Ysatis, Bulwark of the Desert

[McScottish]

Ysatis, Bulwark of the Desert

Over three-thousand years old, one of the longest occupied settlements on earth, this rather insignificant place- known as Ysatis from the time of the Median Empire- is one of strong faith, strong traditions, and warriors hardened by the place they call home; sitting on the route of the famous Silk Road, and surprisingly untouched by conflicts and warring outside its boundaries of acrid deserts and looming mountains, Ystatis has the potential to become wealthy and grow powerful.

It is the dream of Artobyzus to make this so.

Here is a place of learning from all manner of cultures and peoples, of trade, both a haven and a secure base within the bowels of a sand-filled giant, a place where a loyal ally could pass through on his way to greater things...or where an invader might come and experience the drying of the mouth in fear and the bitter tang of defeat.

Artobyzus and Family

Father and Rule: Artobyzus, known as Pamphilos to the Yauja (Hellenes) Nicknames: Isuva ('battle-axe') and 'Hawk of the Desert' Age: 34 (born 357 BC) Marital Status: Married to Amastris - Sakineh, youngest daughter of Phrataphernes, Satrap of Parthia under Darius III and Alexander (Deceased due to illness) - Amastris, daughter of Oxyathres, niece of Darius III Codomannus, heir to the blood of the Achaemenid Dynasty Issue: 4 children (2 sons and 2 daughters) - Fravarti (M), born 339 BC (age 16) - Arezva (M), born 335 BC (age 12) - Mahnaz (F), born 334 BC (age 11) - Parvaneh (F), born 331 BC (age 8)

Possessions/Provinces of Artobyzus

Ysatis* (Unnumbered) - Located in the middle of a vast desert, Artobyzus has made this natural stronghold his capital and seat of power. Parthia (79) - Sousia (Regional Capital) Karmania (80) - Alexandreia Karmania (RC) Margiana (82) - Alexandreia Margos/Margiana (RC) Areia/Ariana (83) - Alexandreia Areia/Ariana (RC) Hyrkania (77/78) - Sadrakarta/Zadrakarta (RC) Southern Karmania (81) - Harmozeia (RC) *Note: The location of Ysatis is not an 'official' province- not located on the numbered map - Ysatis being located in the desert region of the Iranian plataeu, this would likely be located in the centre between all four of these provinces. For games purposes, let's say it roughly sits on the central line between provinces 79 and 83 of the numbered map.

Treaties and Diplomatic Relations

Diadotus of Sogdiana: Defensive/Non-aggression pact and trade relations established, known as a friend to Ysatis, but still thought of warily. Antigonus I Kalós, Pharoah of Aegypt: Non-aggression/Defensive Alliance pact and trade relations established, known as a good friend to Ysatis. Kleandros of the Far East: Non-aggression pact and trade relations established, known as a lukewarm friend of Ysatis, looked upon as a threat though. [B]Parmenion, King of Babylon: Firm alliance and trade relations established, seen as a friend of Ysatis..

