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Thread: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

  1. #221

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    A small reminder:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Important or recurring characters and members of the royal family as well as some characters from the latest chapters

    Year: 245 BC = 67th year of the Seleukid Era = 20th year in the kingship of Antiochos Theos = 6th year in the kingship of Seleukos Kallinikos

    Seleucid royal family

    1. Antiochos Theos (ingame: Theodoros Syriakos) *291 BC
    Function: Basileus ton Basileon; Ruler of the Arche Seleukeia
    Parents: Basileus Antiochos Soter and Stratonike
    Siblings: younger brother Sarpedon; Two sisters, one of whom was married to Magas Kyrenaios (and does not exist in game)
    Wife: Laodike
    Children: Basileus Seleukos Kallinikos; Euphorion; Kleopatra; Pamphile
    Son-in-law: Timarchos Mylason Karikon
    Personality: Charismatic, uncompromising leader; Known for his prowess as General, for his defiance of death and for being a notorious, but currently sober, drunkard

    2. Laodike
    Husband: Basileus Antiochos Theos
    Father: Achaios, brother to Basileus Antiochos Soter

    3. Seleukos Kallinikos (ingame: Kallinikos Syriakos) *273 BC
    Function: Junior ruler of the Arche Seleukeia
    Parents: Basileus Antiochos Theos and Laodike
    Siblings: Younger brother Euphorion, younger sisters Kleopatra and Pamphile
    Wife: Agathe
    Children: Nikomachos
    Personality: In younger years rather introverted, uncharismatic and insecure about his abilities, but despite regular setbacks has started to accept his responsibilities.

    4. Agathe
    Husband: Seleukos Kallinikos
    Children: Nikomachos

    5. Nikomachos *255 BC
    Function: Second in line of succession after his father Seleukos Kallinikos
    Parents: Seleukos Kallinikos and Agathe

    6. Euphorion *267 BC
    Function: Third in line of succession after his brother Seleukos Kallinikos and his nephew Nikomachos
    Parents: Basileus Antiochos Theos and Laodike
    Siblings: older brother Seleukos Kallinikos; younger sisters Kleopatra and Pamphile
    Personality: unflagging and intelligent, passionate and spontaneous

    7. Sarpedon Prodotis ("the Traitor")
    Function: Former Co-Regent; Currently wanted for high treason; in exile at the court of Ptolemaios Philadelphos in Alexandreia, Aigyptos
    Sons: Omanes; Athenaios (both fallen in 251 BC)
    Personality: Poet, Philosopher, Gourmet of Life; Skilled Politician and Schemer; Egocentric

    8. Andromachos Syriakos
    Function: Satrapes of Persis
    Seat: Persepolis
    Father: Achaios Syriakos, brother of Basileus Antiochos Soter
    Brother: Alexandros Syriakos, Satrapes of Susiane
    Sons: Antiochis; Xenoitas

    9. Timarchos Mylason Karikon
    Function: Governor of Antiocheia on the Orontes; Elephantarches of the empire
    Parents: descendants of old hellenic nobility of Mylasa in Karia
    Wife: Kleopatra, eldest daughter of Antiochos Theos
    Personality: Proud Hellen; Extroverted politician and bureaucrat; Athlete (Olympionikes of the olympic games in 256 BC)

    10. Alexandros Syriakos
    Function: Satrapes of Susiane
    Seat: Susa
    Father: Achaios Syriakos, brother of Basileus Antiochos Soter
    Brother: Andromachos Syriakos, Satrapes of Persis
    Son: Miltidades

    Seleucid officers, politicians, noblemen

    11. Gorgias Dahaikos (killed in 246 BC)
    Right-hand man of Seleukos Kallinikos.

    12.-13. Athenaios & Kratippos
    Hetairoi.

    Foreigners

    14. Ptolemaios Philadelphos
    Pharaoh of Egypt and head of the ptolemaic house; Nemesis of the seleucid kings and host to Sarpedon Prodotis.

