(EB) EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

[seleucid empire]

Hmm...I like Sarpedon, I feel he might just be the most dangerous man in the whole story. But then Vanara is interesting too when it comes down to it, he is in the right, he only wants vengeance for his son.

storywise, Sarpedon is the most dangerous, followed closely by Vanara, and finally Mardonious (although Mardonious doesnt have the resources that the others do)

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 21: The Battle of Uspe
Summer 248 BC Dahyu Siraca

The outriders sent by the General days ago had finally returned, ragged and weary from evading enemy forces. They had confirmed that the Sarmatian horde was no longer besieging Uspe and was now heading in their direction with the sole intent of destroying the imperial army that had dared to march against them.

"How many?" asked Epikrates
"16 000 or more, all horsemen. They will be here by early afternoon" replied the scout.
"Good work, get some rest soldier."

Crotus turned to Epikrates, "My Lord, perhaps we should find a more suitable position. Surely we cannot best them in these open plains. There isn't a single mound or defensive position in sight."
"What would you have me do Crotus? March our army for days and days in search for a better position? As you said before there is not a single hill in sight. Besides, they will be here by afternoon."
"Our infantry cannot hope to catch their horse-archers in the open. This was how the Great Northern Host fell only months ago, and they had 80 000 men!"

"The Great Northern Host was not a real imperial army like ours." replied Epikrates. Seeing Crotus' blank expression, he explained further. "Crotus, do you know what the most dangerous thing in the world is?"
"No General."
"The most dangerous thing in the world is an Imperial Seleucid army. Do you know what sets it aside from armies of any other nation?"
"Our Generals?"
"Every nation has some good generals. It is our Organisation.."
"Sir?"

"Our organisation, training and chain of command is the epitome of military perfection. High Generals, Legion generals, commanders, captains and so on... No civilisation in the world has even a fifth of the different officer ranks that we have in our armies. Our armies are organised down to the last man, so thoroughly that they become like living organisms, like a body able to move any of its limbs as soon as the head commands it. Even Romans with their ability to recruit huge armies quickly and their flexible maniples have nothing nearly as complex as our military systems. We may still use the phalanx in our armies, but the organisation and training provided for imperial armies ensures that they far outshine anything the Romans have. I once saw a company of levy phalangites, fresh out of the training ground who wheeled their entire unit around within seconds to meet the charge of a group of cataphracts. That kind of manoeuvre and discipline would not have been possible for any other Kingdom, especially not with phalangites. Also, our chain of command means that only capable men are allowed to command imperial armies. It is promotion based on ability rather than noble birth, allowing our armies to be commanded by the best generals and leaders possible. It is because of these factors that the empire has bested every enemy it has faced so far despite facing huge numerical disadvantages every step of the way."

Before Crotus could respond, cries of alarm sounded from the ranks. Epikrates wheeled his horse around and scanned the horizon. In the distance a large mass of horsemen had appeared.

"It appears that they have arrived much quicker than we anticipated..Don't look so gloomy Crotus, if nothing else I say has settled you then at least remember that the empire has bested many nomad nations before. The Sakae and Parthians come to mind."

Crotus managed a weak smile and turned to survey the rest of the army. The Infantry formed up into ranks, 8 000 infantry and 3 000 archers deploying in a strong and flexible crescent. They had recruited several thousand mercenary steppe horsemen along the way, lesser tribes like the scythians and alans who had lost their lands to the Sarmatian onslaught and now sought vengeance. These men formed up behind the infantry in the safety of the crescent, around 4 000 in number.

The Sarmatian horde approached and began to scream their war cries and the Steppe mercenaries responded to the challenge, howling. The infantry of the 11th were perfectly silent. As the horde came closer, the archers let lose a volley into their midst. Horses toppled and the Sarmatians returned fire, the first volley hitting the shields of the hoplites. A group of Sarmatians horse archers broke off from the horde and wheeled to the left. Epikrates lifted his sword in the air and the entire cavalry arm of the 11th began to charge. The Sarmatian horse archers retreated, leading the cavalry in a fruitless chase. Crotus looked back and saw the majority of the Sarmatian horde crash into the crescent.

