The Blood of Warrior and Beauty

[Iron Aquilifer]

The masses had been gathered in Aleppo to lay their eyes upon the new child. Thousands of families crowded tightly on the streets and rooftops, eager to see such a unique happening.

The Thessilian was first out, wearing the clothes taken from a now-dead Satrap loyal to Darius. He was flanked by two native priests, calling out to the gods and people alike. The new King smiled briefly as he appeared before his people. Then it was gone, and he sat himself down.

Then came the Queen of Two Bloods, the woman who was descended from the rulers of two great cities. In her arms she bore the babe. They were both strong, despite the youth of one, and the exhaustion if the other. Tenderly, she passed the new child over to the priests, her face turning to stone as she sat herself down beside her husband.

The priests raised the baby high for the masses, their prayers becoming booming thunder across Aleppo. And suddenly it stopped. It was done: the boy Antiochus was now prince of the Three Bloods, and destined ruler of the Twin Cities.

And with that, the ceremony was almost done. However, there was one last thing to do. Stiffly, as if he felt pain at the movement, Pantheus rose from his seat, and returned in to the palace. Minutes passed in near-silence, the people not knowing what was happening.

And then, the gates opened, and the King marched out, escorted by a mixed guard of Syrians and Macedonians. He walled among the people, smiling and gifting the poorest with a gold coin. Those who tried too violently to get near him were pushed away by his guards, but such instances were few.

The sun had set before he returned to his wife in the palace.

OOC: Getting the allegiance of the people
+1 local girl is the obvious one...adopted culture/religion...charity...child is the future...other possibilities

[Honors Bastion]

Allegiance Roll:

Basic roll; 10/20
Modifiers: +1 for marrying a local
Final Roll: 11/20

Rolled a 2, the people are appeased with the marriage tot he local women and pledge their support.

[Iron Aquilifer]

The cheering of the people made Pantheus smile. It was not the same feeling as having soldiers he respected chant out his name, but it would do. These were his people now, to serve him at his leisure. Few of them were from Hellas, and fewer would they get until the lines between conquered and conqueror would be no more. The thought didnt not make him sad.

[Iron Aquilifer]

With his people appeased, King Pantheus turned his gaze beyond the limits of the cities he ruled.

He sent out three hundred riders to the south and east, to the Syrian lands who deserved to have him as their King. He would rebuild what was destroyed, and they would greatly benefit from such things.

Offer them gold and riches they cannot dream of. Tell them of my military prowess. Let them know that loyalty will see their daughters marrying my son, the future ruler of these lands. They would do well to give me their service, and in return their names will live on for centuries.

This he told the men he sent forth, laden with riches and promises to the men Pantheus wanted in his court.

OOC: territories 42, 46, 46, 47
and here is the original post: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...1#post13956869

[Honors Bastion]

Persuasion Roll:

Basic Roll: 10/20 chance
Modifiers: +1 for being of the Syrian AOR, +1 for promise of a marriage to the heir,
Final Roll: 12/20 chance

Rolled a 1, the people happily accept your offer with open arms. Provinces 42, 46, and 47 join your empire.

[Iron Aquilifer]

The King had departed the city to the roaring cheers of thousands of people. He was marching to bring glory to the Twin Cities. Riches would be theirs. Mothers blessed sons, and wives kissed husbands as the army left for Egypt. What they did not know about, was the men travelling alongside the army. The men who, when the city fell out of sight, left the column and raced north, in to the Anatolian Peninsular. They had a duty that even Pentheus' most trusted friends and advisors knew nothing of.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Zenobia was pale for days after the birthing. It had happened only days after her husband's departure, so that the King was oblivious to the sight of his new son. He had decided upon the name weeks in advance, but that still had not taken away the sheer pleasure the Queen felt as she said it.

He is a Prince of the Three Bloods, she managed through exhaustion and tears. His destiny is to bear the burden of rule alongside his brother. He shall be a ruler, as we all are.

[Iron Aquilifer]

There was no as much cheering as when they had left many months ago, but thousands came out to welcome the warriors back.

The army had travelled many many leagues, turning fat in to muscle. Even those who had ridden were now lean athletes from the marching. The lack of battle was disappointing, but they had returned alive. They would get their riches eventually. Pentheus was a man of his word.