Welcome. This is my first ever AAR posting on these forums so I hope you enjoy the ride.

Introduction:

I'm playing as the Parthian Empire in the modification Roma Surrectum for RTW. I am not using cheats of any kind other then toggling the fog of war off - I'm gonna try and play the game as fair as possible despite it may resulting in my demise. The campaign and battles are selected to "easy" for my first AAR here so dont be surprised if my empire spreads fast and easily. I will not be covering only the battles but also year to year events and important happenings throughout the campaign. If important enough, I will include screen shots for events, other than that the screen shots will only be reserved for battles. I ask that you bare with me on the screen shots, I dont know all the camera tricks for RTW for those amazing zooms and angles and I dont have anything like Adobe Photoshop to edit them so you're dealing with raw material here, and if you cant stand it - for that I apologize.

I will try and be as good a writer as I can be and I'll try and make it not sound bland and boring. My goal is to write something that very much feels like either you're reading a true to the core history book or an actual historical document.

For battles I will implement another scheme. They will not be mere summaries but rather fictional "accounts". A certain role or point of view will be taken and run with as I write up the events of a battle as if my words were those of a spearmen or general fresh from the battle recounting it for his journal, to his scribe, or for his dearest loved one.

As well, sections of prolonged military actions between certain nations will become something of their own - not merely sperated into given events and battles but at the end they will be meshed together and written up as a section or chapter of the larger archive of my campaign. These sections and chapters will be written up seperate from this thread but then posted in a readable format that readers can look over.

I've started playing tonight, I got just as far as 280 to 275 and covered some events and a large battle. Look for that either tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow night.

i was too late i was gonna say carthage, still this looks like a good aar, wish you luck

Siege of Bactra
Phraotes vs Cpt. Cadeyrn
1827 vs 1129
Account given by Xeones, a Cataphract soldier

“As the sun rose that morning the call to arms sounded throughout the camp and orders were issued to begin preparation for the attack. No longer would we remain static out here beyond the high walls of Bactra – it was time for action.

I gathered my pack and handed what I didn’t need over to my slave Bruxius. After adorning the heavy armor of the cataphract soldier I handed my spear to Bruxius who held it for me while I mounted my steed – as weighted down with armor as I. As Bruxius handed me the spear he gave me a nod, saying good luck without words, his eyes showing his true wish: that I didn’t come back from the field at battles end. Bruxius is my slave, rightfully conquered and won years ago after his village was put down for their blasphemous actions against our king. He would never forgive the killing of his mother and father, no matter how far from memory the reality lie.

Spear in hand I galloped my horse into formation with my companions ahead. Now, the army moved out to take up position at the walls. With our ladders and battering ram complete, the general’s infantry now carried the siege tools ahead just shy of the defensive towers’ range. By now the enemy had realized what was going on. Our army had not bothered trying to make our presence unknown. In fact the musicians played even louder than they normally did – sending sharp screeches like harpies into our ears, jolting us fully awake.
General Phraotes called the army to a halt. With the rise of his scimitar and after issuing commands to his captains the infantry marched forward towards the walls and gate. We watched from the rear as our infantry strode bravely into the oncoming enemy volleys – each man not even skipping a single step unless he were felled by an arrow.
Our ram had reached within a few meters of the gates when it was set alight by the enemy’s arrows. Escaping the flames the infantry abandoned the burning wreck and marched to the assistance of the nearest siege ladders.
By this time the sun had risen high enough that the morning shadows and air had passed. The heat was setting in and one could feel all comfort flee from his body as the sun beat down upon him. Covered in armor from nearly head to toe we cataphracts had it the worst. I jostled in my saddle, lifting my facemask up to get some cool fresh air only to have it slammed back down upon my nose by our captain.

As our men jumped upon the walls they met strong resistance from these rebel warriors. Most, as I would come to see, wore armor similar to that of the Greek hoplite. Some carried spears, others javelins, while even more sported short swords of both Greek and Parthian make – what a rabble these fools made. Yet, despite their rag-tag appearance these men fought with bravery and skill. Cries of death and pain echoed from the walls down to where we stood. I later learned that what I heard then was the elimination of two whole units of infantry upon the northern portion of the wall – two whole units of His Majesty’s troops! Some 150 men, killed like dogs upon the enemy walls.
Being told of this, Phraotes saw it fit to unleash the barbarous hill warriors upon the enemy. Skilled but lacking in loyalty and reliability these men from the hills happened to prove their worth this day of days in my eyes. With almost lightning fast response the squadrons of hill warriors scaled the enemy’s walls and somehow encircled the foe – delivering double the fate they dealt our troops earlier.
Upon the more southern part of the wall it could be seen that our men were dealing massive blows to the enemy there. Finally shouts of victory erupted from them and the large wooden gates were flung open by our men – we had gained control of the walls!

Wasting no time while the enemy was broken and dismayed, Phraotes called for all cataphracts to support him in the taking of the city. Starting forward at a brisk pace, making sure to keep rank, we eventually forced our horses into a full charge – spears poised to strike any who happened to step out in front of us. Just as we were a stone’s throw away from the gates the enemy appeared with shield and spear awaiting our charge.

