NationStates Jolt Archive

http://usera.imagecave.com/Daishi/Daishi3/BT.JPG
The Crimson skies dance as if aflame. The Redness was to be taken as a great sign of victory to come. Behind him two full legions were loading onto their Ships, and There across the channel lay the prize: Sicily. Its abundant resources and strategic location were juicy prospects for a Developing commander such as Maximus Gladius. Recently appointed the title of General, he was eager to please the people of Blacktower.

High overhead a lone eagle soared through the air and let out a chilling screech.

"Yet another good omen" he thought to himself "Surely the men have seen it also and are in good spirits."

Chuckeling he headed back down to the Harbor to load up onto one of the many Vessels. This should prove to be more of an annexation as opposed to conquest, as Sicily had no current ruler. The Caesar wished to bring them under the Care of the Blacktoweran Empire, to teach them the civilized ways of the Gods, and to bring their vast resources under terms. Not only that, but Maximus would be sure to receive a hefty land grant upon his return, bringing much fame and honor to His House.

onboard Maximus's ship.....

"My general" blurted a happy officer while dining with his Galant leader "Surely on the morrow you shall bring a great victory for Blacktower. May the Gods Sing your name throughout the heavens!"

"here here!" followed several of his companions. Maximus could only smile as he sipped the Dark red wine from the goblet. His men were eager, moral was exellent, and even his officers were prepared. All should go off without a hitch.

"Now My bretheren. We must remember that the Sicilians are not our enemies, but our Brothers and Sisters. We must take care as we take this land, for these people are going to live amongst us as countrymen. We do not need to spill any blood on their ground on the morrow should everyone stick to their manners. Other then you, Lexus, we all know you lost those to that Whore we saw you with at the Harbor!"

The Table rang out with laughter, save for Lexus who was red with embarasment.

"Dont be jealous Maximus, It takes a smoothe talker such as Lexus to bring in a woman like that!" retorted another man.

"Nay!" replied Maximus "Only a full Purse!"

Once again the table erupted in cheers and laughter. Even Lexus was rolling around, his gut ready to burst from the pain of laughter.

later on....

In the Generals quarters, Maximus and his two Legion Commanders sat around a small map of Sicily and planned out their landing. They were to land on the eastern coast, and march their way along, splitting off into the two separate legions. One would march to the north and continue along the northern coast, while the second would head south and move along the southern coast. The two would meet at the far side of Sicily, where they would then march back through the middle until they reached their awaiting ships. It was to be a grand demonstration for the Sicilians, but it would be worth it. They planned on Gathering hundreds of new recruits to be sent back to Blacktower for training in the Military, and set up regional Government in the area under one of the major families.

The next morning.....

The bright blue sky was clear as Maximus arived on the deck of the ship. The Sicilian coast was near, and in a few moments they would land on its shores.

The wooden plank hit the ground with a thud as Maximus walked down towards the beach. He was dressed in traditional Generals Armament, made lighter by the removal over several bulkier peices. His was the first Blacktoweran footstep on the Sicilian Soil. It was soon followed by thousands of others as the Armies made their way up along the coast to the mainland.

"Well Gentelmen. Blacktower thanks you for coming to this place, and now it wishes to stretch her legs. We shall head in our respective directions. Let them know you are coming from Miles away, I want horns and drums going whenever you are near a town or City, let everyone see the Grandness that is Blacktower."

The other two men nodded and headed to the front of their Legions. Maximus joined the northbound Legion as it began its journy....

1 week later......

"Maximus" yelled a young boy as he ran between the rows of tents towards the Generals Quarters "Maximus! I have word from the 2nd Legion!"

"Come in child and tell me of your news. You look exhausted, and a bit on the lean side if I may. Slave, get this boy a hot meal. You, draw him a bath."

The two slaves scurried off to do what they were told as the boy came in front of Maximus. He knelt in respect, as was custom to do to Someone of such high rank.

"Rise boy, and tell me of your news." The Child could not have been older then 12 or 13, but that was about the normal age for a messenger. The steed he had rode in on was an impressive beast, Dark Chestnut brown with a long Black Maine. "When you are done drawing the boys bath, see to it that our stables tend to his horse. Such a journy is easy for neither Beast nor Boy."

"You are most kind Maximus" The boy said as he rose to his feet "My Father has told me tales of your bravery During the wars back on the Mainland."

"Your father knows his History well I see" He replied "But tell me boy, what news of teh 2nd Legion? They should have reached Siracusa by now."

"Nay Great Leader, they have far surpased it! They were leaving Ragusa when they sent me to you. They have come across no opposition as of yet, and are recruiting hundreds of Soldiers who wish to fight for the Glory of Blacktower. Catania, Siracusa and Ragusa all have their own strong garrison of Blacktower forces now, and we have appointed the most Powerful Families in the area as Governers."

