why we can't garrison the city."

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion sighs and shakes his head.

"Mardakou, I am not lord Sarpedon, but I am still his representative here in the Council and that garners some respect from you. I do not have to sit here and take your sarcasm."

Hilarion turns to Alexandros' messenger.

"It has absolutely nothing to do with the manner the city was taken, and I do not wish to repeat myself on that over and over again, so I will simply refer you to the scribes' scrolls as for the real reasons. You would find that your objections are turned to the wrong person altogether."

[MerlinusCDXX]

Hilarion, my apologies for my outspokenness, you won't be hearing anymore such outbursts from me. Let's just respectfully agree to disagree.

I just received a messenger from Hekatompylos. Satrap Phanias has confirmed his son Marsyas L. Lydikes as his aid, and would further request that the records be adjusted to officially remove Mikithion Kalamou Phoinikikes from the position on the grounds of non-performance of lawfully ordered duties.

[Celtic_Punk]

Achaikos enters "Men of the council. The General Cunobelinus warned you all about the treachery of the Makedons. To told you to be watchful and mindful. Not to leave our gut open for attack! The Basilius must turn West to deal with the Makedones now before they conquer Lydia unopposed! The General moves for an emergency council session to be declared so we can deal with this betrayal more diligently."

[The Celtic Viking]

"Oh, yes, lord Sarpedon must be all over the place, doesn't he? He must put down the rebels alone in the east, but he must also squelch those Makedones in the west. Great as he is, he cannot be in two places at once!

But I will call for no session at this point. We have both the 1st Lydian and the satrapal army of Ipsos in the area. I shall call for them - there aren't many others. But let us first send them a diplomat, to see whether this is just some rogue general or really an order on their Basileus' part, and if it can be persuaded to back off."

[MerlinusCDXX]

"Oh, yes, lord Sarpedon must be all over the place, doesn't he? He must put down the rebels alone in the east, but he must also squelch those Makedones in the west. Great as he is, he cannot be in two places at once!

But I will call for no session at this point. We have both the 1st Lydian and the satrapal army of Ipsos in the area. I shall call for them - there aren't many others. But let us first send them a diplomat, to see whether this is just some rogue general or really an order on their Basileus' part, and if it can be persuaded to back off."

I regret to inform you, Hilarion, that the Satrapal Army and indeed Satrap Nikarchos himself perished when Byzantion was overrun by the Epeirotes. Did you not receive my report? Panaitolios Ankyrikos is in Sinope with the severely understrength 1st Lydian Army, but has not come out of seclusion for some time, and I've received no orders to recall his army for retraining, nor has anyone moved units from that army to any training facility. But I will send a man of the diplomatic corps to Lesbos, I have Lord Phanias' seal handy to legitimate the order. What terms would be acceptable?

[Celtic_Punk]

"This is an act of war. They have lost all their homeland in the Hellas. Lesbos is there only refuge. They seek to carve their new home out of our land. We must crush them now and add a profitable island too the Arche. The Basileus' sympathies should not lie with the Makedone's when they have proven to be not an ally in any sense of the word. When have they ever marched to aid us?"

[MerlinusCDXX]

"This is an act of war. They have lost all their homeland in the Hellas. Lesbos is there only refuge. They seek to carve their new home out of our land. We must crush them now and add a profitable island too the Arche. The Basileus' sympathies should not lie with the Makedone's when they have proven to be not an ally in any sense of the word. When have they ever marched to aid us?"

My friend, when I say "terms", I mean how much do I skin them for so they can have their lives. They must pay for this act of aggression, correct?

[The Celtic Viking]

"No, I haven't gained any such reports, so this comes as a surprise to me. Why wasn't new soldiers raised elsewhere and sent there as reinforcements?

As for the terms, I can't say to any certainty, because I don't know the mindset of this Makedon commander - indeed, I don't even know his name. I doubt that any of you know his mindset either, so I don't suppose you can make any clear assessment on that, either. It must be done by the diplomat on spot. If it's true that they've lost all their land in Greece - which is none too surprising, given that we have, because of these filthy rebels, been unable to send proper support to them against the Epeirotai. It is possible then that they may be striking out of desperation. It is possible that, should we give them the safe passage and support to strike at Byzantion instead, and that way gain a foothold back to their ancestral lands, that may change their minds, as I think the Makedonians would prefer to have Makedonia freed than to occupy our lands, and it would also solve the problem we have with the Epeirotes. So that offer should be put on the table.

