Thracian Uprising, 323 BC

[Lucius Malfoy]

Shortly after the news of Alexander's death, followed by the assassination of Philip III, a Thracian, proclaiming himself King, rose in revolt hoping to achieve independence for his people. Leonnatus and Cleitus realize the magnitude of this threat and hope to quell it before the Thracian becomes unstoppable.

Thracian Army

Thracian Army: 30,000 commanded by Rozdos, King of the Thracians (Starting Position: Province 6, Seuthopolis) 8,000 Professional (+2 in native AOR) -3,000 Thracian Royal Heroes (Elite Heavy Cavalry) -5,000 Thracian Warriors (Heavy Swordsmen) 10,000 Allied (no bonuses) -2,000 Allied Thracian Nobles (Heavy Cavalry) -4,000 Allied Thracian Horsemen (Missile Cavalry) -4,000 Allied Thracian Hoplites (Heavy Spearmen) 12,000 Levy (+2 in home) -6,000 Thracian Tribesmen (Light Spearmen) -2,000 Thracian Archers (Light Archers) -4,000 Thracian Peltasts (Light Peltasts)

Leonnatid Army

Leonnatid Army: 13,500 commanded by Leonnatus of Amphipolis (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 12 AM (4 AM GMT) 9,000 Professionals (+2 for fighting in AOR) Elite Troops - 350 Macedonian Companions (Elite Heavy Cav) - 1,000 Shield-Bearers (Elite Phalanx Infantry) Standard Cavalry - 500 Thessalian Hippeis (Heavy Cavalry) - 700 Greek Lonchophoroi (Medium Cavalry) - 1,500 Paiones Hippeis (Medium Lance Cavalry) Standard Infantry - 600 Macedonian Hypaspist - 1,000 Amphipolitan Phalangites - 3,000 Macedonian Katoikoi Phalangites - 800 Greek Heavy Peltasts - 2,250 Levy Pikemen 3,000 Allied - 1,000 Thracian Light Spearmen - 1,000 Thracian Archers - 1,000 Greek Archers 1,500 Levy (+2 if fighting in home, -2 if fighting outside of home) - 1,500 Thureophoroi

Cleitid Army

Cleitid Army, 12,000 commanded by Cleitus of Thrace (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 2 AM (6 AM GMT) 9,000 Professional (+2 in native AOR) -200 Hetaroi (Companion Cavalry)[Elite] -500 Hypaspitai (Elite Phalanx Infantry) [Elite] -500 Peltastai Makedonikoi (Elite Assault Infantry) [Elite] -1,000 Lonchophoroi Hippeis (Medium Cavalry) [Cavalry] -1,400 Prodromoi (Light Cavalry)[Cavalry] -800 Argyraspides (Heavy Phalanx) [Infantry] -3,000 Pezhetairoi (Medium Phalanx) [Infantry] -1,000 Thureophoroi (Spearmen) [Infantry] -600 Peltastai (Heavy Javelinmen) [Missile] 3,000 Allied -500 Toxotai (Archers) [Missile] -500 Akontistai (Javelinmen) [Missile] -800 Sphendonetai (Slingers) [Missile] -600 Thraikioi Doryphoroi (Thracian Spearmen) [Light Infantry] -600 Galathraikes ​(Thracian Swordsmen) [Light Infantry]

[Ace_General]

A Athenian delegation rides into the camp of the Thracian rebel leader

[Jokern]

The Athenians are led through the bustling camp. Everywhere they see Thracians sharpening tending to their weapons, having throwing competitions and even celebrating with food and music. The camp is a wild beast, spread out unorganized over a large field at Seuthopolis, their capital. It was more of a large palace really, recently raised by the king as a show of force. None could argue he was the wealthiest among the Thracian chiefs.

They entered the polis, surrounded by several warriors, each carrying a large rhomphaia. The delegation were then presented in the inner sanctum, where the king sat on his throne, surrounded by his royal guard. Roxidas was not taller than most men, but his body was still strong and muscular. He wore simple clothing: sandals, a white tunic covered by a blue-and-red cape and a simple gold circlet resting on his head. The most striking thing about his appearance was his large, red beard and long red hair. Overall, he was an imposing man. The king waved forward the Greeks.