The Army of the Desert

Persia AOR: 2,500 men per province (8) Professional: 2,4000 men Allied: 5,6000 men Levy: 12,000 men Total: 20,000 men Noble Guard: 2,400 Men (Professional/Elite) (12,000 Pts) Khuveshavagan (Persian Heavy Cavalry) (Elite Heavy Cavalry) 800: The Khûveshâvagân used to be the most expensively attired cavalry in the world, and were indeed the sign of the equestrian power of the Achaemenid world order. With the coming of Macedonian cavalry tactics, the Khûveshâvagân had undergone several changes. The final product was an extra-heavy cavalry unit, magnificently equipped with the finest technology mustered by the Achaemenids. Financed by the royal treasuries, they were made into a contingent of specific honour, The Kinsmen. Armed with a xyston, and a machaira along with the deployment in column formation, this unit was purely equipped for melee combat, like the later cataphracts. The mount being barded with peytrel, chamfrôn and the parameridia or armoured saddle, made this unit a particularly headstrong opponent worthy of respect. (4,000 Pts) Kardaka Arteshtar (Persian Hoplites) (Elite Heavy Infantry) 1,200: The Kardaka are armed with the Iranian longsword, and a long thrusting spear. These guards also carried the large hoplon-shaped shield known as the Aspis. The armour to protect the torso was usually composed of iron scales and was worn over a brightly decorated tunic hanging down to just above the knees, however this was far from uniform so any rudimentary armour, including bronze scales, linen and even quilted cloth could suffice depending on individual wealth or the available equipment of the local armouries. As the Kardakâ, originally a late Achaemenid imitation of a hoplite, grew to become gradually more Hellenized, in particular during Seleucid times where the linen corselet also known as the linothorax became more popular. Their grey iron helm would have a slightly oval thimble shape though here it is shown as an Eastern version of a modular Attic helmet, with protection for the neck, particularly popular around Lycia and Cilicia. They would have loose trousers and short light brown leather boots. They would also have a thick linen cloak of dark blue or deep red. Well drilled, close order infantry these men form the core of most eastern armies. They are capable and disciplined troops. (6,000 Pts) Allied Forces: 5,600 Men (Heavy Infantry) (11,200 Pts) Pantodapoi Phalangitai (Hellenic Native Phalanx) (Heavy Infantry) 2,800: To defeat your enemy, you must become your enemy...or something like that. Artobyzus has seen what phalanxes of Makedonian soldiers can do first hand, and he would not have it repeated in his own kingdom. As such, he had taken these steps to begin recruiting the sons of natives and Makedonian veterans from the various Alexandrias in order to form a core of sarissa-wielding fighters of his own, and use his enemies weapon against them. (5,600 Pts) Misthophoroi Thureophoroi (Mercenary Hellenic Spearmen) (Heavy Infantry) 2,800: Thureophoroi were a new class of Hellenic infantry that was designed to both augment the phalanx and provide a type of soldier in between the Phalangite and the Peltast that was able to skirmish and fight in melee. They are an extremely mobile force that can hit hard with their heavy javelins then rush in to flank pike units. They are well armed and armored for the task, having stout bronze helms, linen armor, an almond shaped theuros shield, heavy javelins, and a stout spear. They are highly versatile infantry, akin in spirit to the legionaries of Rome. They are usually Pezhetairoi, middle class property owners with voting rights. As such, they are well able to devote time to training and practice. They have good morale and are highly disciplined. They were often described by Latin writers as copies of the legion. It is debatable whether they were developed with knowledge of warfare in Italy or not, they are a highly effective force of heavy infantry that is in the forefront of Hellenic military know-how. (5,600 Pts) Levied Forces: 12,000 Men (Assorted) (16,000 Pts) Camel Riders (Light Cavalry) 1,200: What can a desert be without camels, especially when they are so plentiful; these are the outriders of the desert, members of the nomadic tribes that roam the wastes, knowing every trail and oasis secreted away in the sands. Not only this, but they make fine cavalry, and the fact that the stench of them is enough to scare horses cannot be a bad thing. (3,600 Pts) Shivatir-i Pahlavanig (Parthian Horse-Archers) (Missile Cavalry) 800: These cavalrymen are recruited from the clan warriors of Parthia, and originally come from the steppes of Central Asia. Although they now live in Iran, they still learn to ride as soon as they can walk like their ancestors. They are expert archers and expert horsemen, being able to shoot a bow accurately from horseback, and they are the masters of the ‘Parthian shot’, being able to shoot backwards at full gallop. They are best used at weakening enemy formations so that the heavy cavalry can finish them off. Almost impossible to destroy and unwilling to come to grips with well ordered infantry these horsemen use marauder tactics to bring down their enemies. Dense formations of infantry are their favoured target. (2,400 Pts) Nizagan-i Eranshahr (Persian Archer-Spearmen) (Missile/Light Infantry) 2,000: Never has a Persian army gone to war without archers, and neither shall Artobyzus! These Iranian Spearmen are recruited from the eastern reaches of the Iranian plateau and are very common in the armies of Baktria. They are the backbone of the traditional tribal militia and form a major part of the Ystian tribal levy. They are armed with the traditional Iranian weapons, an 8' spear and a composite foot bow. A large decorated brown leather quiver of arrows would be slung on the left side with the bow case on the right. A long plain yellow tunic with close fitting sleeves at the wrists. The tunic would be held with an narrow embroidered Parthian linen belt. Trousers are worn under the tunic and are close fitting. Soft felt ankle shoes are secured with leather or fabric straps. (2,000 Pts) Gund-i Nizagan (Parthian Spearmen) (Light Infantry) 4,000: These poorly trained, levy infantry are supplied by the great nobles (Azads) from their estates in the more settled regions of the Persian Empire. They are armed with an infantry spear and brown, leather-covered, wicker shield, a smaller version of the old spara (gerron) of imperial days, and a short sword or axe. Their primary order of battle would consist of spearmen fighting in ordered ranks. Groups of spearmen such as these are trained to form rows across and files deep and to march in step. Grouping together bolsters morale and the shield wall helps to neutralize arrows. (4,000 Pts) Kôfyârên-î Verkhânâ (Hyrkanian Hillmen) (Light Infantry) 2,000: Kôfyârên-î Verkhânâ, or Hyrcanian Hillmen are bands of warriors from the various clans in Hyrcania (Northern Iran, by the shores of the Southern Caspian Sea). These men are highly adept at guerrilla warfare and can serve a general, be he Hellene or Iranian, as fierce light infantry. They wear simple tunics and are armed with spears, axes and shields. They are fierce warriors and will give a good account of themselves, but more elite, disciplined infantry will come better out of it in combat. (2,000 Pts) Shuban-î Fradakhshana (Eastern Slingers) (Light Infantry/Missile) 2,000: Slings are very easy and cheap to make and, yet, they are a respectable weapon. It is for this reason that they are so prevalent among the poverty-stricken hill tribes of the eastern lands. In battle, slingers are used as light skirmishers, troops with no armour or melee weapons but who rush forward against the enemy to pepper them with stones, only to flee when threatened. The best method of releasing a stone from a sling is by an underhand motion. These missiles can leave the sling in excess of 60 miles per hour. A well trained slinger can hurl a stone as far and as accurately as a good archer. The effect when they strike is nothing short of devastating. (2,000 Pts) Total Points: 37,200 Pts

[Oznerol]

Riders, exhausted and not accustomed to the harsh weather and land of Ysatis arrive to the land of Artobyzus, the sole Persian ruler born amidst the chaos following the death of Alexander Megas. They come from the far land of Egypt, guided by local men through the sands, and they request an audience with the ruler of these lands. One could think it is a worthless expedition if the Silk Road didn't pass directly through these lands and the Artobyzus could very well become Shah, for Antigonus knows the Persian, his cunning mind and steel will.

[McScottish]

Riders, exhausted and not accustomed to the harsh weather and land of Ysatis arrive to the land of Artobyzus, the sole Persian ruler born amidst the chaos following the death of Alexander Megas. They come from the far land of Egypt, guided by local men through the sands, and they request an audience with the ruler of these lands. One could think it is a worthless expedition if the Silk Road didn't pass directly through these lands and the Artobyzus could very well become Shah, for Antigonus knows the Persian, his cunning mind and steel will.