Taking no time to slow down our cavalry smashed into the spear wall. Some fell but it seemed as though the initial blow had done its work – the enemy was pushed back against a low wall beyond the street we fought. Caught between our spears in front and a wall at the back the enemy fought savagely. Untrained farmers these men were, they used their spears like children at play and the proper use of their shields was forgotten. I must have slew seven within but minutes of fighting. As our infantry upon the walls cheered us on to victory I spotted our captain just as he was slain. His horse had been taken out from under him on the initial charge and so he fought on foot. Spear broken and helmet gone he must’ve killed many before he was brought down. I chanced to spot him just as an enemy delivered a crushing blow with the side of his wooden shield to my captain’s head. The captain fell, dead from the impact, but just to make sure the soldier then plunged his spear point into his enemy’s exposed chest sending a cracking noise that rung in our helmets. I did not go to him nor did I seek the head of the man who claimed his life, in truth I did not respect the man but I honor him nonetheless for giving his life for His Majesty’s divine will and love.
Just as the enemy we faced was being broken our flank was hit with a series of javelins from close by skirmishers mounted atop impure steeds of the farmer’s fields. My own horse took a javelin to its side which I had to remove immediately before being assaulted by these lightly armed warriors. I detached the weapon from my steed’s side and threw it point blank into an enemy’s face – which dissolved into a spray of blood and gore. Another came at me which barely missed my own head, screaming past and hitting one of our own horsemen square in the chest.

Seeing an approaching enemy on horseback I steadied my spear hand and thrusted with all my strength towards the oncoming foe. The spear snapped in two as it made contact with the warrior’s chest – causing him to fly back off the saddle and into the bloody fray below. Before I had time to draw my scimitar another soldier was upon me, I gave him a strong lash to the side of the head with my broken spear shaft and then drew my scimitar. As the warrior came back around on his horse I strode towards him, matching his speed. At the point of contact his short sword grazed my helmet – sending the facemask flying while my scimitar sliced his right side, exposing his rib cage in a bloody mess. When the foe had fallen from his steed a horn sounded, not our own but of the enemy’s. Their captain had been slain by Phraotes, both on horseback, Phraotes singled out the enemy’s leader and charged him. Sword swinging wildly, the preoccupied captain didn’t even see the attack coming till it was too late. Phraotes had severed the man’s head from the rest of his body and both parts hit the ground one after the other.

Now demoralized and broken the remainder of the troops were dealt with. Fighting to the last, we cataphracts made our final sweep of the retreating enemy claiming all cowards’ lives.

All that now remained was a small contingent of the enemy that stood waiting in the tower center – a large parade ground that stood outside the small governor’s palace. Leaving infantry to rest and regroup General Phraotes ordered all horsemen forward to finish off the foe.

As we rounded the last building before the parade ground we could see the mass of enemies ready with spear and shield interlocked and ready for combat. These must’ve been the foe’s elite unit. With Phraotes out front he led the charge directly into the mass of spears – something which would be regretted later.

I hit the spear wall at full speed, knocking back two or three warriors on impact and disrupting the shield wall. Suddenly my brave steed was taken out from under me and I blacked out for a moment as the large heavy creature lurched backwards knocking me back and off the saddle onto the ground. The horse followed with all its heavy armor and the whole mass fell upon me.

I don’t know how long I was out or if I had even been knocked unconscious but the next thing I remember were the sounds of spears hitting shields and death cries coming back to me. I was all alone when I came to – surrounded by the enemy who took me as a dead man. I slowly moved myself out from under the horse while my right hand found my scimitar under the now dead animal. Then with a cry I leapt to my feet and began hacking into the exposed backs of the enemy who had reformed their spear wall around me. With my comrades pushing upon them from the front and my wild swinging at their backs the enemy found themselves confused and in a state of turmoil for a time. I had finally fought my way back out of the mass when I turned to see the enemy’s numbers grow smaller and smaller. They were enveloped, surrounded on all sides by our cataphracts. Spear met shield and spear met flesh as the group of enemies got smaller and smaller yet sill not giving up to the foe.
Then disaster struck. A massed voice of terror and rage filled part of our soldiers on the other side of the fighting. I could not see nor did I find out till after the battle what had happened. Our general, I came to learn, had been slain. Phraotes too had been thrown from his horse as I was. He was fighting on the ground amidst the enemy, claiming many lives, when a foe’s spear had penetrated his left side. Snapping the spearhead off as he turned to strike the enemy, Phraotes fought on with the wound. Moments later as strength left him and the specter of death began to appear; Phraotes was knocked back by an enemy shield and then, with one fluid motion, stabbed in the neck by a spear brought down upon his exposed collar bone. He instantly collapsed, dead, surrounded by his protectors who now realized they had failed their master.

It was not long after the death of Phraotes that the battle was won. The enemy continued to be worn down by our men till finally the last man was run through by a captain’s spear. Victory was ours but not without a large price.
That night a messenger was dispatched by the captain who took command over the army. The messenger was to run back to Nisa where he would deliver the news to King Arsaces of his son’s death on the battlefield. That messenger then traveled north to Khiva where he informed Phraotes’ brother of his passing. Within a few days time though the messenger returned with word from the King himself.

