(EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

[seleucid empire]

I very much enjoy this AAR, the only thing I can see wrong with it is that you have too many main characters and at times I find myself going back and reading to try and figure out where ive heard of some of them.

But all in all it is a top notch AAR.

Ohh well the number of characters won't change. I prefer lots of storylines.

However I will place a character list in the new one so if you can't remember the character just scroll back to the beginning

Hmm I've decided to do both aars but I won't update this as often as before

I actually have the next 4 acts of this aar planned out and I do want to finish it. I'll make the new one a sequel. And don't worry it won't affect this story unless I accidental put in a historical reference that goes against what happened in this aar

[Evalation]

Im planning to do 2 aars also, Ill be doing one as the seleucid empire and ill be continuing my spartan one(both for RS2)

My seleucid empire one will be after world domination and the struggles of keeping the empire together when all borders will begin to crumble.

Similar to the fall of the Roman Empire. But I still have a bit more conqureing to do with that campaign and a few things have to be adjusted before I begin. But it will take place in AD times but technically still bc because in this story jesus christ never existed and the old gods prevailed.

[seleucid empire]

Im planning to do 2 aars also, Ill be doing one as the seleucid empire and ill be continuing my spartan one(both for RS2)

My seleucid empire one will be after world domination and the struggles of keeping the empire together when all borders will begin to crumble.

Similar to the fall of the Roman Empire. But I still have a bit more conqureing to do with that campaign and a few things have to be adjusted before I begin. But it will take place in AD times but technically still bc because in this story jesus christ never existed and the old gods prevailed.

it seems no matter which mod it is, the Seleucids always have the most attractive roster and campaign

[Evalation]

hell yea, especially the silver legion and the shield legionaires, the cataphracts, and so many more. THis faction better be in Rome 2: Total War or it will not be bought by yours truly.

[seleucid empire]

hell yea, especially the silver legion and the shield legionaires, the cataphracts, and so many more. THis faction better be in Rome 2: Total War or it will not be bought by yours truly.

Omg please don't tell me that they didn't get rid of the vanilla silver shield legionaries in rs2

[Evalation]

no no, they arent called "Silver Shield Legionaires" I just dont feel like trying to spell that long ass name out lol,but they are a historical unit. Theres a whole history about them in the unit descr. They are cataprhact Infantry, supposed to be the heaviest infantry that the empire could field when they swtiched to the Roman style legion sytem before the Empire fell apart.

Every unit in rs2 is based off of a historical source dude, I dont know why people think its not a history sided game when they make complete unit descriptions that explains in detail their origins, how they were used, and any major battles they took part in.

the only bad thing is the battles sometimes take forever to finish.. especially seiges because of the garrison script.

[seleucid empire]

Every unit in rs2 is based off of a historical source dude.

I'm not quite convinced of this. For example, in a few aars I've read (including yours) I have seen "marines".

Ok I'm sure there were marines back then but in rs2 they seem to be an elite assault infantry force like today's marines. Even if they were historically very elite ( and i doubt an ancient empire would send all of its best to man the navy) they still shouldn't be recruitable in your armies ( since your fighting on land and the game doesn't allow naval battles). The fact that they were added into the game has lead me to believe that they were added to make the game more attractive.

I have a big suspicion that they were added in to add more flair to the game. I mean, hearing that rs2 had marines certainly made me want to play the mod more.

[McScottish]

I'm not quite convinced of this. For example, in a few aars I've read (including yours) I have seen "marines".

Ok I'm sure there were marines back then but in rs2 they seem to be an elite assault infantry force like today's marines. Even if they were historically very elite ( and i doubt an ancient empire would send all of its best to man the navy) they still shouldn't be recruitable in your armies ( since your fighting on land and the game doesn't allow naval battles). The fact that they were added into the game has lead me to believe that they were added to make the game more attractive.

I have a big suspicion that they were added in to add more flair to the game. I mean, hearing that rs2 had marines certainly made me want to play the mod more.

'Marines', historically speaking, and depending on the period, were commonly just infantry shoved into a boat and used in boarding actions. The Classical Greeks did this, just putting plain hoplites onto ships, able to be used as a land force or boarding force over to enemy vessels. During the Punic Wars the Romans used Republican 'legionnaires' as boarding parties, then eventually established 'marines' in their naval forces.