The request for an audience is accepted warily, steely-eyed desert men guiding the horses of these far-off travellers through the sturdy gates of the desert hideaway, up through the winding streets and past all manner of buildings; there are blacksmith and weavers, bakers and foreign merchants hawking their wares, barracks and shrines, but at the centre of it all is not a great citadel or a fortress of stone- for Artobyzus lives a life devoid of such things, caring not for the pleasures of luxury and immodesty- but the shrine of Fire from whence he was reborn to his subjects with a firm purpose planted in his mind. Did the Egyptians figure into this purpose? Only he knew for certain.

After nearly an hour, going ever upward, the small train of horsemen and their custodians reached the entrance to the temple. Sitting without were a number of men, as well as those paying homage to the sacred Fire moving ever in and out of the holy place, one of the men playing with a young girl, a smile creasing the area around his eyes and those same eyes slowly directed to the vicinity of the Egyptian horsemen.

Gesturing for a nearby servant, a willing one at that- for there were no slaves here - he told the man to invite these horsemen to dismount and to sit, like him, on a series of benches arrayed outside and to the right of the temples actual entrance. They were, as with much else, simple constructs of imported wood- long and large enough to seat four men on each, sturdy and well worn by weather and use.

[Oznerol]

The request for an audience is accepted warily, steely-eyed desert men guiding the horses of these far-off travellers through the sturdy gates of the desert hideaway, up through the winding streets and past all manner of buildings; there are blacksmith and weavers, bakers and foreign merchants hawking their wares, barracks and shrines, but at the centre of it all is not a great citadel or a fortress of stone- for Artobyzus lives a life devoid of such things, caring not for the pleasures of luxury and immodesty- but the shrine of Fire from whence he was reborn to his subjects with a firm purpose planted in his mind. Did the Egyptians figure into this purpose? Only he knew for certain.

After nearly an hour, going ever upward, the small train of horsemen and their custodians reached the entrance to the temple. Sitting without were a number of men, as well as those paying homage to the sacred Fire moving ever in and out of the holy place, one of the men playing with a young girl, a smile creasing the area around his eyes and those same eyes slowly directed to the vicinity of the Egyptian horsemen.

Gesturing for a nearby servant, a willing one at that- for there were no slaves here - he told the man to invite these horsemen to dismount and to sit, like him, on a series of benches arrayed outside and to the right of the temples actual entrance. They were, as with much else, simple constructs of imported wood- long and large enough to seat four men on each, sturdy and well worn by weather and use.

The raiders, coming from the splendid Alexandria and the fabulous Egypt, adorned with a thousand year old wonders, through the magnificent Babylon and the treasures of Syria, arrive to this simple, humble city; not the palace of a shahensha nor a fortress worthy of a frontier satrap, but they are led to a shrine of Ahura Mazda. Veterans, the envoys knew well about the customs of Persians, however they were impressed that a ruler, the sole native who has risen to kingship, lives with such modesty. The horsemen wear silken tunics, chlamys and petasus, comfortable for the heat of the dessert. They sit on the benches, calmly. They had endured the harshness of India and Sogdia and the merciless deserts of Persia before.

[McScottish]

The raiders, coming from the splendid Alexandria and the fabulous Egypt, adorned with a thousand year old wonders, through the magnificent Babylon and the treasures of Syria, arrive to this simple, humble city; not the palace of a shahensha nor a fortress worthy of a frontier satrap, but they are led to a shrine of Ahura Mazda. Veterans, the envoys knew well about the customs of Persians, however they were impressed that a ruler, the sole native who has risen to kingship, lives with such modesty. The horsemen wear silken tunics, chlamys and petasus, comfortable for the heat of the dessert. They sit on the benches, calmly. They had endured the harshness of India and Sogdia and the merciless deserts of Persia before.

"Please," requests the Persian in an almost imperceptible voice, like the faint stirrings of a desert sand carried upon the gentle breeze, "we wait upon others."

It probably did not go unnoticed that no water was offered to the group of riders, though their horses were immediatley lead away to troughs where they could quench their thirst- Persia, as many would know, was a land where horses were treated almost (if not better) than many Humans.

These men who sat here in their silks and broad-rimmed hats could shoulder the heat, he had no doubt of that...but for how long?

Dressed in a simple Persian robe, plain and unadorned, the long but billowing sleeves letting the air get to where it needed to be, Artobyzus looked rather average. Both his feet and his head were bare, the dark locks of his hair and beard both curled and oiled- a traditional custom that could not even be given up in the desert -while his eyes, with their crows feet and deep brown irises, seemed as if they were casually taking in these horsemen. Truly, he was taking in the measure of them.

5 Hellenistic cataphracts arrive with a diplomat in the wastelands. The soldiers and diplomat have travelled long and are thirsty because of all the sand around them. They friendly request an audience with the sand king.

The kataphracts, large armoured men on large armoured horses, were bidden to remain at the foot of the hill which led up to the summit upon which the temple was built. Though, not to be mistaken, both riders and horses were guided to a place where they could drink their fill of water- or whatever took their fancy, from the simple to the alcoholic.

Meanwhile, the singular diplomat, assured that his bodyguard were not needed as best he could be, was taken the same route as the riders and into the prescence of all of the seated men; if they had things to say, then Artobyzus was not going to negotiate like some assassin or clandestine poisoner in a sealed chamber or dimly-lit alleyway, but out here in the open for all to hear and see.

"Please," spoke the short but straight-backed man, a shadow forming along one side of his hooked nose as the sun moved slowly across the sky, one weathered hand with skin like leather gesturing to a spare bench, "sit and join us, please."

[Oznerol]

"Please," requests the Persian in an almost imperceptible voice, like the faint stirrings of a desert sand carried upon the gentle breeze, "we wait upon others."

It probably did not go unnoticed that no water was offered to the group of riders, though their horses were immediatley lead away to troughs where they could quench their thirst- Persia, as many would know, was a land where horses were treated almost (if not better) than many Humans.

These men who sat here in their silks and broad-rimmed hats could shoulder the heat, he had no doubt of that...but for how long?

