Saga of the One-Eyed - A Diadochi AAR | Dead due to game features

[m_1512]

Toi kratistoi!
To the strongest, belongs the empire of the world.

- Alexander III "the Great" of Macedon

Chapters

1. Prologue
   
2. An unusual errand
3. Spirit of the Drakos

[m_1512]

I. Prologue

Toi kratistoi. To the best man; for I foresee that a great combat of my friends will be my funeral games.

These were the words of Alexander. The man who conquered the world pressed a ornate signet ring to the heavens. There were mutterings that all this was an outcome of delirium. It was an unique sight. Some wept at the possible end of their hero, whom they worshiped as a legacy of none other than Achilles himself. Some watched worried of what tomorrow beheld, what the greed and ambition will succumb the empire to. The companions of the king present there, companions who had fought with him in conquering a large empire, looked at each other apprehensively.

But sheer hope could not calm the foreboding. It started out as harmless arguments for the regency of the empire till Alexander's heir is able to reign. But soon, the arguments turned stronger, festering into bitterness among the men who were originally friends. One could not but suspect the intentions behind such incidents. Had the diadochoi, the followers, taken the words of the late king at heart? Do they now consider themselves the rightful successors to the empire, ready to take the life of a friend?

It came to pass within a year. Perdiccas attempt to claim the throne and his assassination flared the first war. It was as Alexander warned. Had not Perdiccas killed by a friend? But the others made terms with the killers, giving them abode in Macedon. Antipater took over as regent of the empire, where once Perdiccas had sat. For once it seemed that this would be the end of the bloodshed. But alas, it would all be in vain. There would be yet another war, and the empire again divided between the diadochoi.

Like a lion conquers with strength by defeating the others, the diadochoi would wage yet more wars. The phalanxes marched again, leaving slaughter, Greek and Persian alike, in their wake. Finally, almost fifty years after Alexander's death, some sort of peace and order was restored. The descendents of Ptolemeos now rule the ancient lands of the Pharaohs. The successors of Seleukos now rule the empire which the Persian kings held sway. The dynasty of Antigonos now rule Macedon, the kingdom whose people had in some years forged the mighty empire.

- An account of the Polemos ton Diadochon.

Alexios rolls the scroll and returns it to his tutor, having read it aloud for all gathered there. Like him, all the youths could not but feel an awe of the account they heard. The tutor smiles as he puts to return the scroll to its place. It was an account well written, and seemed to have impressed the youth called Alexios the most. He orates a farewell speech to the youths, having completed their learning.

Alexios walks back to his residence, deep in thought. With his education complete, he thinks of his next destination as he gathers his few belongings and climbs his horse. As he approaches the gate, he calls out to the guard,
Greetings! Can you show me the way towards Pella, the city in Macedon?

[m_1512]

II. An unusual errand

Seven years later, Alexios made his way again into Pella. He had grown find of the city, its sights and sound. As he entered the palace, smiling and nodding at the guards, a man came up to him that he was expected by Nikomedes in his chambers. Alexios hurries to the chambers, it was rare that his mentor would summon him like that. The guards give way as he breaks into a run into the chambers.

Nikomedes was by the window studying a scroll. He looks up amused as a young man runs into the chamber skidding to a halt, slightly out of breath. He stands to pour some wine.
Well, that seemed a good exercise. But I don't see why it should be done in the palace. Here, have some wine. It is mixed of course, since Athens seems to have given you a taste for it.

Alexios sips the wine, speaking after composing himself.
The guard said you had summoned me here. I have just arrived from Thrace. All is peaceful there. Our troops are content and happy, and proud of our Basileos. He has achieved much in short years, marching over Epeiros and then conquering the whole of Thrace. A true grandson of Antigonos Monopthalmos, they say.

Nikomedes nodded in approval.
You have done well. For a young scholar, I would not have expected this much.
He begun pacing the chamber.
But I called you here about your next task. Our king has requested your presence, while he campaigns in Asia. This would also be the task where I shall not be able to guide you. I have been tasked by him to keep the Synedrion occupied, so they will not pester Antigonos with trivial matters just as he is about to claim all the territories in Asia which had once belonged to his grandfather. As this message was sent weeks ago, I imagine Phrygia would now be under our control.