    15. Artabarzan
    Dahae warlord.

    16. Zeionises
    Saka warlord.


    Chapter 56: Down Neilos

    Sharp steel cuts the air with a hiss. “Maaaaarch!” A shudder goes through the ranks before they set themselves in motion, the sound of thousands of nailed soles echoing like thunder, accompanied by the nervous trumpeting of Antiochos' fearsome grey asians.

    “What do you say now, Kratippos, that we march again?” - “Basileus, I'm looking forward to do what I do best, killing the foes of my king,” answers the trusted Hetairos.
    A hoarse laugh sounds from the king's mouth. “I see my Kratippos has found his spirits again!” With a shout he drives his steed forward, galloping ahead, but then he turns around, with a broad smile on his face awaiting his Hetairoi catching up. “To the north,” he shouts, “to the sea, to Alexandreia!”

    The host of Antiochos Theos has grown again: Machimoi, Nubaioi and Aithiopioi have joined ranks with the seleukid king. Some of them are mere mercenaries, but others fight for the prospect of advancement. The old nobility of Kemet knows that they never will be more than lowly servants to Ptolemaios, but they sense the smell of opportunity surrounding the charismatic warrior-king and those of them who dare now ride with him.

    Laden with all supplies it can carry, the army quickly advances along the Neilos. At Hermoupolis, just past half way between Thebes and Memphis, the army crosses over to the western bank. The king marches past Memphis, he does not deign to give it a second look. His designs lie elsewhere - in Alexandreia – and he is not a fool in whom the ease of the march north could induce any illusion about the power that Philadelphos still wields and whether he himself has any strength to waste.

    The enemy does not give battle, but as certain as day follows night and night follows day is he gathering, just out of sight. Not far from the great Metropolis lies a small Polis, chosen by the king for its walls. Here he puts up his banner and sets himself up in the largest manor. Here the ptolemaic armies make their first tentative approaches since the Diospolis was left behind. Swept away like vermin by the Neilos' great flood are the fools who challenge the man, determined to reforge the image of the world in war's hot blazing flames.









    Antiochos gathers the Hetairoi in his humble hall. “You can almost smell the sea, can you not?” he muses with a smirk. “But now, retire and rest well, for in the morrow we will ride and have a look at Alexandreia.”

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  2. #222

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 57: Zeionises

    “Sound the retreat,” Seleukos Kallinikos grunts through his teeth. “Sound the retreat,” his order is relayed and the horns sound over the battlefield. Another defeat – and what a kind. Granted, it may have been doomed from the start. The derisive words of the Saka emissary still are burned into Seleukos' memory. “My lord Zeionises has no regard for your begging,” he had said. “My lord Zeionises does not care whether you now fall on your swords or be killed by his warriors. My lord Zeionises will have his herds graze on your land, whether you fight him or not. You are weak and there just is nothing you can do about that.” How aggrieving to know he might be right.





    Dayuan, Sogdiane, Margiane, Astauene, Hyrkania and sooner or later Aria, Parthyaia: The list of provinces fallen to one kind of nomads or the other steadily grows. For now the Basileus takes refuge in Aria. He is brooding over maps that give no answers, only headaches.

    The drapes at his tent's entrance rustle as they give way to a guard entering. “Basileus, your wife is here.”

    Seleukos is caught unprepared. “My wife – here?” He takes a moment to gather himself. “Send her in and leave us.”

    Agathe, his wife of no longer few years, enters, looking older than when last they met, but who could be surprised? It has been years. “My lord husband,” she greets him and goes down on one knee.

    “Rise, rise, my love” her king and husband implores. “What brings you here, to this forsaken piece of land?” - “I have come to comfort you in these dire times. On my journey hereto I visited nobles and cities, reminding them of their duty and my journey back I will do so again.”