"What is your business, Greeks? Come to enslave my people once more?"

[Ace_General]

The Athenians, figuring the normal well spoken for but meek emmisaries would not have the disired effect, send a tall, stocky, and heavily muscled and equally scared ex mercanary know simply as Dunatos. The man gives a broad smile to the man and says in very good Thracian

I am not the so called "Greeks" as you call the Macedonians. We seek not to fight or ensalve you for we live in the Polises of the far south. Instead, we wish to make common cause with you in throwing off the chains of Macedonian oppression. My Leaders are gathering an Alliance of Free cities, and we shall march to Northern Thrace and threaten Pella.

My leaders wish to smash the Pompous macedonians between the armies of Greece and that of Thrace. What say you Roxidas, lord of the Stalwart and stout-hearted Thracians?

If you choose to work with us, I shall remain as a military advisor and Liasion of the Athenian Confederacy and I also have a chest of Silver to help finance your operations and as a show of good faith.

[Jokern]

King Roxidas gazes at the men in silence for a long time, sitting a still as a statue. He then smiles, answering in Greek.

"I say that the Thracians need none but themselves, filthy Greek. We will tear Macedon and your Greek Cities down from your high pillars. We shall raze your cities, take your wealth, wives and daughters, kill your men and sons until none dares to defy Thracia ever again."

Roxidos waves his hand, pointing at the delegation. The guards march forward towards the Greeks, drawing their swords and spears.

"And I will start with taking your heads. Kill them all!"

The guards rushed forward like wild beasts, roaring their war cries. The delegation was forced together into a ring by the spearmen before the other warriors jumped over the Greeks, stabbing them to death. When the men were all dead, King Roxidas himself stepped forward with his sword, cutting off each head and tying them together with rope. The heads were then dipped in tar to preserve them and handed to a quick messenger, riding with haste to Athens. That would show the foolish Greeks what it meant to be the enemy of the Thracians. Roxidas turned to his most trusted chiefs, ordering them to make the troops ready to march. It was time for Macedon to burn.

The next day the camp had been broken and the huge army began their march south, with the King of the Thracians at the front.

[Jokern]

The Thracians marched day and night, driven by their hunger for war and plunder. 30,000 men from many tribes, united under one banner and a common cause: their freedom. They went to the Black Sea coast, looting and plundering the Greek colonies there. The army took hundreds of slaves and many wagons were loaded with treasure. At some settlements not burned to the ground Roxdos set up new rulers from his own court before continuing south.

After a few days the army reached Apollonia Pontica, the heart of the region. The colony had strong walls but few defenders because of their master calling most men to war. The Greeks had quickly fled behind their walls, leaving the countrtside open for more looting. After a day of terrorizing the farmers, fishermen and herders, stealing everything they had and putting their homes to the torch, the king gathered the army once more to begin the siege. All delegations from the polis had lost their heads and were now mounted on stakes for the Greeks to see. There were no need for negotiations. The city would fall and the filthy Greeks with it. The men started building siege engines, for though the walls were not out of the ordinary, they would need to be breached either way..

[PilgrimStans]

Cleitus arrived in the large camp formed just outside Amphipolis a few hours behind his army. He had lingered in his own land hoping to hear news of the Thracians but no word had reached him and frustrated with his elusive foe hurried to join with Leonnatus. The camp, like all such places before war, was a hive of activity as Cleitus steered his black warhorse through the fray. Drill masters shouted their harsh commands, swords were sharpened and those followers and hangers on who inevitably cling to armies of this size peddled wares they thought would entice soldiers about to go into battle; trinkets to catch the God's favour, eastern charms and even the pleasures of the flesh. Cleitus watched it all with practiced detachment. An army was nothing new to him and indeed this host was one he was comfortable commanding. Made up almost completely of Macedonian and Hellenic troops only a small amount of allied Thracians marched under his banner. The large warrior grinned despite himself, he was looking forward to this. Finally reaching his destination, a tent that dwarfed it's neighbours indicating either the command or personal tent of Leonnatus, Cleitus dismounted and with his leading generals and advisers lumbered to the guards and addressed them.