What is the general doing? Why would he send all of our cavalry on this chase and leave the infantry unprotected?

The Crescent was tightening, the infantry pushed back by the onslaught. Suddenly, Epikrates blew his horn and the charge stopped. He shouted new orders and the entire cavalry force wheeled around and charged into the backs of the horde. The Alan mercenaries dropped their bows and pulled out their heavy lances. The companion cavalry lowered their spears. The impact was devastating. The Sarmatian horde broke instantly, 15 000 tribesmen fleeing in terror.

"Chase them down!" ordered Epikrates. The Steppe cavalry dispersed into smaller squadrons and began to methodically hunt down the fleeing Sarmatians.

At the end of the day, the bodies were tallied. The Sarmatian horde was destroyed at the cost of 3 000 infantry and 2 000 cavalry. Crotus approached Epikrates.

"That was brilliant general. You let the Sarmatians believe we were foolishly chasing their light cavalry and wheeled the cavalry around as soon as the Sarmatians had attacked."
"The simplest of traps Crotus, nothing more.."

Both men turned at the sound of the horns. A company of Greek cavalry, not part of the 11th, was approaching their position. One of the riders urged his mount forward.
"General! The Emperor and the first army are a days march away. He sends his congratulations for this victory and wishes to converge at Uspe."

The Generals face showed worry at these words. "If the Emperor is this far south, something must be amiss..."

[Evalation]

wow,excellent work my friend

was so drawn into it i read all the first and second pages in one sitting

anyway keep it up man ill read the rest later i need a break.

[seleucid empire]

wow,excellent work my friend

was so drawn into it i read all the first and second pages in one sitting

anyway keep it up man ill read the rest later i need a break.

thank you! more to come after the 9th

[Evalation]

Just now had time to sit down and read the rest of the AAR. Its great, I love it.

I like how you added in the myth of demigods (referring to Quicksilver being the son of Hades), its an excellent idea. I look forward to more updates man, keep it up!

[seleucid empire]

I hope the number of characters and storylines aren't putting anyone off when they read this.

I try to develop the characters as much as possible and I think i'm moderately successful. However, this may just be in my head :L

e.g. does Antiochus seem like a stern, calculating and serious King to you?
does Archimenes seem withdrawn and lost and only now has found a new purpose (short term as it may be)

[Ganbarenippon]

Don't worry about the characters, they are very well developed and distinctive. Great update!

[seleucid empire]

Don't worry about the characters, they are very well developed and distinctive. Great update!

thanks! more to come

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 22: The Ghosts of Green-Shade Hall
Summer 248 BC Elymais, Green-Shade Hall, the Seat of Archimenes

As Mardonious passed through the gates of Green-Shade Hall, a feeling of desolation overcame him. The fortress had witnessed so much death and horror within it's walls that the black stones themselves cried out. No wonder Archimenes had moved his wife to Antioch. Even the pissed-stained walls of the capital were preferable to this place of death.

"Archimenes...What happened here? Why do the spirits of the dead hang over this place?"
"It is said..that Green-shade Hall was once a place of beauty and abundance and was once called the Green Palace. A Persian Nobleman owned these estates and his servants and people loved him. All of that changed when Xerxes ascended the throne of the Persian empire, the same accursed Xerxes who invaded Greece with a host of millions. Xerxes took away the nobleman's son for the war. The son was killed in the battle of Thermopylae and when the Nobleman heard, he went mad with grief. He lured all of his subjects into the hall for a feast...and then set fire to the place with them inside…"

Mardonious took this in silently. Finally, he asked, “What happened to the nobleman?”
“He locked himself inside the hall with his people. He also died in the flames.”

