-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
This AAR writing is difficult!! It's my first attempt I admit but finding quiet time to write it up and trying not to be distracted by other games (CKII updates and the discovery of NWN Persistent Worlds) is an absolute battlefield.
Aiming to at least write up to the death of Ruler #1 and maybe start afresh when 1.1 hits.
Most definitely, I've played past the first war just need to catch up with the writing. War will I imagine lead to more war regardless of the outcome, either to compensate for pride lost in defeat or in a vain attempt to slake the thirst for glorious victory.
The AI may have other plans but I'm hopeful Phrygia will ignore little Ierapetra and focus on their richer, bigger neighbours.
There are certainly lots of covetous little eyes amongst the Greek city states.
Aiming to at least write up to the death of Ruler #1 and maybe start afresh when 1.1 hits.
Most definitely, I've played past the first war just need to catch up with the writing. War will I imagine lead to more war regardless of the outcome, either to compensate for pride lost in defeat or in a vain attempt to slake the thirst for glorious victory.
The AI may have other plans but I'm hopeful Phrygia will ignore little Ierapetra and focus on their richer, bigger neighbours.
There are certainly lots of covetous little eyes amongst the Greek city states.
III) Deals
III) Deals
10/10/304BC
City of Esphesos, Ionia, Ionia
The room was nothing but a small windowless box of hot stagnant air. Its oppressive heat fueled by two wall-mounted torches burning mercilessly on the crumbling stone walls. Contained within was a decrepit wooden table on which was placed, amongst various other items of detritus, a clay plate laden with bread and olives alongside a deep wooden cup of wine.10/10/304BC
City of Esphesos, Ionia, Ionia
On one side of the table sat a Persian ore merchant who despite the humidity and obscene temperature was wrapped in a woollen cloak. His face was covered with a thin sheen of sweat though heavier beading was visible across his bald head.
On the other sat Damokrates, Epiproxenos of Ierapetra face reddened, glazed in dripping perspiration.
“So Cretan you want Phyrigian Iron, no?’ Mumbled the merchant, taking a bite from a heel of bread. “Why should I sell it to you and not another?”
Damokrates shifted in the chair, wincing at the clammy fabric of his chiton as it clung to his back “I was not aware this was to be an audition, I was told to meet an ore dealer here am I not in the correct building?”
“You are where you need to be, I am Chukshek and I deal in ore.” Replied the merchant through a mouthful of bread. “I just need to know about the people who buy from me.”
Damokrates wiped his brown causing drops of sweat to fall onto his already sodden clothes. “Basileus Alkimos intends to conquer Crete fully, he will …”
“He intends…” Snorted the merchant gulping down a cup of un-watered wine. “I intended a beautiful wife, but God doesn’t care a man’s intentions. Why should I bed an ugly sow such as you when there may be a hundred of far greater beauty who want my iron?”
“We will soon be at war with Lyctus, there will be plunder when...” Started Damokrates.
“If.” Spat the merchant.
“... When we take their city and lands. We will need more iron to hold these lands and more still to expand. It will be a very profitable enterprise for us all.” Replied Damokrates seemingly un-phased by the interruption.
“Your tongue is loose Cretan, perhaps I use what you have given me for more gold. No?” He smiled showing dirty, decaying teeth coated in moist wine stained bread. “Perhaps I speak with your Cretan friends, they would, I imagine be generous to someone who told them of your plans? Thank you Chukshek this gold is for your warning, now we buy your iron for twice market price.” He leaned backwards in his chair arms outstretched to the side.
“Do you threaten me Persian? How dare you, my Basileus traces his line to Zeus.”
“Children of Zeus?” Laughed Chukshek, thumping the table with his palms. “If I were to piss on the ground of the Parthenon the spray would soil the togas of a hundred children of Zeus. They grow like warts on the face of a backstreet pornai.”
