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Thread: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

  1. #1

    Default (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Hey ive been a lurker in these forums for a while. Im usually around at the EB forums but ive decided to post my AAR here aswell

    Seleusic Empire AAR
    VH/M
    Realistic Movement Mod. Begins in 250 BC after the VC conditions have been obtained

    enjoy and any criticism is welcome

  2. #2

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    The Setting
    Winter 251 BC



    King Theodoros, Sarpedon and Alexandros "The Black"


    And so it came to pass that in the Winter of 250 BC King Antiochus II Theodoros along with his brother Sarpedon and cousin Alexandros "The Black" finally crushed all resistance and reunited the empire of Alexandros Megas. It had taken the three generals 21 years since the beginning of their campaign in 271 BC to achieve this but the end result was the complete unification of the empire and even expansion north of the pontic sea. This made the Arche Seleukeia the largest and most powerful empire ever created

    But as they say nothing lasts forever, and empires are especially fragile things...

    Extent of the Empire in 251 BC


    Last edited by seleucid empire; January 12, 2016 at 10:28 PM.

  3. #3

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    @ the moderaters. This AAR has a few vulgar scenes for the sake of the story and a bit of realism. If you would not like me to post it, thats fine, I will can either stop writing this AAR or tone it down beofre I post it here

  4. #4

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    also how come the post above went straight through and my intro didn't is it something to do with pictures??

  5. #5

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    - repeated post
    Last edited by seleucid empire; January 02, 2013 at 10:32 AM.

  6. #6

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    worst case scenario you can still view my AAR here without making an account for EB

    http://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showth...-Peace-and-War

  7. #7

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Book I: Crown of Flames

    Act I: The Gardens of Paradise

    Prologue: The Coming Storm
    Winter 250 BC

    Peace. Nothing more than an illusion. For there is only one thing man cannot stay away from, and that is War. To the millions of people living in the heart of the Empire, war is a faraway thought. They lived in the Great Empire of Alexander the Great, reforged and made even greater by his descendants. What nation in the world could now stand up to them? The wars were contained at the frontiers thousands of miles away. What was there to be worried about?

    These people carried on with their daily lives, so certain that the future would be as bright as the present day. But not all men were fooled. A few saw what the others could not. They were not distracted by the brightness of the sun and saw the gathering storm clouds, wondering in fear when they would burst and unleash the torrent upon them...
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:20 AM.

  8. #8

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 1: Tidings
    Winter 250 BC Antioch

    In the underbelly of the great capital sat a small dimly lit inn and gambling house. Inside, one could purchase all manners of distractions, from the prized Greek wines to the whores, willing to satisfy any and every sexual desire for coin. It was a sanctum of decadence and lust, a den of filth, and visited by soldiers and thieves alike. Mardonious sat in a dark corner of the room, watching people entering and exiting, his face hidden by the shadows and his hood. The hood was nothing more than a precaution of course. As the youngest son of a minor Persian noble of Syria, he doubted anyone would have recognized him even without it. He often visited this place to purchase its pleasures but today he had a different purpose in mind. The establishment was a favourite of the soldiers returning from the frontier wars and Mardonious sat patiently, waiting for one or more to show up...

    The door creaked open and two men entered, their faces weary from travel and their cloaks covered in dust. Although the sight of soldiers was very common here, the patrons still held their gaze in awe at these newcomers. The first to walk in was a giant of a man. He carried a large, curved bow and at his side was a short sword of exceptional quality. He wore a hardened leather tunic and strapped onto his left arm was a small round shield. A Cretan archer, concluded Mardonious. However, it was not the Cretan who held everyone's attention but his companion. As he walked in, every pair of eyes in the inn followed him and every pair of eyes showed the same emotion: fear.

    He was of a much smaller stature than the Cretan but wore the full panoply of the elite companion cavalry, making him an impressive sight. But what set him apart was his helmet, on top of which sat a single black plume that marked him as a member of the Black Guard. They were the personal cavalry of Alexandros, cousin of the King and the most ruthless, brutal and cunning general in the empire, which earned him the epithet of Alexandros "The Black". There was not a single man or child from Illyria to India who had not heard stories of the black guard, who had never been beaten in the 21 years since they were formed and were especially notorious for the countless, horrific atrocities they committed. They had fought in every single corner of the empire, cutting a bloody path through Egypt, Greece, Asia Minor, Armenia, the East and even the North.

    The two soldiers ignored the stares of the others and sat on a table in the centre of the room. They ordered wine and began to talk amongst themselves. Mardonious left his table and approached them cautiously. They didn't look up until he was right next to them.
    'Greetings, My name is Mardonious. I can see you two have just journeyed a long way and from the looks of it you two have just returned from the frontiers. Can I interest you in an offer?" asked Mardonious
    "What kind of offer?" asked the large Cretan
    "I will pay for your food and any entertainment tonight in exchange for any news from the frontiers."

    The Cretan turned to look at his silent companion, who gave a small nod.
    "Very well,"said the Cretan,"My name is Helioketes and my companion here is called Archimenes"
    "And you are of the Black Guard?" Mardonious asked Archimenes
    "Yes" he replied
    "and you Cretan?"
    "I was part of the Death Seekers before they were destroyed. Have you heard of us?"

    Mardonious had. The Death Seekers were almost as famous as the Black Guard. They were a band of renegade Cretan archers who had pledged their services to Antiochus II Theodoros 20 years ago and were the greatest archers in the world. It was rumoured that they could bring down a man at 170 metres, almost double the killing range of any other archers. However, he was surprised to hear that they had been destroyed.

    "They were destroyed? When?"
    "Yes, nearly 10 years ago..." replied Helioketes solemnly. Mardonious thought he saw a glint of anger in the man's eyes
    "How did this occur?"
    "Our unit has been there since the beginning of the great reconquest, nearly 21 years ago. We marched under the command of Antiochus II during the invasion of Egypt. When The emperor marched to Asia Minor to support Sarpedon in his war with Pontus, he left us with Alexandros. We sailed to Greece and helped our new general. That was 14 years ago..We then marched on the Armenians, sweeping through their country as well. But Alexandros received pleas for help from the Bosphoran Greeks so we headed into the vast north. Under his leadership, we 'liberated' the cities of the Greeks, bringing them into the folds of the empire and achieved complete control over the Pontic Sea. Alexandros then marshalled more forces and formed the Legion of the North to defend against the Sarmatian counter-attack

    But shortly afterwards, Alexandros received orders from the King to march east in all haste. He took the core of his heavy infantry and cavalry to the east, leaving us with strict instructions to stay in the cities and defend them. He left the north under the charge of a man named Herakleidies Atarneou.