On the main steps, a group had gathered to greet the entourage. In the front was an old man, his beard white with age. He stepped forward and spoke with a crooked smile on his face.
“So, the boy who set out all those years ago, returns as a man to claim what is his.”
“Hello Aristomes. I see old age has not made you any less poetic,” growled Archimenes.
The old steward chuckled. “So my Lord, have you truly come to reside over us or does your visit have another purpose.”
“I am afraid it is the latter, and one that may cost my people dearly.”
“Ahh I see now, you bring a large armed host with you. You mean to bring war to your own lands.”
“I have 300 members of the black guard infantry with me. Behind us are 1 000 Galatian mercenaries which were stationed in the Black Citadel. Further still, are the forces of Lord Vanara, come to kill me.”
“I see. You mean to set a trap for this Vanara. Hiding your galatians in the countryside and then using them to sweep behind his forces while they are attacking Green-Shade Hall.
“One day Aristomes, you will have to tell me something of your history. You have always surprised me with your knowledge of warfare.”
"Some day I will" he replied, then his face became serious. “My Lord, although we have not seen you in 20 years, we are still your loyal subjects. We will stand by you. You have sent us many gifts from your campaigns and we have used the gold to expand our trades and flourish. There is not a county in a hundred leagues as prosperous.”
“That may change; no doubt Vanara will loot the land around us if we do not manage to defeat him quickly.”
“I see, well I will lead the women and children to somewhere safe. Meanwhile you must prepare. You must be ready by the time he arrives…”

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 23: Quicksilver
Summer 248 BC Armenia

Helioketes was exhausted. Months of running and hiding on the vast steppes had taken its toll on him. The Sarmatians were not the only ones he had been avoiding. Two weeks ago, he stumbled on an imperial army and had narrowly avoided detection. Guilt racked his very soul. He had not fathomed the consequences of his actions and now 80 000 soldiers lay dead as well as the hundreds of thousands of civilians who had been butchered in the north. He had slain Herakleidies Atarneou and the spirits of his vengeful Death Seekers would finally find peace. But now the souls of hundreds of thousands would haunt him in turn.

The sound of wolves filled the air. Large Armenian beasts who hunted packs. They were closing in. Helioketes did not care anymore. If his fate was to be ripped apart by wolves, he would welcome it. It would bring an end to the guilt at least. He lay down on the hard ground, resting his head on a boulder and closed his eyes...

****

He was awakened by the smell of roasted meat, its scent filling the air. He opened one eye, and then two and the world slowly came into focus. Beside him was a camp fire with a Deer roasting on a spit. Next to the fire sat a man, his face covered by his black hood. The man seemed to be staring at something in the distance. Helioketes slowly reached for his bow..

"How rude of you Helioketes, to even think of killing the man who saved your life from vicious wolves." the man said suddenly.

Helioketes snatched his bow and reached for an arrow, only to find his quiver missing.

"Looking for this?" asked the man, lifting Helioketes quiver. In his other hand was Heliokete's shortsword.
"Who are you?"
"Ah yes, I'm afraid now I am the one being rude. I should have introduced myself. My name is Quicksilver."

The name rang a familiar bell in Helioketes' mind but he could not quite remember where he had heard the name before. That is, until the man pulled out two long knives and began to polish them.

Oh Gods! Not that Quicksilver. Not the master assassin who's name was a whisper in the wind. An urban legend, told to kids to make them more obedient...

"I know what you are. What are you doing here assassin? How do you know my name?"
"Assassin! No, no, please, I am merely a servant to a man of nobler blood than mine. Gods know I have less pure blood in me than a stray mongrel." said quicksilver. He had chuckled at the last part of his sentence as if it were an inside joke. "I am merely passing through this place. As for how I know your name, that's simple. You don't kill powerful warlords such as Philetairos and Herakleidies without someone asking questions. I am a...fan...of your work archer. Both generals killed by impossible shots fired from even more impossible distances. That is impressive Helioketes."

Oh ****, he means to recruit me into the sphere...

"No" said Helioketes
"Excuse me?" asked Quicksilver, whose lips turned upwards into a smile.
"I will not join your house of assassins Quicksilver. Your intentions are clear to me now."

At this, quicksilvers grin became even broader.