"Ragusa!" stammered a bewildered Maximus. "They are moving so quickly! Well we shall have to keep pace! This is good news indeed Boy. Now enjoy your meal, and be sure to be clean. I will need you to ride on the morrow back to the 2nd Legion to tell them of our developments. We have been to Taormina and Messina, and have done the same as our counterparts in both of those great cities."

"Very well Sir, and thank you once again for your kindness. It is an honor to meet such a man. I shall have to tell my father I met you in person! He will be most thrilled!"

"Ah boy, tell your father that I think a strong boy like you shall make a fine Captain one day, and that he as raised you well."

The boy smiled as he left the Generals Tent and headed towards the cookhouse.

[Current Status]
http://usera.imagecave.com/Daishi/Daishi3/map_of_sicily.gif

Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania, Taormina, and Messina have all been taken peacefully, and now have respectful Sicilian families as heads, all swearing loyalty to Blacktower.

The Alethrian diplomate looked across the bridge. He and his guard of Poeni Infentry where waiting for the Blacktower forces. Beging much smaller then most other nations, the main Alethrian power was the trade income, along with the navy. The man had been near this bridge for nearly a god damn week, waiting for the army. He sat down, watching the dust on the horizen. Soon.

OOC FYI, I am at the bridge on the path the 1st legion is taking. So......

2 Days later.....

So far the march had been failry unexciting. No opposition forces had been seen, and the countrymen seemed eager to join the Empire. Maximus was pleased with the pleasent turn of events as he rode at the head of the Great column. Moments after the smile had crept across his face, a small streak of dust could be seen on the horizon. It was one of their many scouts, who had been sent ahead to search for any dangers that may befall the Legion.

Several minutes later.....

"My General" Huffed the scout as he trotted along side Maximus "There is a a small party on the far side of the bridge that appears to be Diplomatic in Nature. There is a small caravan with only a small Personal guard. They have been there for a few days now and appear to be waiting for us. The Caravan bears the markings of Alethria."

"Ah the Alethrians" Maximus replied "The Emporer would be very pleased if we could establish commerce with their people. Ride forward and tell them that we are willing to speak if that is what they wish to do. If not, then leave the roadside and return home."

"Very well My leige" answered the man as he drove his heels into his horses flanks and sped forward.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Daishi/Daishi3/map_of_sicily2.GIF

The Alethrian diplomate looked across the bridge. He and his guard of Poeni Infentry where waiting for the Blacktower forces. Beging much smaller then most other nations, the main Alethrian power was the trade income, along with the navy. The man had been near this bridge for nearly a god damn week, waiting for the army. He sat down, watching the dust on the horizen. Soon.

OOC FYI, I am at the bridge on the path the 1st legion is taking. So......


Im waiting for you to post.......

Malaki looked at the Scout. He stood up, waving.
"Hail" He said in a cheerful voice. "We understand you intend to make Sicily yours, for all time. We are happy for you, yet request a bit of land, near the village of Lillybeam. This would allow trade with our great nations, as we would have a secure base we could trade with." He paused, "Methinks and Allience would be best, that way our nations could prosper together." He opened the bag, "We are willing to pay 5 times this for the land, please"

Malaki looked at the Scout. He stood up, waving.
"Hail" He said in a cheerful voice. "We understand you intend to make Sicily yours, for all time. We are happy for you, yet request a bit of land, near the village of Lillybeam. This would allow trade with our great nations, as we would have a secure base we could trade with." He paused, "Methinks and Allience would be best, that way our nations could prosper together." He opened the bag, "We are willing to pay 5 times this for the land, please"

Maximus rode at the head of the great colum, his red cape flowing behind him as a signal of his Great importance to the Empire of Blacktower. Behind him Closely followed his personal escort of 20 Heavy Cavalrymen.

"Greetings Alethrians. I am Maximus Gladius, General of the the Sicilian Legions for the Great Empire of Blacktower. I have heard much about your people back on the mainland and am very interested in these talks of Trade. tell me, who is in charge of this party?"

"That would be me" replied a tanned man in an elegant flowing white cotten robe. "I am Malaki of Carthage, Diplomat for the Alethrians. "We understand you intend to make Sicily yours, for all time. We are happy for you, yet request a bit of land, near the village of Lillybeam. This would allow trade with our great nations, as we would have a secure base we could trade with." He paused, "Methinks and Allience would be best, that way our nations could prosper together." He opened the bag, "We are willing to pay 5 times this for the land, please"

Maximus paused for a moment while he pondered the words. "My dear fellows, when I said that I had heard great things of your people, I did not say that I knew everything about them. Unfortunatley the Empire is not in the policy of forming Alliances with nations who we have not had business with before. As for the trade, we would be very interested in forming some sort of Trade agreement. Should things go well we shall see about an alliance of some sort."

"And whats of the request for land, oh great General?" questioned Malaki.

"Ah yes, the land. Unfortunatley I do not beleive it to be wise to grant land to men whom I have just met. We can however allow you full access to the Harbors and Ports to do your trade in, and Im sure some of the locals will be willing to give you some private space to construct Bazaars to trade your wares. However we cannont grant your a section of the city."