    Agathe gently pets the king's beard. “I also thought you might want to know about your son. He is a truly dauntless adventurer, that little one. Seleukos Nikomachos will make a great warrior one day.” - “So he will,” Kallinikos muses.

    “You worry too much, my lord husband. Take this one day to think about what is good in life and you can start worrying all over again tomorrow.”

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  3. #223

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 58: Terrors of the Night

    “It is unwise to remain out here,” insists the Weasel and his master concedes: “Perhaps you are right. Their hubris made the fools Pasikrates and Lampon into dead fools. I would not want pride make me join them.”

    The Nomarch reaches out to his right hand man. “You ride to the city and organize carriages and an escort to fetch my possessions. In the morning I will take the remaining guards and meet up with Hermon, discuss strategy.”

    He sighs. “It saddens me to leave the estate empty, but you have the right of it, it would be folly to remain with the enemy so close by.”

    “As you command, my lord. I will need to leave soon, if I want to reach Alexandreia before nightfall.” - “Do so. I leave the details to you, you have my trust, use your best discretion.”

    The master of the house retires, but sleep does not come easily and in the middle of the night he wakes with a start, finding himself exhausted from a disturbing dream in his thoroughly sweat-soaked bed. He rolls from his sleeping place, groaning.

    Semi-somnolently he stumbles through the dark, to the water bowl to alleviate the distress. He moistens his heated face and sighs, when he catches an unfamiliar sound. Water still dropping from his beard, he exits into the corridor.

    Wandering through the dark halls, he spots a shadow passing by. “You there, slave, what's the disturbance?” A torch's light falls on a strange face.

    “Who are you?” demands the Nomarch. A fighter's instinct prompts him to turn around, just in time to see a blade flash in the dark. His left catches the attackers forearm and his right rushes forward to punch the smaller man's face – the massive golden rings crushing bone on impact. With an angry roar he pushes forward and drives the blade in the stunned attacker's own belly.

    Pain surges through him when a second blade enters his back. He throws himself backwards and the assassin lets out a moan when he is squashed between the heavy man and the stone wall.

    The Nomarch stumbles, turns around. The assassin has regained his balance and thrusts his dagger forward. The blow is deflected, but the blade bites deep into the Nomarch's thigh. The big man grunts of pain while his hands close like a vice around the assassins neck. His injured leg gives in under his weight and both men sink to the ground conjoined in mortal struggle. Blood splatters the wall as the stranger's skull crashes against it. Blind rage strengthens the nobleman's arms and again and again he hurls the other's head into the stone, again and again until his strength fades and he sinks to the floor, his opponent's life long gone from this world.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  4. #224

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Wow, I regained interest in RTW lastly and just discovered your AAR, read through all of it today, it is just incredible. In the way it is written, I can't help but notice influence from Georges RR Martin, even in pieces from 6 years ago. (compliment by the way, your ability to make us connect with the characters is impressive!)
    Most of all I can't believe I am lucky enough to have discovered it when you started re uploading again. Great work, keep up the good work!
    Love from France!

  5. #225

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Quote Originally Posted by youpiyoupa View Post
    Wow, I regained interest in RTW lastly and just discovered your AAR, read through all of it today, it is just incredible. In the way it is written, I can't help but notice influence from Georges RR Martin, even in pieces from 6 years ago. (compliment by the way, your ability to make us connect with the characters is impressive!)
    Most of all I can't believe I am lucky enough to have discovered it when you started re uploading again. Great work, keep up the good work!
    Love from France!
    Welcome to totalwarcenter.net and thank you very much, you are too kind. Catching it right when I returned is indeed a big coincidence.
    * * *


    Now that I have started to write here out of posting updates, I have a few things I'd like to share with all my readers (from the past, present and future ). When I came online last Sunday and posted a chapter after 34 months I have to admit I expected a bit of excitement, but I wasn't aware just how inactive the AAR board has become (well, who am I to blame anyone? ). I took the liberty to check a number of profiles of acquaintances from the old days and a lot of the people who used to come here haven't been online in a while (I myself vanished without telling anyone, though it wasn't really a decision, I just didn't log in anymore, but I realize now that there is no way to tell if someone is well and just changed their interests or if something happened to them).
    I am currently at a point in my life where I have a bit of free time (more than I would like, if you catch my drift), but I can't make promises to stay active this time around either. Nothing is certain in life.