Phraotes’ body was to be burned at the parade grounds at Bactra as soon as the captain saw fit to perform it. The King would not be attending the event for he could not handle seeing his beloved son slain in the prime of his life on a mission to fulfill His Majesty’s own greed. The only other request that the King delivered was that his son’s protectors, his surviving bodyguard, were to be taken outside the walls of Bactra prior to the burning of Pharotes’ body and thus executed by beheading. The King’s justification for this was the idea that if made an example of now, no other personal body guard would dare put their lives before a king’s son ever again.

Just as he was ordered, on the dawning of the day to be the day of Phraotes’ burning, the surviving men of the general’s bodyguard were taken without resistance outside the walls of Bactra and quickly and quietly executed – their bodies then buried under the dry dirt and their heads brought back into the city to be put on display atop the walls.”

nice aar you got there. i like the face that you are writing from a soldiers point of view, with human feelings. " in truth I did not respect the man but I honor him nonetheless for giving his life for His Majesty’s divine will and love." keep up the good work

Wow!

Nice! I agree with jw1089 in the fact that the way the story is told from the soldier's eyes is a very nice aspect. Keep up the great work!

Battle for the Mountain Pass
Arses vs Cpt. Vaumisa
1747 vs 1535
Account given by Arses, General of the Parthian Army

“The following account is that of our great general Arses, recorded by the general’s and His Majesty’s finest historian and scribe. The great general recounts this now some years after the event as part of his biography which he wishes written. The account is in response to an inquery given by myself concerning his christening of battle.

It was an overstatement to say that I feared the worst on my first day of combat. As I sat upon my horse I could hardly withhold the spasms of fear and anxiety that gripped my muscles with great strength. Somehow, I was able to subside these convulsions and issue my first orders as general of the army.

While Phraotes may have not been with these men long, they were recruited from the peoples of Nisa – the city where His Majesty’s son grew up and ruled as governor, a man of the people was what he was known as. Now I, the lowly son of Phraotes’ brother comes to these men fresh from learning the ways of war and they’re expected to entrust their lives in my commands.

Closing in upon the enemy, their crude banners began to appear on the horizon as we ascended a low hill along the dirt pathway which could be more or less considered a ‘road’. Men, both wild and civilized now stood against us just a single league ahead.
My first orders were to form a front, so large that it exceeded the enemy’s line whose ranks lay thick with large shield and spear – interlocked and ready for impact. I dispatched our more veteran and skilled hill warriors along the outside of the formation – the idea I had was to charge the enemy’s line, pitting spear and shield against spear and shield, then simply bring these hill men around the flanks of the enemy and hopefully envelope them.

As these orders were carried out I led my own guard and cataphract horsemen to take up position along the hill crest that flanked the enemy’s position on the left. At the right time I hoped to charge my cavalry ahead, then wheel around and close the poor fools on all sides.

The trumpets sounded and each unit’s captains led the charge towards the enemy. I watched from the left as over a thousand spear points bobbed up and down in the air with their masters at full run. Seeing the oncoming charge the enemy employed its few archers to fire a couple of volleys into the oncoming foe.
With deadly accuracy they managed to slay a good number of my men from the center ranks but were then overrun themselves and cut down just short of their own line. As the archers scrambled to retreat back behind the safety of their spearmen our warriors came up behind them and forced them headlong into their allies’ spears.

Then came the sound of impact, that sound made up of clanking spear, breaking shield, and human grunt of exertion against his foe. Battle across the line raged as men faced warriors very similar to themselves – these were no foreign foe like those they had faced at Bactra. These were men bred from the same lands as they.
Just as I had hoped to achieve, my hill warriors were able to by pass the enemy’s line and wheel round to flank the defenders. Although, things got especially stressful when I witnessed the enemy’s light cavalry charge these warriors on the right flank – shoving spear and short sword into the backs of my men. Luck was with us this day and so even though the enemy attempted to envelope our right, my warriors were able to turn quickly enough to slay their flankers and cause them to retreat and regroup.
Now was the time to act! With the rise of my sword I ordered all horsemen to now charge up the crest of the hill and swing round the enemy’s left flank. Doing so we trapped the enemy within a large circle and were able to not only close in on those who had not run, but were also able to slay any man who broke rank and fled for his life.
The battle came to a close just as my men and I hit the backs of the enemy’ most skilled warriors who were doing quite a lot of damage to our right flank. This was the first time I had ever killed a man. As we closed in on our unsuspecting foe I swung my scimitar out ready to strike but found nothing but shield as I made contact with my first enemy. I brought my horse around as my guard proceeded to begin chopping away at the foes around us. The same man I had hit now openly challenged me, taking a defensive position half shielded behind his wicker with long spear protruding from the side.

For what seemed like a life time we both remained still and watched the other intensely. He was a man of unnatural size and strength, obviously a champion from where he called home. I do not know why, but now more than ever I wish to know where he had came from, what kind of life he led, and what his name had been.