I think you're thinking of this with a bit too much modern thought, as well as not thinking so much about the game. Please allow me to explain. You seem to be comparing these 'marines' to the modern forces simply because they can be used on land, but, for the second point, this is up to the players discretion really.

In short; ancient empires did have 'marines', though not a specialised amphibious assault force (except the Romans, who used naval forces on land at times), but in the game of RSII there is no pressure for anyone to even use them if they don't want to. Hell, I usually just leave them aboard the ships and do inland raids from time-to-time with them, because that's how I would use them.

Do you see what I'm saying? (Good luck if you do!)

[Evalation]

I'm not quite convinced of this. For example, in a few aars I've read (including yours) I have seen "marines".

In my AAR's theres nothing historical accurate about them, youll deffinately see that in my next one with the seleucid empire. The marines in the game are not exactly elite units, thats just how I portrayed them in my story.

[seleucid empire]

The marines in the game are not exactly elite units, thats just how I portrayed them in my story.

Ohh, arent they heavy shock infantry?

its just that, every aar which has them, they are made out to be elite

[Evalation]

No, the Marines are not an elite unit within the game. Your elite units will be the Agema pikemen, the silver shields, or the Basilikon(for Greek factions).

Marines in the game are regular infantry I believe. for example unless they are built up with exp and have good armor and weps they cant hold themselves in a fight for example agianst the Macedonian Boeotian phalangites which are supposed to be Macedons best pikemen other then their Royal Agema pikes.

The Seleucids Agaryspadies(spell fail) or "the Silver Legion" is supposed to be heavy shock infantry of the Seleucid Empire when it adopted a Roman style legionary system along with the Machiaphoroi Epleketoi(spell fail), which are similar to Roman Princepes, or the regular Machiaphoroi, which are based off the Roman Hastati.

As I said every unit in RS2 is based off of some sort of historical source. They even went as far as to put in named and numbered legions and simulate the Roman rebellions which, unless im mistaken, EB failed to do. No faction in RS2 was left out historical accuracy wise, from units, to historic monuments that the particular faction built or was in control of during that particular time in history, and it gives the background story for each historical building that they made for custom cities.

[seleucid empire]

No, the Marines are not an elite unit within the game. Your elite units will be the Agema pikemen, the silver shields, or the Basilikon(for Greek factions).

Marines in the game are regular infantry I believe. for example unless they are built up with exp and have good armor and weps they cant hold themselves in a fight for example agianst the Macedonian Boeotian phalangites which are supposed to be Macedons best pikemen other then their Royal Agema pikes.

hmm ok, yeah i must have been confused cause in your aar and this other guys ptolemaic aar, they are written out to be elite lol

still, what do you mean by regular infantry? do you mean like medium shortswords men or are they still assault infantry?

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 5: A Reunion With Old Friends
Autumn 248 BC Seleukeia

Ignoring the smell of piss and sweat, Mardonious walked into the tavern, followed closely by Archimenes. They could have visited a less abominable establishment, however, today they had wanted a more crowded place where patrons entering and exiting drew less attention. Sitting down, they ordered two jugs of Galatian beer and began to talk.

"Well, How are things going with your battalion?" asked Mardonious.

"There's been an enormous amount of progress with the recruits. Some of them can form a proper shieldwall in a few seconds now." replied Archimenes.

"Then why do you still have that expression on your face?"

Archimenes scowled and then replied, "It's the whole Achilles thing. It's spread around the entire army now and there's no where I can go without being gawked at."

"Well it's necessary to increase morale."

Archimenes turned to regard Mardonious.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Archimenes.

"I mean the soldiers need examples, and heroes."

"I am just one man Mardonious and I am certainly not Achilles reborn!"

"Achilles or not, it is never good to underestimate the power that one man can have. That much should be clear to you of all people."

"I don't-"

"Archimenes, just look back to what's happened in the last two years. The queen has began a rebellion. Her troops number one hundred thousand or more, most of them recruited from Egypt. She ousted the imperial forces in Egypt using Lord Vanara's troops. And why did Lord Vanara give her use of his army? Because you killed his son and he lost all purpose in life except to extract vengeance upon you. If his son had not died, he would never had sided with the queen at all. If he had never sided with the queen, she would never have been able to take control of Egypt."