We can talk about 'skinning them' all we want, but without the proper tools to skin them with, any such threats would be empty."

Hilarion turns to Achaikos.

"Do you seriously hold that lord Sarpedon's sympathies lie with the Makedonians rather than with himself and his own kingdom? Don't you realize how absurd it is for you to insinuate such a thing?

I am not an idiot either, nor is anyone else here in this Council. You do not need to tell us that laying siege to our cities is an act of war, because we all know this already. It is self-evident. I am not suggesting avoiding going to war against them because I don't think we have a valid reason to do so, but because we apparently don't have anything to go to war against them with. We must do all we can to solve this issue diplomatically, because with both the Lydian and the Satrapal army of Ipsos beaten, there's no military option left, unless you would have the 1st Syrian march all the way from Africa to do this - and actually think they could get there in time. All other armies are already predisposed elsewhere."

[MerlinusCDXX]

"No, I haven't gained any such reports, so this comes as a surprise to me. Why wasn't new soldiers raised elsewhere and sent there as reinforcements?

As for the terms, I can't say to any certainty, because I don't know the mindset of this Makedon commander - indeed, I don't even know his name. I doubt that any of you know his mindset either, so I don't suppose you can make any clear assessment on that, either. It must be done by the diplomat on spot. If it's true that they've lost all their land in Greece - which is none too surprising, given that we have, because of these filthy rebels, been unable to send proper support to them against the Epeirotai. It is possible then that they may be striking out of desperation. It is possible that, should we give them the safe passage and support to strike at Byzantion instead, and that way gain a foothold back to their ancestral lands, that may change their minds, as I think the Makedonians would prefer to have Makedonia freed than to occupy our lands, and it would also solve the problem we have with the Epeirotes. So that offer should be put on the table.

We can talk about 'skinning them' all we want, but without the proper tools to skin them with, any such threats would be empty."

Hilarion turns to Achaikos.

"Do you seriously hold that lord Sarpedon's sympathies lie with the Makedonians rather than with himself and his own kingdom? Don't you realize how absurd it is for you to insinuate such a thing?

I am not an idiot either, nor is anyone else here in this Council. You do not need to tell us that laying siege to our cities is an act of war, because we all know this already. It is self-evident. I am not suggesting avoiding going to war against them because I don't think we have a valid reason to do so, but because we apparently don't have anything to go to war against them with. We must do all we can to solve this issue diplomatically, because with both the Lydian and the Satrapal army of Ipsos beaten, there's no military option left, unless you would have the 1st Syrian march all the way from Africa to do this - and actually think they could get there in time. All other armies are already predisposed elsewhere."

I can raise new soldiers and send them to Asia Minor, but they don't really do much good without a commander who takes the field now, do they? As for that lost Satrapal Army, there is no Satrap to assign them to. My reports are submitted quarterly and published for all to read, in a file called Basileus and Chancellor's reports, perhaps you've heard of this? I haven't seen much reported from the Basileus, which I completely understand, as he has been very busy, but perhaps you might read them now. Here is the report where Byzantion was taken, and this report was submitted the next quarter. I realized then that Nikarchos, who was the commander in Byzantion, was the Satrap of Ionia. Until then, because I had never actually received any reports from him where he was actually in Ipsos, I wasn't aware that he was the Satrap, since I was under the impression that a Satrap should at least spend some of his time in his administrative headquarters.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Nikarchos is... dead? Why have I not been informed of this? Why have the proper proceedings not been taken*, why has the Basileus not been notified of the loss of one satrap until now, three quarters of a year after the fact? What of Panaitolos? Is he dead too, or have too few months passed since that you can't tell me yet?!"

Hilarion now turns to Mardakou specifically.

"Are you telling me that you have known that the western front has been completely unguarded for this long, and yet you have done absolutely nothing about it?!"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*OOC: by this I mean the Mausoleum, and I do mean "until now" on that one as well.

[MerlinusCDXX]

Panaitolios Ankyrikos is not dead. He is in the city of Sinope, though I have not heard of him leaving or doing anything for a few years. Completely unguarded, no, though I suggest sending a messenger to Ankyrikos, he does have an Army. Maybe someone can get him to react to Mikra Asia falling apart around him. I would have already reinforced his army if he acted like he cared. I will do so now in the hope that he will.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Didn't know about posting in the Mausoleum, I thought that thread was maintained by I-C. I will post in there when anyone dies from now on, though the last time I had to report a death as the chancellor I just put the info in my chancellor's report and I-K took care of posting it ( I think he was still King then). It isn't my fault that you don't read chancellor's reports.