Leonnatus is present I trust?

[Lucius Malfoy]

Cleitus arrived in the large camp formed just outside Amphipolis a few hours behind his army. He had lingered in his own land hoping to hear news of the Thracians but no word had reached him and frustrated with his elusive foe hurried to join with Leonnatus. The camp, like all such places before war, was a hive of activity as Cleitus steered his black warhorse through the fray. Drill masters shouted their harsh commands, swords were sharpened and those followers and hangers on who inevitably cling to armies of this size peddled wares they thought would entice soldiers about to go into battle; trinkets to catch the God's favour, eastern charms and even the pleasures of the flesh. Cleitus watched it all with practiced detachment. An army was nothing new to him and indeed this host was one he was comfortable commanding. Made up almost completely of Macedonian and Hellenic troops only a small amount of allied Thracians marched under his banner. The large warrior grinned despite himself, he was looking forward to this. Finally reaching his destination, a tent that dwarfed it's neighbours indicating either the command or personal tent of Leonnatus, Cleitus dismounted and with his leading generals and advisers lumbered to the guards and addressed them.

Leonnatus is present I trust?

A guard gestures towards the city of Amphipolis. Moments later, Leonnatus was seen coming from the city's limits escorted by his royal guards. Among him was his first wife, a native of Amphipolis, and their eldest son, Leodiskos, a boy of eleven. The Macedonian pauses at the sight of the large Thracian by his camp before picking up the pace to see Cleitus.

Forgive me if I made you wait. I had to visit the shrine of my father and sacrifice to the gods. Amphipolis is my home, where I was born and raised. While here and waiting, I had to at least do family business before departing for war.

He gestures to his wife and son.

Allow me to introduce my wife, Amyntas and my eldest son, Leodiskos. Welcome, Cleitus of Thrace, to Amphipolis.

​He gestures for Cleitus to join him in his tent.

[Jokern]

Once the siege engines were ready, King Roxdos ordered the assault on the city, leading from the front lines.

OOC: Due to the large gap in strength between the attacking army (30,000) and the garrison (500), I think this should be a one-flank battle. Normal orders: all missile units, ballistas and catapults fire on the city, melee units scale the walls.

Assaulting army:
Full Thracian Army
3 Catapults (30 points)10 Ballistas (20 points)
5 Ladders (10 points)

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once the siege engines were ready, King Roxdos ordered the assault on the city, leading from the front lines.

OOC: Due to the large gap in strength between the attacking army (30,000) and the garrison (500), I think this should be a one-flank battle. Normal orders: all missile units, ballistas and catapults fire on the city, melee units scale the walls.

Assaulting army:
Full Thracian Army
3 Catapults (30 points)10 Ballistas (20 points)
5 Ladders (10 points)

OOC: We will need a neutral moderator. Either Barry or HB.

[PilgrimStans]

Cleitus eyes the woman and child, grunting in disapproval. Women and children had no place in a camp such as this. Nevertheless he followed Leonnatus into the tent and without even looking around he growls.

We need to send scouts to the north and east immediately. I fear for my cities, I have left scarce few troops to defend my lands in order to amass this army and they won't hold long. And we should start moving the army, north or east, I don't mind. We need to take the initiative against this so called King.

He spat on the floor to show his distaste and scratched the scar on his head.

These lands belonged to Alexandros Megas and they will belong to his child in time. I will not see them plundered Leonnatus.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I agree, Cleitus. I will have to ask what we should do first. I feel that depending on where the Thracian army is, we should move either to subjugate the provinces that are revolting and lure him to us. Or move our armies directly where he is, if the scouts can find him.

[PilgrimStans]

Cleitus considers the question briefly before shaking his head.

No point in moving to subjugate his land. It can only serve to weaken us, motivate our enemy and let him move into mine or your lands to pillage. No, we should put our faith in the scouts and move the army...

The big man scratched the severe red scare on his bald head once more.

