The town house of The House of Thermistocles.

[Ganbarenippon]

A moderate town house, this is the city home of the House of Thermistocles.

Currently present: Thermistocles "The One-Eye."
Demosthenes "Keltos."

Currently absent: N/A

The House of Themistocles.

Thermistocles "The One-Eye". Age: 63. A grizzled veteran of Athen's many wars on land, sea, and in the assembly, The One-Eye has seen it all and done most of it too. A scarred, gruesome man to behold, he prizes Athens above anything else in his life. This is only to be expected, the man has given his right eye, his left hand, and three sons for the city in it's various campaigns with never a moments regret. He walks with a limp in his left leg, a souvenir from a Theban peltast. The One-Eye is a fearsome man; ruthless, brutal and uncompromising but also just as fierce in his loyalties to his city, his family and his friends he will not balk at anything if it will secure Athen's place in the greater scheme of things. Now into the winter of his years, he is too old and too wounded to campaign in the field anymore and so will aid the city from it's assembly instead. Possessions: None. Demosthenes "Keltos" Age: 35. Keltos was given his nickname both because he was the son of the Cyclops, and because of his impressive physique. In actuality he is Themistocles' nephew, now formally adopted as his son and heir after all of The One-Eye's children were slain in battle. A big, strong man he favoured competing in games, particularly wrestling. Has been on campaign several times for the city where he earned a decent reputation as a strong fighter. He shares his father's devotion to the cause. Not quite so ruthless as the old man, he is nonetheless being groomed to succeed him as the man to watch over the well-being of the democracy. Has had several lovers, both male and female, in the past and is somewhat more sardonic than his father. Possessions: None.

Income.

Thermistocles "The One-Eye." Starting balance for 432 B.C.: 2,175 drachma. Income: 2,850 drachma (Tin mine investment.), 9,600 (farm.) Total income: 14,625 drachma. Expenditure: 4,800 drachma (four small farms; Attica.) 2,500 drachma (100 slaves.), 1,200 drachma (Iron mine investment; Attica.) Total expenditure: 8,500 drachma. Balance: 6,125 drachma. Demosthenes "Keltos." Starting balance for 432 B.C.: 5,375 drachma. Income: 11,040 (fruit farming). Total income: 16,415 drachma. Expenditure: 15 drachma (food for urchins), 50 drachma (payment to urchins), 3,500 drachma (musicians for the Games.), 4,800 drachma (four small farms; Attica.), 2,500 drachma (100 slaves.), 1,000 drachma. (Tine mine investment; Attica.) Total expenditure: 11,865 drachma. Balance: 4,550 drachma.

Assets and investments.

Thermistocles "The One Eye." 5 small estates (Attica) and 125 slaves. Growing: Grapes. 1,200 drachma in Iron Mine (Attica.) Demosthenes "Keltos." 5 small estates (Attica) and 100 slaves. Growing: Fruit. Tin mine investment. (Attica.)

Soldiers.

None.

Armoury.

Empty.

Ships.

None.

[m_1512]

Aristocles enters the home to visit an old friend.

[Ganbarenippon]

He is shown into the garden where Thermistocles is sat, tablet in hand, making note of the investments his house has conducted this year. "Ah, Aristocles, be welcome old friend. Wine?" The fierce old One Eye was a considerably more relaxed figure in his own house, with his old friend, than many other the Athenians saw in public.

[m_1512]

Aristocles smiled at Thermistocles.
Greetings. Still drinking wine? I though you had given up on it.

[Ganbarenippon]

The old man barks a laugh. "Aye you and I both, but sometimes these scars hurt like blazes and the wine dulls the pain whilst letting me work." The One Eye waves his hands as though he could wave away the pain. "But you didn't come here to hear an old man complain about his aches. What can I do for our Archon?"

[m_1512]

Aristocles sips his wine thoughtfully.
There are two things, actually. Yet I cannot help but think they are connected.

One, my son is complaining about purchasing him an armor. Yet, I am 3,000 short and cannot purchase any. Would you have any to spare. Secondly, he seems to complain a lot about sitting in the city. He is a warrior, aye. He also is enthusiastic about a campaign, to either Sicily or anywhere. But with conquest must come considerable thinking over. I came to ask you your thoughts.

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles thinks over. "The money is no problem. Pay me back next year, I am too old for armour now anyway." He sighs, remembering the glory of his youth. "As for campaign, I standby what I said at council. Syracuse would be a tough nut to crack without an army and navy that has been blooded. If your son must campaign, let him aid Thessaly. Perhaps a short campaign against the Macedonian border territories is what the youth need to cool their blood?" Thermistocles takes a sip of wine. "This fleet that Corinth is building troubles me however. Perhaps we can send an emissary to learn their intent. If you deem it prudent we might even make demands of them. If they refuse to comply it will be seen as provocation, and just cause for sending the fleet to burns their ships at anchor."