Dressed in a simple Persian robe, plain and unadorned, the long but billowing sleeves letting the air get to where it needed to be, Artobyzus looked rather average. Both his feet and his head were bare, the dark locks of his hair and beard both curled and oiled- a traditional custom that could not even be given up in the desert -while his eyes, with their crows feet and deep brown irises, seemed as if they were casually taking in these horsemen. Truly, he was taking in the measure of them.

The envoy (who nods to the Persian) and his escort of hetaroi wait sitting on the benches. Two of the hetaroi start chatting in low voice, in Macedonian tongue, rather than Greek; the ambassador (that could be distinguished by the embroidery on his tunic), in fact a first cousin of Antigonus, stares at them with a look of disapproval. Feeling their chief's unease both guardsmen shut their mouths. The sun and the heat was quite terrible, a hell for those who now were more accustomed to the fresh shores of the Inner Sea at the Nile's delta. However they stood, straight backs, calmly and silently. Their hat covered their heads quite well from the merciless Sun, so it could be bearable. Still they had marched all the way with Alexander, so heat wasn't a major issue, but indeed to live in such conditions required an iron will and being able to adapt and survive. Cleitus, that was the cousin's name, looked the Persian carefully, curious. He looked rather average, but he remembered him from Alexander's court, when Antigonus was one of the King's somatophylakes and not a King himself. Cleitus has a well-trimmed beard and curly hair, sandy brown, and hazel eyes.

When the cataphracts arrive Cleitus looks them with awe, half-amused. Zeus! What are doing those men in the middle of the desert so heavily armored? He and his men brought his armor (muscular armor, greaves and boeotian helmets) but it was with their horses. They were ambassadors after all, why would they need weapons? Those men were surely cooking on their armors.

[Mary The Quene]

5 Hellenistic cataphracts arrive with a diplomat in the wastelands. The soldiers and diplomat have travelled long and are thirsty because of all the sand around them. They friendly request an audience with the sand king.

[McScottish]

While waiting for the Babylonian diplomat to take his seat, if indeed he wished to sit at all, Artobyzus returned the curious looks from Cleitus with his own steady- but not unfriendly -gaze. In another subtle gesture, nearly as if he hadn't moved at all, that servant came running once more; words were exchanged then, and moments later he returned with a number of cups filled to the brim with water equal to that of those sitting so stoically before him. Simplicity seemed to be the watchword of the Persian and his kingdom, even the cups made of easily blown and easily available clay, plain cups of deep brown and within them the only liquid that gave life here in the desert.

Some half-whispered words were spoken, too quiet to be heard, and the servant- really a young man of one of Ysatis' noble families -took enough steps forward to stand before the Companions and their leader. Balanced expertly on a small tray of wood, the cups of water must no doubt have looked incredibly tempting to the sweltering but admirably behaved horsemen. It was truly such fortitude that Artobyzus had always found so fascinating in his one-time enemies, men that might one day be his enemies again.

Giving the slightest of nods toward the offered tray of cups, Artobyzus continued to watch intently and without a word.

[Oznerol]

While waiting for the Babylonian diplomat to take his seat, if indeed he wished to sit at all, Artobyzus returned the curious looks from Cleitus with his own steady- but not unfriendly -gaze. In another subtle gesture, nearly as if he hadn't moved at all, that servant came running once more; words were exchanged then, and moments later he returned with a number of cups filled to the brim with water equal to that of those sitting so stoically before him. Simplicity seemed to be the watchword of the Persian and his kingdom, even the cups made of easily blown and easily available clay, plain cups of deep brown and within them the only liquid that gave life here in the desert.

Some half-whispered words were spoken, too quiet to be heard, and the servant- really a young man of one of Ysatis' noble families -took enough steps forward to stand before the Companions and their leader. Balanced expertly on a small tray of wood, the cups of water must no doubt have looked incredibly tempting to the sweltering but admirably behaved horsemen. It was truly such fortitude that Artobyzus had always found so fascinating in his one-time enemies, men that might one day be his enemies again.

Giving the slightest of nods toward the offered tray of cups, Artobyzus continued to watch intently and without a word.

This man looks like a hawk...

Cleitus grabs the offered cup with both hands, nodding in the Persian's direction, respectfully. His men do the same, more abrupt and less courteous nods, but a sign of respect and gratitude. Cleitus drinks slowly. He then looks again their host and nods again. His men drink eagerly. They looked now more relaxed, but still sat with straight backs, like soldiers on duty, their hands on their knees, tanned arms covered by thin scars. Kindly they return the cups to the young man and Cleitus thanks him in Greek.

Cleitus joins his hands on his lap and waits calmly and patiently. He had made all the way from Alexandria, stopping at Jerusalem to carry a message, he had no hurry. He looks again to the cataphracts, in awe, and then to his host. He was silent. Persian had a different notion of time, that Cleitus knew well, and they were quite prone to things like these.

[McScottish]

This man looks like a hawk...

Cleitus grabs the offered cup with both hands, nodding in the Persian's direction, respectfully. His men do the same, more abrupt and less courteous nods, but a sign of respect and gratitude. Cleitus drinks slowly. He then looks again their host and nods again. His men drink eagerly. They looked now more relaxed, but still sat with straight backs, like soldiers on duty, their hands on their knees, tanned arms covered by thin scars. Kindly they return the cups to the young man and Cleitus thanks him in Greek.

Cleitus joins his hands on his lap and waits calmly and patiently. He had made all the way from Alexandria, stopping at Jerusalem to carry a message, he had no hurry. He looks again to the cataphracts, in awe, and then to his host. He was silent. Persian had a different notion of time, that Cleitus knew well, and they were quite prone to things like these.

"The proper response," chuckles the Persian, "would have been not to drink the water."