As I came back around and engaged with him in the staring contest I lowered my weapon and prepared to close in for a low strike. I charged, at the last moment he shifted his weight and moved to the left as I passed on the right – skimming his shield and severing the very top. In an act which would cost the man his life he threw down the broken shield and yet again challenged me with his gaze – spear steady in both hands, ready to strike at my second passing. Yet again I began to charge him with scimitar lowered. In truth I actually closed my eyes on point of impact but all that I can remember now is the sharp pain of his spear head entering my right thigh, then snapping off while I swung a wild slash at what felt like thin air. As I came round again the man lay slain – blood gushing profusely from every orifice upon his face including the new gash I gave him that opened diagonally from temple to neck.

Not long after that cheers came from the men around me as they watched the very few remaining enemy rout the battlefield. Unfortunately our men were not swift enough to catch the enemy captain but there was no doubt in my mind that we would be meeting him again when we attacked his village not far away.”

The Defense of Bactra
Governor Teispes vs General Deinokratis of Dium
793 vs 1736
Account given by Arkanis, a peasent spearmen who fought along the walls

"As we looked out over the defenses of the walls we could see the enemy surging back and forth as they prepared to try and take our walls – what fools! They could not take from us something we had rightfully earned through glorious combat!
They brought with them ladders, a siege tower, and a ram – weapons which would fall before our walls with ease. As they approached steadily they came within range of our slingers spread out along the walls. With deadly accuracy these men launched their bullets into the enemy masses below. He who says arrows are more effective have not seen what these men can do with a single stone. We watch as men fall, some already dead before they hit the ground – struck in the head. Their casualties soon begin to stake up while we remain fresh and strong upon our walls.
They’re ram is set alright by our tower archers and the fools are forced to leave it behind while they themselves run for cover from the slingers. Ladders are changed hands as two or even three different groups continue to lose men at an incredible rate.

By noon, after almost two hours of combat, the enemy finally reaches the walls with they’re siege machines. The tower had made contact with the eastern walls but we were certain our infantry there would hold them – being the most skilled and experienced warriors of our army.
As the very first enemies came over the walls they were met instantly with spear in gut and shield in chest as they were pushed back from the walls and forced to fall the long distance to the ground – if our spears had not killed them on contact the solid earth was sure to do the job!
Battle raged along the walls. I myself must’ve killed twenty after hours of fighting. Yet – no matter how many men the enemy sends at us we hold the walls and continue to fight savagely. Finally the very last foe along our section of the wall is slain by my spear. Striking hard and with precision I made sure to impale the man through the stomach – the spear tip coming out the other side. He lurched backwards and fell over the wall with my spear still stuck in him, a pity – I liked that spear!

Hearing the calls for assistance from our own men along the eastern walls we reformed our ranks and grabbed whatever arms we may have lost or needed to replace. I removed a spear from a unlucky enemy’s throat and took up – running through the gate house to help our beleaguered warriors.

The enemy was coming on full force along with wall – multitudes kept coming up the ladders and had formed a wedge between one of units of warriors. Now, they were being pushed further back over the dead and wounded enemy and ally. I came out the other side of the gatehouse and readied my spear and shield. Now, supported by their fellow soldiers and friends our men fought with a new sense of bravery and skill. Although tired, I found my way to the front and fought shoulder to shoulder with men who had been attempting to hold back the enemy for hours.
An enemy lurched forward at me, I raised my shield but the whicker gave way as the Seleucid’s short sword cut into it. But wait, what is this! The trick to whicker! The enemy’s sword had become lodged now in my shield and he struggled to break it free. Taking this chance to strike him down I twisted my shield to the right and pulled him along causing him to open up to my strike. My spear drove through his neck and blood sprayed about the air. Releasing the enemy from my spear point I threw my shield down and took up a fallen ally’s. Now with the tables turned we formed rank at the order of our captain and stood – shields raised and spears ready to strike. Then came the order to advance – and advance we did! Slowly we pushed into the enemy causing them to slowly shrink and bunch together – surrounded on both sides and having nowhere to flee. With the discipline of the foretold Spartans of old we managed to push them enemy into an envelope and then came the slaughter. Within seconds it was over, our spears met exposed chests and guts as the Seleucids fell before us yet giving no show of fear or desire to run, they fought till the last and met a good death at the ends of our spears.

Our men on the eastern wall had managed to hold the enemy back all this time while the Seleucids continued to pour men through the tower and upon the walls. They were by far the most tired and casualty stricken of us all. With victory within sight we charged forward along the walls hoping to make it to them in time to deliver the final strike to the enemy’s will to fight.
As we got there we unleashed a roar which shook the very walls! Fearing us as they should the enemy ranks began to buckle under our strength and valor and were soon swallowed up as if the walls had done it themselves. As we cheered along the walls and congratulated the man beside us on his bravery and will we could see the cavalry of the enemy standing far off. We let them know how we felt and showed them that we were victorious this day – even going as far as to throwing insults and jeers at them! I myself let them have a look at my buttocks glistening with sweat conjured up from killing all of their men.

With his dead and dying men littering the walls and the plain before our city the enemy general saw no point in continuing this engagement and thus brought his cavalry around and strode off along the road back to wherever it was the fool came from. Mere numbers cannot defeat those of superior fighting skill and valor!”