"Ahh, but you see my dear friend. You are already serving my cause and you have been for the last 20 years in your campaigns. Sphere agent or not, you will continue to serve our cause."
"No I will not kill any Lords for you or the Sphere."
"But who said the Sphere wanted you to assassinate Lords? The Sphere have plenty of assassins who can do that. You serve us in a much higher way as a soldier. After all, my father's realm holds no distinction for those who enter. Lord or slave, they are the same to my father. He prefers quantity, that greedy bastard and you have made him very happy with your recent actions. His realm is now crowded with a few hundred thousand more occupants."
"Your father's realm?"
"Yes, yes, a place which you will eventually see. Alas, I must be off now, I leave you your weapons and there is sufficient meat left on that deer to last you until the border of the heartlands, if that is indeed where you were headed. Farewell, I'm quite certain we will meet again and I am looking forward to it!"

Helioketes watched the man walk away in silence, pondering over the assassin's words.

What was he talking about? He must be mad. He probably isn't even the real quicksilver. He's just a madman

But his gut feeling told him otherwise...

A realm which I have sent people. A few hundred thousand more occupants. But not occupants. Souls. Souls of the northmen who were butchered by the Sarmatians. And there is only one place that souls go: To the Underworld. To the Realm of Hades.

And that would mean Quicksilver claims to be...the son of Hades...

[Kallum]

I second what Ganbarenippon says. Keep it up!

[seleucid empire]

I second what Ganbarenippon says. Keep it up!

more coming soon, although i have exams and might not get back to writing this until the 9th

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 24: Unexpected Surprises Part 1
Summer 248 BC Elymais, Green-Shade Hall, the Seat of Archimenes

The gates swung open for the lone Galatian rider. Even before he dismounted, Archimenes could see there was something wrong. The man's expression and the myriad of small wounds that covered his body said it all. The rider swayed and almost fell off his saddle before Archimenes quickly caught him.
"My Lord!" stammered the scout weakly.
"What has happened?" asked Archimenes calmly.
"Our company has been destroyed!"

Archimenes took a deep breath. He had suspected as much from the scout's hasty arrival.
"How?"
"Lord Vanara caught us between his infantry and cavalry and we were ripped to shreds."
"Infantry?" asked Archimenes, frowning.
"Yes my Lord. Vanara's forces number 10 000 or more, not just just the 1 500 horsemen we expected. I saw a large number of mercenary companies marching with him before they were upon us. The Hounds of Elissa split into 3 groups and slowly drove us into the arms of their infantry. We were crushed. Not more than a quarter of our men survived."
"When did this occur?"
"Two days ago my Lord. Vanara's army will be here by tomorrow morning."

Archimenes slowly turned around. The eyes of 300 soldiers were on him. They had all heard. He started to speak.

"It seems we are alone now. The odds look poor, 300 against 10 000. If anyone has any second thoughts and wishes to leave. They may do so now.."

He waited. No one made a move. Archimenes continued.

"My comrades of the Black Guard. Your devotion brings strength to my own heart. I say this: We are outnumbered...but not outmatched! I would rather fight beside you than a hundred thousand mercenaries. Tomorrow we may die, but we won't die without a fight! We will make them pay tenfold for every drop of our own blood! WHAT ARE OUR VOWS?!"

The Black Guard replied in unison,"NO RETREAT! NO SURRENDER! NO MATTER WHAT!..."

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 25: Unexpected Surprises Part 2
Summer 248 BC Elymais, Green-Shade Hall, the Seat of Archimenes

Mardonious watched from the ramparts as Vanara's army deployed. Men marching in large blocks assembled just out of arrow range and engineers were pushing forward the catapults. Around him stood the black guards wearing heavy plate mail covering suits of chain mail. Their aspis shields protected a good portion of their body and they were armed with a unique xiphos that was nearly a metre long. Heavy infantry in truth.

A rider from the besieging army approached the walls.
"Defenders! Lord Vanara offers you a choice. Give up Archimenes and you will all be allowed to return to the Black Citadel unharmed. If you refuse you will all be dead by noon."

Mardonious drew back his bow and launched an arrow at the messenger's horse. The horse toppled and flung the messenger from its back. The Black Guards roared with laughter and a few came up to pat Mardonious on the back.