Damokrates stood forcefully, his chair skittering back against the dirty wall. “If you don’t want our gold I’m sure others would.”
Chukshek made a shushing noise and gestured towards the empty chair. “No offense my Cretan friend just sport, nothing more.” Again he gestured to the chair his face a mask of sweat and feigned sadness.
Damokrates scowled at the merchant as he sat. “I was given a price by your associate, I assume it remains the same?”
“The price for the ore remains the same,” he replied. “But there will be an extra twenty gold needed,” his mouth curved into a wry smile, “It is not always easy moving items from Phrygia, very difficult, very difficult to move it to Crete”
“Twenty? That seems high.”
“Hmmmm…” sighed Chukshek staring at Damokrates, as if for the first time. “I like you Cretan, you made me think of warty women which makes me think of my mother. Five gold, needed only to allow certain officials to for a time forget certain taxes.”
Damokrates nodded, “I can agree to that.”
Chukshek’s smile ran from ear to ear, “Excellent, the five gold will be needed now but the remainder should be delivered to the dock tomorrow at noon. Ask for my colleague Zokrates, a fine Greek fellow.”
Damokrates dropped five coins on the emptiest park of the table he could find. “Tomorrow then Chukshek, though I hope there are now extra fees.” Said Damokrates as he walked towards the door.
“No extra fees, though do not mention to Zokrates the extra today for though some will fall into his pocket he will want more no doubt.” Chukshek paused, scooping up the coins and depositing them beneath his cloak. “Good luck in your war Cretan, may Zeus hear your prayers above his many other children. Perhaps I will be generous and ask Ahura Mazda to bless your venture.” He shrugged as he took a handful of olives.
Damokrates stepped out into the marginally cooler corridor, closing the door behind him. As the sound of sandaled feet on stone slowly diminished Chukshek finished off first the wine, then the food. Upon finishing he thoroughly wiped his face with the cloak, stood and arranged the two seats neatly under the table before standing attentively in the corner.
He stood like this for ten minutes before the door opened and a tall man entered. He was clothed in a pristine bone white chiton, pinned at the shoulder with a gold broach. Still holding the door open his eyes moved from the table to Chukshek.
“Chukshek has the Cretan emissary arrived?”
“Yes Master Zokrates,” His eyes were directed to the ground, arms pinned to his sides “I told him you would be late like you said but he didn’t have time to wait. He ate your food and drank your wine and said he took no orders from slaves when I tried to stop him. Master he said he would be by the docks tomorrow noon with your payment.”
“Chukshek you are the worst, the stupidest of my slaves.” Zokrates’ scowled. “Go to the docks and help them load the ships. If you can’t be trusted to carry out jobs which require finesse I’ll use you for those that require your worthless body and nothing else.” He exhaled sharply through his nose before turning striding away from the room.
Chukshek slowly followed behind, head down and eyes fixed on the ground. The shuffling of his sandals just masking the sound of jangling coins.
IV) A War Hindered
IV) A War Hindered
31/10/304BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
31/10/304BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
Antigonos leaned forward, back hunched and eyes intent on the Basileus, “Would that you had sought my advice before now Basileus.” He paused and turned his head to face Damokrates. “Like the song of a preening Hoopoe have stories been carried to my ears.”
“Speak not without leave Antigonos” Snarled Damokrates, his lip curled.
“As you do Damokrates?” Spat Antigonos. “What did you sing to Simonides when you were in Lyctus such that he builds defences. What fears did you stir with your sweet, sweet words?”
“SILENCE!” Screamed Basileus Alkimos, his voice loud but entirely lacking conviction. “I am Basileus and I do not answer to you. Damokrates related my message to Lyctus, nothing more.”
The three men sitting before the throne submissively inclined their heads.
“Rhodes invited us to sign a defensive pact for mutual protection. This would be impractical, we have no fleet and I could not allow us to be drawn into a foreign war.” As he spoke the Basileus stared vacantly across the room and through the distant doorway.
