Marakanda, Capital of Sogdiana, Roof of the World

[Wheatley]

MARAKANDA
(SAMARKAND)

One of the oldest cities in the world, it lies in the shadows of the great Pamir mountains, the highest in the known world. The city was thought to be the greatest eastern extent of the Persian Empire, where the world ended. However, merchants travelling over from the mountains tell of an even richer and grander land known as "Qin" lying on the other side of the impassible terrain. The city has become an center of mixing cultures since the arrival of the Macedonians and Alexander. Greeks, Persians and Far Eastern peoples populate the stone city as it now restores itself to a capital of learning and trade. It is ruled by Diadotus, who was given the city by his band of Sagdonian noble warriors. With Alexander's blessing of course.

[McScottish]

Steam wafted from the flanks of the rather blown mount, a mare taken from the stables of the man who called himself the Hawk of the Desert and gifted to this singular rider alone. He was a nondescript figure, wrapped tightly in furs and thick robes, unaccustomed to the deathly chill of the Pamir range and eagerly wishing to be back in the dry lands of his home. Yet, it had been given to him the duty of initiating contact between those that had now made Marakanda and the provinces surrounding the city their home.

To this end he had ridden, using the former Persian Royal Road, with all haste for the city which some had even claimed did not exist, and yet stood as solidly built before him as if the Gods had placed it their themselves.

A Ysatisian envoy arrives in Marakanda.

[Wheatley]

The envoy is accepted into the city and escorted by a troop of Macedonian Companions and some Persian natives in Hellenistic armor to the small citadel at the city's northeastern corner. Diadotus sits down with the envoy in a room thick with myrrh and soft carpets. "What brings you here, traveller?" Only five guards could be seen in the room.

[McScottish]

The envoy is accepted into the city and escorted by a troop of Macedonian Companions and some Persian natives in Hellenistic armor to the small citadel at the city's northeastern corner. Diadotus sits down with the envoy in a room thick with myrrh and soft carpets. "What brings you here, traveller?" Only five guards could be seen in the room.

The stranger, who stood when he spoke to Diadotus, as was the Makedonian custom, had already taken in the entire room from the moment he was bought into the citadel to the present minute; it was a room that he had seen a number of times in other places, though more Persian than Greek, the myrrh a definite signal that this so-called 'King' in the mountains was more than what he appeared to be. Perhaps he even cared about all the subjects under his reign?

Not that it mattered...

"Diadotus," he spoke, not bothering to acknowledge him as either King or even satrap of these lands, "there are rumours of a power rowing in the lands of the Hindu-Kush, of a dynasty of Hellenes that have taken root there. Already, the snake of a satrap of Baktra has prostrated himself before this man, whoever he is, and with it his lands and all that such an action entails." Giving a lick of his lips, tasting the moisture and the tang of incense in the air, the desert-dweller went on, "I come from a land, and a people, that follow a heavenly blessed leader. A leader that wishes to know where great Diadotus believes he shall be in a matter of years? Whether he believes himself safe from this coming storm? What, he bids me ask, will Diadotus do?"

[Wheatley]

The Great Diadotus? I am not great. All I wish is to protect the people of Sogdia, Greek and Persian alike. Though the growing power of the east, it worries me that ambitious man might try to claim my lands and in the process destroy them... Does your "blessed" leader believe he'll be the target of the growing powerin Bactria? Tell me of him. Diadotus demanded.

[McScottish]

The Great Diadotus? I am not great. All I wish is to protect the people of Sogdia, Greek and Persian alike. Though the growing power of the east, it worries me that ambitious man might try to claim my lands and in the process destroy them... Does your "blessed" leader believe he'll be the target of the growing powerin Bactria? Tell me of him. Diadotus demanded.

"The care in which you hold these people is known even to my master, Artobyzus, Hawk of the Desert. It is his concern that, should this...Kleandros...grab the loyalty of all those nearest to you and, eventually, possess that which you seem to hold here in contentment, this is all. For himself he cares little, his own 'kingdom' being little more than sand, but Diadotus is the one who holds the power in this region and he would not see it- even if it is held by a Hellene -snuffed out. My King hopes that we could come to some sort of agreement, a treaty perhaps? One of trade and of mutual interests in defense of the Persians you seem so keen to protect. If not...well, then I shall return to him and tell him that his words were wind."

[Wheatley]

"The care in which you hold these people is known even to my master, Artobyzus, Hawk of the Desert. It is his concern that, should this...Kleandros...grab the loyalty of all those nearest to you and, eventually, possess that which you seem to hold here in contentment, this is all. For himself he cares little, his own 'kingdom' being little more than sand, but Diadotus is the one who holds the power in this region and he would not see it- even if it is held by a Hellene -snuffed out. My King hopes that we could come to some sort of agreement, a treaty perhaps? One of trade and of mutual interests in defense of the Persians you seem so keen to protect. If not...well, then I shall return to him and tell him that his words were wind."