Archimenes emerged from the hall wearing only a light metal cuirass. He was however, armed to the teeth. On each hip rested a curved kopis sword. His aspis shield was strapped to his back and he carried a spear in one hand and a long xiphos in the other.

Mardonious sighed.
He knows that the deaths of these men will be on his head. Thus he will fight the hardest of them all.

"You have enough weapons on you to arm a garrison." said Mardonious light heartedly.
"Finally some humour from you. I thought I would never see the day." growled Archimenes, "Mardonious, I don't want you on the walls."
"Why not?"
"As soon as the enemy come over the walls, you will get yourself killed. Besides, the black guard can double up as archers. It is part of their training. I want you to support us from the courtyard. I have assembled every peasant willing to fight and given them bows. You can use them to cover our escape if we need to fall back from the walls or you can use them to relieve some pressure if a part of the wall gets overrun."
"Fine."

The catapults began to launch their projectiles. Under the cover of the barrage, the Mercenaries began to move up towards the walls, hastily assembled ladders in their hands. The Black Guard drew their bows and fired a volley. Almost every shaft found a target. Scores of lightly armed mercenaries dropped. The mercenaries quickened their pace and lifted their ladders onto the walls. The Black Guard dropped their bows as the mercenaries began to climb. The first mercenary over the walls was dispatched by Archimenes, who thrust a spear into the man's gut. More ladders reached the walls and soon the wall was crowded with men fighting. Mardonious watched as Archimenes killed one man after another. A large mercenary champion appeared over the walls and killed three Black Guards before Archimenes launched his spear at him. It went straight into the giant's chest and he toppled, dead, from the walls. A cry of dismay was heard from the mercenaries below.

The Black Guards cut down entire companies of mercenaries but there were too many. Eventually, the attackers got a foothold and more of their brethren poured into the gap. The defenders still had most of their men left standing but more and more gaps appeared. Mardonious looked over at Archimenes and gasped. His squad lay dead around him and he was defending an entire stretch of the wall by himself. His xiphos had been discarded and now he fought with a kopis in each hand. Thirty mercenaries closed in on him from both sides. He spun, one kopis cutting into an opponent's neck and the other beating away a spear thrust to his back. He continued his sword dance, twirling, ducking, sliding, jumping and spinning, his hands and body were blurs of movement.

He fights with the Speed and Grace of Achilles. He fights like Ares himself,thought Mardonious.

The mercenaries were helpless against his inhuman speed and strength. They continued to swarm over the walls..and they continued to die. Mardonious watched, amazed as Archimenes cut down dozens of mercenaries. But more came. Mardonious ordered his archers to fire at a knot of the enemy who had gained another foothold on the walls. They were down to 200 men now and they began to fall faster as more gaps opened up for the enemy. The tide of enemies near Archimenes' section of the wall slowed, and then eventually stopped. The Mercenaries were now afraid to approach him.

A captain of the mercenaries climbed onto the central ramparts. His men surrounded a group of Black Guards. Archimenes spotted the captain and fought his way through to him. With a scissoring motion of his Kopis's, the captain's head fell off, splattering his troops with gore. The frightened men panicked and were cut down without mercy. Archimenes was covered in blood now, a red apparation, a demon, frightening to behold. The assault had been repelled. Mardonious walked up to the ramparts. The stairs were slick with blood and bits of limbs. The defenders were now in the process of throwing bodies over the side of the walls.

Perhaps 3 000 mercenaries dead and 150 Black Guards left standing, concluded Mardonious. They will attack again, very soon so we will not have time to recover. Oh Gods, We won't be able to stop them this time..