Alexios had listened in stunned silence. As he was about to speak, Nikomedes raised a hand for silence.
I am aware that you want me to accompany you, but it is not possible.
He gave a sigh.
There are far more troubles here at home than what meets your eye. We are currently at war with Biephi tribes, and now Rome. Now that our eastern war is over, we have to deal with the barbarians and even more worrisome, the Romans. This is why the Synedrion is worried, and will send all kinds of summons or pleas or orders to him. I have to shout myself hoarse at every session to keep them calm.
He rolls up the scroll on the table, handing to Alexios.
No! You have to start for Asia. It is not prudent to keep the king waiting. Go there and help him restore order there so he can then deal with other threats. Also, convey the message that we have began the offensive towards the barbarians and there is another army to protect us from Romans.

------------

A rough call wakes him to the present. Alexios awake from his introspection, hears the sounds of the oars hitting the waves and of the men calling out orders. The cool breeze of the dawn feels refreshing, after being on the sea for many days. A man limps towards him.
We will reach Ephesus in two to three hours. We will be avoiding the main harbor as it will be crowded with trade vessels. I had instructed a man to wait for you with a horse and some food where we would leave you.

At the landing point, a wizened man bows to Alexias offering some bread. Bolting down the meal, Alexios gallops towards the city drinking in the country side beauty. However, he immediately feels something amiss as he nears the city. Where was the bustle and noise, so characteristic of any urban settlement? It appeared as the city besieged by war, but there was no rebuilding of anything. The people weaving in and out of the city walked silently with sombre expressions, as if not wanting to show any traces of emotions or any guilt. The guards stood there grim-faced and watching suspiciously at everyone, while the black banners over the gates fluttered with the wind.

Alexios knew this feeling, of a calm before a storm, of fear and tension. Before he could even decide if he should turn his horse and return back, two guards spot him. They walked towards him, gripping their weapons, ready to strike at the slightest movement.

[Dance]

An AAR, by a prolific writer of TWC?

I will indeed follow this closely.

One small recommendation: The font size.

Though I appreciate and understand the use of book antiqua in a small font, as it seems aesthetically pleasing, both in writing in antiquity and as a smooth, compact compilation of the words, it may make it very difficult for some readers to read, as it is an abnormally small font, naturally.

A very unique way of presenting the dialogue, although I will not say its wrong, as its obviously a style you composed yourself for this, I'm sure.

Alexios knows what's up!

+Rep so far.

Cheers!

[m_1512]

An AAR, by a prolific writer of TWC?

Thanks for the kind words. But I wouldn't claim myself to be profilic.[/QUOTE]

I will indeed follow this closely.

First subsciber!

One small recommendation: The font size.

Though I appreciate and understand the use of book antiqua in a small font, as it seems aesthetically pleasing, both in writing in antiquity and as a smooth, compact compilation of the words, it may make it very difficult for some readers to read, as it is an abnormally small font, naturally.

It's Palatino Linotype. I have bumped it to size 3. Hope it's okay visible now.

A very unique way of presenting the dialogue, although I will not say its wrong, as its obviously a style you composed yourself for this, I'm sure.

Not sure what mean here. Some feedback would be appreciated.

Alexios knows what's up!

+Rep so far.

Cheers!

But I haven't even written that part yet!

Tell you what, lots of rep to the person who guesses "what's up." Put the guess in a spoiler though.

[Merchant of Venice]

Is this the beginning of the Rome 2 AAR section?

An interesting start to a story, which has a lot of potential. I already want to know more about Alexios and i simply cannot wait for war with the Romans.

This is my guess for whats up!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Guards are the fathers of two girls who Alexios had an affair with

[m_1512]

Is this the beginning of the Rome 2 AAR section?

I hope so. This section has great potential due to the new features introduced in the game.

An interesting start to a story, which has a lot of potential. I already want to know more about Alexios and i simply cannot wait for war with the Romans.

Thanks for your kind words. I plan to put quite some twists and surprises along the way.

This is my guess for whats up!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Guards are the fathers of two girls who Alexios had an affair with

Very funny.

[wowbanger]

Well you kept this quiet when we spoke before.

A promising start. Looking forward to seeing what happens?

+rep

[Dance]

A very unique way of presenting the dialogue, although I will not say its wrong, as its obviously a style you composed yourself for this, I'm sure.

Not sure what mean here. Some feedback would be appreciated.

Example:

Nikomedes nodded in approval.
You have done well. For a young scholar, I would not have expected this much.
He begun pacing the chamber.

Alternate revision:

Nikomedes nodded in approval. "You have done very well. For a young scholar, I would not have expected much," he said, now pacing about the chamber.