[Celtic_Punk]

"These men have abandoned their posts. They are terrible soldiers. This council must find new men for the posts immediately. Further neglect will result in a repeat of Alexander's victories in this land. I'm sure Cunobelinus would fall head over heels to get to Galatia and defend Mikra Asia. But as you all should know he is currently locked into his campaign with no support from some of the men in this council, who seems hell bent on making our borders fall apart.... Speaking of which, I must return to the General, as I do not abandon my post, or disobey orders." With that the Greek about turns and leaves with haste and purpose.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion stands up and walks into the centre of the Council. He solemnly raises both hands and shouts out in his deep voice:

"The tenth Council Session will begin now! All members have three days, until the 10:00 6th of June, to propose legislations, at which point all that have passed will be held up for voting, which will end after the passing of two days. A new chancellor election is also due, so all who wish to run for the position should make their voice be heard."

Returning his hands to their normal position, and speaking with his regular tone, he adds:

"Our Basileus, lord Sarpedon Syriakos, will be a little bit late for this one, but until he arrives, I will speak for him. You needn't worry, though: he will be here in good time before the session is over."

He bows his head gently, and then makes it back to his seat.

[Celtic_Punk]

A Greek dressed in formal attire enters the council
"honourable council members and representatives. I am Duros. I am here to represent the General Cunobelinus. Under his orders I propose the edict 10.1 "General Cunobelinus should be given temporary full authority over the Satrapy of Egypt.""

"With his close and good friend Aratos being indisposed at the moment, progress and development of the Satrapy has been slowed. Aratos will return to properly administer his Satrapy, but until this happens the effectiveness of the Satrapy has lulled to a halt. The only man who knows what things are needed is Cunobelinus. The powers given to him with the passage of this edict, he will forfeit upon the return of Aratos. As acting Satrap Cunobelinus will continue his campaign against the remaining Ptolemaic threat, and begin new construction projects in Alexandriea. And will be better able to deal with mounting threats to the Satrapy... Such as the eventual border with Carthage! These people are quite martial, and are competitive. They may not appreciate a border with us, and may be ballsy enough to attack our Egyptian border. Cunbobelinus will need as much support he can garner in order insure security along this new border."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Kleonemos stands..

First of all.. I am happy to get out of the desert.

Secondly, we need a new Satrap in Mikra Asia. Someone who could defend us against all of our enemies in west. And that someone is .. me!

Thirdly, what shall we do with Makedonia? I highly doubt they would just give Pergamon back to us. They know that they have an upper hand currently in this war. They have enough men to attack Halikarnassos, Ipsos, Sardis and take them without suffering too big losses in manpower!

Oh.. and those rebels in Mesopotamia?! We should slay them all!

Kleonemos takes his seat.. thinks for a moment and says...

I also second Edict 10.1

At the moment Cunobelinus is the only one who could run Aigiptos\' day-to-day life since, as you heard, I have other plans.

[The Celtic Viking]

Hilarion turns to a magistrate in the Council. ([OOC] read the GM.[/OOC])

"It is to my understanding that edict 9.1 can't be passed, since it is the Basileus alone who appoints satraps and satrapies, and they cannot be inherited. Unless I am mistaken, it is thus impossible to have an edict that would effectively hand over a satrapy to a different man."

Hilarion now turns to Arrhenides' representative.

"First of all, dear Greek, I would have you name yourself. Who are you, and what is your name, so that we can verify the authenticity of your words, when you say you speak for Arrhenides? If you do not identify yourself, for all we know you could be a spy for the rebels, or any other enemies of our kingdom.

With that being said, I will for now give you the benefit of a doubt and take your words as true, mostly because they seem to be lining up with my own understanding of things. Since the satrap is no longer able to do his duties, as you say, I feel forced to take the following move:

Edict 10.2: The Satrapy of Aigyptos should be dismantled.

We cannot have a satrapy to be 'lulled to a halt', as this Greek says, and this seems to be the only option, especially now that the rebels destroyed the barracks in Antiocheia. We cannot afford having the greatest barracks we have stay under the care of someone who is incapable to care for them."

Hilarion now turns to Kleonemos.