    That said, at no point in those almost three years did I give up on The Legacy and as long as I'm alive and either the .org or twc still exist there is a chance it will be completed .
    Not anytime soon though: I still have a story and notes and cropped screenshots worth fifty years of campaign - To put that in perspective: that's more than twice the time The Legacy covers from chapter 1 to 58!

    Speaking of screenshots, I noticed that some of the pictures have started disappearing. Back in the day I used to mainly use imageshack and then they changed their business model or something... Anyhow, there is nothing I can do right now about the disappearing pictures and I'm not going to reupload all of them. However! I have decided to upload .pdf versions of the AAR at certain (alternate-)historically relevant points, the first one being not too far off. It will contain pictures that don't vanish, less typos, less grammatical errors, footnotes with explanations or translations, a bunch of acknowledgements and perhaps some other bonus I haven't come up with yet.

    Seeing as EB2 is scheduled to have its first open beta release quite soon, I thought about replaying some battles as custom battles in the successor mod. But I will cross that bridge when I get there.

    If you also liked my other AAR, The Prodigal Son, I have bad news, though. I had created a backup folder for savegames and screenshots, but now I found it empty... Obviously I forgot to actually copy the data over...
    Theoretically, I could perhaps restart the campaign, but I think understandably that is not something I'd really like to do.

    Well, that's it for now, I hope everyone is well and finds some time to say hello!

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  6. #226
    Rex Basiliscus's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    I've read the new chapters when they were posted, but my time is limited due to exams I have right now so I didn't reply immediately. I've been a fan of your AAR from the start and am glad that you are continuing it. Good luck! I still remember the prophecy the king received - even though it was years since I've read it!

  7. #227

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Quote Originally Posted by Rex Basiliscus View Post
    I've read the new chapters when they were posted, but my time is limited due to exams I have right now so I didn't reply immediately. I've been a fan of your AAR from the start and am glad that you are continuing it. Good luck! I still remember the prophecy the king received - even though it was years since I've read it!
    Thanks, I appreciate it.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  8. #228

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 59: To cast a Noose

    “I must admit, I am guilty of a crass underestimation. I have never seen the likes of this.” The city of Alexandreia stretches along the coast of the mediterranean sea, across the island of Pharos. Its southern side is protected by another body of water, the lake Mareotis. The western and eastern sides of the city are open to the land, but massive fortifications surround it.

    “If this city can be taken without a fleet, it must be done with a wide grasp. I need to control the river and the hinterland, then perhaps I will be able to control the city. So, let us ride south again and cast a noose around Ptolemaios' neck,” Antiochos shouts angrily.

    He returns to his base and breaks camp, setting out for Memphis with his army. Memphis lies not far south of the Delta, where the Neilos still runs in one stream. It was the capital of Kemet for many native dynasties and still remains to be the second largest city in Aigyptos.

    The Basileus' enemies take his turn for weakness and fiercely pursue him. Their numbers are overwhelming, but they cannot succeed.









    On the way along the densely populated Delta Antiochos sends out his men to makedonian Kleroi, enlisting every willing man into his Phalanx. With newly enlarged numbers he meets the defenders of Memphis in the field.











    Before the end of the year, the city is taken and the king can start to knot his noose.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  9. #229

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Nice AAR you have here. Shame about the quietness...long for the days of SBH's masterpieces and Knons epic, Blips cool little Frankish tale, McScottish and his never ending stream of well written AAR's and so forth. Never noticed yours till now but its a nice tale.
    'The Last Pagan Emperor'- An Invasio Barbarorum Somnium Apostatae Juliani AAR
    MAARC L 1st Place
    MAARC LXXI 1st Place

    'Immortal Persia' A Civilization III AAR

    Prepare to imbibe the medicine of rebuke!