It was plain to see the mirth contained within those deep eyes, not to be mistaken for carelessness though, as they scannedthe various faces of the hetairoi and that of Cleitus as well.

"No matter, I have made you wait long enough, and by Ahuramazda the day waits for no man!"

Taking a cup from the tray as the nobleman's son passed by to return to his position at the side of Artobyzus, the Persian sipped at it as if it were going to be his last. Gently bending forward, to hear and see those he was to negotiate with a bit clearer, one hand smoothed his beard and then gestured with an open palm toward Cleitus, the man he knew to be the delegated emissary of this band of horsemen.

"So, my friend" he began again, but this time in Greek- yet not just any Greek, but the Makedonian dialect -with barely a hint of a Persian accent, "what brings you into the desert and far from your homes?"

[Oznerol]

"The proper response," chuckles the Persian, "would have been not to drink the water."

It was plain to see the mirth contained within those deep eyes, not to be mistaken for carelessness though, as they scannedthe various faces of the hetairoi and that of Cleitus as well.

"No matter, I have made you wait long enough, and by Ahuramazda the day waits for no man!"

Taking a cup from the tray as the nobleman's son passed by to return to his position at the side of Artobyzus, the Persian sipped at it as if it were going to be his last. Gently bending forward, to hear and see those he was to negotiate with a bit clearer, one hand smoothed his beard and then gestured with an open palm toward Cleitus, the man he knew to be the delegated emissary of this band of horsemen.

"So, my friend" he began again, but this time in Greek- yet not just any Greek, but the Makedonian dialect -with barely a hint of a Persian accent, "what brings you into the desert and far from your homes?"

Cleitus laughs as well. And answers in Macedonian, the tongue of his forefathers.

"Macedonians do not refuse water in the desert, Artobyzus, for we don't know when we will drink again. We learned that under Alexander Megas. My companions and I thank you for your hospitality and granting us audience"

Cleitus looks the Persian with his light-brown eyes.

"Antigonus I Kalós, newly crowned pharaoh of Egypt, wishes to resume and encourage the trade between Alexandria and your lands, for he knows a good relationship with you is instrumental to maintain the flow of riches from the Silken Road, thus he offers plain friendship to you"

"My King also suspects that your star is rising; you are the sole Persian who has risen to preeminence between the successors of Alexander Megas. He suspects, and forgive my bold tongue, that you will try to restore Persia. And my King's friendship might be useful for that"

[Mary The Quene]

The kataphracts, large armoured men on large armoured horses, were bidden to remain at the foot of the hill which led up to the summit upon which the temple was built. Though, not to be mistaken, both riders and horses were guided to a place where they could drink their fill of water- or whatever took their fancy, from the simple to the alcoholic.

Meanwhile, the singular diplomat, assured that his bodyguard were not needed as best he could be, was taken the same route as the riders and into the prescence of all of the seated men; if they had things to say, then Artobyzus was not going to negotiate like some assassin or clandestine poisoner in a sealed chamber or dimly-lit alleyway, but out here in the open for all to hear and see.

"Please," spoke the short but straight-backed man, a shadow forming along one side of his hooked nose as the sun moved slowly across the sky, one weathered hand with skin like leather gesturing to a spare bench, "sit and join us, please."

The guards greatly appreciated the water they received from the persians and bowed before those who escorted them to the place. 'Thank you' said one of the guards in persian which he learned from his teacher when he was young.

Meanwhile the diplomat Euthydemus opened a scroll where King Parmenion wrote a message on it with a golden pen and gave it to the man. The text was written in Persian.





' Artobyzus

We haven't spoke with eachother, don't we? We have land close to eachother and because of that we want to have friendly relations to prevent war in Persia. We ask for trade that would benefit us both and for frienship that we need in these far distant lands. I also like to stress that we don't have any claims on your land and will respect the integral teritory of your lands. We do not want war with you, we merely want to avoid conflicts with other nations because we only desire peace in these far away lands.What do you say about trade to start with improving relations between our nations? We can learn so much from eachother.

Parmenion, king of Babylon'


After the scroll has been given to the king, Eutyhdemus took a seat and began to drink whatever there was to be found.

[McScottish]

Cleitus laughs as well. And answers in Macedonian, the tongue of his forefathers.

"Macedonians do not refuse water in the desert, Artobyzus, for we don't know when we will drink again. We learned that under Alexander Megas. My companions and I thank you for your hospitality and granting us audience"

Cleitus looks the Persian with his light-brown eyes.

"Antigonus I Kalós, newly crowned pharaoh of Egypt, wishes to resume and encourage the trade between Alexandria and your lands, for he knows a good relationship with you is instrumental to maintain the flow of riches from the Silken Road, thus he offers plain friendship to you"

"My King also suspects that your star is rising; you are the sole Persian who has risen to preeminence between the successors of Alexander Megas. He suspects, and forgive my bold tongue, that you will try to restore Persia. And my King's friendship might be useful for that"

The guards greatly appreciated the water they received from the persians and bowed before those who escorted them to the place. 'Thank you' said one of the guards in persian which he learned from his teacher when he was young.

Meanwhile the diplomat Euthydemus opened a scroll where King Parmenion wrote a message on it with a golden pen and gave it to the man. The text was written in Persian.





' Artobyzus

We haven't spoke with eachother, don't we? We have land close to eachother and because of that we want to have friendly relations to prevent war in Persia. We ask for trade that would benefit us both and for frienship that we need in these far distant lands. I also like to stress that we don't have any claims on your land and will respect the integral teritory of your lands. We do not want war with you, we merely want to avoid conflicts with other nations because we only desire peace in these far away lands.What do you say about trade to start with improving relations between our nations? We can learn so much from eachother.

Parmenion, king of Babylon'


After the scroll has been given to the king, Eutyhdemus took a seat and began to drink whatever there was to be found.