Just so you know, the Parthians were a nomadic group who took over the former area of influence (well, most of it) of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. I don't think they were shedding too many tears when Alexander came through, especially later on, seeing as how it was a wonderful opportunity for them.

Think of the Parthians instead as the West Asian equivalent of the Beverly Hillbillies; semi-civilized bumpkins suddenly in the possesion of enormous power and wealth, and not entirely sure how to use it.

Fair enough, they were nomads known as the Parni who moved into the area of Iran from central Asia. The offical date of their move into Iran is not known but it could've been at the time of the Persians or before them for all we know. But they didnt take power until after the Median and Achaemenid dysnastys. For the AAR's sake though I'm making it seem as though these nomads could've once been apart of the old Persian Empire (which, coming from nearby Asia they could've very well been), and thus feel as if they're apart of that once great empire or descended from it. In fact, not that much is known of the Empire, it's beginnings, or it's people other then the writings of other nations historians...thus I like to think that there's enough room for a little imagination and historical liberty here. Plus - it's also a video game - the Parthian Empire didnt even offically exist until around 230!

are you playing the original Rome Total War version???

Click to expand...

No - if you read the introduction you'll see that I'm playing the modification Roma Surrectum

and what is the new stuff gained by this modification?

Click to expand...

I'm not going to explain it in great detail here, and thus divert the attention away from my AAR but RS adds a bigger map, some new factions, a bunch of new units, new provinces and city names, etc...if you want to know more simply look it up in their part of the forums:
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=251

Well...when will you be updating this?

Achaemenes vs Prince Gyras
2051 vs 734
Account given by an unknown captain of Achaemenes' mercenary Sarmatian cavalry

“The following is an account recovered after the battle between General Achaemenes of Parthia and Captain Antigonos of Seleucia written by the un-named captain of the Sarmatian mercenary cavalry escorting General Achaemenes. It was found in a journal amongst the various objects and other personal belongings amidst the bodies of the dead Parthians. I, Thrakes of Seleucia, have now translated it into the Greek tongue so that we Seleucids may know the secrets of Parthian war, and learn how our mighty prince Gyras was defeated that day…

It was a good day for battle. After marching down the retreating enemy they soon had no choice but to confront us in open combat as the sun set in the west. After our leader formed the battle line and ordered us to his side we watched as the Seleucid enemy approached from the southeast. With pikes double the length of any man and bronze shields glistening in the waning sun they finally took their position across from us amongst the rocks and boulders that lay about the field.
With what skirmishers they had with them, they attempted to do damage to the Parthian line with their multitudes of javelins. It was not long till our leader’s slingers had reduced their numbers and were forced to retreat back behind the Seleucid line of battle.
The enemy refused to move from its spot amongst the rocks and so our general ordered all units forward to incite the enemy to action. When the two front lines had come within a stone throw the enemy finally began their slow advance towards us.
Walking right into the range of the slingers and our bows we set to work the many deaths the enemy would suffer before ever even reaching our line. Our bow strings sung in unison as we sat on the backs of our loyal horses and shot volley after volley into the thickest parts of the enemy line.
When the enemy had come within charging distance they had suffered so much from our arrows and the Parthian stones that it seemed as though they would break. And that they did! Just moments before clashing with our front ranks the enemy broke formation and raised their pikes to the air, bringing down their defense. A horn sounded and our general ordered all men to charge forward into the enemy at full run.
The two armies clashed and before the enemy had time to use pike or shield the Parthians were on them. Stabbing and thrusting like wildmen the Parthians sent many to hell in the beautiful sunset of a cool summer day.
Those which had no reached the front line or combat or decided to fall back rather than advance met our arrows. Some were brave and met them on the front while others, mere cowards, met them on their backs – suffering till the last breath.
The enemy general had taken up position across from us on the right flank. With orders from Achaemenes himself we shot what little ammo we had into the general’s ranks and weeded out which men were destined to die by our hand. With no arrows left and the enemy line about to break our general wheeled around the right flank of combat and charged into the enemy there.
Turning to my own men I urged them onwards and followed closely behind Achaemenes into the fray. Drawing short sword and pressing our horses to run faster we charged into the enemy right flank and buckled their ranks – causing them to fall back. Meanwhile the enemy leader had turned tail and began to flee the battle and leave his men behind – a royal coward this prince was!
Without orders I sent my men after him – I would not let him go so easily. Giving chase, we pursued the broken man across the field of stones and began to close in on them as they began to get tired. I found one arrow still in my saddle quiver and let loose the deadly projectile. Whistling through the air it was some before I spotted an enemy horsemen out front fall off his saddle to the side – dead with an arrow in the back of his neck.
With nowhere left to run and with men exhausted the enemy prince turned to us and charged what little men he had left at us. By this time we had noticed that the whole of the enemy line had collapsed. The left flank engaged in a battle which lasted quite awhile but when the right flank was overcome by our troops, the left was simply surrounded and now the remnants of that fight were in full flight with Achaemenes and his horsemen in close pursuit.
Seeing the Seleucid prince ahead, our general abandoned the fleeing enemy to engage in the battle that now erupted between my horsemen and the enemy’s. After a few of my mine fell to Greek sword (our short Sarmatian swords hardly standing up to the enemy weapons) Achaemenes and his men hit the enemy left and broke their will to fight.
The enemy prince though decided to stay and fight to the end. I, personally, had the pleasure of killing him. Seeing him across the way fighting my ill-equipped light horsemen I plucked an enemy spear from the ground and threw it into the foe’s horse. The horse fell under him but the man still lived. It was not long till he was surrounded by both men of mine and Achaemenes’ horsemen. I dismounted my steed and drew my sword – unlike those bits of short and soft metal with which my men fought I had claimed this sword off a much older enemy from my younger days. It was of Thracian make and had a curved blade which was surprisingly strong in battle.
Challenging the prince I engaged him in single combat amidst my men who watched from their saddles atop their beloved horses. The Greek first came at me with a strong overhand swing that left him open on his right side. Taking this opportunity I gave him a slash to this opening – but not with enough power to kill him, I would not make it that easy.
Gripping his side and breathing heavy he came at me again. I was surprised at this royalty’s lack of any sort of training with a sword. His nation trusted the lives of its men with him yet he couldn’t even properly defend his own life. Coming at me in a sort of charge with his sword straight out I swung across my body with sword in left hand and cut across the Greeks throat, opening it wide. Blood rushed from this wound as the prince’s great horse-haired helmet fell backwards along with most of the man’s head. I had not severed the spine completely but rather left a good chuck attached. The Greek’s body slowly fell to the ground and convulsed wildly while the cheers of my men erupted all around me. I, a mere mercenary from Sarmatia, had killed a royal prince of Seleucia.”