“Or any war.” Whispered Antigonos, the movement of his lips so slight it passed unnoticed.
“We were then made a similar offer by Gortyna and their subject Tarrha which I accepted. Combined, their army is greater and better supplied. In truth their strength is greater and so better a friend.” The Basileus paused then hesitantly added, “For now.”
“If only Gortyna and Tarrha were in our league Basileus I could understand the decision but Lyctus are now included, are they not, and Knossos?” Replied Antigonos calmly.
“Gortyna, shortly after our accord added both Lyctus and Knossos to their league. Our terms on signing the agreement were that we would need to ratify all later entrants. It appears these invitations were sent before we joined and so our conditions did not apply.” Though it was imperceptible to his audience Basileus Alkimos’ hands were clasped so tight as to whiten his knuckles, nails digging painfully into his skin.
“So now we are unable to attack?” Antigonos’ eyes were closed a frown creasing his forehead.
“That is correct.” Replied the Basileus.
“So the swords rust un-blooded as Ares spits on us as cowards?” Antigonos turned towards Neoptolemos “Swords which have not been paid for as you have not provided the gold for the smiths.”
“Antigonos I cannot release to you the gold until our Basileus provides his authority.” Replied the treasurer.
Basileus Alkimos looked sheepishly towards the wall.
“Basileus we must move against Lyctus soon.” Pleaded Antigonos “No sooner had Damokrates left them for Ionia did they start construction of a fort. Should it be finished, it could take years to siege and have no doubts they will be trying to secure allies. As it stands to attack, which you make clear was your intent when you took the throne, we must leave the league.” Antigonos swept his gaze across all in the room. “If that happens we will be beset from the west by Gortyna, Tarrha and Knossos while Praesos will attack from the east. With the Gods’ favour victory is possible but if, and only if, we attack before they finish their fort.”
“Antigonos you advise me of war and I value your council. Patience must be exercised, we build and we wait” The Basileus glanced at Neoptolemos. “Provide the Epistrategos with the resources he needs, our craftsmen should not suffer for this delay.”
Neoptolemos nodded in acquiescence.
“When a moment presents itself we will march.” The Basileus stood and brushed his chiton.
“Basileus as your advisor of all things war I pray that you beware Gortyna. Have no doubt that they are aware of their actions in chaining us to this defensive league. They have made to shackle us and halt our expansion, they will have no concerns attacking us at the slightest provocation.” Antigonos stood, as did the others.
A look of concentration settled on the Baslieus’ face before he looked up Antigonos and smiled, “Aristotle said that that we make war so that we may live in peace.” He frowned, “Epistrategos, make arrangements to expand and train the army with a suitable general at its head, I cannot attack but I can defend.” He gestured to the door leading out of the throne room, “Leave me.”
“Basileus.” Chorused the three men as they took three steps backwards before turning and striding forward, shoulder to shoulder, towards the exit.
“He will not fight, he is still the scared boy.” Whispered Antigonos
“You don’t deserve your position” Hissed Damokrates
“You think I care of your opinion? By Ares there must be war, his fire is cold but not extinguished and that can be remedied.” Antigonos reached and grabbed Damokrates’ shoulder, spinning the man to face him. “I have no doubt Damokrates you will run and tell him of this but know that as you raise his ire so do you raise the chances of war.”
He's a very naughty boy, I wish there was a character search option and a CK2 style 'invite to court' would love getting him over to Crete in the future. As it stands had to Console/Tag a few times to find a good Zoroastrian character to use.
I had to chuckle as that scene played out.
YepWe all know that feeling well
I'm glad
, was trying to exercise my 'humour chops' a little.It's all a learning experience, from the actual writing to the time balancing. Have made use of Scrivener and Dropbox and find it a bit easier to get rough drafts of dialogue down on the commute to/from work which I can build on when I'm home.
Still need to get a bit faster I think given I've only posted around about a month of in-game time in just over a month of real time.
