Byzántion, Gateway to the East

**PilgrimStans** · July 11, 2014, 07:26 AM

Byzántion, Gateway to the East

Founded by legendary Byzas in 657 BC directly straddling the western part of the Bosphorus Strait, Byzántion is a Greek city controlling the surrounding Thracian lands. Its location, far superior to that of Chalcedon on the Eastern side, means the city controls the only entrance to the Black Sea and all and any traffic that may pass through. Similarly the city controls the only means for armies to pass from Europe to Asia or vice-versa without the use of a vast fleet. Hecate is the Goddess most worshipped by the Byzantines, for her moon revealed the attacking army of Philip II and saved the city. The sun and crescent is now used the symbol of the city in honour of the Goddess.

Now this old and wealthy city has a new master and along with the neighbouring Thracian lands he intends to make it the capital of a new empire.

Spoiler for Cleitid Dynasty:

Cleitus of Thrace (Κλεῖτος της Θράκης)

Born: 353 BC (30 years old)
Marital Status: Unmarried
Court: Sopolis - A Macedonion general who is both Cleitus's friend an greatest advsior.
Nikon - A Greek diplomat who Alexander appointed to serve Cleitus.

'To the strongest.' If one were to take beloved Alexander's last words literally Cleitus would undoubtedly inherit the world. Forcing even the tallest of Greeks to look up to him Cleitus is less man and more bull, bulging muscles stretching even tailored clothes. Though his body is covered in coarse red hair his head is completely bald, his cheeks due to the Hellenic fashion and his skull because of a large ugly scar caused by a Persian blade.

Cleitus's impressive physique and imposing looks come courtesy of his ancestor. Son of a minor Thracian chieftain Cleitus was taken hostage by Philip II before his first birthday during one of his many campaigns. Only two years younger than Alexander the two grew up close companions. Though educated in a traditional manner he never learned to love philosophy or the arts in the same manner as the Hellenes. Instead he had one true love, war.

During Alexander's long campaign Cleitus served as commander and adviser to his friend but was never brought into the famed ranks of the Somatophylakes. Though clearly displaying the martial characteristics vital to such a position Alexander never viewed Cleitus as learned or interesting enough to occupy his very close circle. Cleitus was Alexander's βάρβαρος, his barbarian, the perfect loyal weapon to use against the savage opposition he faced. However Cleitus still loved his King and believed he truly was the son of Zeus-Ammon.

During the Partition of Babylon Cleitus claimed Thrace and Southern Macedon and declared himself Strategos of the area, ruling the lands in Philip II's name. After the short lived King's death and disappearance of Alexander's wife Cleitus still holds firm to the Argead Dynasty as other Diodochi declare themselves King's.

He now looks to continue the great Alexander's legacy through the only means he knows how.

Spoiler for Lands of the Cleitid Dynasty:

Spoiler for Cleitid Army:

Spoiler for Cleitid Fleet:

**Lucius Malfoy** · July 11, 2014, 03:07 PM

A messenger arrives from Pella, bearing the royal insignia of the neighboring King, Leonnatus. The message desires diplomatic and cooperative overtures with his neighbor involving the northern threat, the uprising by a Thracian claiming to be King.

**Ace_General** · July 11, 2014, 03:12 PM

Messengers arrive from the Athenian League, both addressed to Cleitus, and to the Athenians Megarian cousins in Byzatium, Chacledon, and their colonies in the Hellespont

(OOC: The Athenians had large trading interests in this region and either themselves or their allies founded many colonies in this region)

**Lucius Malfoy** · July 11, 2014, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Ace_General

Messengers arrive from the Athenian League, both addressed to Cleitus, and to the Athenians Megarian cousins in Byzatium, Chacledon, and their colonies in the Hellespont

(OOC: The Athenians had large trading interests in this region and either themselves or their allies founded many colonies in this region)

As for your Greek cousins/colonies, they are similar to as the Ionian Greeks under Jacb. They won't respond due to the overlordship of Macedonians. But at least you still got the messenger to Cleitus since he is a Hellenized Thracian.

**PilgrimStans** · July 11, 2014, 03:57 PM

Cleitus strides boldly down into the courtyard in front of his residences, adorned in plain clothing and marches stiffly to a messenger.

Speak your piece Athenian, I have a war to fight soon.

**The Wandering Storyteller** · July 16, 2014, 09:01 AM

An Hellenid envoy reaches the gates of Byantion, requesting an audience with the King Cletius, requesting an meeting about trade, an alliance and an non aggression pact.

**PilgrimStans** · July 16, 2014, 03:00 PM

The envoys are ushered into a quiet audience chamber within Byzántion and a small, lithe Greek welcomes them.

My apologies, Strategos. Cleitus is fighting the Thracian threat to the north and cannot be here to welcome you. I hope my attempts, though far inferior, can satisfy you instead. First, my master is a Strategos of the Emperor, the unborn son of Alexander, he who is of the blood of Zeus. He will never claim the title King. Nevertheless, what may I do for you?

**The Wandering Storyteller** · July 16, 2014, 07:09 PM

The envoy bows and begins.

'' My apologies for incorrectly assuming that your ruler was the King, nevertheless, I, Kaokri of Hera, his royal representative of Hellenus the Mighty, king of the Hellenid Kingdom, wishes to create an established trade agreement nation. Trade would very much bring much benefit, from our great wealth, since our wealth comes from the great fields of the Euphrates and Tigris. I am sure this would very much work in your favour. Secondly, we would like to an establish an alliance between our two nations, should there be any problems, you may be able to depend on us, and you will need an ally in the Persian lands to watch your back should you so want. An non aggression pact will be favourable as we have no intention of marching into people's lands. We will honour our agreement with you. It is fine if you will refuse our offer, we accept whatever your final decision is. ''

**PilgrimStans** · July 16, 2014, 07:19 PM

Nikon's customary grin adorns his face as he addresses the representative.

Why should we need a trade agreement Kaokri of Hera? Are traders not permitted to go where they wish in your lands? They are in ours. They need no permission from a King to perform their livelihood here.

And an alliance and non-aggression pact, hmm? Why should we wish to be friends with a man who has betrayed Alexander's child? No, we think not Kaokri. Remove yourself from this chamber, usurper's dog, and be sure to bring an army next time, for my master will not be so forgiving.

**The Wandering Storyteller** · July 16, 2014, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by PilgrimStans

Nikon's customary grin adorns his face as he addresses the representative.

Why should we need a trade agreement Kaokri of Hera? Are traders not permitted to go where they wish in your lands? They are in ours. They need no permission from a King to perform their livelihood here.

And an alliance and non-aggression pact, hmm? Why should we wish to be friends with a man who has betrayed Alexander's child? No, we think not Kaokri. Remove yourself from this chamber, usurper's dog, and be sure to bring an army next time, for my master will not be so forgiving.

Kaokri of Hera grinned back.

'' Did I hear you correctly? No, I heard something else. Our people do not have an craving for ignorant loquacity, and nevertheless we crave wholesome knowledge. Not ignorance, for we offered you something beneficial and you rejected it. If all your people died, I would merely thank the gods! '' Kaokri of Hera left, leaving the halls, mounting on his horse and yanked his horse, preparing for the long journey back home.