Ecclesia at Pynx (The Assembly of Athens)

[m_1512]

The Assembly of Athens gathers on the Pynx hill to discuss and decide matters of the state. All citizens who have completed their training may participate. Only Athenian citizens can vote on decisions and elections.

[m_1512]

A councillor puts up a tablet for the agenda for the Assembly at the entrance of the hill.

- First order of business, due to the sad demise of our previous Archon, is nominations and deliberations for the election of a new Archon.
- Second order of business is the deliberations regarding the number of Strategoi to be elected.
- Third order of business is nominations and deliberations for the election of the Strategoi.
- Final order, any other matters of the state.

[Ace_General]

Xenophon applies for the position of Strategos and asks for the assembly to be briefed on the international environment in the Aegean and Mainland Hellas, with particular focus on the Persian Empire, the Pelopnesian League(Sparta+Peloponesian Allies United), the Aetolian league, and Thessalian League. He also asks permission to give a speech on his candidacy to be a Strategos

[Trot]

Alexander sits thoughtfully. He knew he would have to be careful who he gives his vote to. He looks on waiting for more candidates to step forward. He scratches his beard slowly carefully considering each candidate as he leans back in his chair.

[General Maximus]

Demetrios also applies for the position of Strategos, his utmost wish being to continue the strong military legacy of his ancient family. He also requests more information about the military condition of the army, supplies and resources available, since he had experience as an army organizer not a long time ago.

[m_1512]

Aristocles arrives with his two sons, Alexias and Lysandros. He orders Lysandros to wait outside as he is not eligible to attend. Lysandros walks off towards the theatre to while away the time, but Alexias takes off his helmet and takes a seat in the assembly, silently yet attentive. Aristocles heard the talk of nominations for Strategoi. He said to the assembly. All in a good time, citizens. We must first elect an Archon. I nominate myself as Archon. I have many years of experience across Hellas and their people. I have trained with the Spartans, our biggest threat, and know their strategy. So I am well placed to beat them. Isn't understanding the enemy the first step to victory? As for the Strategoi, I consider that two would be sufficient at this time. One to defend our city and the other to command our navy. Lastly, should I be elected Archon, I will perpare an expedition to Syracuse lead by my son, Alexias, for the glory of Athens. He finsihed, waiting for response for his short speech.

[Ganbarenippon]

The One-Eye entered the assembly with his son and heir Demosthenes Keltos by his side. "Election season again." He barked to the other man. "Indeed father, it would seem the vultures are circling already." He smiled.

The grizzled old man rose to his feet. "I have no issue with your election as Archon, Aristocles. You have served us well in that role before and I dare say that you will serve us well in that capacity again. But, I must question why do we need to send our men to distant Syracuse?" He growled. "What have the men of that city doe to us that we must sail so far to the West to lead a campaign against them? Athens has enemies enough closer to home without going out of our way to ignite the most powerful city of the West against us!" Thermistocles barked. "To do so would be a fools move in my opinion. One that reeks of ego, and not something I had thought to see from you and yours Aristocles. You will not receive my support for Archon if you truly wish to campaign so far afield. It does not serve Athens."

[m_1512]

Aristocles smiled bitterly.
Don't remind me of old times and how Pericles took control. And why should we take Syracuse?
He nodded to his son.

Alexias took out a scroll, and unfurled it for all to see. There was a map of Sicily dotted with cities. Aristocles continued.
You see the map. Some of those cities are our allies, our trade fellows. And Syracuse is friendly with Sparta, they even refuse access to our traders to their ports. And let us consider the larger Athenian strategy. Our ally Thessaly will counter Spartan ally Macedon. But what of in Sicily? Who will protect our allies if war breaks out.

And let us consider the safety of our people? If Spartans rampage through Attica, where will our people find refuge? The Delian league?
He snorted.
They are already complaining for the dangerous rumors about us there. And they would have a good reason too, Pericles used all their money to build columns here. Nothing wrong, but bit too far. But our people can be safely sheltered there.

He paused to steady his breath.
And now to serious matters of your taste, military matters. Over some years, we have lost 50 ships which you people did not think important to build again. I do not propose a pirate raid. I propose that we take Syracuse with its arms and navy intact. This is a strategic move for consolidation of Athenian power.

He motioned Alexias to take his seat. He looks at them all.
I promise you one thing. I will not be a tyrant. After all, I left Athens opposing Pericles and his rule. But I will do anything that will make Athens an empire.

[General Maximus]

Demetrios notices the discussion going on, in a serious tone he then speaks -

"I MUST point out that at present, our army needs more importance than our navy. We have enemies close to us, right here in Greece itself. Persian Wars might've occupied most of our naval forces, but unless we do something about the little city states we have near home, it would be very foolish to think of Syracusae."

He pauses, takes some time to think, and then speaks -

"I say, we consolidate our position at home, and then focus on rebuilding our navy into an even stronger one. And then we can think about Syracuse!"

[m_1512]

Aristocles laughs heartily at the words. He speaks after coming to his mild face.
At home?

Whom shall we invade? Thebe, Corinth, or Sparta itself. I will tell you this, taking anything near us or Sparta will be the excuse for war. Sparta may tolerate us taking Syracuse, but very much not Thebes or Corinth.

[Trot]

Alexander smirks as he listens to the bickering. War with Syracuse would not be a bad thing armies need to eat and this will drive prices of grain up. War is always profitable if you know what is needed. And the people of the city could resent a long war across an ocean. The cries of greifing mothers and widows would be heard for months. He sits quiet considering his options.

[Ganbarenippon]

"In that we agree." The One-Eye replies. "There is no need for war against Corinth or Thebes." 'But perhaps somewhere still closer to home?' "What of Locris or Ambracia? If nothing else it will provide us an opportunity to blood our men. If we are to march on Syracuse, an army of newly raised men and a green fleet will not suffice, believe me. I fought with such once and look what it got me." He raised the stump of his left hand high for the council to see.

"Syracuse is a hard nut to crack and it will take hard men to crack her. March on Ambracia and secure the Western border of Thessaly whilst ensuring friendly passage for our troops all the way to the Adriatic and Corcyra. This would give us a staging point for any invasion of Syracuse, and with a stronger, more veteran, force than what we have now." He looks at the younger men gathered around him. "I tell you this true however, whilst I do not agree with everything Aristocles proposes I do know that he always puts Athens first, and he is no tyrant." 'Unlike some of the rest of you bastards.' He thinks venomously, sitting down.

[m_1512]

Aristocles sensed the main topics going out of hands. He spoke again.
We can decide all that later. But let us get on with the elections. First, nominations and votes for Archon. Next the Strategoi.

[Ganbarenippon]

"Very well. All candidates who wish to stand for Archon rise now." The One Eye booms, taking charge of the ceremonial side of things as one of the oldest men present. He very pointedly rearranges his robes and sits down, thus making it clear he will not be standing for this office this year, an office he has performed several times in the past.

[m_1512]

Aristocles stands firm making his intent to be Archon.

[Ganbarenippon]

Demosthenes Keltos nearly rises too, but after a firm look from his adopted father's one eye he stays seated, a rueful smile on his face.

[m_1512]

OOC: Let's get the vote done.

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles rises once more. "Are there no others?" He sighs. "Perhaps it is for the best. All those who wish to vote for Aristocles; stand."

The old man remains standing. A second later Demosthenes also rises.

[General Maximus]

Demetrios stands up, and raises his hand.

"I vote for Aristocles!"

[m_1512]

Alexias stands up and raises his hand.
I vote for Aristocles for Archon.