Sometimes the life of an advisor is no easy thing, when faced by a ruler who vacillates and prevaricates.
V) The Line Extends
V) The Line Extends
04/04/303BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
04/04/303BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
“A surprise that you remember my name husband for it has been many moons since you have spoken to me.” Chrysilla strode purposefully into the room, the thin fabric of her peplos trailing behind. “You shun me like some common slave, dismiss me, ignore me. Do you have no respect for me, the mother of your unborn child?”
“Chrysilla I have no time for this,” He replied through gritted teeth. “I have provided you with handmaidens, they should be company enough and have..” He looked at her swollen belly, “…Experience with your condition. If you have issues summon Sosthenes, leave me now I have matters to attend to.” He turned back to the table scowling at the ink stained sheets.
“What matters do you have?” She took a step closer. “You do nothing, that is what they say. You hide inside with your books while Crete laughs at you.” She sighed and looked away. “They question my honor.” The words were cold. “How can this man, this coward of a man, have fathered a child.” She stooped, bringing her head closer to his. “Who is the real father they whisper as they laugh at us both.”
Basileus Alkimos surged explosively to his feet, swinging to face his wife. His hands shot forward grasping her just above the elbow in a vice like grip.
“Do I care what they say of you harpy?” He spat through gritted teeth. “Every day they hound me for war, crying for blood.” Spittle flew from his mouth as he spoke, grip maintained and pushing her towards the door. “What if I don’t want it, what if I don’t want war?”
Chrysilla’s eyes were wide and her mouth tight and trembling. “Alkimos, please…”
Basileus Alkimos halted and closed his eyes, lips moving wordlessly.
After a heartbeat or two his eyes opened, staring directly at Chrysilla. “You will give birth an heir and you will have every comfort you need.” The words were slow and measured. “But you will not have any more of my time or affection than is needed to publicly maintain this theatre.” Grip released and standing as still as a statue he looked towards the door.
“Basileus.” She replied, then turned and left the room, her steps slow but powerful.
28/04/303BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
“They are allied, outside of the league?” Replied the Basileus.
“Yes and both are constructing sizable forts in their lands.” Damokrates stopped as a loud scream rang down the corridor but upon realising the Basileus had continued he scurried after him.
“Still I am tested.” Muttered the Basileus. “I can feel Neoptolemos’ breath on my neck and his sharp whispers in my ear, ‘we must attack now else they will move on us’.” Another scream only this time louder.
“My Basileus, never do I make demands or act outside your instructions, but…” Damokrates’ face was pained.
“But?” Replied the Basileus as his eyes flitted to the approaching corridor leading off to the right.
Damokrates took a deep breath holding it for a second. “When you were a child you spoke of snakes and birds, prophecies and the future of Crete.” He bit his lip. “Gortyna, Lyctus, Praesos…” A pause. “You. Basileus one of us must be the snake and if it is not us then we will lose everything. Neoptolemos has strengthened the army Leonidas Sosthenid is a fine general.”
The two men had paused at the junction.
Another scream, the scream of a woman.
Muted voices.
“You council me to war Damokrates?” Asked the Basileus.
A long scream, resolute, primal.
Damokrates nodded.
A breathless cry, triumphant.
Basileus Alkimos’ eyes were wide his body tense.
The wail of a child.
“A boy.” Came a joyous cry. “It’s a boy.”
A tear ran down the cheek of the Basileus his haunted eyes still focused ahead. “But what if I don’t want it?”
Having played to this point I have naught but sympathy for those poor advisors. Having to work with a Basileus who possesses 0 Charisma means a hard slog to get the oratory power needed to make a claim, I'm there with them completely unable to react to the developments across the island.
While I'm sympathetic to the person he is in my mind, I don't like him very much.