"Such a policy is a wise one, my friend. In the desert it is also so, for men live and die by the will of the Gods, but also kill for the knowledge of the desert. Those not of the desert especially so."


As he spoke he also read the flowery lettering of the scroll handed to him, written by a man that called himself 'King of Babylon', wondering inwardly at the foolishness of such a man to even send a delegation to him. What Cleitus spoke was true, and equally this Antigonus was a far-sighted ruler, for he appeared to foresee the workings of the Sand Kings quite well, for a foreigner at least.

"Here," he said calmly, placing his hands in his lap and leaning back, giving the scroll into the hands of his servant (some could say his foster son) and bidding him give it to Cleitus, "we have no needs of secrets here, and so I shall keep none from either of you; I admire the Makedonians, or I would never have been accepted into Alexander's court, yes? Yet the land that is claimed by your master Parmenion," he now said quite bluntly to Euthydemus, "does no more belong to him than he owns the tongue in which he writes me this offer, or the people that toil beneath him in the lands around Babylon."

He let out a sigh, taking another, longer, draught of water and wiping the back of his hand across his mouth. In that moment, it was particularly noticeable that his fingers seemed more like talons than any digits of a human hand, elongated and gnarled by age and constant use in both the present and times gone by.

"Please excuse me, and I mean no disrespect to your King, but may you tell me why I should accept his offers? Trade, as is known, it never a bad thing, and I accept this agreement with open arms and the blessing of the Gods. Yet I find it hard to come to an arrangement from a man who claims Kingship over lands that were neither Alexander's nor his own to begin with? I even hear tell that already there are those in the west attempting to throw off the rule of Parmenion, am I misinformed?"

To Cleitus he had this to say, eyeing the Makedonian and giving a sharp smile.

"Both offers are accepted, you may tell your Pharoah this," he spoke, all the while in the shared language of Makedonian that all there could understand, "with trade I hope that we may both flourish, and with his friendship I pray to Ahuramazda that, one day, my star may rise high enough to eclipse others. Of course, that is for the Gods to decide...tell me though, if this was indeed my aim, as you have so boldly spoken, what would be his word on these matters?"

Now he waited in silence, his gaze taking in both parties with equal and level curiosity, awaiting any responses they may have for him.

[Oznerol]

"Such a policy is a wise one, my friend. In the desert it is also so, for men live and die by the will of the Gods, but also kill for the knowledge of the desert. Those not of the desert especially so."


As he spoke he also read the flowery lettering of the scroll handed to him, written by a man that called himself 'King of Babylon', wondering inwardly at the foolishness of such a man to even send a delegation to him. What Cleitus spoke was true, and equally this Antigonus was a far-sighted ruler, for he appeared to foresee the workings of the Sand Kings quite well, for a foreigner at least.

"Here," he said calmly, placing his hands in his lap and leaning back, giving the scroll into the hands of his servant (some could say his foster son) and bidding him give it to Cleitus, "we have no needs of secrets here, and so I shall keep none from either of you; I admire the Makedonians, or I would never have been accepted into Alexander's court, yes? Yet the land that is claimed by your master Parmenion," he now said quite bluntly to Euthydemus, "does no more belong to him than he owns the tongue in which he writes me this offer, or the people that toil beneath him in the lands around Babylon."

He let out a sigh, taking another, longer, draught of water and wiping the back of his hand across his mouth. In that moment, it was particularly noticeable that his fingers seemed more like talons than any digits of a human hand, elongated and gnarled by age and constant use in both the present and times gone by.

"Please excuse me, and I mean no disrespect to your King, but may you tell me why I should accept his offers? Trade, as is known, it never a bad thing, and I accept this agreement with open arms and the blessing of the Gods. Yet I find it hard to come to an arrangement from a man who claims Kingship over lands that were neither Alexander's nor his own to begin with? I even hear tell that already there are those in the west attempting to throw off the rule of Parmenion, am I misinformed?"

To Cleitus he had this to say, eyeing the Makedonian and giving a sharp smile.

"Both offers are accepted, you may tell your Pharoah this," he spoke, all the while in the shared language of Makedonian that all there could understand, "with trade I hope that we may both flourish, and with his friendship I pray to Ahuramazda that, one day, my star may rise high enough to eclipse others. Of course, that is for the Gods to decide...tell me though, if this was indeed my aim, as you have so boldly spoken, what would be his word on these matters?"

Now he waited in silence, his gaze taking in both parties with equal and level curiosity, awaiting any responses they may have for him.

Cleitus smiles as well:

"I shall tell him that you accepted our friendship, and he shall not forgot it. Our lands will flourish. Shall Zeus and Ahuramazda protect you and raise you to a position of prominence and power"

"However my King could grant you something invaluable to claim the lands of Persia. He is married to Amastris, who is the granddaughter of Shahenshah Ataxerxes III, conqueror of Egypt. One of the few survivors after Darius' downfall and Alexander's death. Offspring has been born from their union, and shall your blood be mingled with his you'd have the effective claim, because your grandsons would bear the blood of the Achaemenids"

[McScottish]

Cleitus smiles as well:

"I shall tell him that you accepted our friendship, and he shall not forgot it. Our lands will flourish. Shall Zeus and Ahuramazda protect you and raise you to a position of prominence and power"

"However my King could grant you something invaluable to claim the lands of Persia. He is married to Amastris, who is the granddaughter of Shahenshah Ataxerxes III, conqueror of Egypt. One of the few survivors after Darius' downfall and Alexander's death. Offspring has been born from their union, and shall your blood be mingled with his you'd have the effective claim, because your grandsons would bear the blood of the Achaemenids"

These most recent words intrigued Artobyzus and piqued his interest, his mind running faster than any would be able to tell just by looking at him. Finally, coming to the bottom of his cup of water, he gazed up toward the sky for a moment, before returning his gaze to the seated envoys and giving the slightest hint of a nod.

