(EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

**Evalation** · January 23, 2013, 08:10 PM

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** · January 23, 2013, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**Evalation** · January 23, 2013, 08:39 PM

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.

**Evalation** · February 10, 2013, 07:28 AM

you got a new update planned soon?

**seleucid empire** · January 27, 2013, 06:50 AM

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** · January 29, 2013, 02:56 PM

the return of Helioketes. Awsome

**seleucid empire** · February 01, 2013, 12:01 AM

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** · February 01, 2013, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by seleucid empire

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

**seleucid empire** · February 01, 2013, 01:24 AM

**seleucid empire** · February 10, 2013, 07:46 AM

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

**Evalation** · February 10, 2013, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by seleucid empire

Just finished a massive exam

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

**seleucid empire** · February 10, 2013, 10:56 PM

Chapter 7: The War Begins
Autumn 248 BC Seleukeia

"It has begun." said Sarpedon, his tone heavy.

"She has began her march towards us?" asked Antiochus.

"She has crossed into Assyria and laid siege to Edessa. It will fall within a week to her army. She brings two hundred thousand men at least, and she has an allied Carthaginian army numbering around thirty thousand."

"How long until she arrives here?"

"That depends on how long the steppe horsemen can delay her. We have between one to three months."

"And our reinforcements?"

"The 7th, 8th and 9th are a weeks march away."

"We will still be heavily outnumbered."

"Yes."

The room was silent.

"One hundred and thirty thousand against two hundred and thirty. We will be -" said Antiochus before a messenger burst into the room.

"My King!" exclaimed the breathless man, "An army, three leagues outside of Babylon."

The generals rushed outside of the room. Antiochus began giving orders to his men who ran about chaotically. After a full hour the army was ready for the march. Antiochus' elite companion cavalry, 'the Dragons', formed the vanguard. Behind them, Antiochus rode with his 'Sworn', his personal bodyguard. As they rode across the plain, a single horse man approached. He hailed the Emperor, who ordered his cavalry to stop. The man dismounted and bowed to Antiochus.

With a smile, he said, "My king, Prince Seleukos sends his greetings, and wishes to inform you that he has brought for you, an army..."

**Evalation** · February 11, 2013, 04:29 AM

the prince to the rescue. hell yea.

**Grimbold** · February 11, 2013, 06:47 AM

Have you written a chapter before where you describe the composition of the queen's army?

A wise leader never underestimates his opponent, but im not entirely sure of Antiochus' uncertainty. So there's a 100.000 men difference, so what

?! This is the Seleucid army we're talking about here and it's being lead by the emperor himself, so i assume it has the best that the empire can muster.

I make this comment following your description of the Seleucid's army... skill in the Belshazannar (spelling) chapter, you know, that fellow that was running away to the barbarian lands.

**seleucid empire** · February 11, 2013, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Grimbold

Have you written a chapter before where you describe the composition of the queen's army?

A wise leader never underestimates his opponent, but im not entirely sure of Antiochus' uncertainty. So there's a 100.000 men difference, so what

?! This is the Seleucid army we're talking about here and it's being lead by the emperor himself, so i assume it has the best that the empire can muster.

I make this comment following your description of the Seleucid's army... skill in the Belshazannar (spelling) chapter, you know, that fellow that was running away to the barbarian lands.

Haha yes, but this is not a Carthaginian army or a roman one.

The queens forces were raised in the lands along Egypt and Syria. So they would have the same troops, training regime and command structure (although less veteran)

**Evalation** · February 11, 2013, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by seleucid empire

Haha yes, but this is not a Carthaginian army or a roman one.

The queens forces were raised in the lands along Egypt and Syria. So they would have the same troops, training regime and command structure (although less veteran)

The queen dont have the Sworn guards, or the Black guard either

**seleucid empire** · February 18, 2013, 12:20 AM

Chapter 8: Fields of Destiny Pt. 1
Winter 248 BC Seleukeia

The road was quiet save for the sounds of birds screeching overhead. Had anyone been on that road they might have concluded that something momentous was about to happen for the screeches of the birds had started off small and had transformed into a maelstrom of deafening sound. Suddenly, the air crackled and the smell of sulphurous gases filled the air. Slowly, a dark gap opened in thin air. It spread outwards, widening until a dark portal loomed where there wasn't one before. a foot emerged form the gaping maw, then another. The tall, strangely pale-skinned man stepped out completely and the portal closed behind him, disappearing as if it never existed. The man looked around him, taking in his surroundings; The dead trees, the carpet of dead birds on the ground and the blackened earth.

"Hmm" said the man sniffing,"Looks just like home."
A voice behind him spoke, "A moment ago, this glade was full of life and beauty. It is your presence that caused this place to die father."
"How did you know I would come here my son?" asked the first man without turning.
"I can sense these things. Besides I knew you would come to watch the coming bloodbath."
"That is not the sole reason I am here Quicksilver."
"Then why?"
"Surely you have sensed it?"
"You are referring to the presence of Maniae and Lyssa?"
"So you have felt it."
"I sensed them the minute they escaped from Tartarus."
"And now they are in your world my son."

"Have you come to fix your mistakes? After all it was you who was supposed to prevent anyone from escaping. It must look bad, to have two mad goddesses escaping from Tartarus right under your nose. And for them to be in the mortal realm means that not only did they escape Tartarus, they also successfully navigated through the underworld and evaded you."

The God scowled. "It was careless of me, that is true. I am here to fix it but I will need to be subtle."
"Subtle father? That's your middle name."
"There are rules to be obeyed, even as a God. As much as I dislike them, I cannot interfere openly."
"How many rules did you break when you came here?"
"Around six I would say."
"You never liked rules much did you father?"
"No son, I did not..."

And then, Hades, the God of the Underworld began walking in the direction of the plains where two large armies sat facing each other, waiting for Death to show himself. The ground died where he walked and trees which had lived for centuries withered in moments. Quicksilver hesitated for a minute, then he followed his father towards the fields of destiny...