*****

"Useless bastards!" screamed Vanara. Ennychos had never seen his master's temper flare so high.
“My Lord, you must calm down.” said Captain Gorgios
“Calm down?! No, I am furious! Your men are useless Gorgios.”
“They are veterans of the Asia Minor and Greek Wars.”
“Yet they failed to take a fortress when they outnumbered the defenders 10 to 1.”
“Those are defenders are the Black Guard. Did you really expect my men to be a match for them?”
“Sheer numbers should have done the job.”
“My men refuse to go near the east section of the wall. I questioned one of the men who survived from the last repelled attack and he claims to have seen a man covered in blood, wielding two kopis’s, twirling and slashing a bloody path through my mercenaries. This man cut his way through hundreds of men effortlessly. He fights with a style and grace that my men have never seen before and many say he moves like Achilles himself.”
“That must be Archimenes, I have heard stories of his prowess in battle…yet…hundreds of men....the speed of Achilles? I find that hard to believe.”
“It matters not my Lord, we still have most of our best troops left. This next assault, I will place my heaviest infantry at the head. The Black Guard are still tired from the last assault. We will overwhelm them.”

*****

The rows of men moved closer. This time, Mardonious noticed that most of the mercenaries were heavy infantry. They would not be able to hold this time. He turned his head to look at Archimenes. The warrior was a truly frightening visage with his blood soaked face. All the surviving defenders were looking at him in fear and wonder.
“My men…” rasped Archimenes, “Our time is near. What are our vows?”
“No retreat…” said one man.
“No surrender…” said another.
“No matter what!” cried the rest in unison. But it all sounded weak to Mardonious.
The Heavy infantry reached the walls and climbed up the ladders. A furious struggle began as the heavy infantry quickly gained the advantage against the tired defenders. However, Archimenes fought just as vigorously before. Wherever he stood, the men held. He was their standard, not made of silk or cloth but of flesh and blood.

But they were slowly falling. Soon, only 30 defenders remained, a tight knot of men fighting beside Archimenes. A group of mercenaries reached the gate and opened it. But no one came in. Mardonious gave the signal and from their hiding places, the peasants charged out, swamping the few mercenaries with spears and arrows. They closed the gates and joined the fight on the walls.

What was going on, why did the enemy not rush through the gates?

When the last mercenary was cut down, Mardonious looked over the walls. To the East, a large group of horse-archers had appeared and were loosing arrows into the midst of Vanara's army. The heavy infantry who were attacking the walls had withdrawn and now stood facing the endless onslaught of arrows. The Elissan Guard moved to counter this new threat but were cut to pieces when a regiment of companion cavalry appeared and counter-charged. Vanara's infantry moved in to help their decimated cavalry but from behind them, another unit of companions crashed into their ranks, causing mass confusion. A third, larger group of companions now rode towards them to finish the encirclement. At the sight of these, the remaining defenders cheered.

"The Black Guard Cavalry! Alexandros has come!!"

*****

Mardonious and Archimenes rode side by side towards the victorious army. Behind them trailed what was left of the defenders. A hastily rigged tent stood in the middle of the battlefield and when the two men approached, the guards stepped aside without a word. They entered and when they saw the tall, broad shouldered man with a crown on his head, they immediately dropped to their knees.

"You may rise." said Antiochus.
"Ahh Archimenes my friend!" said Alexandros the Black."I am very surprised to see you here."
"My Lord...How did you know we were in trouble?"
"I didn't. We were on our way to Seleukeia when we heard news of a large army in the area. We suspected it might be the queens."
"Th-The Queens army?"

Alexandros' face grew serious."Yes, alas, I'm afraid we have another war to fight..."

End of Act I: The Gardens of Paradise

[seleucid empire]

that will be the last update until the 9th, when I will begin act II

[Ganbarenippon]

Nice finish! I enjoyed the action scene. I look forward to the 9th! + Rep.

[seleucid empire]

This will start again very soon. Who would like to see Archimenes become a POV character?

[Evalation]

Im sorry but whats a POV character agian?

Im a noob..

[seleucid empire]

Point of View. Means the author writes about that characters' thoughts and writes the story from his perspective. Think of it as telling the story but a bit biased based on the persons stance

so each event has a different significance for each character

currently I am telling events through mardonious' eyes and hes supposed to be the cold calculating one whose very knowledgeable in politics and intrigue.

I thought it might be interesting to tell it through Archimenes eyes since he's in a darker state of mind (after murdering his family), isn't thinking so clearly and has a soldier's outlook

[Evalation]

sounds interesting, i think itd be pretty cool.