    This fool saw himself as the Alexandros Megas of the North and decided to march the entire Legion of the North into Sarmatian lands to bring the war to them. However before we marched, Herakleidies decided that he would be much safer if he stayed within the walls of Pantikapaion and he's still sitting there now, growing fat while the bones of our brothers lie scattered over the northern plains. So anyway, he didn't accompany us in our expedition and instead appointed a captain who had bribed his way into his favour. In the cities we could have held off the Sarmatians behind the high walls, our arrows would have decimated any Sarmatians who came close and we would be able to hold indefinitely as long as supplies arrived in our ports. But in the open, we were ambushed...The entire legion of the north was destroyed along with most of our corps.

    I survived along with a handful of others and we travelled east on the invitation of Alexandros to train the garrisons of the newly conquered cities and there I have been for the last 10 years. Recently I was allowed to leave the army and was given a fortune for my service. Archimenes here also finished his service and we decided to make the journey back home. He has also been fighting since the beginning of the Great reconquest and he has been present in every major battle in the last 21 years. He saved my life once and we became comrades despite belonging to different companies."

    "I am sorry for your loss" said Mardonious. He was silent for a moment, then he asked "What news from the east?"
    "Well as you probably know by now, the furtherest reaches of Alexandros Megas Empire has been reconquered. King Antiochus intends to march north and attack Chighu, the original lands of the Saka, afterwards I believe he will head west and continue until all of the Steppe bows before him. Now if you will, please tell us what you are after?"
    "The reason I am asking you for news is because I intend leave this place and make my fortune. You see, I'm the second born son of a minor Syrian house so I do not have many prospects when my father dies. My brother and I do not agree with each other so I intend to make my own fortune. I have already found a man willing to lend me the money I need to begin trading in flesh. All I need now is the secret ingredient to a successful venture: War. And I wish to find out which frontier offers the most opportunity. I will need strong men to guard my goods as they are delivered to the cities. So now I have another offer for you. I know you are already rich with the fruits of conquest, but I ask you anyway..Will you join me?"
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:21 AM.

  9. #9

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 2: Fall from Grace
    Winter 250 BC Antioch

    Archimenes' excitement grew with every step he took. He had left the inn nearly half an hour ago saying farewell to Helioketes and thanking Mardonious for his hospitality. He had declined the young noble's offer of course. After all he was a member of the Black Guard and pledged his loyalty solely to Alexandros. He was not some mercenary who could be bought with the promise of gold and guarding goods for a trader was beneath him. Helioketes had accepted eagerly, reasoning that one could never had too much gold. Besides, Archimenes he did not need the work. He had claimed 6 wagons full of treasure during the conquests and was now richer than many Lords of the realm. All he wanted now was a peaceful life, away from the horrors of war. As he neared his home his heart leapt. The last time he had seen his wife was twelve years ago, when the army of Alexandros had briefly returned to Antioch for a few months to replenish their numbers, before marching to Armenia. He remembered sitting on his horse, looking back at his pregnant wife as she got smaller and smaller, before turning into a speck in the distance. He never forgot the look of sadness and worry in her eyes as he left for war once again. He had received letters from her, informing him of the birth of his daughter and the joy of the news kept him going throughout the remainder of the war in the east.

    He smiled inwardly, knowing that he could finally meet his daughter. And meet her as a man, not a murderer, for Archimenes had refrained from the brutality which his comrades in the Black Guard had grown to love. He had never raped a woman on campaign or killed a child. In his mind's eye he could still remember the horrors which his comrades had partook in. The event which was most clearly etched into his mind, happened during the sack of Bactra four years ago. The beautiful, nameless girl had been dragged from her house, screaming and crying. A man of the Black Guard ripped off her clothes and began spoiling her in right in front of a jeering crowd. Twelve other men went after him and when they were finished with her they grabbed torches and tortured her before finally cutting her throat. She had looked no older than 15. Archimenes had turned away in disgust and that very same night, the nightmares began..

    Archimenes reached his front door. He took a deep breath and walked in. The house was dark save for the candle light coming from the bedroom at the end of the hall. His wife must be up. He shed his armour and began to walk towards the light but he had not taken more than a few steps when he heard it: Soft sounds, the sound of a woman moaning followed by several sharp gasps coming from the bedroom. He quickened his pace and rushed into the room. His wife lay face up on the bed. On top of her was a young man, his hand moving up and down her thigh while he pushed up against her.

    Archimenes stood perfectly still...He could not move, could not think. All he could do was continue to stare at them. His hand began to shake...

    His wife's eyes rolled around in her sockets as she moaned and suddenly she saw him. She screamed and pushed the young man off her

    "Husband! This is not what it seems!" she shrilled.

    Archimenes said nothing, but suddenly, found his sword in his hand. The young man stood up and began to address Archimenes with an air of superiority.

    "You dare threaten me with your sword? I am Ashasavah, son of Vanara, the Lord of Phoenicia! Leave now and my father may yet spare your life!"

    For his arrogant words, Ashasvah paid with his life. Before he had finished speaking, Archimedes had closed the distance before them and now clutched his throat. The young mans' eyes widened in fear as he realized that his threats meant nothing to this man and that he was about to die. The sword entered once, twice...Ashasvahs body went limp and Archimenes let go of the corpse. He then turned to his wife who was whimpering in the corner of the room.

    "Archimenes please! Forgive me!" she wailed.

    However her pleas fell on death ears. Archimenes lifted the blade and slashed his wife's throat, the red mist spraying across his face. He went into frenzy, slashing at his wife. He felt the presence of a person moving behind him and instinctively lashed out with his sword, feeling it sink into flesh. He turned to see his attacker expecting a man from Ashasvahs’ entourage who had come to investigate but instead he found himself face to face with a young girl.

    Her face was puzzled as she looked down at the sword protruding from her gut and the growing red stain on her dress, wondering what had happened. She looked up into the eyes of her murderer. Archimenes recoiled in horror when she lifted her eyes. They were his eyes staring back at her. All of his rage and fury disappeared in that moment as realisation hit.

    "What have I done?!” he cried.

    The girl's eyes went blank. Archimenes howled and lifted himself from the blood soaked floor. He ran out of his house and into the streets screaming.

    Archimenes, the man who had just killed his own daughter and wife ran on and on, fleeing into the night...
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:22 AM.