East. Or north, it makes no matter. If the Thracian is moving south we will be closer to him no matter which direction we take. If we do move into lands he has claimed however, we need to preserve men. We can't expend our force on garrisons, it's counter-productive.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Cleitus considers the question briefly before shaking his head.

No point in moving to subjugate his land. It can only serve to weaken us, motivate our enemy and let him move into mine or your lands to pillage. No, we should put our faith in the scouts and move the army...

The big man scratched the severe red scare on his bald head once more.

East. Or north, it makes no matter. If the Thracian is moving south we will be closer to him no matter which direction we take. If we do move into lands he has claimed however, we need to preserve men. We can't expend our force on garrisons, it's counter-productive.

With our combine forces, Cleitus, we should be able to easily force the Thracian provinces to simply surrender. If their Thracian King is nowhere nearby, I suspect many cities will simply fall to our demands, without even losing a soldier.

Leonnatus approaches a map of the region, which also indicated the locations of the Thracian rebel settlements.

I suspect he will try to reclaim Thracian lands. He is the King after all and desires Thracian independence, all your territories save the Byzantion were once Thracian lands. I suspect he will be making a move on your territory first.

[PilgrimStans]

Cleitus was never very good with words. Alexander had mastered the art of the sword and had inherited the silver tongue of Philip but his own was very much blood red.

I suspect you are right Leonnatus. If you are confident you can convince the Thracians to surrender their cities without bloodshed we should march north, though I would rather kill each and every one of the bastards. If it turns out the barbarian has tried to reclaim his lost lands we can always strike east.

With a hearty slap to Leonnatus's shoulder Cleitus exited the tent shouting as he left.

I'll ready my men immediately!

[Lucius Malfoy]

Before Cleitus departed however, Leonnatus gestured for him to look at the map.

We shall move north then. I will conquer this center province to the North, ensuring the Thracian's realm is split. If the scouts bring no news, we will be in a better position to out more due to this more central location.

He gestures to the East of the center province, which included two provinces towards the Black Sea and along the Danube.

All the lands east of this central province I will be taking will be yours. This division of the territory will be a token of my thanks for this cooperation, Cleitus.

Leonnatus then stands and motions to his generals.

Prepare the troops to march! We move out immediately and head north together! Let these rebels regret they ever thought of rebelling!

[Ace_General]

The Thessalians begin building a fort and cantonments in northern Thessaly for a Plataean League "Army of Observation" to Encamp.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Leonnatid Army

Leonnatid Army: 13,500 commanded by Leonnatus of Amphipolis (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 12 AM (4 AM GMT) 9,000 Professionals (+2 for fighting in AOR) Elite Troops - 350 Macedonian Companions (Elite Heavy Cav) - 1,000 Shield-Bearers (Elite Phalanx Infantry) Standard Cavalry - 500 Thessalian Hippeis (Heavy Cavalry) - 700 Greek Lonchophoroi (Medium Cavalry) - 1,500 Paiones Hippeis (Medium Lance Cavalry) Standard Infantry - 600 Macedonian Hypaspist - 1,000 Amphipolitan Phalangites - 3,000 Macedonian Katoikoi Phalangites - 800 Greek Heavy Peltasts - 2,250 Levy Pikemen 3,000 Allied - 1,000 Thracian Light Spearmen - 1,000 Thracian Archers - 1,000 Greek Archers 1,500 Levy (+2 if fighting in home, -2 if fighting outside of home) - 1,500 Thureophoroi

Cleitid Army

Cleitid Army, 12,000 commanded by Cleitus of Thrace (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 2 AM (6 AM GMT) 9,000 Professional (+2 in native AOR) -200 Hetaroi (Companion Cavalry)[Elite] -500 Hypaspitai (Elite Phalanx Infantry) [Elite] -500 Peltastai Makedonikoi (Elite Assault Infantry) [Elite] -1,000 Lonchophoroi Hippeis (Medium Cavalry) [Cavalry] -1,400 Prodromoi (Light Cavalry)[Cavalry] -800 Argyraspides (Heavy Phalanx) [Infantry] -3,000 Pezhetairoi (Medium Phalanx) [Infantry] -1,000 Thureophoroi (Spearmen) [Infantry] -600 Peltastai (Heavy Javelinmen) [Missile] 3,000 Allied -500 Toxotai (Archers) [Missile] -500 Akontistai (Javelinmen) [Missile] -800 Sphendonetai (Slingers) [Missile] -600 Thraikioi Doryphoroi (Thracian Spearmen) [Light Infantry] -600 Galathraikes ​(Thracian Swordsmen) [Light Infantry]