"I like this idea," he said with an idle stroke of his beard, "I have two sons, both of an acceptable age for marriage or the promise of it. My younger Arezva being ten-and-twelve years, and my eldest and proudest son, Fravarti, being six-and-ten."

There were few things that the leather-skinned ruler loved more than family, and any daughter that mingled their blood with that of his own would never want for anything, nor their family be a stranger to the Ysatisian Hawk.

"If blood is offered for blood, our two lines to be intertwined as one, then I shall accept without hesitation...you may tell your Pharoah this."

Though nearly finished speaking, a sadness seemed to descend across the face of the small man, visible in his entire body.

"It is also not unknown to me that Antigonus is in conflict with a rival for that title, word reaching me even here. So, please, let him know that, should he be defeated- Ahuramazda forbid -my city is always open to him as a refuge, my belongings, meagre as they are being just as his if he should require them."

Parmenion's diplomat had said little during this conversation, but Artobyzus knew he would speak in time.

[Oznerol]

These most recent words intrigued Artobyzus and piqued his interest, his mind running faster than any would be able to tell just by looking at him. Finally, coming to the bottom of his cup of water, he gazed up toward the sky for a moment, before returning his gaze to the seated envoys and giving the slightest hint of a nod.

"I like this idea," he said with an idle stroke of his beard, "I have two sons, both of an acceptable age for marriage or the promise of it. My younger Arezva being ten-and-twelve years, and my eldest and proudest son, Fravarti, being six-and-ten."

There were few things that the leather-skinned ruler loved more than family, and any daughter that mingled their blood with that of his own would never want for anything, nor their family be a stranger to the Ysatisian Hawk.

"If blood is offered for blood, our two lines to be intertwined as one, then I shall accept without hesitation...you may tell your Pharoah this."

Though nearly finished speaking, a sadness seemed to descend across the face of the small man, visible in his entire body.

"It is also not unknown to me that Antigonus is in conflict with a rival for that title, word reaching me even here. So, please, let him know that, should he be defeated- Ahuramazda forbid -my city is always open to him as a refuge, my belongings, meagre as they are being just as his if he should require them."

Parmenion's diplomat had said little during this conversation, but Artobyzus knew he would speak in time.

"My King has a daughter, barely three years old, Cleopatra Stratonice, your younger son would have to wait at least ten years to marry him. However if a new son would be born from your loins it could be more fitting for the marriage"

Cleitus smiles:

"My King and kin is eager to mingle his blood with such intelligent and cunning rulers as you, Artobyzus, for you served Alexander Megas well, as Antigonus himself"

Cleitus smiles is frozen:

"Yes, a native, and Egyptian who boasts to be appointed by Alexander as satrap of Upper Egypt. Gods shall protect us, and the protection of Ahura Mazda is welcomed as well. But we have greater numbers, including fearsome veterans, including hetaroi as these men. But the greatest menace is a barbarian from the South, a Nubian, who has gathered an impressive army"

Cleitus points to his companions.

"Shall we fail we will not arrive alone, and my King won't rest until he recovers his realm or carves another for himself. In a way or another we shall honor this allegiance, and our troops will help you reach your objective once the upstarts are defeated"

[McScottish]

"My King has a daughter, barely three years old, Cleopatra Stratonice, your younger son would have to wait at least ten years to marry him. However if a new son would be born from your loins it could be more fitting for the marriage"

Cleitus smiles:

"My King and kin is eager to mingle his blood with such intelligent and cunning rulers as you, Artobyzus, for you served Alexander Megas well, as Antigonus himself"

Cleitus smiles is frozen:

"Yes, a native, and Egyptian who boasts to be appointed by Alexander as satrap of Upper Egypt. Gods shall protect us, and the protection of Ahura Mazda is welcomed as well. But we have greater numbers, including fearsome veterans, including hetaroi as these men. But the greatest menace is a barbarian from the South, a Nubian, who has gathered an impressive army"

Cleitus points to his companions.

"Shall we fail we will not arrive alone, and my King won't rest until he recovers his realm or carves another for himself. In a way or another we shall honor this allegiance, and our troops will help you reach your objective once the upstarts are defeated"

'You are not misinformed about the ongoing civil war, however it is only a matter of time before we achieve total victory over the pretenders' Euthydemus stopped with talking and he was thinking about Artobyzus's words, after a while and after he had drunk he spoke again to Artobyzus ' My master has proposed this offer because he thinks it's in our both interest because we can offer you alot of food produced by the fertile banks of the Euphrates and the Tigris, Mesopotamia is also quite famous for making beer and wine which is quite rare in these areas' Euthydemus stopped talking and looked straight to Artobyzus' eye's 'Our king also believes that trade would be beneficial to our people'

'Euthydemus began to think about Artobyzus' other words about Alexander and Parmenion, how does he dare to question the divine power of these men? ' My master rules over the Mesopotamian lands as has been written at the partition of Babylon, perhaps my master has not a mesopotamian lineage but did the Achaemenid kings had a lineage to the Neo-Babylonian kings who ruled over Mesopotamia before the achaemenids occupied it?'

'my master only wishes peace between us to prevent any bloodshed to happen' Euthydemus stopped talked and began to drink and waited in his chair for Artobyzus' response

Artobyzus, keen eared as well as sharp-eyed, took in each and every word and then sat in silence for a couple of minutes.

"Cleitus, brave servant of the Pharoah, your proposals are accepted one-and-all. Return to your Pharoah and tell him as much, that Ysatis is ever his friend and, should I find another wife from which to produce a suitable son, his daughters hand shall be placed in that of my own flesh and blood- go now in peace, with my blessing and that of the Gods, take as much water as you need for the journey home...and, as a gesture of friendship, take this chest of silks from the lands far to the east."