  10. #10

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 3: Old Allies, New Enemies
    Winter 250 BC Antioch, The house of Mardonious

    "So what can we do for him?" asked Helioketes
    "Theres not much we can do about this" replied Mardonious, "He killed the son of a powerful lord."
    "But Archimenes is also a noble, he is a companion of Alexandros 'the Black'."
    "It is more complicated than that. I conversed with him the first night he came to me and he told me that he was bequeathed the title and lands of a Lord because of his friendship with Alexandros. Alexandros granted him the lands so he could meet the requirements for a member of the companion cavalry and join his retinue, but he has no noble blood and is not of the great houses of The Empire."
    "What will happen to him?"
    "Well, for crimes commited by a noble, there is a council of 11 Great Lords who oversee the trials. Do you know how our empire is organised?"
    "Yes, Archimedes and I often talked on our campaigns and he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of these things. He told me that each province has a Satrap in charge of administration and raising forces."
    "Yes they are Kings in their own right. What else did he tell you?"
    "He told me that there were even more powerful figures. They are the Lords of entire regions of the empire. They are Satraps of a key city in the region and all other Satraps answer to them."
    "Yes, There are currently 9 regions: The North, The Heartlands, the East, Asia Minor, Northern Arabia, Greece, Macedonia, Egypt, and Armenia. They rule from important cities. For example, the Lord of the East would rule from Bactra and control all of the empire west of Persepolis. Each of these lords have a seat on the council."
    "what about the other two seats?"
    "They are for the Lord commanders of the Army and Navy. In this case, Alexandros the Black and Lord Admiral Nikaratos. Sometimes the King will also preside, although that hasn't happened since the execution of Antiochus I's eldest son for treason."
    "If Alexandros is presiding then he will surely pardon Archimenes."
    "No, he will most likely not be present and will not hear of his execution until it is too late. In these trials rarely ever are all eleven Lords called to the council as they are usually too busy looking after the affairs of their regions. In a case like this, in which a minor noble like Archimenes is involved, the Lord of the region, in this case, crown prince Seleucus Kallinikos, can fill the empty seats of the council with local Lords."
    "and the local lords.."
    "Are under the influence of Lord Vanara" finished Mardonious, "and not only are they under his influence, he will most likely bribe them to ensure the death of your friend."
    "We cannot let that happen."
    "Even if the trial was fair, he will be found guilty."
    "What are you talking abo..."
    "Helioketes, he killed that man and he killed him for having an affair with his wife. He did not even challenge the Lord's son to restore his honour, he killed him in cold blood. And lets imagine that he does win the trial by some miracle, do you really think lord Vanara will stop there? He will send assassins after Archimenes. He will not be able to hide from them forever"

    Suddenly Archimenes spoke. He had crept into the room several minutes ago unnoticed and had hidden in the dark listening.

    'Lord Mardonious, I am grateful for your help. If you had turned me away at your door I would have been caught days ago, but I cannot risk putting you in danger any longer by hiding me. I will go today and turn myself in and pay for my crimes with whatever punishment they choose to give."

    Mardonious looked at Archimenes, taking everything in. He saw a man who had just lost everything, who had given up hope and whose life had lost all purpose.

    "No, I have an idea. I will get you through this alive. And one more thing, I am no lord, my brother will take that title when my father dies" said Mardonious

    Archimenes was silent for a moment. A ghost of a smile came to his lips

    "Well Mardonious, it looks like we will be working together after all..."
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:24 AM.

  11. #11

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 4: Flight from Antioch
    Winter 250 BC Border of Syria and Assyria

    The last snowflakes of winter were just beginning to fall as they reached the border of Syria. Normally a journey of a few weeks, it had taken the three almost 2 months to reach it. It had been Mardonious' idea to stay in the city a while longer. They will think that Archimenes had fled the city and send patrols out. If we go now, all of the other towns and cities in Syria will be searching for him, he had said.

    After two weeks of waiting, the trio had finally left the city. Archimenes had wanted to avoid the major towns and cities but Mardionious reasoned that his pursuers would expect him to do that. He was right. The Main roads were free of soldiers and they had blended into the crowded cities. They always stayed for a few days in each city to give the impression that they were in no hurry.

    However, their journey had not been completely free of trouble. One morning, the travellers had woken up to find themselves surrounded by 13 armed men. Although outnumbered, Archimenes and Helioketes easily overpowered the group and killed all of them except for their leader. Mardonious had asked the man who he was working for and told him that if he wouldn't answer, he would ask his friend to 'convince' him, indicating Helioketes. The man had taken one look at huge Cretan before spilling everything. He was part of a rebellion under the leadership of Philetairos of Bactria, a man who had lost everything in Antiochus II's invasion of Bactria and now sought revenge on the empire gathering 13 000 discontented peasants under his banner. He had sent 5 000 west into Syria under his right hand man captain Mysikos, to plunder the towns and now marched on Edessa, the capital of the Assyrian province, with his remaining 8 000 men.

    Afterwards, Archimenes had given the man a clean death. They continued with their journey, narrowing avoiding the forces of captain Mysikos before turning south and making for the border.

    Helioketes rode up beside Mardonious. Archimenes stayed behind at a slow trot.

    "Where do we go now? We surely can't go to Edessa with a rebel army camped between us and the city?" asked Helioketes
    "I have been thinking about that ever since we found out." replied Mardonious, "Originally, I wanted to reach Edessa and stay there until the heat dies down."
    "But you said Lord Vanara will never stop looking for him."
    "No, but the Imperial forces will. Lord Vanara only has 50 men men looking for Archimenes. The Imperial forces assigned to catching Archimenes number 300. Without them, we have a better chance of escaping his clutches."
    "Why not just go to Seleukeia?"
    "The reason we have deliberately travelled slowly through Syria is to allow our pursuers to believe that we are ahead of them. They will think that we are trying to put as many miles between us and Antioch as possible and so far it has worked. However if we go to Seleukeia now, they may still be searching there and that's what I'm worried about."
    "Why don't we hide in one of the other cities along the road?"
    "Those cities are not big enough to hide a fugitive who killed the eldest son of a powerful Lord."
    "We have done it before. We have hidden at cities on the road here."
    "We never stayed for more than a few days. If we had stayed longer, we would have attracted the attention of somebody, maybe even the city guard."
    "But Seleukeia is one of the biggest cities in the empire, surely they won't find us there."
    "They will have the city guard looking for Archimenes as well and the city guard are 4 000 strong. But it seems we have no choice in the matter. We will slowly make our way to Seleukeia, and pray that, by the time we arrive, they will be gone..."
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:25 AM.