  10. #230

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Quote Originally Posted by Justinian Australis View Post
    Nice AAR you have here. Shame about the quietness...long for the days of SBH's masterpieces and Knons epic, Blips cool little Frankish tale, McScottish and his never ending stream of well written AAR's and so forth. Never noticed yours till now but its a nice tale.
    Thanks for your kind words, it is, as always, appreciated.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  11. #231

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 60: Blessings of Family

    The soldier winces, as lightning bathes the metropolis in white light and a roaring clap of thunder erupts in the sky right above him. It is deep into the night, but Seleukeia does not sleep. Her people wake in anguish for the tempest to move on, praying to mighty Zeus to spare their lives and homes.
    So does the lonely soldier. As of now he still is protected from the pouring rain by the overreaching ceiling, but he knows, soon he will receive the message he has to carry to his lord and king, with haste and without rest. Shivers run down his spine and he wraps himself even tighter into his coat.
    He feels a gentle touch on his shoulder and when he turns he looks into his steed's dark, anxious eyes.
    “Here, here,” he mumbles and gently strokes the horse's forehead. Filled with worries he glances into the turmoil in the night sky, when suddenly the ground starts shaking under his feet. He instinctively braces himself and wraps his arms around the mount's neck, but the tremor subsides as suddenly as it came and – like it was swept away by Zeus' own hands – the storm is cast into the four winds. The thick layer of clouds rips apart and opens up the view unto the night sky, where the moon benignly offers his light, so unlike the brutal terror of the previous lightning storm.
    The soldier respires in relief and he relishes the silence after the storm. Somewhere in the distance he believes to hear a baby cry.

    The doors open abruptly and an older man in priest's attire steps out. The torch in his hand illuminates a face, red of excitement. The soldier straightens himself and turns around towards the priest.

    “You are the messenger, I presume?” asks the man in a hoarse voice. - “Yes, I am,” replies the soldier and tightens his grip around the reins.

    “Good. Go and tell the king he has a second son. Both child and mother are alive and healthy. And tell him this: The gods watch the boy with favour and his steps will make the earth tremble.”

    * * *

    “It must be the fever,” murmurs Seleukos Kallinikos. Rest can not be allowed and neither can weakness. He is struggling to remain straight in his saddle, for he cannot allow his lack of strength be seen, not now, not here.

    Is it really a feverish dream, the armed host crawling down into the valley from the south? The sick junior king convinces himself that the armed men are no creation of his impaired mind and he calls out: “Who rides there? What is your allegiance?”

    A small group of noblemen rides ahead of the newcomers and their leader, who must have recognized his insignia, addresses the king: “My divine Basileus, I am here to serve you,” before approaching further.

    “Basileus,” he continues, “I present to you an army, raised by the nobles of Persis and Media following the call of the Queen, your wife. I do not begrudge that you do not recognize my person, for we were mere children when last we met. My king, it is me, Euphorion, your little brother.”

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  12. #232

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 61: Changing of the Gods

    The Nomarch is about to doze off, when clamour pulls him back into consciousness. The Weasel storms into his chamber and goes down on his knees.

    “What is the meaning of this? Why are you...?” The stout man pauses, as he understands.

    “Forgive me... ,” the Weasel starts, but his master cuts him off, already setting himself in motion in limping, long-reaching steps to get dressed again. The wound still hurts as if with every step the blade was thrust anew, but there are higher stakes than the triviality of pain.

    “You go and take the snake, but don't let someone think I broke my hospitality. And I... I go and take my throne.” The light of flickering torches reflects from his eyes and the shadows on his stern face seem like a demon's grimace on the new Pharaoh's face.