"I do not fear Kleandros' army. Alexander was nearly vanquished by the people in these hills and it would take the Great King's equal to conquer it again. But only a fool would deny an offer of friendship and defense in times of uncertainty. Tell Artobyzus that I am willing to cooperate." Diadotus did not trust the Persians of the heartlands. They were not of the same breed as the Sogdians. The Aryan Persians and Hillmen differed like Macedonians and Greeks. But he recognized that it could be beneficial to tie himself to one.

[McScottish]

"I do not fear Kleandros' army. Alexander was nearly vanquished by the people in these hills and it would take the Great King's equal to conquer it again. But only a fool would deny an offer of friendship and defense in times of uncertainty. Tell Artobyzus that I am willing to cooperate." Diadotus did not trust the Persians of the heartlands. They were not of the same breed as the Sogdians. The Aryan Persians and Hillmen differed like Macedonians and Greeks. But he recognized that it could be beneficial to tie himself to one.

"I shall inform him," replied the Persian in a pleasantly surprised tone, "may Ahuramazda shine his light upon you and yours."

With a small nod of his head and a flurry of Persian robes, the envoy and his fellows retreated at a leisurely pace back to their mounts, and soon were on their way back to Ysatis. There were many miles to travel, but then again good news always travelled slower than bad.

[Zectorman]

A messenger from the Court of Kleandros delivers his message,

"To my brother in arms, Diadotus, I Kleandros of the Greco-Kush sends greetings and love. I accept your proposal to meet me outside of my city of Bactra. No harm will come to you whether or not talks are heated or in friendship. As former partners under Alexander III, I will afford you the respect deserving between two Macedonian nobles such as ourselves. Let us hope our meeting will end in continued friendship!"

[The Wandering Storyteller]

The Selecuid Envoy reached the Palace Gates of Marakanda, making their way through to present an offer for the Marakanda nation.

The envoy began.
'' I, Diodorcus of Hail, son of Thracus, his royal representative of his king, Hellenus the Migthy, wish to establish an trade agreement between our two nations. A trade agreement will be benefical in terms of mutual and economic aspect. Should you also be kind enough, to establish an non aggression pact between our two nations?''.

[Wheatley]

Diadotus, satrap of Marakanda came down from the palace tower, fresh from his bloodless conquest of Chorasmia and entered the main hall. "Welcome envoy, can I offer you refreshments?" The servants brought Diodorcus a metal cup filled with milk. "My nation will soon swear allegiance to that of Kleandros, so it is not in my power to sign a non-agression pact... But trade is always welcome." He was relaxed, standing alone in colorful robes.

[The Wandering Storyteller]

Diodorcus nodded in respect, grateful for the cup of milk, drank the cup and put it down. His eyes faced Diadotus, satrap of Marakanda. '' I thank you, Diadotus, for your agreement in accepting the trade agreement. Should you require anything from us, we will assist. It is an shame that there is no chance for an non aggression pact... '' Diadorcus tapped his fingers on the table, turning his head the other way. '' But we can adapt. None the less, should you ever need the chance to visit my place, I shall bring an glorious feast in your honour, very well, I thank you for the refreshment, and we must be going. It was a good event meeting you, Diadotus, '' Diodorcus smiled offering a gift, a gift of finely woven Chinese silk from the Silk trade in respect of the trade agreement. He soon left the halls, with his bodyguards behind him, ready for the journey back home.

[Wheatley]

Diadotus turned his head to the servants. "That was rather quick don't you think?" Unfortunately the slave knew no Greek and could only blankly stare at his master. Diadotus had prepared chambers for his visitors to stay in after the long journey but now they would be useless. He shook his head and smiled. "We'll see him again soon I hope."

[McScottish]

Several envoys, mounted on swift horses, faces swathed in wraps that obscured their faces arrive at Marakanda and request an audience with the King.

[Wheatley]

Diadotus meets them, but the mood in the room is quite chilly and many of the guards seem tense. "Welcome, honored messangers. What does the Desert Hawk have to say to me now? Congratulate me on my victory or ask for an invitation to Kleandros' crowning?"

[McScottish]

Diadotus meets them, but the mood in the room is quite chilly and many of the guards seem tense. "Welcome, honored messangers. What does the Desert Hawk have to say to me now? Congratulate me on my victory or ask for an invitation to Kleandros' crowning?"

The messenger is unfazed by the clearly provocative words, his face expressionless and his voice almost monotone as he replies to the loaded question in much the same manner, "may I ask, honoured dog, what victory that might be? I do not believe you have won anything, or does achieving dominance over foolish old men- without even getting ones weapon bloodied -make you a master of war in Makedon?" Now he gave the slightest of smiles, more of a smirk, looking directly at the man who thought himself a warrior, "my King wishes only that you remove yourself from the backside of your master, if you can, and remove youself and your army back to where it belongs. If you can get back up from rolling onto your back, then I am entirely sure this is possible."