  12. #12

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 5: Edge of Civilisation
    Summer 249 BC, Sai Yavuga, the former Saka stronghold of Chighu



    "Why are we still in this place brother?" asked Sarpedon,"I am tired of these endless Steppes"
    "I have already told you, we have to stay and make sure the province is settled before we can leave. We also need to clear out the rest of the Saka armies in the region. We will move against the rest of their cities in the Autumn" replied King Antiochus II Theodoros.
    "Why are we here at all? We don't need these lands. The empire will hardly benefit from the addition of these wastelands"
    "If we don't bring the Saka to their knees they will keep raiding our eastern provinces and if we conquer all of their lands, then we can start a new eastern front against our Sarmatian enemies."
    "We have brought two bright young generals here with us. They can continue this invasion for us. We need not be here for any longer."

    Before Theodoros could reply, Alexandros came into the hall.
    "Hello cousins, I have just received some bad news from the west."
    "Well?" asked the King
    "This is a letter from one of my companions. He is hunted by Lord Vanara for killing his son."
    "That news hardly concerns us." said Sarpedon
    "No, but it concerns me. He has always been loyal to me and saved my life many times. I intend to return the favour. However that is not the news I bring you. In his letter, he tells me of a large rebellion in the Heartlands led by a man named Philetairos of Bactria."
    "He is in the Heartlands? How many men does he lead?" asked the King
    "13 000, but he leads mostly armed peasants and has split his force in two."
    "See brother? We need to return to Antioch. You have been away from the heartlands for too long, you need to go back and tighten your grasp on the lords and the people." exclaimed Sarpedon.
    "I have a better idea. We will send instructions to Lord Artabazanes to raise an army and march to confront these rebels. When he crushes them, it will show the rest of the empire that my reach is long and make them think twice about making a move against me"

    "After he crushes the rebellion. Then what?" asked Sarpedon
    "I will send him north to replace Herakleidies Atarneou." replied the King
    "Your sending him against the lord of the north?" asked Sarpedon,"Why?"
    "Are you unaware that his actions led to the destruction of the entire legion of the north?"
    "He is a fool. So what? He has still managed to keep the north from falling into the hands of the Sarmatians. You didn't replace him ten years ago when this happened, why act now?"
    "Herakleidies Atarneou is not that much of a fool. He sent the Legion of the north on a suicide mission because they were loyal to cousin Alexandros. He destroyed them so he could raise his own loyal troops and has had free reign over all of the north for the past ten years. I will not let that kind of treachery go unpunished."
    "Very well, but I still believe you should return to Antioch before it's too late..." said Sarpedon before marching out of the room

    Alexandros turned to Antiochus.
    "I still need one thing from you cousin. I have written this pardon letter for my companion but I need your seal."said Alexandros
    "You are really willing to anger lord Vanara for this? He is a dangerous enemy to make." replied Antiochus
    "I am more than willing. I already have many enemies in court. What difference is one more if I can save the life of my loyal servant."
    "Very well," said Antiochus, reaching for his seal, "But if this man of yours has really killed Lord Vanara's son, I doubt even a royal pardon can save him.."
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:26 AM.

  13. #13

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 6: A Forked Road
    Autumn 249 BC, Seleukeia

    Mardonious and Helioketes were deep in conversation when the door opened. Archimenes came in and behind him was another man. He was of the same stature as Archimenes and wore a full suit of shining armour. Mardonious looked at the man, his gaze resting on the stranger's helmet: A helmet with a black plume. A another member of the Black guard.

    "This is my comrade Hector. He came here to find me as I told him where we were hiding in my letter" said Archimenes, introducing the man.
    "Alexandros has sent me to deliver a royal pardon to you and to give a second letter to Lord Vanara ordering him to stop with his chase." said Hector.
    "That is good news, however, you know as well as I do that Vanara will not be stopped." replied Mardonious
    "He will not be allowed to use the men or resources of his Satrapy to continue the chase and if his men are caught, he will be punished for defying a royal decree." argued Hector.
    "Yes, but that man is capable of anything. He may not be able to use the army any more but he has plenty of servants of his own."
    "I am no fool. I will not reveal myself to him, but at least I will not be hunted by the guards of every city any more." replied Archimenes
    "There is one more piece of news. Lord Artabazanes is raising an army in nearby Babylon. He intends to crush Philetairo's rebellion and head north to displace Herakleidies Atarneou."
    "Displace him?" asked Helioketes in sudden interest
    "Yes, the King believes that Herakleidies Atarneou purposely led the legion of the north to destruction ten years ago and replaced them with his own men so he could gain absolute control of the north."
    "What?!" exclaimed Helioketes, his face twisting into an expression of pure rage. He got up and flipped over the table.
    "Calm yourself!" shouted Mardonious
    "My brothers died for his petty schemes. I will not rest until that man burns! Mardonious, I know I agreed to accompany you in your ventures but I must finish this before I can join you. I will go to Babylon and enlist."
    "I understand. This is something you must do and I will not stop you." replied Mardonious.

    An hour later, Helioketes had said his farewells to the three men and left.

    "Mardonious, I will stay with you. I have a debt to you now that can never be repaid" said Archimenes.
    "You owe me nothing, but I would like you to join me. That offer is still open if you choose to take it"
    "Where will you begin your venture?"
    "Well, I will need to return to Antioch first and find the money lender before I can begin. I may have already lost my opportunity if he has changed his mind. We have been gone for a year."
    "That will not be a problem. Hector has brought the spoils I have claimed on my campaigns here with him. I will help you begin your trade"
    "I don't think your spoils will be enough"

    Archimenes began to chuckle, puzzling Mardonious

    "Come with us," he said,"I want to show you something"

    The three men made their way to the Agora. They arrived at a ring of wagons guarded by no less than 8 members of the black guard. Mardonious looked inside and his jaw dropped. Each of the wagons were filled to the top with gold pieces and statuettes.

    Seeing Mardonious' expression, Archimenes said,"These are the spoils of a thousand cities. There is enough for me to fund your venture and still be one of the empires' richest men."
    "I see, well then we can begin."
    "Where will we go?"
    "Arabia."
    "Arabia? Why there?"
    "Because only in Arabia are we on the offensive. In the west and north, we are holding our ground against the Romans and Sarmatians. In Arabia, we are on the offensive, sacking and enslaving their cities. I will be able to find an inexhaustible source cheap slaves there. We will go in a week and go south to join general Seron Kydnikes of Antiocheia who is camped with a huge army in the desert of M'ain right now. We should be able to catch up to his army by the time he reaches the Sabaen cities."