What I meant by a unique presentation is not using traditional quotations and proper dialogue format. Instead, using italics on an entirely different line for dialogue, then supplementing descriptive writing on above and below, as opposed to directly following, with proper punctuation. It's very unorthodox.

Now, I would assume a writer of your caliber that this was intentional, of course. That is what I meant by the aforementioned comment about unique presentation.

[m_1512]

Well you kept this quiet when we spoke before.

Well, this came into being long time after we spoke last.

What I meant by a unique presentation is not using traditional quotations and proper dialogue format. Instead, using italics on an entirely different line for dialogue, then supplementing descriptive writing on above and below, as opposed to directly following, with proper punctuation. It's very unorthodox.

Now, I would assume a writer of your caliber that this was intentional, of course. That is what I meant by the aforementioned comment about unique presentation.

Ah.. yes, I get you now. And yes, it is intentional. Something I picked up in the RPG forums.

It is unorthodox but has a use too. The text is easier to discern between dialogues and narration as compared to the old style. But I did not go all the way by using colored text for dialogues.

[Dance]

It works well. There is absolutely no rule in English that prohibits unique writing styles. Just as you can write a story in many different perspectives, my firm belief is you can display dialogue and descriptive content in a multitude of ways, of which yours is one.

I like it!

[Paraipan]

Finally, the Rome 2 AAR section comes to life. Following.

About Alexios...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The guards mistake him for a spy and imprison him, only to be released after the success of the imminent siege.

[m_1512]

III. Spirit of the Drakos

A man on horseback traversed through a dark forest. A cold winter wind blew through the forest, rippling the leaves on the trees with an eerie rustling sound. The wind and every sound of a rustle made the rider tense on the horse, in turn making the horse tense and alert. This was not comforting to the rider. Although a brave youth, there was a certain brooding feel to the forest, intensified by the wind and sounds. He could not help but feel some mystic sense here, making him wish he were back in Macedon.

The rider drew in his robes and cloak around himself tighter. He would have turned back, were he not on an important task. To take his mind off brooding thoughts, turned his thoughts to the report that created this task. It was a report that would have no doubt delighted naive fools. But it had no doubt stimulated the mind of Nikomedes. The old man immediately summoned him and bid him to start for Nassos, the last down near the borders of Macedonia. With nothing left to continue his thoughts, the rider said to the horse.
Thinking of Nassos, are you not? I would have gladly slept in your stable than wander in this brooding forest.

But a strange figure catches his eye, making him pull the reins by instinct. He had frightened his mount, he could feel the horse shivering under him, pawing nervously on the ground. Dismounting, he pulls a blade from the sheath concealed within his robes. His breath catching in every step he took, he inched forward towards the figure. He could not believe his eyes, for he saw the outline of what looked like a serpent suspended in the air. He took a deep steadying breath to compose himself and strode forward, the blade ready in the hoplite stance. Walking near enough to it, he saw what it was.

It was a banner, but unlike anything he had ever seen. It was a large hollow metal wolfish head attached to a pole. The head seamlessly continued with a serpent like body made of cloth. The wind blew into the jaws gave off a silent shrill sound, like a metal scraping on another metal. But what more unnerved the man was the hollow body of cloth fluttered making it appear lifelike. He relaxed, cursing his moment of panic but even more wishing he was not in this place. He continued forward on horse, his right hand still clutching the blade. After many uneventful hours, dawn approached. All he knew was that he was far beyond Macedonian territory and wondered where the strategos was. He did not have to wait long, as a dull sound of a horn sounded from the north. He rode towards the sound of the horn, trying to remain within the woods to keep out of sight. He dismounted and with stealth climbed a rock to observe the scene while being unseen. He could see two armies lined for battle.


Battle of Singidun - Winter, 232 BC
It was a ideal day for battle, with a cold but clear morning. The two armies were drawn up on the two sides of a river, with a shallow path from which units could waddle through. The man instantly recognized the Macedonian army from the Vergina sun painted on the hoplons of the leader of the troops. Then the other must be the Biephi, the Thracian tribe that decided to raid and conquer a client tribe of Macedonia. He could not see much in the din of horns, marching of troops and calling of orders.

The Macedonian forces arrayed themselves in three lines. The first was of the archers, then the levies from Thracia, followed by the hoplites, the pride of Hellenic armies. They marched calmly on while the cavalry were gearing up for a charge at the enemy skirmishers. But he had spotted something that they had not. Hidden behind some shrubs and rocks near the bank were spearmen. But it was too late, he could not risk running towards the Macedonians to warn them. There was a clear danger of being put down, either by the barbarian slingers or by his own archers. The cavalry reached the skirmishers. Right on time, the spearmen presented a wall of spears on the horses, instantly slaughtering more than half of the horses. Even worse, the rain of Macedonian archers finished off a quarter of remaining horsemen. This was enough for the horses, who simply turned and bolted off from the battle. The observer could somehow sense that this was only the beginning of a total disaster.