Arses vs Cpt. Togodumnus
1865 vs 1003
Account given by an unnamed participating hill warrior's son long after his father's death

“Of all the stories which my father recounted from his war days there was one which stood out in both his mind and after hearing it, my mind. I now write this so as to not only honor now my resting father’s memory but also to preserve a part of his life forever amongst our family and our whole tribe. The part of his life I speak of is when my father, captain of the hill warriors under the Parthian general Arses, marched against a strong force of eastern rebels in 265 BC…

It was a hot day in summer that I will never forget. Our march had slowly reduced itself to a crawl towards Kophen and soon our water supplies began to run low. Man and animal fell exhausted and dried from the sun along the march while others harbored mad thoughts of desertion or even mutiny. Seeking to set up fort beside a newly discovered lake nearby we made our way over towards it just in time to see the enemy emerging from the tree line across the plain.
Thinking they had no spotted us yet we took cover behind a small wooded area nearby. Quickly and quietly General Arses had us form our ranks and prepare to march upon the foe. Opposition to the idea of fighting began to reveal itself in the way the men talked and moved and would later only become a problem.
Yelling orders and sounding the horns we marched from our own tree line and began to advance upon the enemy. By this time the foes had retreated back to a patch of trees just beyond a steep small hill that stood between us and them.
We halted just shy of the hill and tightened our ranks while we waited to see what the enemy would do. From my position I couldn’t see anything beyond the very crest of the hill. Then came the sound, the sound of a rain which no man dares to stand in undefended. Both arrows and javelins came down upon our ranks all down the line. Men fell in the front ranks that were then replaced by another who would then fell from a second volley. I myself had almost experienced this death but the gods chose to take the life of the man next to me – I stood as secure as a stone while this poor soldier took an arrow through the right eye and out the back of his skull, crashing down in a pile of flesh, spear, and shield.
Despite this almost constant bombardment there was no call to charge or even pull back from the bottom of the hill. Tempers ran high; some men actually tried to flee without command and were soon stuck in the back by more loyal soldiers.
As man after man met his death with an arrow, a javelin, or stone I could no longer hold my own position. I lifted my shield away from my crouched body and stood up observing the battlefield while missiles fell about me – yet, none of them hit me.
Seeing the enemy begin to appear on the crest of the hill I was overcome with a spirit of battle. I alone charged uphill at a dead run towards the enemy. Who knows how many multitudes I alone now openly charged – it was not a thought which came to me until after the battle. Screaming and yelling I finally lunged over the top of the hill and met a wall of enemies just as they were releasing their missiles.
Still not realizing I was alone atop that mountain I yelled and hooted in a bloodlust and threw my spear with all my might into the mass of the enemy. I don’t even remember if I hit anyone or not but next I turned and ran to the top of the hill arms outstretched yelling at my comrades.
Getting to their feet my hill warriors followed my example and ran as fast and as hard as they could uphill towards me – some being struck down on their way up. By this time the warriors of the enemy had closed in on me and I turned to see them coming at me with sword and spear. I ran back down the hill and across the length of the line inciting all the men to follow me uphill. I glanced at Arses who watched me atop his impressive steed with a look of astonishment and fright upon his face – I could only think later that he was saying to himself: ‘this barbarian has undone me and all of my army, inciting them to charge head first into death!’
Yet – most of us would not be meeting that death yet. Instead it was the enemy who left this world. The two armies clashed along the hill side, the enemy above us stabbing down and us stabbing upwards.
I had lost my spear but I had drawn my short sword which I was given by my father on the day I left home so many years ago under Phraotes’ command. It was a simple weapon made of hardened steel which withstood many strikes and had somehow survived all these years. Now, we furious lust for battle I swung it wildly at the enemy, some strikes hit dead on while others harmlessly glanced off bronze shield.
The enemy right flank had started to break from our efforts but while that happened our right was beginning to buckle under the weight of the enemy cavalry charging through and taking many men’s lives. While one side advanced to the top of the hill the other were being pushed back down!
I joined the battle on the right and fight with a renewed vigor that seemed almost impossible to have at this time. I felt as though I was empowered by some other greater will and fervor and meant to fight without suffering wound nor the typical forms of exhaustion.
I slew many that day, in fact I think I may have killed more men in that single morning than the amounts of dead enemies combined from past and future battles to come. I inspired heroic deeds around me and showed no mercy whatsoever for the enemy. Finally Arses and his cavalry took up chase against the enemy captain. Following them into the nearby woods the captain refused to be captured or killed this day and fought savagely killing quite a few of Arses’ escorts single-handedly. Finally though the captain took flight and left the field abandoning his men left to die.
And die they did! All this time the encircled enemy on the right flank was slowly being killed off one by one. Eager to end this battle I launched myself from the higher ground into the ranks of the enemy and putting down multiple foes with sword and shield. Causing panic within the ranks the enemy attempted to flee the battle but were only struck down in the process or run down by our general’s cavalry. It was a glorious day for a glorious battle!”