"I...had not thought of it that way..."

"I'm not saying this rebellion is your fault. I am just showing you that one man can make a difference. Lord Sarpedon spread that rumour around the army. Now the army has a hero, a symbol. It is you.."

"Yeah well I dont lik-" began Archimenes but his sentence was interrupted by a loud crash in the corner of the bar where a group of patrons had begun to fight. Mardonious glanced towards the brawl and his eyes widened."

"Archimenes...," whispered Mardonious,"Does that man look familiar to you?"

Archimenes turned around and his jaw dropped.

"Helioketes..."

Helioketes, wearing little more than rags, was fending off five patrons with a chair. He hit one of the men with the chair, who crumpled instantly. The other four picked that moment to charge at him, tackling him down. They began to punch Helioketes in the face, breaking his nose. Archimenes rushed towards the scene, unsheathed his kopis and pressed it against the neck of the leader.

"Leave him alone." said Archimenes, a chilling note in his voice. The four men, drunk but not foolish, recognised the danger and backed off the large, barely conscious form of Helioketes. With one arm wrapped around each of their shoulders, Mardonious and Archimenes dragged their friend out of the tavern, leaving the stench of bitterness behind them...

[Evalation]

the return of Helioketes. Awsome

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 6: Child of the Furies
Autumn 248 BC Seleukeia

Mardonious strode out of the command tent, eager to leave behind the shouting match that was happening within, between Alexandros and Sarpedon. Well, shouting match was probably not the right term since only Alexandros was shouting and Sarpedon sat there with his usual coolness, calmly rebutting the Lord Commander's words. Which of course, only infuriated Alexandros further. As he turned, the face of a girl loomed into view and his breath caught. Soft brown eyes, a perfectly shaped nose and dark brown hair hung over her heart shaped face. She smiled at him.

"Hello," she said.

"Can I help you?" asked Mardonious

"Yes I was wondering if could tell me whether or not Lord Sarpedon is inside that tent?"

Mardonious stood there, confused for a moment, asking himself why this girl would ask for Lord Sarpedon. Then, he understood and he took a step backwards. Seeing this, the girl giggled.

"Oh you don't need to worry. No harm will come from me," she said. Then she frowned and added, "Unless of course my master wills it."

"You might want to wait until later before delivering your message assassin. He's a little bit preoccupied at the moment."

The girl turned towards the tent, as if she only now, heard the raised voices coming from within.

"Yes, wise advice soldier."

"I am no soldier."

"Ah, a young nobleman. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am called Flashblade."

Mardonious' heart skipped a beat as he realised that he was staring at one of Sarpedon's very best assassins. Flashblade waited and then frowned.

"When someone gives you their name, it is common courtesy to return the favour."

"But that is not your real name is it?" replied Mardonious.

What are you doing Mardonious? Do you really want to infuriate an assassin? his brain was shrieking at him now.

Flashblade scowled. Quickly, Mardonious answered her.

"I am called Mardonious. I apologize for my lack of manners, for it has been a long and weary day. If there is any way I can entertain you while you wait, you may request it of me." he said. Flashblade smiled and her face was beautiful again. Some women were like furies, beautiful and dazzling until they got angry. Then things got really bad...

"Well, this newly found etiquette is quite refreshing I must say." said Flashblade.

"I...thank you."

"Oh look at you, you're blubbering now. I must apologize for scaring you. My temper can get the better of me sometimes. How about I make it up tonight. Let us dine together after I run my errands. We can get to know one another better. Its not often I meet someone my age in this business."

Mardonious didn't have the courage to refuse. Worst of all, part of him didn't want to so he nodded.

"Good, I will meet you in the city at nightfall near the west gate. An establishment I frequent often called the Emperors Horsemen"

She smiled once again and walked off, leaving Mardonious in a daze.

"What a lovely boy," Flashblade said to herself as she walked away.

That night, for supper, Mardonious had hairpie...

[Evalation]

That night, for supper, Mardonious had hairpie...

[seleucid empire]

[Evalation]

you got a new update planned soon?

[seleucid empire]

Yeah bro, I will I've just been too tired to write recently. Just finished a massive exam

[Evalation]

Just finished a massive exam

ouch.. thats why im never going to college... I hated High School exams enough.