VI) Ares Attends
VI) Ares Attends
02/02/302BC
City of Hierapertra, Ierapetra, Crete
02/02/302BC
City of Hierapertra, Ierapetra, Crete
Basileus Alkimos’ was quiet as he watched the men. Some were practicing shield formation the clash of their aspides audible while others marched with long wooden spears resting against their shoulders. “How many man do we have in total?” Asked the Basileus.
“Some ten thousand, six of which are infantry the remainder archers and other skirmishers.” As he answered he puffed out his chest. “Lyctus we believe have but four thousand, when we strike victory is guaranteed.”
“Indeed.” Basileus Alkimos turned and blinked at Antigonos as if seeing him for the first time. “You have installed a general?”
“Aye he’s young but fear not for he possesses the body of an ox and the mind of a fox” Antigonos turned the the field and let loose a whistle of ear-piercing volume. “LEONIDAS.” He raised his arm and beckoned the general to where he stood. “LEONIDAS YOU ARE NEEDED.”
There was a horn blast that stopped all movement on the field. A tall, dark haired man yelled something inaudible before turning and jogging towards the two men standing on the peripheries of the field. As he approached the man resolved into a felt cheeked sapling, one hand resting on the pommel of a xiphos slung low on his left hip, the other clutched tightly a horn.
“Uncle.” Beamed Leonidas as he embraced the Epistrategos before turning to nod solemnly at the other man, “Basileus.”
The Basileus looked from his Epistrategos to the general. “Uncle? It seems the army answers to the Sosthenid family, I trust they answer the Megalids above all?”
“Always Basileus.” Promptly replied Antigonos following it with a deep bow. “We are your servants eternal Basileus. For Ierapetra and your noble line do we ever strive. ”I am your Epistrategos and I hope that Leonidas will be the same for your son Prince Philippos.”
“The army I assume is unready for war general given they have been training for but hours these scant weeks?” Asked the Basileus.
“They have taken to training well and the equipment is of high quality, when we march on Lyctus this combined with their superior numbers…” Leonidas paused, sniffed and set his jaw. “They are ready for whenever you call for them.”
“Hmmm…” hummed the Basileus as he looked askance at the soldiers as they milled around taking a break in the absence of their general. “Excellent work general, you are dismissed.”
“Basileus.” Nodded the Leonidas and again to Antigonos before turning to jog back towards his men. As he did so, and without breaking stride, he raised the horn to his lips and let out a deep blast. The men, as one, sighed raising their shields and spears in readiness to finish their session.
Waiting until his nephew was out of earshot Antigonos turned to the Basileus, “As you see the army is ready, word has it Lyctus and Praesos will complete their forts in but months. Has this visit reassured you that the war will unquestionably be won?”
“Never have I doubted our victory Antigonos nor the courage of my men.” Replied the Basileus in a measured tone. “It is the Defensive League and alliances that stay my hand. These have not changed and so neither has my decision, we cannot make war.”
“Perhaps there is a middle way Basileus?” Asked Antigonos taking a step forward. “Use gold for the employ of mercenaries, have them harass the construction sites it would buy us valuable time.”
Basileus Alkimos shook his head, his face a mask of distaste. “Absolutely not, I would not lower myself so. Shame on you for considering it.” Upon noticing the look of scorned sadness wash over Antiginos’ face he added. “I won’t punish you this time.”
02/03/302BC
City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
The main agora of Hierapetra was heaving, news had circulated that there would be a flogging which had caused the freemen to down tools and make haste to ensure the finest viewing spots. Facing onto the agora was a raised level beyond which the oikos and other buildings of the finer citizens were built keeping them separate from those of the freemen and lower classes.City of Hierapetra, Ierapetra, Crete
It was upon this level that Basileus Alkimos appeared side-by-side with Epistrategos Antigonos both stopping as they reached the waist high decorative wall.
The chattering stopped as a thick air of anticipation descended.