    * * *

    Sarpedon stands at a window towards the barely lit atrium. He is not looking at anything in particular and his thoughts are elsewhere, far away. Behind him, someone enters the room and the rustling of clothes reaches his ears, but not further.

    “The Pharaoh is dead,” the Eunuch informs him. “Delivering this message is my last service to you. I was yours only as long as he was still alive.”

    Sarpedon turns around silently, leaning back against the wall.

    “Did you think he would never die,” asks the Eunuch and Sarpedon notices a hint of annoyed insolence in the voice. An obedient creature as long as his master lived and now he can show his true face.

    “No. But I thought I had more time,” Sarpedon admits. “He was getting better. As healthy as I have ever known him.” Fear raises inside him, as from one moment to the other, he has lost the shield he hid behind for these last years. But he also notices honest grief about Philadelphos' death, the loss of a friend and an intellectual equal. Who will grieve for me, the traitor, the snake? Bitter is the taste on his tongue.

    “Leave me,” he croaks hoarsely. “Leave me and swear fealty to your new master or they will have your head too, for your service to me.”

    The Eunuch only nods and leaves with quick steps. Sarpedon feels how the palace around him comes to life again. When a king dies, there is no hour too late, no night too dark.

    I brought it on myself, he thinks, I will not try to run and shame myself, but take it as a man. He is calmer now and he does not fear, when the Weasel comes through the door.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  13. #233

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 62: Revelations

    The king has carefully woven his noose. He has taken control of the traffic on the Neilos and extended his grasp over the Delta. Yet the enemy is still strong in arms. News of the death of Ptolemaios Philadelphos reached Memphis and it seems that his successor, Ptolemaios Leon – the Lion – has taken upon himself to establish a martial reputation befitting his chosen epithet and shows a new resolve to turn the conflict.

    Antiochos finds the course of time not to be in his favour, so he leads his army into the field again. Again he follows the west bank where he displaces another ptolemaic force.





    He pushes forward, until he faces the threat of encirclement: Two armies oppose the seleucid force, both stronger in numbers. One is positioned in the north, further down river, the other somewhere in the west, waiting in the fringes of the great desert.

    “Fortify the camp, I have to learn more about their strength and movements before we can proceed. I would not blindly run into a trap,” the king announces and instructs his Hetairoi: “I will ride myself. Athenaios, you are my most experienced commander, I leave you in charge of the camp, Kratippos, assemble an escort and let horses and provisions be prepared. And inquire among the Machimoi, if there is one with knowledge of these parts.”

    With only a dozen men at his side the king ventures out into the vast barren land. They are making good progress, when suddenly a wall of dust and sand sweeps over the land from the west.

    Antiochos grabs the guide's tunic. “What good are you to me, if you don't even know a sandstorm coming?” he angrily shouts over the howling wind. He curses loudly and the men and their horses take cover behind an elevation, to weather this storm.

    It is impossible to tell how much time has passed when the sky finally clears up again. The king and his men dig themselves out of the accrued sand. Theos looks around, but his tally comes short. “Where is that fool of a guide?”

    “In any case, we have to get moving.” The Basileus ton Basileion gazes at the sun. If only he knew how much time had past, he would have an easier time to mark the directions and if only he was used to this latitude, so he might read the hight of the sun. An educated guess it is then, he decides and the small group, the horses by the reins, follows.

    The desert does not seem to take an end. “In honesty, I could not tell if we were walking in circles, my friend Kratippos. I have not felt like such a fool in a very long time.”

    “And you do rightly so,” sounds an unfamiliar voice. The king and his escort whirl around, unsheathing their swords in unison. There sits an old man in the sand, his wrinkled head hairless as an overturned bowl, his scrawny body covered only by simple linen.

    “How dare you speak in this manner, you geezer,” scolds him one of the Hetairoi, presenting his Kopis' naked blade. “You address the divine Basileus Antiochos Theos of the house of Seleukos.” He seems about to cut the man in half, but his master interrupts.