Maximus sat patiently upon his horse. Although it may have seemed arrogent to not dismount in the presence of a peaceful party, It was meant in no way to be disrespectful. It was common practice for Men of Great Stature in Blacktower to remain ahorse when confronted by anyone whom they did not take orders from. in a man of Maximus's prowess, he dismounted only to the Emporer himself...

[I await your response :D]

http://usera.imagecave.com/Daishi/Daishi3/map_of_sicily3.GIF

[um.... still waiting for your reply...]

Just then a rider aproached bearing the Blacktower Standards. It was a messenger from the 2nd legion. The dust kicked up behind him as his horse pounded the ground. Moments later he had arived and pulle dup next to Maximus. He handed him a small peice of parchment, then backed away. The letter was sealed and no one else could look upon it save for the General.

"Please excuse me for a moment Gentelmen." Maximus Couteously said as he opened the letter. he read over it and a smile crept across his unshaven face. he turned to his legion and bellowed out with happyness. "Our Fellow legionares have completed the conquest! Sicily is ours!!!"

a thunderous roar was heard as the men began to hollar and smash sheilds to weapons, and soon the cheer turned itself into a sort of organised barking chant. As Maximus turned his horse back around to face the Diplomat, the chant soon became overtaken by cries of "Maximus! Maximus! Maximus!"

http://usera.imagecave.com/Daishi/Daishi3/map_of_sicily4.GIF

[still waiting for you to post]

OOC Sorry, I was at a School camp. Now.....


IC The Alethrian was almost stunned at the Speed the army had taken to conquer the island. He looked at the armies of Blacktower, and started to take mental notes. He did not mind when the man did not dismount, since he had personly met Merciaries from the Blacktower area. He Bowed respectivly.

"Your words are just, it is as it should be." He said in a stiff tone. "We thank you for allowing us to build our wearhouses, and hope we may trade in the future." He place the Bag of Gold on the Ground. "Take this as a gift, we want no war between our nations." With that, he turned, walking through the forces to his own men, taking notes of their armies. He tingled once again, Beging Spymaster of Alethria was so much fun.

OOC2 I do love my nation. We have no real army, besides a few regiments, but we have a very powerful Spynetwork. We now have cataloged all units in the legion.

Maximus nodded in agreement. He sent one of the small slave boys by his side to fetch the Purse from the ground. The boy then retrieved it and handed it to Maximus, who then in turn handed it to one of his captains.

"See that this is divided amogst the Centuries. There is to be a party when we meet with the 2nd Legion."

A cheer began form the front of the Legion, and was soon followed by the rest of the Men. Usually the men near the back had no idea what they were cheering for, but the cries gave them a strong sense of unity.

Maximus had noticed the small rapid eye movements made by the diplomat. He had heard tales of their sneakiness, and their abilities to count large ammounts of things in a short span. THis is why they made such great traders.... and Spies... Maximus would have to keep his eye on this ones activities...

The Alethrian looked around and hid his glee. The Army had major lack of Cavalry, most of them where heavy infantry. He smiled, then moved into his men. He made a gesture, and they moved out, he walking in the front. They headed south west, towards the vilage they had intended to buy.

[Secret IC]

Upon finishing their Fortifications for the night, Maximus sat in his Tent. The warm bearskin rugs that covered the floor kept the cold from coming up from the ground. Across the table from him sat a shadowy figure wearing a full facial mask of solid black laquer. a frightening spectacl, even for a man such as Maximus. the General slid the pouch of coins across the table and stood up.

"So it is understood then?" He muttered quietly.

"It is indeed my general. it is indeed..."

[ooc: He is a member of a sub-culture in ancient roman times, they were a secret unit of assasin/ambushers that were so feared they were thought of as demons. They are renowned for their loyalties to Rome (ie: Blacktower), and on several occasions had been offered much greater sums and turned them down. I forget what they are called, I will look it up in the morning. Anyone who plays Rome: Total War will know the guys I am thinking of.)

OOC Oh dear god, Your using Arcani? They are a fantasy Unit put in by CA. The name means spy, and that particular unit is like Amazon Chariots, and the Judean Peoples Front that appere in Jerusalem. ((Laughs at the Reference to Monty Python.)) I will allow you to have them, but we are not as we seem. BTW, I can't be bothered to log into my puppet.

IC After a half hour run, the Party found a group of Cavalry off the side of the road. They had spare horses for all the members, and as they mounted, Malaki turned to the Head.

"We will be followed, there are lots of men in that army, and they are followed by some Preists who I am sure are more then they seem." He smiled, and he shead the robes he had been wearing, stuffing them in the bottom of the packs, and donned a mecinary jaket. The Rest of the Poeni did the same, and after a few more minutes, they where a compleatly different group.

"Lets go," He said, and the group rode off, by sundown they where 5 leages away.

(ooc: Hes not going to assasinate you, hes just going to follow you and watch your movements closely. If anything shady begins to go down then he will move in for the kill. No worries though, just keep your men in line :p)