“People of Ierapetra I bring before you a criminal.” The Basileus set his hand upon Antigonos’ shoulder. “This man, a man we trust with our army, has been found stealing gold from the treasury.” His voice was not one for oration and was laced with nerves.
Whispers rustled from the crowd, ‘death’ and ‘flogging’ could be faintly heard.
“He stole to hire men to attack Lyctus, he stole to offer up tribute to Ares.” Croaked the Basileus. “For this he will not be punished.” His hand dropped from Antigonos.
The chorus of disapproval from the crowd was audible.
“For I too wish war against Lyctus.”
Gasps and cries carried in a wave from the back of the assembly.
“But war is more than just men and swords. The Gods will give sign when we can attack and I will not hold…” The Basileus stopped as he raised on his toes, craning to see what was causing the commotion.
A channel was being carved through the throng of people, as if a wedge was being driven through the people.
“Fetch me a sword and attend your Basileus.” Cried Antigonos.
Nikeratos Helladid ran forward to flank the Basileus eyes staring down intently at the agora.
The final row of freemen parted and from the opening sped a dirty looking man astride a hazel coloured horse. As he entered the uncrowded area the man pulled back on the reigns causing the horse to decelerate and turn clockwise in a tight circle. As the horse moved he tried to keep his eyes towards the higher platform as if looking for someone.
“Who are you man? Answer.” Called Antigonos as he buckled a sword belt around his waist.
“He’s one of mine.” Spoke Damokrates Helladid stepping forward. “Arrhid is his name, I had sent him to Gortyna on a diplomatic errand.”
Man and horse had now stopped both facing the men of class.
“Basileus!” Cried Ahhrid. “Lyctus have left the league, they are now alone and without protection!”
“There is your signal Basileus. There is your signal” Shouted Antigonos forgetting himself and grasping Basileus Alkimos by the shoulders. “Ares has heard and Ares has answered.” Then, either in the throws of genuine divine delirium or safe in the knowledge it could be excused as such he unsheathed his sword and raised it to the sky. Taking a moment he looked over the crowd below he screamed, “WAR!! We march on Lyctus.” His sword shaking in the air.
The crowd below erupted with cheers and cries, the whole mass violently convulsing as men women and children shook clenched fists.
“War.” Cried Basileus Alkimos his febrile voice lost in the crescendo.
They do say nature abhors a vacuum and so people stepping to to make up for Alkimos’ quiescence is to be expected I guess.
Antigonous has no sinister intentions just a desire to expand his homeland, preferably through war.
Damokrates while not actively disloyal is far more ambitious and enjoys the mantle of power a little more than he should. Whether this is good or bad is up for debate.
All that is required is Basileus to step up and act as a ruler and I’m sure the meddlers will back off.
That’s a good thing I hope?
—
Next entry will likely be war related and I’m tempted to try my hand at presenting it in a history book style (RossN really got me excited for the format and I’m thinking of going full HB in my 1.1 AAR)
Thanks for the comments and hope everyone is enjoying it, I am - more than I thought I would.
WAR - First Ierapetran War for Lyktos
WAR - First Ierapetran War for Lyktos
03/03/302BC to 25/04/302BC
The war between Ierapetra and Lyctus was, truly, no more than a skirmish betwixt two similarly sized Cretan poleis, though records confirm Ierapetra possessed superior numbers.03/03/302BC to 25/04/302BC
The advantage it seems was with Ierapetra who benefited from learning of Lyctus’ decision to leave their defensive league during a public gathering. In attendance were the Basileus, the whole boule and a significant proportion of the local freemen, enabling a rapid mustering of men such that the march on Lyctus was fully prepared for the following dawn.
On the morning of March 3rd 302BC some ten thousand men, led by general Leonidas Sosthenid, comprising of around six thousand hypaspists and four thousand psiloi marched north aiming to cross the Dikti mountain range and descend en masse upon Lyktos. Notable in his absence was Basileus Alkimos as commented an unknown source shortly after the war was concluded:
“As the men of Ierapetra fell behind their aspides with honour, their Basileus lived behind walls without.’