Well...when will you be updating this?

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I glad to see that you're either interested or awaiting the next portions but you'll have to give me some time between each installment...I'm trying to make this seem as though it has quasi-depth so I'm putting in a good amount of time both in playing the game and writing all the stuff. For instance I'd say on average it takes me something like...20 mins to write up what I deem as an acceptable battle account draft. Also I got alot of other stuff going on outside of the TW forums so expect updates to range between an average of 2-3 days max in between each...if I update in less that time then you know I must be bored then

Good lord, this is some GREAT stuff

A lil off subject, but I'm having a fit of newb syndrome, could someone give me a link to this mod. BTW This is very good

awesome writing here

A lil off subject, but I'm having a fit of newb syndrome, could someone give me a link to this mod. BTW This is very good

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Here is the link to the actual thread where you can download the build and the newest patch - patch 8:
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=65725

If you're gonna give it a shot I would recommend following the install instructions perfectly. It took me a little longer then I hoped to get this mod to work. Everything should go fine if you follow the instructions but the biggest thing was I had a "corrupt" version of RTW. To solve this simply just reinstall RTW and patch it to 1.5

Will do thnx for the link

wow, this is a great AAR, +rep for you my man. Great writing, good screenies, you should start making movies

*if i could add rep, it seems the boards are acting up on me, inability to add rep + posting message errors. grrrrr

Will do thnx for the link

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No prob, IMO Roma Surrectum is one of the BEST mods out for RTW...it's meant to REALLY take the Rome faction up a notch as far as skins, units, gameplay, etc but it doesnt forget all the other factions...I cant wait till their next installment - it's supposed to bring up the depth of the Greek factions

wow, this is a great AAR, +rep for you my man. Great writing, good screenies, you should start making movies

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Thanks, I'm really glad people seem to be enjoying this - it gives me more of a reason to keep updating and playing. The thought of making movies crossed my mind yet I have little knowing of how to make good in game movies, so for now I'll stick with screens.

EDIT: By the way you can expect the next update to appear tommorrow night possibly. I just got done playing a few turns before bed and am really too tired to write it up tonight. Also, as a side note, in the game there are enough events happening that updates will probably range from 2-4 years each (4 - 8 turns) and will (at the most) contain 1 or 2 battle accounts depending on the significance of those battles - I will at least include one. Updates will appear probably every 2-3 days unless specified differently.

Thanks, I'm really glad people seem to be enjoying this - it gives me more of a reason to keep updating and playing. The thought of making movies crossed my mind yet I have little knowing of how to make good in game movies, so for now I'll stick with screens.</p>
enjoying it no, I'm loving this so much I could marry it

VOP2288 said:

No prob, IMO Roma Surrectum is one of the BEST mods out for RTW...it's meant to REALLY take the Rome faction up a notch as far as skins, units, gameplay, etc but it doesnt forget all the other factions...I cant wait till their next installment - it's supposed to bring up the depth of the Greek factions

Thanks, I'm really glad people seem to be enjoying this - it gives me more of a reason to keep updating and playing. The thought of making movies crossed my mind yet I have little knowing of how to make good in game movies, so for now I'll stick with screens.

EDIT: By the way you can expect the next update to appear tommorrow night possibly. I just got done playing a few turns before bed and am really too tired to write it up tonight. Also, as a side note, in the game there are enough events happening that updates will probably range from 2-4 years each (4 - 8 turns) and will (at the most) contain 1 or 2 battle accounts depending on the significance of those battles - I will at least include one. Updates will appear probably every 2-3 days unless specified differently.

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I am playing a pergamum campaighn right now, man this is a good mod . When will you upload the next part of your AAR?