    Hector turned to Archimenes and handed him the parchment with his pardon written on it.
    "My friend, I must continue with my mission now. My men and I will go to Sidon and deliver the King's orders to Vanara. Then I will go back to Baktra, claim my spoils and return to Susa to live the rest of my days."
    "Farewell my friend, may Hermes keep you safe on your journey."
    Archimenes then said his farewells to the other 8 Black Guards in turn.

    As Hector and the other companions rode off, Mardonious had a feeling that Archimenes would never see these men alive again. He kept these thoughts to himself..
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:27 AM.

  14. #14

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 7: Acts of Treason Pt. 1
    Winter 249 BC Sidon

    The Great Port of Sidon was the largest port in the empire excluding those of Seleucia Pieria and Alexandria. A thousand ships entered and left it's harbours each day with goods coming in from Greece and even distant Iberia. On some days, such as this one, Lord Vanara, Satrap of Phoenicia would stroll through the bustling harbour with his guards. Vanara often liked to visit the port. It was his creation and would be his legacy. Ten years of his life he had dedicated to it and the result was spectacular. Whenever, he walked through the markets many people would stop with their work and show their respects to him. As he reached the piers, a man crept up beside him, keeping pace with the lord.

    "Well Ennychos, I hope you are here to give me some good news, and that my men have found and killed that bastard who took my son away from me." said Vanara to his chief eunuch without looking at him."
    "I'm afraid not my Lord, certain...complications have arisen."
    "What complications?" snarled Vanara,"Don't tell me that captain Perikes has failed me again. You have been searching for a year already!"
    "It seem our prey is much smarter than we thought. He has eluded us so far."

    Without warning, Vanara lifted his hand and struck Ennychos.

    "You disturbed my walk to tell me this?"
    "No my lord," stammered Ennychos,"I have come to tell you that nine members of the Black Guard are here. They request an immediate audience with you on behalf of Alexandros the Black"
    "Did they state the reason for their trip?"
    "No my Lord but I have an idea."
    "You think that they are here with a royal pardon for Archimenes from the King?"
    "Yes I do my Lord."
    "I feared this would happen. That was why I wanted him found quickly! Now the imperial forces will stop searching for him."
    "You can still hunt him with your own men my Lord. If the King finds out you can always say that you could not find your men in time to give them the new orders."
    "Yes, but without the imperial forces and the city guards of the Empire, I will never find him."
    "They is another way my Lord...What if...the messengers were sidetracked, and you never received the orders."
    "Make it happen Ennychos.."
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:29 AM.

  15. #15

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 8: Acts of Treason Pt. 2
    Winter 249 BC Sidon

    The Door was pushed open and nine men entered. They were dressed in the signature black cloaks and plumed helmets of the Black Guard which, from a distance, gave them the appearance of crows. Their leader was man of rather average height and he introduced himself as Hector.

    "Forgive me, Lord Hector, but I must ask you to leave your weapons outside. There are no weapons allowed in the hall." spoke Ennychos. He would have asked them to take off their armour as well but that would make them suspicious. The palace guards came and took their weapons before leaving the room.

    "Now, what is your business in Sidon?" asked Ennychos.
    "We have a message from Lord Commander Alexandros for Lord Vanara." replied Hector,"Where is he?"
    "I regret to inform you that Lord Vanara is feeling unwell. I will receive your message in his stead."
    "Very well, here is the message," said Hector, unfolding the scroll, "This is a decree validated by the King's seal. He has issued a royal pardon for Lord Archimenes of Green-shade Hall. He instructs Lord Vanara's forces to stand down and wishes him to stop his chase."
    "Ahh, just as I thought." replied Ennychos.
    "You were expecting this?" asked Hector.
    "Yes, my master has anticipated something like this. He also said that if this was the case, then I should inform you that we find these orders unacceptable." said Ennychos, a wicked grin slowly spreading across his features. He gave the signal and 50 Jewish mercenaries sprang from their hiding places, surrounding Hector's men. They reached for their swords only to realise that they had been taken outside. The Jews cut down two of the Black Guards before they started fighting back. Even without weapons they were formidable and jumped at their attackers, weaving their way between spear thrusts and swords until they were close enough to break their opponent's necks. Ennychos watched in growing horror as they picked up their fallen enemy's weapons and began cutting their way through the mercenaries.

    "Archers!!" screamed Ennychos, seeing that his men were losing the fight against these elite soldiers. Archers poured into the room and began firing into the melee, killing both the Black Guards and the Mercenaries.

    Hector cut down the last mercenary just as the last of his men fell to the archers. He turned around as an arrow entered his chest. Dropping to one knee in shock, he looked up at the triumphant Ennychos.

    "You..will..never..get away with this." gasped Hector.
    "Oh but we will. We will dump your bodies on the side of the road. We will say you never arrived at Sidon. Goodbye Lord Hector, it has been a pleasure."

    The archers drew their bows and fired. Hector fell to the floor, dead...

    Ennychos waited until nightfall before ordering his men to dump the bodies of both the companions and the mercenaries a few leagues outside the city. They even killed a few horses and left them at the site. To whoever would discover the scene, it would look like the an ambush by Jewish rebels. That night, Ennychos slept like a baby...
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:30 AM.

  16. #16

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 9: The Hounds of Elissa
    Winter 249 BC Sidon

    "Well?" demanded Lord Vanara as Ennychos slinked into the room.
    "It is done my lord," replied Ennychos,"We made it look a rebel attack."
    "Yet neither the King nor his cousin are fools"
    "No, they are not...What is your next move, my lord?"

    Lord Vanara began pacing the room, backwards and forwards contemplating as he often did when difficult decisions were made. When he finally stopped, he turned to Ennychos and said, "I will send the Elissian cavalry to hunt him. They are a thousand strong, and this time, I will personally lead the chase."
    "You will send the hounds?" exclaimed Ennychos in surprise.

    The Elissian cavalry were named after the legendary queen Elissa of Tyre, founder of Carthage. They were a group of cavalry that Vanara had formed some 5 years ago. Each had sworn a vow to Lord Vanara and were fanatically loyal to him, which earned them their nickname of 'The Hounds of Tyre'.