The main body of army had reached a narrow shallow. But as the barbarians started a frenzied charged, the archers were blocked from the escape due to the levies and hoplites. But they nevertheless tried to, in turn disrupting their lines. The battle was now a mass brawl of infantry in the shallows, all formations disrupted and the soldiers now fighting in chaos. Within minutes, the color of the water changed to red around the shallows. The Macedonians clearly weren't used to fighting with frenzy, and the Biephi seemed to be gaining the upper-hand. But they were still finding their match in the hoplites. But it would all be in vain.

The strategos of the army bolted from the battlefield. His flight now completely dispirited the soldiers and they too started a chaotic rout. Chaotic in that the rout itself claimed quite few casualties in the confusion. But fortune seemed to favor them. The Biephi could not take the opportunity to finish off the army, as they kept tripping on the dead and falling around in the shallows. Soon they gave up the attempt and let the Macedonians escape.


The man had seen enough. He crept back to his horse and turned to follow the army. It was not difficult, the ground was trampled like a herd of cattle had fled in confusion. Soon, he reached the camp of the glorious army. They had fled back to Macedonian territory and were near the river border, not far north of Nassos.

A camp of lions?

He dismounted from his horse and walked into the camp. The men bustled around, weary and disheartened after the battle. He stopped an archer as he walked past.
Where is your strategos? I believe Anisodoros is his name. Show me his tent.

The man appraises him head to foot, taking in the fine robes and the Macedonian symbol etched on a coin like surface where his cloak was fastened. The archer guessed the man to be of a high status. He bowed and led him to an elaborate tent, explaining the situation to the sentinel outside. The man was led inside, where the strategos was holding a cloth to a wound in the thigh. He looked up at the visitor.
Who are you? And what do you want? Forgive me for the lack of niceties, for I am exhausted by the battle.

The man stands straight.
I am Kassandros, son of Nikomedes. I trust you know Nikomedes, Archon and chief adviser to the Basileos. I have come here to inspect and document the situation, as per the last report you had sent.

Anisodoros pales slightly. This was a bad time for having royal advisers to spy around. He frowned, trying to choose his next words carefully.
Welcome, please have a seat, I was not expecting you so soon. As you can see, things did not go well today, and facing a defeat is not easy to bear with. I would have fought on till the end had not this arrow struck me at the leg.

Kassandros smiled. This was going to be amusing.
Yes, it seems an unfortunate defeat. Yet I cannot help but wonder what went wrong when the report mentioned that Biephi would be defeated and conquered. You also had mentioned the restoration of the glory of Alexandros. I could not recall anything else that had stirred the Synedrion into such excitement.

Anisodoros lets out a sigh.
Perhaps I underestimated the tribe. I certainly did not think they would possess the cunning they showed today. But I had done all I could. Perhaps the Synedrion would be satisfied if I had been slain. Now I must worry about the mischief Synedrion will get to, as if I did not have enough to worry about with the war and my thigh.

Kassandros dropped his smile, assuming a serious expression on his face. He started pacing the tent. He notices an blood stained arrow on a table. Picking it up, he observes it for a moment and resumes pacing clutching the arrow.
I would advise you to leave it to us to worry about the Synedrion, for you have greater woes. If you must, worry about the reaction of our Basileos when he hears of this. I cannot see how he would be any pleased with this news.
He throws the arrow into the strategos' hand.
While it may be a good idea to show your wound to the Basileos, it would be complete disaster to show this arrow which even a child can tell it as an arrow made by Macedonians. If anything, you must learn to use your common sense. The only thing which separates you from the Antigonids is that they use their minds as well as their fists.

Exiting the tent, Kassandros finds a scout. He hands him a small pouch of coins.
Take your post on the border. Should they try to invade, give them this and ask them to wait till I come back to speak to them. I shall be back in a week, and if they don't attack, you can keep this as your reward. Do exactly as I say or you will hang on that tree.

A week later, Kassandros arrives at the border to meet the tribe chief. The chief was a man named Tarbus, fiery temper but of cunning nature. He watched as Kassandros approached with two men carrying a large chest. He speaks, watching the box.
What have you come to offer us now?