- unknown
- unknown
News of the Ierapetran force quickly made it’s way to the ears of Simonides Dydid, Archon of Lyctus. While there had been some historic posturing from the Ierapetran Basileus it would appear little notice had been taken by Lyctus, for while construction of defensive works had been started (though only completed by Ierapetra after their war for Knossos, and in response to a later Phrygian presence on Crete) their army stood at a meager four thousand archers.
Regardless of their lesser numbers Lyctus arranged their army, with Ktesikles Dydid installed as general, and in haste marched south hoping to occupy high-ground while they awaited the arrival of the approaching foe.
On the 13th March 302BC the armies met at a point where the Dikti mountains swept down onto the Lassithi Plateau. The men of Lyctus had just reached the base of a sloping ascent when cries rang out, cresting the high-ground and silhouetted against the bright blue sky were the Ierapetrans.
The battle was a rout that became a massacre. The Lyctan archers scrambled for their bows and let loose their arrows, the distance and height coupled with a slight prevailing wind meant that their attack was ineffectual with the majority of the missiles falling well short of distance. The Ierapetrans on the other-hand had all of the right conditions for making war and their arrows fell like rain upon the panicking Lyctan archers.
As they fell by the score the Lyctan realised that the battle was already lost and so turned and ran. It is at this point, reports state, that General Leonidas observing the rout drew his sword and charged down the slope passionately blowing on his horn (which likely is the reason for his later cognomen) to encourage his men to chase down the enemy;
“… As the dogs of Lyctus were dispatched under the sky painted black with victory did we hear the crash of thunder. Only as our eyes turned from the ground below did we see it was not Zeus applauding our deeds but Leonidas calling us onward, the shriek of his horn a cry from Hades telling us our work was not yet done.’
- Ierapetran soldier’s journal
- Ierapetran soldier’s journal
The buoyant Ierapetrans fell upon the fleeing army and slaughtered them to man (by comparison only 128 of the victorious army perished in the encounter), the only survivor was Ktesikles Dydid who was taken prisoner and later executed. Now all that was needed to achieve total victory was to reach and occupy the lightly fortified city of Lyktos and so the army resumed their journey north in high spirits.
Though it took over a month Lyktos was eventually occupied by Leonidas’ army who took as prisoner the noble families of the now deposed Lyctan republic, nervously awaiting the arrival of their new Basileus. With the claiming of Lyktos, Ierapetra had all but doubled the population living within it’s boundaries and gained access to the bountiful waters of the Mare Creticum.
On 25th April 302BC Basileus Alkimos arrived in his new city needing first to decide how to treat the noble prisoners. His meeting with Simonides Dydid was marred by an episode of violence the likes of which occurred with greater frequency as his rule continued. The event was detailed by Lyctan nobleman Pantaleon Leukonid who would soon be appointed the new Archiatros;
“First was it that I treated Alkimos after he had visited Archon Simonides. From my cell did men drag me to his prone form, where seemingly Hypnos had claimed him following an extreme mania. Blood quenched his himation, not of his own body, but he was brought round with herb and water. No request was made to treat the Archon, having glimpsed what remained, I am thankful.”
- Pantaleon Leukonid (Archiatros of Lyctus and later of Ierapetra)
- Pantaleon Leukonid (Archiatros of Lyctus and later of Ierapetra)
Last edited:
It is a good thing
I'm glad!!
Well went with a different style for this one, a first attempt at History Book. I think I'd have difficulty writing narratively about war and would likely end up writing multiple entries that are just a waste of words.
It's amazing how just switching a style works completely different 'creative muscles', found it very difficult to get through this one whereas I felt the narrative style 'vignettes' I've been doing were getting slightly easier.
Still AAR #1 and Imperator: Rome 1.1 - Perfect recipe for experimentation and finding my style