    "Yes, every day that passes, the prospect of capturing Archimenes decreases. I need my best men to catch him" Lord Vanara had spat out the name of his son's murderer.
    "But my Lord, surely, with all of the wealth of Phoenicia you can raise a suitable force for pursuit. If it is speed you need, the cavalry of the Arabian mercenaries are nearly as fast. It need not be the Elissian cavalry! They were sworn to guard Tyre and it would be seem strange to the people if they left."
    "They know I lost my Son to that bastard!"
    "Yes but even so, to call the Elissian cavalry out of Tyre would imply you were desperate or running short of time. The other Lords will begin to wonder if something is amiss"
    "I need my best men to catch him." Vanara repeated.

    Ennychos could see that it was no use arguing further.

    "Ennychos, you will ride out to Tyre tomorrow and give my orders to captain Abibaal."
    "My Lord..Captain Abibaal is not fond of me or my presence."
    "On the contrary I have heard that he is very fond of you my faithful Eunuch. It is said he prefers creatures who have lost their manhood over women." snickered Vanara

    Ennychos sighed. So his Lord had heard the rumours. The Last time Ennychos had delivered a message to Abibaal, he had left the troop camp the next day with the sorest arse. So sore, he couldn't even sit on his saddle properly, falling off after his horse had taken a few steps and was greeted with the roaring laughter of every soldier in the camp. He couldn't even fight back the night Abibaal had come onto him. He had been humiliated yet he had no choice now but to ride back into the hands of his tormentor, whom he was sure, would use him again.

    "Very well my Lord," said Ennychos, sinking into despair..
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:32 AM.

  17. #17

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 10: A Taste of Things Yet to Come
    Winter 249 BC Assyria

    The Enemy approached steadily and silently towards their position. This fact alone amazed Helioketes. Were the enemy not composed of levies and peasants? Helioketes had seen levied peasants fight in battle before. They usually charged towards their enemy in a disorderly line, screaming obscenities at the enemy as if doing so would give them the courage they desperately lacked. Indeed, that was what had given their position away in many battles he had fought. In the battle of Alexandria all those years ago, the noise made by the enemy levies had alerted Alexandros 'the Black' to the flanking force that Ptolemaios II had hidden before the battle. This gave Alexandros enough time to wheel his Peltasts in place and prevent an envelopment, winning the famous victory. However, the enemy they faced today were utterly silent despite being armed like levies. He felt very uneasy.

    He gave his men the signal and they moved to the front of the battle line. The hill that the army had deployed on gave his archers a huge advantage over the enemy archers. He had been placed in command of his own company of some 1 000 men almost a month ago. When he had arrived at the camp of Lord Artabazanes, he had immediately befriended two Persians, who were unfortunately, very prone to gossiping. The news that a member of the legendary Death Seekers and a survivor of the Northern Legion had arrived in camp spread through the ranks like wildfire. In the very same afternoon, Lord Artazabanes had called him to his tent and asked him if he would command and train some of the new recruits as he was desperately short of competent commanders who had seen battle.

    Helioketes made a judgement of the enemy force spread out on the plains below them. Something was wrong. They had expected 8 000 men in the army of Philetairos but there was at least 12 000 approaching them now, maybe even 15 000. Still, despite this unexpected surprise, they had a good chance to win the battle. Lord Artazabanes had gathered 6 000 well trained Thureophoroi, the standard medium infantry of the empire, 2 000 Persian and Syrian archers and his personal retinue of 500 heavy cavalry. The army of Philetairos appeared to be primarily composed of Persian Archers and Peasants armed in the same manner as the Parthian spearmen of the east. Helioketes had seen these spearmen before in his time serving in the east and and had observed that they broke very easily. However there was something about the way these spearmen marched in synch and they way they locked their shields together as they marched that suggested that today, it would not be so easy.

    The enemy were now 250 metres from the base of the hill. If it were the Death seekers in place of these recruits, they would have began to fire already and gotten many devastating volleys in before the enemy even knew that they were in range. However these were not his old companions and he waited patiently until the enemy were close enough before he gave the signal. A thousand arrows arched into the air and showered on the enemy. Hundreds died in that first volley but they kept their pace, not even noticing their fallen comrades. They gave three more volleys before the enemy were at the base of the hill. They marched up steadily and Helioketes gave the order for his archers to fall back behind the main line.

    The Thureophoroi lifted their javelins and at their captain's command, they loosened, 6 000 javelins falling on the enemy. Then, a second volley of Javelins followed. The enemy must have lost close to a thousand men by now but they still marched steadily. Then, a single loud note blew into the air. The first line of Thureophoroi charged down the hill using the slope as momentum. The two lines clashed and the sounds of swords clashing and shields breaking rang through the air. He ordered his archers to fire on the middle ranks of the enemy, who were crowded together, inflicting huge casualties. But they did not break. Helioketes realised that these men must have been the surviving veterans of the fallen Bactrian Kingdom, who had all followed Philetairos west to inflict misery in the heartlands of the empire that had stripped them of their lands and freedom.

    He had ordered his archers to bring two quivers of arrows with them into battle and this proved wise as they could now shower arrows at their leisure inflicting mass destruction. but although they had killed hundreds and maybe thousands, many more men replaced each that had fallen and they never seemed to waver. The situation at the centre was not well. The Thureophoroi, despite being much better armed were beginning to be pushed back by the sheer force of numbers. The Second line of Thureophoroi now marched downhill to aid their brothers. At a signal, the first line broke off from combat and reformed behind the second line, which charged into enemy spear men. He saw a movement at the back of the enemy lines. They were moving their archers forward.

    He ordered his men to concentrate their fire on the archers. Many arrows found their mark, but many hit the other infantry men. They were now in range to return fire. The sky darkened. Helioketes knew what was coming next. This was the hardest part of battle for any archer. When the enemy returned fire and each archer could do nothing but stand and watch as the arrows came and prayed that the arrows hit another man and not himself. They were at the mercy of pure chance in every battle. The fates decided who lived and who died. The arrows made a whistling noise as they approached. When they struck, there were horrible cries among his company.

    Three loud notes rang through the air. Helioketes heard a thundering of hooves and saw the heavy cavalry charge into the flank of the enemy. Faced with a flank attack by the companions, their enemy, who had until now been resolute, suddenly broke and began running down the hill. The Thureophoroi ran after them, cutting many down. Helioketes ordered his archers to fire at any of the enemy who remained defiant and soon, they also broke. Helioketes watched as the cavalry and infantry hunted them down without mercy. Then, he saw it, a thousand cavalry men emerging from a cluster of trees and making for the retinue of Artazabanes. Artazabanes saw the threat and wheeled his cavalry around and faced them. The two companies met with the scream of dying men and horses.