    “Sheath it.” The king examines the old man with curiosity, yet in silence. It is the common man who possesses the insolence to speak unquestioned.

    “So, you are a great king, are you? You command the largest empire under the sun and a thousand of princes are sworn to you. And here you are with all your power. Lost, yet I can show you to safety. Don't you find it ironic, that now you depend on a doter, who possesses nothing more than the cloth and skin slung around his rackety bones. And despite all your armies and soldiers and treasures and slaves, there is nothing you can do about it, because, if now I die, so will you. Doesn't that, in fact, make me the most powerful man in the world?”

    In a grand gesture the Machimos spreads his arms to the sky. Antiochos blinks to dispel the weird impression that the old man has grown considerably during his speech.

    “Pray tell me, what exactly makes you so great? What have you ever done other than bringing misery? For seven years now you are dragging your soldiers – or what is left of them – through this land, away from their homes and families. And what for? To take revenge, because your little brother didn't play nice with you? Does it make you happy to wade through seas of blood? Will you finally be content, when there is no one left to kill or let be killed?”

    Antiochos ignores the questions. “You claim you can show us to safety. Will you do that then?”

    “Of course I will. I am not like you, I don't need death around me to exist.”

    “Then, for now, I shall suffer your insolence. Lead the way, old man.”

    It is a surprisingly short while before the Machimos stops. “Behind this ridge the green river valley will open itself before you.”

    “I thank you for your service. Are you not afraid, now that I do not depend on you, I might punish your insolence?”

    “You could, but you won't.” A repulsive toothless smile accompanies the answer. “Now. You did not answer the most important of my questions. What is it that you want to achieve? You are not here to conquer. How could you hope to hold Alexandreia for long, with what is left of your army? Are you really willing to sacrifice those loyal men to nothing but your own revenge?”

    Antiochos mounts his horse. “Mayhap there is some sense in that. I will consider your words.”

    “Syrian!” the bald man calls after him and Antiochos turns around one more time, a grim smile playing around his dry lips. “You talk to me?”

    The Machimos slowly walks up to him and whispers: “It is a good thing you are willing to consider disclaiming your revenge and rest your weapons, but I believe you deserve to know: He is already dead. Not long ago your brother has gone on his last journey.”

    Antiochos shakes his head in disbelief. “You are living deep in the desert. How would you be aware of such a thing?”

    The corners of the Egyptian's mouth raise to form a toothless grin. “You feel it is true, don't you?”
    Then he turns away, leaving behind a startled king. “Who are you?” sounds Antiochos' unanswered call over the desert's sands.

    The king returns to the camp and takes his place at the head of the army. For the second time it marches toward Alexandreia. When in the distance a dark spot becomes perceptible, Antiochos pauses. He carefully examines the vague shape, then turns his horse away, to the west.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  14. #234
    McScottish's Avatar The Scribbling Scotsman
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    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    So glad you've gotten back to this, so glad. Exceptional reading as usual, and really eager to see whence it all goes from here. +rep!

  15. #235

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Quote Originally Posted by McScottish View Post
    So glad you've gotten back to this, so glad. Exceptional reading as usual, and really eager to see whence it all goes from here. +rep!
    Thank you

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  16. #236

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 63: Brothers

    The royal brothers Seleukos Kallinikos, recovered from his illness, and Euphorion have joined their forces. Aside from his army the prince has brought more dire news: Hekatompylos has fallen to the Parnoi and large parts of Parthyaia are now under their control. The junior king and his host are in danger of being cut off from the centre of the kingdom and so with a heavy heart he has decided to march west, leaving the outer territories behind.

    For now the journey is uneventful, so the brothers use the time riding together to make up for the years separated.

    Not too long ago he himself had felt as broken as a man could be. And now here he is, giving advice about how life works. Kallinikos sighs.