Kassandros holds up a scroll. He beckons the men to open the chest.
Peace, and an agreement not to trespass each others' lands. Oh, and a mere 7,000 gold pieces as a small token. The Macedonian army will withdraw from the border and will not come up again. I give you the assurance of our Basileos.

Tarbus considers the box. The gold was needed to maintain his position in the tribe, but he was also unsure to trust the Macedonians. Knowing that he has bared the greed by hesitating too late to refuse, he makes up his mind.
Very well, we agree to the peace. My army will remain in Singidun, kindly ask yours to return to Nassos or any of the towns.

Kassandros hands him the scroll, without smiling. It was causing him intense agitation to be making terms with them. He nods to them and leaves for Pulpadeva. Reaching the governor's palace, he lays down in a couch to instruct the other men.
Ask Anisodoros to garrison in Nassos, and inform him of the agreement. I will rest here for three days before moving for Pella

The men bows and leaves. Once out of earshot, he speaks to the governor.
Due to this debacle, I had to empty the Thracian treasury. You will have to make do with some 7 pieces of gold till we gain more income. It was necessary, but might give some excuse to use this politically. After three days, I must leave in haste for Pella, and explain this to my father before our Basileos returns. I expect Alexios would have reached Ephesus by now.

[Merchant of Venice]

Another well written chapter. While you dialogue is unique i find it no less enjoyable than the normal way of writing. I like your portrayal of the strategos, the coward trying to justify himself, very well done indeed.

Just one little thing. I presume you are going for a plot-based AAR? If so, I would advise you to possibly not add any more campaign pics for they remove the immersion for me, others might find it okay but i just feel that big people that tower over cities and mountains is just not very realistic.

[Paraipan]

So now we're in Thrace. Nice. I wonder where else this aar might take us...

And I agree with Merchant of Venice about using campaign map pics. Also was the battle you described an actual in game battle? If yes a few pictures would have been great, maybe from a higher elevation, reflecting Kassandros view of the battle. Anyway, writing is very good, I like the personalities of Kassandros and the Strategos.

[m_1512]

All this happened before Alexios reached Ephesus. And yes, it is from a battle. But I forgot to turn off the gigantic battle banners and that is one big immersion killer.

[m_1512]

Bad news!

Playing the game, I just realized that while I was busy playing the campaign (overwriting the save files) that about 10 years just sped by merely moving the armies and agents. This what I now experienced first hand about the major AARt wise flaw of the game. This is simply ridiculous and I am not sure this would be good by the plot. So, there needs to be drastic measures taken. I'll not abandon this AAR, but it means maybe the rewriting the chapters except the first. I know its sad, and I am sad by letting the work go waste.

As of now, I am browsing some good mods which will add value to roleplay elements which are so vital in AARt.

[Merchant of Venice]

Bad news!

Playing the game, I just realized that while I was busy playing the campaign (overwriting the save files) that about 10 years just sped by merely moving the armies and agents. This what I now experienced first hand about the major AARt wise flaw of the game. This is simply ridiculous and I am not sure this would be good by the plot. So, there needs to be drastic measures taken. I'll not abandon this AAR, but it means maybe the rewriting the chapters except the first. I know its sad, and I am sad by letting the work go waste.

As of now, I am browsing some good mods which will add value to roleplay elements which are so vital in AARt.

That is bad indeed. I found myself spending at most 15 mins at a time on the campaign for my own AAR, simply because anymore than that and i would go to far.

Alternatively, if things go really bad, you could turn this into a creative writing piece. Only a suggestion but if thing become unfixable it may be the only solution apart from abandonment.

[m_1512]

It is not about going far, but getting to a point. The point In refer to is that in vanilla, it takes about 8-10 years to get your armies from Asia Minor to Italy. Frankly, that's too dumb to ignore.

[Paraipan]

It is not about going far, but getting to a point. The point In refer to is that in vanilla, it takes about 8-10 years to get your armies from Asia Minor to Italy. Frankly, that's too dumb to ignore.

That's one of my biggest problems with unmoded TW games. Just yesterday I was testing army speeds in M2TW, and a march which in real history took about three weeks, took three years in game. I think it's worse with navies. For example the crusaders of the First Crusade marched from Constantinople to Jerusalem in 2 years (that's with several sieges and battles on the way, Stephen of Blois estimated the journey would take only 5 weeks). Now imagine how long that would take in M2TW.

Hope you will find a way around this (or a mod), this aar was very promising.