    Helioketes spotted Lord Artzabanes fighting in his beautifully gilded armour. His opponent was a much older man but he fought with the grace of a Bactrian noble who spent their lives fighting from horseback. Helioketes instantly knew that the man was Philetairos. Philetairos quickly gained the upper hand and with a swift and sudden motion, he slid the tip of his spear past Artazabanes shield and into his chest. Artazabanes fell off his horse and his cavalry panicked and broke. Philetairos quickly turned his attention to the Thureophoroi who were chasing after his men. His charge bought time for his men who had began to reform into lines. However, he had made one fatal mistake: He had come too close to the hill. Of course it was not Philetairo's fault. How could he have known there was a member of the death seekers on the hill? How could he had known that there was a man who could deliver a killing shot at that range? Helioketes only took a second to aim. Then he loosened. The arrow went swift and true, a blur across the battlefield and lodged itself in right in Philetairo's eye, the only inch of his body that was not covered in armour. He was killed instantly. Seeing this, those of his men that had reformed broke again and ran for their lives. The chase went on into the afternoon..


    *****

    Helioketes crept silently past the sentries posted at the camp. Earlier that night, he had been in a council with the captains of the army. The others had all agreed that to go on to the north without a leader after losing 3000 men was pointless and had voted to return to Babylon despite his protest. So he had silently left the camp. He would not rest until the spirits of his brothers had been avenged. With nothing but his bow, his short sword and a weeks worth of provisions, he began the long journey, into the north....
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:33 AM.

  18. #18

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 11: The Death of Mercy
    Winter 249 Seleukeia

    It had been a great past few months for Mardonious. He allowed himself to whistle happily as he strode through the Agora, ready to spend some of his gold. They had arrived in the camp of Seron just before he had taken the city of Maryab. Seron had been extremely bold. He had bypassed the Arabian army waiting near the fortress of Carna and went straight for Maryab, the heart of the Sabean Federation who were utterly unprepared for siege. Of all the would-be slave traders throughout the empire, only Mardonious had believed that Seron would actually survive his journey down the desert M'ain with his army intact. His faith was repaid when he was allowed to get first pickings of the slaves, since none of the other slave traders would arrive for months afterwards. He paid a quarter of what was usually paid because the soldiers were so eager to be rid of them. As a result, he had gathered 10 000 of the fittest slaves for a meagre sum and brought them back to Seleukeia to sell for twenty-fold the price he had bought them for. Some of his slaves were educated in mathematics and arts and these he had sold at Palmyra for a hefty sum. Now he was richer than even Archimenes

    He stopped by a Merchants store and examined the wines imported from the west.

    "Hello friend." greeted the merchant."May I interest you in some fine Greek wine, imported from Olympia?"
    "Yes, three jars of your finest." replied Mardonious. Then he remembered the foul mood Archimenes had been in since yesterday, when he had been insulted at a tavern resulting in a fistfight, "Make it five jars... Do you have any news?"
    "There have been some ill tidings these days."
    "Oh?"
    "Yes, just yesterday I heard that the 12th Army crushed the rebellion of Philetairos near Edessa. They say a lone archer made a near-impossible shot and brought down Philetairos."
    "Interesting" replied Mardonious. Helioketes marched with the 12th and Mardonious wondered if it was his bow from which the arrow flew."But that is hardly bad news."
    'Nay, but they lost a full 4 000 men and Lord Artazabanes lost his life!"
    "That is shocking indeed."
    "What's even more shocking is news from Arabia."
    "Arabia? I have come back from Arabia not a month ago"
    "Haven't you heard of the disaster that has befallen the 4th army?"
    "The fourth army? Of Lord Seron? I have just returned from his camp after the sack of Maryab."
    "You were lucky to have left when you did. His forces were utterly crushed near Carna."
    "By the Gods!" exclaimed Mardonious.
    "Yes, the poor general was too merciful I believe. He sold many of the men of Maryab as slaves but otherwise didn't harm them. That was his mistake. When he left to attack Carna, and finish of the Arabians in the north, the inhabitants of Maryab revolted and threw out the Garrison. Then the bastards called for help and the Sabean King arrived with a vast army. Trapped between the two large forces and unable to retreat to Maryab, the entire 4th army was annihilated. The few survivors of the disaster made their way back here in disgrace not a week ago"
    "What happened to general Seron?"
    "Well some of the survivors rode past Maryab in an attempt to evade the Sabaen forces. They saw his head on a pike on the city walls... But he will be avenged. The 5th army stationed near Homna has rallied under Seron's Brother-in-Law and now march on Ubar. It is said that their general is far more merciless than Seron."
    "Yes, I have no doubt they will succeed," mused Mardonious, "The empire always wins in the end..."
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:36 AM.

  19. #19

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Interlude- The Armies of the Empire

    The First/Royal Army: Lead by King Antiochus, Alexandros the Black and Sarpedon they are the veterans which created the empire and have never been defeated on the field. They currently roam the steppes, securing the borders.
    Original Strength: 40 000 during the invasion of Egypt
    Current Strength: 30 000 after the Eastern wars

    Second Army/The Legion of North: Destroyed. Was originally composed of Mercenaries and the hoplites of the Bosphoran greeks as well as the legendary Death Seekers
    Original Strength: 9 000
    Current Strength: 0

    Third Army/The Legion of Cyrene: Protect the city of Kyrene and are the last Bastion of defence against Carthage. Recruited among men of Kyrene and kept at constant 20 000 strength
    Original strength: 20 000
    Current strength: 20 000

    Fourth Army/The Sand Raiders: Formerly commanded by General Seron. Destroyed near Carna when surrounded by 80 000 Arabians
    Original Strength: 35 000
    Current Strength: 0

    Fifth Army/The Avenging Spirits: Making a perilous journey across the desert of Zafur to reach the Maryab heartlands
    Current strength: 33 000

    Sixth Army/Defenders of the West: Protect Greece and Macedonia against the Getai, Romans and Epirotes
    Original Strength: 30 000 after the conquest of Greece
    Current Strength: 20 000

    7th/8th/9th army: Disbanded

    Tenth Army/The Armenian Guard: lead by a feared and respected general however only numbers 11 000
    Original strength: 11 000
    Current strength: 11 000

    Eleventh Army: Was a huge army of mercenaries and levies that conquered India. Although they succeeded they suffered tremendous casualties. Disbanded at Bactra
    Original Strength: 75 000
    Strength after conquest of India: 4 000

    12th Army/ The Rebel hunters: Lost half their numbers as well as their general Lord Artazabanes in the battle of Edessa. Now march back to Babylon
    Original Strength: 8 500
    Current strength: 4 500
    Last edited by seleucid empire; January 13, 2016 at 04:03 AM.