Nothing within the messengers voice or face ever changed, his eyes unblinking, and even the chance that Diadotus could send his head away in a bag like nothing to him. This man was nothing to fear, he was Kleandros' porne and nothing more, a tool to be used and then disposed of when Kleandros was done. If he could not see that, then there really was no hope.

[Wheatley]

The messenger is unfazed by the clearly provocative words, his face expressionless and his voice almost monotone as he replies to the loaded question in much the same manner, "may I ask, honoured dog, what victory that might be? I do not believe you have won anything, or does achieving dominance over foolish old men- without even getting ones weapon bloodied -make you a master of war in Makedon?" Now he gave the slightest of smiles, more of a smirk, looking directly at the man who thought himself a warrior, "my King wishes only that you remove yourself from the backside of your master, if you can, and remove youself and your army back to where it belongs. If you can get back up from rolling onto your back, then I am entirely sure this is possible."

Nothing within the messengers voice or face ever changed, his eyes unblinking, and even the chance that Diadotus could send his head away in a bag like nothing to him. This man was nothing to fear, he was Kleandros' porne and nothing more, a tool to be used and then disposed of when Kleandros was done. If he could not see that, then there really was no hope.

​"Have you ever heard that the greatest victory is when you vanquish your enemy without fighting? They Satrap is loyal to the cause now." He answered. The Persian was obviously trying to provoke him by acting all high and mighty as if he had no fear at all. A common and overused ruse that he had seen many times in the Macedonian courts.

"I am terribly sorry if it is inconvenient for you Persian, but Kleandros is the man to unite these lands, at whatever cost possible. My only wish is to make sure that Alexander's legacy is preserved and the dream he had of a united world is realized by the most worthy successor. With violence if it's necessary. Alexander's dream stands above any selfish desires I or anyone else might have." Diadotus knew that Artobyzus was afraid. His actions spoke of desperation, sending an envoy to convince him to leave his king's side proved this.

[McScottish]

​"Have you ever heard that the greatest victory is when you vanquish your enemy without fighting? They Satrap is loyal to the cause now." He answered. The Persian was obviously trying to provoke him by acting all high and mighty as if he had no fear at all. A common and overused ruse that he had seen many times in the Macedonian courts.

"I am terribly sorry if it is inconvenient for you Persian, but Kleandros is the man to unite these lands, at whatever cost possible. My only wish is to make sure that Alexander's legacy is preserved and the dream he had of a united world is realized by the most worthy successor. With violence if it's necessary. Alexander's dream stands above any selfish desires I or anyone else might have." Diadotus knew that Artobyzus was afraid. His actions spoke of desperation, sending an envoy to convince him to leave his king's side proved this.

Not only did the envoy begin to smile, but also began to laugh, laughing openly until tears began to roll down the unseen sides of his cheeks. When he had finished he steadied himself, giving a small shrug, "inconvenience? Oh there is no inconvenience, none at all, at least none caused by such an unthinking pawn. On the contrary, my King would like to invite you to enter into his lands, like the oath-breaking son of a craven you are, and see just how much blood you can avoid spilling then." Opening his arms up wide, the envoy gave a sarcastic bow, "you have one chance to withdraw from Khromasia, to set down your arms before conflict comes upon you, and to save yourself from damnation in the eyes of the Gods. What is your response?"

[Wheatley]

Not only did the envoy begin to smile, but also began to laugh, laughing openly until tears began to roll down the unseen sides of his cheeks. When he had finished he steadied himself, giving a small shrug, "inconvenience? Oh there is no inconvenience, none at all, at least none caused by such an unthinking pawn. On the contrary, my King would like to invite you to enter into his lands, like the oath-breaking son of a craven you are, and see just how much blood you can avoid spilling then." Opening his arms up wide, the envoy gave a sarcastic bow, "you have one chance to withdraw from Khromasia, to set down your arms before conflict comes upon you, and to save yourself from damnation in the eyes of the Gods. What is your response?"

Diadotus remained still in face of the ridiculous envoy. "My response is no. You can see yourself out envoy. You have shamed your master with your empty threats and insults." The captain of the guards spoke up. "Remove your clothes as well. We do not dress beasts in silks and robes here.

[Wheatley]

OOC: I'll RP that Diadotus arrived in India after this meeting. It doesn't change any outcome

The guards laughed as the envoys rode off and Diadotus sighed. He hadn't desired to make an enemy of the Persians but it seemed their hatred for Makedon was blind. The man ought to be grateful Diadotus did not have him castrated as well, leaving him as a eunuch. He decided that it'd be wise to call on Kleandros for aid. Who knew what Artobyzus was scheming in his desert lands.