[m_1512]

Aristocles accepts the bag from the slave. He smiles as he too remembers the old days. But it also jolts him to reality.
About Corinth, we need no emissary, but a spy. A spy of utmost skill to find it all out. But my firstborn is of fiery blood, and my younger is nothing but games and parties. But I am sure you can find someone.

As for Thessaly, I am not sure of sending a green force against the Macedonians. Why, the Macedonians will just walk over them. Perhaps a force of mercenaries would suffice. But Syracuse isn't the old tough nut to crack. From their latest news, they have become accustomed to lying down of beds and couches made of rose petals.

As for the satrapies, that is plain lunacy. No idea why Xenophon supports it.

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles snorts in contempt at the mercenary's name. "That one seeks only glory and plunder. If he truly meant to serve Athens he would not have spent so long away from her lining his own pockets. No, you were right in your opinions there; any strike East with Sparta, Macedon and Syracuse at our backs would be the rankest sort of idiocy. If that...mercenary..." He snarls the word "Truly wishes to serve, then let us find out his worth. Send him North with a force of mercenaries whilst your son prepares to campaign in Sicily. Much as I dislike the man, he might have some use to us. And every tool has it's place." He gives a twisted smile. "Besides, he will be leading a border raid, and thinking himself important whilst your son covers himself in glory. Of course...you will need to name Alexios Strategos for the campaign too. If your heart is set on Syracuse then Athens goes with you." The One Eye says decisively. Even if he disagreed with an opinion he knew when it was time to stop quarrelling and time to prepare. "There will be much to do to prepare for such a campaign. You may lean on me as much as you wish old friend."

[m_1512]

Aristocles nodded, but he still had a concern.
But what about Corinth? Who is capable to spy those people. Mind you, it is a risky position, but I am quite ready to reward the person from the treasury if he actually spies and foils their plans.

As for Xenophon, I will suggest him to lead a mercenary force into Macedon. As for Syracuse, I propose that we send the melites to fight along with some mercenaries. Your son can command the navy as soon as he is voted strategos. If Syracuse is taken, we can settle the foreigners there as citizens of Athens. They will have truly earned the honor then.

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles nodded. "An elegant solution, we remove one of the daggers at our back, bloody Macedon's nose a little and find out what we have in this mercenary captain whilst also divesting ourselves of some of these troublesome melites. Yes...that would do very well indeed. As for Corinth, I shall need to think, but I have a few candidates in mind for spying. If you give me time I can find somebody for you. Or perhaps Pallas or this young Nikomedes son of Nicanor?"

[m_1512]

Aristocles stands up.
Very well, I must leave for now for other matters. Perhaps it would be well to consult the Oracle too. I wonder what my sons are doing. Alexias no doubt riling people about a campaign, and Lysandros of course some games or theater.

He bids farewell and turns to leave.

[Ganbarenippon]

"Farewell my friend. I shall go to the temple and pray for your success in office. And I'll send the right man to Corinth, you have my word."

[Ganbarenippon]

Nikomedes, son of Nicanor, is shown into the modest courtyard garden where the One Eye sits. "Young man, welcome to my home. Please be seated." He gestures to the stool opposite his own.

[Honors Bastion]

Nikomedes quickly sat down in the stool opposite to Thermistocles. He was somewhat nervous being before the Thermistocles and he wondered why the renowned man would want to speak with him and not his father. After he sat down, he patiently waited for the elder man to speak before he himself spoke

[Ganbarenippon]

"Tell me my boy, what is your fondest wish?" Thermistocles asked as the wine was poured for them both. A simple question, but one with so many answers.

[Honors Bastion]

“My fondest wish is to continue my family tradition sir, to become a merchant and do my best to restore my family’s merchant empire, to do what my elder brother should have done.” said Nikomedes with great confidence in both his voice and his eyes.

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles nods. "Your father must rejoice to hear such words." The old man replies. "And do you believe our fair city is the best place to do this?"

[Honors Bastion]

“Of course good sir. There is no better city than my home city of Athens to begin the return of wealth and power to my family.” replies Nikomedes, again with confidence. “Athens has everything that a good merchant would want: location, the military strength both naval and land, and most importantly, access to quite a lot of silver. I could ask nothing more for a location to restore my family’s wealth.”

[Ganbarenippon]

Thermistocles nodded and smiled, though the smile did not touch his eye. "Indeed, we have all you say and more. But the true strength of Athens lies in her men. All of what you say we have we do because our men know that there are times when serving the city is necessary even at the cost of your own interests." He leans toward the younger man. "Athens has need of you Nikomedes. Will you serve?" He asks intently.