The Macedonian and Thracian Army arrive at (Province 5) Philippoupolis, a grand city named after Philip II of Macedon, Alexander's father. The two armies are arrayed in a massive formation to intimidate the people and hope they will surrender. A parley is sent forth to speak with the leaders of the province, requesting they surrender to the rightful rulers of these lands.

[Honors Bastion]

Once the siege engines were ready, King Roxdos ordered the assault on the city, leading from the front lines.

OOC: Due to the large gap in strength between the attacking army (30,000) and the garrison (500), I think this should be a one-flank battle. Normal orders: all missile units, ballistas and catapults fire on the city, melee units scale the walls.

Assaulting army:
Full Thracian Army
3 Catapults (30 points)10 Ballistas (20 points)
5 Ladders (10 points)

The Thracian army is able to quickly the defenders in the initial missle barrage, taking no casualties themselves.

Leonnatid Army

Leonnatid Army: 13,500 commanded by Leonnatus of Amphipolis (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 12 AM (4 AM GMT) 9,000 Professionals (+2 for fighting in AOR) Elite Troops - 350 Macedonian Companions (Elite Heavy Cav) - 1,000 Shield-Bearers (Elite Phalanx Infantry) Standard Cavalry - 500 Thessalian Hippeis (Heavy Cavalry) - 700 Greek Lonchophoroi (Medium Cavalry) - 1,500 Paiones Hippeis (Medium Lance Cavalry) Standard Infantry - 600 Macedonian Hypaspist - 1,000 Amphipolitan Phalangites - 3,000 Macedonian Katoikoi Phalangites - 800 Greek Heavy Peltasts - 2,250 Levy Pikemen 3,000 Allied - 1,000 Thracian Light Spearmen - 1,000 Thracian Archers - 1,000 Greek Archers 1,500 Levy (+2 if fighting in home, -2 if fighting outside of home) - 1,500 Thureophoroi

Cleitid Army

Cleitid Army, 12,000 commanded by Cleitus of Thrace (Arrival at Amphipolis (Province 4), ETA 2 AM (6 AM GMT) 9,000 Professional (+2 in native AOR) -200 Hetaroi (Companion Cavalry)[Elite] -500 Hypaspitai (Elite Phalanx Infantry) [Elite] -500 Peltastai Makedonikoi (Elite Assault Infantry) [Elite] -1,000 Lonchophoroi Hippeis (Medium Cavalry) [Cavalry] -1,400 Prodromoi (Light Cavalry)[Cavalry] -800 Argyraspides (Heavy Phalanx) [Infantry] -3,000 Pezhetairoi (Medium Phalanx) [Infantry] -1,000 Thureophoroi (Spearmen) [Infantry] -600 Peltastai (Heavy Javelinmen) [Missile] 3,000 Allied -500 Toxotai (Archers) [Missile] -500 Akontistai (Javelinmen) [Missile] -800 Sphendonetai (Slingers) [Missile] -600 Thraikioi Doryphoroi (Thracian Spearmen) [Light Infantry] -600 Galathraikes ​(Thracian Swordsmen) [Light Infantry]

The Macedonian and Thracian Army arrive at (Province 5) Philippoupolis, a grand city named after Philip II of Macedon, Alexander's father. The two armies are arrayed in a massive formation to intimidate the people and hope they will surrender. A parley is sent forth to speak with the leaders of the province, requesting they surrender to the rightful rulers of these lands.

Surrender Roll:

Basic Roll: 5/20
Modifiers: +10 for overwhelming numbers advantage.
Final Roll: 15/20

Rolled a 10, the city surrenders.

[Lucius Malfoy]

(View the OOC thread for two scout rolls from myself and Pilgrim. Thanks, HB!)