  20. #20

    Default Re: (EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

    Chapter 12: Whispers of the North
    Spring 249 BC Edessa

    The Patrons of the Chimera were an unruly lot. They shouted for drinks while grabbing at any of the serving girls who came into range of their hands. The serving girls, daughters of the matron of the tavern had learned quickly how to dodge their patrons' grasps. There were few nights where brawls didn't occur here, yet it was a good place for men to talk where they wouldn't be overheard. The racket of the drunk men made it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop without coming in too close and revealing themselves. On this night, Two men sat in the darkness, talking in hushed voices. They looked alike in feature but one man looked much older than the other. Had anyone noticed them, they would seem like father and son, although in reality, they were brothers, born not one year apart.

    "Brother it has been too long." said one
    "Yes, it has." replied the other
    "I can see war has taken a toll on you. You look 20 years older now although it has only been 5 since you left home."
    "I have seen horrible things in recent days, and I must journey east to bring news to the King."
    "What news?"

    The first man hesitated and looked around before speaking
    "The North has fallen to the Sarmatians..."
    "What?! That's impossible! You said yourself in your letters that the northern cities were safe. You said the Sarmatians had no way to breach their high walls. What happened to the stalemate?"
    "Lord Herakleides Artarneou, The Lord of the North was killed. He was hit by an arrow through the neck while he walked the streets of Pantikapaion"
    "An Assassin?"
    "Yes."
    "Were there no guards?"
    "There were many guards. That is the strange thing. I was part of his guard and I witnessed it myself. The arrow came out of the air from the direction of the Barrack towers. It was two blocks away. By the time we reached the tower, whoever had shot the arrow had disappeared."
    "Thats an impossible shot. No-one can hit a man in the neck at that range! Especially within a city with buildings blocking the view"
    "Yes, well, there are rumors. Some say it was a shade of one of the Death Seekers who died ten years ago, come to take his revenge."
    "What do you believe?"
    "I'm not sure what I believe. I thought I saw a figure running across the rooftops. He was a huge man but he moved as swiftly as a shadow. I dismissed it as a trick of the eye but now I am not so certain"

    The first man shuddered before continuing "What happened next?"
    "Lord Herakleides' son became the new lord. He believed it was the Sarmatians who had sent the assassin and sent messages to all of the northern cities. He called to himself a vast army, 80 000 strong and marched on Sarmatian lands. The army had a core of hoplites from the Greek cities of the North and many Scythian tribes who joined as archers or heavy cavalry. He even hired vicious Getai and Thracian tribesmen"
    "Surely with such a large force, the Sarmatians would have been crushed?"
    "No, it was a foolish idea to face Sarmatians in the open steppes, foolish to face them in their own lands."
    "But I hear the King is doing just that except he has even fewer men! He has taken settlement after Settlement from the Saka barbarians."
    "His army may only number 30 000 but he has the veterans of the Royal army! He is the empires' greatest general along with his brother Alexandros. He also has 4 000 companion cavalry with him. Not even the Sarmatians can stand against those men"
    "Go on brother. What happened next?"
    "We met the Sarmatian horde near one of their few strongholds. They numbered 15 000 horsemen, from three tribes of their Federation. They were led by the High King of the Sarmatians"
    "So few!"
    "Yes, that is exactly what our new lord thought. He ordered his 10 000 Scythian heavy cavalry to charge into the centre of the Sarmatian line. They simply retreated and fired arrows into the Scythians. He then lead his own bodyguard and 5 000 greek cavalry straight at the Sarmatian King. He didn't realise that the lighter Sarmatian cavalry had moved behind his forces. They surrounded his cavalry and destroyed them. Then they turned on the Scythians and routed them. Most of our cavalry was gone as well as our lord. The remaining men began to retreat orderly. The Sarmatians pressed us but our hoplites formed a rearguard and our archers drove them back each time. We slowly retreated, leaving a trail of bodies behind us. We nearly made it to the safety of the cities but then a second army of the Sarmatians arrived from behind."

    He stopped talking for a moment, his face contorted as if remembering a painful memory. Then he continued.

    "They crashed into our levies and caused an almost instant rout of our front ranks. The Sarmatians who were chasing us then attacked us from behind. The Greeks and Thracians fought almost to a man. I survived because I was part of the group who rode ahead to Pantikapaion to warn the governor. A few weeks later the Sarmatians attacked. Almost all of our men had died in the campaign and even the Sarmatians who were inexperienced in siege warfare managed to break through. I boarded a ship just in time and I left the harbour as the palace went up in flames. The other Greek cities were in the same situation as us. There were almost no men left to defend them and within 2 months, all of the north had fallen except the fortress of Uspe which is now under siege. I reached Armenia safely and I made my way to the camp of Lord Epikrates Syriakes, a distant cousin of Lord Herakleides and commander of the Armenian Guard. Along the Way, I heard news that the formidable fortress of North's Reach which guards the northern passage into Armenia has fallen to the hordes and they have spilled past into Armenia."




    "If what you say is true then, the Sarmatians can take Kotais and use it as a base to attack the rest of Armenia!"
    "General Epikrates has raised the Armenian Guard and now marches north to fight them."
    "The Armenian Guard is only 11 000 strong. They will not be enough."
    "I think it will. Epikrates is a very competent general, if not a popular one. And his stubbornness legendary. You have heard of the famous siege of Trapezous years ago haven't you?"
    "Yes, as I recall, Epikrates took the city from the Tyrant of the city but before he had consolidated his control, a vast Hayasdan army besieged him in turn."
    "Yes, outnumbered 5 to 1 and out of supplies, he still refused to hand over the city. He ordered his men to eat rats and vermin. Thus they held until Alexandros the Black arrived to relieve them. The Sarmatians are have had no luck against our canny general so far. They have only managed to move a few leagues south towards Kotais. Epikrates has been harassing them every step of the road. If anyone can end the threat right now it is he"
    "Well I hope his luck holds."
    "It has nothing to do with luck... I must leave again soon brother and tell the King of this news. When this storm has passed, I will return to you.."


    The Empire after the fall of the North
    Last edited by seleucid empire; April 28, 2016 at 01:37 AM.

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