Cpt. Taxmaspada, leader of the late Darius' army, is again attacked by Cpt. Bolon outside of Khiva, but like the last time Cpt. Taxmaspada's cunning leads the men out of harms way by cover of night. As Taxmaspada's forces draw away from Khiva the city is sieged by the Cpt. Polyperchon and his large army. Terrible news now comes to His Majesty's ears as it is reported that the Sarmatians have betrayed us! A certain Cpt. Madyes leading a small force of spear warriors surrounds the walls of the most northern province of Campus Massagetae - what trechery!


Arses vs. Antaeus of Azutus
1301 vs 960
Account given by Arses' adopted apprentice Vahyazdata

“The night before the attack I was called upon to visit my master’s tent. As I entered I saw General Arses at a small table surrounded by the captains of each unit to be present at the battle tomorrow. They looked over a map of the surrounding area and were most likely discussing battle plans and the like. I stood out of the light off to the side until my master motioned for me to come closer. I drew near and he laid his hand upon my shoulder, bringing me into the light of the candles and lamps which burned brightly in the dark.

‘It is he who you all will follow into battle, not I this coming day.’ Declared my master and it took me awhile to fully realize what he actually meant. Naturally, this statement was met with some objection among the captains but Arses quickly put them down and continued discussing the plans for tomorrow.

How could I possibly lead these men? I was no war hero like my master – at least not yet. And now of all times he wants me to lead our forces against the enemy for the first time on their own ground – but why? It didn’t make sense to me, it seemed as though there was too much at stake to leave this in the hands of an inexperienced boy who was fresh off the farm of my father. A boy who had only yet wielded a scythe against the outnumbering soldiers of grain – why?

Come morning my master and I walked amongst the sleeping soldiers. He discussed with me the plan which had been made last night and hopefully would be carried out within the next few hours. Along our road to Prophthasia, General Arses had enlisted the help of a contingent of war elephants – massive creatures the likes of which are completely foreign to me but seem to be well known by my master. It was these creatures that would force the enemy’s gates open and their walls down – these creatures would be our siege weapons while their archers atop them would fire volleys at the enemy. General Arses also enlisted the assistance of a group of horse archers – men whose lives were battle from the saddle that slept with notched bow even while they slept (we were now moving among them).

Mid morning arrived and the army had been assembled on the plain outside the town’s defenses. Reports started to come in that the enemy had no intention of showed no sign of surrender – thus we would have to take this place from them.
My master placed himself and his personal guard behind the lines of our men and sent me to the front to command. Words cannot describe how truly terrified I was! Thoughts of what horrid death await me criss-crossed my mind – one second I would die at the end of a Seleucid pike, the next I would have my head bashed in by a heavy bronze shield, and finally the thought of accidentally getting caught under one of our elephant’s feet came to me.

Ordering our living battering rams forward I sent the horse archers behind them to cover their advance with continuous and accurate arrow fire. These masters of the bow were stupendous! Forming a giant circle they would come around and fire, run back around while loading, and fire again – there was no rest for the enemy!
After a thorough beating of the gates our elephants finally broke through and the gates came crashing down upon the unlucky few that stood ready on the other side of them. The elephants pulled back while the horse archers kept a steady fire going and I ordered our infantry forward in preparation for the advance into the city.
Letting the horse archers loose their very last arrows I waited outside the gates with the men. Finally I ordered the rush through and we flooded into the city – I at the forefront of the charge. From the right came the enemy – horses and men crashed into us and the actual fighting began. The enemy horsemen were led by the governor of the city Antaeus of Azutus – who fell during the fight at the hands of many spears attacking his flesh at once. Atop his horse I looked on from across the field of battle as three or four spears were jabbed into him at once, he fell from his horse into the mass of our warriors and who knows what horrors were done to the man’s body after that fall.
My personal body guard did not fair well that day – most of them died within the first skirmishes and clashes. Most met their end at the point of the Seleucid pike – I myself came very close to meeting the same end but a noble and brave man of my guard flung himself upon it instead – I watched him die, with as grateful an expression as I could muster in the heat of battle.

After this man died for me I was renewed with a higher sense of what was progressing. Dropping shield and taking up sword I howled as I worked my way into the enemy ranks and killed all those who dare stand against me and the men at my back.

‘NO MERCY!’ I cried with a voice that did not seem like my own. We broke the enemy and sent them into a retreat – further into the city and behind the ranks of the reserved fighters ahead. We marched down the street to the market and launched ourselves upon the foes.
With spear and shield, valor and skill, we fought the enemy back further. No one could stand against us now. We moved as one beast – slaying all that tried to break our ranks. We fought hard, against all odds; we fought for our homes, for our families, and for His Majesty. We fought on for honor and for glory; we fought to preserve our people. It was on this day that the enemy finally felt the defeat of having their own lands stripped of them – they would know what we’ve felt and they would now know that Parthia was not going to roll over and die. We would take the fight to them and start to invade their own homes – there would be no mercy and no quarter given. This was the time of Parthia’s ascent into divine being.”

Very nice AAR. Can't wait for the next update.

I'm srry that there hasnt been an update in quite awhile but things are becoming extremely stressful with the closing of my senior year of high school. There's alot that takes up most of my time so bear with me and the next time I have a huge chunk of free time I'll be sure to add in like 2 or 3 years worth of AAR