    “Look, brother. When you grew up, did you lack for anything? Was there anything not available at your command? Didn't you wear the finest silks and the purest gold? Didn't you have the seat of honour when you went to watched the most enlightening plays at the theatre? Didn't you ride the fastest horses and spend your days hunting for pleasure? And have you ever spend so much as a thought about it,” the king inquires, looking back to his younger brother, who watches him in silence.

    “Those things come at a price. Your ancestry is not only a privilege, but also a duty. Oh, I struggled, I struggled hard, before I could accept that. I broke, but now I am whole again. Not even our lord father can just do as he pleases. Neither he nor I chose the path of our lives and what comes with it. I had not even met Agathe before we were married. We respect each other and sure, with time a certain affection grew and now she is the mother of my sons. I did not pick her, I was not... bewitched by the way she looked or moved, but I would not be willing to exchange what we have now for all the fabulous tales of love.”

    He turns around again and shakes his head. “Love is a fleeting and deceiving thing. You can't build anything on it,” the Basileus philosophizes. “Everyone's life is duty, though different for any of them. Don't fight it and you'll save yourself a lot of pain. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. No point resisting destiny, not for a fairy tale of love, anyhow. Do as you are told, marry whoever our lord father tells you, or, if he'll still be abroad or – may the gods forbid – with our ancestors, whoever I tell you to. I'm your brother, Euphorion, but also your king and if I can learn to act like a king, you can learn to act like one's son.”

    His younger brother clears his throat. “Perhaps they should call you Seleukos the wise.” That elicits a dry laugh from the king. “Rather not. But let me tell you one more thing, in all honesty. You are the lucky one that you never have been told that you will have to be king yourself one day. Oh, don't look at me that way! I have two sons and Nikomachos soon will be old enough to get married and have sons himself. What are the odds of all of us dying before you? Really, what can be the odds of that?”

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  17. #237
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

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    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    I'm enjoying your story. 63 chapters is an impressive amount of writing, is this the longest-running AAR on this forum? When the king asked 'what are the odds of all of us dying before you', it made me wonder if this might actually happen!

  18. #238

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    I'm enjoying your story. 63 chapters is an impressive amount of writing,
    Thank you very much.

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    is this the longest-running AAR on this forum?
    That's probably the case, though it is quite easy if you just take a few years worth of break inbetween chapters.

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    When the king asked 'what are the odds of all of us dying before you', it made me wonder if this might actually happen!
    It's almost like I wrote it that way to make you wonder, isn't it.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

  19. #239

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    It has been a long time since I last saw this, glad to see you're still around man.


    Know god, no fear
    No god, Know fear

  20. #240

    Default Re: [EB AAR] The Legacy of Megas Alexandros

    Chapter 64: Pentapolis

    Antiochos too marches west to save the rest of his army. Yonder lies the Kyrenaika, controlled by a federation of five cities, chief among them Kyrene. The Kyrenaika had belonged to the ptolemaic kingdom, until it seceded under Magas, elder half-brother of Ptolemaios Philadelphos and brother-in-law of Antiochos Theos. It became an ally to the seleucid kings and remained so after the return to its former republican ways, even naming Antiochos its Hegemon. Among his allies he is confident to find refuge and the opportunity to ship back to Syria.

    But it could already be too late. The new Pharaoh Ptolemaios Leon has a furious temper and he seems determined to destroy his enemy at whatever the cost. The progress is slow and again and again the enemy clashes against the seleucid lines or their makeshift fortifications.





































    Despite all efforts the king's army has molten away. Yet there is hope left. Marmarike lies behind the pitiful shadow of an army, the fruitful coast of the Kyrenaika ahead. It is not long before kyrenaian envoys welcome the king.

    Read my AARs:
    The Legacy of Megas Alexandros (Europa Barbarorum as Arche Seleukeia)
    The Prodigal Son (Shogun 2 as Mori)
    * * *
    You like a good reading? Then check out the homepage of our fellow TWC-member Theodotos I at www.stephenwrites.com!

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