"Lord Sarpedon recieved your letter concerning that application, and though he agrees, I don't think he has made his decision yet. At the very least I have not been informed of any. You can be sure that if lord Sarpedon thinks it shall be so, you will be the first to know.

However, I don't think that reinstating a satrapy there now is the best way to combat the Makedonians. You are free to leave your current position and go there to help out in the fight as it is, as I'm sure Panaitolos would appreciate the help, but jumping to decisions is never wise."

[Celtic_Punk]

The Greek frowns at Hilarion's condescending manner and inability to listen"I have introduced myself, you have clearly decided not to give me time of day. I shall say it again. My name is Duros."

"Also, Cunobelinus would not be inheriting the Satrapy, but taking care of it until the bedridden Satrap is ready to take his post once more. Dismantling the Satrapy is as foolish as it is drastic. Egypt needs direct leadership, not distant control. It is home to several great cities not small backwater towns... The edict is fully legal, there is no law stating the Satrap cannot appoint one of his aids to run things while he is unable to do that himself for whatever reason. There is no law stating the council cannot appoint such a man either. This is not inheritance, but rather a temporary replacement till the Satrap himself is ready to take over. The man is very sick. Should his illness be blamed on him? Should he lose his job for just that? Should he succumb to his illness we can always find a new Satrap. This edcit would not be handing the satrapy over, just lending the full authority of it to one of its aids till necessary."
He clears his throat, thinks for a second and then once again speaks.
"Also how can You be forced to make decisions. These are not your decisions to make. Where is the Basileus? His campaign is on halt and I am surprised to not be addressing him, instead of his servant. If Cunobelinus' lieutenant can make it to the Council from the middle of the desert why cannot the Basileus? Before you propose this edict, on behalf of the Satrapy of Egpyt and the General, I demand proof that this is the Basileus' decision and not your own! The Greek pulls a parchment out from his clothes and shows it to the council"Here is my signed proof that I represent Cunobelinus, and it details the edict he sent me here to propose! Where is your proof? Until the Basileus can reassure us himself that you speak truly on behalf of his intentions Your say should be null. From what I've heard about you there are some suspicions. I must say your lack of attentiveness to pick up my name shows your disinterest in what the other's here are trying to achieve. This sort of behaviour of yours is counter-productive. Just like your new edict."

"Should the current Satrap of Egypt be removed, The Satrapy should stay, and Cunobelinus should be placed in his stead. Cunobelinus has served the in the Arche's military since 273 and has shown in his governance of Memphis that he can properly administer,delegate tasks, and manage a populace. He has shown leadership and has won more battles against the odds that no other General in the Arche can boast. Egypt and the Nile are the Arche's biggest assets, and should be trusted to a man no less than Cunobelinus. He has overcome many enemies and served the Basileus himself on the battlefield. He has shown that he thinks nothing of himself but only of the security and well being of those he is responsible for, by going beyond the call of duty to insure such security of the Satrapy and thus of the Arche. He should be given this authority, as he has been running the Satrapy himself within the bounds of his Aidship for sometime anyway."

"And one more thing... Hilarion, if you have indeed been speaking for the Basileus since he left to campaign, why does he seem so Hell bent on the destruction of the Satrapy of Egypt, and Cunobelinus? Since Cunobelinus has left to secure the Arche's borders he has recieved absolutely no support what so ever, and has had to resort to his own resourcefulness to supply himself and his men. Why is the General's prior service to the Arche completely forgotten? Even the charges levied on him after he'd garnered a purely volunteer force from Alexandriea seem to discount prior service. It seems that it's his record of many victories is what is being held against him. Or does that the fact that he's a Celt means he deserves ill treatment? or even worse no support while campaigning on behalf of the Basileus and his empire? It seems as if you or the Basileus are trying to trap him behind the Ptolemaic lines. Do we need a repeat of Xenophon's army's march? When all you need to do is authorize garrisoning of a few small towns, these choices you've made seem quite suspect. What are your intentions by not garrisoning these newly added settlements? Do you wish to trap Cunobelinus? Do you wish to see he and his men surrounded and butchered? or worse even captured? Are you trying to push him away from the Arche? It seems you are trying to make an enemy out of him. He is a very very big Celt. And worse is he's a very good at what he does, and is a very well liked General at the head of an army. Pissing him off might not be a very smart thing, especially since he's just an honourable soldier trying to do his duty to his country, and nothing more."