Two broad men came forward carrying a chest between them, the chest itself being the heaviest item and likely needing to be carried upon a strong horse or a sturdy camel. Within it, as was told, were layers and layers of colourful, light and airy silks from the lands over the mountains of the Hindu-Kush and beyond. To a Pharoah it may not be much, but to those of the desert it was precious.

Turning his head only slightly, he now eyed Eutydemus, returning the stare unblinkingly.

"Know this, Greek; if your master can promise to respect the borders of my lands, to keep his own hand from lands that are rightfully those of my people, wishes trade and an end to any bloodshed before it may begin...then I agree to his terms."

[Mary The Quene]

As he spoke he also read the flowery lettering of the scroll handed to him, written by a man that called himself 'King of Babylon', wondering inwardly at the foolishness of such a man to even send a delegation to him. What Cleitus spoke was true, and equally this Antigonus was a far-sighted ruler, for he appeared to foresee the workings of the Sand Kings quite well, for a foreigner at least.

"Here," he said calmly, placing his hands in his lap and leaning back, giving the scroll into the hands of his servant (some could say his foster son) and bidding him give it to Cleitus, "we have no needs of secrets here, and so I shall keep none from either of you; I admire the Makedonians, or I would never have been accepted into Alexander's court, yes? Yet the land that is claimed by your master Parmenion," he now said quite bluntly to Euthydemus, "does no more belong to him than he owns the tongue in which he writes me this offer, or the people that toil beneath him in the lands around Babylon."

He let out a sigh, taking another, longer, draught of water and wiping the back of his hand across his mouth. In that moment, it was particularly noticeable that his fingers seemed more like talons than any digits of a human hand, elongated and gnarled by age and constant use in both the present and times gone by.

"Please excuse me, and I mean no disrespect to your King, but may you tell me why I should accept his offers? Trade, as is known, it never a bad thing, and I accept this agreement with open arms and the blessing of the Gods. Yet I find it hard to come to an arrangement from a man who claims Kingship over lands that were neither Alexander's nor his own to begin with? I even hear tell that already there are those in the west attempting to throw off the rule of Parmenion, am I misinformed?"

'You are not misinformed about the ongoing civil war, however it is only a matter of time before we achieve total victory over the pretenders' Euthydemus stopped with talking and he was thinking about Artobyzus's words, after a while and after he had drunk he spoke again to Artobyzus ' My master has proposed this offer because he thinks it's in our both interest because we can offer you alot of food produced by the fertile banks of the Euphrates and the Tigris, Mesopotamia is also quite famous for making beer and wine which is quite rare in these areas' Euthydemus stopped talking and looked straight to Artobyzus' eye's 'Our king also believes that trade would be beneficial to our people'

'Euthydemus began to think about Artobyzus' other words about Alexander and Parmenion, how does he dare to question the divine power of these men? ' My master rules over the Mesopotamian lands as has been written at the partition of Babylon, perhaps my master has not a mesopotamian lineage but did the Achaemenid kings had a lineage to the Neo-Babylonian kings who ruled over Mesopotamia before the achaemenids occupied it?'

'my master only wishes peace between us to prevent any bloodshed to happen' Euthydemus stopped talked and began to drink and waited in his chair for Artobyzus' response

[Mary The Quene]

Turning his head only slightly, he now eyed Eutydemus, returning the stare unblinkingly.

"Know this, Greek; if your master can promise to respect the borders of my lands, to keep his own hand from lands that are rightfully those of my people, wishes trade and an end to any bloodshed before it may begin...then I agree to his terms."

Euthydemus stands up and begins to talk the Artbyzus

'Ofcourse we will respect your nation's integrity as long as you respect our lands and do not interfere in our lands. Trade would be only beneficial to both our realms.'

Euthydemus suddenly takes a map and shows it to Artobyzus

'My master wishes a border treaty, so that we know what eachothers claims are , here's my master claims, the eastern claims are negotiable, however Mesopotamia is not'

Euthydemus opens the map

Map

'What are your concerns and wishes, lord king?'

[McScottish]

Euthydemus stands up and begins to talk the Artbyzus

'Ofcourse we will respect your nation's integrity as long as you respect our lands and do not interfere in our lands. Trade would be only beneficial to both our realms.'

Euthydemus suddenly takes a map and shows it to Artobyzus

'My master wishes a border treaty, so that we know what eachothers claims are , here's my master claims, the eastern claims are negotiable, however Mesopotamia is not'

Euthydemus opens the map

Map

'What are your concerns and wishes, lord king?'

"I am neither you lord, nor your King, so there is no need to address me as such," began the Persian with a tut, "but I offer you agreement upon your terms and then...and then you open this thing to be, asking me which pieces of my peoples own lands I wish to see back in our hands?" His face was not a happy one as he surveyed the map, the places apparently claimed by Parmenion coloured brightly and all about it as stark as the snow that never feel in the deserts.

"Your lord is a greedy one, I see," he said with another tut, pursing his lips for a moment, "no, this will not do; I tell you now, so that you know, I would rather die than see Persis in the hands of anyone but a Persian. So know this, Greek. My claims lay on Persis (76), Sousiane (75), Media (74) and Khoarene (73)- these are lands that belong rightfully to Persia, as Persia, and I shall not rest until they are back in the hands of a native son. Keep Mesopotamia, I have no wish nor need of it, and take whatever other lands you wish, but if you try to claim these lands I shall bleed you every step of the way. Mark my words."

All expression of mirth had gone from his face, his eyes hard as shards of obsidian, and his face looking even more like that of a bird-of-prey than it had before.


OOC: Out of interest, what did you use to edit the map like that? Could be very useful.